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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jade Brunton

Savage Truth (Hidden Valley Elite #2)Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Holy rollercoaster ride! There was SO much packed into this book. I have read all of the previous installments and couldn’t put this one down towards the end. When you learn the history and background of all the characters, and the story all falls into place, you won’t be able to put it down. Every single character in this book has some type of character development and while this is a “high school romance” it doesn’t feel that way. I love Riley. I think she is a great main character. She’s very intuitive and hardly goes against what she is feeling. She has a great head on her shoulder. Cole’s transformation was incredible to see as he started to be honest with himself. While this book does have a little bit of spice to it, the storyline really takes the cake.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Maikalani Alexander

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn has a great series.

In this prequel is sets the precedence of cliff hangers unanswered questions, a dark past, hidden truths, lies, and bullying first loves.

She’s new to town but not to cons and this is just another assignment or so she things. Things are about to a turn; we aren’t sure if it’s better or worse. But the fact reminds this is her life now and she must adapt.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Robb

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This prequal is enough to entice anyone into reading the rest of the series. This short book is full of angst and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I did love the bully romance troupe and the twist with the conwoman. I am really enjoying this series so far.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tori Mitton

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley and her mom have been on the run for years. Bouncing from place to place. They finally settle in a fancy town. Full of wealthy people, and a beach. Riley sneaks into a mansion that has a party going on and steals a gold lighter. That’s where she runs into Cole. He wants to know more about the new mystery girl.
Cole and Damon are care takers for their mother. Their father is a lawyer always saying he’s out of town on business trips. Well not is all what it seems. There is a trigger warning at the end. I was not ready to stumble on that. Neither were the boys or their father.
This was a super quick read but so so good! I can’t wait to learn more about Riley and Cole and Damon. And what’s to come next!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Laura Jones

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel

Savage Start is the prequel to a new series that I have started.  It is an enemies to lovers novella.
Riley is the FMC and everything is perfect in her world. Riley and her Mom have been running from place to place since she was a baby and is used to packing up and leaving in the middle of the night. They end up in a beach town and this is where she runs into Cole, MMC.  They share 1 kiss and she can’t shake the feeling of being with him but knows she can’t.  They have a love/ hate thing going on and she knows it will never amount to anything.
This is a short fast read and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Be sure to check the trigger warnings before starting.

Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow! What a great, fast-paced read to start a new series! This prequel introduces us to main characters Riley and Cole, as well as a host of supporting characters like Riley’s mom and Cole’s brother and cousins. The author does an amazing job setting the story and starting to create depth and mystery into the characters and beginning their development through the story. The author sets up an intriguing plot following Riley and her mom, who never stay in any place for long, and also following the super elite Cole and family, riddled with problems of their own. What happens when these two collide?

The author has an engaging writing style. If you’re looking for your next series, get ready to be consumed by this one!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Heather Bass

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she now has a new fan. This book is the prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series and now I’m hooked on these guys. I also love that she wrote this from both characters’ points of view because it makes me feel more emotional for them. This was a quick read for you to get ready for this epic series and I can’t wait to read it.

Riley is used to moving around so when her and her mother end up in another small town she doesn’t get attached. She wanted to have some fun first because she would be gone soon anyway. Riley sees a house party so she sneaks in and she looks around. She sees something valuable so she takes it but she wasn’t expecting to run into someone. Riley runs into the very addictive Cole. She doesn’t know what to do so she kisses him and runs. Will Riley leave and never return or will Cole find her first?
Review by @heatherbass

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kimberly Filer

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What do you do when you have been running for so long that when its time to stop running you just don’t know how. Meet Riley a teenager who has been running her whole life with her mother. Running cons in different places and always on the move. Now mom has met someone and is ready to settle down for real. RED Flag Warning!!! Mom’s special someone named Lucas comes with 2 teenage sons Cole and Damon. The love-hate relationship that Cole and Riley have makes your entire body sizzle. This can’t put down book that leaves you hanging on every word right to the very end where you are desperate to know what’s going to happen.

Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn

I am a fan of this authors writing and when I saw this one I had to read it. I have enjoyed reading this series and I couldn’t put it down! I love that this is the beginning of the series. This was such a great read and one of my new favorites. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shadel Ayerbe

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn is a great new adult romance series

Surveying her prey, stealing a keepsake, and getting stopped by a panty-melting local who steals a kiss all happen quickly.That kiss is toxic. Not really, but the kind that makes her confront the reality on an emotional level

Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Micalah Weatherholtz

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Start was an intriguing introduction to the Hidden Valley Elite series. It was well written, full of action, pulled you in right away, and was able to hold your attention till the unfortunately abrupt ending. Yes, it definitely did end on a cliffhanger but also what felt like an incomplete story. I am intrigued enough to pick up book two and am looking forward to more of Isla Vaughn’s writing and more of Riley and Cole’s story.

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Savage Start by Isla Vaughn-Review by Victoria McQuigg

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start by Isla Vaughn is the Prequel book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I did not read this book until after I had read the rest of the series. But I highly recommend reading it first. It gives insight into Riley and Cole’s initial meeting as it is alluded to in the series proper. When I say that this series has had an absolute chokehold on me from the beginning it is no exaggeration. This is an absolute must read series and an instant read author for me. Five out of Five stars!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Glaspie

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an intense quick read that will instantly pull you into this series. Riley finds herself in another new town where she is promised by her mom that they’ll get to settle down. Cole is trying to live his life but is having to protect his mom. A chance meeting, broken promises, and an ending that leaves you wanting more is what you’ll find in the prequel. If you were unsure about this series, this book will change your mind to an instant yes.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Nina Maes

Great start! This was a spectacular set up for a series. It will draw you in and keep you wanting to know more. Character’s are fabulous, strong willed and confident. I am hooked and will be ready for the next series.Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great start! This was a spectacular set up for a series. It will draw you in and keep you wanting to know more. Character’s are fabulous, strong willed and confident. I am hooked and will be ready for the next series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to Savage Lies in the Hidden Valley Elite series! It’s a great start to a fantastic series.

I have already read the entire series, but I had to come back and read the prequel when I had the opportunity to see where it all began! Cole and Riley are from completely different worlds. Cole was born into a world of wealth and privilege. Riley has been most of her life running with her mother and a grifter. Her new target is Cole. She plans to steal a souvenir and leave undetected. It seems like an easy enough task until she gets stopped by Cole. Not only does she get caught by him, but she shares a steamy kiss with him. Neither have a clue what the repercussions that passionate kiss would have.

This series would become one of my favorites, and this novella did a great job of giving me the background of Riley and Cole. If you like new adult, a good, steamy bully romance, and an epic enemies-to-lovers book, this prequel and the duet are not to be missed!!!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Lape

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying this is one of my favorite series and authors. I have read every book this author has published and they keep getting better. This book was the prequel to Savage Start. Cole and Riley have a rocky start. Riley is trying to not be noticed at a house party but when a goth chick walks into Ken and Barbie’s party is pretty hard to stay undetectable. Especially when the hot eye candy that is giving alpha male vibes catches Riley where she has no business being. This book gives an insight as to what happens to Cole and Damon´s parent’s marriage and the tragedy that taints his family name. I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with!
Reviewed by @alape

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to the books Savage Lies and Savage Truth in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with drama, mystery, angst, and toxic family environments. As the prequel to the series, it is best to read the remainder of the series to have a full understanding of the characters and their continuing stories. This book introduces the reader to Riley and Cole and explains how they first met. Riley is an interesting character that I felt empathetic towards because of her upbringing. Her entire life has been spent planning the next con with her mom as they move from place to place. Riley and her mom constantly look over their shoulders anticipating the moment when they will be caught. Cole is a character that might look tough on the exterior and comes across as just another spoiled rich kid however, deep down he has a big heart. He comes from a toxic family environment where his parents are constantly fighting, and his dad is cheating on his mom. Cole’s mom suffers from depression, and it is up to Cole to be there for her when she has breakdowns. Riley and Cole meet momentarily at a party and share a passionate kiss that leaves Riley wanting more. A great read with some intense moments that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and left me reaching for the box of Kleenex.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amy Dean

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is nothing like a fresh start in a new town to really change things around, take a souvenir, and find a fresh attractive local boy to kiss and turn a young girls world upside down. What starts as a bully can change into someone you can’t get your mind off. This book is a quick page turner that leads perfectly into the next book and leaves you in suspense!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Valley is a typical place for those made of money, the elite of the elite and they know who they are and how they are supposed to behave, but for one young woman who tries to blend in wherever she is, she stands out.

