| Title | : | Behold the Stars (Signal Bend, #2) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 263 |
| Publication | : | First published December 6, 2013 |
After toying with them for months, Ellis loses patience for the game and rains down destruction on the Horde, their families, and the town itself. Tested to their very limits, beyond anything they could have imagined, forced to travel dark roads, the citizens of Signal Bend fight a war no one—not even they themselves—thinks they can win.
Challenged constantly from without, beset by their own inner demons, Isaac and Lilli must find the true strength within their bond. Isaac needs to protect what is his; Lilli needs to stand on her own; but they are stronger side by side.
Even in the deepest darkness, love brings hope.
Note: dark themes, explicit sex and violence.
Behold the Stars (Signal Bend, #2) Reviews
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5 stars!!!
I really enjoyed the first book in the series, but this book... this book was on an entirely different level. Behold the Stars was intense, raw, and gave me all the feels. I broke out into tears several times while reading this, but the way it ended left me with a smile on my face.
Lilli and Isaac have been through a lot in the short time they've been together. They've been tested time and time again, but they've always came out on top. Lawrence Ellis is someone who's been trying to ruin the town of Signal Bend for a while now, and there is nothing he won't do to get what he wants. And I do mean nothing. Gah. I can't even talk about some of the things that happened in this book. It shook me. After reading what I did, I am even more anxious to get to Show's book.
Lilli is still the toughest heroine I know. I am in awe of her. And I just love Isaac to pieces. Honestly, this book is full of fantastic characters. I'm happy there are so many books in this series. I can't wait to read them all! -
3.75 stars. Review posted April 4, 2014
A vigorous Lilli who doesn't mince matters. :)
"Fuck, guys. I'm sure everybody's dick is equally enormous, okay? I promise I'm not staking a claim on the damn chair. I'll say what I came to say and leave you to your circle jerk."
I enjoyed
Move the Sun very much and I was thrilled to read the continuation of Isaac and Lilli's story in Behold the Stars. The story started off very strong and I was smiling like a crazy fool. Clearly, I was in a great place. It's hard to put a finger on it but somewhere along the line I didn't feel that irresistible pull anymore that was so obviously present in the first book. Lilli is an intelligent, strong, highly trained and careful woman, so I was quite agitated when she had a TSTL moment at 64 %. was kinda amateurish and very careless. Don't get me wrong, overall I enjoyed Behold the Stars and I loved the beginning and the final 20 %. In my book, however, this installment was neither as great nor as engaging as Move the Sun.
Let me get back to the final 20 %. Both of them But while I found that part of the plot very engaging, I have to point out another minor issue of mine. After
The sex in Behold the Stars isn't rough but I was glad that it didn't lack the anticipated intensity. Fact is, Isaac and Lilli complemented each other perfectly and even though it wasn't the perfect moment to In any event, it wasn't a rational decision; it was Isaac's heart that tipped the scales.
Don't throw any rotten tomatoes at me now, but I must admit that I wanted more smexy times. What was a bit too much in Move the Sun was a bit lacking in this one. Although I'm perfectly fine with less rough sex, I just needed to feel more of their connection and I believe that Isaac and Lilli always 'communicated' quite spectacularly through intimacy and sex.
Behold the Stars is definitely more somber and emotional than Move the Sun and due to its violence it's not easy to read at times. However, if you're a fan of Isaac and Lilli then it's a must read. And last but not least I'm looking forward to reading Showdown's story. Shannon, his love interest, has been set up nicely at the end of Behold the Stars.
WARNING
Behold the Stars contains explicit sex and language and quite a bit of VIOLENCE There's
Recommended read.
http://baba.booklikes.com
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Thanks for doing the buddy read with me, Glam! <333 xxx -
I fucking love the FUCK out of this fucking book!
Yes, all those fucks are necessary here. It stressed me the fuck out! I'm running on 3 hrs of sleep, but you know what?
I WOULD do my own casting, but I have the dream cast that Miss Fanetti herself picked out, and I love it, so I'm just gonna go with that :)
(Well that and I'm a lazy shit LOL)
L'amor che muove il sole e l'atltre stelle.
The love that moves the sun and the other stars.
It's no secret that I may be just a little, tiny bit, eetsy bitsy obsessed with this series. And by that I mean I am somewhat short of stalkerish with Susan about all her future releases. I can't help myself. It's not often you read a book that not only manages to grab a hold of you with a story that's not only erotic, but gritty, emotional, gut wrenching, and beautiful. While I enjoyed the first book, the continuation of Isaac and Lilli's story in this one was so gripping, I couldn't seem to put it down. And then right after the 40% mark? FORGET ABOUT IT!!!
So without giving you any spoilers or revealing much of the plot, let me tell you what this book has.
ISAAC
Quite possibly the most perfect man...(well for an MC book hero anyway). If you liked Isaac in the first book, be prepared to fall hard for him in this one. Really. You don't believe me?Baby, I will burn this house down tonight. I don't care. I don't. My home is with you. If you don't want to take my name, we'll figure out a way to get yours back. I want to marry you, but I don't care if you're a Lunden, if you don't want it. None of it matters. You matter. Tell me what you want, and I will make it happen- no. No. I'll get out of your way while you make it happen.
I rest my case.
Lilli
The best heroine I've ever had the pleasure to read about. No exceptions. She's strong with just the right amount of vulnerable and a twist of 'kick ass'. Everything that she goes through and the way she gets through it...Damn. You just can't help but love her. She's no damsel in distress, I can tell you this much. This is a heroine that is more than capable of rescuing herself, and she does, on several occasions.
The plot
Sweet mother of anxiety! If you're looking for a gritty read, this will deliver it in spades. I'm not even going to give you any hints, because even a little would be a spoiler. But what I can tell you is be prepared to read the last 60% in one sitting. I couldn't believe everything that happened. My heart hurt, my stomach was in knots, my anxiety was through the roof. When I finally finished, I felt drained
And by food, I mean vodka, of course. Obviously.
