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The Elite #1
Danger Zone
Length: 4 hrs and 25 mins
They train to serve their country.
They strive to be the best.
But only a select few can be ...
The Elite
* * *
MATTEO MORGAN
CALL SIGN: SOLO
Reckless, arrogant, and bold, Solo is as known in the U.S. Navy for his bad-boy reputation as he is for his skills as a fighter pilot. It’s a surprise to his peers, then, when he’s chosen to train and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world.
MISSION RULES:
1. Kick everyone’s ass.
2. Do whatever it takes to win.
3. Do your best to distract the competition.
4. Especially when that competition is a gorgeous blue-eyed perfectionist who makes your blood run hot.
* * *
GRANT HUGHES
CALL SIGN: PANTHER
Disciplined, smart, and confident, Panther can’t afford not to play by the rules. As the son of a top Navy commander, all eyes are on him, and being anything less than number one is unacceptable.
MISSION RULES:
1. Keep it safe in the air.
2. Prove you’re more than Commander Hughes’s son.
3. No distractions. Stay focused.
4. Don’t fall for your competition—especially not the rebellious heartbreaker with lips made for sinning.
In the heat of the hot California sun, tempers flare and desires ignite as Solo and Panther try to resist their attraction while fighting to be number one.
With passion this intense, the question remains:
Who’s gonna come out on top?
They train to serve their country.
They strive to be the best.
But only a select few can be ...
The Elite
* * *
MATTEO MORGAN
CALL SIGN: SOLO
Reckless, arrogant, and bold, Solo is as known in the U.S. Navy for his bad-boy reputation as he is for his skills as a fighter pilot. It’s a surprise to his peers, then, when he’s chosen to train and compete at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world.
MISSION RULES:
1. Kick everyone’s ass.
2. Do whatever it takes to win.
3. Do your best to distract the competition.
4. Especially when that competition is a gorgeous blue-eyed perfectionist who makes your blood run hot.
* * *
GRANT HUGHES
CALL SIGN: PANTHER
Disciplined, smart, and confident, Panther can’t afford not to play by the rules. As the son of a top Navy commander, all eyes are on him, and being anything less than number one is unacceptable.
MISSION RULES:
1. Keep it safe in the air.
2. Prove you’re more than Commander Hughes’s son.
3. No distractions. Stay focused.
4. Don’t fall for your competition—especially not the rebellious heartbreaker with lips made for sinning.
In the heat of the hot California sun, tempers flare and desires ignite as Solo and Panther try to resist their attraction while fighting to be number one.
With passion this intense, the question remains:
Who’s gonna come out on top?
5 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 27, 2020
1019 people are currently reading
4706 people want to read
About the author
Brooke Blaine
62 books2,428 followersBrooke Blaine is a USA Today Bestselling Author best known for writing romantic comedy and M/M romance. Her novels lead with humor and heart, but Brooke never shies away from throwing in something extra naughty that will scandalize her conservative Southern family for life (bless their hearts).
She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Ragdoll/Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus.
She’s a choc-o-holic, lives for eighties bands (which means she thinks guyliner is totally underrated), believes it’s always wine o’clock, and lives with the coolest cat on the planet—her Ragdoll/Maine Coon mix, Jackson Agador Spartacus.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,115 reviews
April 14, 2024
I started a new job today and while I don’t hate it, I’m already dreading it because it takes up my entire day, so the time I spent being a lazy piece of shit and reading all day is now gone. It seems that I am now a corporate girl.
So then books like this come along and help…for the time being.
But fuck me sideways!!!! (jk that’s not my thing)
This was fun!
It’s actually my first Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank book, but not my first Brooke or Ella book. I’ve avoided this series and every series these two have co-written (which is pretty much every Brooke Blaine book to be honest) because I’m no Ella Frank fan, so I was hesitant, respectfully. But honestly, this was fun. It had some hot moments, which I never even say cause what the fuck would I know, and the tension was there. It’s intensely glorious. Their first make out session was intense and passionate. It definitely goes up there as one of those memorable first kiss scenes. I thought the authors did a great job of making the scene tense and felt. So far, there’s really no…emotional chemistry, in my opinion. However, the sexual tension is definitely there.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen Top Gun (young Tom Cruise was so fine though), but I wasn’t the biggest fan of Solo all the time. I know some of my friends and other reviewers like him for his cocky attitude and all that (and again, the Top Gun comparisons where Solo is basically Pete) but personally, I don’t like people like him. Some things he did were too out of line for me. I’m not a fan of people who don’t always take things seriously and fuck things up for the others, and that was him with Panther. I understood him sometimes, and I even agreed with him, like when he’d tell Panther he needs to loosen up and basically live a little. Other times he wouldn’t take things seriously and aggravate me, but people like him in real life aren’t my favorite so this is definitely a me thing. I need a balance. Some cockiness and immaturity but also serious when necessary, and Solo wasn’t enough of that. I get it, one is the rule follower and the other is the rule breaker, that’s the whole point. He had his funny moments, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s confident enough. I’m all for it and for seeing characters make stupid decisions because, well, it’s not me facing the consequences, but sometimes he’d have his stupid moments. It’s not the rule breaking, it’s that he was too childish…too much. Not exactly a man-child but an adult with childish tendencies. And don’t get me wrong, I love pushy characters, the type who know what they want and don’t stop till they get it, but somehow he felt too pushy? But should I be surprised when this is co-written by Ella Frank? Pushy characters are her favorite. He’s definitely a good opposite type for Panther considering their personalities and the way they take life, but again, sometimes it was too much for me. I found some of the things he said cringe worthy, a little too laughable and eye-rolling. Some of the dialogue was fun and other things he said were, well, let’s just say the second hand embarrassment was real. It was not my type of enjoyable dialogue. Too cocky, arrogant, and egotistical. Just too much. I kept telling myself he needed to chill out. He felt like a hypocrite, saying Panther had nothing to lose yet Panther had to prove himself, loved what he did, and wanted the top spot for himself and not because of his dad. Meanwhile, Solo actually had nothing to lose and that’s why he was the way he was. That’s my interpretation of him at least. I also didn’t trust him all the time. Sometimes I thought Solo was gonna out Panther ngl. 🫣 He had that “I don’t care if you’d dear old daddy doesn’t accept your sexuality I’m gonna make it difficult for you” attitude. I’ll let it pass considering he’s the age where his frontal lobe just developed, I guess.
I will say that I LOVED the rivalry. This is a rivals to lovers who secretly but not so secretly sexually pine for each other and it was glorious. I loved that Panther did not give in immediately and actually stood his ground. Solo’s obsession with Panther was highly amusing. He’s the “I know what I want and won’t stop till I get it” type of guy, and even when he felt pushy, his obsession for Panther still worked greatly in my favor. It was fun to witness and follow. I love that Panther actually made Solo work for it, at least a little more than usual, and made him continue pursuing and following him. I loved that he fought his feelings. I loved that their rivalry was shown and not just told. We see a little bit of pilot flying action, as well as the motorcycle race scene, and how they both want the top spot. The versatility felt balanced. I wish the rivalry lasted a little longer but it’s book 1 and less than 200 pages, so it makes sense. The competitiveness was fun to follow, with the two having different goals.
I still wish we got more character backstory. I feel like we hardly know anything about both men. All we know about Solo is that he was an orphan because his family died and that’s how he got his nickname. That’s it. Very boring stuff. And Panther is practically closeted and doesn’t wanna disappoint his dad, hiding himself and who he is. I liked that Solo made him come out sometimes because it made Panther looser. It was nice to see the influence, admittedly.
Overall, I’m shocked I enjoyed this but am glad I finally got around to reading it. Not sure what my next read by these two will be but I’m hoping and crossing my fingers it’ll be at least enjoyable…enough.
So then books like this come along and help…for the time being.
But fuck me sideways!!!! (jk that’s not my thing)
This was fun!
