The greatest trick the devil ever pulled was convincing the world he didn’t exist.But who said the devil was a he?In my world, she was out to cause havoc on all our lives. She’ll use the one thing I care most about to control me—force me into her Elite world, filled with sin, deceit, and power. And under her spell, I’ll lead a sinister brotherhood of seven at one of the most prestigious … most prestigious universities in New Orleans.
Seven tasks set forth by the devil herself, promising nothing less than the forbidden fruit of power. What they don’t understand is it will all end in bloodshed and regret.
They call me the alpha. The one in charge. The one with pride bigger than any task I could be given. And my pride won’t let me be anywhere but at the top of the food chain until she gives me what I truly want.
My task is Meghan Benedict.
She’s too pure for me to touch, too good for me to ruin—and the only thing standing in my way to freedom.
Accept your sin wisely, for the tasks given to earn your place are not for the weak…they’re for The Elite.
As they say, pride comes before the fall.
I am Mason Blackwell.
I am Pride.
more
Holy moly what a freaking book
This is Mason Blackwell (Pride) story.
This is from a new arthur for me and one that I’ll be checking into her other book’s and see what their about.
Mason hasn’t had an easy life. He and his sister were foster children and the people they thought they could trust they realized they weren’t getting any help from anytime soon.
He’s brought into The Elite as he’s the alpha he’s Pride and he’s about to learn he’ll have to swallow his in order to save his sister.
He soon finds out that even though he doesn’t want to be in this Elite group he’s found 6 brother’s who are willing to ban with him to stop this group, but they find out that The Elite is always one step ahead.
Megan is his love interest this is one girl who will surprise you and him as she falls for this big guy, but she has a secret that he’s only to happy to help with. This book had such chemistry and heat between these 2 characters you could just feel it oozing off the pages.
I loved this whole book it sucked me in from page 1 to the end. I couldn’t put it down once I started reading it there would be always something happening on the next page.
Run don’t walk to one click this book. It is definitely a must read and if you haven’t read Lust book 1 grab that one as well.
This whole series is just getting started Wrath is next and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for us readers in it.
This is just my opinion and my review
OH … MY … GOODNESS. What kind of rabbit hole have I fallen into?! Ker Dukey had me hooked on the Elite Seven with LUST. With Pride up next in the line-up, I completely devoured it. But I swear, these people are completely twisted and a bit bat sh*t crazy, I however can’t seem to turn my head away.
The deeper we go down the allure and mystery of the Elite Seven secrets are revealed, more questions begging to be answered, and so many moments that’ll make you gasp. There’s a few storylines happening at once and I just have to get down to the bottom of EVERYTHING.
I am so completely hooked on this series and Pride just adds to the enticement of this crazy, slightly messed up world they live in; The Elite Seven. I gotta be honest, the story behind the Elite Seven really carries this story and series, and I’m constantly wishing for a bit more of the romance or well a healthy balance of both. However I’m not going to look at everything with a magnifying glass … let’s not be ridiculous.
Pride is definitely a hot/steamy, taboo addition to this series. I really enjoy seeing the brotherhood becoming more solid, but there’s still so much mystery behind them all. We’ll definitely get their stories, but I’m just too impatient.
I’m usually not one for the teacher/student romance, but I sure did enjoy this one! Everything between Mason and Meghan is explosive and I definitely found myself needing a fan to cool off. They’re off the charts and loved every bit of it.
For a first time read from J.D., I’m definitely looking forward to more of her books! I can’t wait for book 3, Wrath.
J.D. Hollyfield
This series {insert fist pump} is bringing it! These are new adult books, however the books are edgy and filled with suspense. You get a sense each sinner has to confront, define and become their sin. Their journeys are very unique, but the pain and tasks assigned are hard as hell.
Pride aka Mason Blackwell is unique in the pledge class of seven sins, he didn’t want to be there. We learn in his story, the agony, constant abuse he endures as a child. His latest circumstance he hangs between reality and desire. The sex in this story is hot. It mirrors the rage and despair that makes up Mason’s pride. But you should go into this story blind, and make your own conclusions. I don’t want to give any parts away. It’s a process, the elite 7 and you should take each book one at a time.
