He hates his brothers girlfriend as all the elite do and sees an opportunity to rid themselves of her. Will he succeed?
A chance meeting at a party, a night of passion and Phoenix walks away, but will he be able to stay away? What surprise lurks around the corner after his chance “run in” literally, into the beautiful surfer girl Aspen
And Aspen is so close to getting away from her constant drama family with a scholarship, will her meeting and night with Pheonix destroy everything.
This is another one by this author that sucks you in and leaves you on a cliff hanger desperate to find the next one
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Melissahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMelissa2023-07-01 20:51:412023-07-11 11:57:34Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Melissa Saxton
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!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Helen Dawkinshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngHelen Dawkins2023-07-01 18:25:132023-07-11 12:02:40Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Helen Dawkins
Cruel start is a prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story. Their story continues in book five and six of the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Although you don’t need to need to read the first four or their prequels, I would recommend you do!! It is such a great series and the previous books give you a lot more information about other characters and events that are mentioned here and there throughout this book. The prequels are wonderful little starters and I am so glad that I read them! Back to this book. Cruel Start is so good! I can’t wait to finish Aspen and Phoenix’s story! Aspen is spending her last summer before college working and staying away from family drama as much as possible. She needs the stress relief that comes from cliff diving at the cove. She uses it to get away and unwind from life. After a dive she crashes into Phoenix. He’s the hottest man she’s ever literally run into. She’s the only girl to ever get under his skin. A night of passion at a cove party turns into the biggest mistake she could imagine and has repercussions he always said he’d never make in his life. Her risk-taking days are over and he’s risking more than ever. What will these two do when those two lines show a plus? Are their lives over? There goes NFL for him and college for her, right? And what about the fall out with their parents?! Their life plans are going up in smoke quick! Check this book out! If you love enemies to lover books (that end with a cliffhanger!), you will love this new adult romance. This story continues on with book five Cruel Hate and then book six Cruel Love, which I personally can not wait to read!!
Cruel Start is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series. If you have not read the rest of the books in this series, I highly recommend that you do. Each previous book lays the foundation for the ones after it and introduce characters as it gives their backstory. This one is a new adult romance, enemies to lovers, story that centers around the characters of Aspen and Phoenix.
Phoenix and Aspen are heading off to college soon and trying to make the most of their summer. After a steamy night of passion together between Aspen and Phoenix after a party, Aspen discovers that she is pregnant. She feels obligated to tell Phoenix but tells him that she will accept responsibility of the baby and he can move forward and live his life. Neither of the two have had ideal role models in their parents so they have no example to follow. Aspen’s parents chose to get married to do the right thing and have had a miserable marriage. Phoenix’s dad walked away when he learned of Phoenix’s mom becoming pregnant with him. With these kinds of role models in their lives neither know what love or a healthy relationship is so both Phoenix and Aspen have sworn off relationships. Whatever choice they make will forever alter the course of their young lives. Will they choose to work together to raise the child? Will they each choose to go their separate ways?
As with all the books in this amazing series this was well written, with descriptive scenes, wonderful characters, and a storyline that pulls you in from the first pages. The characters of Phoenix and Aspen are ones that you feel yourself rooting for. Both have baggage from growing up in toxic environments so neither really know what love or a healthy relationship is. For that reason, they have chosen to remain single. However, fate intervenes when the attraction they feel at a party is acted upon and Aspen becomes pregnant. The two are faced with some difficult decisions at a young age that affects the bright futures they both had laid out for them in college. The author takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with lust, passion, drama, bullying, dysfunctional families, angst, heartache, sorrow, secrets, lies, betrayal, and a teen pregnancy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Tara Johnson Barneshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngTara Johnson Barnes2023-07-01 15:53:322023-07-11 12:00:53Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes
As high School ends, Summer comes and goes, college begins. Stop! Summer starts as Aspen stands on the edge of the cliff, she knows her dive will wash her mind clean if only for the moment. She loves diving, and she is good at it. Phoenix loves women and he is good at it. His brain of thought is “one and done”. That is until the One is stuck in his mind and he can’t be done. This is just the beginning for Aspin and Phoenix. That is where this series leads you too. So make sure you read the series in order. You won’t want to miss how this couple collides. The author has done it this time. She has once again opened a series that leaves you begging for more, so much more. Her story is fast paced and leaves no stone unturned. While this is a New Adult Romance it does touch on sensitive subjects. It also ended in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to get comfortable as your reading gets rocked. Such a must read series, I look forward to starting the next book in this series. I want more of Aspin and Phoenix!
This is an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. I never hesitate to read her books. This is the first book in a new series and what a great start it is. I can’t wait to see what the second book brings. This is a well written story about one steamy night and attraction that can’t be denied. I enjoyed how the author used details to make the plot and the characters pop. They are strong, relatable and kept me coming back for more. Their growth as well as their chemistry is great to watch and added to the stories entertainment value. I found this book to be fast paced, engaging and just hard to put down. I enjoyed reading this book. I highly recommend this book and this author.
