Savage Start is a short prequel (55 pages) to the Hidden Valley Elite series. You are introduced to Riley and Cole, our FMC and MMC. Riley comes from a grifter/con artist life and, while she wants to have a calm, stay in one place lifestyle, she is always ready and waiting to do what needs to be done to survive. Cole comes from a wealthy background where all that glitters is definitely not gold. These two meet at a party and sparks fly leaving them and the reader on a cliffhanger that makes you want to jump straight into the first full length novel. March 30th cannot come soon enough.
This was a really good novella. This is a new to me author but i thought the blurb sounded interesting. This was a good introduction to the series and it was only 50 pages so i read it in one setting. This ended in a cliffhanger but I don’t mind because I am looking forward to reading more and seeing where this series/story goes. I would recommend this to anyone that likes bully romances. Happy Reading!
Here is a quick read. A new series from a new to me author. It is supposed to be an enemies to lovers, high school bullying type of romance. I can feel the connection between Riley and Cole. However, this prequel begins with Riley and her mother.
Riley lives with her mom and we get the feeling that life has not been fair or easy for these two. They have a life of petty crime, and it seems it is mostly stealing and overall being dishonest. However, this is left to readers’ discretion as nothing was really given away, more of a teaser for this part of the story.
Riley and her mother have a different place to live yearly or more often, and it appears they are on the run from dear ol’ dad who sounds like he would be vicious and violent. Again, just a tease of this situation so the reader is left to wonder and speculate.
Cole is the all-American boy next door, Mr. Popularity at school. He goes to high school with his cousins and his brother. On the outside he has it all. Especially money. But even having money causes and creates problems. Money doesn’t buy love. Some even believe money can’t buy happiness. I guess it depends on what makes you happy. Cole’s parents are not happy. Is money the root of their problems? Doesn’t seem like it. Implications that dad is having an affair, implications that mom may have mental issues. Again, just a tease of this situation as well.
This story is a prequel that ends in a cliff hanger and looks to what will be a good series. Looking forward to reading more and discovering just what is going on.
Savage Start was fantastic! The novella introduces us two teens, Riley and Cole who come from two very different back rounds; trying to live their lives. When Riley shows up at a party thrown by Cole’s cousin, she is confronted by Cole and they share a kiss. This fast-paced novella is short, with well-written characters. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to continuing the series.
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This prequel did exactly what a prequel is supposed tot do…. it gave you a taste of what’s to come.
The author did a superb job in drawing you in and made me fall in love with the characters immediately. The story drew me in from the start and immediately captured my interest and left me wanting more. EXACTLY WHAT A PREQUEL IS SUPPOSED TO DO.
The release of book 1 can’t come soon enough!
The author knows her stuff! She starts off by giving you little bites of back story and insights into why the characters are the way they are. I’ve already added the first book to my TBR and I’m counting off the days to release day
View all my reviews
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Jenique Bornmanhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJenique Bornman2023-02-22 09:40:382023-02-25 12:10:59Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenique Bornman
She, and her mom, go from town to town avoiding her father. He tries to stay out of his house to avoid his parents fighting. When they run into each other at a party she crashes, he catches her doing something she shouldn’t and then promptly kisses her. She escapes and tries to get him out of her mind. He can’t escape the memory of the kiss either. Opinion This prequel shows great promise for a new series. There is just enough angst to keep the story line interesting. With the way it ended, the book has been left in my mind wondering what will happen next. This will be a great book for an older teen being introduced to romance.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Brownhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Brown2023-02-21 19:06:472023-02-25 12:00:22Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Brown
Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more. This is about Riley who has had to travel from town to town because her family and more specifically her mom is always on the run. She’s been born into a family of female cons. When they move to Santa Monica Riley realizes she’s in a new world. Riley is walking along the beach and comes upon a party and decides to join. She’s a pure girl and is picky about who wins that. She meets a hunky guy that is perfect and he kisses her. Now all she can think about is him. She doesn’t even know his name. Cole’s life seems perfect on the outside but his dad’s cheating is embarrassing and pretty much ruined Cole’s life. This new girl is just the right thing to take his mind off it. Will Riley give what’s she’s been saving herself for just the right guy but is Cole it? Read this fast paced romance with dark secrets and see what happens!
This prequel leaves you so intrigued! It’s a bully romance unlike any that I’ve read so far. There is so much going on that leads to so many questions and no answers…I cannot wait for Savage Lies. Cole and Riley are going to bring so much more angst and hopefully some answers. I know their story is a duet so I will be (im)patiently waiting for each book. This was my first read from this author but definitely not my last.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Maria Colonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMaria Colon2023-02-20 17:54:582023-02-25 11:39:06Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Maria Colon
Reilly is a grifter, con artist you name it, a product of her up bringing always having to survive and with the chaos of her mother, life is not boring. Another move, another city but when she discovers they are living near the beach, she loves the walks along the beach to clear her head of her mother’s scheming. One night she spots a party in one of the houses and sneaks in, looking around she spots an opportunity to steal something and as she is almost getting away she is stopped by a boy who she is intrigued by.