I'm a huge fan of Susan Fanetti, and this book proves exactly why. If you're a fan of gritty, erotic, emotionally gripping and action packed MC reads, this series needs to be at the top of your list. Trust me. You'll see what I mean when you read it.
In short, I'll put it this way. Do I recommend this book? FUCK YES.
For more reviews visit
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Signal Bend was one of those dying rural towns that peppered the Midwest
This one picks up a couple of months after the first book ended. Isaac and Lilli are still together, the town is still under threat.
Isaac would be forty in a few months and he'd never thought he'd have or even want a family beyond the Horde
Lawrence Ellis still wants to take over the town. The Horde is opposed to Ellis, they want to try and keep the town "clean". But Ellis has friends and connections in high places and is used to getting what he wants
I loved Lilli in the first book, she was so tough and strong. We saw a "gentler" side of her in this book, could see how she might be vulnerable. But she was still tough and strong. OMG, could that woman stand up for herself."Fuck, guys. I'm sure everybody's dick is equally enormous, okay? I promise I'm not staking a claim on the damn chair. I'll say what I came to say and leave you to your circle jerk."
Ellis was not going down without a fight. This book, I found much more gritty and violent than the first book. Some scenes were a bit unnecessary I think …..
Isaac was a sweetheart. Still tough but the way he cared for Lilli was beautiful."Who do I think I am? I'm your old man. I'm the president of this MC, I run this town and it's my fucking job to keep you safe!"
"You are completely deluded. You're arrogant. And you're an asshole. It's not your job to do anything about me. I take care of myself. I do what I want. Go where I want. When I want."
I must say life with Isaac and Lilli was never quiet."Motherfuck! Son of a bitch! Goddamn motherfucking son of a bitch!"
I don't want to say too much really as to do so might give stuff away and my reviews are usually spoiler free.
All I will say is that I highly recommend this book and this series. I no sooner finished this book than I jumped in straight away to find out how Show was getting on!
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4.5 Stars
It's been a while since I've visited Signal Bend, so I was looking forward to catching up with Lilli, Isaac and the Horde. But all is not good in this little biker town, big time bad guy, Lawrence Ellis still wants Signal Bend and things are about to get messy. War is coming. Can Isaac keep everyone safe?
I'm not going to go into the plot too much more - I will say, things get brutal, and there are parts of this story that were extremely painful to read, . Behold the Stars was gritty and action-packed. My favorite part of this series, Isasc and Lilli, they are such a wonderful couple, I could feel their love, their connection, they have become on of my all-time favorite couples.
Signal Bend quickly becoming one of the best MC series out there, I definitely recommend it. I am looking forward to Show's book, that man deserves some happy. -
4.5 Stars
”Full-out war had come to Signal Bend.”
Wow this book packed a very powerful punch! Lilli and Isaac go through the ringer but they do it together. As for the small town of Signal Bend, Missouri it’s now seriously famous y’all!
Overall, a very good read that only further instilled my love for Isaac and Lilli. The town faces down evil, a full out war in the streets. Lilli and Isaac grow stronger while hurting, healing and learning to overcome. My poor Showdown… sniff he just broke my heart. I’m hoping love finds him and can help heal some of his pain.
A truly well done book that far surpassed the first book of the series.
”They had sacrificed and bled, but they had not given up. Against seemingly infinite odds, they had persevered. And they had won.” -
I'm taking back what I said in the first book about this being a milder MC series. BEHOLD THE STARS changed my mind. It was grittier and in one spot made me sick to my stomach. At 37% my stomach was hurting and I began a mind battle-> I didn't want to continue reading but I also couldn't make myself look away. Then a few percents later I started leaking tears. My heart broke for the situation that surrounded this MC.
The love that moves the sun and the other stars. -Dante
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Isaac | Book 2 - Isaac | Book 3 - "Showdown" | Book 4 - Bart | Book 5 - "Havoc" | Book 6 - Len
To find out if there will be more books in the series
click here.
Novella:
(#4.5) -
★★★★☆ 4.5 Stars!
Behold the Stars is the second book in the Signal Bend series by Susan Fanetti and a continuation of Isaac and Lilli's story. Told from alternating POV's, written in third person tense, we follow Lilli and Isaac as they struggle to maintain a tied lid on the safety of the small town Signal Bend, Missouri. The Night Horde MC members are doing everything in their power to keep everyone safe but their enemy might be too big, even for them, to handle.
I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't read the series yet, I'll only give a very short summarize of the story.
While Isaac and Lilli's relationship continues to flourish and grow stronger...
Signal Bend is still under attack and their enemies are becoming more ruthless in their attempts to strike them and weaken their strength.
Isaac and Lilli's relationship is under a lot of pressure and they're constantly being challenged. This second book in the series contains more violence and suspense than the first one, but there's also love, hope, friendship and happiness to keep the story balanced and to prevent it from becoming too dramatic or heartbreaking. This series is becoming a new favorite of mine and since I'm hooked already, I'm sure I'll be reading the other books in the series in the very near future!
Highly recommend read. No cliffhanger. -
4.5 Badass Biker Stars!
I'm going to keep this rather short and sweet since it's smack dab in the middle of a series and I don't want to spoil it.
I really liked this one. It was the continuation of Isaac and Lilli's love story and, although I felt the first third of it was rather ho hum, it picked way up in intensity and plot for the remainder of the book. I think we needed the ho hum to establish their bond and especially Isaac's commitment to keeping Lilli and, frankly, his city safe from Ellis, a drug trafficker.
There's one event that I wasn't happy at all about. It happens at the mid-part of the book and it was tragic...and, in my opinion, not needed for the plot. It just struck a cord with me. And I was pissed...
