Review: All Things Must Come to an End
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 29, 2014
Susan Fanetti did a great job bringing the Signal Bend series full circle and to a satisfying completion with Leave a Trail (Signal Bend #7). Unlike many a series out in “book land” right now, this series had a stated finale, with a promise to tie up all of the loose ends, and in my opinion that was done. Reading the epilogue of the book was quit moving (yeah I cried), as it reminded me of all that the Horde had done (good and bad), the sacrifices that had been made, the characters we had lost, the strength and ties to family and friendship this MC had and honored. I was happy to have shared this time (all 7 books) with the Horde.The romance/love story between Badger and Adrienne was the weak point of the book, and the series for me. I didn't enjoy it, found it rather boring and dull. I want to believe that love conquers all, can fix all, and can survive the worst things thrown in its path (and looking at Isaac & Lili I believe this to be true). I had a hard time believing that Adrienne’s love for Badger helped him kick his addiction so quickly, helped him come to terms with the psychological & physical trauma he suffered at the hands of the cartel, and helped him find his focus and peaceful center once again. Granted losing his kutt might have helped with part of the problem, but I just couldn't attribute it to the strength of love between Adrienne and Badger. I found the first third to half of the book dragged on and didn't hold my interest; it was for the love of the series that I forced myself to continue reading, and I’m glad I did.I think that part of the problem might have been I never really felt like I knew Badger, he’d never been one of the characters I had any interest in or rooted for until Show the Fire (Signal Bend, #6). The romance between Badger and Adrienne just seemed like a YA/NA read (and I stay away from those for the most part) I’d like to think that it was due to them being so young, but I think that Bart and Riley were also quit young compared to the other couples in the series and I enjoyed their romance. I was surprised how easily Adrienne was able to accept the Hordes lifestyle, she had no questions or concerns compared to the “old Ladies” of the previous Horde members, and even after her accident, she didn't question her association with the MC.There were no new characters in this story, but since the book spans almost 8-9 years with the included epilogue, we were able to see the children grow up; new children come into the world, and the lives of the Horde family evolve. I loved the inclusion of the dogs, and was happy they didn't end up with Cujo personalities. I felt like a fly on the wall, peeking in on Loki, Bo, Gia and Nolan, there were no cookie cutter personalities here, each one stood strongly and independently, adding additional dimension to the overall story-line.In the end, I felt closest to Isaac & Lili, and was happy for their peace, but I saw the future success of the Horde through Badger and Nolan.For me a three star read due to Badger & Adrienne romance.