Determination. With each book in this series, I fall more and more in love with Isla Vaughn and her incredible work. This is book 4.5 in the series and serves as the prequel to Phoenix and Aspen’s story. It’s their last summer before they start college in just a few short weeks and one-night changes both of their lives. Phoenix is a football star excited to get to Thane with his cousins Cole and Damon and twin brother Shane, one party, one surfer girl alters his plans in an unexpected way. Aspen is excited and sad about going to Thane for college and leaving her younger sister home with their parents who are in the middle of a nasty divorce. One chance encounter at the cove has both haunted by the other in their dreams, then the party when karma decided to repeat history. Both have a similar story as far as their parents. Both having a young pregnancy on the verge of life changing career moments. The only difference is the decisions the fathers made. For Phoenix his father walked away at the first chance, for Aspen her parents married “doing the right thing” but unhappy and unhealthy relationship over the years. Never a fan of love, Aspen tells Phoenix that she feels he deserves to know but tells him he’s off the hook it’s her responsibility now. Not having positive female influences in his life, mother is great but works too much, aunt was manipulative, needy, and damaged and Tracey, brother’s girlfriend one track mind gold digger. He refuses to do the “relationship” thing and trapped like his cousins and brother with the distraction of a girl. Wants in the NFL and has plans on how to get there. How will Phoenix handle the news of being a father and “off the hook”? How does being pregnant as a freshman in college affect Aspen’s life? Can they reach an agreement moving forward? While the previous books had slightly more niche complications or story arcs this one has one that I feel many people can relate to. Being the product of a teen pregnancy where my father chose not to stick around, I have always related to Phoenix and Shane in that aspect of their lives. Though history is serving up a seismic level dose of karma for both Aspen and Phoenix, can they find a better way to make it through than their parents did? Now the long wait for the first book in the duet Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023, to discover what the journey holds next for Phoenix and Aspen.
This author struck gold with this series. The first few books were great and add this prequel in and now I’m dying for the next book. This is mainly about Aspen ( the new girl to town ) and Phoenix. She doesn’t know him or his reputation and he doesn’t know her as they go to different schools. They literally run into eachother one day and neither can get the other out of their mind. A few days later they see eachother again and this time they get to know eachother a bit. When their time is over He walks away without looking back. They both are going to Thane so they will see eachother around campus. What will happen when Aspen lets him in on what she finds out. Aside from the chemistry between these two. Phoenix just might be a genius for what he manages to pull off with Shane. Cannot wait to see what happens there. Amazing addition to a great series and impatiently waiting for Cruel Hate!
Cruel Start is Book #4.5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. Wow- this series just keeps getting more intriguing and angstier with each new addition. As with the other books in the series it is a New Adult Bully romance, with a surprise pregnancy element, chemistry, spice, angst, drama, friendship, intrigue, emotion, family drama/dynamics, secrets, fear, and lies. This is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story, a novella length morsel to whet the appetite- which made for a quick and intriguing read. Aspen and Phoenix’s story continues in the next two books- ‘Cruel Hate’ (Book #5) and ‘Cruel Love’ (Book #6)- so I can’t wait to lay my hands on them to find out how their story unfolds from here. Even though this is book #4.5 in the series, it could be read as a standalone if you wanted, being the first book in Aspen and Phoenix’s story. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will definitely enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, backstories, and other ‘groundwork’, which having on board will definitely help your understanding and appreciation of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole. Bring on Book #5! Happy Reading…
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Hayeshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Hayes2023-06-29 22:55:482023-07-11 11:46:57Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite Book #4.5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes
I’m completely hooked on this series. And Cruel Start is the beginning of the next duet. The next member of the Elite is destined to fall, or is he. I love what the author does with these books. The chemistry and drama between the main characters is crazy. But you know what? I eat it all up. I want more and can’t wait for the 2nd book in this duet and 6th in the series. This book was on the shorter end but it was the best place to end the story. Phoenix’s only focus is football. He doesn’t have time, nor does he want a relationship. Well that was till he physically ran into Aspen. He’s still reluctant, however something happens that could change that. I can’t wait to see where this author takes this duet. I’ll be anxiously waiting.