And very sad...
I think it's fair to warn readers than this is everything biker book so be prepared for violence, cruelty, rape and murder. The rape scenes aren't specifically played out event for event but you FEEL it to your bones in the aftermath. If you're sensitive to that, this series may not be for you.
I loved Isaac in this book. His love for all things Lilli and his commitment to her thru some pretty trying times was endearing. He may be a badass biker who will kill to protect his club but he's a pussycat when it comes to his old lady.
Towards the very end, I swear I felt 100% in love with this man. He'd do anything not to hurt Lilli and he was seriously all things perfect to her...
We get the set up for more story coming in book three...Into The Storm with Show. He's a tortured soul and I'm looking forward to some happiness on the horizon for him...
Behold the Stars is an all-around great biker book filled with a fair share of mystery, suspense, heat and emotional tenderness. Sounds impossible to fit that all in but she does it. In spades. Moving on.....
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5 Amazing to Behold Bikers and Love Stars
Do one's best. Be true to one's truth. Love as fully as one can.
Understand that anything else is chaos and try to navigate around it.
We are back to Signal Bend...
A Midwest town, struggling to survive.
The Night Horde MC and the meth trade are the only things that are keeping the few remaining people there. But now the have caught the attention of a powerful enemy. And they will to pay the price in tears and blood. The war has come to them and the personal sacrifices that each of them must make might prove too high...
Isaac and his old lady, Lilli have managed to overcome all obstacles so far. But unimaginable pain and terror and maybe too much love will manage the unthinkable.... Tear them apart and threaten their lives and sanity. Courageous and beautiful, honorable and sexy they will do anything to claim a chance of a life and a future together. Along with all the MC. United.
Honor and chivalry; sometimes it is best found under leather kuttes and unruly beards.
An amazing sequel to
Move the Sun this book has it all. Love, drama, action and too damn much heartbreak.
Darker and more violent than the first, ruthless and honorable at the same time it follows the MC and his Prez and old lady, as they fight tooth and nail, an enemy looking to eradicate them. The book spares you no detail and it is not for the faint of heart. I devoured it and I couldn't put it down. Again non-stop action and passion but this one also made me feel deeper. I found it more meaningful and emotional, since I had an insight to the characters from book #1. And now I just can't stop...
On to book #3 and Show! Oh God... this man deserves the biggest HEA of all!
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Loved the conclusion of Isaac and Lilli's story! Seriously two of the best MCs I have had the pleasure of reading about, one of my favorite couples of all time.
Behold the Stars picks up where Move the Sun left off. The threat from Ellis remains and the club has to figure out how to take him down.
This conclusion was action packed and I loved every minute of it. It more gritty and just felt more like an MC book. Lilli and Isaac still shared their insane sexual chemistry and their connection is just as intense.
The last 40% I literally couldn't stop reading.
Lilli's character has gone through so much and it was great to see her and Isaac get their HEA. I loved that there isn't any manufactured drama. Issac and Lilli's relationship felt so real. When they had problems, they actually talked about them and worked through them. It was so refreshing.
This really is one of the best MC series out there....I highly recommend it. I can't wait to read more about some of the other MC members. -
4.5 Beholden Stars!
I strongly believe that this has to be one of the most emotional MC series out there as well as one of the best written...and I have only gotten done with the 2nd book! WHOA...this is so damn good!
So Back in Signal Bend....Back into the world of the Horde...
It has not been easy for Lilli and Isaac, but they are together and they are working everyday at this new LOVE.
That big bad threat is still suffocating the town. People are on edge. The Horde is a doing their best to cope...to protect. It does not take long for the threat to get real. The violence so vile, and ultimately deadly. No one is safe from the wants of the evil Ellis.
As the town is falling apart and lives are wrecked, Lilli and Isaac find they need each other more than ever. Fight Hard, Fight Strong, but Fight Together!
Book 2 is such an escalation of emotion. Susan Fanetti brings the lust, the want, the need, the overall passion for everything up 10 notches. She also taps into the darkness that should accompany any true grit MC read! This is not a HEA kinda romance. This is dig deep and own your Shit kinda read!
I have never appreciated the contrasting toughness and the gentle touch of Isaac than I did here. Bravo to this author for making me sweat, swear, and cry all in one sitting -
2023
Needing some space to regroup, I took a ride back to re-discover books and authors that touched me and wouldn't let go.
2014
5 Continuing, Staggeringly Amazing Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
This continues the complex multi-layered Biker saga. We have the coming together of Issac and Lilli. It is fresh for them. She is new to this Biker life and feeling her way. She knows she is solid in her feelings for Issac. Yet she has things she needs to do and they may end up being a conflict of interest... so she is still holding a lot of things close to her chest...
The Town is under siege and there are outside forces with evil intent; a man with unlimited influence and resources to make his way happen whether the town wants it or not. This is the main focus of this book... how do you fight a force which seems unstoppable.
It is how this evil can impact those who have no part in the playing...the loved ones of the players and how they can become the pawns in it all...Who rises to the top and fights... who rolls over and turns...
There were times in this reading my heart was breaking...the pain was deep... but I never felt as if I was manipulated by the author... every part seemed to link everything else and was necessary for this town and its people.
This is a study of the core of people and how they pull themselves through when things seem impossible. I think sometimes it helps to see characters work through things and survive...and be stronger for it. This was a perfect example of that...I felt it all and I am thankful Susan Fanetti did not let her characters or readers down with this second book.
There is more coming... and Signal Bend has become a permanent place on my reading map.