It’s actually my first Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank book, but not my first Brooke or Ella book. I’ve avoided this series and every series these two have co-written (which is pretty much every Brooke Blaine book to be honest) because I’m no Ella Frank fan, so I was hesitant, respectfully. But honestly, this was fun. It had some hot moments, which I never even say cause what the fuck would I know, and the tension was there. It’s intensely glorious. Their first make out session was intense and passionate. It definitely goes up there as one of those memorable first kiss scenes. I thought the authors did a great job of making the scene tense and felt. So far, there’s really no…emotional chemistry, in my opinion. However, the sexual tension is definitely there.
Maybe it’s because I haven’t seen Top Gun (young Tom Cruise was so fine though), but I wasn’t the biggest fan of Solo all the time. I know some of my friends and other reviewers like him for his cocky attitude and all that (and again, the Top Gun comparisons where Solo is basically Pete) but personally, I don’t like people like him. Some things he did were too out of line for me. I’m not a fan of people who don’t always take things seriously and fuck things up for the others, and that was him with Panther. I understood him sometimes, and I even agreed with him, like when he’d tell Panther he needs to loosen up and basically live a little. Other times he wouldn’t take things seriously and aggravate me, but people like him in real life aren’t my favorite so this is definitely a me thing. I need a balance. Some cockiness and immaturity but also serious when necessary, and Solo wasn’t enough of that. I get it, one is the rule follower and the other is the rule breaker, that’s the whole point. He had his funny moments, he knows what he’s doing, and he’s confident enough. I’m all for it and for seeing characters make stupid decisions because, well, it’s not me facing the consequences, but sometimes he’d have his stupid moments. It’s not the rule breaking, it’s that he was too childish…too much. Not exactly a man-child but an adult with childish tendencies. And don’t get me wrong, I love pushy characters, the type who know what they want and don’t stop till they get it, but somehow he felt too pushy? But should I be surprised when this is co-written by Ella Frank? Pushy characters are her favorite. He’s definitely a good opposite type for Panther considering their personalities and the way they take life, but again, sometimes it was too much for me. I found some of the things he said cringe worthy, a little too laughable and eye-rolling. Some of the dialogue was fun and other things he said were, well, let’s just say the second hand embarrassment was real. It was not my type of enjoyable dialogue. Too cocky, arrogant, and egotistical. Just too much. I kept telling myself he needed to chill out. He felt like a hypocrite, saying Panther had nothing to lose yet Panther had to prove himself, loved what he did, and wanted the top spot for himself and not because of his dad. Meanwhile, Solo actually had nothing to lose and that’s why he was the way he was. That’s my interpretation of him at least. I also didn’t trust him all the time. Sometimes I thought Solo was gonna out Panther ngl. 🫣 He had that “I don’t care if you’d dear old daddy doesn’t accept your sexuality I’m gonna make it difficult for you” attitude. I’ll let it pass considering he’s the age where his frontal lobe just developed, I guess.
I will say that I LOVED the rivalry. This is a rivals to lovers who secretly but not so secretly sexually pine for each other and it was glorious. I loved that Panther did not give in immediately and actually stood his ground. Solo’s obsession with Panther was highly amusing. He’s the “I know what I want and won’t stop till I get it” type of guy, and even when he felt pushy, his obsession for Panther still worked greatly in my favor. It was fun to witness and follow. I love that Panther actually made Solo work for it, at least a little more than usual, and made him continue pursuing and following him. I loved that he fought his feelings. I loved that their rivalry was shown and not just told. We see a little bit of pilot flying action, as well as the motorcycle race scene, and how they both want the top spot. The versatility felt balanced. I wish the rivalry lasted a little longer but it’s book 1 and less than 200 pages, so it makes sense. The competitiveness was fun to follow, with the two having different goals.
I still wish we got more character backstory. I feel like we hardly know anything about both men. All we know about Solo is that he was an orphan because his family died and that’s how he got his nickname. That’s it. Very boring stuff. And Panther is practically closeted and doesn’t wanna disappoint his dad, hiding himself and who he is. I liked that Solo made him come out sometimes because it made Panther looser. It was nice to see the influence, admittedly.
Overall, I’m shocked I enjoyed this but am glad I finally got around to reading it. Not sure what my next read by these two will be but I’m hoping and crossing my fingers it’ll be at least enjoyable…enough.
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February 21, 2020
Danger Zone is book one in The Elite trilogy by Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank. This book has every single thing that checks off my box of perfectness. Except one thing, it’s a cliffy. But I knew that going in so was prepared for it although I most certainly didn’t anticipate the way things were left! In any event, these two men are exactly the types of heroes I love to read about, both strong, both dominant, both passionate. In a nutshell, both perfectly delicious.
Grant Hughes is a buttoned up, play by the rules, strive for perfection man, because that’s the way he was raised to be by his Naval Commander father. There was never any question that Grant would follow in his footsteps. Flying fighter jets is what he was born to do. But the pressure to always be perfect was intense. There was also no question that Grant, otherwise known by the name Panther, would be accepted into the Naval Aviation Fighter Academy, the most elite fighter pilot academy in the world, for a ten week intensive training program. At the end of the program, only one man would win and Grant knows that his father expects no less than that trophy.
“This competition was mine to lose, and I never lost. I wouldn’t start now.”
Mateo Morgan or Solo is the exact opposite of Grant. He pushes every boundary, doesn’t care about rules, and will try just about anything. Where Mateo is out and proud about his sexuality, Grant is not. Only a spare few know of Grant’s preference for men, including his father. And his father would not tolerate him letting the secret out.
“The guy was incorrigible in an almost endearing way.”
The first time these two see each other, not knowing who the other is, the chemistry is through the roof, sparks are flying. But Grant puts the breaks on. When they realize that they are both at the academy, Grant is glad he stayed strong. But that sexual tension continues to grow between them. Mateo pushes at Grant every chance he can get with little innuendos, touches, winks. Just enough to infuriate Grant. Also enough to keep that tension strong because he’s sure Grant will only be able to hold out for so long.
“You make a mess of me, you know that? My composure, my concentration, you make me forget myself, and that’s dangerous.”
These two were so amazing. The sparks were flying anytime they were near each other. At the same time, we’re getting their histories, learning what makes them tick, why they are the way they are. I couldn’t have loved them more. And along with the sexual chemistry, there is plenty of action happening that kept me on the edge of my seat. With all the tension, both sexual and competitive, you know something’s going to blow, and when it does, watch out!
The next book in the series, the continuation of Grant and Mateo’s story, is called Need for Speed. Thankfully, it won’t be too long until it comes out. I have to admit here that this is my first book by either of these authors and I am completely smitten. You can most definitely count on the fact that there will be many, many more in my future.
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 26, 2020
Holy mother of cliffhangers !!!!
I know.. I know... I could have waited until all books are released, but did you read that blurb?? Right, so you see I had no choice but to jump into this one.
And I am glad I did, because, despite that major cliffy, it was pretty freaking good.
Oh, how I love me some badass alpha men, and Navy jet pilots.. sign me the hell up!!
Grant (call sign Panther) and Matteo (call sign Solo) were both accepted into The Elite. The most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world. Only the best of the best are attending and they will have to fight hard and give it their all to be nr.1.
Both come from completely different worlds and opposites in a lot of ways. Where Grant is a "by the book" and "follow the rules" kind of person, Matteo is more a "fly by the seat of your pants" kind of man.
I absolutely loved both of them and the delicious slow burn had me on the edge of my seat...drooling.
Now if I could just get my grabby little hands on book 2, all would be awesome!!!