Cody is at his cousins house for a party, when he spots her coming out of one of the bedrooms, as soon as he confronts her he has an urge to get to know this mysterious girl. Cody’s life is complicated and with his parent being wealthy there is also a certain mask he needs to wear, but can he be free with Reilly or will his world crash around him.
This is a great prequel into this series, the characters are brilliantly written and you are invested in them for the first chapter. As in all prequels it is a great story to easy you into the start of the series where it carries on with Reilly and Cody.
I do have to warn you although this is classed as a young adult story there maybe triggers which some people find uncomfortable to read, but in my opinion it just adds to the intensity to this story and of course the cliff-hanger at the end just wets your appetite for more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Angela Shirleyhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngAngela Shirley2023-02-20 06:00:322023-02-20 11:32:29Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Shirley
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Robin Rankinhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngRobin Rankin2023-02-19 22:27:212023-02-20 11:31:25Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Robin Rankin
Savage Start is the prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. This was a great short read to introduce the main characters and give a background to what I think will be a really interesting series (which is now on my to be read list!). The story introduces Riley, a young girl who has had an unusual upbringing moving around the country running cons with her mother, and Cole, one of the Elites of his school who has a tough time at home. When Riley and Cole bump into each other at a party sparks fly and they are unable to forget each other. This was a perfect intro to the new series.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Juls Dickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngJuls Dick2023-02-19 14:32:022023-02-20 11:26:10Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Juls Dick
This the prequel to the series. I honestly cannot wait to read the first book. Right off the bat the characters are amazing. Riley just moved to Santa Monica, after hopping from city to city with her mom. She is ready to stay out and be “normal” kid for a while. Cole is the popular kid who seems to have the perfect life. These two together are fire.
What a great start this series is off to be. I went into it blond and won’t even lie and say I wasn’t disappointed when I went to download the next book and it doesn’t release till next month. The author did a great job reeling me in from the get go. Perfect amount of character and plot development to leave you wanting more.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn is available in eBook only ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review
Savage Start is a Hidden Valley Elite prequel. This high school bully romance is full of dark, intense topics endured by two teenagers, Riley and Cole, who come from two completely different backgrounds. Riley is a rebel with a messy life, forced into a new town, always on the run with her dysfunctional mother. Cole comes from money but he and his brother find themselves in the middle of their parents’ infidelity issues. When Riley sneaks into a party that Cole is attending, sparks fly and they share the most passionate kiss.
Isla Vaughn is known to write about complex characters, strong alpha males, and fierce woman who bring them to their knees. Savage Start was a great introduction to all three of these topics. There was a lot of intense, dark, action packed into these short fifty five pages and I didn’t want it to end. I love that both Riley and Cole come with plenty of baggage but rely on one another to be the other’s safe haven. Although this is a prequel, and I am sure the intention was to leave you wanting more, I didn’t feel like there was enough, ending way too soon. And the cliffhanger has me thinking……OMG! Now I can’t wait to read Savage Lies.
Savage Start is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s my initial introduction to The Hidden Valley Elite Series, and I can say I want more. A short prequel that seems to set up a wild series. The author gets you interested, drags you right into the world that’s been created. Then cut! Leaves you hanging, wanting more, thinking how it could end that way. But that’s what’s brilliant about it. Because it was enough to peak one’s interest and just enough to get one hooked. The introduction of Riley and Cole and the extremely different lives they lead. The secrets and lies that I guarantee will bring them back across each other’s paths later on. But for now it’s a stolen kiss from a stranger that burns them up. Unfortunately though life happens, and turns everything on its head. I can’t wait till the next book is released, I’m hooked! I also think you could be too! It may be just a taste, but it’ll have you wanting more!
Ugh!! I wanted more!! This prequel is awesome. It is a very short quick read but it will definitely keep you wanting more. Usually, I don’t care for cliff hangers, but there were so much little details that I felt like it was ok. There is so much that I want to say…. but I fear that I’m going to ruin it if I say too much! The initial plot for the book sets up a very exciting mood for the rest of the series! The main characters developments throughout the book is something that I always look forward to, and I can say that the characters in this prequel are presented as wonderful characters with quite a bit of potential for the upcoming books in the series! Surprisingly, there were quite a few twists and turns that were incorporated into such a short read. There are so many emotions and elements that were put into this book, there’s romance; heartbreak, love, angst, and so much more that you don’t see coming, and will leave you craving more. If you have a couple of hours of free time, I suggest picking up this book and getting lost in it! I can say that you will not be disappointed or regret picking up this book! Happy Reading!!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Mary E Espinozahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngMary E Espinoza2023-02-17 11:22:152023-02-20 11:07:11Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Mary Espinoza
I cannot wait to read the rest of this series! This is a prequel, so it is veryyyyy short, so it’s hard to avoid spoiling anything. All I’ll say is that these characters have been through stuff and I am totally rooting for them!! It is a bully romance so there is a LOT of angst and I LOVED that. Definitely recommend if you like dark romance and complex characters.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Vanessa Estradahttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngVanessa Estrada2023-02-17 09:37:162023-02-20 11:06:50Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Vanessa Estrada
5 Stars Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn
Savage Start is the prequel to this authors Hidden Valley Elite Series. This is a short story that can be read in an hour. The only thing I can say is I want more and I want it now. With that being said im super excited to read the full story of theses characters. This is a fairly new author to me and I’m definitely a fan. Riley and Cole come from completely different backgrounds but they both have secrets and are both used to adjusting to new environments. I don’t want to give to much away. This is such a short story with an ending that will leave you craving more. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I can’t wait to read more about these characters and more.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Dawn Daughenbaughhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngDawn Daughenbaugh2023-02-17 04:48:372023-02-20 09:30:23Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Daughenbaugh
I am not normally a fan of novellas (this includes prequels and extended epilogues). They are usually lacking in the information and details I require to really enjoy a storyline. That however is not the case with this one. The author is on point with details, character development and backstory. I have to say this particular start to a series has drawn me in. I will definitely be reading the series.
