| Title | : | In Dark Woods (Signal Bend, #4.5) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 68 |
| Publication | : | First published March 21, 2014 |
An act of treachery has weakened Isaac Lunden, President of the Night Horde MC. His life, and his family’s, is changed fundamentally. Lilli, his old lady, is at his side, exhorting him to fight. But he isn’t sure that what’s left to him is enough to fight for. This is the story of Isaac and Lilli’s journey through those dark woods.
Author's Note: this novella develops a plot point in Alone on Earth, book four of the Signal Bend series, that could not be adequately explored in the POV's of that book. The description above therefore is a spoiler for that event.
In Dark Woods (Signal Bend, #4.5) Reviews
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4.5 stars. Review posted April 13, 2014
It was intense and almost unbearably emotional occasionally. It fucking hurt. Keep a stack of tissues at the ready. Let me handle my review the same way we rip off a band-aid: quick. Fact is, I don't see any purpose in digging around the painful and fierce turmoil which had been provided by In Dark Woods. A riveting and well-written turmoil, that is.
I'm neither a writer nor a poet. I am a simple reviewer. Yet I wanted to convey my feelings in a special way. It's not a poem, it's a listing of thoughts and I'd like to dedicate it to Isaac and Lilli. Since I didn't want to feel stupid over doing something a bit unconventional for once, I sent it to a dear friend of mine to get her…um…approval. She told me it made her cry. Well, and her response made me teary-eyed.
When tragedy strikes, time stands still
All the wait saturated with angst, despair and hope
Drowning in pain and misery
Fighting back, coping with depression, inadequacies
A savage fear rears its ugly head
Hope blooms
Wiped out by setbacks and everyday worries
Crying jags, exhaustion obliterated by strength and a battling disposition
Marked by milestones
Suppressed desires
Touching, caressing, feeling, skin on skin
Just hold me
Fucking hold me together
A climax
Incentive to keep going
Dealing with quarrels, divergences
To wing hope
Love weathers any storm
And underneath it all a human being
No surrender, unconditional devotion
Don't take anything for granted
Gratitude, bliss
At last
Escaping the dark woods
Back on the right road
Again.
Maybe I should hand over a thankyou to the author because her words inspired mine.
In Dark Woods really touched me deeply. Even today I'm still thinking about this novella and I decided to upgrade my rating to 4.5 stars.
Bottom line, In Dark Woods is a very intimate and profoundly moving portrayal of Isaac and Lilli and a must read for every fan of the Signal Bend series.
Recommended read. -
"Ride or Die"
It would be impossible to review this book without spoiling, so all I can say is that this book. Holy Shit. It was AMAZING. This couple is the best! <3
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Re-read (1/27/2015)
This is my favorite novella. It's short but packs an emotional punch.
Thank you, Kim..., for taking this ride with me. ~RIDE OR DIE~
♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥"You always say 'ride or die.' It doesn't mean the same thing to me that it does to you, I guess. You say it like it means if you can't ride, you might as well die. I think it means you're up for any fight, no matter what, that you never f*cking quit."
In Dark Woods is a book that you won't want to skip. An amazing story of unconditional love that will pull at your heartstrings. The story starts with a pivotal scene from
Alone on Earth told from Lilli and Isaac's pov and progresses to the consequences of that scene.
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) -
RIDE OR DIE
Back to Signal Bend to Isaac and Lilli. But it is a changed Isaac and Lili that we are meeting. They are in a different place. Will their love be enough to overcome the struggles and roadblocks that are ahead of them? I must say I have been enthralled with this series. I got the first book as a freebie and thought it was fantastic and every single book since has been just as good. A very talented author.“Mo Mo”
Ahhhh, Gia calls her mommy Mo Mo!!
Can’t really say too much about this but fans of the series will love to be back there and hoping and praying that Isaac and Lilli and baby Gia can find their perfect piece of heaven.Midway on our life’s journey, I found myself in dark woods, the right road lost…
To tell about those woods is hard – so tangled and rough…
And savage that thinking of it now, I feel the old fear stirring: death is hardly more bitter
NEVER SAY DIE
Cannot wait for the next book!
*ARC generously provided by the author for which I am very grateful.
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4.5 Stars
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★★★★☆ 4.5+ Stars!
This novella was just...
There were scenes that made me want to do this:
But in the end I was left with a happy smile on my face.
If you haven't read this series yet, I would highly recommend giving it a try! ♥ -
5 Isaac and Lilli Stars
I found myself in dark woods, the right road lost.
