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Brazen Bulls MC #7
Stand
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 2001.
Caleb Mathews is caught between two worlds: Osage Nation, the world of his ancestors, and the Brazen Bulls MC, the world of his brothers. Straddling both, he struggles to be steady in either. The pull he feels most strongly is to his club. There, he knows he’ll someday find his place to stand. But to choose them is to betray his blood.
After her father’s violent death, Cecily Nielsen turned her back on the Brazen Bulls—the world that her father helped create, and the only family she’d ever known. Now, she’s lost in the dark, unsure of what she has or who she is. Going nowhere, toward nothing, and spiraling out of control.
When Cecily finds herself in danger, it’s the Bulls she calls for rescue, and Caleb who answers. She doesn’t want to need the Bulls, whom she blames for her father’s death—and she especially doesn’t want to need Caleb, who’s seen her at her worst. But in her lowest moment, she calls out for the family she remembers, and Caleb brings her home.
At Cecily’s side as she finds her footing, Caleb finds his as well. Together, they stand on solid ground, and they keep each other steady when the club and the world itself fall into chaos.
The one who’s seen the worst of you and stays strong at your side is the one to hold close.
Caleb Mathews is caught between two worlds: Osage Nation, the world of his ancestors, and the Brazen Bulls MC, the world of his brothers. Straddling both, he struggles to be steady in either. The pull he feels most strongly is to his club. There, he knows he’ll someday find his place to stand. But to choose them is to betray his blood.
After her father’s violent death, Cecily Nielsen turned her back on the Brazen Bulls—the world that her father helped create, and the only family she’d ever known. Now, she’s lost in the dark, unsure of what she has or who she is. Going nowhere, toward nothing, and spiraling out of control.
When Cecily finds herself in danger, it’s the Bulls she calls for rescue, and Caleb who answers. She doesn’t want to need the Bulls, whom she blames for her father’s death—and she especially doesn’t want to need Caleb, who’s seen her at her worst. But in her lowest moment, she calls out for the family she remembers, and Caleb brings her home.
At Cecily’s side as she finds her footing, Caleb finds his as well. Together, they stand on solid ground, and they keep each other steady when the club and the world itself fall into chaos.
The one who’s seen the worst of you and stays strong at your side is the one to hold close.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2018
61 people are currently reading
130 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 43 reviews
September 10, 2018
STAND is both a verb (have or maintain an upright position, supported by one's feet) and a noun (an attitude toward a particular issue; a position taken in an argument) and it's what's represented between the pages of this book.
The story covers many deeper topics than just a guy and a girl falling in love. Everything from consent to social justice fills the pages.
When are lines crossed and rape happens?!
When do your words turn from ignorance to being racist?!
Is someone's prejudice okay because of their skin color?!
Caleb and Cecily's love story covers these issues plus more. We meet these two in an earlier book after they had a drunken night together that didn't end well. That one night didn't define them and years later when they are reconnected they are able to work past that night along with Cecily issues with the club.
Caleb's Osage name which means 'He Who Stands Alone' was bestowed upon him by his grandfather. The name is very fitting because Caleb is living a life that's split - one in the "white" world and one within his tribe. The struggle for Caleb is felt deeply between the two cultures he exists in.
STAND is the seventh book in Brazen Bulls MC series. You can read this series without having read any of the other MC series Ms. Fanetti has written, so far. This series is set back, in time, before her other series … it starts out in the 90’s and continues into the '00's. If you love the thrill of intense scenes mixed with strong characters than this series is for you! ACTUALLY, ALL of Ms. Fanetti's books are for you. There's no sugarcoating happening in these books. The characters are strong and battle through each situation to come out a better version of themselves.
PICK UP THIS SERIES AND READ IT!
The story covers many deeper topics than just a guy and a girl falling in love. Everything from consent to social justice fills the pages.
When are lines crossed and rape happens?!
When do your words turn from ignorance to being racist?!
Is someone's prejudice okay because of their skin color?!
Caleb and Cecily's love story covers these issues plus more. We meet these two in an earlier book after they had a drunken night together that didn't end well. That one night didn't define them and years later when they are reconnected they are able to work past that night along with Cecily issues with the club.
Caleb's Osage name which means 'He Who Stands Alone' was bestowed upon him by his grandfather. The name is very fitting because Caleb is living a life that's split - one in the "white" world and one within his tribe. The struggle for Caleb is felt deeply between the two cultures he exists in.
STAND is the seventh book in Brazen Bulls MC series. You can read this series without having read any of the other MC series Ms. Fanetti has written, so far. This series is set back, in time, before her other series … it starts out in the 90’s and continues into the '00's. If you love the thrill of intense scenes mixed with strong characters than this series is for you! ACTUALLY, ALL of Ms. Fanetti's books are for you. There's no sugarcoating happening in these books. The characters are strong and battle through each situation to come out a better version of themselves.
PICK UP THIS SERIES AND READ IT!
June 26, 2020
June 2020 - Caleb and Cecily. What a tumultuous, brilliant love story that combines so many themes and understandings to create something truly profound. I love this one and forgot how much so I'm really glad I re-read it.
