Elite Metal: Eight-Novel Cohesive Military Romance Boxed Set (2015) - Plot & Excerpts
I received this ARC copy from author Rebecca Royce in exchange for an honest review.In this 8 novella series from multiple authors, we are introduced to 8 Military Heroes who are going through the loss of their teammates when a mission they were all on to eliminate international bad guy "Red Wolf" went horribly wrong. Years later, the 8, known as the Elite Recon Team are brought back together by a mysterious benefactor known only as "Warbucks". Each story reveals a snippet in the life of one of the recovered Marines, now known as Elite Metal. I have reviewed each individual story. The main theme of these stories is finding and believing in true love, but also, finding out who was responsible for their original mission and finally finishing what they had set out to do before it all went to hell.1) Bound by Steele (four stars)- by Jennifer Kacey and Anna AlexanderThe fact that I wanted to go stand outside in subzero temperatures without a coat shows just how HOT this story was. Adam Steele lost his men and his best friend Zinc when a mission went horribly wrong. After having his true identity declared dead and his new persona struggling to get by, he is kidnapped by secret operatives to go undercover and finish his original mission. He is partnered with Alayna Devlin, another person whose true identity is also a mystery.Pretending to be husband and wife is easier than the self-proclaimed bachelor thought. Especially since Alayna shares Steele's sexual proclivities. When Steele finds disturbing news about Alayna, it almost ruins the mission and Alayna and Steele's future. I really enjoyed this story. The flow was great, and I read it relatively quickly.2) Chrome's Salvation (two stars)- by Jennifer KaceyWhen Chrome meets Cammie, a single woman with a baby on a flight to Colorado, he feels more for this woman than he has ever felt for anyone before. When the flight ends, Chrome wants to know more about his seat mate. He follows Cammie to her car, but is drugged and kidnapped before he makes contact with her. Brought back into the Elite Metal fold, Chrome meets up with his old friend Steele and learns that he is needed to right wrongs from the man he was supposed to take out when the original mission was compromised and he lost half his team.When he later finds out that this strange woman is his newest mission- to retrieve her kidnapped twins, he vows to do everything he can to help her. Falling in love was not on that list, but it happened anyway. While the sex scenes were steamy, I didn't love this story. There were passages that were confusing, wherein words were needed, but had been omitted. Either due to lack of editing, or just a writer who had the words in her head, but never managed to get them on the paper. I also didn't feel the connection between the characters. Cammie seemed to go along with whatever Chrome was doing to her, but not really vocalizing her desire to actually be there. However, the climax of the story was satisfying. Wrapping up Bound by Steele's storyline enough that it can now lead on to the main plot of this multipart story.3) Adamantium's Roar (four stars)- by Anna AlexanderBy far, my favorite in the series. Scott Maguire has been in love with Beth since the day he met her, but was too shy to do anything about it. Then his best friend Jason stepped in and married Beth. Scott joined the marines the next day. The night before Scott deployed, Jason drunkenly wrapped his car around a tree, dying instantly, leaving Beth alone.Cut to years later. Adamantium is at a biker bar with some of his EM crew when he spies Beth being mauled by her new boyfriend. When Ant reveals his former identity to Beth, who he cornered in a bathroom, she is both shocked and dismayed to see him. Shocked that her Scott is still alive, but dismayed that he has to witness her like this-being someone's whore. Jason liked to gamble. When he died, he was deep in debt. Chesterfield (Beth's boyfriend) bought up the rest of Jason's markers and took Beth as Jason's payment. Taking Beth was Ant's only plan. The events that unfolded after weren't in his plans, but it did lead further into the mystery of Red Wolf.I loved the backstory here. I loved the characters' insecurity with not only each other, but with themselves. I'm also eager to see how the next "chapter" advances this story forward.4) Pure Copper (two stars)- by Heather LongCopper is the mission. Doesn't matter what mission she's on, she is 100% in it, heart, mind and soul. Until she meets her next mission. Gabriel is a man who the EM is looking into as a possible connection to Red Wolf. Attraction crackled at first sight, which then led to a very steamy interlude up against a wall. What Copper failed to realize is that she is dealing with an ex-CIA agent who has no qualms about dealing with people who are after him. Especially one he has been chasing for over two years. When Copper's mission becomes compromised, Gabriel does everything he can to save the woman he is falling in love with. I have to admit that this was my least favorite, so far. I didn't feel that there was any connection between Copper and Gabriel. The story was also