Move the Sun (Signal Bend, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Behold the Stars (Signal bend, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Into the Storm (Signal Bend, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Alone on Earth (Signal Bend, #4)
In Dark Woods (Signal Bend, #4.5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
All the Sky (Signal Bend #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Show the Fire (Signal Bend #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Leave a Trail (Signal Bend #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Nolan: Return to Signal Bend
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...In Dark Woods and Other Stories
The Signal Bend Series: The Complete Series
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
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Holy crap, this was one bumpy ride !!!
First of all, don't read this one if you haven't read book 1 first. Also if you haven't read 1 and you intend to do so, you should know that the first two books are about the same couple.
I will keep this review simple though, because I don't want to ruin the story for anyone, so this review will be about my feelings mostly. I had a lot of them while reading this.....feelings that is.
War is just around the corner for Signal Bend. The Horde are preparing to fight Ellis, to keep their little town safe. Lilli and Isaac are still going strong together. They are an awesome team, and their relationship grows stronger every day. But things are about to get heavy and shit is about to hit the fan, far worse then any of them could have imagined.....
Isaac wants to do whatever he can to keep his town and the love of his life safe.....but will he be able to...
After all the shit that went down in the previous book, Lilli has been struggeling with this need to prove her strenght. She doesn't want to feel or be seen as as weak. She showed more vulnerability in this book than she did in book 1, which made me like her even more. She also showed a shit-ton of strenght !! Damn, but I have major respect for this woman !!
Just a bit of warning though....This book is very gritty and raw and deals with some very heavy subjects. Book 1 was very mild in comparison to this one. I loved it though, eventhough some parts were hard to read.
I am however gonna stop this series after this one. Maybe in the future I will give book 3 a try, because I would like to see Showdown happy. Knowing what's gonna happen in the future, I do not want to read further than book 3. It ruined the complete series for me. If you wish to know what I'm talking about you should read the spoilers in the reviews for book 6.
I want to leave this series with the happy feeling I have right now :)
5 Stars for Lilly ad Isaac
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4 I don’t know what to think STARS
"Honor and chivalry; sometimes it was best found under letter kuttes und unruly beards."
Everything is not okay. Lilli and Isaac didn't just ride off into to the sunset together, besides the big thread of Ellis hanging over their head...these two have even bigger problems at home...for now.
How they fight and deal with their issues feels raw and very real...it's not sunshine and daisies and the characters stay very true to themselves, just like in a real relationship. It’s actually quite beautiful and satisfying to witness.”All she needed was to get knocked up-which Isaac was dying for-and she's be living the cliché. What the fuck had happened to her life?”
I'm really glad that right from the start Ms. Fanetti addressed last books events and how they might not sit right with Lilli. She is a strong and independent woman, who can take care of herself, but being in a position where she needed to be rescued had to leave some residual problems to deal with.
So, that get’s you up to about 35% and here is where all hell breaks loose. I’m not even sure how to put this into words, but I’m going to try.
Ellis is a big problem, a bigger problem than they thought to be honest. To say things get out of control and very ugly is such an understatement. I’m still feeling a bit sick and maybe this book even needs a trigger warning. Not sure. (EDIT: apparently there is one, still...) I get that Ms. Fanetti wants us to see the danger and how bad the bad guy really is, but at some point it felt a bit like shocking the reader just for the sake of shock value. I can’t say I liked this book as much as I did with the last one and that’s not something I had expected.
I knew going in that it was going to be a darker read and I got from a few reviews that it was tough to stomach at times and yet, I was surprised at the extent of violence in this book. Even worse at times it was only suggested and not explicitly explained and that just took my imagination on a wild goose-chase.
Liquid help highly encouraged!
I’ve also read that people were glad they pulled through and that enduring all the drama and violence was worth it in the end...for me ...not so much. It left me with a bitter taste in my mouth and I’m not ok with it.
I love dark and edgy books and I live for that kind of stuff, but for this series it felt not right...purely personal thing....maybe I’m overreacting, but no...
That being said I’m looking forward to read Show’s book. I really want to see what is in store for his future and the arrival of Shannon makes me curious as well.
That’s all I have to say...I’m still a bit shocked.
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I’m keeping this review short since I’m suffering from severe sleep deprivation. I’m still a Susan Fanetti novice but next time I’ll know not to start reading one of her books when I need to have coherent thoughts the next morning. Anywho…
Behold the Stars picks up right where
Move the Sun left off. Lilli, Isaac, and the Night Horde Motorcycle Club are preparing to defend Signal Bend against the seemingly untouchable drug lord Lawrence Ellis. The “dark themes” note in the book description isn’t to be taken lightly. If you can’t handle a high level of anxiety in your books then this isn’t the read for you. This story is violent, brutal, and emotional but it’s gripping and inspiring. The connections I felt with Isaac, Show, and Lilli made the story all the more poignant. I didn’t think I could love Lilli more than I already did. I was wrong.
Yes, Behold the Stars is one emotional rollercoaster but trust me when I say that this book is well worth the adventure. Signal Bend has become my new favorite series and I’m excited to see how the rest of the story unfolds. -
"Isaac questioned what the Night Horde had become if they'd reached a place where what they were about to do was the right course. He didn't know how he was going to live with this day on his conscience..."
This was so, so, soooo good. I enjoyed book one more, though, in that this book took a turn for the dark and nauseating more than one time. I will explain later on in a spoiler for those who would like a disclaimer.
I don't want to discourage any readers from reading this series because WOW! I mean, it is utterly fantastic...quickly climbing to the top of my favorites shelf. There's something about the way Fanetti writes...she cuts out the bullshit. Her heroines are in no way predictable, they don't fit into any sort of box. ( I'm saying this while already halfway through book three, lol. Obsessed much? Yes!)
