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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“You’re playing with fire,” I growl low, and I’m rewarded by the vibration of her trembling body.
What a twisty, decadent, tale of revenge, blackmail, and a chance meeting all rolled into one!! It was a blast to read this one, and discover the story of yet another Elite 7 in Pride. I was sucked right in to this dirty, schmexy goodness, and I so can’t wait for the rest of these stories!! I thank the Author for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
I love this book! Mason caught my attention already in the first part of the series (especially with that ending). He was presented there as a fearless leader and this story showed us that there is so much more in him! In addition, the title of this book hit the jackpot! Because sometimes you have to swallow your pride to protect your loved ones.
Blackmailed with his sister’s fate, Mason Blackwell must be a puppet in a game that can destroy many lives. In total, it’s nothing new to him because he lost control of his life a while ago. But now that he has accidentally met a woman who has awakened his black heart, things get double complicated. Because as it turns out, not only Mason is a pawn in this twisted game.
The Elite Seven sucked me in completely! Intrigue, lies, every twist and turn make my heart beat faster. J.D. Hollyfield gives the reader a thrill of excitement in The Pride and you don’t want this book to end. And chemistry between Mason and Meagan is off the charts! All the tension that the two of them suffocated in the end found an outlet and just exploded! Seriously, this book is filled to the brim with unrestrained lust.
I need the next book in the series IMMEDIATELY. I’m completely addicted!
Wowza! Thinking of Proverbs – Pride Comes Before Destruction….That is the feeling I get with this book.
This is Pride’s (Mason) story. He is the alpha, the leader and also has his own initiation due. He has been through hell and back. This has molded him into the person he is today.
Megan, wow what a juxtaposition she is. This character really kept me guessing and then she really threw me through a loop, in true Ms. Hollyfield fashion.
This story also gives us more of what and who are the Elite. It’s also gives us hints to the other sin’s stories. This series’ stories are flowing together seamlessly and that is a true testament to great authors!
This is a steamy as hell page turner! I couldn’t put it down until the very end…OH and what an ending it is! It’s leaving me gasping for Wrath, the next story in the Elite Seven series!
One word sums up this book perfectly, fan-freaking-tastic!!! The twists just keep coming in the second book, but you will need to read Lust by Ker Dukey first. Mason Blackwell is Pride personified! He is forced into the role but gradually it is like he was born into it. The Elite plays with its seven chosen like marionettes. From the first chapter this book had my attention and didn’t let up until the end with the suspense. I can’t wait for Wrath!!
Damn!!! Book two in the Elite series by J.D. Hollyfield is explosive!!!! Mason Blackwell is “Pride” and he is sexy as sin, loyal and will do anything he needs to do to protect the ones he cares about most.
When you are looking for a way out of the hell that is your life and the one thing that stands in your way is
Megan Thorne then your in serious trouble. She is beautiful, strong, innocent and a firecracker and it’s Mason’s task to ruin her… but can he do it?
I just love the connection between Mason and Megan, they are intense and addictive. Every page of their book is delicious and I wanted more. The Elite Brothers are my newest obsession. Bring on Wrath!!
I truly enjoyed reading Pride.
J.D. Hollyfield writing is very addicting and flows so well, you can’t put the book down!
Pride intertwines with Lust, the first book of this series, and you get some things explained that you hadn’t in Lust, but some secrets still remain exactly that. A secret!
Mason’s background that made him the man he is today, was rough. Too rough even!
The start of his relationship with Megan was very sexy and hot and nothing could warn you for who Megan truly is, that in itself was awesome and let me tell you, she’s a spitfire!
Now, what’s been nagging me is that The Elite Seven in itself, the secret society, isn’t being explained at all… shouldn’t these books be about that? Or at least have an insight of it?
I am OBSESSED!!! The story is going deeper. Secrets are exposed. The truth is ugly. But love always WINS!
Was his SIN his greatest weakness or his greatest strength?
This series has quickly become an all-time favorite. And throw in a little taboo romance and I’m totally sold! I do not want to ruin all the the secrets you will discover as you read, so no spoliers here! You will get sucked into this story and you will ALWAYS want more!
Mason is PRIDE. He’s the alpha of his group of the Elite Seven. That’s a big burden to take on and it’s not as if he was given a choice. His past forced him to where he is now.
You will be given Mason’s story of how he became Elite. He is tough, resilient and willing to make any sacrifice to protect his sister.
Mason’s task to achieve and maintain his Elite status is going to test him in every way. No task given ever comes without losing something of yourself. The choice is yours. How much of your soul are you willing to sacrifice for status and wealth?