a bit on the confusing side, in that Copper had internal conversations with her dead lover, and, maybe this is because this was an ARC copy, there was no change in font, or anything else to signify between the internal and external conversations, so I had no idea if conversations were taking place in the past and had actually happened, or was in the present and what Copper was imagining would happen.5) Sterling's Seduction (three stars)- by Sabrina YorkWhen you have a hunch about something, you go after it, whole hog. At least, that's what Roni does when she sets her sights on her next story. Until her "investigative reporting" brings her to Bone Daddy's biker bar in Deep Ellum, Texas, and to the Elite Metal "motorcycle club". Sterling eyes Roni, having seen her years earlier being escorted off the set of a movie where he was running security in his former life. Sterling never forgot her face. Or her body. Or the fact that by snooping around where she shouldn't, might get her killed, or at the very least, handcuffed to his bed.As much as I love Sabrina York's writing, I felt that there was a lot more telling than showing in this story. Though I did feel the chemistry burning between the characters, this story felt too light and breezy for the subject matter. While it was easy to read and understand, I'm not sure if this story added another layer to the main criminal, or if the point of the series is to pair off the Elite Metal team. 6) Platinum's Choice (three stars)- by Rebecca RoyceElijah "Platinum" Jones was adjusting to life as a civilian. Finally doing what he always wanted to before military life. Rose Smith is a kindergarten teacher, and, like most teachers, considers her students her kids. Especially one in particular.Kent was told his military father died before he was born. He lost his mother soon after his birth, and was subsequently raised by his grandmother. Yet Kent still held out hope that his father was alive, and was the man who was footing his private school bill.Rose and Plat meet by chance and start a year long romance. When Plat disappears, Rose shuts down.Plat has always kept tabs on his son he found out he had after his original mission failed and he was declared dead. When Kent, his son, goes missing, Plat vows to do anything and everything in his power to find him. Especially when he finds out Rose, his Rose, is with Kent.I have to say I really enjoyed this story. The characters were well developed and I felt the chemistry between them. My only complaint is that there were a few editing glitches- missing words and punctuation, but the story flowed well enough that this is a minor complaint.7) Mercury's Poison (three stars)- by Saranna DeWyldeJohn "Mercury" Thrace blends into the shadows so as not to be seen by anyone, but he never expected Hazel (dubbed Witch Hazel by Copper) to not only see him, but to fall for him. Mercury was badly burned by chemicals and is unable to allow anyone in, except Copper, his closest and oldest friend.When Hazel gets caught up in a situation beyond her control, Mercury steps in. Both Hazel and Mercury are doctors and specialize in chemical research, a fact that will later save Mercury's life. Mercury keeps pushing Hazel away, claiming he doesn't want her to get hurt. Except that Mercury is the one who winds up hurt.I really enjoyed this spin on Beauty and the Beast. I also loved the addition of chemical warfare and how this plays into the "Red Wolf" character theme. This was well written, and I loved how the author really dug deep into the character of Mercury, where you felt both his physical and mental pain. A few editing mishaps, but otherwise good.8) Forged in Silver (three stars)- by Roxie RiveraSilver left the mess that was EM when their mission blew to hell. Hiding under the radar for years, Silver became an international thief, stealing art, jewelry and intel. When he is captured and hauled back to Elite Metal, he is not welcomed back with open arms. His old team died, and the other teams he fought alongside don't want him because of his "job" after they all parted ways. Silver is sent on solo missions for the team, courtesy of their benefactor, known only as "Warbucks". His only connection to the EM team is Poppy Jones, Warbucks' face and voice for the team. Their back and forth banter through monthly status checks over text is funny and flirtatious. When Warbucks manufactures the pair to tackle the same mission, Silver cannot deny his attraction for Poppy any longer. Poppy, on the other hand, is reluctant to start something, despite her body's reaction to Silver's mere presence. When Poppy finally allows herself to live, their culmination is H*A*W*T! When their mission proves fruitful, the EM team reluctantly accepts Silver back into the fold.The epilogue of all 8 stories is the reveal of Warbucks and his "ghosts". I was surpsied at the reveal, and I think readers will be too, especially because this ends on one hell of a cliff-hanger! I cannot wait to see how the authors explain this surprise, and to see if Red Wolf is captured once and for all!Despite a few editing mishaps, this was a great anthology by some really talented authors. I highly recommend this series to anyone who believes in love.