I enjoyed this one a tad bit more than the Lust book. But mainly because I had my questions answered from the first story. I also felt the revisiting of the past story brings new questions to mind. You see the story from multiple point of views. This series is more romantic suspense with a coming to age story mixed in.
Try this series it is so worth the hype!!!
Wow! I really didn’t expect the turn this series took from the first book to this one! And yes, it was a really good turn! This book follows near the same timeline from the first book and I’m expecting ths will be happening a lot in this series, but instead of being boring, it gives you new layers for events you thought you had understood on the first book! Oh, how I was wrong! Mason and Meghan form a really good couple and I loved being with them during this story. We are now deeper in the Elite black hole and I can’t wait to decipher all of their games!!
The Elite Seven series includes 7 books, by 7 authors, about 7 Deadly Sins. The entire premise of the series of an ultra secret and elite society sucked me in with the first book, Lust. I absolutely could not wait to get my hands on Pride! As the second installment in the series, Pride by J.D. Hollyfield, tells Mason’s story. Prepare your heart, because it’s tragic, forbidden, taboo, and highly addictive. This book was all-consuming, unputdownable, and a whirlwind to read.
I knew I was going to love Mason. He’s captivating, dominant, and damaged. As the alpha elite, Mason isn’t like the others. He’s not here by choice. He doesn’t want power, doesn’t need influence, and could care less about the wealth. He’s just a brother, trying like hell to protect his sister. Even if he has to destroy everything and everyone in his path, so be it. Her life is worth it. Everything he’s been through, fought for, suffered – worth it. He fought, and he lost. Backed into the corner with his last card to play, he’ll play the game, fight the fight. He’ll bide his time, deal the tasks, destroy them all if he has to. Besides, he’s above them, he’s PRIDE.
The Elite Seven started off with a bang, and JD Hollyfield ramps up the intensity 100 times with Pride, book 2 in the series. Mason’s story is brutal. He’s been manipulated since childhood, doing everything in his limited power to keep his little sister safe. (And her entire story is in a future Elite book!!)
Megan is a bit of a lost soul too. She’s a young woman with secrets that aren’t so secret, especially in the hands of people who want to harm her.
When these two meet, it’s utterly wicked and delicious. One night that neither will forget…and it’s complicated by the fact that she’s his teacher…
Wow, wow, wow. I love where this is leading. Each story in the series builds on the previous one, but in a way, they each wrap up that particular sin. Pride is amazing and intense, and everything I wanted for Mason in the end.
Hollyfield has created another sinner for me to fall in love with!
I love how intertwined these stories are. The characters stay consistent and the plots are continuing as they become fully developed. This story was about Pride and all the ways that Mason had to swallow his in order to survive.
Mason suffered so much. Those he was supposed to trust, those responsible for his safety, were the very ones to make him unsafe. It was all he could do to protect his little sister, no matter the cost. So being at the beck and call of a she-devil would be the price he’d pay to ensure his sister was okay. Luckily it takes him no time at all to gain the advantage and with the help of an old friend and some new ones, he just might make the most of it.
I loved Mason. So much. I loved his loyalty, his strength, his vulnerability, his ethical code, etc. He was just great. The heroine of this story, Meghan, was an absolute sweetheart with a spicy hidden personality. This girl was HAWT!! And these two together were a kinky, wet dream. Muy caliente
Wrath is next and I’m so excited to see where this story goes. I love these guys so much already and getting all of these different perspectives on their personalities only fuels my hunger.
Hmmm…this book (like book one) was a little bit of a mixed bag. I felt the romance in this one was a bit more developed but still took a backseat to Mason’s background and the whole “Elite Seven” storyline. Which for me is the highlight of these books. I did like the fact that we didn’t get too much OW stuff. The hero wasn’t a manwhore. I didn’t much care for the fact that this was an older woman/younger man story and the first sex scene was a little much. Mainly because it seemed SO over the top for two people that had JUST meet in a bar…but OK I went with it. (lol)
I think going forward I need to lower my expectations a bit regarding the “romances” and just sit back and enjoy the camaraderie between all the guys and the twists and turns that come from the whole “secret society” angle. That is definitely the best part of these books (so far).
“The Elite Seven” Pride is book #2 by JD Hollyfield and it was like Woahhh…
“They call me the alpha. The one in charge. The one with pride bigger than any task I could be given. And my pride won’t let me be anywhere but at the top of the food chain until she gives me what I truly want.”
Anddd ohh how Mason Blackwell is definitely the alpha-he is Pride!! I felt like I needed a seatbelt to hold on tight with this wild ride of a read!! Talk about effing with your mind which is always such a plus when reading these types of books!! Gimmie more, gimmie more..haha
I have to say that I do love reading JD Hollyfield’s books, she loves pushing those limits, well actually all the author’s in this series are known for pushing the limits, so that is why you will love, love, LOVE getting lost in their words!! Soo much darkness, pain, heartbreak, twists and turns and some good ole Taboo goin on as well!!
5 Gimmie “Wrath ASAP” STARS!!! I will definitely be waiting on pins and needles for that one to come out!! lol
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The Elite Seven Series
Lust (The Elite Seven, #1) by Ker Dukey
Pride (The Elite Seven, #2) by J.D. Hollyfield
Wrath (The Elite Seven, #3) by Claire C. Riley
Envy (The Elite Seven, #4) by M.N. Forgy
Greed (The Elite Seven, #5) by Amo Jones
Gluttony (The Elite Seven, #6) by K Webster
Sloth (The Elite Seven, #7) by Giana Darling
Yeah, so Lust was just the beginning. Literally. But Pride is about to take you to a new game within the Elite and a new challenge. Secrets, challenges, sins, and love. The Elite Seven series will have you on the edge of your seat–especially waiting for the next book!
DREAMY’S REVIEW
Deliciously dark, forbidden, and taboo.
Pride by J.D. Hollyfield is book two in the Elite Seven Series and let me tell you… it did NOT disappoint!
I’m so hooked to these books!
*****
Mason Blackwell.
His story takes your heart and holds it captive, go through hell, but the Journey was well worth the ride.
Another sinner to fall in love with! His backstory alongside his sister, Evie, is tragic and it made my heart break into pieces! I needed to see his HEA through because he absolutely deserved it through everything he endured!
But with his past, it showed how much strength, resilience, and willingness runs through his blood. He fights through the evil, the corrupt, the darkness for his sister.
“Being the alpha, I can’t let them be fooled. They all need to know and I’m going to be the one to uncover the truth.”
Megan Thorne.
She was the perfect mix of sweet with unsuspecting playfulness that not everyone is into. She wanted to be free, to explore, to enjoy what she fantasizes about.
“She was this sweet professor who had this secret craving for being bad.”
Enter Mason Blackwell and you get exactly that.
“My plan was to hurt, deceive, kill. Nothing would stand in my way. My pride would destroy anyone beneath me to reclaim what I’d lost. Until her.”
Mason and Megan’s flirtatious banter, temptations, push and pull, cat and mouse games, and all-consuming love story between them made me love this story so much!
*****
Pride was a book I never, ever saw coming. It completely consumed me from beginning to end!
The stories delve even deeper. The secrets are coming to light. The truth isn’t always a pretty thing. And I’m pretty much OBSESSED with the mystery of the Elite because it isn’t all that it seems to be.
There are so many underlines of deception, lies, corruption, and secrets that deserve to be unfolded.
This series intense, addictive, unpredictable, and one of the best series I’ve read by far! (And we’re only on book two!) They are so beautifully intertwined, easy to follow, with characters you’ll love, and consistent stories to match.
I can’t wait for what corruption and trouble comes next with WRATH!
Five dreamy and on fire stars:
when I first started Pride, i was thinking hmmm, not sure where this is going.. As the story picked up, I was hooked and couldn’t put it down.
Mason’s past has turned him into the man he is today, hard and distrusting.
Megan’s character is one I loved. She’s your average boring school teacher with a darkness within her.
She’s kinky, and the two together are sizzling hot!
I can’t wait for the next book.
Pride by J.D. Hollyfield is only book two of the Elite Seven series and I am already head over heels in love with these characters and their stories. Where Lust was the setup for what the society is about and what all can be done with so much power, this story is a true eye opener to the realness of the Elite and how easy it is to cause damage and ruin lives. I love how different Mason’s story was even though it’s so full of heartbreak and pain but I see him now in such a different light and can now appreciate his motives and why he is the alpha of the group.
J.D. Hollyfield weaves her story perfectly to blend with the events of Lust while at the same time bringing together two characters who are such opposties but couldn’t be more right for each other. Mason and Megan instantly click after meeting in a bar and have a wild night neither can forget about. But of course with this series nothing can be simple, especially when each member of the society has a task to perform to gain entry, thus turning a one night stand into a much darker conquest. Yes what Mason has to do is horrible but I do love what he was willing to do to protect his sister, who unfortunately had just as bad a life as her brother with no one else to turn to or lean on. Their family bond was sweet and pure and I’m glad their scenes picked up further in the story.
A lot is learned about the Elite but still is just the tip of the iceberg. The suspense is so thrilling trying to figure out who all is involved and even what the other brothers are doing for their tasks to stay in the game. Mason jumped through so many hoops throughout the story thinking he had no other choice, I just wanted to jump into the book and give him a hug. I love how he grew to start trusting the other guys for help, finally realizing he can’t shoulder the world alone. And boy will everyone need to stick together the more the twists keep coming because this wild rollercoaster ride has only just begun.
This is the second book in the series and about Mason “Pride”. He ends up being the leader of the Elite. Mason and his sister Evelyn have been in foster homes since their parents died. They have had it rough. I loved how Mason was so willing to do anything to protect Evelyn. A steamy hot one night stand ends up with a shocking turn of events. Megan is the professor of a theology class and also into kink. Mason and Megan were smoking hot as a couple. How will the Elite work out for Mason? Will he be able to keep his sister Evelyn safe? How many lives will be ruined in all the chaos? A great read and addition to the series.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving my review.
5 prideful stars
Review by Lisa
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
I am at a loss for words to describe how amazing this book is!!! Pride by J. D. Hollyfield is the second book in the Elite Seven series and is just as the first.
This series must be read in order. Each of the seven books in the series is by a different author, follows the same storyline but has a new main character. It’s AMAZING.
The writing is above an beyond. The storyline is nothing like what you would think. The twists and turns and the “oh no you didn’t just go there” moments are phenomenal.
This book highlights Pride, the Alpha of the seven. They say Pride comes before a fall and that could not be any truer.
Mason Blackwell is Pride. And the devil herself couldn’t have picked anything better. I couldn’t sum it any better than the author does in her synopsis of the story.
Romance is a major portion of these stories but it’s everything else that blows this story out of the water.
The dual point of views gives this book the kick it needs.
A must read series.
Pride is the 2nd book in The Elite Seven Series. This story is about Mason Blackwell also known as Pride and the leader of the Elite Seven.
“Pride is more than the first of the seven deadly sins; it is itself the essence of all sin.”
Mason is put to the ultimate test. The devil makes his life a living hell. She wants him to be the face behind the elite organization.
“I want you, Mason. I want to mold you into something great. But that can only happen if you give yourself to me.”
There’s only one way to change his mind. Using his sister Evie as a threat and she knows he’ll do whatever it takes to save her.
There seems to be a pattern between the boys. Lust and Pride have a broken past. With Mason it’s a little different. He didn’t come from money. He lost his parents at the age of 11. Moved from one foster home to the next while trying to take care of his sister. Yet he doesn’t let any of this break him. He’s a fighter and it’s what makes you fall for him even more.
All the twist and turns throughout the story got my head spinning and my adrenaline pumping. Wondering what would happen next, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough.
My favorite part is when Mason meets Megan “She-Hulk” for the first time at a bar with them drinking one too many tequila shots. Their chemistry is off the charts HOT!!! What Mason doesn’t know is she’s his task. What Megan doesn’t know is he’s about to find out her secret.
“Hulk smash.”
I can’t wait to see what happens next in Wrath, the third book in the Elite Seven.
Advanced readers copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.
The Elite Seven is just a fabulous series! Pride has pulled me in an I am once again enthralled with their world!! Mason he is a powerhouse . Filled with the need to do whatever he can to protect the ones he loves, no matter the cost. Since he was a young teen he has his life railroaded by the adults that surround him and now being roped into The Elite is just another cross for him to bare. He soon realizes that he too must learn to out smart and play by their rules no matter ow dirty it gets. Meeting Megan was chance but then it soon becomes evident that if they are to have any future the rules must change! Loved It !!
~~Michele McMullen~~
Pride is Book #2 in The Elite Seven Series! I am loving that each book is from a different author, the different writing styles make this series all the more noteworthy!
In Pride, we are introduced to Mason Blackwell.
Pride, the leader of the seven, the conduit between the initiating members and The Elite.
“Pride is more than the first of the seven deadly sins; it is itself the essence of all sin.- John Scott”
Mason Blackwell had a terrible childhood. His parents died when he was younger and he and his sister, Evelyn, were bounced around Foster Care homes just trying to stick together when the two of them are placed at the Griffin’s.
This is where Mason’s life goes from bad, to worse.
If you read book one of this series then you know exactly who Lillian Griffin is, if not then let me just say she is the Dean of St. Augustine’s wife, a counselor at the school and pure evil.
Lillian has Mason and Evy ripped apart where they stay apart for the next two years while Mason is put through every hell you can imagine. Lillian has total control and Mason will do whatever he has to, to protect his little sister.
At this point, Mason fully understands just how far of an each and how much power Lillian has, but he has no other choice if he wants to keep his sister safe…so he agrees to Lillian’s plan.
Mason is enrolled in St. Augustine and finally reunited with his little sister, but Lillian has made it crystal clear that he either plays by her rules or Evy can be taken from him all over again.
Mason takes his place as Pride and hands out the assigned task to his ‘brothers’ but then, he gets his task…
I know I haven’t said much and I haven’t even mentioned Mason’s love interest (who has a BIG part in this book) but I feel like Pride’s story is better going in with no spoilers, and no warning.
Mason’s story is a lot different then Rhett’s so be prepared.
Two books in and I’m loving this series. I see a lot of complaints about the love story being on the back burner to the Elite aspect of the story but I’m loving the comradery between the guys. Another 5 star read for me!
*I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this book.
Oh My God! Totally enjoyed this book! Couldn’t put it down. It’s one of those stories you just have to know what’s going to happen. Every word had me on edge!
There’s so much going on in this story! I don’t want to say much because truly going in blind makes the whole story. You’ll try and figure out but nothing you expect is what will happen. All I can say is everything fit in together perfectly. To me it made the perfect forbidden taboo story full of drama, sad-touching events. Freaking HOT for sure.
Seriously loved Pride! I’m here thinking “oh this is going to be a fun and funny story” totally blew me away, Hollyfield killed it! Mason was more of an emotional drama there was nothing funny about this book. But I loved this serious side of her. I love her books. No matter what side of hers we get, she definitely delivers great stories with great characters.
I can’t wait for this series to continue. But so far it’s freaking good!
HOLY HELL!!!
SHITS ABOUT TO GET REAL!
Pride is the second book in The Elite Series. The Elite Series is special because instead of one author writing the whole series, there are seven authors writing this series! I love this concept, especially when I get to experience a few new to me authors along the way!
J.D. Hollyfield is a new to me author and I can’t explain well enough with words how freaking much I loved this book!
Pride is the alpha of all the sins. Pride doesn’t let anything get in the way of his goals. Pride is a ruthless son of a bitch!
Pride is told in dual point of views (Mason and Megan).
If you all thought Rhett (Lust’s) back story was tragic, you haven’t seen anything yet! This man has been abused, neglected, and manipulated. This man has been THROUGH IT ALL! and still he continues to go through it. But he has something that he didn’t have when a certain particular bitch decided to sink her claws in him. He now has his brotherhood to back him up. Until the bitch decides to put her manipulation tactics in full force and make him seduce his professor.
That’s right ladies and gentlemen this is a student-teacher romance with a shot of darkness enveloped in it.
Alright, in order for me to keep this review spoiler free I’m going to have to stop here on the about the book portion. I feel this is another novel that you should go into completely blind! You’ll have a fucking field day starting it without knowing much! Trust me on this one.
All you have to know is, The Elite Seven series is sinfully addicting and nothing but trouble! Pride is a ruthless son of a bitch! This is a great series and one that I highly recommend to all looking for a bit of trouble in their lives!
These cliffhangers are KILLING ME! Seriously! I cannot wait to see what happens, especially given that ending! I need answers!