Isaac and Lilli were once again just completely badass. I'm fascinated at how their well rounded personalities just enhance their badassery to epic proportions. They both do stupid things, mostly in the heat of the moment. However, they are a couple who talks about their issues, they compromise when their opinion is opposite from one another, and they simply work shit out. I'm always amazed at how many marriages end up in divorce after very short periods of time. Maybe Isaac and Lilli work well because their big knock-down, drag out fights end in some lovely rough sex....hair pulling, BEARD pulling (how do I find that so hot?), biting, rough and tumble sex. And then they have makeup sex to get over their anger. It's great, folks. I'm taking notes, seriously.
Lilli gets to show us what she's really made of. Not only can she handle her own physically but she is one of the strongest female characters I've had the pleasure to read. I'm sure it helps to have Isaac behind her 110% and to have him be as supportive and patient as he is. If I haven't expressed my love for Lilli enough, I need to say it again:
I love Lilli. She efffing rules. That is all.
Not really all, because I love Isaac equally. Even when the really bad shit goes down, and when Isaac loses his ever-loving mind, I still love him.
"I can't do it, Lilli. I can't. I'm not good enough. Not strong enough. Not smart enough. I'm nobody special. I can't fight this guy. I'm gonna get people killed."There is nothing...NOTHING more manly than a guy who can kick serious ass and then turn around and have a gently touch with a woman or child. It's no secret that Isaac wants to be a Daddy. Lilli is not so sure, and this is a major decision for them. My favorite quote of the book...(this is a SPOILER!!!!)
SO, why not five stars? A couple of big reasons.
Although, I have to say, the way that both Lilli and Isaac reacted to this avalanche of fuckery happening made me love them even more. The way the Hoarde and the entire town handles the crazy storm coming at them was nothing short of awesome.
"They were her kind of people, the kind who lived lives so close to the edge that they had no time for petty bullshit. They were loud, violent, raunchy, and uncouth as fuck. They were also honest and, in their outlaw way, honorable. In Lilli's opinion, most had a lot more honor than the average law-abiding citizen, because they were so often face-to-face with real consequences.
I love these characters, I love this town, I love the fact that they live outside the law but have their own code of honor. They are loyal to a fault but with that kind of loyalty comes a fantastic community of people. I am officially immersed in this series. -
WOW....
This continuation of Isaac and Lilli's story was an emotional one. My heart broke for Show and his family. He suffered the most through out the war in this book and lost everything. I can kinda understand why Holly did what she did, but then again it was a really weak, bitchy thing to do. And the kittens did me in, Where's the tissue box??
What kind of heartless bastard could do such a thing? Oh Ellis, that's right. Luckily Lilli, is still a kick ass army chick!!
I enjoyed this book more than the first, even though is was much sadder. Seeing Lilli go through all the emotions of seeing herself as weak, made her seem more real. In the first book, she could kick ass and wasn't scared of anything, but was almost robotic like. In this one, she was more human and her struggle to deal with the aftermath of everything made her a lot more relatable.
The ups and downs in the book are enough to almost make you scream. The downs are real low and tissues are required. The highs are amazing and make you want to continue on in the series to see what happens next. I can't wait to read Show's book next. He really needs something good to come his way. -
We are back in Signal Bend, just a few months from where Move the Sun ends. Both Isaac and Lilli are still healing from what has just happened. Isaac is experiencing feelings that he has never felt before as well as Lilli. For Lilli it is her loss of self protection and strength and Isaac it was the fear of losing the one he truly loved.
Lilli continues to be an amazing heroine. Though I feel that we saw a softer side of her in Behold the Stars, at her core, she was still that fighter. Lilli was smart, resourceful and always laid everything out on the table. There really was never any second guessing with her. But after what had happened, Lilli felt stripped of her strength . She needed to know that she could take care of herself again. That she was just as strong as she ever was.
“You are strong, Sport. Jesus, you’re like a shield-maiden, or a Valkyrie or something. “You make me stronger. I need you with me. It scares me to think of something happening to you.”
There was never second guessing with Isaac either. Isaac always gave Lilli all of himself. He was her protector (whether she wanted it or not) and he needed her. As strong as he was, Lilli gave him more strength. But Isaac needed to understand Lilli a little better. He needed accept her independence she desperately needed to hold on to.
“I’m afraid for you, too, you know. It’s a two-way deal between us.” We need to trust each other, love. That’s what we need.”
Things in Signal Bend were anything but peaceful. Lawrence Ellis is unrelenting and will do whatever he needs to do to gain control of Signal Bend so that the town will do all his dirty work. With Isaac feeling the weight of the world on his shoulders he and his brothers of Horde, MC are set to fight a battle that may be uneven but they will do what it takes to protect the people of Signal Bend.
Amongst the craziness that begins to unfold, Lilli is trying to find her place in Signal Bend. Slowly things start to fall into place for her. She finds happiness is the simple things.....
At about the 50% mark of Behold the Stars things implode. Isaac, Lilli, Showdown and the rest, face some pretty painful things. Their strength and resolve is tested. I won’t say much more because I don’t want to give things away but I will say that after this point I could not put this book down.
I think what I loved most about this book was the unpredictability. Susan Fanetti took me on quite a ride with this story. Even when the book took on a dark grittier feel she took care in bringing me through it. Never once did I question Isaac and Lilli’s passion for each other. And she brings these two full circle along with the others. ❤
Moving on to book 3! I am looking forward to Show’s story and I so hope we get to see Isaac and Lilli again. -
2020 re-read - Isaac and Lilli are still the ultimate.
Continuing my re-read of the Night Horde MC and loving every minute of it. I'm forming new and deeper relationships with characters who I've felt connected to forever. Susan Fanetti's writing continues to leave me in awe of her penchant for story telling. This story is beautifully brutal. I can't get enough.