4.5 stars This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing. Cruel Start is the fifth book in this enemies-to-lovers, NA sports romance in the dark Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Make sure to read them all in order so you don’t miss out on any of this delicious goodness. She is just hanging in there then her world is completely turned upside down, it was just supposed to be one last fling, now it is one big surprise. These complex characters are the Elite they are bullies and alpha young men who rule the Academy. Are they dangerous? Absolutely. Do they take what they want? Oh yeah. Do what they want? You bet they do. Do they rule both on and off the field? In more ways than one. But beware the young women who are just as complex and ferocious. It’s hard not to like them. There are characters that you will love to hate and hate to love. Isla writes them so well. This dark college bully romance tale is another tangled web for one of the Hidden Valley Elite where there is sizzling heat, plenty of passion, lots of angst, drama, thrills, fear, secrets, lies, deceit, harassment and jealousy. This series just keeps on getting better and better. Cruel Start does end in a cliffhanger that continues with the next book Cruel Hate which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
I thought I loved the last two books in this series but this one slammed me into the book like I had nothing to lose. I absolutely loved this one and can not wait for the next installment. This is the first to tell you of Phoenix’s love life though if you read the first books from the Hidden Valley Elite, you’ll know more about him. Aspen is something new , something special but will fate bring them together or will they fall apart?
This author is totally teasing me in a good way with the beginnings of Aspen and Phoenix’s story.
The college years are to be one of the best when you are one of the up and coming new stars on the football team for Thane University like Phoenix is. All about football, grades and his focus on NFL future…Phoenix wants success….but when he meets the beautiful “surfer girl” in Aspen…one fun night may impact both Phoenix and Aspen’s futures….what is to come with Phoenix and Aspen….
I highly highly recommend reading this series in order, you get to know a little more of Phoenix at the beginning…..and I cannot wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens to both Phoenix and Aspen. I love this series and author, just have to have patience until the next book is released.
I can’t stop getting excited everytime i pick one of these books up. The author does an amazing job with the characters that you are automatically drawn into their lives. This is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I definately recommend reading them from the beginning as the 2 main boys are linked from the beginning as they are cousins and their lives are all link and entwined. In this short introduction we are with Phoenix and Aspen’s story. It is a story of instant attraction and how one decision taken in a moment of lust has left them connected forever. The attraction between Phoenix and Aspen is instant but both of them carry a lot of baggage and family drama which has left neither of them wanting a relationship and when that decision is taken out of their hands what will this mean for them and their futures? I really can’t wait to carry on reading and delving more into Aspen’s and Phoenix’s life to see how they overcome the challenges that are ahead of them. Will they learn to drop their guards and give love a chance? Or will their past dysfunctional families make all hope of that impossible.
Short but sweet What a tease this novella us. It has set the scene for book 5 of the Hidden Valley Elite series but has also made me so frustrated. I need to find out what happens with Phoenix and Aspen. I don’t do very well with cliffhangers. Anyway, this is a great little addition to the series and we get to catch up with all the elite. The writing is on point as always. Highly recommend as I eagerly await book 5.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Rayne Easthttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRayne East2023-06-29 07:46:042023-06-29 07:56:41Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East
THIS AUTHOR IS KILLING ME WITH THE CLIFF HANGERS. That being said, I cannot say enough how much I love this series. It is not necessary to read the other books prior to reading this one, because it can stand alone (minus the next two in the “Cruel” series), but it is easier to understand if you have read the others because then you will be familiar with the characters.
This novel takes a twist from the others because Aspen ends up pregnant. You follow Aspen through high school, boy crush, and ultimately hormones from becoming pregnant. You also follow Phoenix, who wants to focus on football and has no idea how to be a father. I highly recommend this novel and the rest of the series. I cannot get enough of this author. An easy, fast read that will leave you wanting more and more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Allyson Whttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAllyson W2023-06-29 05:36:172023-06-29 07:19:33Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware
I think Phoenix and Aspen’s story may be the hardest yet to come into. These two are coming with some big baggage and then one spur of the moment choice can change your life. I always viewed Phoenix as kind of a putz but I am seeing a little glimmer of a nice guy under that tough persona. Aspen has been messed by her parent’s relationship. This book is intense and you can feel every emotion as you are reading. I got pulled into it right from the start. It was like coming home. New faces, old faces, and then we get a cliffhanger until the next one comes out. I’ll be hanging on here waiting to see what’s coming for them. These characters are so well-written that they feel like they could be your friend’s kids. They are real struggles and very relatable. This is a really good series and I’m always watching for the next one to come out. You are watching a new relationship develop and waiting to see how it’s going to turn out. Will it last or fade out? Stay tuned for the next episode of Phoenix and Aspen.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Shelly Kittellhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngShelly Kittell2023-06-29 05:27:532023-06-29 07:19:26Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell
It’s my last summer before college, and my life is on the rails. Work, family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When I get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
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 Cruel Hate.
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 atwww.IslaVaughnAuthor.com
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Cruel-Start-Generic.jpg1200780itsybitsybookbitshttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngitsybitsybookbits2023-06-29 00:02:312023-07-11 20:17:44Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
It’s my last summer before college, and my life is on the rails. Work, family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When I get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
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 Cruel Hate.
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