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Brazen Bulls Birthright #4
Renaissance
When Cooper Calderon threw his name on the table to be president of the new Nevada charter of the Brazen Bulls MC, he didn’t think anyone would take him seriously. He’s not exactly known for being serious. But here he is, in a strange town, leading a charter of men he barely knows.
He’s starting to crack under the pressure. To top it off, his new neighbor already hates him, and he doesn’t like her much better.
Siena Morgan is at the end of her rope. She’s trying to cobble together a life for herself and her younger sister, but the universe keeps dealing them losing hands. The latest set of cards includes a party-boy jerk with an outrageously loud Harley and the world’s smuggest smirk as her new neighbor.
She knows he’s trouble the second she lays eyes on him. Yet another thing she needs to worry about.
It’s not good for the president of an outlaw MC to be in open war with his next-door neighbor. So Cooper tries to build a bridge. But it’s not easy; Siena seems determined to see the bad in him.
Eventually, he understands what she’s protecting with her armor and barbs.
When Siena needs help, Cooper always seems to be there. Eventually, she understands that he’s not the jerk she took him for. In fact, he might actually be a friend.
When they finally stop fighting, that’s when the sparks really fly.
He’s starting to crack under the pressure. To top it off, his new neighbor already hates him, and he doesn’t like her much better.
Siena Morgan is at the end of her rope. She’s trying to cobble together a life for herself and her younger sister, but the universe keeps dealing them losing hands. The latest set of cards includes a party-boy jerk with an outrageously loud Harley and the world’s smuggest smirk as her new neighbor.
She knows he’s trouble the second she lays eyes on him. Yet another thing she needs to worry about.
It’s not good for the president of an outlaw MC to be in open war with his next-door neighbor. So Cooper tries to build a bridge. But it’s not easy; Siena seems determined to see the bad in him.
Eventually, he understands what she’s protecting with her armor and barbs.
When Siena needs help, Cooper always seems to be there. Eventually, she understands that he’s not the jerk she took him for. In fact, he might actually be a friend.
When they finally stop fighting, that’s when the sparks really fly.
380 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 7, 2022
10 people are currently reading
50 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 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 4, 2022
2.75 stars
I was so excited for Copper’s story, but unfortunately I’m gonna categorise it as another fail in this series - so far only the first book was good and felt like a return to the Susan Fanetti MC storytelling, the rest of this series is so just blah.
So, Cooper. I gotta admit I’m always excited to read about characters that are not white. I liked that she had other characters who were Native American in her other series. (too bad Lakota from SoCal never got a book - I get the impression that the author regretted giving him the biker name Lakota - she said so in an interview - and then decided to not explore a book for him because of what she considered a misstep in giving him that name - the latter is just my opinion based on her revelation)
Anyway, as I was saying I was excited to read about Copper and how he found his way to the Bulls as well as his backstory. Somehow, the backstory managed to not make much of an impression, as for Cooper’s growth and him taking on the role as Prez - there was nothing to suggest he had the chops for it. He didn’t grow into the role and it wasn’t believable.
As a person, he was also very uninteresting. The guy just didn’t have any qualities that I found appealing. Maybe there were crumbs when he was being sweet and protective to the heroine but apart from that.. I could take it or leave him all the same.
Now the actual issue, is the racism talk. The biker world is full of sexism, racism even, and pretty much every other -ism there is in the dictionary. So because of this, I did feel like the subplot of exploring conversations on such matters felt disingenuous. And the conversations themselves - people don’t talk like that unless they are reading a college paper on the subject. I felt like I was preached. I liked the first scene with the cop stopping him because it was an active scene of us seeing it and being enraged and disgusted at the system and the reality of it. I don’t need a Ted Talk on the matter. What I’m saying is that I love it when books explore such topics - hard topics - but I want them to feel essential and embedded to and in the plot of the book - not forced into it.
This goes for the heroine and her issues. Again, I felt like Susan wanted to highlight another harsh reality that people and women go through but she made it the heroines whole personality and it was the only thing that I could see when I was thinking of the heroine. Every interaction of hers didn’t need to always come back to just that. I wanted her to talk of life despite her problems, despite the shitty hand she was dealt. Again I felt I was being taught something, not like I was reading a romantic drama.
