User Reviews
Rating: really liked it
Danger Zone is book one in The Elite trilogy by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank. This book has every single thing that checks off my box of perfectness. Except one thing, it’s a cliffy. But I knew that going in so was prepared for it although I most certainly didn’t anticipate the way things were left! In any event, these two men are exactly the types of heroes I love to read about, both strong, both dominant, both passionate. In a nutshell, both perfectly delicious.
Grant Hughes is a buttoned up, play by the rules, strive for perfection man, because that’s the way he was raised to be by his Naval Commander father. There was never any question that Grant would follow in his footsteps. Flying fighter jets is what he was born to do. But the pressure to always be perfect was intense. There was also no question that Grant, otherwise known by the name Panther, would be accepted into the Naval Aviation Fighter Academy, the most elite fighter pilot academy in the world, for a ten week intensive training program. At the end of the program, only one man would win and Grant knows that his father expects no less than that trophy.
“This competition was mine to lose, and I never lost. I wouldn’t start now.” 
Mateo Morgan or Solo is the exact opposite of Grant. He pushes every boundary, doesn’t care about rules, and will try just about anything. Where Mateo is out and proud about his sexuality, Grant is not. Only a spare few know of Grant’s preference for men, including his father. And his father would not tolerate him letting the secret out.
“The guy was incorrigible in an almost endearing way.” The first time these two see each other, not knowing who the other is, the chemistry is through the roof, sparks are flying. But Grant puts the breaks on. When they realize that they are both at the academy, Grant is glad he stayed strong. But that sexual tension continues to grow between them. Mateo pushes at Grant every chance he can get with little innuendos, touches, winks. Just enough to infuriate Grant. Also enough to keep that tension strong because he’s sure Grant will only be able to hold out for so long.
“You make a mess of me, you know that? My composure, my concentration, you make me forget myself, and that’s dangerous.” 
These two were so amazing. The sparks were flying anytime they were near each other. At the same time, we’re getting their histories, learning what makes them tick, why they are the way they are. I couldn’t have loved them more. And along with the sexual chemistry, there is plenty of action happening that kept me on the edge of my seat. With all the tension, both sexual and competitive, you know something’s going to blow, and when it does, watch out!
The next book in the series, the continuation of Grant and Mateo’s story, is called Need for Speed. Thankfully, it won’t be too long until it comes out. I have to admit here that this is my first book by either of these authors and I am completely smitten. You can most definitely count on the fact that there will be many, many more in my future.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
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Rating: really liked it
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(hide spoiler)]
Rating: really liked it
Holy mother of cliffhangers !!!! I know.. I know... I could have waited until all books are released, but did you read that blurb?? Right, so you see I had
no choice but to jump into this one.
And I am glad I did, because, despite that major cliffy, it was pretty freaking good.
Oh, how I love me some
badass alpha men, and
Navy jet pilots.. sign me the hell up!!
Grant (call sign
Panther) and Matteo (call sign
Solo) were both accepted into
The Elite. The most prestigious
naval aviation academy in the world. Only the best of the best are attending and they will have to fight hard and give it their all to be
nr.1.
Both come from completely
different worlds and
opposites in a lot of ways. Where Grant is a "by the book" and "follow the rules" kind of person, Matteo is more a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of man.
I absolutely
loved both of them and the
delicious slow burn had me on the edge of my seat...drooling.
Now if I could just get my grabby little hands on book 2, all would be
awesome!!!
Thankfully the wait won't be too long ;)
An ARC was provided to 
in exchange for an honest review 
Rating: really liked it
Top Gun it’s NOTHow this got so many 5 star ratings is something I’ll never know and something I won’t bother thinking about.
Here’s my recap:
Two alpha fighter pilots
Solo chases Panther
Solo is aggressive
Panther aggressively says no
They fly....aggressively
They argue...aggressively
Solo keeps after Panther
Panther keeps saying no
Both men keep saying how hot the other is
They fly some more. Aggressively
They race bikes...aggressively
They get off together...you got it, aggressively
All the while saying how hot the other one is
Panther finally gives in to Solo and they have the best sex of their lives and it’s so hot because they’re so hot
Cliffhanger
Or it would be a cliffhanger if I even cared a whit about either of these two alpha gods.
Yet another superficial and commercially produced work from this pair of authors.
My rec? If you want to waste your time, sure. But you may find yourself aggressively turning each page just to finish the damned thing.