5++++ "Life was very strange these days." Stars
Yep, I'm totally a Susan Fanetti fan girl. Behold the Stars thrusts us deeper into Signal Bend and the lives of Isaac and Lilli. A LOT goes down in this book, a lot. Behold the Stars provides a great sequel, unmatched in intensity. Parts of the story literally left me shocked. Laced throughout the intensity though comes humor and a sense of family and belonging that may be different from the norm. But we feel it so wholly that it’s tangible. A testament to the precise and descriptive writing we get from this author. It feels as if we’re riding alongside Isaac and Lilli throughout this tumultuous journey. Their story marvels in comparison to many others. I really love this author's style of writing; it's engaging, smart, and intriguing. The story just flows so smoothly, there are never stagnant pieces. There are several climatic points in this story that I don't want to spoil but I feel it's important to note how the author keeps taking the story a bit further even after a major climax.
There is something inherently special about these characters, as if the author gives us a front row seat into the intimacy and private oasis of their relationship. Isaac and Lilli navigate their relationship through seriously murky waters in this phenomenal sequel to Move the Sun. So much is happening in Signal Bend around them at all times. We never get a plot break here yet it still moves so flawlessly leaving us teetering on the edge. Just as in the first book the character development in Behold the Stars astonishes as much as the in the first book. Having endured so much to get where she is now, I find it amazing how much more Lilli handles. Her faith in Isaac restores hope in the reader. I adore that there is nothing flowery or showy about their relationship. Games, beating around the bush, whatever you want to call it doesn’t exist for this couple. It's not a relationship of unrealistic expectations. Fanetti is always maximizing the thoughts, trials and tribulations of these two characters. It makes Isaac and Lilli all the more real to me. Their vulnerabilities in this book make them human. They've found something in each other they need but maybe don't quite understand why they need it yet they'll stop at nothing to see their love through. Isaac and Lilli balance each other out beautifully. Isaac and Lilli are powerful couple and prove to be forces to be with reckoned with. They’ve quickly become favorites of mine. In addition to them, Show's story in this book proves to be so gut wrenchingly sad. We’re left with the major expectations, walking a fine line, waiting to read his fully story in the next installment. There is a serious soft spot in my heart for Show after this book so I know his story is going to be quite moving. The motorcycle club maintains a huge presence in Behold the Stars as well. The family connection between these men and how Lilli molds herself into that life is awesome. We learn a lot about the kind of men they are; who they want to be and who they don't want to be. The dynamic in the club shifts, really gets knocked off its axis, and the repercussions of that are shocking. Behold the Stars is a really great, honest story of redemption and powerful love. This is a must read series. -
JESUS... FUUUUCK!!!! I'm wiped after that one!!!
5 STARS ★★★★★
“Do one’s best. Be true to one’s truth. Love as fully as one can. Understand that anything else is chaos and try to navigate around it.”
In no way whatsoever was I prepared for this one. Yes, it is the second book in the Signal Bend series, so I did have some idea of how bad it could get… at least I thought I did. Well, I was wrong. It went beyond worse. Wow. I’m seeing a way overlooked need for a town psychiatrist in Signal Bend. Because the incidence of PTSD is about to explode. In fact, a reader hotline might also be in order here. It’s a good thing there are gif’s aplenty to express our shock and grief… I can’t imagine reading these without an outlet.
So, it looks like Lilli Accardo is here to stay.
And Isaac Lunden, the Horde's lead man, has found a new purpose in life… But the two seem to be having trouble seeing eye to eye. And the tête-a-tête that plays out between them is more like the clash of the titans than a romance in the making.
And while their working at building a future together, it appears that fate (disguised as a drug cartel) is working just as hard at taking them down… in fact, taking the whole town down with them. And it looks like they are going to lose everything.
It seems the Horde is fighting impossible odds here to save their town, and so much is lost in the process. Even Showdown, Isaac’s VP, and closest confident, suffers huge at the hands of Lawrence Ellis. The devastation looming over them is so intense that it brings out the worst in all of them. And as it’s been said…
Because this battle is too big for them.
So why don’t they just give up. Pack up their shit, and hit the road. It would be so easy to do. Hell, they don’t even need to leave, just sell out, and look the other way. But they can’t do it. It is their home, and they will defend it until the last man standing goes down.
And the fight reaches fever-pitch. There’s a whole lot of shootin’ going on. And trust is hard to come by, but also essential in their alliance.
“Take my ink, baby. Don’t make me wait for that. Take it now. Please.”
The irony here… is that the newcomer, Lilli, the one they were so reluctant to trust, will be the means to their survival. And the price she pays for the mere hope of a future here, will be almost too much for her to bear.
My emotions were completely shredded by the end of this book. The intensity was so much higher than I expected. The violence, the loss, the grief. Wow. Well written.
Enough said. I’m a bit too worn out to elaborate. These bikers have definitely won my heart though. I’m looking forward to the future of Signal Bend. I was happy with the ending. Isaac and Lilli are definitely deserving of a little happiness in their lives. But something tells me, that it may be a short-lived peace.
He had fought for what mattered. The town had fought. Lilli had fought harder than anyone. They had sacrificed and bled, but they had not given up. Against seemingly infinite odds, they had persevered. And they had won.
I’m really looking forward to Show’s story! -
Behold The Stars was one hell of a ride. It's the continuation of Isaac and Lily's story. This was all about accepting yourself and your flaws. Especially Lily. She was struggling with herself and what happened to her in Move The Sun. She's an independent woman and now Isaac is very protective of her which she hates because she's not weak. She's anything but that. They both and the MC club have to go through a lot. Losing club members along the way. Isaac and Lily have to find their way back to one another after a huge trauma.
I loved that I established a connection with the other club members. Especially Showdown and Badger. Behold The Stars was dark and gritty but it had to be cause it portrayed the biker life in its authenticity and honesty. This series and its characters have definitely captured me.
4 BadAssDirtyStrongAndContentStars -
5 SHINING BRILLIANTLY STARS
What a roller coaster!! I. Could. Not. Put. This. Down. This second book was grittier with a lot more dark, gut-wrenching moments yet it was still beautifully moving.