To tell about those woods is hard - so tangled and rough.
What is an MC president without his gavel?
What is a biker without his bike?
What is a man without his body?
Isaac's thoughts are bleak and they plague his mind day and night. Tragedy once again hit them hard.
They paid in blood, tears and pain but unlike other times betrayal came from within.
Lilli is also torn. Her sanity hangs in the balance. Seeing her man, her reason of living tormented breaks her heart.
In dual POVs they narrate a dark byway in their lives' journey. Heartbreaking, emotional, human and realistic. I abso-freaking-lutely loved it!
Ride or die.
A short story that reminds you of the reasons of living. About fighting and falling down. But always getting back up...
ARC courtesy of the author, thanks to the amazing
Allison, in exchange for an honest review
Thank you both, so much!!!
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*****5 Ride or Die Stars*****
It was love at first ride for me and my man Isaac; and just when I thought he couldn't get any hotter he completely melted every part of my body yet again.
Leave it to Isaac and Lilli to confront head-on the difficult times, more than their strength and straight up badass-ness, the most unbreakable and powerful thing they have is their love and once again they will come on top. Scarred and bruised but always still standing and in love.
I loved!! Adored! lusted! and obsessed!!! over every single word of this short but oh!-so-powerful novella...
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This is hands down my favorite novella to date. It's heartbreaking in content but ultimately is a brilliant testament to what true love and marriage are all about...those wedding vows were playing in my head over and over again. Throughout this part of their story, it became more and more evident that Isaac and Lilli share a hell of a bond, and that nothing, NOTHING, NOTHING will tear them apart.
There's magic in their devotion. It was beautiful. No matter how many times Fanetti wants to rip my heart out of my chest and stomp on it, she created something special with Isaac and Lilli and I'm thankful for that. -
5 Realization, Willing to Fight Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
62 pages...That's all it took to take us on the journey of realization...62 pages showing the strength and will of Lilli...demonstrating the unwavering commitment of a woman who is determined; solely focus on bringing her guy through this dark, torturous, black hole. She had an understanding of what a real man is...who Issac needed to see in himself and understand Lilli saw it all along.
There is a scene which struck as so real...Lilli washes his hair.
We go on the journey and it is a 10-month stretch...nothing is left out... the struggles, the fears, the anger and the victory in Issac's acceptance of his rebirth, the man he will now be...
Susan Fanetti did it in 62 pages.
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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This is a novella in the Signal Bend series..
I must say that this was one intense,emotional read. It was 70 pages of grief, anger,perservereance, and most of all deep love. I thought that I realized in past books, how much Lilli and Isaac loved each other; but nothing comes even close to how deep their love becomes as they struggle through trying to figure out how to accept his injuries. The love that these two have for one another shines through during this tragedy. I was amazed at the strength that this couple has to deal with such huge changes in their lives.
Susan Fanetti did a beautiful job on capturing the feelings that a person must go through when trying to deal with such an intense loss of not being able to feel anything from the neck down. It broke my heart to see such a powerful man such as Isaac, be brought to his knees and sink into a dark pit of despair. Also, to see how Lilli was so determined to keep her man motivated, as well as be there to hold him up when he just couldn't bring himself to do it on his own.
This novella reminds us readers of how strong Lilli and Isaac's love for one another is. I was absorbed from start to finish with this one, and it brought out all kinds of feelings inside of me while I was reading.. So much happens in this short novella, that I believe not a single page is wasted. This is a must read for Signal Bend fans; you won't be disappointed, and it will have you fall in love with Lilli and Isaac all over again. -
WOW. EXCELLENT. BEST NOVELLA IN A SERIES EVER!
I needed this. I needed the know what happened after the horrific betrayal...the tragedy...the destruction of Isaac Lunden.
This book, while necessary to give some closure to the whole Scorpion / CJ debacle, was more than a filler. After everything that Isaac and Lilli went thru, never have two people deserved a HEA. Never have two characters showed the true meaning of deep, all consuming, forever love.
"RIDE or DIE"...Isaac could not ride. With Lilli by his side would ride. Pushing, Pulling, Supporting, constantly Loving...she would fight with him and always for him...He just cant quit...he needs to fight for himself as well. It is amazing to see the power of true love!
Thank you Susan Fanetti for this closure...this perfect 70 some pages of emotion. Thank you for sharing a love so deep that it will stick forever with me!