Rating: really liked it
NOW LIVE!Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
Danger Zone is the first book in Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine's The Elite trilogy. This was definitely an introduction to the trilogy more than anything else but it brought all the steaminess from these characters and showed how strong of a chemistry they had. Matteo, aka Solo and Grant, aka Panther, were the complete opposite at first glance. Grant is the by-the-books, always with a plan type of guy, while Matteo is the kind of guy that takes what he wants with no thought of the consequences. I really liked those differences and how it made them have that hate-lust energy that is amazing to read about. And I also liked that they were the same when it came to being dominant., take charge, kind of guys, especially when it came to the bedroom.
I'm not going to lie, I did want more out of this book and thought we would get more detail about both characters. We got hints of a deeper background to Matteo and his past but they were really only mentions of things and no actual detail. I'm sure we'll get more of that story in the next two books but it made me feel like we really didn't know him for the majority of this book.
Overall, this was a super steamy start to this trilogy and of course left us with a big question mark so I'm excited to see what will happen in the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
This book is the SWOON ZONE (sorry for my terrible pun, but this book melted a few of my brain cells by being so freaking SWOONY)
Grant Hughes AKA Panther is your follow the rules type of men. Being a Fighter Jet pilot is in his blood, and there's no question about him being amazing at it. But as expectations are high, Grant is not out with his sexuality and is encouraged by his father to keep it that way.
Mateo Morgan AKA Solo is the opposite. He's the cool guy. He's out and proud and he's always pushing everyone's limits.
Their romance has the most amazing opposites attract chemistry and is deliciously slow-burn. Let's recap here: this is the sexy romance story of two opposites attract jet pilots called panther and solo. You can figure out the rest. It's that good.
BUT, I do warn you that this is a series, and therefore we finish this book with a huge cliffhanger... Yikes. SO, yeah, I'm hooked.
Thank you, Brooke Blaine and Social Butterfly PR for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: really liked it
Ugh, that darn cliffhanger!!!!!
Overall it was an OK read with parts that worked for me. Even if the MCs were HOT and they had great chemistry, I can't say I felt any deep connection... I wanted more and I am pretty sad we have to wait for the next book. It's mean to end a book like that! π₯Ί
Rating: really liked it
|| 4.5 stars ||
Damn, this was one hell of a ride.
Solo and Panther were scorching hot together, and I am kind of obsessed with how much Solo was into him. Like seriously, the guy refused to give up and it was kind of amazing. The tension between them was downright palpable.
There honestly wasn't a moment where I was not thoroughly entertained during this entire novel and I can genuinely not wait to read Need for Speed. If the relationship becomes a bit more emotional rather than just physical, it might honestly be perfect.
'The Elite' series:
1. Danger Zone - 4.5 stars2. Need for Speed - 3.5 stars
3. Classified - 3.0 stars
[Read Count: 2]
Rating: really liked it
Two adrenaline junkies.
One infuriating horndog.
One with stick up his ass.
“Hey, by the way.” Panther glanced at me as I gunned the engine. “Just so you know, I have a feeling you’re going to be my favorite mistake ever.”
β the amount of times Solo just asked for Panther to punch him HAD ME AT MY LIMITS. I salute Panther for not ONCE giving in to the temptation β
Also, I was so-so about this book, didn't love it but didn't hate it. But THAT FUCKING ENDING?!
the . cliffhanger . ending!!!
3.75 π stars
Rating: really liked it
β₯ 3 Stars *:ο½₯οΎβ§
Panther groaned as he touched my face, and when he traced a thumb over my lower lip he muttered, "So fucking gorgeous. It's not fair..."
βββββββββββ β‘ βββββββββββ
This was not bad by any means. But it also wasn't significantly...good? I appreciate the setup and idea of this book: the two best aviators competing for first place that started off on the wrong, not very sfw, foot.
But the enemies aspect fell flat to me. That cute little quote I added above? That was all I could find that was swoon-worthy after scouring my annotations of this book. The banter was barely there, the dirty talk was averagely gross and the sex was barely hot to me.
I feel like I'm likely to just ramble about this book for ages because, although I found myself bored, I have so many things that, if changed, I believe would have made this book much better.
Firstly, let's talk about the characters of course:
βΊ Panther was a pretty okay guy. But again, nothing memorable or new about his character. Just an average man. He has a lot of pressure to do well/win because his dad had won before and everyone thinks he got into this academy thanks to him, so he feels he needs to prove himself. And I did like the nick/code names they have for each other.
