| Title | : | Alone on Earth (Signal Bend, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 412 |
| Publication | : | First published February 28, 2014 |
Riley Chase is America’s sweetheart, with a starring role on a popular television series, and now she’s the lead actress in the movie about Signal Bend. In Hollywood she’s hounded by the press, without the luxury of privacy or secrets, forced to play out her most intimate moments, even tragic ones, on a public stage. In Signal Bend, she’s nearly anonymous, able to discover who she is behind her image.
Bart Elstad is the Horde Intelligence Officer. His responsibility is to keep the club’s secrets buried, especially while the world is looking their way with a long distance lens. He’s in charge of the actors while they’re in town to research their roles.
Bart and Riley forge a quick but intense connection. A casual connection without expectations soon deepens, far more than either of them could have predicted. He sees the woman behind the starshine. She sees the man under the leather. Two very different worlds merge for a brief moment, but reality can’t be suspended forever.
Chaos breaks loose both within and beyond the club. Tensions that have been simmering boil over, with catastrophic consequences. The Horde’s most powerful allies, concerned that their secrets might be exposed in the spotlight of fame, become dangerous enemies. Riley gets caught in the middle. With the future of the Horde in the balance, Bart makes a sacrifice that will change the club, and his life, forever.
Note: Explicit sex and violence.
Alone on Earth (Signal Bend, #4) Reviews
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RE-READ (1/24/2015) with Kim!!! We tore through this series last year and when we recently heard about Ms. Fanetti's new series has Bart in it...WE HAD TO RE-READ THIS ONE.
Bart is one of my favorite guys. Even though I knew what was coming I still spilled tears.
Who doesn't like a geeky motorcycle hottie?
"He loved movies, and television-especially cult shows- and video games.
There was a few things that separated Bart from the rest of the Horde.
His love of gaming, his collection of comic books and science fiction and fantasy books, his lack of interest in football (he liked soccer and ruby), his college degree, and the fact that Signal Bend was not his hometown.
He was the black sheep, for sure. But he was essential, and he held his own.
He could hack almost anything, fix just about any engine ever made, build almost anything out of metal and rubber, and ride faster and surer than anyone save Isaac and Len.
And he had blood on his hands, just the rest."
I'm going to have to re-read #4.5 because I love that novella. One of the best novellas out there.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Mo & Irene challenged me to read the whole series before the newest book is released. I've been reading them as fast as I can. I'm starting to feel a little cross eyed with all the biker reading I've been doing. :)
I really enjoyed this geeky hacker meets Hollywood movie star biker romance. Some big things happen in this book that changes the course of the Horde MC. Without giving anything away I want to say, READ THIS SERIES!
Meet the men of Night Horde Motorcycle Club:
Isaac: (40 years old) President and runs the town. A huge nerd.
Showdown: (50 years old) Vice President. Loyal and wise. Isaac's bestfriend.
Len: Sergeant at Arms. Loose cannon
Bart: (30 years old) Intelligence Officer. Computer geek and hacker.
CJ:(70 years old) Secretary/Treasurer. Doesn't like change. Curmudgeon. Last surviving original Horde.
Havoc: Enforcer. Bart's bestfriend.
Victor: loose cannon. Older, overweight biker.
Badger: (21 years old) youngest patch.
Doogie: prospect.
Dom: prospect.
Omen: (25 years old) prospect.
SERIES:
Continuing story where secondary characters from the first book become the main focus in subsequent books.
Book 1 - Isaac | Book 2 - Isaac | Book 3 - "Showdown" | Book 4 - Bart | Book 5 - "Havoc" | Book 6 - Len
To find out if there will be more books in the series
click here.
Novella:
(#4.5 - Isaac)
80th book for 2014 -
4.5 NEVER SAY DIE Stars
The actors and actresses have arrived in Signal Bend to get a feel for the bikers they are set to portray in the upcoming movie. The lead who’ll play Lilli is Reilly Chase. Reilly has an instant attraction to the Horde’s hacker hottie, Bart. I was all caught up in Bart and Reilly’s relationship it was hot and heavy and just wonderful.
”He called her princess, but he treated her simply like a girl he liked. Nothing more or less. She loved it.”
"It's gonna be okay, princess. I'm not gonna let anybody hurt you."
"What about you? Are you going to hurt me?"
"Not me. I'm your Han Solo, remember?"
Then BAM around halfway through the story things get bad when the Scorpions come to the clubhouse.
[image error] -
Seriously upsetting events have taken place. I need to know everything is okay...So this review will have to wait, I have to jump into In Dark Woods!! -
This was the fourth book in the Signal Bend series. I have loved this series from Book One. Was I looking forward to this one? Yes, of course I was. I wanted more of Isaac and Lilli but we already got their story. Still, can never get enough of Isaac.
There were a few things that separated Bart from the rest of the Horde. His love of gaming, his collection of comic books, his lack of interest in football (he liked soccer and rugby), his college degree and the fact that Signal Bend was not his home town.
This is the story of an unlikely couple, the hot movie star and the small town biker. I must say I found the first part of the book a little slow but once we got to about 45%, it all took off and it was typical Susan Fanetti genius. I LOVED IT.All the Horde danced. Most guys around these parts did. No shame in knowing how to two-step.
"Country sky at night is something to see. I promise."