5+ "…the space between those worlds." Stars
Another phenomenal love story from Susan Fanetti. A unique perspective on club life with the tormented daughter of a deceased member and the Brother fighting for his place in the world while fighting for her. Stand really pulls apart the idea of family within the club, once again. The Brazen Bulls have had a hard go throughout this brilliant series of books. Cecily and Caleb fortify the younger generation of Bulls. What that means for the both of them gives us, as fans of the Bulls, another uniquely developed couple and another painfully beautiful story with which we connect.
Do not think for a second that Cecily comes as a simple character that you’ve got figured out because you know major parts of her history. The girl is troubled and off her rails a bit in life because of that particular history throwing everything she’s known on its head. But trust this, Cecily is also unbelievably intelligent and remarkably talented with a gift to envy. She’s loyal even when she’s fighting it and she’s smart enough to let go in order to heal herself even when she needs a minute to realize it. And she’s a total sass which I always adore. She’s flawed. She’s self-righteous. She’s loyal. She CARES. She’s figuring life out, reconciling her past with her present in an attempt to conjure a future. All of which charms Caleb from the get go and will charm you too.
Caleb’s story delves deep into a history I didn’t expect at all but should have. I relished every second of reading material about who Caleb is, where he comes from, and what that means to him. He’s not outwardly troubled; a steady and calm presence not easily ruffled. He fights for what he wants while being open and understanding during that fight. He’s proud of who he is and where he comes from while he stands against some of the belief systems from which he’s rooted. I love the juxtaposition in Caleb, the roots versus the wings. The ties binding him to his blood family and the tethers linking him to his club family. Cecily comes at him full force more than once and in her he finds something that sticks with him. A something that makes his quest for understanding his true self a little less daunting.
How these two come full circle in this book was refreshing. It’s as dark as it is light in true Fanetti storytelling brilliance. She’s once proven love conquers all in the most unique of ways within a motley family that believes in loyalty and faith. Caleb and Cecily’s story in Stand hails as pure romance to me. Two people learning and discovering together, facing obstacles together and understanding what all that means together. These two grow up together, facing challenges most couples don’t face but doing it in a way that’s pure and utterly REAL. It’s another beautiful book in an already amazing series.
5+ "…the space between those worlds." Stars
Another phenomenal love story from Susan Fanetti. A unique perspective on club life with the tormented daughter of a deceased member and the Brother fighting for his place in the world while fighting for her. Stand really pulls apart the idea of family within the club, once again. The Brazen Bulls have had a hard go throughout this brilliant series of books. Cecily and Caleb fortify the younger generation of Bulls. What that means for the both of them gives us, as fans of the Bulls, another uniquely developed couple and another painfully beautiful story with which we connect.
"Yeah, it made him feel a way."
Do not think for a second that Cecily comes as a simple character that you’ve got figured out because you know major parts of her history. The girl is troubled and off her rails a bit in life because of that particular history throwing everything she’s known on its head. But trust this, Cecily is also unbelievably intelligent and remarkably talented with a gift to envy. She’s loyal even when she’s fighting it and she’s smart enough to let go in order to heal herself even when she needs a minute to realize it. And she’s a total sass which I always adore. She’s flawed. She’s self-righteous. She’s loyal. She CARES. She’s figuring life out, reconciling her past with her present in an attempt to conjure a future. All of which charms Caleb from the get go and will charm you too.
"He was a bull, and she really liked him."
Caleb’s story delves deep into a history I didn’t expect at all but should have. I relished every second of reading material about who Caleb is, where he comes from, and what that means to him. He’s not outwardly troubled; a steady and calm presence not easily ruffled. He fights for what he wants while being open and understanding during that fight. He’s proud of who he is and where he comes from while he stands against some of the belief systems from which he’s rooted. I love the juxtaposition in Caleb, the roots versus the wings. The ties binding him to his blood family and the tethers linking him to his club family. Cecily comes at him full force more than once and in her he finds something that sticks with him. A something that makes his quest for understanding his true self a little less daunting.
"I think this needs witnesses."
How these two come full circle in this book was refreshing. It’s as dark as it is light in true Fanetti storytelling brilliance. She’s once proven love conquers all in the most unique of ways within a motley family that believes in loyalty and faith. Caleb and Cecily’s story in Stand hails as pure romance to me. Two people learning and discovering together, facing obstacles together and understanding what all that means together. These two grow up together, facing challenges most couples don’t face but doing it in a way that’s pure and utterly REAL. It’s another beautiful book in an already amazing series.
September 2, 2021
**4.5 Stars**
It was so good to be back with the Brazen Bulls MC. The previous book was an emotionally difficult one to read so I was happy that Stand delivered on all accounts. I got suspense, angst and steam. Caleb surprised me. Used to be a prospect now a full member of the MC. I liked how his Osage heritage was explored and the struggles he faced. Cecily was a mess but who could blame her after what happened to her family. Caleb and her had shared a night together which ended badly. Now they’re thrown back in each other’s lives. It was such an intense ride. Cecily full of hate and animosity and Caleb wanting to do the right thing and help her. Both still feeling something for one another. It’s a journey for self discovery and acceptance. These two were meant for each other and had to go through a lot to get there. It was so worth it.
