Bully Romance – Page 4 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by M Policicchio

June 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by M Policicchio

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

OMFG!!!!!!!!! My friends are back and they brought some new people. I am down for that. I have missed these characters. On a side note, I should totally take stars off my rating for that ending. I knew it was going to end on a cliffhanger but Uhhhhhhhh, I was not expecting to be there dangling just by my fingertips on my strong hand waiting on the rescue of the next book.

Okay, let’s catch up on what happened. Riley and Cole have gone off to college leaving behind the rest of the Elite. Damon, Phoenix and Shane are starting their senior year of high school. Skylar, who made a brief appearance in Riley & Cole’s story, is a reporter writing for the school’s blog on the football team. This is where the conflict begins. Skylar writes an unflattering article on Damon and now he is out for blood but as much as he wants to take her down, he finds her intriguing.

Skylar is in the midst of her drama. Her best friend is on a mission to complete a list of goals to make senior year awesome, Skylar is not interested. Skylar’s abusive father is about to get out of jail. She just needs to get through the year to get the heck out of dodge, as the saying goes. She might have written that article to rile Damon but also because it was how she saw it. Now, Skylar needs Damon’s help to make the best friend’s senior year goal list a reality. It just comes with a price.

The consequences of Skylar’s actions are catching up to her and now she is caught between a rock and a hard demon. Will her choices justify the ends? I sure don’t know but I hope the next book will tell me!!!

This author, this series….UHHH-effing-mazing!!!! The author draws you and then teases you with crumbs of information that will make sense later when you realize you know. The characters’ emotions are as real as the pages on which they are written. Beautiful. I crave the next book but know that when I devour it, it will only leave me wanting more.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Trish Ann

June 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Trish Ann

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick read. I had a little trouble staying connected to the story. The story did flow well and the characters were good. The overall plot just didn’t hit with me. I would read others by the author because her writing style is well done.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angelina Frazzini

June 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Angelina Frazzini

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book of the series. It can be read as a standalone but it references characters and some things that happened in the first two books. Honestly, the whole series is so good you should just start at the beginning.

Gia wants a memorable senior year. Best year ever and all that. Sky, as Gia’s best friend, wants to support her and help her achieve whatever it is she wants to do. Sky doesn’t realize that Gia’s list includes Damon. She’s not happy about it but she does the only thing she can think of and that is ask Damon for a favor. Damon is intrigued by Sky and the best way to get to her is to help her out. What could go wrong?

I absolutely loved this book!! I can’t wait for the next book. It was so well written. The characters are great. You can really feel the turmoil Sky feels she’s in regarding her feelings about Damon. I couldn’t read this book fast enough!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Runyon

June 9, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Stephanie Runyon

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn created Brutal Days to continue her Hidden Valley Elite series. The book features Skylar McCormick and Damon Savage. Skylar has promised to help her friend, Gia, to get her senior year goals: get invited to the underground fight club where all the cool kids were; get a popular boyfriend; lose her virginity; and become prom queen. However, Skylar knows that this will not be as simple as Gia attempts to make it sound. The following day, Skylar is watching the football team practice since it assigned her to write an article for the school’s blog. Damon approaches her and tells her to come to the barbecue with him. He wasn’t asking since he knew almost every girl in Hidden Valley Academy wanted him. Skylar told him no. Unfortunately, Gia zeroed on Damon Savage as who she wanted to date.
Skylar had propositioned Damon on behalf of Gia. She offers to do all of Damon’s homework as long as he dates Gia. Damon told her for every date he had with Gia then she would have to pay him back by doing him “favors.” Skylar thought she could resist Damon’s charm, but find it attracted her to him. She finds she will go further with Damon than she ever imagined.

The story has several steamy moments, however; I had struggled with what actually made Skylar decide to lower her guard. I couldn’t imagine how she could claim to be loyal to Gia when she was happy with paying Damon with her own body. The end of the book was perfect in leaving readers hanging and wanting to read the sequel. I felt bad for poor Tucker- Cole beat him up for being around Riley and then Damon beat him up for being friends with Skylar.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

June 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lyndsey Fairley

Brutal Days by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t wait to read Damon’s story and what a ride this first part was!
We met Skylar in Cole and Riley’s books but now we get to know her and how she finds herself in the crosshairs of Damon.

