★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Was there ever any doubt this series finale would be anything other than utter perfection?

The Night Horde. To me, this club is like a dynasty. Regardless of location, SoCal or Signal Bend, the Flaming Mane represents more than just a club. It embodies family, unity, and even freedom.

So, how do you end the story of an empire?

If you’re Susan Fanetti, you do it with the most epic storytelling imaginable. And then, you add in an incredibly moving conclusion novella (a bonus at the end of this book). Throw in one racing heart, steam that burns your britches and a bucket full of tears … yes, that all adds up to an unputdownable, and unforgettable finale.

I can’t go into a lot of detail without giving away too much of the story … so, I’ll just tell you that Ronin & Lorraine aka Rainy are the perfect couple to close out the series. Their story is so bittersweet. The struggles they face in their relationship, and the difficulty they have in moving forward … gah! They really are a wonderful reflection of what’s happening in the overarching narrative. I wasn’t expecting to fall so in love with them.

I’m sad that the Night Horde journey is over. But I can’t wait for Susan’s next great adventure. I’m sure she has plenty of thrilling books in store for us. Plus, she’s promised a standalone story for one of my favorite Night Horde characters, Nolan. So, even though the series has ended, I feel like there’s a silver lining, with hope for one more book in the future.

It’s been a wild and wonderful ride! Thanks for all the memories.

** Thank you to the author for providing a complimentary copy of this book … and for including me in the dedication, it truly means the world. <3 **

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

THE FINAL RIDE FOR SoCal

I loved this book…it’s Ronin & Rainy’s love story.

For his ‘straight’ job, Ronin was a Hollywood stunt rider.
As a stunt rider and a member of the Night Horde Ronin’s time is filled but for the most part he lives a solitary life. Ronin is over 50 years old and still a bachelor. He had one great love but that was 25 years ago. When Ronin loves he loves for a lifetime.

She’d been his ‘hippie chick,’ in Birkenstocks, broomstick skirts, and layers of jewelry . . .
That was a great description of Rainy in her 20’s. Now, 25 years later when she sees Ronin again she still has those hippie qualities but now they’re more “granola.” For those who aren’t from Oregon where you’re more likely to hear the term granola… it means someone who was hippie in their 20’s but now as they are older and have money. They buy organic, shop at REI, and are environmentally conscious of the world around them. Basically they’re grown up hippies with jobs. Wow, sorry for the long description about granolas but I think it helps to understand Rainy. She’s a business woman now who lives by the same principles she held in her 20’s.

’Great Lost Love.’
There’s a reason why they separated all those years ago but it’s not for me to tell you. And when they come together they have some challenges in their way. Not only what pulled them apart all those years ago but a new revelation. The confession that is shared between these two will make the reunion seem impossible. I know, I’d be hurt and confused by what these two learn. The great thing about how Ms. Fanetti writes it it felt very authentic. Like if this was a real life story it would unfold in a similar fashion.

’They were outlaws, after all.’
The club has a lot going on that had me of the edge of my seat knowing this was the end of the road for this series. I’ve been reading about the club situation through the series and I had a lot of theories on how it would unfold. I was satisfied on how it ended… it was well done.

Conclusion
There’s a bonus conclusion after CALM & STORM has ended. It was like Ms. Fanetti wrote it just for me. It was the closure I needed on that story line.

I’ve been struggling with how to say goodbye to this chapter of my reading life. I joined the ride with the series Signal Bend and continued on when the spinoff series followed. The adventure has taught me a lot about life, family, love, loyalty, and unity. While I know this isn’t the end for Ms. Fanetti’s writing career it still makes me sad that the series has ended. Yes, I cried in this book. I always end up crying in Fanetti books.

Thank you, Susan Fanetti, for the dedication. I’m in awe of you and honored to be included in your book! ♥

If you’re looking for a motorcycle romance with older characters then this series is the BEST OF THE BEST.

**Complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.**