Thankfully the wait won't be too long ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
January 2, 2025
* ☘︎ :･ﾟTOP 10 AUDIO 2022 :･ﾟ☘︎ *
re-listen December 2024
I’m never going to get tired of these books/audiobooks.
re-listen March 2024
Damn, their sparks are like fireworks. Still setting me on fire easily, so damn hot. My favorite hotshots. Still think it's the audio tho, that makes this series so damn hot.
re-listen October 2023
Couldn't resist temptation after watching “Top Gun” last night. Man this movie is bad *lmaooo The best about it certainly is the theme song as well as it obv served as great inspiration to these authors to come up with this storyline. —make it MM and super hot. God, I’m still so heavily in love with this. ❤️🔥
re-listen February 2023
Damn! As soon as I read hope’s enthusiastic review I ran ahead and put on the audio once again. And man, I love Panther & Solo more each time I go back to their story.
Definitely my absolute favorite so far by this author duo and also one of absolute favorite audios with Christian Fox as the super cocky Matteo Solo Morgan and Aiden Snow as the uptight but oh-so-hot Grant Panther Hughes. ♡
4.75***** stars
re-listen #594532515 August 2022
Gawd these hotshots own my freaking heart!
Original review:
January 2022
Wow! I’m totally in love with this series. It checked so many of my boxes. Hot men, their thrilling job and the obstacles Solo and Panther had to overcome to find their HEA.
And also… never have I ever listened to two narrators who complemented each other like Christian Fox and Aiden Snow. It was freaking amazing. This def won’t be the last time I listened to all three of the audiobooks.
**************
The Elite Trilogy
Book 1 - Danger Zone
Book 2 - Need for Speed
Book 3 - Classified
re-listen December 2024
I’m never going to get tired of these books/audiobooks.
re-listen March 2024
Damn, their sparks are like fireworks. Still setting me on fire easily, so damn hot. My favorite hotshots. Still think it's the audio tho, that makes this series so damn hot.
re-listen October 2023
Couldn't resist temptation after watching “Top Gun” last night. Man this movie is bad *lmaooo The best about it certainly is the theme song as well as it obv served as great inspiration to these authors to come up with this storyline. —make it MM and super hot. God, I’m still so heavily in love with this. ❤️🔥
re-listen February 2023
Damn! As soon as I read hope’s enthusiastic review I ran ahead and put on the audio once again. And man, I love Panther & Solo more each time I go back to their story.
Definitely my absolute favorite so far by this author duo and also one of absolute favorite audios with Christian Fox as the super cocky Matteo Solo Morgan and Aiden Snow as the uptight but oh-so-hot Grant Panther Hughes. ♡
4.75***** stars
re-listen #594532515 August 2022
Gawd these hotshots own my freaking heart!
I never could have imagined that accepting a spot in the Elite this year would lead me here, into the arms of the man who should’ve been my competition, should’ve been my rival, but had turned out to be my everything instead. Grant “Panther” Hughes had moved into my sightline, and I’d locked on to him and never let go. He was everything I’d ever wanted, and never dreamed I could have.
[quote from BOOK3]
Original review:
January 2022
Wow! I’m totally in love with this series. It checked so many of my boxes. Hot men, their thrilling job and the obstacles Solo and Panther had to overcome to find their HEA.
And also… never have I ever listened to two narrators who complemented each other like Christian Fox and Aiden Snow. It was freaking amazing. This def won’t be the last time I listened to all three of the audiobooks.
**************
The Elite Trilogy
Book 1 - Danger Zone
Book 2 - Need for Speed
Book 3 - Classified
March 1, 2020
Top Gun it’s NOT
How this got so many 5 star ratings is something I’ll never know and something I won’t bother thinking about.
Here’s my recap:
Two alpha fighter pilots
Solo chases Panther
Solo is aggressive
Panther aggressively says no
They fly....aggressively
They argue...aggressively
Solo keeps after Panther
Panther keeps saying no
Both men keep saying how hot the other is
They fly some more. Aggressively
They race bikes...aggressively
They get off together...you got it, aggressively
All the while saying how hot the other one is
Panther finally gives in to Solo and they have the best sex of their lives and it’s so hot because they’re so hot
Cliffhanger
Or it would be a cliffhanger if I even cared a whit about either of these two alpha gods.
Yet another superficial and commercially produced work from this pair of authors.
My rec? If you want to waste your time, sure. But you may find yourself aggressively turning each page just to finish the damned thing.
How this got so many 5 star ratings is something I’ll never know and something I won’t bother thinking about.
Here’s my recap:
Two alpha fighter pilots
Solo chases Panther
Solo is aggressive
Panther aggressively says no
They fly....aggressively
They argue...aggressively
Solo keeps after Panther
Panther keeps saying no
Both men keep saying how hot the other is
They fly some more. Aggressively
They race bikes...aggressively
They get off together...you got it, aggressively
All the while saying how hot the other one is
Panther finally gives in to Solo and they have the best sex of their lives and it’s so hot because they’re so hot
Cliffhanger
Or it would be a cliffhanger if I even cared a whit about either of these two alpha gods.
Yet another superficial and commercially produced work from this pair of authors.
My rec? If you want to waste your time, sure. But you may find yourself aggressively turning each page just to finish the damned thing.
April 9, 2025
It took everything in me not to finish this book in one sitting. It was so entertaining!! It hardly requires any brain power to understand what’s happening. The writing is simple but decent and the plot is basically Top Gun but make it gay, it’s perfect. I really loved the rivalry going on between Grant (Panther) and Mateo (Solo). While Panther always plays by the rules being careful not to slip up under the watchful eye of his dad. Solo on the other hand is ruthless, stubborn, and arrogant. What I found the most entertaining was Solo constantly trying to win Panther over in his own Solo kind of way. While Panther continuously avoided him even though he wanted Solo just as badly. Honestly this book is the perfect story to get lost in and enjoy. Although, there is one hell of a brutal cliffhanger at the end, so that wasn’t very nice, now I really need the second book. Thank you Evie for bringing this one to my attention!! (4.5)
March 4, 2023
Anyone else say "Danger Zone" like Archer does when reading this title?? Please tell me some of you are Sterling Archer fans...
I can see why everyone loved this one. It's a gay Top Gun retelling! It even has the motorcycle race, and the beach fun with half naked men. We have one pilot who follows all the rules, and the other one was born to break them. 😂 It was fun to read and the chemistry was sexy.
This story is full of aggressive, competitive, testosteroney men. Their arguments are competitive, their flying is competitive, they race their bikes competitively, I was waiting for the sex competition but this was a slow burn. It finally arrives around 85% and it was…ok. Sadly lacking description and intimacy.
The overall story lacks depth, and has minimal character backstory. Book is not a standalone, wish I would have known that going in. Ends on a cliffhanger.
I can see why everyone loved this one. It's a gay Top Gun retelling! It even has the motorcycle race, and the beach fun with half naked men. We have one pilot who follows all the rules, and the other one was born to break them. 😂 It was fun to read and the chemistry was sexy.
This story is full of aggressive, competitive, testosteroney men. Their arguments are competitive, their flying is competitive, they race their bikes competitively, I was waiting for the sex competition but this was a slow burn. It finally arrives around 85% and it was…ok. Sadly lacking description and intimacy.
The overall story lacks depth, and has minimal character backstory. Book is not a standalone, wish I would have known that going in. Ends on a cliffhanger.
dnf
June 9, 2020Audio 5 + Stars
Story dnf @ 70%
Story dnf @ 70%
May 7, 2025
Listen, I love audiobooks. I’ve listened to hundreds. And never, and I mean never, have I EVER encountered two narrators vibing with each other as well as Christian Fox and Aiden Snow do here.
HO-LY HELL THOSE TWO WERE SO GOOD!! AND HOT!
I got literal chills every time Aiden Snow narrated and melted into goo when it was Christian Fox‘ turn. This instantly shot into my top three audio experiences.
Okay, the story: Oh my god, SO FUCKING FUN! Their chemistry was off the charts, their arrogance, cockiness and competence in the air so damn appealing, I really liked the whole cast, the flying was exhilarating, the tension and push and pull between Solo and Panther palpable, the rivalry very entertaining. All in all the perfect, fun, hot brain holiday. And I’m all about that right now.
