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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
First of all, the cover? I didn't really liked it. Luckily I took the time to read the summary, otherwise I never would've read this book (yes, I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, but c'mon! It looks waaay too amateur-ish).
Now onto the story itself.
It was kinda predictable.
I mean as soon as they cracked the first mafia joke I already suspected that was what all this was gonna be about.
I liked how the popular girl was actually genuinely nice to Trace (and as a side note I really don't like the name Trace). And why did she need to cry so much? Grow a freaking spine, girl! She needed some tough love STAT.
Nixon was a sweet and confusing a-hole.
What has me hooked now is the possibility of a Chase/Trace romance. I think I actually like him better than Nixon (not sure if that was supposed to happen).
There were some sentences that were not properly written. Mainly, the punctuation marks weren't being properly used. But it didn't distract terribly, so it wasn't really too bad.
To close up, a little quote (about Chase): "I had no doubt in my mind that if I told him I needed someone killed, he wouldn't even ask questions. He'd simply ask who and jog away. Wow. Never was there ever a truer friend." Awww he luuuuuuurves her!
Now onto the story itself.
It was kinda predictable.
I mean as soon as they cracked the first mafia joke I already suspected that was what all this was gonna be about.
I liked how the popular girl was actually genuinely nice to Trace (and as a side note I really don't like the name Trace). And why did she need to cry so much? Grow a freaking spine, girl! She needed some tough love STAT.
Nixon was a sweet and confusing a-hole.
What has me hooked now is the possibility of a Chase/Trace romance. I think I actually like him better than Nixon (not sure if that was supposed to happen).
There were some sentences that were not properly written. Mainly, the punctuation marks weren't being properly used. But it didn't distract terribly, so it wasn't really too bad.
To close up, a little quote (about Chase): "I had no doubt in my mind that if I told him I needed someone killed, he wouldn't even ask questions. He'd simply ask who and jog away. Wow. Never was there ever a truer friend." Awww he luuuuuuurves her!
Story definitely had potential but was runied wit trace and her crying through whole damn book
Okay. That was... A really good read.
I love the author. Her writing style is awesomely not-boring at all. I spent the whole day reading and didn't feel the time passing by.
The story was really interesting.
The romance was nice. I liked the characters, even though their lack of communication irked me a little bit. But to be honest, I didn't really FEEL the love, you know? I liked them together and all, but it's definitely not OTP worthy.
And I'm still a little confused over a few things in the plot, but I'm pretty sure it will be explained later, so... Whatever.
Anyway. An entertaining, fun book. Great author. I'm not in love with the book, but still, recommend it :)
I love the author. Her writing style is awesomely not-boring at all. I spent the whole day reading and didn't feel the time passing by.
The story was really interesting.
The romance was nice. I liked the characters, even though their lack of communication irked me a little bit. But to be honest, I didn't really FEEL the love, you know? I liked them together and all, but it's definitely not OTP worthy.
And I'm still a little confused over a few things in the plot, but I'm pretty sure it will be explained later, so... Whatever.
Anyway. An entertaining, fun book. Great author. I'm not in love with the book, but still, recommend it :)
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Read for Fun (BookClub/Kindle)
Overall Rating: 2.00
Story Rating: 1.50
Character Rating: 2.50
First Thought when Finished: Elite by Rachel Van Dyken just was not my cup of tea.
Quick Thoughts:
Here are things that just didn't work for me (but work for many others):
1: This was too NA
2: This was a soap opera on steroids (seriously)
3: Not a minute of it was believable (not that I need that but this was just too out there for me)
4: Read the descriptions of books to come and seriously one of the characters gets an HEA that as of right now totally doesn't deserve it.
5: Let me just end this with I read this in one setting--it was a train wreck but I couldn't look away! Aka the 2 instead of a 1.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 2.00
Story Rating: 1.50
Character Rating: 2.50
First Thought when Finished: Elite by Rachel Van Dyken just was not my cup of tea.
Quick Thoughts:
Here are things that just didn't work for me (but work for many others):
1: This was too NA
2: This was a soap opera on steroids (seriously)
3: Not a minute of it was believable (not that I need that but this was just too out there for me)
4: Read the descriptions of books to come and seriously one of the characters gets an HEA that as of right now totally doesn't deserve it.
5: Let me just end this with I read this in one setting--it was a train wreck but I couldn't look away! Aka the 2 instead of a 1.
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
I feel like I shouldn't want to read the next one because I don't think this book is really appropriate...
I don't hate this book. I really wanted to once I realised what was going down but I can't stop thinking about it since I finished it. Its addictive and the whole tension between them all is addictive.