Now, last issue. The same as with the last book, I didn’t feel a connection with those two. I didn’t feel like they really loved each other. Maybe the heroine did, because she thought she was done with love and sex and all that for the rest of her life so maybe seeing Cooper’s interest really made her fall for him, but Cooper? I didn’t feel like I really saw him falling for her.
I was so excited for Copper’s story, but unfortunately I’m gonna categorise it as another fail in this series - so far only the first book was good and felt like a return to the Susan Fanetti MC storytelling, the rest of this series is so just blah.
So, Cooper. I gotta admit I’m always excited to read about characters that are not white. I liked that she had other characters who were Native American in her other series. (too bad Lakota from SoCal never got a book - I get the impression that the author regretted giving him the biker name Lakota - she said so in an interview - and then decided to not explore a book for him because of what she considered a misstep in giving him that name - the latter is just my opinion based on her revelation)
Anyway, as I was saying I was excited to read about Copper and how he found his way to the Bulls as well as his backstory. Somehow, the backstory managed to not make much of an impression, as for Cooper’s growth and him taking on the role as Prez - there was nothing to suggest he had the chops for it. He didn’t grow into the role and it wasn’t believable.
As a person, he was also very uninteresting. The guy just didn’t have any qualities that I found appealing. Maybe there were crumbs when he was being sweet and protective to the heroine but apart from that.. I could take it or leave him all the same.
Now the actual issue, is the racism talk. The biker world is full of sexism, racism even, and pretty much every other -ism there is in the dictionary. So because of this, I did feel like the subplot of exploring conversations on such matters felt disingenuous. And the conversations themselves - people don’t talk like that unless they are reading a college paper on the subject. I felt like I was preached. I liked the first scene with the cop stopping him because it was an active scene of us seeing it and being enraged and disgusted at the system and the reality of it. I don’t need a Ted Talk on the matter. What I’m saying is that I love it when books explore such topics - hard topics - but I want them to feel essential and embedded to and in the plot of the book - not forced into it.
This goes for the heroine and her issues. Again, I felt like Susan wanted to highlight another harsh reality that people and women go through but she made it the heroines whole personality and it was the only thing that I could see when I was thinking of the heroine. Every interaction of hers didn’t need to always come back to just that. I wanted her to talk of life despite her problems, despite the shitty hand she was dealt. Again I felt I was being taught something, not like I was reading a romantic drama.
Now, last issue. The same as with the last book, I didn’t feel a connection with those two. I didn’t feel like they really loved each other. Maybe the heroine did, because she thought she was done with love and sex and all that for the rest of her life so maybe seeing Cooper’s interest really made her fall for him, but Cooper? I didn’t feel like I really saw him falling for her.
May 9, 2022
5 "Rising from the ashes. Stars
Another beautiful love story set in within the Brazen Bulls Birthright world from Susan Fanetti. I loved this book, both the raw honest and painful parts and the colorful, redeeming parts. The story of these two main characters is about acceptance and family. How making a family from people you never thought you'd come to love is the best kind of love.
As always, Fanetti dug to the heart of these characters and what she found in them were truths that only each other could truly understand and appreciate. Her writing is so reverent with some sensitive subject matter. It's honest and pure and just grabs you from the very beginning. The love story paired with the Nevada Bulls on-going story was perfectly orchestrated as well. This new relationship and this new club simultaneously "rising from the ashes" in the desert setting made for an intriguing, engaging story. Another excellent installment to the series and to Fanetti's outstanding outlaw MC world.
Another beautiful love story set in within the Brazen Bulls Birthright world from Susan Fanetti. I loved this book, both the raw honest and painful parts and the colorful, redeeming parts. The story of these two main characters is about acceptance and family. How making a family from people you never thought you'd come to love is the best kind of love.
"Maybe that was something that came with being around outlaws: an intrinsic acceptance of people who didn't fit inside the lines."
As always, Fanetti dug to the heart of these characters and what she found in them were truths that only each other could truly understand and appreciate. Her writing is so reverent with some sensitive subject matter. It's honest and pure and just grabs you from the very beginning. The love story paired with the Nevada Bulls on-going story was perfectly orchestrated as well. This new relationship and this new club simultaneously "rising from the ashes" in the desert setting made for an intriguing, engaging story. Another excellent installment to the series and to Fanetti's outstanding outlaw MC world.
