WOW! This book was my favorite read this week—and since I have finished 8 others, that should speak highly for it! I have read some of JD Hollyfield’s previous books, but as of now, Pride is my favorite. As JD Hollyfield is not a new author for me, I knew that she is an immensely talented storyteller and I was beyond excited when I saw Pride hit my kindle. I LOVE the concept that seven authors are coming together to write a series—a series that I have quickly become fixated on! Pride is book two in the Elite Seven books. This story is deeper than its processor yet still the events are completely interwoven with Lust. It’s important to note that while these books are standalone romances, written by individual authors, the stories are very much interconnected with a progressive plot and they should be read in order:Lust (The Elite Seven, #1) by Ker DukeyPride (The Elite Seven, #2) by J.D. HollyfieldWrath (The Elite Seven, #3) by Claire C. RileyEnvy (The Elite Seven, #4) by M.N. ForgyGreed (The Elite Seven, #5) by Amo JonesGluttony (The Elite Seven, #6) by K WebsterSloth (The Elite Seven, #7) by Giana DarlingMason is Pride and although he was loath to become the alpha of the new crop of the Elite Seven, become the alpha he did. The Elite is a secret brotherhood that gives members lifelong prestige, money and power but at a very steep price—Initiation that destroys them for the betterment of the Society. Mason’s backstory is tragic and the depths of my hate for the antagonist within this series grew exponentially as I read Pride. The story will suck you in within moments of beginning to read it. And I could not have put this book down if I tried. The story is very gripping—the suspense and intrigue kept me up all night long. (I am starting to think it would behoove me to just buy stock in Starbucks ?!) JD Hollyfield did a remarkable job digging into Pride’s character and developing the romance as well as fleshing out events that took place in the previous book—Lust—all the while giving readers a very entertaining story. Be prepared, this book is super seXXXy, have your spouse on standby or those batteries charged because this story will definitely turn you on! Meghan and Mason have amazing chemistry and I loved both of their characters—individually as well as a couple. Dark Romances are my kryptonite and with each book I read in this series, I am becoming more and more obsessed. Wrath cannot come soon enough—and I will be dropping EVERYTHING to dig in to it once it hits my kindle!!! I cannot recommend these books enough. Don’t waste another moment reading reviews—buy the books and find out why those of us lucky enough to get early blogger copies are raving for these new dark and decadent stories!Quotes:They didn’t create these for scholars to rise above the rest educationally. They were created to build a dark path to the forbidden side of evil: hazing, law breaking, bizarre traditions that went back centuries of disorderly conduct and destruction. These clubs weren’t for the innocent, the good faith and good hearted —no, they were built and constructed for warriors.My heart was dead inside—only beating for the love and survival of my sister—And then this beautiful spark of life revived me.I’m to unite and bond with six other members. Six lives I will single handedly help destroy. My conscience doesn’t exist here. I will, take part in stripping them of their virtue to earn their rightful place in The Elite.