Review: It's All About The Boys -
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 12 17, 2013
I confess, I was sorta on the fence after I finished the first book in this series (Elite). I mean, I liked the story and the characters, but I wasn't 100% sure the Eagle Elite series and I were going to be the pals I hoped we would be - and the only way to figure it out was to read book 2. This book, to be precise. So that's what I did. I read Elect, and in just a few chapters, I made up my mind.I can sum it up in three little words:  YES. HELL YES.Told entirely from male POV's - specifically, Nixon, Chase, and even Phoenix (yes, that Phoenix!) - Elect erased any lingering doubts I had and filled me with more warm and fuzzy reader feelings than I knew what to do with. Was it because I am such a sucker for the male POV? Was it getting an up close and personal view of the "family business", as seen through the eyes of the young men who are just trying to survive it without losing their souls and their loved ones along the way? Or was it the raw emotion these rough and tough guys displayed on the page? Honestly, I don't know what the magic ingredient was. I only know that it worked. Doubts, what doubts? I have none left.The story itself wastes no time getting off the ground. The events of book one finally catch up to Trace and Nix when word arrives that the Sicilians are coming. That fast, the honeymoon is over, and suddenly, all Nix can think about is how to keep Trace alive - and not just her. His twin sister Monroe and her boyfriend Tex, his cousin and best friend Chase...one wrong step and they could all find themselves at the bottom of Lake Michigan.I'm itching to give you more details about the plot, to dish all the dirt about certain decisions that are made and the consequences thereof, but...but...I CAN'T! There are too many ways to spoil the book, and I flat-out refuse to do that. So I'm going to have to content myself with gushing over the characters, and fortunately, there's a lot to gush over!Nixon. Oh sweet mercy, Nixon. I am absolutely ashamed of the reservations I had about you in book one. I wasn't convinced you were worthy of wearing a hero's crown, but you sure proved me wrong, didn't you? You were the backbone of this entire book, and I will never second-guess you again.Chase, you sure drew the short stick, didn't you? I didn't envy you, and I am sorry that circumstances forced you between a rock and a hard place. If it makes you feel any better, I was right there in emotional hell with you, gnashing my teeth, pulling my hair, and wondering how it was all going to work out without everyone suffering major heart breakage. But you held true, and you held fast, and for that, I give you major props.Phoenix....oh, my dear boy. Who would have thought I would feel any sympathy for you after what you did in book one? But I did, and I am so glad your POV was included. You really brought something extra (and special) to the story - as did your stepsister, Mil. She was awesomesauce and I had better read more about her in the future! (*gives Rachel Van Dyken THE LOOK*...lol)Bottom line, lovelies, Elect is a great book. It's got drama, crime and violence, intrigue, sweeping romance, and just plain ol' good storytelling. But it's the boys that really made it special. They rock this book in every way, and because of them, I am definitely continuing with the series. Bring on the next one, I'm ready!4.5 Stars ★★★★1/2ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.