They train to serve their country.They strive to be the best.But only a select few can be…The Elite* * MATEO MORGANCALL SIGN: SOLOReckless, arrogant, and bold, Solo is as known in the U.S. Navy for his bad-boy reputation as he is for his skills as a fighter pilot. It’s a surprise to his peers, then, when he’s chosen to train and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the … and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world.
MISSION RULES:
1.Kick everyone’s ass.
2.Do whatever it takes to win.
3.Do your best to distract the competition.
4.Especially when that competition is a gorgeous blue-eyed perfectionist who makes your blood run hot.
* *
GRANT HUGHES
CALL SIGN: PANTHER
Disciplined, smart, and confident, Panther can’t afford not to play by the rules. As the son of a top Navy commander, all eyes are on him, and being anything less than number one is unacceptable.
MISSION RULES:
1.Keep it safe in the air.
2.Prove you’re more than Commander Hughes’s son.
3.No distractions. Stay focused.
4.Don’t fall for your competition—especially not the rebellious heartbreaker with lips made for sinning.
In the heat of the hot California sun, tempers flare and desires ignite as Solo and Panther try to resist their attraction while fighting to be number one.
With passion this intense, the question remains:
Who’s gonna come out on top?
Danger Zone is book one of The Elite series and is not a standalone. Book two, Need for Speed, will release 3.27.20, followed by the final book, Classified, on 4.27.20.
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Wow, this book! So good, it had you engaged with the first chapter and doesn’t let up till the end. I wish I could have been in the room when solo and panther see each other at the academy. I love how solo doesn’t give up and wears panther down, their so compatible yet like night and day. Yet panther does have a wild side, that matches solo, when he lets go. I was so excited for this book and was not disappointed, it was steamy and funny and exciting. I can’t wait to read more, find out what happens next, cause the ending literally leaves you hanging.
Solo and Panther are both in the running for an elite spot in the US Navy fighter pilots. Solo is a bad boy with a reckless streak. Panther is the son of one of the top pilots. He is trying to live up to his father’s expectations. He is trying to deny his attraction to Solo.
Great start to the series. The rest of the supporting characters are great. The chemistry is off the charts. Can’t wait to see how this is going to play out.
4.5 / 5 Stars
After reading this very first book in this new series, I can say that I really hope that this awesome duo write beyond the main couple.
Be aware, as a three-book story, the ending is kinda cliffy.
The story is intense, hot as well, gritty and very entertaining, it has insta-lust and one of my favorite tropes, enemies-to-lovers. Add some action into it, and you have a great book.
Our main characters have some baggage, like any other person, and they are not fond of sharing it with each other. But their attraction is stronger than they want to admit at first. Especially Grant, since his father is one who is not happy with many of his choices, his sexuality included. I love the pull and push between Grant and Matteo, their chemistry and all the sexual tension is unavoidable and that’s the best part of it all.
Now I just can’t wait for the next 2 books.
I’ll admit that I wasn’t planning on reading this book because I’m not big on military reads especially fighter pilots. Obviously I made an exception because a few of my friends couldn’t recommend this one enough. And I love a good M/M read and Danger Zone is definitely that. An enemies to lovers, TWO alphas that are just so different and an ending that’ll leave you wanting so much more!
Believe it or not, this was a first time read by both of these authors. Once I devoured this one, recommendations were coming for other books that these two have written. You can bet that I quickly added them to my TBR.
I loved that Danger Zone is H-O-T and quick read that you’ll easily read in one sitting. The little dance Solo and Panther are doing around each other is never-ending and my gosh, it will literally push you over the edge.
Not going to lie, I thought this series were all standalones and a new couple in each. But thankfully, they’re not going to make us wait long for book 2 because I can never get enough of Solo and Panther.
Ella Frank Brooke Blaine
Soooooooooooooo, this was unexpected. Not a bad thing or a good thing, it just was. *shrug* Honestly, nothing of much substance happens in this book. This is the beginning of a trilogy and although I expected a bit more depth in the characters and story-line, it still provided enough for me to enjoy it and feel somewhat connected.
