Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I am not so invested in this series that I have to read all of them but these little ones just don’t seem worth it! I really think this could just be a part of the main book. By time we got to the hook that wanted to make me keep reading the book was over.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68042026-savage-start” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672932917l/68042026._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68042026-savage-start”>Savage Start</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/6185173257″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The prequel to the series and what a way to start it all off, even though I am reading this part way through the series This book is short and sets the scene for the rest brilliantly. <br />We find where Riley moves to the area and Damon and Cole’s backstory.<br />Another intriguing story by this great author. Just because it is shorter does not detract from its depth.<br />
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Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I did things kind of backwards and read the entire Hidden Valley Elite Series before I read Savage Start, the prequel to them all. However, knowing the rest of the stories did not take away from the excitement and thrills of this one. Isla Vaughn starts this series off right with the introduction of some amazing characters. From the first page, the characters come to life; their struggles, emotions, and passion capture the reader’s attention. The world building of Isla Vaughn is spectacular! The reader is transported through the pages into the world of the Elite; the California coastline, beachside mansions, and parties at those mansions all come to life with her words! This book definitely gave me more insight into the timeline and background of Cole and Riley’s tumultuous relationship. Overall, another great read by Isla Vaughn! I can’t recommend this series enough, but definitely start with this one before moving on to the rest.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve not read book one, Savage Lies, before reading the prequel, being 30 and reading a New Adult about teenagers doesn’t appeal to me but I really liked this prequel and it has me interested in book one. I hope the series explains more of Riley’s uncle, it just seems off to me that this guy bought her a “race car” but can’t help them. This is a nice short background about the characters that I’m sure everyone who has already read Savage Lies will love. I seen that Cole is the bully in book one and I’m not gonna lie, it makes me sad because I already really like him, not sure how I’m going to handle him being mean but I do look forward to how it all plays out.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I had read the duet first before finding out that Riley and Cole had a prequel story. Once I found out I snatched it up! I loved seeing what made them, them. Reading this book made everything make so much more sense. The big reason why Riley is the way she is, and why Cole the way he is. Just like the other two, the back and forth in this book was really well done and balanced. The set up for the first book was fantastic! It really made me think and wanting more. Isla does such a good job setting up her worlds that I fell like I’m in the middle of them.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Start is a Hidden Valley Elite Prequel, it is a very quick contemporary romance, bully/enemies to lovers. Definitely not a standalone as it ends with a big cliffhanger to lead you into Savage Lies. This gets us ready for Riley and Coles story. Very well written, can’t wait to keep reading this series.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A great way to start off a series. Leaves you wanting more and more. A book complete with teenagers, hot guys, parties and family drama. A prequel story to Savage Lies and it’s a steamy one. Your introduced to the 3 main characters right at the beginning of the story. Brothers Cole and Damon and the new girl who just has moved into town named Riley. Where Riley goes it seems that trouble always follows as her and her mom are always on the run. Cole and Damon have so much going on family wise that their lives are turned upside down. In this short prequel you will laugh, cry, scream and just keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a great teaser for the actual books. It’s crazy how the author can put so much passion and emotion in such a small package. This book leaves you wanting more but also satisfied with what you got too. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla Vaughn has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her Hidden Valley Elite series is by far one of the best Bully Romance series of books I’ve ever read, and this prequel is no different. Get to know some back story into characters you already know and love. This story had me in tears, angry, and just all over the place. You get the a beginning peek into the start of Riley and Cole in this emotional prequel. I absolutely cannot recommend this series or this author to enough people. She is amazingly talented and I am so enthralled with her world.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Start is a very short read and it does set up the backstory of Cole and Damon that’s mentioned throughout the series. The stories of each character are very intriguing and pull you in from the beginning. Throughout the prequel, I saw the story unfold like a movie playing in my head. I saw all the details and can relate to each emotion that the characters felt.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This prequel gives you an insight into who the players are and why they are the way they are for future reads. In this edition, you will meet Cole and Riley. Riley is a girl who is always on the run with her mother. They have created a life of conning people and moving to the next town apparently to escape her father finding them. They end up in Santa Monica with a new aspect of going straight and staying, but Riley will believe it when she sees it. While walking, she stumbles upon a house party where she sneaks into and tries to steal something. She gets caught by Cole and ends up running out of the house after he kisses her. Cole is an elite teenager who plans on football giving him his future. He and his brother, while privileged, are dealing with their parents who have a loveless marriage. As the story goes on, Cole, who is a momma’s boy, is always consoling his distraught mother. In the book, the two main characters never run back into each other, but the circumstances of each of their stories seem to be foreshadowing how their relationship will go once they do.