I won’t go into too much detail as I don’t want to give anything away. But there were tears, laughter, sex, heartache, hope, love. Yeah, it had it all. Just like a good country song. If you have not read this seris, get your asses in gear and get to it. Y’all hear me now."Men like us need something to balance out the bad, or we just go wrong."
"Never say die, right?"
ARC generously provided by the author for an honest review. -
4 No Longer Alone Stars
It's like the world is upside down and the stars are on the ground.
Alone:
separate, apart, or isolated
Alone, doesn't necessarily implies loneliness. One can be alone in the middle of a thousand people, never finding the one that gives meaning to his or hers existence. And the biggest sacrifice? Choosing to being alone, to save what you love most; for the people you care about.
Slightly spoilerish emotional rant
Well, hell!!!
I wanted Bart to be a badass. I wanted him to kick asses and take names. God, how wrong was I....
Bart was the bestest kind of badass. The one that he didn't hesitate to tear his own heart out and deliver it to his brothers to save them all. The man that in order to protect the woman he loves, he was willing to set her free and stay away.
Oh, my God............ I am in love with Bart!!!
Our favourite biker geek get his own story and it is everything we couldn't imagine.
He meets Riley, the actress that is going to play Lilly in the Signal Bend movie, but what starts as a fling comes to mean so much more for both.
Riley Chase, grew up in the spotlight, hounded by paparazzi.
Sweet, vulnerable but also strong-willed, she is used to letting others running her life until Signal Bend and its people made her realise that she spent too much time caring for what other people think. She will change her life and come to decide that maybe a little bit of outlaw is exactly the thing she needed.
Their story is beautiful, sexy and two people alone find their whole world in each other, but my review isn't completed until I mention the magnificent Isaac and his Lilly.
Every time they touched each other was like a little love note.
They thought that they had managed to control their fates, protect their loved ones, saved the town and claimed their happily ever after. An unimaginable tragedy will break your heart and reset everything you thought you knew about the series.
All their lives had just been dumped into a blender and pureed.
I agree with other reviewers,
Mo and
Allison that the first half of the book lulled you in a state of false calm and the second picked up and blew your mind. The first part, continued the calmness that was Show's story but the second exploded in a hot mess and deserved 6 stars. I can't wait to see what's next in store for our favourite MC that seemingly is on its knees. The options are endless but I trust in
Susan Fanetti.
Next is Hav and I expect, well.... HAVOC!
"I like my chicks carry out."
As far as you are concerned, if you are looking for MCs and bikers, look no further... Signal Bend Series is what are you looking for.
Waiting for the release made my cravings go wild!!!
My Bart...
Come on Bart.... Please be a badass!!!
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Bart...
I think this is my favorite book in the series.
Honestly, this series just keeps getting better and better. I have really liked (or loved) every single book so far.
Riley is set to play Lilli in the new Signal Bend movie. She and the other actors are in town to meet with the people they are set to portray on film. Bart picks the gang up from the airport and he and Riley share an instant attraction.
It was pretty much insta-love but it didn't bother me one bit. Yeah, I'm a hypocrite. Whatevs!
Bart and Riley spend the week sexing it up and getting to know each other. Riley is famous. She has been since she was young. Her life has always been controlled and managed. Meeting Bart helps her to see this and want to change.
Just as quickly as things get started with Bart and Riley, Riley is forced to return to LA. The Scorpian MC is in town and things are shaking up and going down.
My heart literally broke for Bart...
I was so proud of him and the choices that he made.
I loved Riley. She was feisty and fun. She went after what she wanted and stood up to Bart.
And can I just tell you how much I loved Trevor, Riley's trainer. He was hilarious!
Once again, another fantastic addition to the series. I just can't get enough of these guys!
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3.5 I liked it, just not as good as the other ones.
Frankly, I didn't have high hopes for this one. Don't get me wrong, it was a really good read, just, well, not as good as the others. I have begun to expect more from this author. -
Alone on Earth is Bart and Riley’s story. Actress meets biker? I wasn’t sure how this was all going to come together. It took me a bit to get into their story. The first half of the book was a bit slow for me but I started to sense that something was coming leading to the mid-way point. I have to say a knot was forming in my gut and I was getting a bit anxious.
There was a lot to love about Bart. He wasn’t a “Show” or “Isaac” badass type of biker, he was a bit of a geek but he held his own when it came to the Horde and he certainly had that biker sex appeal!! He was respectful, loyal and had the backs of all the other brothers. Bart was just your ordinary biker.
It took a little while for me to warm up to Riley. She was beautiful, lives a privileged life and she was a bit of a firecracker. She grew on me though and I ended up liking her a lot. Sometimes having a successful life isn’t all that it is cracked up to be. Riley is dealing with heartache and the stresses of her life being in the spot light.
Bart already had an attraction to Riley. He had to research her before she came to town along with all the other actors. But once meeting Riley he saw her simply as herself, just another girl. It didn’t take Riley long to fall for Bart’s sweet, crooked smile. He wasn’t at all what she was expecting and this left her feeling good...really good! :)
“What would you rather do tonight? Sit here in this dank old saloon, watch the natives get restless? Or take a ride out on theis great night and watch the Sky? Country sky on a clear night is something to see. I promise.”
As sexy and sweet these two were together the first half of the book felt a little ho hum for me. I’m not sure really how to explain it. It was all about Bart and Riley building their relationship and things got a little sleepy for me.