βΊ Solo was also a cute name. He bugged me. So detailed and explanatory, I know. He was very insistent on convincing Panther to have sex with him and he was very insensitive about certain topics (I'll get to that).
Regarding the dialogue, it was littered with swearing. It really took away from what the characters were actually saying and it felt like this author's poor attempt at trying to make the men more masculine? I swear regularly so it's not that I have a problem with profanity, but when it's overused it becomes cringey and tiresome.
Example of cringey dirty talk/dialogue:
"You've got the tightest ass I've ever been inside."
Example of unnecessary abundance of profanity use:
"Well, I don't get fucking bonus points."
"Keep your fucking voice down."
"But he's the kind who has a big fucking mouth."
"You don't fucking get it, do you?"
"More than my next fucking breath."
And I could go on and on and on, because their regular dialogue is like this.
The internal monologue was also annoying. I could barely differentiate whose perspective I was reading in and certain character thoughts are truly so strange and unnecessary.
He hadn't said a word and my cock felt as though he'd just wrapped his fingers around it and given me a nice, long stroke.
This book was not funny. I think it tried to be at times, and failed. Miserably.
"There's a hotel at the far north end of Boundary. When you think you're able to walk out of here come meet me there. Actually, don't come - do that when you meet me there."
Did I actually just read a "come/cum" joke in a book? And it was done unironically stop π. One of them also drew a dick in the sky...? I feel like I could get a giggle out of that but it was too drawn out.
Now onto more serious problems I had with the book. There may be vague/mild spoilers coming up. Solo was very inconsiderate and insensitive about the things that Panther has had to/is going through. He's insistent on Panther coming out (like him), as if Panther hasn't expressed that his father hates him for it and his father doesn't want other people to know. So Panther is obligated to stay in the closet for his own benefit of not having to deal with his father. Which leads me to my next point, it was nearly fully Solo's fault when Panther's dad gave him shit about something that Solo did. Panther was only his assigned partner. This gains Panther a hurtful tongue lashing from his father that is purely Solo's fault, and when Solo sees him upset, he just uses it as another reason to convince Panther to have sex with him, to feel that "high".
This is how I think that scene should have gone (featuring my imagination lol): (view spoiler)
[ Just to recap, Panther tries to leave the room while Solo is trying to convince him to have sex with him, but they end up slamming their lips onto eachother. Okay, in my opinion, this would have been a spectacular moment to introduce more intimacy and tender emotions between the love interest. So this is how I think the scene should have gone:
βΊ Solo should have walked in and not said anything and waited for Panther to turn around and notice he was there. He should have a humbled, apologetic and open expression on his face.
βΊ Out of emotional distress, Panther should have gotten upset and told Solo with emotion "How long have you been there? Actually, fuck that, I don't care. Wasn't it enough for you to add to my problems?" He begins to back Solo into the door. "To fuck things up more with my dad? To make me feel miserable right now?" Another step."Are you here to agitate me more? Wanna rub it in my face, huh?" He says face to face with Solo. Solo can feel Panther's breath.
βΊ But then out of exasperation and exhaustion, Panther closed his eyes and dropped his forehead next to Solo's, onto the door, with a sigh.
βΊ "No." Solo says softly, raising both hands to cradle Panther's face. "I'm sorry. I crossed the line. This is my fault, and you shouldn't have had to deal with that." He lets out a soft breath. "Panther. Grant...I'm so sorry."
βΊ Then he slides his fingers up the back of Panther's head and Panther raises his head off the door, and opens his eyes to look into Solo's.
βΊ Solo smiles softly but solemnly, tilting his head just a little while cradling Panthers cheeks once again, and wipes the tears falling from his eyes with his thumbs. "You don't deserve any of that." Panther continues to look intensely into Solo's eyes as Solo gently closes his eyes and presses his mouth softly against his, and begins to hold his face with slightly more confidence as he deepens the kiss, not allowing Panther to break away.
βΊ Panther also deepens the kiss, pressing his tongue lazily into Solo's mouth, giving as much as he's getting. Panther lets his arms fall around Solo's figure and presses him closer, pulling him by his back/waist. He can't get him close enough and feels a need to never leave Solo's arms.
βΊ Panther feels Solo smile against his mouth and cannot stop his own from forming. He nips at Solo's lower lip, pulling it between his teeth, making direct eye contact with Solo, shooting him a wink.
βΊ Solo turns bashful and blushes and then lalala ofc everything that comes after. (hide spoiler)]Anyway, that was just a fun alternative that I thought up.