Also: in my head these two are so incredibly fucking attractive and just cool (who calls people cool nowadays? Me apparently, but rest assured I feel very uncool doing so lol)
Also also: THAT’S WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY FLIP FUCKING BABES ❤️🔥
Damn, I cannot WAIT to continue 😮💨
4,5⭐️
PS: I think Christian Fox might be my fav narrator of all times? Any recs for great audios he’s done?
HO-LY HELL THOSE TWO WERE SO GOOD!! AND HOT!
I got literal chills every time Aiden Snow narrated and melted into goo when it was Christian Fox‘ turn. This instantly shot into my top three audio experiences.
Okay, the story: Oh my god, SO FUCKING FUN! Their chemistry was off the charts, their arrogance, cockiness and competence in the air so damn appealing, I really liked the whole cast, the flying was exhilarating, the tension and push and pull between Solo and Panther palpable, the rivalry very entertaining. All in all the perfect, fun, hot brain holiday. And I’m all about that right now.
Also: in my head these two are so incredibly fucking attractive and just cool (who calls people cool nowadays? Me apparently, but rest assured I feel very uncool doing so lol)
Also also: THAT’S WHAT I MEAN WHEN I SAY FLIP FUCKING BABES ❤️🔥
Damn, I cannot WAIT to continue 😮💨
4,5⭐️
PS: I think Christian Fox might be my fav narrator of all times? Any recs for great audios he’s done?
April 2, 2025
I thought Top Gun was already pretty gay but it turns out it could be SO MUCH GAYER.
Short, simple and spicy verse Fighter Pilots. That cliffhanger was the perfect level of melodrama! I'll be rolling straight into book 2! Grant (Panther) and Mateo (Solo) had a fun sexy rivals thing going on that I enjoyed a lot.
I needed literally one and a half brain cells for this and had a great time. Thank you Jessica for the audiobook rec ❤️❤️ cause despite getting a jump scare from how deep one of the narrators voice was, they both did an amazing job at being gravelly and sexy.
Short, simple and spicy verse Fighter Pilots. That cliffhanger was the perfect level of melodrama! I'll be rolling straight into book 2! Grant (Panther) and Mateo (Solo) had a fun sexy rivals thing going on that I enjoyed a lot.
I needed literally one and a half brain cells for this and had a great time. Thank you Jessica for the audiobook rec ❤️❤️ cause despite getting a jump scare from how deep one of the narrators voice was, they both did an amazing job at being gravelly and sexy.
February 27, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
Danger Zone is the first book in Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine's The Elite trilogy. This was definitely an introduction to the trilogy more than anything else but it brought all the steaminess from these characters and showed how strong of a chemistry they had. Matteo, aka Solo and Grant, aka Panther, were the complete opposite at first glance. Grant is the by-the-books, always with a plan type of guy, while Matteo is the kind of guy that takes what he wants with no thought of the consequences. I really liked those differences and how it made them have that hate-lust energy that is amazing to read about. And I also liked that they were the same when it came to being dominant., take charge, kind of guys, especially when it came to the bedroom.
I'm not going to lie, I did want more out of this book and thought we would get more detail about both characters. We got hints of a deeper background to Matteo and his past but they were really only mentions of things and no actual detail. I'm sure we'll get more of that story in the next two books but it made me feel like we really didn't know him for the majority of this book.
Overall, this was a super steamy start to this trilogy and of course left us with a big question mark so I'm excited to see what will happen in the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
Danger Zone is the first book in Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine's The Elite trilogy. This was definitely an introduction to the trilogy more than anything else but it brought all the steaminess from these characters and showed how strong of a chemistry they had. Matteo, aka Solo and Grant, aka Panther, were the complete opposite at first glance. Grant is the by-the-books, always with a plan type of guy, while Matteo is the kind of guy that takes what he wants with no thought of the consequences. I really liked those differences and how it made them have that hate-lust energy that is amazing to read about. And I also liked that they were the same when it came to being dominant., take charge, kind of guys, especially when it came to the bedroom.
I'm not going to lie, I did want more out of this book and thought we would get more detail about both characters. We got hints of a deeper background to Matteo and his past but they were really only mentions of things and no actual detail. I'm sure we'll get more of that story in the next two books but it made me feel like we really didn't know him for the majority of this book.
Overall, this was a super steamy start to this trilogy and of course left us with a big question mark so I'm excited to see what will happen in the next one.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
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June 22, 2024
|| 4.5 stars ||
➛First read: November 2021 | ★4.5 stars
➛Second read: January 2022 | ★4.5 stars
Damn, this was one hell of a ride.
Solo and Panther were scorching hot together, and I am kind of obsessed with how much Solo was into him. Like seriously, the guy refused to give up and it was kind of amazing. The tension between them was downright palpable.
There honestly wasn't a moment where I was not thoroughly entertained during this entire novel and I can genuinely not wait to read Need for Speed. If the relationship becomes a bit more emotional rather than just physical, it might honestly be perfect.
'The Elite' trilogy:
1. Danger Zone - 4.5 stars
2. Need for Speed - 3.5 stars
3. Classified - 3.0 stars
➛First read: November 2021 | ★4.5 stars
➛Second read: January 2022 | ★4.5 stars
Damn, this was one hell of a ride.
Solo and Panther were scorching hot together, and I am kind of obsessed with how much Solo was into him. Like seriously, the guy refused to give up and it was kind of amazing. The tension between them was downright palpable.
There honestly wasn't a moment where I was not thoroughly entertained during this entire novel and I can genuinely not wait to read Need for Speed. If the relationship becomes a bit more emotional rather than just physical, it might honestly be perfect.
'The Elite' trilogy:
1. Danger Zone - 4.5 stars
2. Need for Speed - 3.5 stars
3. Classified - 3.0 stars
March 9, 2020
Ugh, that darn cliffhanger!!!!!
Overall it was an OK read with parts that worked for me. Even if the MCs were HOT and they had great chemistry, I can't say I felt any deep connection... I wanted more and I am pretty sad we have to wait for the next book. It's mean to end a book like that! 🥺
Overall it was an OK read with parts that worked for me. Even if the MCs were HOT and they had great chemistry, I can't say I felt any deep connection... I wanted more and I am pretty sad we have to wait for the next book. It's mean to end a book like that! 🥺
February 6, 2022
Two adrenaline junkies.
One infuriating horndog.
One with stick up his ass.
✋ the amount of times Solo just asked for Panther to punch him HAD ME AT MY LIMITS. I salute Panther for not ONCE giving in to the temptation ✋
Also, I was so-so about this book, didn't love it but didn't hate it. But THAT FUCKING ENDING?!
the . cliffhanger . ending!!!
3.75 🌟 stars
One infuriating horndog.
One with stick up his ass.
“Hey, by the way.” Panther glanced at me as I gunned the engine. “Just so you know, I have a feeling you’re going to be my favorite mistake ever.”
✋ the amount of times Solo just asked for Panther to punch him HAD ME AT MY LIMITS. I salute Panther for not ONCE giving in to the temptation ✋
Also, I was so-so about this book, didn't love it but didn't hate it. But THAT FUCKING ENDING?!
the . cliffhanger . ending!!!
3.75 🌟 stars
February 21, 2020
As ever with this pair of authors Danger Zone is an adrenaline rush filled ride with two hot alpha males.
Also with these authors, they leave the reader hanging with a cliffie of epic proportions. Fortunately, book two is out in only a month.
I know it's their modus operandi but it can be frustrating to know the second book is teasing its existence just a few weeks away 🤣
That said, this is a brilliant opener to what's essentially a Top Gun homage to the kick ass world of top level fighter pilots and all the testosterone that comes along with that job.
Loved it as much as I cursed Ella and Brooke when I ran out of book! Matteo and Grant couldn't be more opposite and more perfect for each other.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Also with these authors, they leave the reader hanging with a cliffie of epic proportions. Fortunately, book two is out in only a month.
I know it's their modus operandi but it can be frustrating to know the second book is teasing its existence just a few weeks away 🤣
That said, this is a brilliant opener to what's essentially a Top Gun homage to the kick ass world of top level fighter pilots and all the testosterone that comes along with that job.
Loved it as much as I cursed Ella and Brooke when I ran out of book! Matteo and Grant couldn't be more opposite and more perfect for each other.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
June 20, 2020
Before I write my review I have to admit that I have never watched Top Gun. Plus, I kinda hate Tom Cruise - mostly for being part of that horrible cult and for destroying the image of Jack Reacher Killing FloorI had in my head.
All that kinda made me not love this book in the beginning. No idea why. I kind of always had those clips in my head. Those images from the Take My Breath Away video maybe or the pics I've seen of Tom Cruise in his uniform. I don't know. The book just didn't grab me at all in the beginning. Even though I usually love military/SEAL romances and all that stuff.
And as always with M/M romances - it takes me ages to know who is who. Even with the chapters named Solo and Panther - I still always had to think about things before I knew who was talking. I loved that it was told in first person - I hate nothing more than all those HE's in a gay romance - that is way too complicated for my little reader brain! ☺
But now about the story.
It's a gay insta-lust-hate or enemies-to-lovers romance set in the world of Navy pilots. Which is cool. I really liked that idea!
We're in California for a 10 week training to find out who's the best of the best. The Elite.
And Grant and Mateo are the best of the best.
But who's the bestestest??? ☺
Grant is not really openly gay. His dad knows. But his dad is a Navy pilot legend and he won't be happy to find out his son is not taking this class seriously. Grant was planning on taking it all very seriously - until Mateo showed up ...
Mateo is more open with his love life and he makes it verrry known that he wants Grant.
Let's see where those two will take us in this and the next two books! ☺
I really liked reading it in the end. It was funny and exciting and sparky and flirty and sexy.
Not very long though - so I wouldn't have minded all three books in one book. I don't really like to wait. Even if it's just a month. One book would've been better.
We have a really great group of supporting cast - I just hope nobody will die!!!
We definitely get a very cliffy ending! ☺
💜
💜
May 10, 2022
➥ 3 Stars *:･ﾟ✧
This was not bad by any means. But it also wasn't significantly...good? I appreciate the setup and idea of this book: the two best aviators competing for first place that started off on the wrong, not very sfw, foot.
But the enemies aspect fell flat to me. That cute little quote I added above? That was all I could find that was swoon-worthy after scouring my annotations of this book. The banter was barely there, the dirty talk was averagely gross and the sex was barely hot to me.
I feel like I'm likely to just ramble about this book for ages because, although I found myself bored, I have so many things that, if changed, I believe would have made this book much better.
Firstly, let's talk about the characters of course:
Regarding the dialogue, it was littered with swearing. It really took away from what the characters were actually saying and it felt like this author's poor attempt at trying to make the men more masculine? I swear regularly so it's not that I have a problem with profanity, but when it's overused it becomes cringey and tiresome.
Example of cringey dirty talk/dialogue:
Example of unnecessary abundance of profanity use:
And I could go on and on and on, because their regular dialogue is like this.
The internal monologue was also annoying. I could barely differentiate whose perspective I was reading in and certain character thoughts are truly so strange and unnecessary.
This book was not funny. I think it tried to be at times, and failed. Miserably.
Did I actually just read a "come/cum" joke in a book? And it was done unironically stop 😭. One of them also drew a dick in the sky...? I feel like I could get a giggle out of that but it was too drawn out.
Now onto more serious problems I had with the book. There may be vague/mild spoilers coming up. Solo was very inconsiderate and insensitive about the things that Panther has had to/is going through. He's insistent on Panther coming out (like him), as if Panther hasn't expressed that his father hates him for it and his father doesn't want other people to know. So Panther is obligated to stay in the closet for his own benefit of not having to deal with his father. Which leads me to my next point, it was nearly fully Solo's fault when Panther's dad gave him shit about something that Solo did. Panther was only his assigned partner. This gains Panther a hurtful tongue lashing from his father that is purely Solo's fault, and when Solo sees him upset, he just uses it as another reason to convince Panther to have sex with him, to feel that "high".
This is how I think that scene should have gone (featuring my imagination lol):
Anyway, that was just a fun alternative that I thought up.
To end on a positive note, I liked this book. I liked the aviation aspect (such a fun setting), the side characters were pretty decent too, and the romance itself wasn't terrible. It was just that I've read much better. I understand that this is a series and there is to be more romantic/emotional development in the next books but I don't think I'm invested enough. Still, I completely understand why this is a favourite of many, it's always so interesting to see how tastes vary :)
Panther groaned as he touched my face, and when he traced a thumb over my lower lip he muttered, "So fucking gorgeous. It's not fair..."
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
This was not bad by any means. But it also wasn't significantly...good? I appreciate the setup and idea of this book: the two best aviators competing for first place that started off on the wrong, not very sfw, foot.
But the enemies aspect fell flat to me. That cute little quote I added above? That was all I could find that was swoon-worthy after scouring my annotations of this book. The banter was barely there, the dirty talk was averagely gross and the sex was barely hot to me.
I feel like I'm likely to just ramble about this book for ages because, although I found myself bored, I have so many things that, if changed, I believe would have made this book much better.
Firstly, let's talk about the characters of course:
➺ Panther was a pretty okay guy. But again, nothing memorable or new about his character. Just an average man. He has a lot of pressure to do well/win because his dad had won before and everyone thinks he got into this academy thanks to him, so he feels he needs to prove himself. And I did like the nick/code names they have for each other.
➺ Solo was also a cute name. He bugged me. So detailed and explanatory, I know. He was very insistent on convincing Panther to have sex with him and he was very insensitive about certain topics (I'll get to that).
Regarding the dialogue, it was littered with swearing. It really took away from what the characters were actually saying and it felt like this author's poor attempt at trying to make the men more masculine? I swear regularly so it's not that I have a problem with profanity, but when it's overused it becomes cringey and tiresome.
Example of cringey dirty talk/dialogue:
"You've got the tightest ass I've ever been inside."
Example of unnecessary abundance of profanity use:
"Well, I don't get fucking bonus points."
"Keep your fucking voice down."
"But he's the kind who has a big fucking mouth."
"You don't fucking get it, do you?"
"More than my next fucking breath."
And I could go on and on and on, because their regular dialogue is like this.
The internal monologue was also annoying. I could barely differentiate whose perspective I was reading in and certain character thoughts are truly so strange and unnecessary.
He hadn't said a word and my cock felt as though he'd just wrapped his fingers around it and given me a nice, long stroke.
This book was not funny. I think it tried to be at times, and failed. Miserably.
"There's a hotel at the far north end of Boundary. When you think you're able to walk out of here come meet me there. Actually, don't come - do that when you meet me there."
Did I actually just read a "come/cum" joke in a book? And it was done unironically stop 😭. One of them also drew a dick in the sky...? I feel like I could get a giggle out of that but it was too drawn out.
Now onto more serious problems I had with the book. There may be vague/mild spoilers coming up. Solo was very inconsiderate and insensitive about the things that Panther has had to/is going through. He's insistent on Panther coming out (like him), as if Panther hasn't expressed that his father hates him for it and his father doesn't want other people to know. So Panther is obligated to stay in the closet for his own benefit of not having to deal with his father. Which leads me to my next point, it was nearly fully Solo's fault when Panther's dad gave him shit about something that Solo did. Panther was only his assigned partner. This gains Panther a hurtful tongue lashing from his father that is purely Solo's fault, and when Solo sees him upset, he just uses it as another reason to convince Panther to have sex with him, to feel that "high".