Well that was up until the 50% mark when I felt another storm brewing and then the shit hit the fan. Honestly I was a mess!! My heart was in my throat and the tears came.
The second half of the book was crazy. It was incredible. In the midst of all the craziness, Bart and Riley have to find their way. Sacrifices are made and challenges follow. When Bart and Riley are together it is without doubt that they love each other but will each of their lives allow for them to be together?
I know I am probably repeating myself but that’s okay. I just love this series. It really is like no other MC series. Susan Fanetti does an incredible job at writing stories about badass bikers doing some nasty stuff but their stories also gives me warm and fuzzy feelings too. I highly recommend this series to EVERYONE!!! -
May 2020 - I've been deep into the Night Horde family and loving every layered nuance. My favorite series ever.
Re-read August 2017 - When I first read Bart and Riley's story it was weeks after reading the first three books of the Signal Bend series. For what I'm sure now are a myriad of reasons, they're story didn't effect as much as those first three books. Today though, I think that's resoundingly untrue by leaps and bounds. This time around I felt consumed by them in a way I know has to be because I know end game type stuff but also because I'm reading each story back to back and recognized all the finer details rather than being only concerned with the love story. The events in Alone on Earth set the tone for the rest of the series and even into the Night Horde SoCal series. It's a catalyst book and it all starts with Bart and Riley, who have an epic love story of their own. I LOVED re-reading this book. I highlighted so much of it and even went back to re-read those passages I found so special. Fanetti's writing seems even more here too.
5+++ "But I know it's true." Stars
Have I mentioned lately how much I love going to Signal Bend? No? Well, I do. I love sitting down and being transported to this world full of sincere, brutal, alpha men who love with their entire beings and protect what they have to fullest extent of their abilities. It takes about half a sentence before Susan Fanetti easily lures you back. Seriously, she makes it so easy. The writing, as always, excels far beyond beautifully descriptive prose. This author just harbors an innate talent to immerse a reader into her world at the same time making them fall in love with her beautifully developed characters.
I had no expectations going into Bart’s story. Intriguing as he was thanks to the critical part he’s played in the beginning of the series, I still had no idea what to expect, especially when his love interest came in the form of a reserved Hollywood actress. Little did I know that Bart isn’t just a computer geek with a crush or that Riley hides a latent tigress behind her shield. These characters ignite an explosion reaction in each other almost immediately. Two people from opposite sides of the tracks who find solace in each other center this this love story. Their passion for each other is completely unexpected revealing something inside themselves that they never knew they needed. Their love story personifies acceptance and beauty in its rarest most raw form. Rooting for Bart and Riley proved to be easy. He’s a man with morals and a heart that would rival a saint. Riley slowly figures out what it is she actually wants in her life and sets about living it. It’s beautiful the way it plays out.
The plot intricately develops in Alone on Earth. There’s something ominous brewing just below the surface for a major portion of this book. I’m not one of those people good at figuring out plots before they happen unless the author makes it completely obvious. Susan Fanetti is not that author. I never saw it coming – any of it. What I expected and what I received were not even on the same planet. She expertly, descriptively, intriguingly, and completely floored me. Seriously.
Alone on Earth isn’t my favorite of the series, I think because Isaac and Lilli hold such a special place in my heart. Their characters are just so unique and really represent what this series means to me as a whole. But it’s still a really good story, well written and well developed. We see what’s happening in Signal Bend after the fallout from the first books. We see how the MC is reacting, how their allies are reacting, and how the characters we grown to love try to keep everything around in check. As always, there’s lots a’happenin’ in Signal Bend and I feel fortunate and grateful I’ve been invited along on the exquisite ride. -
I love the Signal Bend series. Susan Fanetti has a way of keeping me on edge whenever I read her books. I know I can never get too complacent because she will rip the rug right out from under my feet in a heartbeat. This isn’t your mama’s cute little oh-look-I-found-me-a-sweet-bearded-biker-let’s-ride-off-into-the-sunset romance series. It’s raw, passionate, and gut wrenching, and I can’t get enough. Alone on Earth tells Bart’s story.
There were a few things that separated Bart from the rest of the Horde. His love of gaming, his collection of comic books and science fiction and fantasy books, his lack of interest in football (he liked soccer and rugby), his college degree, and the fact that Signal Bend was not his hometown.
Bart, the clean-shaven e-geek, seems to be the very antithesis of a stereotypical biker. Yet despite his progressive Kickstarter campaign to save Signal Bend and his crush on movie star Riley Chase, he proves himself to be a loyal Horde badass over and over.
It was difficult to get onboard the Riley/Bart insta-love train, but I really enjoyed their chemistry. I liked Riley and was by no means bored by her story, but of the two there’s no question that Bart is the more fascinating character. I wish Fanetti hadn’t lingered so long on Riley’s issues and sped through Bart’s plot in the final quarter of the book though. I felt slighted.
The series’ signature tension, violence, and heart are all present, and as usual Susan Fanetti’s writing skills are phenomenal. I adore Lilli, Isaac, and Show, and I know they are the central figures in the Signal Bend series. However, I hope Bart is featured prominently in future books because he deserves to have more of his story told.