I have to say while Damon is a bit of a jerk in the other books, which I understand, he’s a softy underneath and guards himself. While I don’t agree with the deal he and Skylar have made behind her friends back, as all secrets come to light sooner or later whether you have control over it or not.

This cliffhanger was not what I was expecting at all and I can’t wait to dive into the next one and im sure it’ll be pretty explosive with how this ended.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tonya Merritt

June 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Tonya Merritt

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn has done it again, in this Hidden Valley Elite series, we finally follow the other Savage brother, Damon. I really enjoyed this book better than the first in the series but only because I love Damon’s character better than Cole. A great story line to follow with some scrumptious sexual scenes. Vivid imagery and intense feelings to be had. The cliffhanger ending has me dying for more.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Collier

June 7, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Michelle Collier

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I loved it!! I have read all the previous books in this series and i might have squealed a little when i got this book. Damon Savage is a football star destined for greatness. Skylar hates sport and athletes, that includes Damon. He has other ideas when it comes to Skylar. He can’t seem to stay away from her and he will do anything to get her, while she will do anything to help her friend. This book does end on a cliffhanger but seriously it is so good I can wait a month for the conclusion of Damon and Skylar’s story.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins

June 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Helen Dawkins

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite series, but it is the first book for Damon and Skylar. I didn’t think I could love a couple more than Riley and Cole (Book 1 and 2) but I was so wrong. Completely obsessed with them both separately and together. The “relationship” between Skylar and Damon starts out on completely crazy terms, but slowly it turned into something they both actually wanted, craved even. Their relationship is pure mind games from the beginning, on both sides. At the beginning Sky does not care AT ALL about Damon, at least that is what she says out loud, internally she is memorizing his insane body structure. Sky’s personality just makes Damon want her even more, they become a game for each other.

What will happen when the dust settles? Will Damon and Sky always hate each other, or can they get over it? Will Gia find out what Sky and Damon have been up to behind her back?

Skylar’s abusive father is set to be released soon from prison, what does that mean for her mother and herself? Will they need to flee in order to stay safe?

I cannot wait until June 22nd so I can read more of Damon and Skylar’s story!

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Charlene Gonzalez

June 5, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Charlene Gonzalez

Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the Prequel of Isla Vanughn I understand book 2. I love how Riley will always protect her mom but at times is hard when Cole tries to take her attention away.
In the book, it was when Riley wanted Cole to accept what he is dying for but his man ego does not allow it. Riley tries hard to get this game to the next level.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by CHARLENE GONZALEZ

June 5, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Charlene Gonzalez

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn

I can’t believe what the author Isla Vaughn did in this series. I read the other one but this one Damon is the lead in Hidden Valley. Hot and plays hard, Damon only has eyes for one person and that is Sky, but Sky only wants to help her friend Gia to go out with Damon. Caught in the middle Sky tries hard not to be in the way but Damon wants her badly…

Isla Vaughn did it again to keep me coming back for more. I recommend her books to anyone.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Barbara Bohls

June 5, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Barbara Bohls

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book in the series did not disappoint. It was amazingly well written, had great characters and world building, even had the steam that I crave, all while being a little angsty. All of those traits lead to a very fast paced, quick read for me. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see what was going to happen. What would you do if you BFF decided she wanted your crush? That is what happens with this story. The twists and turn, the lies being told, the wanting of someone you know you shouldn’t. It is all in this book. I can’t stress enough how amazing this series is and I feel like with every book that comes out in the series it is just a bit better than the last. Now, I normally state whether you would just pick this book up and start the series. However, this time I am going to say that you should start with the first book in this series because you do meet the characters for the future books throughout the stories, you don’t know how they will play a part in the upcoming books but you get a glimpse of who they are. I also might be biased because I absolutely love this series and think that everyone needs to read it!! If you do find yourself starting with this book in the series (which if we face it sometimes happens). You will be able to follow along smoothly, you just won’t have some background information on the characters. However, you will want to go back and read the other books in the series because you will be hooked. If you have a couple hours to just invest in yourself by reading a book let this one be the book you choose. You won’t be disappointed.
Reviewed by: @bbohls

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Melissa Saxton

June 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Melissa

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 3 is the story of Damon and Sky

Damon is one of the elites… he has everything he seemingly could ever want football popularity girls.. except one girl who catches his attention.

Sky is a loyal headstrong friend. Her BFF Gia has a “list” for senior year that she wants to complete and it includes Damon as her Boyfriend. Sky makes a deal with Damon to date Gia but she learns quickly that this game is going to cost so much more.