4.5 Bull & Lion Stars
It was so good to be back with the Brazen Bulls MC. The previous book was an emotionally difficult one to read so I was happy that Stand delivered on all accounts. I got suspense, angst and steam. Caleb surprised me. Used to be a prospect now a full member of the MC. I liked how his Osage heritage was explored and the struggles he faced. Cecily was a mess but who could blame her after what happened to her family. Caleb and her had shared a night together which ended badly. Now they’re thrown back in each other’s lives. It was such an intense ride. Cecily full of hate and animosity and Caleb wanting to do the right thing and help her. Both still feeling something for one another. It’s a journey for self discovery and acceptance. These two were meant for each other and had to go through a lot to get there. It was so worth it.
4.5 Bull & Lion Stars
September 6, 2018
Everything about this book worked for me. Caleb is maybe my favorite Bull at this point. His story and his personality I just loved. I think the author did an amazing job of showing his heritage in a respectful and authentic way and walking through his feeling pulled between multiple worlds. Now for Cecily- even though I don’t personally have any experience with anything she went through or any of the things she did- I understood her very early on. One thing that Susan Fanetti does a great job with in this book (and I think is a common theme in her writing) is Caleb didn come along and save her and magically her life was better. He played a role for sure. And he stiff by her and supported her but SHE took the journey of self discovery and finding her way again after losing her dad and the safety she had always known through the club and finding her way back to her family. It was so well done. I enjoyed them as a couple and seeing Mav’s role in cecily’s journey as well. As usual the club stuff was interesting and kept me on the edge of my seat.
September 30, 2018
I tend to lean towards a lower score. I did not really enjoy this book and it's probably one of my least favorite of this series and author. Although there is a main couple here, Caleb and Cecily, the book is heavily focused on many things other than their relationship.
It's a book that talks endlessly about the indigenous people in the US (Native Americans) and their oppression and the racial prejudice they suffer. It defines racist and bigots and draws out the difference in the two. It's a book that points out prejudice in other ways. The sister who returns with a fiance who is from Mississippi and is immediately referred to as "Master" by the other sister. He's accused of "owning slaves" and "living in the big house" just because he's a rich, white man from Mississippi.
The heavy emphasis on racial and social intolerance, which was really one sided turned me off.
Then you have the heroine, Cecily, who has so much anger that the book almost vibrates with her bratty, self centered anger against the world. She was immature for a 22 year old and had to have everything her way. She was not opposed to physical violence when she became enraged. I did not like the heroine at all.
Then you have Caleb, the Native American hero, who I felt was so weak it was pitiful. He might as well as laid down and let Cecily stomp him. Everything OTT reaction from her was accepted by him. So he copied her poem to put it to music without telling her. Her reaction, "you stole my soul". A poem = stealing a soul. I just won't go there.
Then you have in depth, long winded verbiage about teaching creative writing. I won't go there.
I ended up skipping many pages in this book.
The good but sad parts of the book:
Heart wrenching and tearful section when Ox finally dies of his cancer and his funeral.
Delaney getting shot and deciding to step down as president of the club.
Those of you who read my reviews know I am a die hard FCP fan and often fan girl over their books. So I'm sad to say this book just didn't do it for me at all. I felt like I was being preached to and fell into the middle of a college level creative writing class.
It's a book that talks endlessly about the indigenous people in the US (Native Americans) and their oppression and the racial prejudice they suffer. It defines racist and bigots and draws out the difference in the two. It's a book that points out prejudice in other ways. The sister who returns with a fiance who is from Mississippi and is immediately referred to as "Master" by the other sister. He's accused of "owning slaves" and "living in the big house" just because he's a rich, white man from Mississippi.
The heavy emphasis on racial and social intolerance, which was really one sided turned me off.
Then you have the heroine, Cecily, who has so much anger that the book almost vibrates with her bratty, self centered anger against the world. She was immature for a 22 year old and had to have everything her way. She was not opposed to physical violence when she became enraged. I did not like the heroine at all.
Then you have Caleb, the Native American hero, who I felt was so weak it was pitiful. He might as well as laid down and let Cecily stomp him. Everything OTT reaction from her was accepted by him. So he copied her poem to put it to music without telling her. Her reaction, "you stole my soul". A poem = stealing a soul. I just won't go there.
Then you have in depth, long winded verbiage about teaching creative writing. I won't go there.
I ended up skipping many pages in this book.
The good but sad parts of the book:
Heart wrenching and tearful section when Ox finally dies of his cancer and his funeral.
Delaney getting shot and deciding to step down as president of the club.
Those of you who read my reviews know I am a die hard FCP fan and often fan girl over their books. So I'm sad to say this book just didn't do it for me at all. I felt like I was being preached to and fell into the middle of a college level creative writing class.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2018
5 #PoeticStars ☆☆☆☆☆
Watch yourself because this Gingersnap has claws, and she ain't afraid to use them. Cecily, gosh you've had a rough ride of late. I'm just glad this Bull wasn't so easily put off.
Ahh, Caleb. What an absolute trooper you are. You knew exactly where you needed to be, we don't all fit the same slot. Bravo for standing your ground with that Vodka bottle. Poor fella.
Times are changing for these Bulls. A lot of changes ahead.
Written with that true Fanetti Flair. I always come away from one of her books satisfied with a smile on my face. I admit I also shed a tear.
*Teasers made with purchased pics and authors words.