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3 Stars
Grrrr. I'm so...just mad and disappointed right now. I may change my rating later to a four, because I was completely and totally abandoned to this entire book. It reached inside me and twisted my heart until I actually hurt. I sobbed too hard to read the words. Any author that can do that to me has to deserve more than three stars. If it comes to pass that this is a small part of a larger whole for what actually happens within the pages of Alone on Earth, that will definitely change my mind.
Problem is, I'm a vindictive bitch. And so far, this is the only place that Fanetti fails for me. In book two, I felt like the bad guys got off way too easy. After the horrors they brought to the innocent (and not so innocent), the way they were overcome was a slap on the hand. Again in this book, in my opinion, there was almost NO retribution. To put it mildly, the Horde pussied out. I don't know what I'd have had them do. I'm not an author. All I know is that I feel extremely dissatisfied with the way this turned out. I put this book down feeling like this entire book resolved absolutely nothing except to show how weak the Horde actually is. Not that each guy is personally weak, but in that they are too small to be significant, and that bigger, badder guys can run roughshod over them.
According to this book, the bad guys win. To be honest, I could give a shit less about the freaking romance between Bart and Riley at this point. My heart is back in Signal Bend, with Lilli, Isaac, and the boys.
I may add to this later. I'm too upset to do it justice. I know I'm being unfair, but I'm just too wasted right now to care. -
When I picked this book up for the second time, I knew exactly what I was getting into. My fave Horde member, Bart ...My nerd in leather ... My Han Solo ... Sexy beast of a book boyfriend ... And a whole lot of heartbreak with some sweetness mixed in.
And I wondered why I had never written a review for this book (other than the fact that my crazy, slavedriver friend Amy made me read the first 6 books in 12 days!) ... Well I've figured it out ...
I absolutely fucking adore this book. And I have a really hard time reviewing books that I have such an emotional connection to. I feel that I can never quite do the story justice. This whole series does that to me. Shuts me up & makes think and feel. This book and the next are especially touching for me. Susan Fanetti proves her understanding of love and the different ways in which human nature demands the expression of this incredible emotion.
I am completely smitten and utterly taken over by this gorgeous series. Call me devout, perhaps. That really is the best description.
Even reading for the second time I couldn't help but experience each and every emotion. I know I'll come back to this book and this series many times in the future. Words aren't enough.
Thanks Foxy for taking me on this ride for a second time. ❤️
Pre-Reread
Bart ... Are you ready for us???
(01/24/2015) Reread with my bestie
Foxy
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**** 4.5 The Actress and The Biker Stars*****
I'm not going to lie,; when I read that the premise for this book was about how a Hollywood studio was going to be making a movie about the life of the Night Horde MC and the tragedy that happened in the Signal Bend town, like the rest of the guys in the club, I thought this idea was kind of lame. Leave to Susan Fanetti to turn this crazy concept into an amazing book that made me cry like a baby and so hot and bothered that I had to dump a bucket of cold water on my silly self.
There are mixed reactions amongst the people of the town and the men from the Night Horde MC about the making of this film, once Hollywood arrives in their little town there will be a lot of unwanted attention from everywhere and that could be dangerous for the club. Bart is the only member of the MC that is actually excited about all the Hollywood actors arriving at Signal Bend, he's especially happy to meet the hot actress Riley Chase. Bart's time is mostly spend on the internet so he knows about this girl who seems like America's sweetheart but after a few encounters with him he can clearly see the fire inside her and he really likes it and actually wants more. Riley is tired of her Hollywood life, people always telling her what to do but when she's with Bart instead of being afraid, because he's a dangerous outlaw she feels more at home with him than ever, and once she has tasted that freedom she's not sure she can give it up. How can a famous actress and a badass biker ever have a future together? Well... that is the beauty of this tale and what beauty it is...
I've said it before and I'll say it again (I don't care if you are tired of hearing it...) The Signal Bend series is the best MC theme books I've ever read. Each book is unique but the strong bond always remains and the distinctive personalities of each of this characters have taken me on a wild ride , time and time again. Never did I imagine I would like Bart so much, he always seemed like such a trivial character in the other books but I was totally blown away by him and I just love it when a hero can surprise me like that; his hands came out from the pages of the book and truly reached into my heart and pulled it out and owned it, let's just say I'm ready to wear his ink and proudly. If you haven't read this books, please do yourself a favor and don't wait any longer, once you start reading you'll be sorry for waiting. Always so damn good!!!
My Alone On Earth music playlist:
* Strip Tease by Danity Kane
*Stay by Rihanna
*Magic by Coldplay
*Bound 2 by Kanye West -
I am going to rate Bart and Riley's book a 3.5 stars..This wasn't one of my faves; but there were still scenes that held me captivated, as well as at times I was balling like a baby. There are a few things that happen that are extremely intense, and it changes the total course of the storyline and what direction I thought it was going. I was shocked at times, angry,touched,and even downright devastated. Susan Fanetti took me on another roller coaster ride of my life, and again I was left thinking about how much I do love her writing, and this series!
