What do you think?
Rate this book
The Elite #2
Need for Speed
Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins
Need for Speed is the continuation of Solo and Panther’s story and should only be read after book one, Danger Zone.
They train to serve their country.
They strive to be the best.
But only a select few can be...
The Elite
* * *
MATEO 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?
Need for Speed is the continuation of Solo and Panther’s story and should only be read after book one, Danger Zone.
They train to serve their country.
They strive to be the best.
But only a select few can be...
The Elite
* * *
MATEO 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 March 27, 2020
531 people are currently reading
1501 people want to read
About the author
Ella Frank
94 books8,768 followersElla Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.Ella is represented by:
Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
kimberly@browerliterary.com
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.Ella is represented by:
Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
kimberly@browerliterary.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 725 reviews
![Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1626057011i%2F10717098._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
March 25, 2020
Need for Speed is book two in The Elite series by Ella Frank and Brooke Blaine. This series, this couple, is just everything. These two books were my first with either of these two authors and I am ready to proclaim my undying love. While in the first book, we were getting to know the two main characters, this book we dig deeper. While the first book was filled with testosterone, this book had the feels. And oh my gosh, I swooned.
Mateo Morgan and Grant Hughes were both chosen to spend ten weeks at the most prestigious naval aviation academy in the world. In the end, there will only be one winner, and that man, or woman, will revered for that accomplishment. Both Mateo and Grant have spent their lives staying away from relationships, have remained alone, each for their own reasons, but the one reason they share is their chosen field. They never know where they’ll be sent. Relationships don’t work for a fighter pilot.
Grant has survived a near death experience. That changes a man. And through it all, the recuperation, the nightmares, Mateo was by his side, helping him get through it. Grant can’t help but to reevaluate his life’s choices. He can’t help but to wonder if everything he has given up has been worth it. The answer seems clear when looking into the eyes of the man he has fallen for.
Both Grant and Mateo are falling for each other and it’s getting harder and harder to deny it. They are both struggling with how they feel, how to deal with it. I fell in love with these two in the first book but my love for them soared like an eagle in this book. Yes, there was a bit of a cliffy as I knew there would be, but there is only one book to go until I can find out how this all turns out. The last book of this amazing trilogy is called Classified. You have no idea how excited I am to see how my two beloved characters figure things out in that book.
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...
March 22, 2020
I have been a fan of Solo and Panther since I started the first book and fell in love with their flirtiness. What I didn't love about the first book was that huge cliffy I was left with. Thankfully though, the wait wasn't too long and this one picked up right where the first book left us.
One thing is for sure though... Panther and Solo were as shocked by that cliffhanger as I was and they are both coming to terms that maybe there is more to life than just being a fighter pilot and being the best.
Especially Panther is struggling with what's most important to him. Feelings are blossoming and for the first time in his life...something...or rather someone...might be more important to him than flying (and trying to please his father...
They will need to figure out where they are going from here. It is clear as day for both of them that this not just "hooking-up" anymore. They are still competitors at one of the most prestigious aviation academies, and at the end of their training, they will probably be sent separate ways.
These boys will need to figure what is most important to them... being the best and fullfilling their lifelong dreams... or love..
I really loved seeing these two getting closer and closer and admitting to themselves, and each other, that their feelings had grown... They did not beat around the bush about it, and that was very refreshing. The "steamy" scenes were definitely delicious as I am used to by these authors, but I also loved that their "caring" for one another was starting to show as well...
I do however wish that this book would have been longer and I wasn't left with yet another cliffhanger!!! I want to know what happens next !!
I myself am more of a fan of big books than a series of shorter ones, but I think that's just a personal preference. Let's just hope that the wait will be a fast one ;)
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
April 28, 2025
When I started this book I read through a handful of pages to heal myself after that brutal cliffhanger. And it worked, I’m healed. No intense cliffhanger in this one. I mean, there is a bit of a cliffhanger but it’s more sweet, not like a punch to the gut. This trilogy continues to be a fun and wild ride, I laughed and smiled way too much. It’s a bit slower than the first book which I expected since Solo is no longer chasing after Panther. Instead they’re starting to fall in love. I really like how their relationship is progressing, they went from rivals, to “just a fling” to now lovers, without losing any of that shared stubbornness between the two of them. Oh, and I have to mention the moment between Panther and his dad, because that made me cry. 🥲 I’m looking forward to the next book, I gotta see what happens after that (not intense more sweet) cliffhanger.
March 12, 2023
*4.5* I feel kind of bad for how harsh I was on the first book, considering how much I loved this one. What a difference in storytelling, character development, chemistry, and sexual attraction.