Sterling’s Seduction by Sabrina York A story that is very “Sabrina York” in feel, laden with emotion and two characters that are blindsided by the very palpable emotions and connection between them. Holed away at their compound outside of Deep Ellum, Texas, while this super-secret team of Elite Recon special ops soldiers know they aren’t ‘invisible’, they don’t expect that any trails would solid enough to lead to them. Until Roni, a journalist with a National Enquirer-like ragsheet working under duress for her stepfather, trying to gain custody of her sister, injured in the crash that killed their mother. I liked Roni: determined, driven and intelligent, her connection to Sterling is a huge conflict for her, even as she is 99.9% certain he’s more bluster than action where she is concerned. The outlook for Roni’s safety isn’t good, until she openly shares information with the team about her boss, and her true motives come forward. Roni despises Marcus, chafes at his pulling of her strings as if she was a marionette, and she knows that she is able to outthink, if not necessarily outmaneuver him. But there is Annabelle to think of, her sister, wheelchair bound and under Marcus’ thumb. Sterling was blessed with a boatload of “I don’t give a F***” that allows him to function and do his job. But Roni’s appearance is like rain in the desert, she gives nourishment to hope and emotions that he thought were long buried and gone. Afraid of emotions that are more tender: Sterling’s life is better for him (he thinks) with clear rules, guidelines and outcomes. While not thrilled with the formation of, and his inclusion in this unit: it is his family, his allegiance and his duty. Roni throws all of that carefully constructed façade out of the window, and has him a bit flummoxed. OK – a LOT flummoxed, and everyone on the team, particularly the leader Steele, sees his confusion. And knows the reason is guilt and hurt, anger and loss, and the leftover fear from not being able to make a difference when it counted. And Sterling can ALWAYS make a difference. With Roni joining forces with the guys, working as a double agent to help bring down her boss and some really bad characters, and the promise made to free Annabelle from Marcus’ control, the story goes left, right, in circles and left again, with poor Sterling hanging on by his fingertips desperately trying to control, protect and decide the outcome. And guess what? Readers are feeling every bump in the road along with him. So much fun, so much heat in the connection between Roni and Sterling, and who doesn’t love seeing a man completely flummoxed by the new woman in his life? And poor Sterling is – dancing on the edge of control in every encounter, until they are alone and Roni’s malleable and submissive side emerges. Then he’s in control of her, but not always of his own reactions.But that’s so completely in keeping with his personality: the all or nothing guy who never found a connection as all-encompassing, and his struggle to deal with it. I can only hope that the other stories in this collection pack such a punch. I received an eArc copy of the title for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
What do You think about Elite Metal: Eight-Novel Cohesive Military Romance Boxed Set (2015)?
Elite MetalPlatinum’s ChoiceBy Rebecca RoyceElite Metal is going to be a fantastic series. I have gotten a taste of it through "Platinum's Choice" by Rebecca Royce.Platinum (Elijah) has had to refurbish his life a few times. The last time, he thought would be "the last time" and decided he could invest himself in a relationship. Well, life loves to throw us curve balls!Rose loves being a teacher. Helping her kids is her purpose in life, then, see meets Elijah. She knows he is holding back, but thinks they have something special going on. Then, he is gone.Now Rose is on the run with a child (Kent) that isn't really hers, but she will do what she needs to do, to protect him.Enter Platinum. Just what is Rose suppose to make of his re-appearance and the fact that Kent and Platinum (Eli) seem to know each other.Love, betrayal, anger and running for your life. This story says a lot.Can't wait to read the rest of Elite Metal.This book was given by author for an honest review.
—D Thomas
Not All Stories Edited EquallyAs a whole I enjoyed this set of books. Unfortunately, a couple of them missed the mark on good editing. The first five were great, maybe a minor mistake here and there but not enough to throw me out of the story. The only thing that got me through Platinum's book was my interest in the characters. But it was riddled with mistake after mistake. Mercury's book was the one I anticipated most. But the mistakes in that one almost ruined it for me. I never had a grasp of what the heroine looked like and the action jumped from spot to spot with no cohesive link. (Spoiler alert) In one scene Mercury is doing Cross fit so I thought they were in a gym. He's all sweaty and Hazel decides to go down on him without ever unzipping his pants. But suddenly he's in her mouth. Eww! Then he puts her on a counter and we finally see they're in his lab. The he holds her groin to his mouth and walks out of the lab. He's a tall guy but they still make it through the doorway like that. Mistakes like that throw me right out of a book.Silver's story was much better and added the cliffhanger ending I usually hate. But I look forward to reading more of this group's tale.
—Missy Jane
I am going to be in the minority here as I was not blown away as all my fellow GR readers.I LOVED Bound by Steele by Jennifer Kacey and Anna Alexander and Chrome's Salvation also by Jennifer Kacey. I will be looking out for more books by Jennifer Kacey as these two books blew me away. They are worthy of a solid 4* rating.I loved the banter between the characters esp Steele and Chrome, the heroines where great, the story might have been missing some action though. I would have loved to see them fighting as a unit - that for me was a big part that was missing, otherwise a fantastic read that had me glued to the pages.And then I moved on to Adamantium's Roar - Anna Alexander, and I just could not like this part of the series. The heroine put me off the story and this was a DNF for me.I then moved on to Platinum's Choice - Rebecca Royce. Rebecca is one of my favorite authors but again Platinum was not alpha enough for me and I was not feeling this part of the story like Steel's or Chrome's. Being so disappointed I moved on to Forged in Silver by Roxie Rivera hoping that this part will blow me away, but sadly this was another disappointing read. I needed Silver to be a little more Alpha for Poppy, Poppy was the lead in this romance and I don't like my romances where the hero takes a backseat to the heroine. Again why where they not working as a team - the story would have been great if we could have had that.Maybe I should not have started to read all the stories one after the other but I was not feeling the love after Chrome's story.
—Ansu