I dislike the fact that they are all mean to her, like abusive and down right scary. I'm also not here for the
I like Nixon hes mysterious but hes a right tosser isn't he? I'm not sure I'm meant to like him but I do. I can see the author could do a real character development with him and you'll see why he is the way he is.
Trace isn't really doing it for me. She lets Nixon get away with more than should and she puts herself in situations that made me go well you knew they were mean why did you do that?! Despite the fact she comes across fairly sassy in the first chapter or two. Shes really a door mouse and that was disappointing.
I'm giving this 3 stars because I feel like 2 is too low and 5 is just not thinkable. This book is a romance that will suck you in and make you unwilling to put it down even for a moment. I just don't think its worthy of five stars because of the whole underlying story. I've also just realised I'm going to have to spoiler out part of my review so to not give away why Nixon and the Elect are such jerks!
I don't hate this book. I really wanted to once I realised what was going down but I can't stop thinking about it since I finished it. Its addictive and the whole tension between them all is addictive.
I dislike the fact that they are all mean to her, like abusive and down right scary. I'm also not here for the
Spoiler
mafia thing. I get the whole mafia scene is alluring and oddly fascinating but it is a real thing. This thing does happen maybe not the extent its shown in this book or hollywood films but it is a thing. I feel like making it into some erotica romance novel is damaging to people that have suffered and do suffer from a mob like gangster or someone that uses similar tactics to get what they want.I like Nixon hes mysterious but hes a right tosser isn't he? I'm not sure I'm meant to like him but I do. I can see the author could do a real character development with him and you'll see why he is the way he is.
Trace isn't really doing it for me. She lets Nixon get away with more than should and she puts herself in situations that made me go well you knew they were mean why did you do that?! Despite the fact she comes across fairly sassy in the first chapter or two. Shes really a door mouse and that was disappointing.
I'm giving this 3 stars because I feel like 2 is too low and 5 is just not thinkable. This book is a romance that will suck you in and make you unwilling to put it down even for a moment. I just don't think its worthy of five stars because of the whole
Spoiler
mafia
I received an e-copy of this book from the publishers at NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As I have said in some reviews, I work at a bookstore. It's actually the best way to learn about new authors outside of being a blogger. I had seen a few Rachel Van Dyken books come through the way and was intrigued. When I realized that I actually had a few of her books for review I was even more determined to give this new author (new to me at least) a gander and see if I liked what I read. This series, The Eagle Elite, was not one I had heard about from her. After reading the synopsis my immediate impression was, 'Ooo, secret society?' I wanted to see if my assumption was correct.
Tracey didn't know what to expect when she started school at Eagle Elite University. She knew she would be surrounded by distinguished, upper-class students and wasn't sure how a farm girl from Wyoming would fit in. Her determination to do right for her grandfather after her grandmother's death was the driving force behind her remaining at the school. The students made her life hell. Especially the students in an elite group called The Elect. Nixon, their leader, seemed to have a personal vendetta against her. She sustained tarnished remarks to her reputation, physical and emotional abuse, and all sorts of torment from her classmates. Nixon, while maintaining a superior air, started making it known that she was protected by him. It was then that Tracey started forming a love-hate relationship with the Student Body President.
Eventually Tracey found out that there was more than meets the eye with the handsome Nixon and his posse. What she finds out makes her question who she is, where she comes from, and why she feels so connected and familiar with Nixon.
I genuinely liked this story. I got a little misty when I saw all the torment that Tracey went through. I was even more teary eyed when I started to see just how much Nixon truly cares about her. Everything he does has a reason behind it and most often it's his misguided way of protecting her. I liked the connection between Nixon and Tracey and found them to be an amazing pair of protagonists. I liked the whole secret society situation that appears to be going on and then eventually finding out it's totally different. I had a hard time truly finding much to dislike about this book, which is amazing for me. I normally find at least SOMETHING I don't like.
I think Elite and the Eagle Elite series would be perfect for someone who likes to be surprised at every turn or someone who likes to watch a couple who don't immediately fall in love at first sight. Tracey and Nixon work at their relationship. It's not handed to them. It makes the story believable and real. We all need a little reality in our fiction or the thrill of getting lost in the author's world isn't as satisfying.
Review Posted on: http://www.ladybugliterature.blogspot.com
Instead of a book, this felt like a weird dream where everyone else knew what was going on.....except me. I have to say though parts of this book appealed to me and then the author would back pedal, and I would hate it again. The conversations felt like one person was having them, and didn't flow all that great. Instead of a great plot all laid out we have a bunch of different things taped together. The characters seem to have multiple personalities, and let's be honest what we started with evolved into more puzzling behavior. A rich, mafia kid, running a college. The synopsis doesn't add up. So two small stars. Thanks netgalley for a read in exchange for my thoughts.