This story had so much heart and intimacy compared to the first book.
“I love your eyes,” Solo said, running his thumb over my parted lips and then lowering his hand to wrap his fingers around my cock. “Now come for me, let me watch you lose yourself in us.”
Don’t be deceived, this book has just as much macho man alpha behavior as the first book, but it had that sensitivity and emotional connection that I appreciate in my romances.
Everyone says the audiobooks are amazing, I might need to do audiobook re-read of this series.
This story had so much heart and intimacy compared to the first book.
“I love your eyes,” Solo said, running his thumb over my parted lips and then lowering his hand to wrap his fingers around my cock. “Now come for me, let me watch you lose yourself in us.”
Don’t be deceived, this book has just as much macho man alpha behavior as the first book, but it had that sensitivity and emotional connection that I appreciate in my romances.
Everyone says the audiobooks are amazing, I might need to do audiobook re-read of this series.
April 3, 2025
Super hot fighter pilots wanting to smooch all the time continues to be a heap of fun. Who would have guessed lol.
This picks up immediately after the very dramatic cliff hanger of book one. I appreciate that for the brain capacity I have available at the moment that this book hits just the right balance of action and drama that masquerades as high stakes but you know is really low stakes.
I don't think that this was quite as strong as book one, but it's always hard to maintain the intensity in chemistry that comes with unresolved sexual tension. However, it was still nice to see the emotional depth in the relationship between Panther and Solo develop and deepen as their connection becomes stronger and increasingly important to each other.
This audiobook was about an hour shorter than book one (which was already incredibly short) and I think the book would have benefited from a bit more page time with some of the plot points to strengthen them and give them some more depth (Panthers relationship with his parents, managing his trauma and his medical recovery especially).
The audiobook performances by Aiden Snow and Christian Fox remains the MVP of the experience. Whatever rocks Aiden Snow eats for breakfast I hope he keeps it up lol.
This picks up immediately after the very dramatic cliff hanger of book one. I appreciate that for the brain capacity I have available at the moment that this book hits just the right balance of action and drama that masquerades as high stakes but you know is really low stakes.
I don't think that this was quite as strong as book one, but it's always hard to maintain the intensity in chemistry that comes with unresolved sexual tension. However, it was still nice to see the emotional depth in the relationship between Panther and Solo develop and deepen as their connection becomes stronger and increasingly important to each other.
This audiobook was about an hour shorter than book one (which was already incredibly short) and I think the book would have benefited from a bit more page time with some of the plot points to strengthen them and give them some more depth (Panthers relationship with his parents, managing his trauma and his medical recovery especially).
The audiobook performances by Aiden Snow and Christian Fox remains the MVP of the experience. Whatever rocks Aiden Snow eats for breakfast I hope he keeps it up lol.
May 10, 2025
I’m still not over these two narrators, they are literal perfection ❤️🔥
Okay, so. While the last book was all rivalry, UST and steamy hotness, this one was pure swoon and vulnerability and softness and ALL THE SAPPY EMOTIONS. Ugh, Panther and Solo are fucking everything 🥹
I absolutely adored them and how they accepted they had feelings for each other rather effortlessly. Loved their open communication, their hand holding, their devotion to each other and of course their never ending chemistry - in bed, in the air, on their bikes and honestly every other aspect of life.
This series is pure fun, and yes, I’m a little salty about having to buy three separate 4-hour audios - but honestly? I’ll be relistening to them again and again. So I’m like, fine. Take my money already 🙄😂
Onto book 3!
Okay, so. While the last book was all rivalry, UST and steamy hotness, this one was pure swoon and vulnerability and softness and ALL THE SAPPY EMOTIONS. Ugh, Panther and Solo are fucking everything 🥹
I absolutely adored them and how they accepted they had feelings for each other rather effortlessly. Loved their open communication, their hand holding, their devotion to each other and of course their never ending chemistry - in bed, in the air, on their bikes and honestly every other aspect of life.
This series is pure fun, and yes, I’m a little salty about having to buy three separate 4-hour audios - but honestly? I’ll be relistening to them again and again. So I’m like, fine. Take my money already 🙄😂
Onto book 3!
March 27, 2020
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Need for Speed is the second installment of Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank's Elite series. The book starts off after the events that ended the previous one and puts us right back with Panther and Solo. These two were still really fun to read about and as their relationship continued in this book we got a lot more sweetness from them. Their connection really sparked and I loved that about them.
We get to see how both Panther and Solo have changed as they grow together and I think that was the best part of this book. They both had their own reasons for being distant when they first met but now we get to see a whole different side to each of them. A side that was so sweet and addicting to read about.