June 2, 2022
This was a so so read for me. The biggest part of the story dealt with Coopers insecurity about himself as the President of the Bulls Nevada and Siena's stress with raising her younger sister. I really don't feel much for Cooper. He's not someone I see as the President. Again, I'm not a fan of being politically correct. I didn't care to be preached at for several pages about what is a racist vs what is racist. This fed itself all the way through the book. I'll read JJ's story, but if the politically correct stuff continues, I'll quit reading SF. It's sad her writing is changing.
May 9, 2022
Good book
This was a okay enough boom in this series. I liked both Siena and Cooper. Though their relationship got off on a rough start. I liked Siena's sister Geneveve too. I just wasn't to clear or happy about a couple of things or all the focus of who is racists and implying that Siena was a racist or had racist tendencies. I did not see that in Her character.
This was a okay enough boom in this series. I liked both Siena and Cooper. Though their relationship got off on a rough start. I liked Siena's sister Geneveve too. I just wasn't to clear or happy about a couple of things or all the focus of who is racists and implying that Siena was a racist or had racist tendencies. I did not see that in Her character.
May 19, 2022
Fav of the series
Wow, Cooper and Siena are my favorite couple in this series! When they first met, sparks flew, and I don’t mean the good kind! Siena had been dealt a lot of hardship in her life, with a lot of loss due to cancer which ran rampant in her family. She was also raising her little sister Geneva, who Siena belatedly discovered had ADD and was on the spectrum. Siena decides to prophylactically have a double mastectomy and a complete hysterectomy to either prevent getting cancer or staving off its onset as long as possible. Given the negative reactions she’s gotten from men since her surgeries, she has basically sworn off men until Cooper loudly enters her life. The initial bad blood between these two is intense, due in large part to the big chip on Siena’s shoulders. I wanted to tell Siena to lighten up.
As always, Susan does a superb job capturing the angst that the characters go thru with their health and mental health challenges. From Geneva’s struggles with friends, being the victim of bullying, striving towards independence and being tired of Siena’s over protectiveness, Siena’s struggles to see herself as an attractive, sexual woman after her surgeries, her underlying fear of what will happen to Geneva if Siena does get cancer, and Cooper’s general sense of inadequacy as the newly installed president of the Nevada Bulls, all of these characters have major angst! Watching him struggle with his new role, feeling out of his league as the leader, my heart broke for him. I love the way Susan shows that these big bad bikers also have vulnerabilities like everyone else. I also like the way Susan weaves in issues of racism, sexism and how people respond negatively to neuro atypical people. She does a great job depicting what it’s like to walk a mile in Cooper’s shoes as a person of color and it’s wonderful to see the diversity of characters and also that a person of color and their perspective on the world gets to be centered for a change. Cooper is the star of this book, not the faithful side kick.
But, my FAVORITE part of every Susan Fanneti book is the moment when the couple realizes they are falling in love, it’s swoon-worthy! These scenes are steamy but more importantly they are emotionally intense. There is a scene where they make love at an exquisitely SLOW pace, OMG!!! I so wish we could all experience love like this. Cooper and Siena are definitely my favorite couple in this series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Wow, Cooper and Siena are my favorite couple in this series! When they first met, sparks flew, and I don’t mean the good kind! Siena had been dealt a lot of hardship in her life, with a lot of loss due to cancer which ran rampant in her family. She was also raising her little sister Geneva, who Siena belatedly discovered had ADD and was on the spectrum. Siena decides to prophylactically have a double mastectomy and a complete hysterectomy to either prevent getting cancer or staving off its onset as long as possible. Given the negative reactions she’s gotten from men since her surgeries, she has basically sworn off men until Cooper loudly enters her life. The initial bad blood between these two is intense, due in large part to the big chip on Siena’s shoulders. I wanted to tell Siena to lighten up.