So, why the 3.5 stars? Well, one of the biggest reasons would be the heroine. Riley just didn't inspire wonderful feelings from me. I found her to be annoying at times, and I felt that Bart deserved a woman who was way better than Riley. There were times where I really liked her character, but I can count on my one hand how many times those were. Bart deserved way better than her. He was a man who deserves a ton of respect. What he does for his club..the sacrifice this man makes is hands down one of the most honorable things I have ever read about. I have to say that the scene between him and Isaac had me going through my box of Kleenex very unlady like! It touched me down to my core and I won't ever forget it. For his sacrifice alone, I feel he deserves to have a woman kiss his feet and cater to his every whim! LOL
Isaac and Lilli get put through the ringer again. I feel very sorry for them, and I am dying to know what the outcome of their tragedy is going to be. I am quite upset that they are going through even more terrible things..considering that these two have already been put through hell and back, it would be nice to see some smooth sailing for them. But, this is the world of bikers..and it isn't always pretty!
I can't wait to keep going, and see what will happen to the folks of Signal Bend next! I am such a huge fan of this series and of Susan Fanetti..This is hands down my favorite bikers series around, and I am fully invested in each of the lives of these gruff tough bikers! Bring on the chaos...I am ready for what comes next!! (at least, I hope I am!LOL)
Thanks to my buddy, Steph for reading this with me! I don't know what I would have done with out you! It was nice to be able to vent my feelings..thank you for joining me on this one Steph!♥ -
Bravo! If I could rate a book based on halves, I'd rate the second half of this book 10 stars! I loved it.
Alone on Earth is the love story of Bart and Riley. We met Riley in Show's book, Into the Storm. She's the actress that's portraying Lilli in the Signal Bend movie.
This is the exact opposite of what most romances are made of... Riley is the beautiful, wealthy, successful heroine that falls in love with the "ordinary" outlaw biker and hacker Bart. Bart is a video game and computer geek...a true "Mutt & Jeff" pairing. Except Bart is hot...very very biker hot.
Bart is quirky and endearing. He's different from other characters in Signal Bend with his crooked smile, college degree, and softer approach. Riley, upon meeting Bart at the airport for her pick-up, was immediately drawn to the guy who treats her like a person and not the super star. She's simply Riley...not RILEY CHASE in upper caps! This feeling she gets in Signal Bend is that of acceptance for who she is as a person and not for her fame.
The first half of the book, unfortunately, kind of bored me. It was the day to day getting to know you building of their relationship but the halfway mark...hold your hats. Shit hits the fan in Signal Bend. I never thought I'd cry in a badass biker book but this book did this to me...twice. Bart is loyal to his club and will do anything, sacrifice his happiness, for the sake of their club.
Those of you who love Isaac? Pack tissue. That's all I'm gonna give you.
I'm in love with this series. The Horde is like family and I love watching each member grow, relationships build within brotherhood and romance. This book is unusual compared to the others in that it's less graphic and angsty but that ending... I love you Susan Fanetti. You take a badass biker series and give me hearts and flowers! Well done!
Looking forward to Havoc's story...the guy who "likes his chicks carry-out."
And I thank you,
Arc received by author in exchange of my honest review. -
First I have to say...I love the cover.
I also enjoyed the book.
And to think I nearly didn’t read it. I’d been disappointed with the previous book. And was on the fence about quitting/continuing. I decided any book with such a beautiful cover deserved to be given a try.
I wasn’t sure going in but this worked for me.
Yes Riley has a monumental TSTL moment. But she’d already won me over by this point so I continued on.
Bart’s sacrifice gutted me. I wasn’t happy at all that he’d had to do that.
But I was won over in the end. It’s straight onto the next book for me now. -
![[~Ami~]♥Sexy Dexy♥](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1388500902i/22427047._UY200_CR8,0,200,200_.jpg)
4 stars
Riley is playing the lead role in the movie based on Signal Bend. Bart has been ordered to show her around. How will things work out for them when they are both from different worlds?
I really liked this couple, maybe still not as much as Lilli and Issac but I wont be forgetting them anytime soon. I liked how the plot builds on previous books and Im excited to see the direction in the books to follow. Theres actually nothing wrong with this book to stop me giving 5 stars, I just wasnt getting those 5 star feelings.
This book truly has a great mix of sexy and sweet with a bit of heartache. I would definitely recommend this series regardless if you like MC books or not. Im not a huge MC reader and I still enjoyed it!!! -
***3.75 Stars***
First off let me say that I'm a HUGE fan of this series! From the setting, to the characters, to the writing....all of it is fantastic! This town and it's people feel like family...truly. And that right there is a testament to Susan Fanetti's writing.
However, this one let me down. I think the main reason was I just couldn't get on board with Riley. I wasn't buying her, or her whiny "everyone runs my life" attitude, or her connection with Bart.
She let me down as far as what a Horde lady should be. She wasn't relatable on any level to me. Riley felt too young, too immature and too naive.
And Bart's sacrifice killed me. Reading that whole chapter tore me up....I felt horrible for him, but funny how it ended up working out in EVERYONE's best interest. Sorry, just a little too
But, whatever...I'm not bitter or anything...
So overall, I liked it, because it's still a great installment in the Signal Bend saga and I'm 100% invested in the town, its people and all the members of the Horde MC, but unfortunately I didn't love it.
I'm quickly off to read Isaac's novella....because damn it I need to know how this heart breaking situation went down and where this will go. -
4.5 LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION STARS
I’m loving every minute of my stay in Signal Bend. In this fourth book, Hollywood comes to Signal Bend. The town is finally on solid ground yet their backs are up with all the attention the movie is bringing to their small patch of earth.