Overall, I think this will be a great MM series once it's all complete and we get to see what end will come for Panther and Solo. Going by the first two book though, i'm going to say that their ending will be something epic.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
Need for Speed is the second installment of Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank's Elite series. The book starts off after the events that ended the previous one and puts us right back with Panther and Solo. These two were still really fun to read about and as their relationship continued in this book we got a lot more sweetness from them. Their connection really sparked and I loved that about them.
We get to see how both Panther and Solo have changed as they grow together and I think that was the best part of this book. They both had their own reasons for being distant when they first met but now we get to see a whole different side to each of them. A side that was so sweet and addicting to read about.
Overall, I think this will be a great MM series once it's all complete and we get to see what end will come for Panther and Solo. Going by the first two book though, i'm going to say that their ending will be something epic.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2020
Book #2!
You NEED to have read book #1 to read this second one!
We start right where we left Solo & Panther in the first book.
Panther just had to eject out of his jet....
He survived relatively uninjured. Just a few very bad bruises.
And now the poor guy needs to be supervised for the next three days. And that's a job for Solo.
He moves into Panther's room to keep an eye on him. Lol!
And again Panther can't resist Solo's constant über-flirting and the guys become even closer than before...
But they still don't want to be 'out' for the whole military world to see ... and there's a ball coming up. What to do??
I loved reading this second book. The two guys are just adorable. The whole fly-gang is adorable and hilarious.
This book was so sweet and funny and sunny and sexy and Top Gunny.
I can't wait to see how their story will end next month!
No real cliff-hanging cliffy this time - more of an exciting and scary and sweet one! ☺
💜
💜
July 27, 2020
A well-deserved continuation ...
Do you know when you read a good book and the author spoils everything in the sequel? I am happy to say that it did not happen here.
The second book remains true to the characters' personality, we see how the relationship begins to change, lust has an important role but love too.
This book starts where the other ended, the story develops fast and I love everything that Ella Frank writes.
In this book, we have Solo opening up about his past, Panther recovering and overcoming fears of what happened in the first book, it's so enjoyable!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
Do you know when you read a good book and the author spoils everything in the sequel? I am happy to say that it did not happen here.
The second book remains true to the characters' personality, we see how the relationship begins to change, lust has an important role but love too.
This book starts where the other ended, the story develops fast and I love everything that Ella Frank writes.
In this book, we have Solo opening up about his past, Panther recovering and overcoming fears of what happened in the first book, it's so enjoyable!
Rating: 4 Stars.
Steam: 7 out of 10.
Triggers:
Love Triangle:
Cheating:
HEA:
July 22, 2020
Onto the next... (why are there 3 books??!!! Why??!!)🙄
April 21, 2023
3.5 stars
“I didn’t want to.”
“Care?”
Panther nodded.
“So what happened?”
Panther smiled. “You did.”
We see a lot of walls breaking downs between Panther and Solo as their relationship develops. There’s sweetness and sex galore (a bit too much for my tastes). Who would have thunk Solo would have a caretaking side? And Panther gets more comfortable with showing affection.
“I didn’t want to.”
“Care?”
Panther nodded.
“So what happened?”
Panther smiled. “You did.”
We see a lot of walls breaking downs between Panther and Solo as their relationship develops. There’s sweetness and sex galore (a bit too much for my tastes). Who would have thunk Solo would have a caretaking side? And Panther gets more comfortable with showing affection.
![Profile Image for Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp.](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1700013408i%2F101358081._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 22, 2024
|| 3.5 stars ||
This picked up right where the first book had left off, and it definitely kicked the emotional element between Solo and Panther up a notch. However, I did feel like a lot of the previous tension between them was missing. It was all going a little bit too easy: their banter was a shadow of what it used to be and they did not have any conflict between them. Don't get me wrong, I do love to see them doing well, but I also need a bit more drama, pining and maybe even some grovelling.
I am curious to see how Classified is going to go, and I am hoping it will be a little bit more intense than this book. I definitely still love the pairing between these two, and I enjoy reading about them, even if I think their interactions could be a little more interesting and well-developed. It's just that this couple has more potential than what they're being given right now.
'The Elite' trilogy:
1. Danger Zone - 4.5 stars
2. Need for Speed - 3.5 stars
3. Classified - 3.0 stars
This picked up right where the first book had left off, and it definitely kicked the emotional element between Solo and Panther up a notch. However, I did feel like a lot of the previous tension between them was missing. It was all going a little bit too easy: their banter was a shadow of what it used to be and they did not have any conflict between them. Don't get me wrong, I do love to see them doing well, but I also need a bit more drama, pining and maybe even some grovelling.