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So....some stuff went down in
Alone on Earth with Isaac and Lilli.
Honestly, I keep thinking to myself...how much more can these two people go through really?
Once again, Isaac and Lilli are challenged. Their balance is thrown. Their life is shaken. Their world is shattered.
And once again, Issac and Lilli rise above. Their love for each other carries them through. The willingness to overcome, overrides the loss of hope. And they come out on the other side even stronger.
Sweet jeebus, please let these two have some peace and quiet for awhile! -
5 Healing Stars!
SPOILER FREE REVIEW
Well this is impossible to thoroughly review as it would be a 100% spoiler to the events that take place in Bart's book Alone On Earth. Well damn.
Susan Fanetti has taken a group of bikers from the Horde Motorcycle Club and made them a family. With each book, we've grown in our knowledge and attachment to each character. Each book typically focusing on a different club member, this book goes alongside and slightly after the timeline of Alone On Earth. It's the story of Isaac and Lilli in the aftermath of a Scorpion MC battle. It's written in third person POV and sucked me right back into their life.
I fell in love with Isaac all over again while reading this. The book contains a fair about of struggling, of strife, and I just wanted to make it all better.
Isaac and Lilli have the perfect love story, not the insta-love hearts and flowers stuff. They've got struggles and challenges from past thru present and their love always prevails.
If you haven't started this series and you've got a liking for the tough grit of biker books, Ms Fanetti will be an auto buy for sure.
Looking forward to Havoc's book coming out in April!
And I thank you,
Arc courtesy of the author in exchange of an honest review. -
Wow, this novella packs one hell of a punch. If you’ve been reading the series, it’s absolutely crucial that you read this book. The story is told from Isaac and Lilli’s points of view, and starts by filling in the missing pieces from events that took place in Bart’s book,
Alone on Earth. I needed the reminder of just how amazing Lilli and Isaac are together, and the strength of their unconditional love. Although this wrung just about every emotion out of me, the storyline wraps up nicely in preparation for the next book.
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I didn't think it was possible to love Isaac and Lilli more than I already did but this book proved me wrong. I swear, these two deserve a break and some happy times in their future because fate has been beating the shit out of these two!
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May 2020 - what a gut wrenching novella. Pure Susan Fanetti and absolutely brilliant.
Re-read (as part of the series) August 2017 - Isaac and Lilli are the strong backbones (no pun intended) of this series. Reading this Signal Bend by-way following the tragic events of the previous book 4 puts their strength to a real test. And their fortitude and love never waivers. These two are an EPIC love story throughout the series and they stand strong as the patriarch and matriarch of the Night Horde MC.
5+++ "He'd told her he rode in his dreams." Stars
In Dark Woods gives a continuation of Isaac and Lilli’s story in follow up to the events that have happened in Signal Bend in books 3 and 4. Since we last focused on them in Behold the Stars, we’ve had glimpses into their relationship through the eyes of Show, Shannon, Bart and Riley. Major, life-altering stuff has gone down in Signal Bend since book 2. In Dark Woods takes a deeply emotional journey into the lives of these two soul mates – these two warriors, survivors – and shows us true, lasting, deep love in a purely emotional form. It’s a freaking tear-jerker. It’s an intimate, personal, and raw portrayal into the life of these characters. The characters of Isaac and Lilli have continually developed throughout this series. In Dark Woods raises them to a whole new level. Through her evocative, skilled writing, Susan Fanetti brutally breaks our hearts then gently picks up the pieces one by one until we full whole again just as she does to Isaac and Lilli. I can’t say too much or I’m going to spoil it. But this novella is so powerful and moving. It bonds these two like never before and we get to fall in love with them all over again. It’s a story of defeat contrasted with triumph; of love and hate; of peace and chaos. It’s brilliant. I LOVE THIS SERIES and I cannot wait for book 5 and Havoc’s story. -
5 NEVER SAY DIE STARS
This novella featuring my ultimate,favourite couple of this series -Isaac and Lilli, is pure perfection. Through its brevity, it poignantly portrays the strength of their bond, even in the darkest of times, and how their love, need and commitment to each other and their family is a force not to be reckoned with.
Isaac – big, strong, power, raw, virile and gorgeous.
Lilli – strong, smart, brave, true, sexy and beautiful
“Your brain and your heart – big and strong as ever – they make you a man.”>
“What I need of you I still have, love. As long as you’re with me, I still have you. All I need.”
“Ride or die.
“Okay, brothers. Let’s ride.”
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***5 Love and Strength Stars***
There's really nothing I can say about this novella as it would spoil Alone on Earth.
What I will say is that Isaac and Lilli are the definition of EPIC and UNYIELDING LOVE!
Their individual strength and the strength they give each other is absolutely breathtaking to read. They've been through so much (more than anyone should ever have to endure) and have come through every experience stronger, steadier and deeper in love. There's nothing they can't make it through together and nothing that could diminish the intensity of their soul connection.
Easily one of favorite fictional couples! -
4.5 stars!
"Ride or Die..."
What a beautiful, emotional journey! I started this one on the train home from school and the next thing I know, I have to hide my face because I'm either smiling or fighting the urge to cry.
I knew I loved Lilli and Isaac but I forgot just how much until I got to be back in their heads, and lives. 68 pages is not nearly enough for me and even though we already got 2 books for them, I still secretly wish for more. I'll never get enough of these characters.
I can't talk about what this novella is about without giving away a HUGE spoiler but I will say it was everything I needed it to be. -
O.M.G. Sad tears. Pissed off tears. Fretful tears. Happy tears. This was one hell of a novella ride- that's for sure!!! I need at least one extra glass of wine after this short little read. It encompassed so many emotions and at the same time filled in the blanks left unanswered from the fourth book in the Signal Bend series. Susan Fanetti is an excellent writer! Ride or die- movin' on to number five!!
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Wow.
This is Isaac and Lilli’s story.
From the life changing events of the previous book. Alone on Earth.
We follow them on their emotional roller coaster.
Fabulous. -
WOW..just..WOW
It is nearly impossible to review this book because if I say much of anything I would most likely let loose a spoiler and I really don’t want to do that. So I will try to keep it short. :)
We are back in Signal Bend where we find Lilli and Isaac in a very different place in their lives. They are dealing with the aftermath of what happened after the Scorpion MC arrived in town. As if Lilli and Isaac haven’t dealt with enough struggles and challenges, they will be tested one more time.
Lilli is Isaac’s rock. She is so strong and carries the weight of the world on her shoulder like a true warrior. Through her pain she still shines.
Isaac has crossed into new territory. A place he has never been before. He was leaning on Lilli in a way he has never had to before. He really has to dig deep for this one.
And lets not forget about beautiful Gia. She is simply precious and I adored her moments with Lilli and Isaac.
All I really wanted for Isaac, Lilli and Gia is for them to find their calm, their happiness. I wanted to reach into this book and make it all better for them.
Isaac and Lilli have that one of a kind love. I fell in love with these two in Move the Sun and Behold the Stars. Their relationship wasn’t pure, it had flaws but their love for each other was unshakeable. In Dark Woods we find out that it is also that forever kind of love. ❤
No. Not Yet.
Ride or die.
Okay, so I will repeat myself again. :) This is such an amazing series. I can’t begin to tell you how much I have enjoyed each and every one of these books. I have one left. I’m kind of excited about that and kind of sad too. Do yourself a huge favor and start this series or continue this series. -
5 ACHING STARS
This was so great. To hear what happened at the end of Alone On Earth from Lilli and Isaac's point of view. So much hardship, so much hard work. Great novella, and I can't wait for the next book. -
Reread (01/26/2015) with Amy Foxy
A full universe of Stars
There are not enough words in the english language to describe my level of emotion associated with this lovely little novella. This is sincerely THE BEST novella I have ever read. In fact it is one of THE VERY BEST stories I have ever read (regardless of length).
It always amazes me when an author has the ability to pack so much into such a short little book.
Susan Fanetti has managed to create something completely magical ... Love, Love, Love. -
Will I ever get tired of this series? Hell No!
This was short, sometimes sad, but definitely sweet. I love how much this couple has grown and how secure they are in their love.
4.5 Stars -
In Dark Woods is a novella from the fantastic Signal Bend Series. It's a bit hard to review because you just have to read it for yourself...but I will do my best!
The time frame of Dark Woods is crossed over from the 4th book in the series (Alone on Earth). So if you have read Alone on Earth, you know that something very bad happens to Isaac. In this book, we find Lilli is scared that she is going to loose Isaac forever. This novella focuses on their journey of the trauma and then through to the end.
In the beginning, Lilli is cradling and singing to her baby Gia and relishing in the peace that dwells in her sweet life.
"The words and melody came unbidden to her lips. She remembered every word, every note. Being a mother had given Lilli her own mother back."