Watch yourself because this Gingersnap has claws, and she ain't afraid to use them. Cecily, gosh you've had a rough ride of late. I'm just glad this Bull wasn't so easily put off.
Ahh, Caleb. What an absolute trooper you are. You knew exactly where you needed to be, we don't all fit the same slot. Bravo for standing your ground with that Vodka bottle. Poor fella.
Times are changing for these Bulls. A lot of changes ahead.
Written with that true Fanetti Flair. I always come away from one of her books satisfied with a smile on my face. I admit I also shed a tear.
*Teasers made with purchased pics and authors words.
September 6, 2020
Loved this one. I liked the culture thing. Cant wait to jump in the next and last one. That one is in my radar so long!
November 23, 2018
This wasn't bad, it wasn't the best neither. Caleb and Cecily.. OMG...talk about a boring ass couple! She was extremely volatile, holding on to grudges that made no sense, hating any and everyone, including herself, which is just so sad and he was this really nice guy who just put up with every bit of crazy that was Cecily. I didn't hate them, they had their sweet moments but most of the time I wanted to just smack some sense into both of them.
The most emotional part of this book was Ox's passing. I mean I knew he was riddled with that cancer and he was going to die, but actually reading it was just so sad. Reading Maddie's sorrow...broke my heart. While it was the hardest part of the book to read, it was also my favorite because it was the only part that felt alive. Everything else was just background noise. Its like so many things were put into this book and many of them just didn't make any sense, like the book would have been just fine without all that extra unnecessary information. It made for a very long and dry read. Towards the end, I just skimmed through all those silly chapters just to get to the finish line, while the book wasn't entirely boring, those last six or seven chapters just dragged on!
I didn't care to much for Cecily, she was just a fucking train wreck but at the end she redeemed herself just a bit, enough for me to not completely hate her. What she did to her sister was just wrong, I understand she felt hurt and angry at her sisters decision but she was just a hypocrite because she did the same exact thing for three years. She was just upset because her sister was upfront about it and made her decision final, by then Cecily had already come to terms with her decision to accept the MC again so her violent reaction to her sister was just hypocritical as shit.
Overall while it wasn't the best book in this series, it wasn't completely horrible.
The most emotional part of this book was Ox's passing. I mean I knew he was riddled with that cancer and he was going to die, but actually reading it was just so sad. Reading Maddie's sorrow...broke my heart. While it was the hardest part of the book to read, it was also my favorite because it was the only part that felt alive. Everything else was just background noise. Its like so many things were put into this book and many of them just didn't make any sense, like the book would have been just fine without all that extra unnecessary information. It made for a very long and dry read. Towards the end, I just skimmed through all those silly chapters just to get to the finish line, while the book wasn't entirely boring, those last six or seven chapters just dragged on!
I didn't care to much for Cecily, she was just a fucking train wreck but at the end she redeemed herself just a bit, enough for me to not completely hate her. What she did to her sister was just wrong, I understand she felt hurt and angry at her sisters decision but she was just a hypocrite because she did the same exact thing for three years. She was just upset because her sister was upfront about it and made her decision final, by then Cecily had already come to terms with her decision to accept the MC again so her violent reaction to her sister was just hypocritical as shit.
Overall while it wasn't the best book in this series, it wasn't completely horrible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2018
This is the 7th book of the series and as always, the author puts us through the wringer. The MC world can be brutal and the Brazen Bulls are in the thick of some seriously bad sh*t.
The story is set back in time and not that things have improved over the years, but so much of the injustice and inequities described in the book are so very relevant to what is happening today.
Caleb and Cecily know each other through the Bulls. Cecily has been a hot mess since her father dies and Caleb has been front and center to her falling apart. This book brings them back together-reluctantly and follows their journey in to becoming whole again.
This author never shies away from the gritty issues. This book will have you re-thinking viewpoints on race, integration, acceptance, family, law & order, women's rights, mental health. It's loaded. In the end, what remains is a damn great book.
Almost done with this series for this author. I suggest you start with book 1 and go from there. The ending for this MC is going to be bittersweet I fear.
The story is set back in time and not that things have improved over the years, but so much of the injustice and inequities described in the book are so very relevant to what is happening today.
Caleb and Cecily know each other through the Bulls. Cecily has been a hot mess since her father dies and Caleb has been front and center to her falling apart. This book brings them back together-reluctantly and follows their journey in to becoming whole again.
This author never shies away from the gritty issues. This book will have you re-thinking viewpoints on race, integration, acceptance, family, law & order, women's rights, mental health. It's loaded. In the end, what remains is a damn great book.
Almost done with this series for this author. I suggest you start with book 1 and go from there. The ending for this MC is going to be bittersweet I fear.
September 17, 2018
Another great book in the series! This story was pretty heavy in a variety of ways, and I don't want to say too much, but I liked that it didn't shy away from any of those topics, and I thought SF did a good job of exploring them all while not simplifying any of them or making them appear to be black and white. This was a book full of complex people and situations, and they were all handled with candor, compassion and care. There was a holiday scene with a letter that just about gutted me, and that part is a perfect example of why I love this series so much.
September 13, 2018
I started reading Stand immediately after reading Fight. My emotions were still all over the place, as I was still reeling from what transpired in that book. So Cecily took some time for me to understand and like, especially because she pissed me off for not properly taking care of Ox’s sanctuary.