I am curious to see how Classified is going to go, and I am hoping it will be a little bit more intense than this book. I definitely still love the pairing between these two, and I enjoy reading about them, even if I think their interactions could be a little more interesting and well-developed. It's just that this couple has more potential than what they're being given right now.
'The Elite' trilogy:
1. Danger Zone - 4.5 stars
2. Need for Speed - 3.5 stars
3. Classified - 3.0 stars
February 15, 2021
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was alright. It had the 2nd book in a trilogy syndrome of feeling like just a bunch of filler for me. While I appreciated that they connected more emotionally, I don’t feel like all that much happened. On to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Grant and Mateo’s story. This takes up where the cliffhanger left us. Mateo steps in in a big way for Grant and they get closer because of it. There are some sexy times and some feelings developed...and this ends with another cliffhanger.
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, but feelings were already starting to develop on the first book.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Grant/Panther. I still liked him. I appreciated how he allowed himself to be vulnerable with Mateo.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Mateo/Solo. I still liked him too. I appreciated how he takes care of Grant.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good 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
Possible Triggers: No
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place but with the final book in the trilogy, Classified, available now.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Overall Opinion: This was alright. It had the 2nd book in a trilogy syndrome of feeling like just a bunch of filler for me. While I appreciated that they connected more emotionally, I don’t feel like all that much happened. On to the next!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Grant and Mateo’s story. This takes up where the cliffhanger left us. Mateo steps in in a big way for Grant and they get closer because of it. There are some sexy times and some feelings developed...and this ends with another cliffhanger.
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, but feelings were already starting to develop on the first book.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Grant/Panther. I still liked him. I appreciated how he allowed himself to be vulnerable with Mateo.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 4 stars. Mateo/Solo. I still liked him too. I appreciated how he takes care of Grant.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: No
Heat level: Good. They have some good 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
Possible Triggers: No
Closure: This ends in a pretty good place but with the final book in the trilogy, Classified, available now.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
March 22, 2020
I've decided to treat this series as if it was a play in three acts.
Book one set the scene and left the reader with a cliffhanger to draw us back.
Book two gives the payoff from that, and then goes into more depth as its relationship and plot lines develop.
Book three will bring the conclusion and, if it follows true to form with this pair, a satisfying ending with lots of feels and an explosion of sexual chemistry.
I love all the characters in this homage to Top Gun, the fighter pilot elite of the US Navy, with their banter and friendship.
The complex relationship between Panther and his father, the Navy's previous top dog fighter pilot, and Solo's incredible arrogance and sheer bravado.
I just wish it was all done in the one book.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Book one set the scene and left the reader with a cliffhanger to draw us back.
Book two gives the payoff from that, and then goes into more depth as its relationship and plot lines develop.
Book three will bring the conclusion and, if it follows true to form with this pair, a satisfying ending with lots of feels and an explosion of sexual chemistry.
I love all the characters in this homage to Top Gun, the fighter pilot elite of the US Navy, with their banter and friendship.
The complex relationship between Panther and his father, the Navy's previous top dog fighter pilot, and Solo's incredible arrogance and sheer bravado.
I just wish it was all done in the one book.
#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 6, 2020
*little disclaimer
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
I’m gonna write one review for the whole trilogy, because it’s just one story all about Mateo and Grant… also, I read all three books in less than two days and they are all merged together in my brain anyway soooo… ;)
- originally I gave this story 4 stars but after thinking more about it, I decided to bump it down to 3,5 stars instead… don’t get me wrong, I read it very quickly, cause the writing style of this duo is always entertaining, but… it felt repetitive… maybe not in the specific details, but in the overall vibe… like I’ve read this story from this duo before…
- the ending was too perfect… I know how this may sound, but I will talk about the specifics in the spoilery part of this review at the very end
- with their previous trilogies I didn’t think that (maybe it would change if I read them now) but this one felt too long… I mean, it could have been easily edited down to just one longer book… two at the most, if you really wanted to do it, but three books around 200 pages? I mean… do we really needed all those sex scenes in there? don’t get me wrong, I love a good steamy scene but I also want it to be balanced with a solid character development… and I felt it was lacking here…
- the secondary characters were amazing, and I really wished they would get more focus on them… I was hopeful, cause they were quite present in the first book, but after that they sort of took the back seat in the story…
- the romance felt underdeveloped and rushed, even though technically it happened over the span of a few months, but it felt… not enough… and it’s a matter of writing, because I have read books that took place during a week, and the romance there felt well built and fully fleshed out…
- the cliffhangers were unnecessary, especially with how they were resolved… more about that in the spoilery section
spoilers below, you’ve been warned :)
Just because I didn’t enjoy this story as much, I definitely don’t want to discourage you from giving it a try :) for example, my sister absolutely adored it :) it’s definitely more of a *me* thing, where my reading preferences changed over time and this story just didn’t do it for me like I hoped it would :) but that’s ok, not everything we read can be perfect ;)
XOXO
A
I have been in the biggest reading slump of my life since the end of august… it lasted for about two months and was absolutely awful… fortunately around the end of october I finally got out of it and got back to reading more like I am used to :) unfortunately I still don’t want to sit down and write *proper* reviews… you know, detailed and with full and coherent sentences… ;) usually when I get like this I can wait it out and then catch up on everything once that mood passes, but it’s not looking like it’s going anywhere anytime soon… so what I am gonna do is update all of the ones I still haven’t written (and all of my future ones will look like that as well, unless something magically changes) with this little disclaimer at the top and then a bit of an intro plus some random and chaotic thoughts… ;) I mean… it’s better than no review at all, right? :) some of them will include spoilers, some of them won’t, but don't worry, if there will be any spoilery things I share with you in my review, they will be always at the end of it, clearly marked and initially hidden from view, so there’s no way you will read anything accidentally :) ok, I think that covers everything that I needed to share with you :) we good? awesome :) then let’s just dive in ;)
I’m gonna write one review for the whole trilogy, because it’s just one story all about Mateo and Grant… also, I read all three books in less than two days and they are all merged together in my brain anyway soooo… ;)
- originally I gave this story 4 stars but after thinking more about it, I decided to bump it down to 3,5 stars instead… don’t get me wrong, I read it very quickly, cause the writing style of this duo is always entertaining, but… it felt repetitive… maybe not in the specific details, but in the overall vibe… like I’ve read this story from this duo before…
- the ending was too perfect… I know how this may sound, but I will talk about the specifics in the spoilery part of this review at the very end
- with their previous trilogies I didn’t think that (maybe it would change if I read them now) but this one felt too long… I mean, it could have been easily edited down to just one longer book… two at the most, if you really wanted to do it, but three books around 200 pages? I mean… do we really needed all those sex scenes in there? don’t get me wrong, I love a good steamy scene but I also want it to be balanced with a solid character development… and I felt it was lacking here…
- the secondary characters were amazing, and I really wished they would get more focus on them… I was hopeful, cause they were quite present in the first book, but after that they sort of took the back seat in the story…
- the romance felt underdeveloped and rushed, even though technically it happened over the span of a few months, but it felt… not enough… and it’s a matter of writing, because I have read books that took place during a week, and the romance there felt well built and fully fleshed out…
- the cliffhangers were unnecessary, especially with how they were resolved… more about that in the spoilery section
spoilers below, you’ve been warned :)
Just because I didn’t enjoy this story as much, I definitely don’t want to discourage you from giving it a try :) for example, my sister absolutely adored it :) it’s definitely more of a *me* thing, where my reading preferences changed over time and this story just didn’t do it for me like I hoped it would :) but that’s ok, not everything we read can be perfect ;)
XOXO
A
September 22, 2024
Dnf@80%
IM BOREEEEEEEEEEEED TO TEARS 😫 , what a disappointment 😭💔
Mayyyyyybe it's mee ????? Am i going to give it another chance???? IDC 🤷🏻♀️ , but I'm fully sure that I'm sooooo done for now.
IM BOREEEEEEEEEEEED TO TEARS 😫 , what a disappointment 😭💔
Mayyyyyybe it's mee ????? Am i going to give it another chance???? IDC 🤷🏻♀️ , but I'm fully sure that I'm sooooo done for now.
April 26, 2021
3 Stars
A good continuation, just a bit too heavy on the sex and innuendos for me. I appreciated that things are moving in a more emotional/personal direction and am looking forward to the last book.
Series:
Book 1: Danger Zone → 3 Stars
Book 2: Need for Speed → 3 Stars
Book 3: Classified → did not read
A good continuation, just a bit too heavy on the sex and innuendos for me. I appreciated that things are moving in a more emotional/personal direction and am looking forward to the last book.