This is how I think that scene should have gone (featuring my imagination lol):
Anyway, that was just a fun alternative that I thought up.
To end on a positive note, I liked this book. I liked the aviation aspect (such a fun setting), the side characters were pretty decent too, and the romance itself wasn't terrible. It was just that I've read much better. I understand that this is a series and there is to be more romantic/emotional development in the next books but I don't think I'm invested enough. Still, I completely understand why this is a favourite of many, it's always so interesting to see how tastes vary :)
━━━━━━━━━━━ ♡ ━━━━━━━━━━━
August 18, 2024
Finishing the book on a cliffhanger that left me hanging off of the fucking cliff should be illegal ( nothing to say I NEED book 2 like I need my next breath)
July 7, 2022
I was astonished by the level of harassment this book described and tried to portray as romance, it wasn't cute and it wasn't funny. 😤😤
I'll share my reactions in chronological order, Doña rants is here because WTF!
🚩 Solo is a very good "pilot", but he is really reckles and doesn't follow orders... How the fuck he made it to the elite?
🚩Panther is also a very good pilot and he does follow rules, but he is deeply in the closet, that's ok. What I could never understand about him is how he let Solo treat him, I would have whooped his ass!
🚩Look 😤😤 it ain't funny for a character to make sexual innuendos when the other character explicitly said: don't do it, this is my work place, don't do it.
🚩It ain't funny when Solo doesn't respect Panther's personal space, just because he thinks that Panther actually wants him to violate said space... BE RESPECTFUL DUDE! HE SAID NO!
And it keeps going, it was like watching a train wreck happen and the worst of the worst was:
🚩Solo tricking Panther to get in his room (when it was said that Panther didn't want to) and he refused, REFUSED, to get out of it until Panther slept with him. HOW THE FUCK IS THAT RIGHT? I was so uncomfortable reading this I don't know how I got that far! This was so wrong!
I mean look at this shit: "but when had I ever given him space? I wasn’t about to start now". WHUUUTTTTTT *saca la chancla!* WHUUUTTTTT
*breathes*
Solo did a lot of things with the excuse of: he wants me, he's just in the closet, THAT I COULD NOT DEAL WITH IT.
This book is wrong. 🤷🏻♀️
I'll share my reactions in chronological order, Doña rants is here because WTF!
🚩 Solo is a very good "pilot", but he is really reckles and doesn't follow orders... How the fuck he made it to the elite?
🚩Panther is also a very good pilot and he does follow rules, but he is deeply in the closet, that's ok. What I could never understand about him is how he let Solo treat him, I would have whooped his ass!
🚩Look 😤😤 it ain't funny for a character to make sexual innuendos when the other character explicitly said: don't do it, this is my work place, don't do it.
🚩It ain't funny when Solo doesn't respect Panther's personal space, just because he thinks that Panther actually wants him to violate said space... BE RESPECTFUL DUDE! HE SAID NO!
And it keeps going, it was like watching a train wreck happen and the worst of the worst was:
🚩Solo tricking Panther to get in his room (when it was said that Panther didn't want to) and he refused, REFUSED, to get out of it until Panther slept with him. HOW THE FUCK IS THAT RIGHT? I was so uncomfortable reading this I don't know how I got that far! This was so wrong!
I mean look at this shit: "but when had I ever given him space? I wasn’t about to start now". WHUUUTTTTTT *saca la chancla!* WHUUUTTTTT
*breathes*
Solo did a lot of things with the excuse of: he wants me, he's just in the closet, THAT I COULD NOT DEAL WITH IT.
This book is wrong. 🤷🏻♀️
May 9, 2025
Not sure if I’d started this if I’d realised it’s a trilogy.
And another thing I’m not a fan of: Ella Frank. I know many of you love her books, but somehow we don’t mesh. No idea why. And ofc she’s one of the authors who LOVE dragging a story out for several books until we get our HEA.
That being said: I agree with my friends here that the audio is GORGEOUS. So good. I’m not usually a fan of dual narration, but Aiden Snow and Christian Fox are a match made in heaven.
The plot is basically Top Gun on steroids: Grant Hughes aka Panther is a pilot in the US Navy, his father a (retired) legend amongst the ranks. He’s closeted, not wanting to disappoint his very strict father. Matteo Morgan aka Solo is his opposite in almost every way - playful, reckless and out. And an equally good pilot, constantly battling with Panther for the first spot amongst “The Elite”, a training camp for the best pilots in the Navy.
So ofc, they end up partnered together, and sparks fly until Panther finally gives in to Solo’s relentless pursuit.
The chemistry is good, especially narrated by Aiden and Christian, so I had fun while listening. Despite that, I doubt I’ll continue - I hate it when books are cut short, only to maximise profit by forcing you to get 3 audiobooks of 4 hours each.
And another thing I’m not a fan of: Ella Frank. I know many of you love her books, but somehow we don’t mesh. No idea why. And ofc she’s one of the authors who LOVE dragging a story out for several books until we get our HEA.
That being said: I agree with my friends here that the audio is GORGEOUS. So good. I’m not usually a fan of dual narration, but Aiden Snow and Christian Fox are a match made in heaven.
The plot is basically Top Gun on steroids: Grant Hughes aka Panther is a pilot in the US Navy, his father a (retired) legend amongst the ranks. He’s closeted, not wanting to disappoint his very strict father. Matteo Morgan aka Solo is his opposite in almost every way - playful, reckless and out. And an equally good pilot, constantly battling with Panther for the first spot amongst “The Elite”, a training camp for the best pilots in the Navy.
So ofc, they end up partnered together, and sparks fly until Panther finally gives in to Solo’s relentless pursuit.
The chemistry is good, especially narrated by Aiden and Christian, so I had fun while listening. Despite that, I doubt I’ll continue - I hate it when books are cut short, only to maximise profit by forcing you to get 3 audiobooks of 4 hours each.
March 28, 2020
Great book!!!
July 20, 2020
Onto the next... Will review after the final book. 🤓
February 15, 2021
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I hate when I don’t realize a book is not a standalone! Totally my own fault here as I just jumped in without really looking into the reviews. I’m liking the competitive nature between these two and their banter. I’m anxious to see some affectionate feelings develop because I feel as though all I got in this one is the competitiveness and lust...so, on to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Grant and Mateo’s story. They meet one night at a bar and hit it off but Grant was waiting for an already arranged date. They are shocked to find that they are both part of ‘the elite’ fighter pilot training/competition for the next 10 weeks. Mateo is persistent, but Grant has his father’s legacy to live up to and still lives in the closet. There is some sexy back and forth, some fun suspenseful scenes, and some hot sexy times...and this ends on a cliffy.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Grant and Mateo’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Grant/Panther. I liked him. I felt bad for the pressure he’s under with his father but I appreciated how he strived to be the best.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Mateo/Solo. I liked him too. He is super confident and goes after what he wants. He seems to be a little pushy at times, but I thought it fit his character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No. I don’t consider them ‘together’ for them to have a separation
Possible Triggers: Not really
Closure: This ends on a big cliffhanger but the next book, Need for Speed, is out to read.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: I hate when I don’t realize a book is not a standalone! Totally my own fault here as I just jumped in without really looking into the reviews. I’m liking the competitive nature between these two and their banter. I’m anxious to see some affectionate feelings develop because I feel as though all I got in this one is the competitiveness and lust...so, on to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Grant and Mateo’s story. They meet one night at a bar and hit it off but Grant was waiting for an already arranged date. They are shocked to find that they are both part of ‘the elite’ fighter pilot training/competition for the next 10 weeks. Mateo is persistent, but Grant has his father’s legacy to live up to and still lives in the closet. There is some sexy back and forth, some fun suspenseful scenes, and some hot sexy times...and this ends on a cliffy.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Grant and Mateo’s POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Grant/Panther. I liked him. I felt bad for the pressure he’s under with his father but I appreciated how he strived to be the best.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Mateo/Solo. I liked him too. He is super confident and goes after what he wants. He seems to be a little pushy at times, but I thought it fit his character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No. I don’t consider them ‘together’ for them to have a separation
Possible Triggers: Not really
Closure: This ends on a big cliffhanger but the next book, Need for Speed, is out to read.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
February 27, 2020
4.5 stars Mateo and Grant aka Solo and Panther
Mateo likes the look of the man beside him at the bar, just how he likes his men.