Stand delved into a lot of issues within the Brazen Bulls. It was filled with loss, love, births, deaths... It accurately portrayed a day that America will never forget. It looked deeper into issues of accepting people, especially family, for who they are. Caleb and Cecily’s relationship didn’t start out easy, but it blossomed and grew into something beautiful.
I’m excited to find out what happens next for the Bulls!
Stand delved into a lot of issues within the Brazen Bulls. It was filled with loss, love, births, deaths... It accurately portrayed a day that America will never forget. It looked deeper into issues of accepting people, especially family, for who they are. Caleb and Cecily’s relationship didn’t start out easy, but it blossomed and grew into something beautiful.
I’m excited to find out what happens next for the Bulls!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 13, 2018
I think Stand is now going to be a favourite of this series, along with Leah and Gunner’s book, absolutely loved it. I love anything Native American Indian and it was great to read about the Osage Tribe and where Caleb fit in the world. I also liked Cicely, I respect when an author can create a character who can turn around from being at rock bottom and find her way back to the top, Cicely’s creative writing poems were beautiful. This author has dated this series back to the late 90s, early 2000’s and has bought a historical tragedy to life, in this book we also had the 9/11 tradegy, which the club watched happening from their club house, I had a shiver go up my spine, experiencing this tradgedy with them.
Five stars from me. Thank you Susan Fanetti, I love your writing.
Five stars from me. Thank you Susan Fanetti, I love your writing.
September 26, 2018
Another excellent installment in the Brazen Bulls story. Things are quickly changing in the club, and not all to the good. Caleb's story and heritage are treated very respectfully, and I love how he is able to bring Cecily back "home" to the Bulls.
4.5 ★
4.5 ★
September 10, 2018
Once again, Susan Fanetti gives us a story packed with emotion. Cecily, one of the daughters of Dane, has had a really rough time dealing with her father's death. Caleb, a member of the Bulls, tries to help her through her troubles. Of course, there's sex, violence and even a few tears with this one!
October 7, 2018
Not my favorite
I’ve had a range of feelings about this series. From loving to abhorring. This book was the worst in my opinion. Cecily was annoying, bratty, and childish. Caleb deserved way better than her. He’s sweet, kind, but still has that outlaw edge. I gave it 2 stars just because we got to hear more about Maddie and Ox.
I’ve had a range of feelings about this series. From loving to abhorring. This book was the worst in my opinion. Cecily was annoying, bratty, and childish. Caleb deserved way better than her. He’s sweet, kind, but still has that outlaw edge. I gave it 2 stars just because we got to hear more about Maddie and Ox.
September 5, 2018
I was really looking forward to Caleb's story because I love this series, I loved his character and I was happy that an American Indian was the lead character and not a side-kick for a change. As always, Susan did not disappoint.
What I loved about this book, which is true of all of her books, is that she really does impeccable research. You learn a lot about Osage culture, about events that really took place (I was so fascinated, I looked up the history of Osage Indian murders in the early 20th century) . I also think she did an excellent job portraying how torn Caleb was, trying to straddle two worlds: the Osage world, where his brother Levi and grandfather lived and in the white world where the Bulls and his lady love, Cecily lived. I understood his grandfather's sense of betrayal that Caleb would choose to live off the reservation and fell in love with a white woman, given all the loses their family had endured because of whites, but I also understood Caleb's sense that he didn't fit in the Osage world and that he wanted to be able to embrace and feel embraced by his Osage family and by his Bull family. I LOVED that Susan was so honest and didn't sugar coat some of the racial slurs and microaggressions that Caleb had to deal with.
I loved Cecily too but admit she had to grow on me. She was gifted, passionate but also mercurial. She felt estranged from her Bull family after her dad, Dane, the VP of the Bulls was killed by another Bull a few books ago. I knew it was hard for her to relate to and be in that world, but I also wanted her to move on; she was really stuck in her father's death, not grieving and thus engaging in really self destructive behavior. She was a Daddy's girl, so she had a really idealized view of her father and kind of demonized her mother, which I thought was unfair. At one point I wanted to shake her and tell her to GROW UP!!!
I won't give away the plot but there is this one episode where she feels that Caleb violated her trust and I disagreed. I thought what he did was sweet, and really a compliment to her; I got that he should have talked to her about it first, but I thought her reaction was over-the-top, and most importantly, she didn't give him a chance to explain. They eventually get back together and she calms down and begins to think before she acts more, but I sometimes felt sorry for Caleb - she was definitely emotionally high maintenance.
While this was a subplot, we get to say goodbye to some characters who were featured in earlier books. Thank you so much Susan for not glossing over these story lines or covering them in a few sentences. The Bulls got to say goodbye and so did we.
I could go on and on about this book; I don't know how Susan does it but she has written over 20 books in the MC romance genre in three series and managed not to be redundant and/or boring. The quality of her writing never falters so as always, I thank her for sharing her gift and her MC world with us. I always feel a little sad when I finish one of her books but the good news is she is so prolific, I know there will be another to enjoy real soon!