Again, this one was different from the other books and I have to say, I just love that! This was Bart Elstad’s story; the Night Horde’s chief intelligence officer. Bart is so different from Isaac and Show yet, with all three, they have this strong, good and compassionate force that draws you to each of them in a different way.
Bart’s a hot geek but every much a Night Horde brother as any other. And his love interest is Riley Chase, a sweet, young movie star set to play Lilli in the movie.
Riley and Bart have chemistry from the get go and this story unfolds as their passion grows into love.
Of course, trouble is lurking and eventually, it comes knocking. Bringing with it heartache, anger, betrayal and loss. This was emotional for the entire MC and I felt so much for Bart.
This was another great story. This entire series has been the perfect progression from one book to the next and so well developed. And boy, Susan Fanetti sure can write! Her style is so easy, inviting and riveting.
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3.5 to 4 stars. My review on rereading: A fast-paced and sweet story about a lonely young movie star who falls for a biker while making a film about the bike club. It's really just Riley and Bart's story, although there is a bit of stuff about the tough life and violence in the biker world.
Riley and Bart do fall for each other really quickly, although of course at first it's lust and loneliness that brings them together. But then their connection grows until they accept they need to be together permanently.
I liked the parts about Riley's life. Her manipulative mother who was trying to live vicariously through her daughter. Her minders and trainers and managers who ordered every moment of her day. The aftermath of her sad romance with Devon. The eternal paps who invaded her privacy. There are plenty of stories out there about movie star romance, and this is one of the better ones IMO. It's a trope that appeals to me, but sadly, quite a few that I've read have been just 'meh'. But Susan Fanetti is a reliably good writer, whose characters are always credible and convincing. -
So far, this book was the worst in the series and a total mess.
The main no-no for me:
The heroine.
I'm sorry but it's hard to find a more TSTL heroine than Riley. And she is supposed to incarnate Lilli... *major rolls eye*
The plot.
The whole Scorpion business absolutely makes no sense. Worse, doing what they are doing in the book is susceptible to bring exactly what they claim they want to avoid. It was obviously the author's pretext to make Bart move to L.A. and brings some action to the story, too bad she didn't think her idea through. And to show that she isn't afraid of one more contradiction, while doing all their useless drama in Signal Bend we learn that the Scorpion are considering a reality show of their MC in L.A.. What. The. Hell?!?!?!
Also, I don't see how Bart leaving solves their so called issue. *rolls eyes* -
4 - 4.5 PRINCESS STARS
This is the fourth book in the Signal Bend series and it was fantastic. I almost loved Bart as much as I loved Show and for very different reasons. Bart Elstad. Bart was different from the other Horde. He had a collage degree, wasn't from Signal Bend (although his father was from there, therefore he'd had family from there), liked comic books and video games and was the one who suggested they rebuild the town by letting the movie be made about them. Pulling the Horde out of the illegal things they were doing and building the town into something more legitimate. He was also a big fan of Riley Chase, the actress hired to play Lilli, in the film version of their story.
Bart was sweet, almost shy in his way. He felt bad for missing that Shannon had a child she gave up for a adoption, thereby bringing more drama to the town. So he wanted to prove that he wasn't a screwup by taking care of the "Hollywood" talent while they were in town. What he never expected was his immediate connection to actress Riley Chase.
Riley had been an actress since she was four years old. People took care of her needs and told her what to do and where to go every day. At twenty-six years old, she was tired of it. But she wasn't quite sure how to go about taking control of her own life. Going to Signal Bend was just the opportunity she needed to figure out who she was without her Mom-ager (mother/manager), her trainer, and the paparazzi all over her about her dead, drug-addict boyfriend. What she never expected was to find the sexy hot nerd in biker named Bart.
They fall for each other fast. Riley and Bart's chemistry was off the charts from the moment they met. But soon there's danger and Bart can't think of anything but getting Riley out of town in oder to help the Horde fend of the their supposed allies, the Scorpions. At the same time, there are internal forces at work to bring down the Horde and all the officers are shocked with one of their own commits the ultimate betrayal.
It's only at Bart's sacrifice that the Horde is saved. His new life, which now includes Riley is so different from what he loved and knew in Signal Bend. But together, they figure out how to make things work.
I loved this book. I read it quickly and without much sleep, because I couldn't put it down. The only reason I didn't give it a full 5 stars are in the spoiler section, so read at your own risk.
So the spoilers are over and so is my griping. But it's testament to how much I actually liked this book that I gave it so many stars putting aside my issues with the story and the characters. It was a great read and I feel the author is improving with each book. -
3.5 stars
Not my favorite in the series, and the first half dragged a bit, but holy shit did the shit hit the fan in the 2nd half. -
★★★★☆ 4.5 Stars!
Another fantastic read... Review to come! -
4.5 stars!!
For some stupid reason I stopped reading this series and basically all but forgotten about it until I saw it pop up on my newsfeed about 10 million times. Reading all the excited and amazing reviews about the series I decided to go back in and see what I was missing...and boy was I missing out!
The thing I love most about this series is how realistic it is. I won't ever truly know what it's like to be in a MC but to me, this book is very close to how I imagine it to be. It's not all about the violence and negative energy; these people are just like us. They have families, and jobs, lives that can go outside of the club. But life isn't filled with rainbows and butterflies-at least not all the time-and it's the same with this book.