She is young but has experienced a lot in her short life so far and she is hoping that here is the new start she wants, but she is also always looking over her shoulder and around her for her next grift.

This doesn’t perfectly when she goes for a walk on the beach, spots a target and tries her hand, however she finds something else altogether, something much more dangerous.

A gorgeous boy who kisses her such a way that she forgets where she is, but will this boy be her downfall, and will she be able to escape if she needs to? This is a fast-paced novella with an “opposites attract” theme where emotions are dangerous and grifting should be easy, but plans are seldom straightforward.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Cross

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Savage Start” by Isla Vaughn is a gripping prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series that captures readers’ attention from the first page. The author does an excellent job of portraying the cruelty of high school bullying and the devastating effects it can have on someone’s mental health. The dynamic between Riley and Cole is intense, and the author’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the moment with them. Overall, “Savage Start” is a well-written and engaging read that leaves the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good high school romance with a touch of drama and suspense.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Trish Ann

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick read for me. I thought the characters were good and it set up the upcoming books in the series. I am not a huge fan of bully and con tropes but this was a decent read. I didn’t connect with the story but am optimistic for the series as a whole. I do like the author’s writing style.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review byPaloma Fierro 21.01.24

Cole has to deal with his mom’s mental health, while his brother defends their father’s lack of interest in marriage and offspring. Both of them are highschoolers with dreams of being selected to play in the NFL, they have the built and athleticism to the point, now just need the time and selection. 

 

Riley has lived on the go since she can remember, city after city, change of look after change of look in order to not create a life but a constant runaway. But in one of those little lives of her she meets a man, and a kiss that will be burned in her mind forever. 

 

The beginning of a whole thread of stories, a good start of the series.

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Samantha Cleaver

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read but a great set up for the rest of the series! Depicts more “real life” characters and has a little set up for romance. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Laura Quinn

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an amazing book. Love the characteristics of the characters. Love how short and quick read. It was a book that I couldn’t get enough of. 5 stars 🌟

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alison Risher

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a short yet intriguing teaser to a series. The main characters are actually interesting. The author must be quite adept with character development. I want to know more. Now, I’m off to search out the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Austin

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read, being only 50 pages I read it in one sitting. This genre is quickly becoming a favorite for me. The characters were great, you could feel their connection coming off the pages. Riley and Cole definitely come from different sides of the track but money doesn’t always make things better. Of course we end on a cliffhanger, looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I need to see where their story goes. I will warn that 18+ readers are recommended due to the content and some darkness. If you like Bully Romance 1-click and get started today on this great read.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love this series but this short prequel just didnt do it for me. It was nice to meet the new characters but seemed to jump around alot and not flow easily. I kept reading because it was short an I didnt understand the mothers story until finally at the end it came together. The kids stories were ok. The kids were familiar from the other books.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fast paced start to a dynamic series, filled with drama, intrigue, and lies. It was a quick read, but definitely will draw you into the story and leaves you wanting more. It gives us a taste of Riley and Cole’s first kiss and the dynamics behind their families. I love how the author brings you right to the edge and then it just stops, leaving you filled with needing to know what happens next. I think this was an extremely well written story that really hooks you into the story. Be prepared to want to immediately grab the next book!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kelli Harper

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley and Cole share ONE kiss, but it is enough for both of them to know they want more. This is a high school bully romance starter. It shows you the dynamics of Riley and her mom as well as with Cole, his brother and their parents. It shows that no matter what background you come from, all families have issues. This prequel has drawn me in and I will be reading the series.

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