Series:
Book 1: Danger Zone → 3 Stars
Book 2: Need for Speed → 3 Stars
Book 3: Classified → did not read
December 10, 2024
review for the whole series ⇢ here
re-listen December 2024
re-listen March 2024
re-listen October 2023
re-listen February 2023
1st listen August 2022
**************
The Elite Trilogy
Book 1 - Danger Zone
Book 2 - Need for Speed
Book 3 - Classified
re-listen December 2024
re-listen March 2024
re-listen October 2023
re-listen February 2023
1st listen August 2022
**************
The Elite Trilogy
Book 1 - Danger Zone
Book 2 - Need for Speed
Book 3 - Classified
April 2, 2020
Feels rushed but that's inevitable cause it's only under the 180 pages. I really don't like when imo these 3 books should be one full novel. Now I'll have to wait another month for the conclusion.
For me all other couples Ella Frank writes don't feel like the connection Logan & Tate have. She ruined me by them...
Oh well. I'll read the next.
*nottooexcited
June 28, 2020
I NEED PART 3
Holy shit, I love them together and it’s dual POV so it’s nice to know that both are falling for each other at the same time. The best thing about this book is the fact that the writes not only tell us about Panther and Solo’s feelings but they really show us by their actions how their relationship is changing.
MF romance writes should read this and learn that you can write a cock hero who is not an asshole to the person he is falling for and that a man who lost his family can still acts like a decent human being because a trauma does not excuse treating people like shit.
I’m loving it. Have to confess I didn’t like it very much the fact that Panther is changing his opinion about his career (book 3 changed my opinion about that his career choose is awesome)
Holy shit, I love them together and it’s dual POV so it’s nice to know that both are falling for each other at the same time. The best thing about this book is the fact that the writes not only tell us about Panther and Solo’s feelings but they really show us by their actions how their relationship is changing.
MF romance writes should read this and learn that you can write a cock hero who is not an asshole to the person he is falling for and that a man who lost his family can still acts like a decent human being because a trauma does not excuse treating people like shit.
I’m loving it. Have to confess I didn’t like it very much the fact that Panther is changing his opinion about his career (book 3 changed my opinion about that his career choose is awesome)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2024
5/5 stars
i’m addicted to these two 😋
“I see a man I wasn’t looking for. A man I didn’t even know was there, until right now. And Solo?”
“Yeah?”
“I can’t think of anywhere else I’d rather be than sitting with him in this car right now, holding his hand.”
i’m addicted to these two 😋
March 27, 2020
Mateo and Grant aka Solo and Panther
It took a few weeks but finally, they can go back up in the air.
Panther’s strong body recovered fast, Solo was like a shadow right beside him to help.
He’s even the wise guy who helps Panther through his fear.
The crash did bring them closer.
When there is another competition in the air Panther has to fly against the one big man who always pushed him hard, harder, hardest.
There’s a ball coming and date is needed, a date with Solo would be everything, still impossible.
Panther’s feelings are changing, he’s afraid to speak out, afraid to be alone in it.
Dang, I loved this one, contrary to part one this had all the emotional feelings.
Solo shows more and more his real face and Panther is losing his mind without Solo.
I waited for the moment and when it finally arrived it was beautiful, the real Solo, always holding the world at arm-length. Lonely, hurt and vulnerable. He got through an awful traumatic time.
All the bodily reactions were deliciously and vividly described, every move they made was easy to follow and easy to visualize. Most of the time there is no sweet talk, maybe a tiny bit but this was quickly overruled by big-mouthed dirty talk.
Oh boy, the intensity was scorching and reaching sky high.
From hard, tough and fast their sexual encounter turned softer, slower, attentive and even loving. Panther can’t believe or hope this stunning bad boy feels the same.
The story is energetically and forcefully written, at a fast pace. The whole fight-flight scenery was original, attractive and thrilling, the secondary characters were present on the background, for me most ideal, I love it when the main characters are in the big spotlight and there’s little distraction from others.
I can’t wait for the final installment!
It took a few weeks but finally, they can go back up in the air.
Panther’s strong body recovered fast, Solo was like a shadow right beside him to help.
He’s even the wise guy who helps Panther through his fear.
The crash did bring them closer.
When there is another competition in the air Panther has to fly against the one big man who always pushed him hard, harder, hardest.
There’s a ball coming and date is needed, a date with Solo would be everything, still impossible.
Panther’s feelings are changing, he’s afraid to speak out, afraid to be alone in it.
Dang, I loved this one, contrary to part one this had all the emotional feelings.
Solo shows more and more his real face and Panther is losing his mind without Solo.
I waited for the moment and when it finally arrived it was beautiful, the real Solo, always holding the world at arm-length. Lonely, hurt and vulnerable. He got through an awful traumatic time.