As always, Susan does a superb job capturing the angst that the characters go thru with their health and mental health challenges. From Geneva’s struggles with friends, being the victim of bullying, striving towards independence and being tired of Siena’s over protectiveness, Siena’s struggles to see herself as an attractive, sexual woman after her surgeries, her underlying fear of what will happen to Geneva if Siena does get cancer, and Cooper’s general sense of inadequacy as the newly installed president of the Nevada Bulls, all of these characters have major angst! Watching him struggle with his new role, feeling out of his league as the leader, my heart broke for him. I love the way Susan shows that these big bad bikers also have vulnerabilities like everyone else. I also like the way Susan weaves in issues of racism, sexism and how people respond negatively to neuro atypical people. She does a great job depicting what it’s like to walk a mile in Cooper’s shoes as a person of color and it’s wonderful to see the diversity of characters and also that a person of color and their perspective on the world gets to be centered for a change. Cooper is the star of this book, not the faithful side kick.
But, my FAVORITE part of every Susan Fanneti book is the moment when the couple realizes they are falling in love, it’s swoon-worthy! These scenes are steamy but more importantly they are emotionally intense. There is a scene where they make love at an exquisitely SLOW pace, OMG!!! I so wish we could all experience love like this. Cooper and Siena are definitely my favorite couple in this series and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
May 11, 2022
A very fitting title. As is expected from Susan's books, Renaissance is another introspective story of real life situations and how it affects a person's life. Especially for those that have not experienced being in said situations. Siena had to undergo very difficult and traumatic surgeries because of the BRCA1 gene in order to be there for her teenage sister. Even after having received therapy before the surgery, the sacrifice she made in order to increase the chance to avoid cancer have affected her in ways she did not realize until Cooper.
Cooper is not without a lifetime of trauma. Together they get to know and understand how to interact despite their trauma and grow their relationship. It was heart wrenching to see Siena get past what she was missing as a woman in order to accept that Cooper was actually interested in her as a woman. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and self depreciation she went through since her surgery. Fortunately, with Cooper's help she was able to gradually trust and believe his interest in her was genuine.
It was good to see Cooper coming into his own and learning how to trust himself and his new brothers in the budding Laughlin BB. With his brothers' help, particularly Ben, he learned to trust himself to find the deep seated leader that he is. I especially enjoyed the part where Cooper stood up to Eight. That was epic, I literally applauded! Such a great moment, especially since Eight acknowledged what his brother, colleague, was communicating. That also shows how Eight has developed throughout the years and became the leader that he has become.
All in all, it was great to visit with the Bulls again. This is a poignant story of real life situations, particularly in Siena's case. So looking forward to the next book.
Cooper is not without a lifetime of trauma. Together they get to know and understand how to interact despite their trauma and grow their relationship. It was heart wrenching to see Siena get past what she was missing as a woman in order to accept that Cooper was actually interested in her as a woman. I cannot begin to imagine the pain and self depreciation she went through since her surgery. Fortunately, with Cooper's help she was able to gradually trust and believe his interest in her was genuine.
It was good to see Cooper coming into his own and learning how to trust himself and his new brothers in the budding Laughlin BB. With his brothers' help, particularly Ben, he learned to trust himself to find the deep seated leader that he is. I especially enjoyed the part where Cooper stood up to Eight. That was epic, I literally applauded! Such a great moment, especially since Eight acknowledged what his brother, colleague, was communicating. That also shows how Eight has developed throughout the years and became the leader that he has become.
All in all, it was great to visit with the Bulls again. This is a poignant story of real life situations, particularly in Siena's case. So looking forward to the next book.
May 1, 2023
I went into this book expecting so much and it just didn't live up to her other books. For me Cooper and Siena both just couldn't get past the pity party they were living in.
Cooper in the other books was described as the partier, the one who laughed and had a good time. Where was this Cooper? He went into every situation in a negative way. He expected everyone to be racist because he had faced it before in his life growing upAs for Siena her whole vibe was about carrying the cancer gene and trying to raise her younger sister. She was a bitch more often then not.
I am still trying to figure out how they got something started when they couldn't be around each other with out fighting.
I would say the first 80% of this book was more about them then anything to do with the MC. Sadly it didn't really start getting interesting until the fire happened. Which brought out the side of the MC that you expect to see. I wanted more drama and the MC fighting for their place. Not a president who didn't fit in and had no friends.
Cooper in the other books was described as the partier, the one who laughed and had a good time. Where was this Cooper? He went into every situation in a negative way. He expected everyone to be racist because he had faced it before in his life growing upAs for Siena her whole vibe was about carrying the cancer gene and trying to raise her younger sister. She was a bitch more often then not.
I am still trying to figure out how they got something started when they couldn't be around each other with out fighting.