PRIDE was sexy, suspenseful and a total page-turner!!! I loved it and now I NEED MORE!!!
YAY! This second book in The Elite Seven Series WOWed me, just like the first book! I love when I jump into a new series kind of clueless as to what’s to come and it just unfolds in front of my eyes and drags me in. J.D. Hollyfield, another new author for me, just completely captured me and took me hostage with her story of Mason Blackwell, Pride, the Alpha of the Elite Seven group. It was dark, gritty, steamy, and I couldn’t read fast enough to satisfy my curiosity as to what was to come. For me, the story unfolded quickly, with lots of tension and furor, and was all-consuming when it came to keeping track of who was doing what to whom and why. There’s lots going on in these books! The sinister undercurrent running along with the main story and the love story within is all quite intriguing. The characters are well-drawn and multi-dimensional so you can really get a sense of who these people are and what they are feeling. I’m enjoying the heck out of this series and can’t wait for Book 3, Wrath!
This is the 2nd book in the Elite Seven series and I was more than ready for Mason’s story, Pride. You first meet Mason in the first book of the series, Lust. Although you could probably read this book as a standalone, it is much, much better to read as a series. You will get to know each character more and more as the series goes on, and each book also ends with a bit of a sneak peak of what’s to come next. These authors are brilliant! The way they have tangled and weaved their stories and characters together – all while staying true to their own writing style. I am loving it!
I was drawn to Mason (Pride) immediately. He is the alpha. He is older, has survived tragedy and betrayal, and was chosen as the leader of the Elite Seven. The way he takes control of situations involving either the rest of his brothers or with the woman who is trying to ruin him is beyond appealing and sexy! He is ALL MALE and I am here for it! He is fearless and his setbacks in life have only fueled his anger and vengeance, and made him more intimidating Not only is Mason physically strong and determined, but he is tremendously loyal and protective of his sister, which makes you want him all the more! He will do anything – and I mean ANYTHING – to protect her, and it is so swoon-worthy.
When Mason meets a woman who surprises him in more than one way, you will start to see a shift in him. His softer side comes out – he is still broken, but hopeful; he’s still a vengeful alpha male who is full of Pride, but his sight is set on his future now and not his past. Megan brings out the best side of him – they are both extremely passionate, loyal, and determined; and together her playfulness and his strength are unstoppable.
“She showed me worthiness. It wasn’t about my pride, but my temperance. It gave me the courage to restrain the hate and reform it into something worthy. She gave me the strength to forgive myself.”
Although this is only one book out of seven in the series…it captures SO many different elements of the story of The Elite Seven. You will fall for these young men searching for their own meaning and developing a loyalty to one another that is rare. Pride is hot, steamy, swoon-worthy, and will only leave you wanting more of these guys!! Can’t wait for the next in the series! Well done JD Hollyfield!
Book 2 in the Elite Seven series brings us Pride, and I think I am a little bit in love with Mason Blackwell!!! This story was totally captivating, right from the first page. Mason is a pillar of strength. To come through what he suffered at such a young age has made him into a man much older and wiser that his young age. He does not trust easily. He has been let down one to many times by people who were supposed to love and protect him. There is only one person he lives for, and she was cruelly ripped from his arms. Years later, she is being used as a pawn to keep him line with someone else agenda. He knows nothing of the Elite, as he is not your typical candidate for this secret society. Chosen as Pride, he shall be the conduit between the existing members and the new recruits. Mason has had too much taken from him, but he still has his Pride, which is something that he can never be stripped of, no matter what is in store for him.
On initiation night, the seven chosen are thrust into a world of excess beyond their wildest dreams, but Mason needs to step away. He finds himself in a local dive bar to get some alone time to come to terms with what he has gotten himself into, but there is an unexpected surprise just around the corner.
Pride is the continuation of the Elite seven, and the direction that J.D. Hollyfield is some much darker than what we experience in Lust. The manipulation, the twists and turns with completely knock your socks off. The story line is so gripping, so moreish that you will be totally hooked.
We meet Mason and his sister, Evelyn at their current foster home because Lillian, their foster mother has accused Evelyn of trying to seduce her husband. Their case worker splits them up just for the night. Mason ends up in a juvenile detention center meanwhile his sister is under 18 and their foster mother, Lillian becomes a certified social worker and orders Mason to do her bidding.
This book was just as twisty and a mind blowing adventure as Lust. I loved all the characters especially Meghan, Mason and his sister, Evelyn. Can’t wait for Wrath
I’m totally new to this author. I knew earlier The Pride is part of series, but I’m sure that I’ll back for much more to J.D. Hollyfield and Elite 7 Society! I’m tottaly obsesed what will happen in the next book from the series!