Of course, this is deliciously sexy, as one would expect from these ladies, so no disappointment there 🙂 This does end in a eye-popping twist, but since it’s a trilogy, that was kind of a given. So as they say, nothing to see here (lol) but it definitely promises to be yet another hit by these outstanding authors!
Oh my!! Danger Zone kicks off The Elite series with a bang and I cannot wait for more!
Solo and Panther are very alike in their determination and desire to be the best at everything they do—and everything is a competition. Which is perfect since they’re truly competing for the title—The Elite.
And their attraction to each other is undeniable too—and one that could potentially distract them from their goals. But, holy hell, these men are something to behold.
I loved their insta-spark. Their immediate draw—and antagonism—to each other. Like a firework just waiting for the flame to ignite it. I love that they’re so alike and so very different. That their pasts have definitely made them the men they are today. And what drives them to succeed.
I love that they’re just getting started. That Solo and Panther are finally letting the other “see” the real man behind the call sign. And, damn, I cannot wait for more because the ending of Danger Zone has me sitting at the edge of my seat!
Two alpha male heroes? Check
Heaps of sexual tension? Check
High energy storyline? Check
Your Top Gun M/M fantasy come to life? Check. Check. Check!
For a girl who complains about trilogy’s and cliffies, that sure doesn’t apply when the author line says written by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank.
These two are at it again, bringing M/M magic with their new release Danger Zone.
The banter between not only the main characters but the secondary characters had me in giggles. There’s competitiveness between them but with a fun edge that keeps things light.
The tension between the hero’s pulsed hard, which had me frustrated but in the best way.
And the ending. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph that ending!
Hands down favorite read of February. Is it March 27th yet?
Every time I read a new book written by these two it amazes me how they get me invested so quickly. Solo and Panther were scorching together, the sexual tension was hot, but as always there’s so much more to their story. What an ending, loved loved loved this, such an amazing start to a series, I’m eagerly awaiting more
I loved Top Gun. I haven’t seen the movie in a really long time because of my extreme dislike for a certain actor, but I really feel like I need to watch it again now that I read this book. Also, I pretty much had Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins playing on a loop in my head the entire time I read this book. Those two things alone made it obvious to me that I was going to enjoy the heck out of this book. The fact that it’s also written by two authors I love…that just sealed the deal.
Danger Zone was a fun and sexy read. Mateo and Grant, AKA Solo and Panther, are total opposites in many ways, but both strive to prove that they are the best of the best. One is open about who he is and what he wants (which is Panther), the other is buttoned-up and intense, all while keeping a very important part of himself a secret. From the very first moment they meet, these two are combustible and you can’t help but turn the page to see how things play out.
This book does end on a pretty big cliffhanger, but the next book comes out in a month, so at least the wait won’t kill us. I can’t wait for more of these two. Not to mention this awesome world and the secondary characters that play a role in Mateo and Grant’s story.
Like many others, I had Kenny Loggins’s song from the Top Gun soundtrack playing in my head while reading this, and just like the song, this was fast-paced, with an intensity and tension to it that I could feel thrumming through my veins. This is only the first book, and yes, it does end with a cliffhanger–and I’m talking about the sort of cliffhanger that had my mouth dropping open in shock. Naturally, we don’t get to fully know Grant’s and Matteo’s back stories as well as their current story as rivals and lovers, but what we do get isn’t merely whetting the reader’s appetite, but giving us enough to satisfy for the meantime while salivating for more. AND I NEED MORE, DAMN IT! Book two, Need for Speed, is due for release on April 27. Let the countdown begin! Five-plus stars for Danger Zone.