I would say the first 80% of this book was more about them then anything to do with the MC. Sadly it didn't really start getting interesting until the fire happened. Which brought out the side of the MC that you expect to see. I wanted more drama and the MC fighting for their place. Not a president who didn't fit in and had no friends.
February 19, 2023
I put off reading this one. I really didn’t think it’d like it that much. Not sure why. Maybe because while Cooper was present in the order BBB books, he wasn’t really a personality. But I’m glad I finally got there as I really enjoyed this one.
It’s funny I read The Night Horse series (inc SoCal) ages ago. Well before I read BB series so it’s good to see parts of the stories now come to fruition that I remember from SoCal- for example La Zorra.
I have a friend who has the BRAC1 gene so I understood all the issues that Siena was facing. It’s an emotionally tough road with no guarantees. I really felt that Cooper was the best fit for her. It was a god solid story and that them to them through to being a couple. I loved Geneva and how Coop took her on without issue.
It’s funny I read The Night Horse series (inc SoCal) ages ago. Well before I read BB series so it’s good to see parts of the stories now come to fruition that I remember from SoCal- for example La Zorra.
I have a friend who has the BRAC1 gene so I understood all the issues that Siena was facing. It’s an emotionally tough road with no guarantees. I really felt that Cooper was the best fit for her. It was a god solid story and that them to them through to being a couple. I loved Geneva and how Coop took her on without issue.
December 20, 2022
It wasn't my favorite but it was good. There was a lot of repetition though which is not usual for Susan Fanetti. I did love the characters although it took me a while with Siena. Yes she has suffered so much in her life and there is still no assurance after what she decided to do. She also has a big responsibility with Geneva. I just got tired of her "shooting" first and asking questions later. She went from 0 to 100 so quickly she started to make my head spin. In the end though after she allowed herself to feel something for herself I appreciated her more. Cooper was actually hilarious but he was also dealing with his own ghosts. I'm looking for to JJ's story. So far he's been a pain in the ass with his smart mouth and actions so we'll see what happens with him.
May 12, 2022
excellent author 3 stars
I have to give this author 3 stars for her writing of her characters. This book is especially intense. I only made to 40%. In this 40 percent the author set up the story for Racism or better worded perceived racism, school bulling, autism spectrum and how schools deal, and breast cancer. There could have been more but I just didn’t care to read about that.
I have to give this author 3 stars for her writing of her characters. This book is especially intense. I only made to 40%. In this 40 percent the author set up the story for Racism or better worded perceived racism, school bulling, autism spectrum and how schools deal, and breast cancer. There could have been more but I just didn’t care to read about that.
May 10, 2022
4.5 stars. Unique and compelling characters made this one an enjoyable read. As always with this author, you get a strong dose of real life and real hardship. This one felt a bit more balanced than the last one in the series and not as big of a downer. Really liked the Siena and Cooper together.
Still hoping to see more of Lyra’s friend Michele in next book…
Still hoping to see more of Lyra’s friend Michele in next book…
May 16, 2022
For all the racial backdrop, motorcycle club, corrupt law enforcement,brca1, PTSD, ADD and autism spectrum....this was really boring! It repetitive in its scenes and there wasn't any fantastic plot in place. The writer touched on all these issues yet it they felt glossed over
May 15, 2022
3.5+ Stars
Fabulous beginning and awesome ending.
Review to be added
Fabulous beginning and awesome ending.
Review to be added
May 16, 2022
I can always count on SF for a solid read, and I was not disappointed with her latest addition to the Bulls. Once again, individual challenges handled with skill and understanding.
5★
5★
November 3, 2022
3 stars
April 26, 2023
3.75 stars. Another good read in this series. Great cast of supporting characters. On to the next one.
November 26, 2025
Susan Fanetti is one of my favourite authors! I don’t think a more consistent author exists honestly.
If you are a lover of a MC romance with believable and lovable characters she is the author for you. I never am disappointed by her story and her writing.
I have been reading her books for a long time and am a forever fan. She’s an auto read author for me.
Rating:4/5⭐️
If you are a lover of a MC romance with believable and lovable characters she is the author for you. I never am disappointed by her story and her writing.
I have been reading her books for a long time and am a forever fan. She’s an auto read author for me.
Rating:4/5⭐️
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews