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.
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I can’t get over how twisted and deranged this novella is. J.D. Hollyfield pulled this series along, giving us deeper glimpses into The Elite Seven’s corrupt and devious world while skilfully keeping this intertwined with Lust. Sinfully delicious and compellingly manipulative, Pride will captivate your attention in its darker, more erotic entirety. I can’t seem to turn away from this enormous clusterfuck!
“With the thirst for revenge and hate flowing inside me, there was no room for anything else. I could barely see passed the retribution I set to viciously achieve. But then she came along.”
Having bounced from home to home, Mason Blackwell is used to monsters lurking within the shadows. When the Elite Seven approaches Mason—using his younger sister as incentive and collateral—to complete dishonest tasks and assume his position as Pride, he is pulled further into this darkened secret society of influence, manipulation and unfathomable benefits. Despite his assigned sin, Mason is selfless, swallowing his pride and egotism to protect Evie and his newfound family of brothers.
“But the deeper I plummet into the abyss of our forbidden attraction, the heavier my emotions become, and I know it’s no longer just physical between us.”
I didn’t know what to expect from Megan Thorne—it wasn’t a seeming innocent teacher hiding intense sultriness and unexplored kinkiness. She’s naive, loyal with fault and wholly inexperienced when dealing with romantic relationships. However, she’s an admirable sexually liberated and intelligent woman with so much goodness within this crazy world.
It is kind of difficult to consider this a romance; I wasn’t expecting it to be so though after reading Lust. Mason’s relationship with Megan is more defined and despite their initial encounter being unrealistically over the top, everything that happens afterwards between them will ignite your Kindle. It is intense, explosive and downright filthy.
Seeing some teasers for Wrath is making me excited to find out more about Samuel Gunner—Wrath, the next Elite Seven, in this strange albeit fascinating world.
Pride is the 2nd book in The Elite Seven series by J.D. Hollyfield. This time for Mason Blackwell aka Pride and Meghan Benedict’s story. This series is showing us different people from the Elite Seven and giving us their stories in each book. But at the same time, also continues telling the story of the Elite while the main story is going on at the same time – Elite’s running in the background.
In Pride’s story, Mason is the main character in this story and we learn he is the leader of the Elite. We get his background and what shaped him to be the man we see now. There is a villain in this book who is actually a villainess and she’s quite nasty. My heart broke for Mason because of the things he endured for his sister to protect her.
Now Meghan- she is the calm to the storm that rages in Mason. Theirs is quite the taboo love story. I loved how their story was told. Meghan may look all prim and proper but she’s a freak behind closed doors with Mason. I liked that Mason was protective of her. He was definitely all alpha when it came to Meghan and what was his.
There are so many twists and turns in this story. Loved the chemistry and connection between Mason and Meghan. Ending was great. Can’t wait for book 3- Gluttony.
My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
4 STARS
As one of the seven authors whom collaborated to each write a book for this series, J.D. Hollyfield did an amazing job of creating another SIN-ful male to desire! Pride is the second instalment in The Elite Seven Series and is definitely a MUST read!
”Pride is more than the first of the seven deadly sins; it is itself the essence of all sin. ~ John Scott”
We are briefly introduced to Mason Blackwell in the first book Lust, but in Pride we delve deeper into his story. Mason, who is forced to endure hell and the wrath of the devil in disguise, all in the name of leading the newest seven of The Elite. He is the newly appointed Pride in the Elite Seven Society. Mason suffers all to protect his sister, Evelyn, which I find a very admirable trait.
”Pride won’t stop me from doing the tasks doted on me. No one is above my sister.”
While he’s biding his time until he can figure out a plan to take out all the key players in The Elite, Mason indulges in a night of carnal sin as a way of escape. Little does he know that there will be consequences for his actions by the one Mason calls, “the devil in disguise”.
I’d like to thank the author for generously providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pride by J.D. Hollyfield will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ELITE!
I loved this book! You couldn’t help but feel for Mason, and Evelyn too. After all of the shit Mason had to go through, all for the sake of a woman seeking revenge regardless of the people she takes out around her. Using and abusing innocent people for her own selfish envy and wrath. Lillian is so sick and twisted you cannot help but despise her. Despite her past, I feel no empathy for her because she is destroying the lives of so many, innocent lives.
Mason…my poor boy (man is more like it). He lives in darkness and sadness. Up until he meets Megan and he finally sees a light in the darkness. A small light that grows and grows until he sees and feels more light than dark. Seeing Mason and Megan’s relationship bloom. Seeing it become a place where they both flourish and feel secure and loved exactly for who they are is a sight to behold.
Megan…she is one heck of a woman. The quiet nerdy girly with dark desires. I love this woman! She is exactly the type of character I can easily fall in love with.
This book mainly made me want to punch it, in the best way possible of course, because it made me feel everything. It took me on dips and turns, made me angry and sad, but also happy.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
Oh DANG!!! This book was so freaking hot and twisted!! I absolutely LOVE Jessica’s sex scenes she writes because they are so dang detailed and just make you way too hot to be reading at work!!
Mason, holy crap poor Mason. I didn’t think I could fall in love with a character as quickly as I did with Mason. He was devoted, passionate, vengeful and just from the beginning I could tell we were in for some crazy stuff!! He is thrown around, beaten and any lesser man would’ve just given up and prayed his little sister forgave him but NOPE not my Mason!!!
He held on and then when the stuff with Lillian started he pushed through and when I still though they would brake him, he found Megan!
Megan oh so sexy Megan!! Now I’ve falling in love with my fair share of characters but nothing has compared to my instant attraction to Megan! Omg the things that go through her mind and she acts out are so hot BUT she still upset me towards the end. She had doubt and I wasn’t sure if my love for her would recover!!
Jessica you freaking ROCKED the crap out of this book!!!! So twisted and such issues you through in there for them to deal with, you my friend are a dang rockstar!!! I’m honored I get to read this series because holy hotness!!! Congrats!!!
Evil, mystery, betrayals and dark erotica abound in this twisted tale in the Elite Seven series Book 2. Pride takes a front row seat and what is in store is store for him is too twisted to believe.
But believe it you must because the lengths that the evil doers will go through will leave you breathless, guessing and begging to know more! Buckle up for the betrayals and steam that Pride brings!!
Mason is blackmailed into being Pride his adult life someone has been hell controlled by the woman from hell the devil in disguise. He hates his task and dosent want to do it but hes being watched and she is using his sister as bait. He dosent want this life he just wants normal. The Elite isnt what he wants but hes been made the alpha of the seven. Each ones tasks are starting to unfold and not what they thought they would be doing but the deeper they get the closer to each other and bonds them together. This is an amazing series and prides book didnt disappoint. I cant wait for Wrath’s story. A must read series I’d highly recommend.
After reading Lust, I couldn’t wait to read Pride. This series just keeps getting better. There is suspense with everything going on with The Elite. The romance/BDSM relationship between Megan and Mason is incredibly hot. Each character in this book is incredibly well written and developed. I love how they all interact. The retelling of some of the scenes from Lust being told from Pride’s point of view. It amazes me that each book in this series is written by a different author. They fit together perfectly. I am loving this series and can’t wait to read Wrath!!!
I am slowly developing a craving for the seven deadly sins! First Lust and now Pride. Yes, please I want more!!
The concept of 7 sins for 7 authors is genius. The series is not only known as, ‘The Elite Seven’, but is also the collective group of seven men within the book. Pride takes us on another adventure that is weaved throughout the story of Lust. Pride is about Mason Blackwell, the official leader of the group, and his backstory and how he came to be at St. Augustine. We are brought into Mason’s world and can see how his moniker as ‘Pride’ truly fits Mason. Pride is something that means a lot to him. Besides his sister, Evie, it is the only thing that he can call his.
I not only enjoyed getting to see more of Lust’s life unfold, but I loved getting the inside scoop on the Blackwell’s. Mason (& Evie) have not had an easy life. There were individuals whom he thought he could trust and keep him and Evie safe and protected. In one night, all he’s ever known is blown up and taken away from him.
As much as I liked Rhett, I LOVED Mason. There is just something about him and his character that is so appealing. He may be down and out, but he is not anyone’s whipping boy (for long). He is Mason Blackwell. He is the Alpha to the elite seven. He is the most dominant, powerful and assertive one and watch out anyone that may have crossed him prior to this.
There is only one thing this alpha wasn’t expecting and that is his assignment, Meghan Benedict. Meghan is a beautiful soul; an absolute sweetheart with a racy side. Watch out world when these two come together. How you feeling? Hot, hot, hot!!
The next book up is Wrath. I am so intrigued to see how the addition of Wrath will continue to develop this story.
Book 2 in the Elite Seven series was a home run for me. We met the main character, Mason AKA Pride in book 1. He was a bit elusive, always on top of things, and ready to dive head first into drama and problem solve. What I love about these books is that each new book has given us several things.
1. We’re given insight into the Elite’s secret society. Sure at this point, we know the basics, but between books 1 and 2, there’s a clearer picture that’s being drawn.
2. We’re given insight into each new character. Their backgrounds and different histories are being outlined for us in spectacular fashion.
3. It’s not just about the secret society. The romantic part of these books are spot on. They’re not only scorching hot, but since each book is written by a different author, we’re blessed with their different writing styles and delivery. And this includes those amazing sexy scenes.
Mason’s character, much like the main character in book 1, really made me care for him. Because of the events in the prologue, I found myself needing to know more more more. What really surprised me about him, was that at first, he didn’t match the Mason (Pride) we met in book 1. We learn through the first quarter of the book exactly why this is the case. This is also a lesson to the reader that what we see is only skin deep, and that each character moving forward will likely have an underlying story line that has led them to where they are, and will influence their actions. With Mason, you know where his loyalties lie.This greatly affects the situation with his romantic interest in the book. Without giving too much away, I will just say that despite it all, the chemistry between Meghan (our female lead) and Mason is through the roof. The unique taboo aspect of their relationship is one that I’ve truly grown to love.
One thing is for sure: Not everything is what it seems. As we learn more and more about the the society, I think we’re going to be in for quite a few more surprises about how things work, why they work certain ways, and what exactly that means for these 7 books sitting in front of us. I’m excited to read what each future author adds to this story.
ARC generously provided for an honest review.
Elite Seven continues, namely with Pride – Mason Blackwell’s story. The end of the previous section drove me crazy, but it gave me the extra push to continue. We can read it from Mason’s point of view, but we can get an insight into Meghan’s thoughts too.
Mason and his sister had to undergo terrible things. Their parents died, so they were placed in foster care./foster home. A big happy family, but „all that glistens is not gold”, just like Lilian and her games. Seriously, I could have slapped the woman; I shared Mason’s opinion. This woman is a huge player, controls everything. That is very rude. Sometimes it was verging on the edge of the fiction. It is possible to do this, if you have the law in your pocket. I think so.
Read more: https://gcksbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/2019/02/arcreview-release-pride-by-jd-hollyfield_25.html?fbclid=IwAR2LyAFjTVhlqYo821E44w64_OxxNGVVm4Wr33kE9G2980wX3idnabnxPnU&m=1
This one gave me a book hangover for days!
Intertwined with Lust, Pride continues the storyline and delves deeper into this secret society, The Elite. I enjoyed this one so much more than Lust. With Lust, I felt there was too much backstory – which makes since because it was setting the scene for the following books. With Pride, I loved seeing another pov.
Mason and Megan’s chemistry was off the charts, amazing. The first scene between them was outstanding and panty-melting. There was no shortage of desire there! And it just keeps on coming back for more!
Hollyfield kept me up past my bedtime, consuming me, and compelling me to read the book in one sitting. That’s super hard to do. I was completely invested and hooked! I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this group.
Two sins down, five more to go.
4.5 stars for – Pride – book two of the Elite Seven series written by J.D. Hollyfield. I highly recommend reading book one – Lust – prior to this one in order to have a better understanding of all the things currently going down at St. Augustine’s. Pride is undoubtedly the leader of the Elite Seven and tasked with keeping all the brothers “in line”.
Mason Blackwell and his younger sister grew up in the foster care system after losing their parents at a young age. Since the siblings got to stay together they made the best of their crappy situations until they arrived at the Griffin’s home and life as they knew it would never be the same. Mason vowed to do whatever he had to do to keep his little sister safe, he just never realized the lengths he will be forced to go to make that happen.
This book gives us a bit more knowledge about some of the key players in the Elite but still leaves us with so many questions unanswered too. With deceit, lies and scandal around every corner and every man for themselves Mason is left with very few options and even less people he can trust. Can’t wait to read about Wrath next!
Pride is Book #2 in the Elite Seven Series. This was Mason Blackwell’s story. He is one of the 7 cardinal sins, Pride. It is dark, sexy, suspenseful, You will see characters from Book #1 in this book.
Mason was so damn hot! Mason Blackwell wasn’t always hard & jaded. He and his sister, Evie, grew up going from foster home to foster home. The last one they are at, things happen that have a domino effect. He and his sister are separated, and things spiral downward from there. He has suffered so much at the hand of a former foster parent. It’s all to protect his sister Evelyn, at any cost. He is thrust into the Elite Seven by his former foster mother, Lilian. He is forced to do things that he isn’t comfortable, bad things. Then he meets Meghan Benedict at a seedy bar. They have a night of hot sex. She is gone by the time he wakes up the next morning. He figures he will never see her again. That’s not the case. He is tasked to ruin her life. Will Mason be able to carry through with this task?
There are secrets, deceit, lies, suspense, mystery, sexy and steamy scenes, heartbreak, angst, that grip you and don’t let go. There are twists and turns you won’t see coming. I was dying to find out what was going on. What is the deal with this Elite Seven Society??? What is the purpose? This book was very entertaining. I couldn’t flip the pages fast enough. I loved the plot and the characters were just as intriguing. I can’t wait to see what’s in store in the next book!
****ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.****
I am absolutely addicted and obsessed with these books and itching for more. This book was so ridiculously hot and I loved the story line ( a good teacher student romance). The characters were all well written and I loved how they are all intermingled from book one and keep building. The author offered the perfect amount of background into Pride’s character and wow it brought out intense dislike for me towards Lillian. Megan was a very sweet and innocent character and surprised me with how innocent she really was.
So little can be truly said but put on a seat belt, block out time for a one sitting reading as you won’t regret it!
Holy effin’ hell… first of all, can we talk about how freakin’ hot that cover is? Definite vibe for what is in between the pages of this read.
Now, onto the good bits! Every time I read a J.D. Hollyfield book, it’s apart of some intensely deep… dark… enveloping series, and she always delivers. The desire and drive of Mason in Pride just calls to woman in me. Who doesn’t want a tattooed, alpha, bad boy who’d do anything for family or his woman? If you said yes, I call BS! While he has some set backs, nothing will stop him till he gets what’s his. As leader of The Elite, he still has the back of his new brothers, even with someone pulling the puppet strings. And Megan? YASSS girl! Sweet on the outside, while learning to embrace the dark side of her as well. Nerdy? Cereal freak? The desire to test the limits? Who doesn’t want to be her?! The two together? You’ll need an extra pair of panties, just saying.
You can’t stop yourself from racing to the end, each turn has you so enthralled that before you know it you are left breathing hard and begging for more. Don’t let your Pride keep you from indulging in this sin.
Pride is the riveting second book in the Elite Seven series. A bit twisted with a touch of taboo Pride quickly pulled me deeper into the world of the Elite Seven and kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out what’s next as their story unfolded.
Mason Blackwell is not quite what one would expect one of the Elite Seven to be. To say he’s had a bit of misfortune in his past is a definite understatement. Though a bit broken Mason in spite of all the things he’s been through is fiercely loyal and protective of those he cares for.
I loved his first meeting with Megan Griffin and the chemistry between them was fiery enough to scorch my hands through my Kindle. Megan was an intriguing combination of sweet and innocent with a touch of vixen that called to Mason like a siren’s song. These two are quite the match as Megan quickly became the calm in the middle of Mason’s chaos.
As the plot thickened several twists and turns kept me on my toes trying to figure out what was going on behind the scenes. The world the Elite Seven have entered is one full of secrets and suspense and just as I thought things were settling down the rug was pulled from under my feet and I was tempted to throw my Kindle at the nearest wall. This series just keeps getting better and better and I can’t wait to see what’s in store next!!
Pride one of the deadly sins and the second book in the Elite series.
I liked Mason and his personal struggles. I felt the connection this time between him and his love interest. But I know it is more about the Elite. There was so much going on almost too much at times. But I am I intrigued by what’s coming next.
Mason and his sister have had tough, tough lives. But they still persist, he still persists, wants to give his sister the best life possible. He’s a strong alpha with morals that may seem to be on the surface, shady, but at his core, he’s loyal, loving and has a heart of gold. But, will his PRIDE be his downfall? Will he be able to take on The Elite Seven and win? Or will they win out as they always do?
The Elite Seven series just keeps getting better the further the story goes. Mason is the perfect embodiment of Pride, and Megan was perfect for this strong, confident man. Pride is sexy, suspenseful, a little dirty and I’m dying to know where the story is going next when Wrath is released. If it’s anything like Pride, it’s gonna be a doozy!
I wasn’t sure what to make of Mason after reading Lust. I had a whole different feeling about him, until I read his story.
He is nothing like I thought he was going to be like. I had a picture of this arrogant, conceited college guy who loved being the master of this elite club they were chosen for. I couldn’t have been more wrong. I’m beginning to sense a theme with this series, but I will wait until a couple more books to release to see if it pans out. I have a feeling all of these young men were chosen for a reason that we haven’t been made aware of just yet. Mason’s story, much like Rhett’s is NOT one of privilege and wealth. The beginning is rough, made even more rough by the Devil pulling the strings. I really like that each story is layered with the one before, so it unfolds slowly. With that said, read these books in order. It makes the story better. And we get a little more of the other members of the Elite with each book, which left me with more questions than answers about a few of them. This one has a bit more heat than Lust does, but it fits the story perfectly. So far, I’m really in to the series and can’t wait to delve in to other sins.