The Pride is amazing! There are a lot of secrets to find out, there are families that life had been destroyed… but there is still hope to find happines and love. Because of that I liked very much this book. Author sucks me in compeletely, I couldn’t put this book down.
J. D. Hollyfield didn’t write a book, she create dark world. that seduced darker part of my soul! The story line is amazing, the characters are really addictive! Afetr finnishing this book I’m hungry for more.
Mason and Meagan have great chemistry between them, I felt it from the very first pages. Their feelings, their passion, and their lonleiness was everything what I want to meet in books of this kind.
I loved very much that most part in The Pride has been written by Mason POV. I love this broken boy! I liked to watch how brave he is, how much he care about little sister, how much he can sacrifice for people who he love. Maybe his desicions wasn’t right every time, but he fought in the name of love. Love to the family, and toa woman, who has stolen his heart. Meagan is perfect company for him. Goshhhh THIS WOMAN!!! She’s this kind of girl, who is caged in the world of correctness, with darker and naughty secrets in the background. Because of what??? I’m sure it’s just because she’s looking for one thing, that rule the world – Love from the right man.
I won’t lie Mason and Meagan made me BLUSH a lot of times, there were no slow burn here, just big f*ckin BAM!!! and I really loved this part od their story. Sometimes my heart was little broken too, but for sure journey with them was like a rollecoster ride! I’m so happy that propably I’ll meet them in next part od & Elite 7 series.
I can’t to see in which way this series will go, and for sure I’ll come back for more. Highly recomended title!
One word! Mason! He was so broody and angsty and swoon worthy. You have to love an alpha with a dirty mouth that would do anything for the ones he loves! His connection with his sister made my eyes water. The way he handled his woman, made my insides tingle. I wasn’t sure where this series was going, because the pre release build up was so mysterious. But as I read each book, I’m excited. And waiting impatiently for the next release!!
Wow…just wow
Pride is the second book of the elite seven series, and doesn’t JD hollyfield do it justice, I was hanging on her every word!!
Another elites journey, another amazing story.
Prides story is different from lust but in a way that grabs you, you feel him deep in your gut, its still full of heartbreak and angst but also fury so fearce it could bring down everything around you.
Prides story was written brilliantly, it had me gripped from the first page, I did want to throw my kindle with rage once or twice.
2 books down 7 to go, bring on wrath
I feel like I just fell down and rabbit hole and the only thing going through my head is…what the f*%#. Everyone and everything in this book was somehow a form of deceit, manipulation and desperation. I absolutely devoured this book and I can not wait to see what is next in The Elite Seven series!
First we had Lust and now we have Pride. This book runs along the same lines as Lust did and so we see most of the same timeline just from different POVs. Except for the ending, that took the book just a bit further and ends with another cliffhanger! Mason is the alpha of The Elite Seven but it is a role that he despises however he prides himself on taken care of those he cares about and it is now being used against him. No one is safe if he doesn’t comply and compliance is not his thing.
I really love how each book so far has stories that are interconnected and how nothing is what I thought it was. It really kept me sucked into the book and I couldn’t atop until it was done! Bring on book 3!
I feel like I just fell down and rabbit hole and the only thing going through my head is…what the f*%#. Everyone and everything in this book was somehow a form of deceit, manipulation and desperation. I absolutely devoured this book and I can not wait to see what is next in The Elite Seven series!
First we had Lust and now we have Pride. This book runs along the same lines as Lust did and so we see most of the same timeline just from different POVs. Except for the ending, that took the book just a bit further and ends with another cliffhanger! Mason is the alpha of The Elite Seven but it is a role that he despises however he prides himself on taken care of those he cares about and it is now being used against him. No one is safe if he doesn’t comply and compliance is not his thing.
I really love how each book so far has stories that are interconnected and how nothing is what I thought it was. It really kept me sucked into the book and I couldn’t atop until it was done! Bring on book 3!
Dangerous, Deceptive and Captivating are the words I would use to describe Pride. This series is going to be the death of me. This book delves deeper into the twisted and depraved word of the super elusive Elite. We get to understand the mentality of the person who is pulling the newly appointed Elite members strings.
Mason Blackwell, Pride, is being punished for crimes he did not commit. He was ripped away from the people he care about. All so he is forced to submit and be at the mercy of the devil. He is not free. He will never be free because freedoms comes at a price. A price he will never be willing to pay. He will be tested a great deal. The biggest test comes in the form of pure and sexy Megan Thorne. She is like a breath of fresh air for him. She doesn’t deserve what’s coming.