Danger Zone is the first book in a new series, The Elite, by one of my favorite writing duos, Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine. I get giddy when Brooke and Ella announce a new series! They give us the sexiest men, separate and together and I’m loving these fighter pilots. They are the elite and there can only be one. Grant and Mateo are attracted to each other the minute they meet. It’s all fire and chemistry, but Grant knows Mateo is trouble and has to force himself to walk away. But when they see each other again, the first day of training and they realize they are going to be spending the next ten weeks together competing for the top spot, it gets good! Mateo, call sign Solo and Grant, call sign Panther are going to have to fight their attraction while they fight in the sky. Mateo is out and sure of himself, he’s also reckless and mouthy. Grant is buttoned up, serious and has to prove himself to his father. He’s not out, but he’s not going to be able to stay away from Mateo and his sexiness. Grant can only fight his feelings for so long before Mateo finally does one thing to set him off. Will he end up being the best thing who’s ever happened to him or the biggest mistake? Oh man, I love them all already! Panther and Solo are the perfect names for these sexy and intense men. I also fell hard for the secondary characters! Thank God we don’t have to wait too long to see what happens next!
Oh. My. God! I’m in love!
Y’all this is so freaking hot. The banter between these two hot pilots…..yeah pilots….will have you begging for more from them. Solo is a fun, by the seat of his pants kinda guy where Panther is the uptight type. And together, geez they are explosive.
But this isn’t just a hot read it also has a really great story that I can’t wait to get more of. It’s exciting, fun and yes, steamy. So excited for the next book! If M/M is your thing you’ll definitely want to check this one out. Five steamy stars.
*Review by Michelle
Oh. My. God! I’m in love!
Y’all this is so freaking hot. The banter between these two hot pilots…..yeah pilots….will have you begging for more from them. Solo is a fun, by the seat of his pants kinda guy where Panther is the uptight type. And together, geez they are explosive.
But this isn’t just a hot read it also has a really great story that I can’t wait to get more of. It’s exciting, fun and yes, steamy. So excited for the next book! If M/M is your thing you’ll definitely want to check this one out. Five steamy stars.
Danger Zone is an entertaining start to The Elite series from Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine. It very much had a Top Gun feel to it, which I enjoyed. I really like the whole competition aspect to the story, and getting to know Panther, Solo, and the other competitors. It’s a very fast paced, easy read, and yes, it left me needing more!
Panther and Solo are both strong, charismatic characters, determined to do whatever it takes to win. In Solo’s case, that includes winning (over) Panther. But that may be tough even for a man like Solo. I got a little bit of a Viper (from the Fallen Angel series) vibe from Solo- he was quite persistent and didn’t take no for an answer easily. These 2 are very much opposites, other than their desire to be the best. Solo is so unapologetic about who he is, and while I appreciated that about him, it did get kind of overwhelming at times- he was full-throttle constantly! Panther is the more reserved of the two, a little uptight, but understandable knowing his background.
The sexual tension between these guys is there in spades, as you’d expect from an EF/BB couple!
We’re left hanging on the edge of our seats as book 1 ends, and I’m excited, and anxious, to see what’s to come for these men.
This couple slay! So much tension. Elizabeth @ Carolina Chic’s Read
Solo and Panther meet the night before reporting to the Elite training school. They are both the best. One slightly dangerous and the other a legacy. Tensions run heavy and hot for these men. What will it take for one of them to come out on top!
5 Give Me More Stars!
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.
Blaine and Frank have another winner on their hands with Danger Zone. Creating a character in Mateo, a.k.a. Solo, they’ve upped their game. He rivals Logan Mitchell as the man with the most bravado, never caring what the world thinks of him or if his actions will have consequences. And then he’s paired in THE elite Navy flight school with Grant Hughes, a.k.a. Panther, and his world is never the same.
I loved that these two had immediate chemistry, a bar hook-up that didn’t happen the night before they are to start their grueling instruction. The surprised look on both of their faces was priceless as they realize they will have to be together for the duration of their training, the sparks ever present with just a raise of an eyebrow or a sexy little smirk.
But, of course, these two authors don’t make us wait (thank goodness) and the passionate trysts they are known for heated up my kindle once more. The undeniable attraction proves to be too much for both Solo and Panther, even though it’s Panther who has the most to lose.
With a OMG kind of cliffhanger, I’m sitting here desperate for more. Blaine and Frank’s M/M take on Top Gun is full of clever humor and an intense allure as Grant and Mateo are just getting started with both each other and their demanding flight program.
