Wow! I wasn't sure what to expect with this book, but what I ended up with was a whole lot more than I'd bargained for. In fact, the only criticism I can come up with is that I'm not sure how "realistic" the plot was. But then, I know nothing about the mafia world, so maybe the plot was entirely plausible. All I know is that I totally bought into the entire plot and loved this book. I loved the characters and I loved the story. I even loved what looks like it might be a small bit of a love triangle...which is usually something that I despise.I guess if there was any one thing I found to be incredulous, it's that the main female character - Trace - didn't seem freaked out enough about the idea that she was in the midst of a lot of mafia hit men and that murder was a part of their every day lives. That's probably the only part I would change. I felt the character should've been a bit more out of sorts at the knowledge that she was in the midst of organized crime But otherwise, there isn't a thing I would change about this book.I normally despise books that end in a cliffhanger, but not this time. This time I really feel like this story has to be more than one part. I didn't feel cheated as I normally do when I realize the story hasn't ended. Rather, this time, I felt like the story left off at a comfortable spot, but there was just so much more I wanted to know about the characters and what happened next.All I can really say is EXCELLENT storytelling by Van Dyken and I can't wait to read the next book! Well, I'm proud to say that I am no longer a Rachel Van Dyken virgin. Elite was the perfect "first" book to introduce me to this awesome author, and it will most definitely not be the last of hers I read! I can't wait to read the rest of this series! Elite has a lot of twists and turns, but not so many that you'll be beyond confused or think it's over the top dramatic. It's actually a fast, relatively easy read. I really loved it! I also loved the humor and the passion, even though it only goes as far as some extremely hot and heavy kisses. I didn't mind that nothing more happened though. I loved all the characters. They are so diverse, smart, and funny. They are awesome and despite some of the a*sholeishness that goes on, I wouldn't mind having them as my college friends, especially Chase and Trace! She's is a great heroine. She is strong and stubborn, but she's a little vulnerable too. Nixon can be a grade A a*s, but he's also got a sweet side to him. He's strong, sexy, and dangerous. Despite being a jerk sometimes and doing things he thought was in the best interest of protecting Trace, but was actually upsetting her, I really did love Nixon. I probably would be over the moon for him, but Chase, his best friend, swept in and stole my heart. I just love Chase and I can't wait to read his story!!I thoroughly enjoyed Elite. I loved the twists and turns. At times it made me angry and had me yelling at the characters. It made me laugh and smile a lot though too.I don't think it's necessarily a cliffhanger but Nixon and Trace's conclusion is in the next book, Elect. I'm not too thrilled with the hint of a love triangle with Chase being the other competitor, but I'm not too worried though, because I have the third book so I know who ends up together and I'm happy with that. I usually don't like love triangles, but I can't really blame Trace for having feelings for Chase. I'm not going to let that stop me from reading Elect and I'm really excited to read it!!!~ Paige, 5 stars
What do You think about Elite (2013)?
What a train wreck. I couldn't stop reading though. Very unbelievable.
—danny
