by JD HOLLYFIELD
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 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.
This was definitely a start to Mason's book, and Pride was definitely his book, his sin. Most definitely. It played very well into his upbringing and the way he handled his business, but it was a rough start. Tumultuous doesn't even begin to describe this book. Having said that, I did have a hard time in the beginning and this hard time weaved itself throughout the entire book. It was so frustrating to see how everything started out and played into Mason's world.
With that frustration came some serious hatred. I struggled so much, and I wish I could pinpoint exactly what it was, other than this one never really picked up for me and the necessary explanations weren't there while the overly described unnecessary parts were overabundant. Why is Lillian so instrumental - who is she - and why was that whole beginning of this story even necessary? It was, like, kindle throwing maddening!! These are only a few of the questions that I hope to find answers to as this series progresses, but I couldn't make it through this one to get some of the important answers. I have been reading this book for a few days now, and I have struggled every day, so I know that I needed to put it down. I got increasingly frustrated the longer it took me and the more <sighs> I expelled, which is the step right before I start skimming and I count a skim as a DNF because I can't get through it in one piece. I kid you not, this book put me in a terribly bad mood while I read it. It was so grotesque the way Lillian handled every little thing she said and did - with some of it being very unbelievable. It wasn't even a pleasure to read - which I am sure was the exact intention for her character's persona as seen by Hollyfield. I can't lie and say it was easy to read. The hatred for her was coming off me in waves and the anger was literally pissing me off, and again - I'm sure that's the emotional mindset Hollyfield would have loved to have me in for this character. But seriously -- pissed.me.off. I love angst and heavy emotional stories, but when helplessness mixes in with anger, it starts to take a whole new turn. Helpless because of the drama in the first 20% that you cannot even begin to manage, or even how to control the rage of the selfishness and the ludicrousness that surrounds it, and the anger because you want to beat an ass - HARD.
The lack of communication and secret holding in this one was high and quite frustrating - which plays into the meaning of Pride, being too proud to let weakness show, but why, if these are the boys of your brotherhood and supposed best friends, would you hold out the truth and the information from them. Same with your sister/brother. I really had a hard time with that aspect, and it didn't make much sense in the whole scheme of things but Hollyfield's writing conned me into staying a little bit longer. She definitely lured me in with some parts but I have to admit I didn't enjoy this as much as I wanted to.
It was neat to read the story from another perspective, even though there was a lot of overlay. This was not necessarily the same story being retold, but more like seeing the story from another POV being embellished from another side. It's an entirely different perspective and some of the same happenings are there to tie the stories together, but it was interesting to read it this way. With each book being as short as it has been so far, this is a rather interesting way to tell this group's tale. I also liked that they've been told mostly from the Elite Seven POV....the male POV. So far, two very differing and warring and very volatile opinions on the Elite Seven from one book to the next, from one character to the next. Polar opposite desires and yet, the outcome is the same...I still fell like I need more. I want more....but this one just wasn't working for me.
I will say that some parts felt very forced or unnecessary and with Megan trying to explain why she had certain proclivities felt very.....forced, for the lack of a better word. Don't make romance readers feel bad for their love of a good romance book or feel the need to justify their likes and desires, regardless of the content. I guess that didn't sit too well with me, but again - interesting POV change and telling, just the writing felt a little forced.
I don't want this to read as a negative review in general, please understand that. I feel that this book is instrumental in the overall traction for the storyline, but I had a really hard time with it and some of the elements of it left me quite salty over it all. I have now seen the crossover in the stories between Lust and Pride, so I am hoping to gain more knowledge with each additional book. I am enjoying the basic storyline that is unfolding while I read, so this is an easy series to follow so far - but I think the harshness of this one just did me in. I would *not* recommend reading these out of order, though. The buildup and the character growth in each book adds to the background, and in turn giving you better insight as you get deeper into the Seven. I cant wait to check out WRATH next.
~BEE
~MEET JD HOLLYFIELD~
Creative designer, mother, wife, writer, part time superhero...
J.D. Hollyfield is a creative designer by day and superhero by night. When she is not trying to save the world one happy ending at a time, she enjoys the snuggles of her husband, son and three doxies. With her love for romance, and head full of book boyfriends, she was inspired to test her creative abilities and bring her own story to life.
Life in a Rut, Love not Included is her Debut Novel. J.D. Hollyfield lives in the Midwest, and is currently at work on blowing the minds of readers, with the additions of her new books and series, along with her charm, humor and HEA's.
~CONNECT WITH JD~
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