Suddenly violence has returned to wipe its dark blood all over the safety and dwelling of their home. Their beautiful toddler Gia is doesn’t understand what is going on. Show and Shannon are there to offer their support to Lilli. Lilli is exhausted trying to hold everything together! The Horde is barely hanging on as their Pres is in peril.
Isaac feels like he will never be able to continue living if things can’t be the way they were before. He travels a very dark, dark path. Your heart will break right along with him!
"Because nothing she could say or do seemed to convince him that he could have a life. Without her to goad him, cheer him, kick his ass for him, he would just give up."
Lilli doesn’t care how things are now. She just wants Isaac.
"She would not lose another person she loved. She would not lose the only man she'd ever love. She would not. She focused."
Once again, I am blown away by the strength in Lily and her character. She is such an inspiration because she will not give up. No matter what they have faced in the past, are facing in the present, or will face in the future. Lilli will always be there beside Isaac. She just wants to remind him to not give up!
"Why do you think I need more? What I need of you, I still have, love. As long as you're with me, I still have you. All I need."-Lilli
In Dark Woods was told in dual POV. It was truly heartbreaking and beautiful to witness the love these two have maintained over so many heartbreaking trials. It is quite a beautiful thing. If you are a fan of the Signal Bend Series than you must take the time to read this book. My only regret is that it wasn’t 300 pages more! I will never tire of reading about these two!
RIDE OR DIE
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I've been anticipating this novella since half way reading through Bart's story. Thank God for this novella, or else I wouldn't know how to cope. When I thought that Isaac and Lilli have finally found their peace, then shit happens again. I might just have enough! But in the meantime we also witnessed how beautiful and strong their love for each other is. They fight like any old couple and Isaac can be a total douche and child sometimes when he can't cope. But they are there for each other. I still remember how Isaac cared for Lilli during her meltdown and now is Lilli turned to be there for her man who was in the brink of giving up his life.
Just prepare some Kleenex before starting this one. A must read for every Isaac and Lilli's fan. -
4.5 stars
I bypassed
He swung his leg over the saddle and strapped on his helmet.
Ride or die.
“Okay, brothers. Let’s ride.”
Alone on Earth, Bart's story {but I'll get to it, eventually!}, in order to read this little novella that brings back the first couple of this series, Isaac and Lilli Lunden!
I don't usually give 4 or 5 stars to novellas, but I really love this couple, a testament to my little love affair with Fanetti's writing. This couple is one of the uniquely penned ones, both are alphas, equally strong. They are intense and fierce-loving individuals who have grown to weirdly and co-dominantly complement each other throughout the two and a half books that they have starred in. And honestly, I could read at least one more with just them as the main attraction because Lilli is sort of like one of my book girlfriends, and Isaac is a badass alpha who knows how to give in to his alpha female when warranted. Together, they just got the juice to keep the energy rolling.
In this novella, Isaac falls to some of the lowest depths a human being can experience. So, good thing he has his warrior women who fights for him in a dogged fashion, even when he can't or even when he is unwilling to.
Secondary character and show-stealer of this series, Show, is ever his silent and stoic self; he and his lady love Shannon give unbending support to Lilli and Isaac. My only hang-up is that while Show is given moments of dialogue with Lilli and Isaac, Shannon is like a silent partner. We know she's there helping Lilli, but she doesn't interact. I felt this made Lilli appear very solitary, and while it followed true to her character, I think Lilli should have had some female support during the low times she experiences due to Isaac's situation. Without Shannon's voice, Lilli seems harsher and lonelier. I didn't want that for her, even though she did have Show to lean on and...well...to punch, LOL.
Regardless, this was an excellent half book to add to this series. Readers would definitely do better reading the previous books in order to understand the chemistry between Isaac and Lilli, but not to understand the conflict, which is at first, simply betrayal, and secondly & most importantly, inner struggle.
Even though, by skipping bk #4, I'm left with 1 or 2 minor questions about the overarching conflict that will probably follow in the next book.
I love Signal Bend. -
What an absolutely great novella! Susan Fanetti expands on an incident that happened in the previous book (Alone on Earth)when MC leader Isaac Lunden nearly dies when he is betrayed by a club member. Great writing showing the true love that has developed between Isaac and his wife Lilli. The scene when she washes and braids his hair while he is lying paralysed in a hospital bed is heartbreakingly beautiful.
A series where you truly experience the gamut of emotions from the deepest pain to the purest love.