There was a lot more angst and turmoil and at times, I was a disaster! Beside myself with tears, rage and despair. Bravo, Ms. Fanetti!!
I think I have found THE one. Isaac is perfection. He’s strong, intelligent, all Alpha, raw and yet, he can be sweet and tender. He is the ultimate man!
“I love you, Lilli. Like I didn’t know I could love. Fuck, I feel spun by it.”
And the chemistry between Lilli and Isaac is other-worldly. It's so alive that it just sizzles off the page. Even the simplest and most innocent of touches had me totally turned-on!
Lilli is the SHIT! I absolutely love her. She is right up there with Nora Sutherlin as the best heroines EVER!! Even with all the unfathomable evil thrown at her in this book, this woman is a power-house of strength with the right amount of vulnerable, nurturing and downright sexy!
“Their sex was often rough; they both preferred it that way. But there was a desperate, fiery blade to this fuck that was new.”
I’ve read the first two books in this series back-to-back and usually, with a complete series, I have to take a break and mix things up with another book or two sprinkled in here or there before I finish the series.
With Signal Bend, fuck no. I want more. Give it to me! I'm heading back to Signal Bend.
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OMG...this book!!
I knew after finishing the first book that there were unresolved issues in Signal Bend and that shit was going to hit the fan....but I WAS NOT prepared for what I got!!
HOLY CRAP...the hits just kept on coming! One right after the other, without a moment to process what happened! My mind was spinning and my heart was breaking!
And then the climax just shattered my already weak and fragile heart.
Somehow, thru all the bloodshed and turmoil, this town continued to show heart, determination and unyielding strength, which was a direct reflection of what is at the core of Issac and Lilli's relationship. I never thought I could be in awe of fictional characters, but that's what I feel for the two of them. Two strong-willed individuals who aren't afraid to show their vulnerabilities to each other, as they both recognize that in the end, they can only make each other stronger.
It was a crazy, wild beginning to the series and I can't wait to continue on. I will say, I'm glad I stopped at the liquor store on the way home before I finished the book!
Note to self: have alcohol on hand when planning a trip to Signal Bend.
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What a book!!!! Holy Hell, that was INTENSE people!! If I could rate this a ten..I would totally do that!!! This was one of those books that grabbed my attention from start to finish. The major point that I would like to get across to readers is that if you are remotely interested in a Biker series...then this is the series you need to read. I HIGHLY recommend it! "Behold the Stars" was a harsh roller coaster ride all of the way through hell and back!
This book is once again about our favorite couple; Isaac and Lilli. Isaac is the President of the Night Horde MC; and there is a lot going on within the club. There is a big wig that is trying to take over the town of Signal Bend, and he is wanting to bring the meth that Isaac's worked so hard to keep OUT of town, in..This becomes a war...and believe me; there are many casualties of this war, and it isn't pretty. In fact, it is down right gruesome. There were times where I was literally speechless (and believe me, that doesn't happen often!) and then there were time when I was brought to tears. This book was in one word INTENSE..Be prepared for a heavy duty emotional ride, at times it is really hard to take. Even at its hardest moments though, I never once thought to put it down; I became so absorbed into the characters lives and what was happening that at times I felt literally gutted..
This is a story of major heartache,violence; and of course love. These characters have major strength to get through what some of them did. The Vice President, whose name is Show; lost the most in my opinion..and my heart bled for him. Apparently the third book is about him and getting his life back together..and I am anxious to see his life sorted out. Truly, this is a series that must be experienced as your reading it. I would hate to give spoilers, as I feel the read is all that much better when you don't know what is coming next!
Susan Fanetti is going down in my books as a favorite author of mine. This woman is brilliant! I love her writing style, and the characters that she creates are phenomenal. Lilli is a heroine who I honestly think will be hard to top! She is as strong as they come; but yet she has a vulnerable side too. What she goes through in this book is nothing short of horror; but she some how rises to her challenges again and again.
Thank you to Steph for being my Buddy during this bumpy ride..It was nice to have a hand to hold while I almost broke down a few times! I am moving onto the third installment right away..I am not ready to leave the town of Signal Bend yet! I am positive there will be tons more drama to navigate through..but I am prepared and ready for it!! (I hope!) -
*****5+++ Intoxicating Stars*****
MUST READ!!! MUST READ!!! MUST READ!!!
Absolutely loved this second book just as much as the first. My head is still spinning from all the emotions I experienced while reading about Isaac and Lilli's wild love, the kind that is so intense that it can't never be tamed...
In Behold The Stars Lilli is struggling with finding her own place in Isaac's life; all she's had for years was the goal of getting revenge and also she has been floating around from place to place for so long that she's having a hard time settling in Signal Bend. Isaac worries about Lilli, he also has a very strong personality and is hard for him to understand that he can't control her, she's definitely a force to be reckoned with. His beloved town is currently at war with a big time drug kingpin and is getting really hard for him to protect his woman and his people. The stress of it all is getting to both of them, and terrible tragedies keep happening around them but in the midst of all the ugly they will commit more than ever to their future and fight to the death for their love...
By now I am completely obsessed with these two characters, the level of badass they represent is mesmerizing. Lilli is not afraid of anything or anyone and she saves the day in a few occasions, her and Isaac make a great team, she's the best Old lady he could have ever picked, other than ME of course. What I love most about this books is that the plot never got predictable, I kept getting surprised at every turn and while this author is not afraid to be bold and go into the dark side, she always kept the writing tasteful which is not an easy thing to do when writing about the motorcycle club lifestyle. I was very moved by the passion and devotion that this couple have for each other, I really enjoyed their story and even though the next few books are about other members of the MC I really hope I'll get my Isaac and Lilli fix.