Grant feels a strong attraction but thinks it’s wiser to back off.
And he’s so glad because the next time he sees the beauty, it seems he’s a colleague and he will never ever get involved with a colleague, period!
They are both Lieutenants and participants of The Naval Aviation Fighter Academy and are to follow a 10-week competition. After graduation, the best jobs will be resting at their feet.
Grant is thankful he didn’t get involved with Solo! He doesn’t want anything to get in the way of his career. It seems Solo is irresponsible, reckless, and immature.
Of course, they have to work together ugh!
Solo’s attitude makes Panther furious. Solo takes the opportunity to poke Panther, to challenge him and to get him on his knees or in his bed.
There is an electrifying and scorching hot sexual tension between both men. A push and pull. Two alpha’s fighting to be on top. Grant battles against Mateo until he can’t resist him anymore.
A big challenge is waiting above in the air, they can show off and prove who is the fastest, sharpest, and very best.
A great story with a lot of testosterone, strong, passionate and cocky characters and a lot of sexual tension.
We get to know a bit from Panther's character, he is more open than Solo. I so wanted to see the vulnerable side of Solo, there are some painful facts about his past. I think with his big mouth it overrules his vulnerability. I hope part two will show more of Solo, so we get to know him better.
The whole main scenery was dynamic, fast, tight and solid. All well thought out and smoothly put together, the story alternating between job and private lives was awesome.
Thank goodness I know the next part will be there within a month because it ended with a HUGE cliffhanger
Mateo likes the look of the man beside him at the bar, just how he likes his men.
Grant feels a strong attraction but thinks it’s wiser to back off.
And he’s so glad because the next time he sees the beauty, it seems he’s a colleague and he will never ever get involved with a colleague, period!
They are both Lieutenants and participants of The Naval Aviation Fighter Academy and are to follow a 10-week competition. After graduation, the best jobs will be resting at their feet.
Grant is thankful he didn’t get involved with Solo! He doesn’t want anything to get in the way of his career. It seems Solo is irresponsible, reckless, and immature.
Of course, they have to work together ugh!
Solo’s attitude makes Panther furious. Solo takes the opportunity to poke Panther, to challenge him and to get him on his knees or in his bed.
There is an electrifying and scorching hot sexual tension between both men. A push and pull. Two alpha’s fighting to be on top. Grant battles against Mateo until he can’t resist him anymore.
A big challenge is waiting above in the air, they can show off and prove who is the fastest, sharpest, and very best.
A great story with a lot of testosterone, strong, passionate and cocky characters and a lot of sexual tension.
We get to know a bit from Panther's character, he is more open than Solo. I so wanted to see the vulnerable side of Solo, there are some painful facts about his past. I think with his big mouth it overrules his vulnerability. I hope part two will show more of Solo, so we get to know him better.
The whole main scenery was dynamic, fast, tight and solid. All well thought out and smoothly put together, the story alternating between job and private lives was awesome.
Thank goodness I know the next part will be there within a month because it ended with a HUGE cliffhanger
March 23, 2020
I always love these two writing together. Whenever I see a Ella Frank & Brooke Blaine MM romance, whether together or apart, I jump at the chance to read it.
This one was no exception.
Now, part of me while reading this was like "we're gonna get to the romance eventually, there's two more books of these two after this" and then another part of me was like "ugh there's not enough romance in this" hence, giving a star off.
Because I liked Grant (aka "Panther") and Mateo (aka "Solo") together a lot in this. They were hot together, and always with these two others I felt the chemistry and the passion.
But there was barely any romance and I felt that and I wish there had been more, a lot more. Hence, my thought process above while reading this.
I felt like there could have been way more romance, even if it was just laying the foundation for these two to fall in love. But for the part? For me it just felt like lust, definitely passion, yes and crazy attraction. There was about once or twice where these two stopped for a moment to talk and let some barriers come down, but twice is not enough for me.
Solo was hard to like at first, for me. He just never and I mean never, took anything seriously. I think in real life if someone had pulled the stunt he did, he'd be kicked out that flight academy so fast...or he would be properly reprimanded with serious consequences, if he wasn't kicked out. But Solo didn't seem to give a shit. And I'm sitting there going "am I supposed to like this asshole behavior, this absolute recklessness to the point of stupidity?" Like there's being loose and "go with the flow" and then there's Solo. It just rubbed me the wrong way. I hope he calms down at least somewhat with it in the next books, because seriously the amount of shit he got away with....I feel wouldn't happen in real life.
Like make him face some consequences. We don't have to be 100% realistic, I don't need that much realism in my romances...just some, would be nice.
That moment he had with Panther though, was a good showing that he had some vulnerability, that there was more to him than that surface jokester and cocky asshole. I just want to see a lot more of that, preferably with Panther as they fall in love.
I mean I felt like Panther, who is perhaps too serious and by the book, let loose a little bit by the end, but Solo hadn't wised up much. I think there needs to be a shift in that.
And honestly, I just need much more romance. These two just had sex for the fist time by the end of this, so definitely there needs to be relationship development if a romance and HEA is gonna be believed.
But this was a fun book and these two did have great chemistry. Happy that the next one is coming out in a few days so I don't have to wait too long to read it.
Definitely recommend!
This one was no exception.
Now, part of me while reading this was like "we're gonna get to the romance eventually, there's two more books of these two after this" and then another part of me was like "ugh there's not enough romance in this" hence, giving a star off.
Because I liked Grant (aka "Panther") and Mateo (aka "Solo") together a lot in this. They were hot together, and always with these two others I felt the chemistry and the passion.
But there was barely any romance and I felt that and I wish there had been more, a lot more. Hence, my thought process above while reading this.
I felt like there could have been way more romance, even if it was just laying the foundation for these two to fall in love. But for the part? For me it just felt like lust, definitely passion, yes and crazy attraction. There was about once or twice where these two stopped for a moment to talk and let some barriers come down, but twice is not enough for me.
Solo was hard to like at first, for me. He just never and I mean never, took anything seriously. I think in real life if someone had pulled the stunt he did, he'd be kicked out that flight academy so fast...or he would be properly reprimanded with serious consequences, if he wasn't kicked out. But Solo didn't seem to give a shit. And I'm sitting there going "am I supposed to like this asshole behavior, this absolute recklessness to the point of stupidity?" Like there's being loose and "go with the flow" and then there's Solo. It just rubbed me the wrong way. I hope he calms down at least somewhat with it in the next books, because seriously the amount of shit he got away with....I feel wouldn't happen in real life.
Like make him face some consequences. We don't have to be 100% realistic, I don't need that much realism in my romances...just some, would be nice.
That moment he had with Panther though, was a good showing that he had some vulnerability, that there was more to him than that surface jokester and cocky asshole. I just want to see a lot more of that, preferably with Panther as they fall in love.
I mean I felt like Panther, who is perhaps too serious and by the book, let loose a little bit by the end, but Solo hadn't wised up much. I think there needs to be a shift in that.
And honestly, I just need much more romance. These two just had sex for the fist time by the end of this, so definitely there needs to be relationship development if a romance and HEA is gonna be believed.
But this was a fun book and these two did have great chemistry. Happy that the next one is coming out in a few days so I don't have to wait too long to read it.
Definitely recommend!
April 16, 2023
3.5 stars
“You know, I’m trying to decide what it is about me that seems to piss you off the most. That I can match you in the sky, that I know how to have fun and you clearly don’t, or the fact that even though you seem to loathe everything about me, you still totally want to fuck my brains out.”