What I loved about this book, which is true of all of her books, is that she really does impeccable research. You learn a lot about Osage culture, about events that really took place (I was so fascinated, I looked up the history of Osage Indian murders in the early 20th century) . I also think she did an excellent job portraying how torn Caleb was, trying to straddle two worlds: the Osage world, where his brother Levi and grandfather lived and in the white world where the Bulls and his lady love, Cecily lived. I understood his grandfather's sense of betrayal that Caleb would choose to live off the reservation and fell in love with a white woman, given all the loses their family had endured because of whites, but I also understood Caleb's sense that he didn't fit in the Osage world and that he wanted to be able to embrace and feel embraced by his Osage family and by his Bull family. I LOVED that Susan was so honest and didn't sugar coat some of the racial slurs and microaggressions that Caleb had to deal with.
I loved Cecily too but admit she had to grow on me. She was gifted, passionate but also mercurial. She felt estranged from her Bull family after her dad, Dane, the VP of the Bulls was killed by another Bull a few books ago. I knew it was hard for her to relate to and be in that world, but I also wanted her to move on; she was really stuck in her father's death, not grieving and thus engaging in really self destructive behavior. She was a Daddy's girl, so she had a really idealized view of her father and kind of demonized her mother, which I thought was unfair. At one point I wanted to shake her and tell her to GROW UP!!!
I won't give away the plot but there is this one episode where she feels that Caleb violated her trust and I disagreed. I thought what he did was sweet, and really a compliment to her; I got that he should have talked to her about it first, but I thought her reaction was over-the-top, and most importantly, she didn't give him a chance to explain. They eventually get back together and she calms down and begins to think before she acts more, but I sometimes felt sorry for Caleb - she was definitely emotionally high maintenance.
While this was a subplot, we get to say goodbye to some characters who were featured in earlier books. Thank you so much Susan for not glossing over these story lines or covering them in a few sentences. The Bulls got to say goodbye and so did we.
I could go on and on about this book; I don't know how Susan does it but she has written over 20 books in the MC romance genre in three series and managed not to be redundant and/or boring. The quality of her writing never falters so as always, I thank her for sharing her gift and her MC world with us. I always feel a little sad when I finish one of her books but the good news is she is so prolific, I know there will be another to enjoy real soon!
September 9, 2019
GENERAL INFO
=======================================
Year Pub/Re Pub: 9/1/18;
Read-9/7/19
Indie/Publisher: indie
Page Length:430
Genre: MC romance
Sub-Genre/Age:18+
Book's Price:3.99
Price I'd Value:same
Standalone/Cliffhanger:standalone
Standalone /Part of a Series/Installment: book 7 Brazen Bulls
Epilogue Included: yes, sweet
Setting: Tulsa OK 2001
=======================================
POV (1st/2nd/3rd Person):2nd
Character(s)POV Spoken:H/h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:Caleb's past/his heritage; Cecily's past
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating:n/a
Amount of Sex In The Book: enough
Overall Smex Rating:4
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
=======================================
HERO: Caleb Mathews
Hero Description: 28, Native American,one of the newer bulls,plays guitar
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE: Cecily
Heroine Description: 22, Dane's daughter,reckless, a writer/teacher
Heroine Likability Rating: 3
Secondary characters:Mav-Dane's bff/Cissy's 2nd dad; Joanne-Cissy's mom; Levi-Caleb's brother
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Kelly- Osage, childhood friend to Caleb
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You: no, I felt sorry for Kelly
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:h was drugged and raped
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Susan Fanetti
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
======================================
Overall Rating:4
Do You Recommend This Book:yes
Will You Re-read This Book:no
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: Cecily put herself in some bad situations. Drugs and drinking, hiding the pain of losing Dane and hostility towards her mother(loved the reveal). Caleb is stuck between Osage Nation and his life with the Bulls. 2 years ago Cissy and Caleb made a mistake. Now, Caleb is tasked with protecting Cissy from herself. Loved the way Mav and Cissy interacted. Both of them are young, naive, and impulsive. Somehow they make it work while getting Cissy and her mom back with the club, and Caleb has an epiphany on how to live his life. Some big things happen : Jacinda and Apollo have Athena; D, Caleb, and Slick are injured in the Panhandle deal. Maddie comes back with Ox-sad. D steps down as Prez, a new era for the Bulls.