The simmering heat between Damon and Sky is red hot and the book definitely ends on one heck of a moment between them….

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rosanna Ingram

June 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Rosanna Ingram

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Damon’s story does not disappoint!

If you’ve been reading this series since the beginning, then you know Damon…and his story is one you’re going to want to read! When Skylar’s best friend, Gia, is determined to have a popular boyfriend her senior year, Skylar is tasked with playing matchmaker. When Gia sets her sights on Damon, the guy who Skylar has a crush on (even though he goes against everything she believes in), Skylar finds herself having to play the game by Damon’s rules. However, these two seem to hate each other…but things start to turn and they find themselves fighting their growing attraction in order to keep their secrets safe. Will they be able to fight their own feelings? Or are some things worth the risk?

This book was just as good as the previous books. Skylar, Gia, and Damon are characters that pulled me in with their story. I couldn’t devour their story fast enough…only to come to the ending that has me waiting (not so) patiently for the next book!! I cannot say enough good things about this series!!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Mandy Ott

June 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Mandy Ott

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn delivers the same great world building and character development as the earlier books in The Hidden Valley Elite Series. While I don’t think the first two books are necessary to read in order to understand this 3rd installment, I think they do help in developing the characters. Brutal Days has the same ups and downs as the first two books but a lot less life-or-death dramatics. I felt like this book was less rushed than the other books as well. But, thanks to great writing by Isla Vaughn, I was able to feel the depth of emotions just the same. There is so much cheekiness on Skylar’s end and so much unease masked by cockiness on Damon’s end, but together, there is so much raw connection between them. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens between these two!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Reed

June 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Carrie Reed

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WHAT?! Amazing! At first, I was really irritated that Skylar didn’t just talk to Gia in the beginning about Damon before they even went to the first party. Then I realized, if she did we wouldn’t have this book. I am so addicted to Skylar and Damon’s story, dare I say I might even like it more than Riley and Cole’s! Gia is so oblivious and weak that she is susceptible to changing the way she acts to fit in with the elites. She wants to be popular so bad, but her best friend, Skylar, has no desire to fit into that clique. The bet Skylar makes with Damon, instantly, I knew it wasn’t going to end well, but they sure do take us on a wild ride. Their chemistry is off the charts, and the ending…. I can’t wait to see what becomes of Skylar, Damon and Gia. This book can be read as a standalone, but the first 2 books introduce us to the characters in this book.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

May 31, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Elizabeth Sanchez

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days is the 3rd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. It is a bit of a shift from the previous books, as this begins the story of Damon and Skylar. It is way more heated and less dramatic than Cole and Riley books. There are some graphic scenes, and the characters are teens- so that’s a little weird. But overall I enjoyed the story. I guessed how it was going to end, expecting it the whole time- just didn’t know when. I can’t wait to see how Skylar fixes the cluster/mess she created. It was nice to see another side of Damon. He isn’t as tough as he appears and unexpectedly has his shell broken. I hate that these books are all cliff hangers though lol. Impatiently awaiting the next installment.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Cindy Mayberry

May 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Cindy Mayberry

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW! This is Sky and Damon’s story. Sky has her work cut out for her. Her friend wants Damon before the year ends. Only Sky has crushed on him forever. Damon, on the other hand, is more interested in Sky. High School is such a struggle to get through. The bullies, the cheerleaders, the nerds and the jocks. This story deals with many teen issues. That’s what makes this author’s story so believable. It is well written, fast paced and easy to follow. All teens would agree this is like high school all over. Enemy’s to Romance is just how this story reads. So many emotions will be challenged, so many secrets will be opened and somebody is bound to find romance. This is a fantastic story for New Adults as well as adult readers.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware

May 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Allyson W

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I cannot get enough of this author and this series! I love the switch from Cole and Riley’s characters to Damon and Skylar. Damon and Sky are not new characters, but the spotlight is now on them. Their dynamic is very similar to Cole and Riley’s. Skylar bears this strength that most teenagers do not possess. Because of that strength, I cannot understand why she is best friends with Gia. Gia is needy, wants to rise in popularity, and is flaky.

Skylar would literally give the skin off of her back for Gia, and I do not believe that Gia would even give Sky a jacket if it was cold outside. I do not want to give too much away because the book is a quick and easy read. However, I will say it ends in a #CliffHanger so make sure you have the next one ready to read!