4 solid stars!!!
My Rating: ****1/2
Type: Series. Book 1
Genre: Contemporary M/M Romance
Narration: Dual POV
Primary Characters: Panther & Solo
Source: Courtesy of Author/ Publisher – ARC
Note: Ends with Cliff-hanger
I thought several times before signing up for this. M/M was definitely not my preferred Genre. I thought if I never gave a try, I would never know. Even though it wasn’t my preferred genre I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its my first M/M book. Totally loved it. It exceeded my expectations.
Danger Zone is book one in The Elite trilogy. Lieutenant Grant Hughes- call sign PANTHER and Lieutenant Mateo Morgan- call sign SOLO has been accepted into the prestigious Navel Aviation Fighter Academy NAFTA program/ competition for the Elite Title for 10 weeks.
When they come face to face on the first day of their program both are shocked as they had met each other previous day. Panther & Solo are polar opposites. Grant is focused, driven, responsible and has an extremely discrete personal life and has high expectation from everyone in the academy as his father is the captain in the same academy. He has to prove that his skills are more than him being privileged. Grant is stealthy, proud and ferocious in air. Solo is reckless, rebellion, bold and arrogant. Solo is free-spirited, has a giant ego, always crosses the line and gets any attention he can get good or bad as long as he is having fun.
Grant expects reliable, trustworthy and discreet from a partner. According to Grant, Mateo is none and he doesn’t want to risk anything. Panther is determined to avoid distractions and do well in the program. But Solo does not listen or follow rules very well. What happens when a perfectionist panther and a loud, outspoken reckless Solo butts head in competition along with him in the personal life? Only one can win the title, but both are worthy opponents, who will win?
I really liked the whole competition aspect to the story, and getting to know Panther, Solo, and the other competitors. It’s a very fast paced, easy read, and yes, it left me needing more! Only reason I gave less rating is because, I was expecting to know more about Panther and Solo’s background, which we didn’t get here in this book, hopefully in the next 2 books in the series. Apart from that, it’s a wonderful read. I liked several secondary characters. Houdini and Gucci are perfect being and good fighter pilots as well as best friend. I’m more intrigued with Whiplash, hopefully we get to see more about her in next books.
This is full of tension, competition, adrenaline, and fire. It’s pushing each other to their limits, performing tricky maneuvers, fighting for control, and bending of wills. I loved their flirtiness. If all the above is what you want in a book pick this up and Judge for yourself. Danger Zone is the just their beginning. I cannot wait to see a deeper side of them.
meander23.wordpress.com/2020/02/26/review-the-danger-zone-the-elite-1-by-brooke-blaine-ella-frank/
I went into this thinking I’m not too sure about the whole fighter pilot thing. Never really read any books with this theme but I was pleasantly surprised. It’s very good. It’s also very different from anything these two have written before.
The characters catch your interest from the very start and I loved the heat and chemistry you felt from their very first meeting. Both have that tough alpha vibe rolling of them in waves. The banter back and forth is just brilliant, very sharp.
The storyline is intriguing and the ending is just brilliant! I think you have to expect the cliffhanger as it’s 3 books releasing a month apart, I’m really pleased I haven’t got to wait long for the next book.
OH. EM. GEE. Move over Viper and Angel, I have two new lovers I’m obsessed with. Panther and Solo have stolen my heart and I hooked, I’d not kindly obsessed.
The chemistry between these two is off the charts. Their banter and connection is amazing. I loved watching them together and then seeing them get together. Holy hot. They fit together perfectly and their personalities compliment each other well. I loved watching Solo push Panther’s buttons until he finally caves and has the hottest night of his life. Panther has a little tease to Solo though they left us both wanting more.
As for they cliffhanger ending? I read the last chapter a couple of times hoping that’s not how it ended all we got. My heart wasn’t ready for that. My heart is in my throat experiencing what Solo is feeling and needing more! Especially since they only just got together.
I’m seriously dying for book 2, it can’t come soon enough. I’m dying to know what happens.