My Behold The Stars Playlist:
*All I want is You by U2.
*Awake My Soul by Mumford & Sons.
*The Church and The River by Jennifer O'Connor
*Hold You in My Arms by Ray LaMontagne
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I was on the fence about Book 1, but this Book 2 absolutely sold me on this series. We are still with the first couple, Isaac and Lilli, as we see how their relationship progress in the midst of all the havoc in town. The violence was kicked up a notch and the romance got even more emotional and intense.
Lilli had officially move in with Isaac and become his old lady. But due to her presumed failure in Book 1, she was disappointed with herself and wanted to prove to Isaac that she didn't need him to be hovering over her all the time. She was beyond frustrated and pissed that everyone viewed her as something fragile and weak. The more Isaac care for her, the more she went against him. I was beyond frustrated with her tantrum. Isaac, you can hover and wrap me up anytime! Thank God the girl had some sense and the warrior woman bullshit didn't drag on.
You're arrogant. And you're an asshole. It's not your job to do anything about me. I take care of myself. I do what I want.
Meanwhile, Signal Bend is in some serious trouble from the drug kingpin, Lawrence Ellis who wanted a piece of land in Signal Bend for his meth production. The man will resort to anything to bring down the Horde MC and the town to get his way. No one is safe and Isaac is in the brink of a meltdown from all the pressure he is facing to protect his people.
There is more violence in this installment with some scenes that make me gasp! Holy shit! But I also appreciate that the author didn't went too graphic with the nasty bits. Buckle up for a wild ride because Signal Bend is having a freaking war!
Although we are still with the same couple, their relationship still have much to explore. There are times when their love is being tested, add on with some much heartache that happened, Isaac never once falter. No matter how Lilli pushed him away or close up herself, the man just keep coming back stronger than ever. He will never let her self-doubt destroy them. The man was absolutely without doubt one of the more emotionally strong heroes around.
Tell me what you want, and I will make it happen... Just - stay with me.
One thing I don't understand is why did all the bad shit have to happen to Lilli? The woman can't seem to get a break right till the end. Poor Isaac might just have a heart attack before long.
Lilli. Fuck me, baby. My heart can't take this shit.
Let's talk about some of the more prominent secondary character. Poor Show. He is a man desperately in need of his own HEA after what happened to his family. I have to read his book next. The young Badger was definitely growing on me. I can't wait for him to be all grown up and manly.
I'm definitely hooked on this series now. After such an amazing Book 2, I've grown to love the Horde MC and people in Signal Bend. Can't wait to read more about the rest of the crew. -
I'm not sure what I expected from the second book in the Signal Bend series but Behold The Stars was damn sure more than I'd bargained for. It was a wild roller coaster ride that embodied twists and turns packed with sweet affection, hotness, attitude, insecurity, forgiveness, trust, fear, horror, loss, heartache, brotherhood, community, patience, marvel, love, and so much more. My emotions were sent climbing high only to hit steep declines, level off for a bit, and go around again and again making my heart dizzy. I loved watching Isaac and Lilli's relationship continue to grow and develop in spite of all that was thrown at them. I'm looking ahead in anticipation to whatever is next for Signal Bend and not underestimating what that might encompass this go around!!
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This was my reaction throughout the majority of this book... HOLYFUCKINGSHIT! And I LOVED every single fucking minute of it! This 2nd book in the series was full of so much crazy ass shit happening to the hoard.. it was just insane. The shit they went through..the shit they all went through. I kept thinking.... Certainly nothing else can happen after that shit and then WHAM! Damn.... this was really so good. While I loved the 1st book, this one just blew it away and that is saying a lot. What I loved most was how strong Lilli and Isaac are together..there is never a doubt, ever, how strong their relationship is.. they go through some terrible terrible things but they are right there, standing together. I fell more in love with Isaac in this one.. as hard as he has to be.. Lilli is his other half and you never doubt his love and devotion to her at any point, ever. I love that there was so much crazy ass drama going around them and they were going through so many many bad things, but you always knew they were together.. you were just wandering how they were going to get through what they were going through...
This book pulls absolutely NO punches..and when I say that, I mean NONE. Be prepared, going in, that there is some really really bad shit that goes down..really bad. But sit back and take it all in..... and enjoy the ride...
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He looked over Lilli’s shoulder out the window, into the dark sky of this summer night. The stars were a brilliant, glimmering multitude, filling the vast space....Isaac had spent so much of the past year with his head down, focused on the filth around him, that he’d forgotten the beauty of his world.
Apparently, not all sequels are lame! And I find that I am infatuated with this self-pubbed author. Yeah, readers may find some unpolished corners in the writing. Maybe some elements and details seemingly superfluous.
But in my own humble opinion, I love it that I got to read a motorcycle-club romance that had as much grit to it as it had class. I was not rolling my eyes at clichés, ploys made for shock value or nonsensical sequences, etc. Seriously, Fanetti took the characters through hell and still was able to ring some poetry to her prose. I had to admire that, as a reader and hopeful writer.
Anyway, again Lilli Accardo (aka Lilli Carlson), now Lilli Lunden, remains an awesome heroine to behold. She is put through the motions, from fighting the pigeon-holed status of "old lady" to taking risks and fighting demons of her own making and of the club's enemies. Through all that, as a reader, I waited to see if she'd remain true to character, even as she evolved, and I am delighted that she does...[even though her military background is still given a little slight].
And her man, Isaac Lunden,
who continues to take hits to his pride. With his need to protect he still comes out stronger, especially having his Lilli by his side. Whew! Thank goodness, he's not made into a milquetoast.
Last but not least is the secondary character that somewhat steals the show(as he did the first time): Showdown (aka Robert Ryan). I am just dying to read his HEA because he seriously deserves one.
Looking forward to the next story from Signal Bend!