Review by @aware
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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tausha Treadway

May 29, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Tausha Treadway

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn. This is the 3rd book in the bully romance series and they have all been so good. I think they are geared toward young adults but even an old lady like me enjoys them. This is Skylar’s (Sky) story and how her best friend Gia has the hots for the popular football star, Damon. Damon is a bad boy and Sky can’t let her friend get mixed up with a jerk like him. He is conceited and stuck on himself and not nice only problem is secretly Sky thinks he’s hot too. Even though Damon is a jerk he can have any girl he wants and the problem with that is he want’s Sky. Sky can’t hurt her best friend she would do anything for her and never purposely hurt her but the attraction is strong. This story if filled with love, hate, lies, betrayal and friendship. Everything high school is about! Be prepared when you start this book you won’t want to put it down.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

May 28, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Charlisa Wahtomy-Alba

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75592436-brutal-days” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672933278l/75592436._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75592436-brutal-days”>Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5578974410″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Damon “Demon” Savage may have met his match in Sky. Her best friend Gia has her eyes on Damon, but Damon has his eyes set on Sky. She is willing to play match maker, but what happens when the mutual attraction is too much to resist? I enjoy the banter the characters have in these books. Damon doesn’t have time for distractions and Sky is his biggest one to date. I’m looking forward to the next book to see how this story ties up.
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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh

May 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Dawn Daughenbaugh

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars
Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn

Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a Enemies to Lover’s Romance/New Adult/Bullying/ Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. I literally read this in one sitting because I had to know what was going to happen next. This story is packed with drama, lies, Romance, revenge and so much more. It’s senior year and Gia has a four step plan that will in turn make senior year an epic one. Sky and Gia are best friends and have been for a long time. Sky will do anything for Gia even if it means making a deal with a demon. Damon is a football player who can have any girl he wants. But there is only one he wants. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next and if you haven’t already read the first two books in this series I highly recommend reading them as well. I wish it was June already as I need the next book in this series I need to know how everything ends. I can’t wait to read more from this Author.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

May 27, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannen Kern

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has been one of my favorite series this year, and Brutal Days has pushed it to the top of the list! The flow of this story follows the others well, so definitely pick up the previous books in the series. You’ll enjoy the storyline much more as Isla Vaughn exquisitely weaves everyone together. I really see no improvement for this book because the author did an amazing job creating these characters and the world itself. I was immersed in the teen angst, drama, and baffling lies that seemed to change my opinions of everyone involved. Prepare to be perplexed as each character reveals more secrets and twists the reality of their lives. I cannot wait to see what this author has in store because I can’t get enough of the Hidden Valley Elite series!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Beverly Finnie

May 26, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Beverly Place-Finnie

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have a love/hate relationship with this series. I loved Brutal Days. What I hate is I now have to wait for Brutal Nights. This author pulls you in. You get so into reading and bam it’s done left on a cliffhanger that the next book will pick up on immediately.
There’s 4 members of the Elite and each one gets a duet set of books in this series. This is the first book in Damon’s set. You don’t need to read the previous set to read this one, but I think you should. The author has created a world with so much drama, animosity, heat, and attraction that will have you wanting more.
Damon and Skylar are no different. But at the same time they are. Skylar makes a deal with a “Demon”(his nickname if you read the first set you know that if not you’ll find out why in this one.) What happens when that deal backfires on her?
There’s so much going on that once it’s starts you’ll be disappointed but wanting more when it abruptly ends.
I can’t wait till Brutal Nights comes out. I need to know how Damon and Skylar’s story ends.

@placexba
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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book #3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Angela Hayes

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars

Brutal Days is the third book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) romance, with a bit of an enemies-to-lovers element, angst, drama, secrets, lies, jealousy, friendship, intrigue, emotion, and much more.
The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Damon and Cole, and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are the football stars of school, and every girls dream- and they know it. The final year of high school means that plans are afoot- bucket lists are made, and Skylar has an important quest that she has been tasked with. But Damon has an agenda of his own. Soon, sparks fly, and things heat up- and you guessed it- things take an intriguing turn that you won’t want to miss.
Damon and Skylar’s story is set to continue in the next instalment- “Brutal Nights” (Book #4). So I can’t wait to see where we go from here. I am also excited to know that each of the elites are set to get their own book/s as well, so we will have more books to sink our teeth into.
This is the third book in the series, but the first book in Damon and Skylar’s story, so it could be read as a standalone if you wanted. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous three books (prequel, Book #1, Book #2) before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, and other ‘groundwork’ which knowing will definitely help elevate your reading experience of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Isla Vaughn!