All the bodily reactions were deliciously and vividly described, every move they made was easy to follow and easy to visualize. Most of the time there is no sweet talk, maybe a tiny bit but this was quickly overruled by big-mouthed dirty talk.
Oh boy, the intensity was scorching and reaching sky high.
From hard, tough and fast their sexual encounter turned softer, slower, attentive and even loving. Panther can’t believe or hope this stunning bad boy feels the same.
The story is energetically and forcefully written, at a fast pace. The whole fight-flight scenery was original, attractive and thrilling, the secondary characters were present on the background, for me most ideal, I love it when the main characters are in the big spotlight and there’s little distraction from others.
I can’t wait for the final installment!
March 28, 2020
Yes, I absolutely loved this second installment. I actually enjoyed it more than the first one, a big reason being because of the deepening of Mateo (Solo) and Grant's (Panther's) relationship, and their relationship development.
After the last book's cliffhanger, this one opens up right after it, and as Panther has been injured - not too severely, but he does need some time to heal - Solo not only grows a little more serious as the event not only shakes him because it's Panther and he's becoming something more, but because it reminds him of something else that happened to his brother before, and Solo volunteers to take care of Panther while he heals, and their feelings grow deeper.
I knew we'd get the deepening of their relationship in this, but the first one I liked a little less because ...well they hadn't gotten to the deepening of their relationship yet. There was small hints here or there, but not much, and that frustrated me.
But we definitely see that deepening here, and Solo letting go over his almost constant non-seriousness, which we definitely see are just walls he uses so he doesn't get hurt. I came to love Solo in this installment and understand him more and the humor he always tried to live by became less of a 24/7 thing and more endearing, because we can see how much he uses it to hide behind a wall in this one.
I loved how many more feelings we got in this one, so I would say reading the first one to get to this one is definitely worth it. Even the sex - which yes, was hot in the first one - meant more in this one so it was even more passionate and definitely loving, which I love.
There's somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end, but it wasn't so bad that I can't wait the month I'm gonna have to wait to find out what happens and how these two men who have surprisingly found their way into me loving them together are going to get their HEA.
I look forward to it.
Two thumbs up from me!
After the last book's cliffhanger, this one opens up right after it, and as Panther has been injured - not too severely, but he does need some time to heal - Solo not only grows a little more serious as the event not only shakes him because it's Panther and he's becoming something more, but because it reminds him of something else that happened to his brother before, and Solo volunteers to take care of Panther while he heals, and their feelings grow deeper.
I knew we'd get the deepening of their relationship in this, but the first one I liked a little less because ...well they hadn't gotten to the deepening of their relationship yet. There was small hints here or there, but not much, and that frustrated me.
But we definitely see that deepening here, and Solo letting go over his almost constant non-seriousness, which we definitely see are just walls he uses so he doesn't get hurt. I came to love Solo in this installment and understand him more and the humor he always tried to live by became less of a 24/7 thing and more endearing, because we can see how much he uses it to hide behind a wall in this one.
I loved how many more feelings we got in this one, so I would say reading the first one to get to this one is definitely worth it. Even the sex - which yes, was hot in the first one - meant more in this one so it was even more passionate and definitely loving, which I love.
There's somewhat of a cliffhanger at the end, but it wasn't so bad that I can't wait the month I'm gonna have to wait to find out what happens and how these two men who have surprisingly found their way into me loving them together are going to get their HEA.
I look forward to it.
Two thumbs up from me!
May 26, 2023
“Do you still feel that way now?” “Reckless?” Panther raised an eyebrow at my purposeful misdirection. “That no one cares.” Those piercing blue eyes seemed to bore into mine, searching for the truth, and I knew if I tried to fabricate a lie, he’d see right through it. “I think you might.” When Panther said nothing, I added, “Maybe.”
WHAT DO WE LOVE? CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!
Panther’s complete switch from “no absolutely not” to being Solo’s number one defendant and fan was everything to me. Nothing like a near death experience to make you realize what/who is important amirite??
I loved how even now in the lovers part of the rivals to lovers they still stayed rivals!! There was still competition!!
The ending scene with the Navy Ball had me on the edge of my seat. The two of them wanting nothing more than to go together but being too hesitant to do so…but then THE TRUST they both have of one another to do it anyway??? Okay. Immediately on to book 3 because I NEED TO SEE THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER
WHAT DO WE LOVE? CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT!!!
Panther’s complete switch from “no absolutely not” to being Solo’s number one defendant and fan was everything to me. Nothing like a near death experience to make you realize what/who is important amirite??
I loved how even now in the lovers part of the rivals to lovers they still stayed rivals!! There was still competition!!