To end on a positive note, I liked this book. I liked the aviation aspect (such a fun setting), the side characters were pretty decent too, and the romance itself wasn't terrible. It was just that I've read much better. I understand that this is a series and there is to be more romantic/emotional development in the next books but I don't think I'm invested enough. Still, I completely understand why this is a favourite of many, it's always so interesting to see how tastes vary :)
βββββββββββ β‘ βββββββββββ
Rating: really liked it
Before I write my review I have to admit that I have never watched Top Gun. Plus, I kinda hate Tom Cruise - mostly for being part of that horrible cult and for destroying the image of Jack Reacher Killing FloorI had in my head.
All that kinda made me not love this book in the beginning. No idea why. I kind of always had those clips in my head. Those images from the
Take My Breath Away video maybe or the pics I've seen of Tom Cruise in his uniform. I don't know. The book just didn't grab me at all in the beginning. Even though I usually love military/SEAL romances and all that stuff.
And as always with M/M romances - it takes me ages to know who is who. Even with the chapters named Solo and Panther - I still always had to think about things before I knew who was talking. I loved that it was told in first person - I hate nothing more than all those HE's in a gay romance - that is way too complicated for my little reader brain! βΊ
But now about the story.
It's a gay insta-lust-hate or enemies-to-lovers romance set in the world of Navy pilots. Which is cool. I really liked that idea!
We're in California for a 10 week training to find out who's the best of the best.
The Elite.And Grant and Mateo are the best of the best.
But who's the bestestest??? βΊ
Grant is not really openly gay. His dad knows. But his dad is a Navy pilot legend and he won't be happy to find out his son is not taking this class seriously. Grant was planning on taking it all very seriously - until Mateo showed up ...
Mateo is more open with his love life and he makes it verrry known that he wants Grant.
Let's see where those two will take us in this and the next two books! βΊ
I really liked reading it in the end. It was funny and exciting and sparky and flirty and sexy.
Not very long though - so I wouldn't have minded all three books in one book. I don't really like to wait. Even if it's just a month. One book would've been better.
We have a really great group of supporting cast - I just hope nobody will die!!!
We definitely get a very cliffy ending! βΊ
π
π
Rating: really liked it
As ever with this pair of authors Danger Zone is an adrenaline rush filled ride with two hot alpha males.
Also with these authors, they leave the reader hanging with a cliffie of epic proportions. Fortunately, book two is out in only a month.
I know it's their modus operandi but it can be frustrating to know the second book is teasing its existence just a few weeks away π€£
That said, this is a brilliant opener to what's essentially a Top Gun homage to the kick ass world of top level fighter pilots and all the testosterone that comes along with that job.
Loved it as much as I cursed Ella and Brooke when I ran out of book! Matteo and Grant couldn't be more opposite and more perfect for each other.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Rating: really liked it
Great book!!!
Rating: really liked it
Onto the next... Will review after the final book. π€
Rating: really liked it
I was astonished by the level of harassment this book described and tried to portray as romance, it wasn't cute and it wasn't funny. π€π€
I'll share my reactions in chronological order, Doña rants is here because WTF!
π© Solo is a very good "pilot", but he is really reckles and doesn't follow orders... How the fuck he made it to the elite?
π©Panther is also a very good pilot and he does follow rules, but he is deeply in the closet, that's ok. What I could never understand about him is how he let Solo treat him, I would have whooped his ass!
π©Look π€π€ it ain't funny for a character to make sexual innuendos when the other character explicitly said: don't do it, this is my work place, don't do it.
π©It ain't funny when Solo doesn't respect Panther's personal space, just because he thinks that Panther actually wants him to violate said space... BE RESPECTFUL DUDE! HE SAID NO!
And it keeps going, it was like watching a train wreck happen and the worst of the worst was:
π©Solo tricking Panther to get in his room (when it was said that Panther didn't want to) and he refused, REFUSED, to get out of it until Panther slept with him. HOW THE FUCK IS THAT RIGHT? I was so uncomfortable reading this I don't know how I got that far! This was so wrong!
I mean look at this shit: "but when had I ever given him space? I wasn’t about to start now". WHUUUTTTTTT *saca la chancla!* WHUUUTTTTT
*breathes*
Solo did a lot of things with the excuse of: he wants me, he's just in the closet, THAT I COULD NOT DEAL WITH IT.
This book is wrong. π€·π»βοΈ