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 5/25/23

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shea Gilkerson

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! Brutal Days was explosive. Damon was so one dimensional and angry in the Cole and Riley stories but to get inside his head and to see his passion in general is wild. Seeing his relationship with his cousins shows more of who he is and watching passion for football and for Skylar definitely switches it up. He doesn’t get told no very often, so what happens when he finds out Skylar hates him and all he represents?

Skylar is the school journalist who hates sports and athletes, especially the elites, with a passion. While she remains professional in her job, one of the only things she really loves beyond that is her best friend Gia. Gia and Skylar couldn’t be more different, other than being outsiders to the popular kids. While Skylar sees that as a pro, Gia has a 4 stage plan for her senior year that includes no longer being an outsider, or a virgin. While Skylar does NOT have any interest in the 4 things Gia is planning, she does love her best friend and wants to see her happy – and that’s how she makes a deal with Damon, who Gia has set her sights on.

Trying to help her friend and trying to swerve Damon’s advances just leads to lie after lie and Skylar isn’t sure what she wants, anymore.

I love the writing style and how engrossed I am with this authors work. There is a ton of information woven into the story without feeling like it’s tedious, or like it’s an afterthought. Psyched for more of Damon and Skylar!

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Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite Book 2) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 5/25/23

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shea Gilkerson

Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

4.5 stars

Savage Truth is book 2 in a set including a prequel and book 1. I’m not sure how easy to follow book 2 would be without reading the other two prior. It picks up directly where book 1 ends.

Riley is a high school student who has spent her entire life on the run with her mother, from her incredibly dangerous father. This means a lifetime of sticking to the plan, changing appearance to blend in, using fake names and running cons.

Riley and Cole already loved to hate one another, but living together has really put it over the top. Book 2 brought no less passion, but less in the form of hatred between them. Everything is a game of cat and mouse and along the way, they discover some things and make some real connections. I’m making an effort not to post any spoilers but it doesn’t leave much specifically to say.

Book 2 was good and I was pleased with the ending. In comparison to the prequel and book 1, which felt more that I was totally engrossed and couldn’t put it down, this felt rushed. So many things happened that answer a lot of questions, and it was well fleshed out in terms of sharing the entirety of what the author envisioned, but with a ton of conclusions fitting into a very small section of the book – as though everything had to fit into (x) number of pages. Until I hit the part that felt rushed it was completely enjoyable to read. Descriptions are easy to follow, backgrounds of favorite areas are clear, looks and emotions and experiences are still a fun read, I just feel the author didn’t do her talent justice to rush some pretty conclusive sections. Definitely worth the read, starting with the prequel. Looking forward to reading Damon’s story next!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lorralei Hoerner

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Holy Wow!!! Brutal Days is Book 3 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and the story of Damon and Sky and wow…….their story is a mind game, wrapped up with heavy banter, secrets, lies and some hot and heavy moments that leave you wanting so much more. I definitely recommend reading this series in order to really get to know the characters since the beginning….

Damon Savage is part of the “Elite” of Hidden Valley. He has high expectations of the next steps after High School in playing for college and to the Hidden Valley Society…untouchable. He holds a lot of anger within….especially toward his father….but what Damon did not expect was Sky..he wants her in some kind of way…and plays to win always.

Sky is headstrong, loyal friend and protects those she cares about. When her best friend Gia wants Damon for her own during her senior year of high school..Sky makes a deal with Damon but does not realize the game goes both ways. Damon wants Sky but she does not reciprocate back and only wants the best for her friend, Gia, to be with Damon. When the sparks fly between Damon and Sky….what happens when the dust settles?

