Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins

Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet (Book 6 and 7). It is has both enemies to lover’s trope and bully romance. I highly recommend reading books 1-4 before starting this one, but it is not a must, I just think it gives a good background context for Phoenix’s character, and some of the other non-main characters.

This series just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to get my hands on Cruel Hate & Cruel Love.

Aspen is new to town and is barely hanging on as it is when her life was turned upside down after what was supposed to be a small fling with Phoenix.
Phoenix is the star football player at the Academy, and is headed to Thane University after this summer, and then most likely the NFL.

The chemistry between these who is electric and starts from the minute they set eyes on each other. One night between the two of them may impact both of their futures. What will they decide to do about the big surprise? This is the first time we really get to see Phoenix’s mind when it comes to women, besides being told he is a ladies’ man. His thought process has always been ‘one and done’ type of mentality.

Phoenix I feel is the biggest bully out of the 4 Elite boys. He literally could care less about anything or anyone unless it has to do with his football career. I can’t really blame him though, because he has worked so hard to get to where he is. Like pretty much the other two boys, Phoenix and Aspen meet at a party, but this time at the Cove.

This big surprise threatens to undo everything both Phoenix and Aspen have worked so hard for. So what will they choose? Will they only think of themselves, regardless of what the other one wants?

I read this in one sitting, and I am so excited to see how their relationship or non-relationship evolves. This book is super-fast paced, but Isla Vaughn does a wonderful job giving you just enough details to suck you in, but also not so little details that you are left confused. This book DOES end in a big cliffhanger so be prepared!

Such a must-read series, and book.

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