The ending scene with the Navy Ball had me on the edge of my seat. The two of them wanting nothing more than to go together but being too hesitant to do so…but then THE TRUST they both have of one another to do it anyway??? Okay. Immediately on to book 3 because I NEED TO SEE THEIR HAPPILY EVER AFTER
April 1, 2021
Panther and Solo are back in this installment and it is all about the feels. First, Ella had left us completely hanging at the end of the book 1, so I had to see what happened even prior to fully reading this story. Edge of your seat reading for sure. So this book picks up immediately where book 1 left off. This book follows Panther and Solo through the murky waters of feelings, and what their feelings for each other are evolving into. I really loved this book. More than book 1. I liked reading how confused they were and how they each on their own came to terms with their feelings. This one ends on a less exciting cliff, but a cliff nonetheless. I am eager to finish this series, as this one was great, and I believe the next will be just as good. Aiden Snow & Christian Fox are amazing on these narrations. I could listen to them all day!!
June 24, 2021
I like the MCs, they are hot, they are bold, they are reckless and they are both Alpha males. But...Did we really need 3 books to tell this story? Each time the authors end it in a cliffhanger, and also if the story is interesting and I can't get enough of Solo and Panther's one on one moments(the fact that they are a reversible couple is a bonus), I still think that the authors are dragging this a bit too much now.
July 27, 2023
This is the second instalment in Brooke Blaine and Ella Frank's The Elite series and it's a continuation from the first book, Danger Zone. In this rivals to lovers story, the rivals are realizing that it might be a little more fun to be lovers! Danger Zone ended on a cliffhanger, but it's resolved right off the bat as Need for Speed picks up immediately after the first book.
Mateo Morgan (Call Sign Solo) almost loses Grant Hughes (Call Sign Panther). In the weeks after the accident, the two rivals realize there might be more going on then just "getting this out of their system."
"If you ever scare me like that again, I will hunt you down and fucking kill you myself. You got it, lieutenant?"
The tension between these two characters is still awesome, and when they're together the sparks really fly. This was another quick read, and fairly low-angst and higher heat! There's still all the banter and double entendres from the first book, but we're really ramping up the sweetness in this second instalment. The book ends on a softer cliffhanger than the first one, but I'm so excited to see Panther and Solo get their well-deserved happily ever after in the third book!
Mateo Morgan (Call Sign Solo) almost loses Grant Hughes (Call Sign Panther). In the weeks after the accident, the two rivals realize there might be more going on then just "getting this out of their system."
"If you ever scare me like that again, I will hunt you down and fucking kill you myself. You got it, lieutenant?"
The tension between these two characters is still awesome, and when they're together the sparks really fly. This was another quick read, and fairly low-angst and higher heat! There's still all the banter and double entendres from the first book, but we're really ramping up the sweetness in this second instalment. The book ends on a softer cliffhanger than the first one, but I'm so excited to see Panther and Solo get their well-deserved happily ever after in the third book!
May 19, 2021
So gooood!
Okay this series is amazing! Like I can't stop reading it! I don't want to! Solo and Panther are everything! I'm on to the next one!
Okay this series is amazing! Like I can't stop reading it! I don't want to! Solo and Panther are everything! I'm on to the next one!
March 31, 2020
4.5 stars.
Need for Speed is definitely better then the first book. It started off where the first left off with that brutal cliffy. It was a really enjoyable book. There was much more emotion, getting to know the characters, the angst, the chemistry was hotter then ever. I liked the progression of the book and I cannot wait for the third. Thank God it's only a month wait.
Need for Speed is definitely better then the first book. It started off where the first left off with that brutal cliffy. It was a really enjoyable book. There was much more emotion, getting to know the characters, the angst, the chemistry was hotter then ever. I liked the progression of the book and I cannot wait for the third. Thank God it's only a month wait.
July 24, 2020
İlk kitap öyle bir yerde bitti ki devamına hemen başlamasam olmazdı!
Solo ve Panther de Ella Frank'in yarattığı sevilesi karakterler kategorisinde yerini almış bulunuyor artık benim için!
Yalnız yine öyle bir yerde bitti ki merakımdan öleceğim!
Panther, Solo'nun attığı adıma karşılık verecek mi bakalım?
Solo ve Panther de Ella Frank'in yarattığı sevilesi karakterler kategorisinde yerini almış bulunuyor artık benim için!
Yalnız yine öyle bir yerde bitti ki merakımdan öleceğim!
Panther, Solo'nun attığı adıma karşılık verecek mi bakalım?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 725 reviews