Riley, our heroine is so sweet and down-to-earth, despite the fact that she's rich and famous. She was cast to play Lilli in the hollywood movie and Riley's hoping this might be her big break and finally get her away from the "teenager" movies and shows and onto things more her age and style. When she goes to Signal Bend to learn more about her "character", despite that these are supposed to be scary bikers, she feels more at home than ever. She's finally free, at least for a week from her super controlling mother and her posse who dictate her every move, what she eats, who she's seen with, etc. And the moment she meets Bart, she can tell he's unlike any of the other men she's met in her life.
Bart is a total sexy geek and I loved every minute of it. I love that even though he's their computer geek in the club and keeps tabs on all things technology, when it comes down to it he's just as willing to kill and protect the club as the rest of them. He's always stood out a bit from the rest of the men because he's younger and he's very 21st century and most of them want to stay in the 1960s. Bart has always had a little crush on Riley but getting to know her and seeing her in person, the feelings he gets for her go past any he's ever had for any woman before. And he doesn't know what to think of that.
I'll make this short and sweet because I'm dying to start the next book:
I loved seeing the group again and I especially liked that we got tot see them from the eyes of a total outsider.They are stronger than ever and you can practically feel the love and family bond between them all. Something horrible happens, and I seriously had tears in my eyes every time it was even brought up...I just need to know everything is going to be ok.
My only complaint was that I wish we got to see more of a development between Riley and Bart. This book is pretty long but it just didn't feel long enough, especially since there is so much side stuff happening it took away a little from the relationship aspect of the book. But despite that, the author got me to believe int heir love, even though it was a bit insta-love. See? I can love insta-love if I feel it's done right and it felt right to me in this book.
It bothers me that this series isn't as popular as a lot of other MC books because this one is definitely better than a lot of the ones out there. As I continue on with this series my only hope is that these books don't break my heart any further because I don't think I could take much more trouble for this group. If you love MC romance that are different than the rest, I'd highly recommend checking out this series! -
Bart Elstad (or Bartholomew, as Isaac calls him) is the Night Horde’s intelligence guy. A mix of hot biker and nerdy geek, he’s a 30 something non-native of Signal Bend who considers Isaac, Show, and his other MC brothers, his family. While we met him earlier in the series, Alone on Earth is his story as well as the heroine’s, RILEY CHASE (all caps). Riley is the Hollywood actress who is to play Lilli in the upcoming movie about Signal Bend and the Horde. She, along with her co-star and each of their travel companions, travels to Signal Bend to do some character profiling.
I really enjoyed getting to know Bart in this book. While he falls a bit outside of the traditional biker profile, he can still hold his own in the toughness category and at the same time is a sweet, respectful (to a lady), intelligent guy who is very valuable to his club.
Riley, a petite blonde, grew up in a totally different world than Bart did. She is refined, pampered and privileged, mostly due to her celebrity status that began when she was four years old. She does have a feisty streak though which Bart finds very sexy. She also has a few problems of her own to work through.
Bart and Riley feel a connection when they first meet and things take off from there. Riley is, for the first time, without her entourage of care takers and decision makers and realizes that she might actually enjoy being her own boss. Watching their relationship grow is fun and certainly not lacking in the HOT department! They have their issues though because Riley does not understand the workings of a MC whatsoever. This is a problem for Bart as he needs to keep her safe.
While they are both “getting to know” each other, things get pretty tense in the inner workings of the Horde. OMG, I cried and cried and I was so freaking mad. I understand that this is motorcycle club story- not a fairytale, but still. Decisions had to be made which were pretty tough to swallow, and my heart hurt for Bart. And Riley too. And the rest of the club. Gah!!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t my favorite of the four I’ve read thus far, but I think that’s because Isaac & Lilli just hold a special place in my heart and they are a hard couple to beat. Even so, I highly recommend this. Now on to the next one!! -
WOW...completely unprepared for this book! With each book in this series we get deeper into the Horde.
Bart is not your ordinary MC member. The Horde is his LIFE. He not immune to the violence and the illegal activities that come...but he is a gamer, a dork with a sweet beautiful heart!
Caught up in the world of technology and social media, He is not immune to the paparazzi or the Hollywood rags. He is not afraid to admit that he is captivated by the young Hollywood starlet Riley Chase! Good thing for him she has landed in Signal Bend as the movie is progressing.
It does not take long for Riley to fall into the small town ease of Signal Bend and into the comfort of Bart's arms.
Bad Boy? Perhaps. More than that he is real person who sees Riley as a real woman. Yes, she is beautiful on the outside, but for him...she is more than the hot roll in the sack they engaged in!
Danger is around. Hollywood has no place in Signal Bend. Riley cant possibly survive in Bart's world. Bart is about to embark on a life altering, self sacrificing mission that will change everything.
When the violence hits too close to home...when lives are changed forever...when hard choices have to be made...what will become of the HORDE? What will happen to 2 young lovers who seem to have found forever? AAAAAAHHHHHHH.....sobbing happens...hard. Bart and Riley...they have a chance, but in another place...
While I wanted more from them...I NEEDED to get back to Signal Bend...thanks Susan Fanetti for leaving some goodness in this dark time! -
5 Stars
I adored this book. The series getting better and better. I admit it was a bit boring for me at start, but when 30% onwards, I was hooked. This about loyalty, acceptance, sacrifices and love. Bart and Riley story was not quite normal relationship. Two different people from different world. How they connect to each other was something you will looking forward into story, which I truly enjoyed. I was really touched by the story. It's safe to say that this my favorite of series so far. Other member of Horde MC was still there and they never failed to surprise me. I never thought that bad ass outlaw biker can make me cry.