I am a fan of a bully romance. You are not going to get the bully aspect in this short story, but it sets the scene for why (I believe it will be Cole) becomes a bully. I enjoy both characters with the little we learned about them. I also feel sympathy for Cole and the situation at home. I am excited to see what aspires between the two and how the series will progress.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a short introduction to a longer series. I was immediately drawn in and downloaded the next book of the series as soon as I finished this one. One spicy kiss was all it took for these two to keep thinking about things. I like how it gives the back story and point of view on both of them. It’s only two characters, so it’s not annoying or difficult to keep up with. I can’t wait to see what is next for Riley and Cole!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
What a perfect way to get me hooked on a new series!! Riley and her mom are constantly moving towns and doing cons. There’s definitely a past there I hope to learn more about. Cole comes from money, but definitely doesn’t have an easy life. He’s had to be the adult of his family. The book ends in a cliffhanger that has me ready to buy the next book already! I’m getting vibes like Dawson’s Creek and One Tree Hill. If you liked shows like that, I think you’ll really enjoy this book and series too I’m sure.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite Series will snag your attention from the first page. The drama of the story pulls you right in, keeping you curious about whats next. I also loved Riley and Cole, both are such captivating characters right off the bat. I just wish it was a little bit longer! I definitely enjoyed this quick read, and plan on delving further into this series!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a quick-paced prequel in the Hidden Valley series. The book is a dual-POV book, with alternating chapters featuring Riley and Cole. The two storylines are both interesting and intriguing and overlap in a unique way. Both characters have their own struggles to deal with and the book leaves you wondering how their connection, while brief, will continue into the next book in the series. This quick read was written well and definitely leads to wanting to find out more from the series. Will Riley have to pick up and move again? Will Cole be able to get through the tragedy that he faces at the end of the book and can he ever forgive his dad’s behavior? These are just some of the questions that you will be left wondering at the end of this book. Onto the next book to hopefully find out these answers and more.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the perfect taste of the Series to get me hooked and excited about the whole series.
Honestly why more authors don’t do this is beyond me. It was a quick read that truly got me hooked and wanting more in the best way.
Despite being short and quick the character development in this prequel was fantastic.
If you are into Bully Romances this one is for you.
A fantastic introduction into this series by Isla Vaughan. This is the story of Riley and Cole and their background stories and I cannot wait to read the next book to find out more after their hot first kiss.
This is the first book that I have read by this author and this short novella gave me a taste for her writing style.
❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❥
Virgin? Check
New Identity? Double Check.
Grifter? Triple Check.
Look, it’s not like I have a choice about being born into a family of conmen, or women- technically. A girl’s got to survive, and by the looks of the new town I’m forced into, it’s time to step up my game.
It doesn’t take long to survey my prey, steal a souvenir, and get stopped by a panty-melting local who steals a kiss.
That kiss is poison. Not really, but the emotional kind that forces me to face the fact.
If I give up my precious v-card to a guy, he’s the kind who would take it. Dangerous. Sexy as hell and just as deadly. Distracting enough that I somehow managed to get caught… but will I escape?
Savage Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with plenty of angst, and the prequel to Riley and Cole’s duet Savage Lies and Savage Truth.
This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing. It is not a standalone and does end in a cliffhanger that continues with Savage Lies.
Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee. You can find her at www.IslaVaughnAuthor.com
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Delectably dark and delicious isla does it again with winter and Shane ! In this duet of Shane’s POV this serious keeps you clutching your pearls and breathless. A bully romance with a HEA.
Danger is here and it’s clouding Shane’s mine. Winter can’t be forgiven for her past can she ? What happens when it all comes tumbling down. Will winter pay for something out of her control ?
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I hate that this is the last book of the Hidden Valley Elite but I love the story. Like all the other Hidden Valley Elite books it follows one of the boys, this one being the second story finishing up Winter and Shane’s descent into love. As always Isla Vaughn will have you in love with everything. Mystery, love, and so much more just waiting for you to finish.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG! All I can say is that the entire series is amazing! This is book 8 and just like the rest, this one did not disappoint! This book is the continuation of Shane and Winters’s story and also the end of the series. Shane Bennett lied to Winter. How could she not recognize him? When Shane accidentally drops his wallet in her dorm Winter finally realizes Shane’s true identity. But it is too late! Someone has kidnapped Winter and brought her to the one place that keeps her nightmares fresh in her mind. Although these two have a pretty troubling past that should keep them apart, it is exactly the thing that helps push them together. When Winter gets a surprise visit from one of her professors Winter learns the disturbing truth about her sister’s murder. This book is not only a sweet romance but a thriller. It was a page-turner from the first book in the series. I am sad to come to the end of the Hidden Valley Elite Series but can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with.