This ends on one hell of a cliffhanger! So I loved the jet fighter action and the rival-to-lovers trope going on with Grant and Mateo. The sexual tension between them just sizzles and the sex scenes are hot. But I have somewhat mixed feelings about the MCs.
Mateo is cocky as hell and that’s the source of his appeal, but his incredible arrogance and pushiness, plus his trash talk was a bit too much at times. He could also be pretty immature. Grant is a strait-laced, aloof fighter pilot who has always been the indisputable best. He faces immense pressure from his legendary fighter pilot father, plus the aviation academy to come out on top. I felt for him because of his fear of being outed and the heavy expectations. But I also felt like screaming at him out of frustration that his value didn’t depend on him being the best student at the academy. It was an entertaining start to the series and am looking forward to continuing it.
“You know, I’m trying to decide what it is about me that seems to piss you off the most. That I can match you in the sky, that I know how to have fun and you clearly don’t, or the fact that even though you seem to loathe everything about me, you still totally want to fuck my brains out.”
This ends on one hell of a cliffhanger! So I loved the jet fighter action and the rival-to-lovers trope going on with Grant and Mateo. The sexual tension between them just sizzles and the sex scenes are hot. But I have somewhat mixed feelings about the MCs.
Mateo is cocky as hell and that’s the source of his appeal, but his incredible arrogance and pushiness, plus his trash talk was a bit too much at times. He could also be pretty immature. Grant is a strait-laced, aloof fighter pilot who has always been the indisputable best. He faces immense pressure from his legendary fighter pilot father, plus the aviation academy to come out on top. I felt for him because of his fear of being outed and the heavy expectations. But I also felt like screaming at him out of frustration that his value didn’t depend on him being the best student at the academy. It was an entertaining start to the series and am looking forward to continuing it.
August 5, 2020
I FUCKING LOVE IT
Panther and Solo are everything I love about a couple. They are sexy as hell, funny, work together so we don’t have that typical MF romance book situation when one is the other’s boss, they are equal here.
Safety:
Panther was waiting for his date at a bar, Solo saw him and flirted with him but Panther told him about the om and that he was not interest. They were attract to each other but Panther still went with his date when the guy arrived. He and the guy went to a hidden place while Solo was watching them go. His date leaves alone after only about five minutes, Solo goes to Panther when he saw him again
“A quick once-over told me whatever had happened had indeed been unimpressive. Barely a hair mussed, his stunning face relaxed with no hint of excitement in his cheeks. “
It’s clearly nothing other than kissing happened.
They tal again but Panther leaves
Pretty fucking safe for me, this other situation only was okay to me, panther decided to not do anything because of Solo and they just met, there is no heavy drama
Panther and Solo are everything I love about a couple. They are sexy as hell, funny, work together so we don’t have that typical MF romance book situation when one is the other’s boss, they are equal here.
Safety:
Panther was waiting for his date at a bar, Solo saw him and flirted with him but Panther told him about the om and that he was not interest. They were attract to each other but Panther still went with his date when the guy arrived. He and the guy went to a hidden place while Solo was watching them go. His date leaves alone after only about five minutes, Solo goes to Panther when he saw him again
“A quick once-over told me whatever had happened had indeed been unimpressive. Barely a hair mussed, his stunning face relaxed with no hint of excitement in his cheeks. “
It’s clearly nothing other than kissing happened.
They tal again but Panther leaves
Pretty fucking safe for me, this other situation only was okay to me, panther decided to not do anything because of Solo and they just met, there is no heavy drama
July 27, 2020
Cute, short and full of goods!
If you are looking for a quick and cute romance this book is for you.
In this book we are introduced to Solo and Panther (Mateo and Grant), both are in an elite program at an aviation school, Panther is the typical responsible pilot, Solo is the typical bad boy who does not follow the rules. Two people who have nothing in common but the desire to fly and the desire they have for each other, can two wrongs make a right?
Yes, the book is cute and warm, but can we pls talk about how Solo was kinda of creppy in this book? I mean, I understand the desire to go after what we want but he exaggerated, there were times when he went beyond creepy to get Panther's attention, creepy to the point that I would have asked for a restraining order!
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
If you are looking for a quick and cute romance this book is for you.
In this book we are introduced to Solo and Panther (Mateo and Grant), both are in an elite program at an aviation school, Panther is the typical responsible pilot, Solo is the typical bad boy who does not follow the rules. Two people who have nothing in common but the desire to fly and the desire they have for each other, can two wrongs make a right?
Yes, the book is cute and warm, but can we pls talk about how Solo was kinda of creppy in this book? I mean, I understand the desire to go after what we want but he exaggerated, there were times when he went beyond creepy to get Panther's attention, creepy to the point that I would have asked for a restraining order!
Rating: 3.5 Stars.
Steam: 6 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
June 14, 2022
4.5
Great start to a series.
This is a
Super fast read . Chapters are short as well.
Super low on the angst. High on the sexual tension and spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Emotions don’t develop this book so we will definitely build in book 2 surely.
Yes this leaves on a cliffhanger so u will want to continue.
Great start to a series.
This is a
Super fast read . Chapters are short as well.
Super low on the angst. High on the sexual tension and spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Emotions don’t develop this book so we will definitely build in book 2 surely.
Yes this leaves on a cliffhanger so u will want to continue.
June 26, 2021
Cliffhangers are seriously going to be the death of me.
Be prepared to have book two on hand SERIOUSLY!
This trilogy at first really didn't interest me. Not sure why but it didn't. I must have read the blurb for this book 3 or 4 times before I took the plunge. Now I am a bit disappointed I waited because both Solo and Panther were delicious.
Mateo (Solo) got on my nerves for the first part of the book because he was a bit like a dog with a bone. Never letting up and while that did end up working in his favor something about it kind of bothered me. To be in the position he is in you would think that he would have a bit more respect. He is at the top of his game and he acts like it is all a joke. Saying that, I do think we will get more of his story in the next couple of books and it is going to be some sort of defense mechanism.
Grant (Panther) was perfection from the moment we meet him! He really stole my heart. All he wants is to get through the next ten weeks of his training so that he can prove to everyone he deserves to be where he is on his own merit and not because he is his father's son. On top of that he isn't "out" around base and that comes with its own set of issues.
Danger Zone felt more like a teaser of what was to come because it was a bit short sitting at a little over 200 pages. Now because of the cliffhanger and I can't let anything go I am diving right in to Need for Speed. I hope with this next book we see Grant finally letting go of all the things he carries on his shoulders and Mateo ever the joker being the one to do that for Grant.
Be prepared to have book two on hand SERIOUSLY!
This trilogy at first really didn't interest me. Not sure why but it didn't. I must have read the blurb for this book 3 or 4 times before I took the plunge. Now I am a bit disappointed I waited because both Solo and Panther were delicious.
Mateo (Solo) got on my nerves for the first part of the book because he was a bit like a dog with a bone. Never letting up and while that did end up working in his favor something about it kind of bothered me. To be in the position he is in you would think that he would have a bit more respect. He is at the top of his game and he acts like it is all a joke. Saying that, I do think we will get more of his story in the next couple of books and it is going to be some sort of defense mechanism.
Grant (Panther) was perfection from the moment we meet him! He really stole my heart. All he wants is to get through the next ten weeks of his training so that he can prove to everyone he deserves to be where he is on his own merit and not because he is his father's son. On top of that he isn't "out" around base and that comes with its own set of issues.
Danger Zone felt more like a teaser of what was to come because it was a bit short sitting at a little over 200 pages. Now because of the cliffhanger and I can't let anything go I am diving right in to Need for Speed. I hope with this next book we see Grant finally letting go of all the things he carries on his shoulders and Mateo ever the joker being the one to do that for Grant.
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