=======================================
Year Pub/Re Pub: 9/1/18;
Read-9/7/19
Indie/Publisher: indie
Page Length:430
Genre: MC romance
Sub-Genre/Age:18+
Book's Price:3.99
Price I'd Value:same
Standalone/Cliffhanger:standalone
Standalone /Part of a Series/Installment: book 7 Brazen Bulls
Epilogue Included: yes, sweet
Setting: Tulsa OK 2001
=======================================
POV (1st/2nd/3rd Person):2nd
Character(s)POV Spoken:H/h
=======================================
BOOK DESCRIPTION
=======================================
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc: M/F
HEA/HFN/etc Ending: HEA
Contains Cheating:no
Contains Children:no
Flashbacks:Caleb's past/his heritage; Cecily's past
Jealy/Possy/OTT Rating:n/a
Amount of Sex In The Book: enough
Overall Smex Rating:4
=======================================
CHARACTER DESCRIPTION
=======================================
HERO: Caleb Mathews
Hero Description: 28, Native American,one of the newer bulls,plays guitar
Hero Likability Rating:4
HEROINE: Cecily
Heroine Description: 22, Dane's daughter,reckless, a writer/teacher
Heroine Likability Rating: 3
Secondary characters:Mav-Dane's bff/Cissy's 2nd dad; Joanne-Cissy's mom; Levi-Caleb's brother
=======================================
H /h RELATIONSHIP INFO
=======================================
OW/OM/Exes:Kelly- Osage, childhood friend to Caleb
Cheating Before/During/Outside H/h Relationship: no
Grovel Rating:n/a
Did OW/OM/Ex Ruin the Book For You: no, I felt sorry for Kelly
=======================================
TRIGGERS/WARNING:h was drugged and raped
=======================================
AUTHOR OVERVIEW: Susan Fanetti
=======================================
Technical/Editing Quality:4
Writing/Content Quality:4
=======================================
PERSONAL OVERVIEW
======================================
Overall Rating:4
Do You Recommend This Book:yes
Will You Re-read This Book:no
Would You Read More Books by this Author:yes
=======================================
COMMENTS/NOTES: Cecily put herself in some bad situations. Drugs and drinking, hiding the pain of losing Dane and hostility towards her mother(loved the reveal). Caleb is stuck between Osage Nation and his life with the Bulls. 2 years ago Cissy and Caleb made a mistake. Now, Caleb is tasked with protecting Cissy from herself. Loved the way Mav and Cissy interacted. Both of them are young, naive, and impulsive. Somehow they make it work while getting Cissy and her mom back with the club, and Caleb has an epiphany on how to live his life. Some big things happen : Jacinda and Apollo have Athena; D, Caleb, and Slick are injured in the Panhandle deal. Maddie comes back with Ox-sad. D steps down as Prez, a new era for the Bulls.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 9, 2018
Completely Satisfingy Story
I absolutely love Susan Fanetti's writing. As eager as I always am to know the story she is telling, I always take my time and savor her books. If course I loved Stand. I found Caleb and Cecily to be very interesting characters. Caleb's ethnicity and his experiences of trying to find his place in the world make for a good story in itself. I really liked him and his demeanor. I think the author did a fantastic job in her descriptions of Cecily. She comes off as a complete and complex person. She's got all these sides that you want to explore. They are complete opposites but together they just work. I loved them as a couple. And of course there are the men of the Brazen Bulls and families that round out the story and add that bit of danger as well as shows all that support and brotherhood. They may not be blood but they are family. I very highly recommend this book.
I absolutely love Susan Fanetti's writing. As eager as I always am to know the story she is telling, I always take my time and savor her books. If course I loved Stand. I found Caleb and Cecily to be very interesting characters. Caleb's ethnicity and his experiences of trying to find his place in the world make for a good story in itself. I really liked him and his demeanor. I think the author did a fantastic job in her descriptions of Cecily. She comes off as a complete and complex person. She's got all these sides that you want to explore. They are complete opposites but together they just work. I loved them as a couple. And of course there are the men of the Brazen Bulls and families that round out the story and add that bit of danger as well as shows all that support and brotherhood. They may not be blood but they are family. I very highly recommend this book.
September 21, 2018
3.75 Stars
The Brazen Bulls MC series is one I highly recommend and it was a treat to catch up with past characters. Cecily’s outbursts, however, impacted on me embracing Stand as much as the other books in this series. I had to let my thoughts settle before I could begin this review. In the end, my struggles with Cecily turned out to be a minor irritation compared to the compelling and entertaining portrayal of the sensitive issues raised. The wisdom and compassion depicted within Stand is a testament to why I preorder a Susan Fanetti MC book without hesitation. Be sure to read the bonus chapters included from Catherine Johnson’s new book, Alliance which will have you wanting more after being privy to the captivating introduction to the Red Star series.
The Brazen Bulls MC series is one I highly recommend and it was a treat to catch up with past characters. Cecily’s outbursts, however, impacted on me embracing Stand as much as the other books in this series. I had to let my thoughts settle before I could begin this review. In the end, my struggles with Cecily turned out to be a minor irritation compared to the compelling and entertaining portrayal of the sensitive issues raised. The wisdom and compassion depicted within Stand is a testament to why I preorder a Susan Fanetti MC book without hesitation. Be sure to read the bonus chapters included from Catherine Johnson’s new book, Alliance which will have you wanting more after being privy to the captivating introduction to the Red Star series.
February 1, 2020
I liked Caleb but Cecily just drove me crazy. She blamed anyone and everyone about her father without really having the whole story about what went on. She was destructive to others and mostly to herself. Caleb fell hard for her and then just let her walk all over him. For me this book was so boring and truthfully I couldn't get passed thinking of Ox. Waiting for the inevitable to happen. Which of course brings on the water works.
Then when the shoot out happened it was never explained as to what went down and why it had to happen that way? What was Delaneys part in that? This book was all over the place but didn't go anywhere.
Then when the shoot out happened it was never explained as to what went down and why it had to happen that way? What was Delaneys part in that? This book was all over the place but didn't go anywhere.
March 1, 2019
Moving
I laughed and cried throughout this story but also felt anger. Ox is gone but will never be forgotten, by me anyway. Love the fire in Cecile and the patient love of Caleb. The most adversity he is facing about, as an indigenous man, his love for Cecile is from his blood family. This story was mostly theirs and was written with respect and tact on the indigenous front. It was interesting to read with today’s current reconciliation talks in Manitoba and Canada.