Reviewed by @alape
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh my gosh! What an ending! Not only was Wicked Ends the conclusion to Shane and Winter’s story, but the entire Hidden Valley Elite Series. What a bittersweet moment reading the last few pages of this one. Isla Vaughn draws the reader in with superb world building; I could feel what the characters were feeling, I could see the world around them, and I connected with the characters. There is so much drama, suspense, passion, hate, and love in this book and it kept me on my toes! To say I was invested in not only this book, but the entire series, would be a supreme understatement. I was so worried and anxious for Winter not only being kidnapped, but dealing with the events of her past. There was so much growth in this whole series, and I love it! The Elite boys learn, grow, and become men and it is so wholesome and satisfying. Despite all the struggles throughout the books, this series ends in happiness! I can’t wait to see what Isla Vaughn delivers after this!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Ends: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 8)
I know i have said this after every book in this series and it needs to be said again I am absolutely in love with this book and series. I hate to see it end, but their group goes out with a bang.
Winter and Shane’s story continues, in this part 2 of their story. And I don’t know where to begin since somuch happens and so many of my questions are answered about the past that I don’t know if it could have ended any other way. One of my favorite scenes came close to the end, won’t elaborate since it is an important part of the story, or at least I think so.
I loved watching everyone, especially the boys mature and grow. There were times throughout the book and series that I forgot they were high school/college age kids.
I’m looking forward to reading future books and series by Ms. Vaughn. I have a feeling I will love them as much as I have loved this one.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn is the 8th and final book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. If you haven’t read the other books in the series drop everything and RUN. This series is a must read!!!! Isla gas done it again! This story is the conclusion to Winter and Shane’s story as well as a gripping and satisfying end to an amazing series. Seriously do not sleep on this series or this Author. 5 out of 5 stars!!!!!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Another amazing book! This series is one of my favorites! Top 5 for me! It’s THAT good. The drama, the back n forth, I can’t get enough of it. I’ve fallen in love with literally every character and the story just captivated me. This author is easily one of my favorites and I’ll never not recommend these books. You’re missing out if you haven’t read them.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. This author continues to pull me into her great series. This is the last book for Winter and Shane and I loved it. My emotions were all over the place. We get many twists and turns that added a great element to the story. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was coming next. I will warn that there are some dark elements to the story that could cause triggers for some. This is a must read series and I highly suggest it, especially if you like dark bully romance. All of the characters were great. I look forward to reading more from this author. 1-click and get started today.
Reviewed by @Mab54615
View all my reviews
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Ends
By: Isla Vaughn
Each and every book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series has been better than the last. The series finale is absolutely no different, it was the absolute best that I read and I hate that it was the last in the series. I have grown to love this series and really don’t want that to end. This story also wraps up the story of Winter and Shane. Their story is so complicated and filled with twists and turns. I really do not want to reveal much, other than to say that this is the most fantastic book in the series by far. I definitely am sad to see it end, but I will be sending more and more readers to it. It is that kind of book!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Wicked Ends is the 8th and final installment of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Wrapping up the series with the story of Winter and Shane will have you on the edge of your seat the entire 186 pages. The twists and turns in this plot will have you begging for more by the end. Full of angst, secrets, and redemption Shane and WInter fight past evils to make it through this one.
I have loved every single novel in this series, finding myself one of my newest favorite authors. Vaughn writes with such passion for her characters, each one with their flaws and obstacles in life that you learn to love and root for. Her story lines are relatable allowing you to put yourself in the novel right alongside her characters. I am sad to see this series end but even more excited to see what Vaughn has in store for her readers next. You won’t want to miss out on this series, PROMISE!
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not wait to get my hands on this book and from the moment I started reading I was not disappointed. This author has created an incredible series and each book just seems to get better and better. I couldn’t wait to see how things would turn out. I was hooked on this book as soon as I picked it up and I read the whole book in a single sitting.
Each time I delve into these characters I love them just a little more. I love how they all cross over so much and are still so prevalent in each other’s lives. The continuity of the series is just brilliant and part of the reason why I love it so much. I cannot recommend this series highly enough and I am already looking forward to re-reading this series.
Wicked Ends by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book starts right where the previous left off so I highly recommend reading that first.
Shane and Winter go through it all in this one. We get answers to many questions we had and even some we didn’t expect too!
I absolutely loved the epilogue and including the whole group was just what I needed to end this series. Can’t wait to read more from this author