I cannot get enough of this series let alone with this book!! I was not a fan of Damon in the first two books at all but this book changed everything for me and I love Damon…this book gave me all the feels of a bully romance that I just need more of the Hidden Valley Elite! Book 4 cannot come soon enough!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ayla Phipps

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ayla Phipps

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My oh my. So far, I have read every book in the Hidden Valley Elite series including the prequel to the first duet about Riley and Cole. Once again Isla Vaughn hooks you on page one building the tension and suspense of what’s going to happen next. Never expecting turns but always seeing the signs when you think back. Told from dual perspectives of Damon and Skylar we are taken on a very heated journey.
Finally, senior year, this was the last year of high school and Skylar’s best friend had made a to do list of her four goals for the year. One for each quarter of the year, get invited to the Ring, get a popular boyfriend, lose her virginity, and become prom queen. Gia is nothing if not ambitious, but Skylar is the one tasked with playing deal maker behind the scenes. After her best friend selects Damon, the one person that has asked her out not once but twice and failed she has no choice but to give into his demands for him to “date” Gia. Damon is suddenly in a whirlwind of intrigue about the mystery that is Skylar. Taking full advantage of their agreement he quickly becomes addicted and even obsessed with her and fiercely jealous, which is very new for him. Both on the edge of a double-bladed knife desire and hatred war between them. Damon is used to getting any girl he wants with a single word, but Skylar is not like the others, she has a backbone made of steel and fire and isn’t intimidated by him or the girls that swarm the Elites. Gia on the other hand had no backbone and was quickly had Skylar and Damon both furious with her for her lack of defending her best friend.
Can Damon and Skylar overcome their hatred? What will happen to Gia when they can no longer keep their feelings a secret? Skylar’s father is set to be released from prison soon. What does that mean for her and her mom’s future? Enemy to lovers is honestly by favorite troupe and Isla Vaughn has hands down became my favorite go to author. Each of her amazing stories is based on realistic situations with a hint of fairy tale, for the happy ever after at the end of each duet. Brutal Days has a lot more heat than the previous installments but that was to be expected with Damon’s high levels of excess energy and need for a release be it football, a fight, or intimate. June 22nd, 2023 cannot come soon enough to learn how Damon and Skylar reach their happily ever after in Brutal Nights.

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Tara Johnson Barnes

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Brutal Days is Book Three in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is a fast paced, and riveting bullies-to-lovers story that centers around the characters of Skylar and Damon. Skylar is an aspiring writer and best friend to Gia, who has set her sights on football running back Damon. Part of Gia’s senior plan involves becoming popular by dating a popular student. Gia wants Sky to act as matchmaker and although she wants no part of it, she reluctantly goes along with it because she will do anything for her best friend. Sky wants nothing to do with athletes and is not impressed by them or their status yet for some odd reason is attracted to Damon. Plans go a bit sideways when Damon becomes attracted to Sky even though he finds her to be mouthy. He is attracted to her feisty attitude and becomes determined to bend her to his will. As the attraction and feelings between them grow, Sky and Damon must hide how they truly feel or risk having their secrets exposed.

The author’s writing is exquisite, and I was drawn in to the story right from the beginning as I read about the complex relationship between best friends Skylar and Gia. The characters were multi layered and well developed, which can be seen through the characters of Sky, Gia, and Damon. Sky loves her best friend and will do anything for her yet knows that her friend can be demanding and unreasonable at times. Right out of the gate we learn that Sky is smart, loyal, dedicated, and wise beyond her years. She is not impressed by status or titles and has no desire to be popular. Gia, on the contrary, wants to be popular, wants to date an athlete, and is determined to be prom queen. She comes across as selfish, spoiled, manipulative, and used to getting her own way. Gia might consider Sky to be her best friend but also treats her like her puppet. Damon is a typical jock who is self-centered and used to getting his own way. This book was full of angst, secrets, lies, drama, tension, sizzling chemistry, and forbidden romance. I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

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Brutal Days (Hidden Valley Elite Book 3) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenni Bishop

May 25, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jenni Bishop

Brutal Days: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4.5 stars
Brutal Days is another YA/NA romance book in the Hidden Valley Elite series and a look at another of the privileged, one the Academy’s football stars, one of the Elite.
Brutal Days is a tangled web of lies and deceit, angst and drama, secrets and jealousy. It is intense and intriguing and makes me glad I am not in high school again.
There are a lot of layers to these characters. They are bullies who are rule the Academy. They do what they want, and others fall in line.
She is drawn into a world of secrets and lies. One where she is on his radar. Drawn into a world, where the Elite exists and one where he pulls at her dark desires.
He is one of the deadly Elite, one of the boys who rule on and off the ground. One who plays to win and anyone who stands in their way is taken down. One who plays dark and dangerous games. Now she is on his radar, and he always gets what he wants.
I can’t wait for the next book.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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