Beautifully written.
I laughed and cried throughout this story but also felt anger. Ox is gone but will never be forgotten, by me anyway. Love the fire in Cecile and the patient love of Caleb. The most adversity he is facing about, as an indigenous man, his love for Cecile is from his blood family. This story was mostly theirs and was written with respect and tact on the indigenous front. It was interesting to read with today’s current reconciliation talks in Manitoba and Canada.
Beautifully written.
September 3, 2018
Ms Fanetti delivers again!
The story of Cecily and Caleb is everything we had hoped it would be. But this is so much much more than an mc romance book. Those of us who lived in the '90's will be thrown right back into those feelings. While there are obviously motorcycle club elements in the book it also deals with depression, racism, and so much more all wrapped in the theme of making your own family.
The story of Cecily and Caleb is everything we had hoped it would be. But this is so much much more than an mc romance book. Those of us who lived in the '90's will be thrown right back into those feelings. While there are obviously motorcycle club elements in the book it also deals with depression, racism, and so much more all wrapped in the theme of making your own family.
September 4, 2018
Beautifully descriptive
One of the reasons I love to read a Susan Fanetti book is her ability to draw you into her stories. I appreciated her description of the Osage and Caleb's family's struggle overcoming the white world they now lived in. Cecily was not favorite, in fact probably my least favorite of all the female leads she's written, sorry, but the story is too good to let that stand in the way.
One of the reasons I love to read a Susan Fanetti book is her ability to draw you into her stories. I appreciated her description of the Osage and Caleb's family's struggle overcoming the white world they now lived in. Cecily was not favorite, in fact probably my least favorite of all the female leads she's written, sorry, but the story is too good to let that stand in the way.
April 8, 2019
Stand
You have to stand.. Stand for you are & want to be, but you can't forget where you come from. You need a safe place to stand when the world is warring around you. Cissy was that place for Caleb. & he was her safe place to stand when she felt like her world was on fire. They both learned that family is EVERYTHING to them. I'm sad over Ox & Maddie & D & Mo... Makes so sad... Can't wait to read the next book.
You have to stand.. Stand for you are & want to be, but you can't forget where you come from. You need a safe place to stand when the world is warring around you. Cissy was that place for Caleb. & he was her safe place to stand when she felt like her world was on fire. They both learned that family is EVERYTHING to them. I'm sad over Ox & Maddie & D & Mo... Makes so sad... Can't wait to read the next book.
September 2, 2018
5 ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️
The author has done it, again, and again, and again.
Each story in the Brazen Bulls adds to the last, and doesn’t diminish the world thats being created.
Each of her worlds - Pagano, Signal Bend, The Night Horde and the Brazen Bulls - are rich with detail, packed with family and their related dramas/emotions/conflict. And each book is a credit to the last one in each series!
The author has done it, again, and again, and again.
Each story in the Brazen Bulls adds to the last, and doesn’t diminish the world thats being created.
Each of her worlds - Pagano, Signal Bend, The Night Horde and the Brazen Bulls - are rich with detail, packed with family and their related dramas/emotions/conflict. And each book is a credit to the last one in each series!
September 9, 2018
Good story as alway with this series. Loved it; Generally. Caleb is a really nice guy and he didn't deserve the crazy that is Cecily. The constant screaming out people really made me dislike her a lot. Especially when they were trying to help her. A total pill.
We also get an update with Ox and Maddie (have the box of Kleenex ready).
We also get an update with Ox and Maddie (have the box of Kleenex ready).
September 12, 2018
I can always count on this author for grit in her books. My emotions was all over the place with this one. At first I didn't like Cecily & it took a while for her to grow on me. I loved Caleb from the beginning. All these characters have stuck with me. Ox & Apolla are my
favorite from this series though. Thank you Susan for sharing your wonderful stores with us. I have the best book hangover!
favorite from this series though. Thank you Susan for sharing your wonderful stores with us. I have the best book hangover!
February 28, 2019
Fanetti is a good writer, and this book is a solid read. The characters were well developed and their back stories interesting...but I couldn't relate or fully connect with either of them. I was rooting for them and was glad they got their HEA, I really liked the hero and felt he got the raw end of the deal when the heroine dumped him toward the end of the book.
April 12, 2019
Caleb and Cicily
Yet again I'm moved to tears and laughter with Caleb and Ciicily's story. Caleb is Osage and has struggled his whole life in finding where he fits, even being a Brazen Bull. Cicily has pushed all Bulls away since the death of her father. I absolutely love their path to each other. A must read that will pull at all your emotions
Yet again I'm moved to tears and laughter with Caleb and Ciicily's story. Caleb is Osage and has struggled his whole life in finding where he fits, even being a Brazen Bull. Cicily has pushed all Bulls away since the death of her father. I absolutely love their path to each other. A must read that will pull at all your emotions
September 2, 2018
Life goes on
This book pulls at your heart strings and gets you frustrated at the same time. A lot had happened over the years and everyone is older and life is changing. They have loved and lost and still have the strength to move forward
This book pulls at your heart strings and gets you frustrated at the same time. A lot had happened over the years and everyone is older and life is changing. They have loved and lost and still have the strength to move forward
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