Riley's world was different from Bart. She is a actress and a big star in her world. I liked her character. I think this series that I loved heroine equally to hero.
I am so looking forward for next book of the series, which is Havoc's story, and there will be another for Isaac and Lilli. Can't get enough of them. Susan Fanetti never disappoint.
-
2.75 stars
I didn't know about reading this one...
Then I skimmed it, skipped some parts, and then reread others. All of this having the effect of "finishing" the read without a DNF.
I just didn't take well to Bart and Riley. Some parts weren't so bad, but...meh.
This story served as a transition book anyway and the conflict for the excellent novella that follows it finds its origin here.
It was a decent story, regardless. I just didn't like the Hollywood biker angle. -
This past week I have been consumed with reading the Signal Bend series. I am so thankful that I stumbled upon this series while perusing Goodreads! Alone on Earth is the fourth book in the series. In the previous books, we have met Isaac, Lilli, Show, and Shannon. Now we get to dig a little deeper into the character of Bart and his other half Riley.
Bart is the Horde geek and computer guru. He spends his days digging up dirt using technology as his artillery. Bart isn’t originally from Signal Bend but he has become a brother and a loyal member of the Horde. He has witnessed plenty of violence during his service to his brothers. Now that the movie industry is coming down on Signal Bend the heat from the Scorpions MC is beginning to rain down on the Horde Crew. Bart’s job is to pick up the stars from the airport and deliver them safely to the B and B. Bart has a secret celebrity crush on Riley Chase. He wants to play it cool but deep down he wants to burst. (As if Bart couldn't be any cuter....)!
Riley is the dainty and “precious” actor rolling into town. She is going to be playing the part of Lilli. She has a domineering mother and has recently lost a boyfriend to a drug overdose. Riley is on auto pilot and her life is driven by her cousin (who is also her personal assistant), personal trainer, her mother, and anyone else who will keep her pristine Hollywood image in place. Riley is so excited to have the opportunity to go to Signal Bend and play the difficult role of Lilli. Riley is strong but she doesn't actually realize her strength. She is truly talented and yet she still feels she needs to prove something. Riley tows a thin line between doing what she loves as an actress and placating to everyone's ideals about her.
As soon as Riley is off the plane and she sees Bart, she is immediately interested in him. I wouldn’t say that it was love at first sight between these two. I would only say that she is able to recognize she might be missing something in her life.
Bart, who had been star struck about spending time with famous actors, forgets who Riley is and recognizes that she is just like any other girl. Except he figures out pretty quick that she isn’t like any other girl, he likes this girl.
"He was flirting with her, like she was a pretty girl at a party. She could not remember the last time someone had treated her like just a girl."-Riley
As Riley draws closer into the Horde, she recognizes what she is missing in her life. Real family and real love!
"What she'd needed was to release the tight hold she'd had on her emotions and just have a good cry. What Lilli and Isaac had...she'd never had that...that sense of completeness that came off Isaac and Lilli in waves. Every time they touched each other was like a little love note."-Riley
Bart and Riley share a special kind of connection. Because they are younger than Isaac, Lilli, Shannon, and Show (our previous featured characters), we see the life of the motorcycle brotherhood through younger eyes. Bart is struggling with the pull of the Scorpions and his desire to explore more with Riley. Riley knows that she will be heading back to L.A. after two weeks and has no business messing around with the a biker. But now that she has had a taste...can she truly let it go?
"It's gonna be okay, princess. I'm not gonna let anybody hurt you."-Bart
"What about you? Are you going to hurt me?"-Riley
"Not me. I'm your Han Solo, remember?"- Bart
The connection between Riley and Bart is hot and yet “geeky sweet” at the same time. Riley is a perfect match for Bart.
"Stop calling me princess."- Riley
"You're like a princess-little and pretty and pampered."-Bart
"Sleeping Beauty is a weak little twit. You're not exactly Prince Charming."-Riley
"Yeah, but you don't want Prince Charming. Sleeping Beauty wanted Prince Charming.
You want Han Solo."
Through all of the chaos of the MC, the bright lights of the paparazzi, the distance, and the obstacle of young love, Riley and Bart try to make a way to be together.
"Watching her fight for control of her emotions, he was a beset by protectiveness and worry. As it washed over him, he realized he'd been feeling it for awhile, churning in his background."
Reluctantly, Riley leaves for L.A. and Bart is left to deal with some serious stuff going down with the Horde. (When I say serious, I mean grab the tissue box and maybe a bottle of wine). Riley waits for Bart. But after she returns to her old life, she is changed. She is strong and her fierceness starts to fire through. Bart being young (and let's just say it...stupid) takes a little too long to find his way back to her. I love that Riley stands firm!
Bart and Riley are a beautiful addition to the Signal Bend series. Once these two come together, nothing can tear them apart. However, the special element to this couple is that the knowledge of each other made them individually better people! I just LOVE that Riley found herself and that Bart helped her to flourish!
What can I say but this is how I feel about Alone on Earth....it's a beautiful story. This is an amazing series!