There’s not much I can say about the book without giving away spoilers. All I can say is that questions we have from Lust are being answered. Pride was dark and mysterious in Lust and we finally get insight into his character. I loved him more than Lust only because of the fact that he was not a manwhore.
I can’t wait for what’s next. Bring on Wrath!
J.D. Hollyfield sets my heart on fire and hooks me in even deeper with the newest book in The Elite Seven series! I am officially OBSESSED with these stories and the one of a kind characters that these incredible authors are creating right before our eyes. The intertwined storyline concept is completely addictive and I quickly find myself craving the next book within moments of turning to the last page. As this series continues I definitely expect more secrets to come to light…and I can’t freaking wait!
Mason Blackwell has his fair share of flaws, but those flaws are what initially attracted me to him. I mean who doesn’t love a perfectly flawed character who has already lived a life way beyond his years. My heart broke for him and the pain he has felt, but that pain has only made him stronger and filled with pride. I mean that is his sin after all.
Meghan Benedict is a sweet and innocent professor on the outside, but a sexy and sassy vixen behind closed doors. When her and Mason set their sights on one another, their love proves to be explosive with the kind of romance that sizzles bright and burns slowly! Their chemistry was off the charts HOT and my heart was swooning in overdrive.
Pride was breathtakingly captivating and I am in love with every twist and turn this series has already thrown at us. I am beyond ready for the next book, Wrath by Claire C. Riley and can’t wait to see what his story has to offer!
We dive back into The Elite Seven with a new sin: Pride. I’d read J.D. Hollyfield before, mainly the books she co-wrote with K. Webster, and I really enjoyed her quirky style of writing. I was excited to see Pride -aka Mason Blackwell’s story- and how the author would write it.
Mason will do anything to protect his younger sister, and that includes doing what a crazy lady tells him to do. Lillian, is a fucking bitch. No other words can describe her. She controls Mason through his fear. Alot of time passes in the beginning of the story and Mason spends alot of time locked away for crimes he doesn’t commit. When he finally gets out, he’s bent, but not broken. He has a new resolve, and it involves escaping Lillian’s clutches while protecting his sister.
Which is how Mason finds himself tangled with The Elite Seven. His task is a woman named Megan Thorne. Who also happens to be his new professor. Who he also hooked up with at a bar.
Megan was adorable. She may have been older (only by 3 years), but Mason flustered her, which I found was cute af.
The romance aspect in this story took kind of a backseat, which wasn’t a bad thing. I liked how the story progressed and we get to see how all of the “sins” are entwined with one another. It’ll be cool to see how this multi author series with progress.
Cannot wait for Wrath!
When we first meet Mason, he is a 17 year-old punk who jumped around the New Orleans’s foster care system with his sister Evelyn. He just thinks their lives have been rough until they are placed in a home with the Devil herself, Lillian Griffin. All hell breaks loose and Mason ends up in the Louisiana State Penitentiary cut off from all contact with Evelyn. After 2 long years of torture at the hands of Lillian’s puppets, Mason gives into the devil and walks out of the Penitentiary into the unknown. What Mason does know is that when agreeing to Lillian’s terms, he signed his death warrant and he would no longer have control over himself. However, he never imagined going to St. Augustine College and being reunited with Evelyn as part of Lillian’s package. There is a catch. There’s always a catch. Lillian has chosen Mason to be the alpha of The Elite Seven and elite society of hand-picked and tested men. The test is to complete an assigned task with no care for the people they hurt, deface, or make suffer. The ones who don’t finish their task are banished from the society. Each man is assigned a title (Pride, Envy, Wrath, Sloth, Greed, Gluttony, and Lust). Who is Mason? The arrogant, conceited, alpha is Pride, of course.
If you’ve read by blog posts, you can easily tell that I have specific genres that I gravitate toward (contemporary romance, romantic comedy, sports romance, military romance, first responder romance). So when FlyGirl was looking for someone to work with on The Elite Seven Series, I immediately jumped on board thinking it would be a great time to break out of my routine. I will be completely honest with you, there were a couple of times when I had to close the book (well, my iPad) and walk away. It is sexy, intense, and erotic but this is a dark book and it is not for the faint of heart. My heart breaks for Mason and Evelyn. I cannot imagine the hell that they have gone through. J. D. Hollyfield has done a great job setting this story up to make sure we understand the suffering that Mason has survived to make him the man that he is. I HATE Lillian and can’t wait to see what hell Mason is able to put her through which means….I will be anxiously waiting for the next books to come out. I walked away from this book with hope for Mason and Evelyn. I give Pride by J. D. Hollyfield 4 out of 5 propellers!