This was a great prequel. A good short story to get you introduced to the characters. These kids have been through a lot and they keep on going. It shows how sometimes people go through a lot that you just don’t see. This book keeps your interest and keeps you reading. It was too short, but isn’t that always the case with books you enjoy? They are never long enough even if they are 800 pages. I can’t wait to read more in the series.
With only 55 pages, this prequel pulled me in, and I’ve already gathered the next books to be on my list! Riley has always been on the go with her mom, but her mom swears this might be their last time. Cole is having trouble with his parents and his relationship with his brother. Riley and Cole meet at a party and end up kissing intensified. So much drama, relationships, and more drama happens in so little pages, that you have to go straight to the next book! Thank you for making this series!
Short but sweet This is a very short contemporary romance. The author has very detailed writing which makes for a fulfilled read, even though the story is short. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters, the strength of Zarifah and protectiveness of Cutter. The author handles the sensitive storyline around domestic violence very well. A good read.
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 East2023-02-14 04:26:572023-02-20 09:04:36Saving the Bellydancer (Green Brotherhood: SEAL Team XII Book 3) by Debra Parmley – Review by Rayne East
This is a prequel but this was absolutely an attention grabber! This is about Cole and Riley, two people who you’d imagine are in completely different worlds could never relate to one another. Riley’s never known stability in her life her stability is running away and working on her next con to try to and stay afloat with her partner in crime: her mother. Cole is the opposite; you’d think he’s living the high life on his way to a scholarship but he’s running from his own issues, they want nothing more than to be normal and have normal lives. when the con-woman finds her next target and is in the process of making her getaway, she’s caught but is it just the item that’s been taken? Or something more?
A great book, but unfortunately a very short read. I would have loved to have seen more detail in both the characters and the plot. The author did a great job of keeping me on my toes, but it ended all too quickly. I enjoy a complex book, but this lacked that complexity that I love. I can say that I cannot wait to dive into the rest of this series because I want to know what happens next!
The romance is there, but not as in depth as I would have liked to see. Honestly it is difficult to talk about this novel without giving anything away because of how short it is. I guess you will just have to pick this book up for a quick read!
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 W2023-02-13 12:17:082023-02-20 09:01:04Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware
Savage start was so so good! I hardly put it down, finishing the same day I began. The author is wonderful at creating a story, characters and a bit of mystery with the plot. We don’t know much about either of the main characters, Riley or Cole. But it’s enough to have sucked me in. They both have a lot of baggage with their family, and a bit of mystery surrounding their life. The ending was such a cliff hanger, it was frustrating… but the author did warn us of that! I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. I am sure this will be a series I love!
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Elizabeth Sanchezhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngElizabeth Sanchez2023-02-12 19:57:062023-02-13 09:18:09Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez
Savage Start is the prequel to Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series. I have to say I really should have paid attention because just when stuff really got me hooked, it ended. It was short, a very fast read that leaves you curious about the teens at this school. I will say I have a lot of questions which I’m sure is the point but a lot of them stem from Riley. I am extremely interested in reading the rest of the series as I’d like to know what happens to this pair as well as some of the other popular and not so popular kids in this story. I do think this laid some decent ground work for the series but felt that there were some things that could have been either explained better or omitted altogether.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Kristan Andersonhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngKristan Anderson2023-02-12 02:11:212023-02-13 09:14:39Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristan Anderson
Riley and Cole seem like they’re going to be a safe haven to one another through the wild storms their lives bring to them. While from different backgrounds, they both have surprises behind closed doors that no one would guess at.
Riley, a con artist teen who is used to moving frequently, changing her appearance to blend in and who learned everything she knows from her mom, is a teen wondering what her mom has up her sleeve this time. They have moved again to a new location, and she still hasn’t switched her appearance to fit in with the crowd. However, she has never lived close to a beach before and takes advantage of spending as much time as she wants wandering and thinking. While on a stroll, she caught sight of a house party and found her way in to get a sense of the crowd. She meets Cole as she tries to filch something small to make herself feel more comfortable.
Cole, a local rich kid with everything people could imagine they’d want, has a lot of skeletons in his closet. He is attending the party at his cousins house that Riley sneaks into from the beach. As he catches her coming out of one of the upstairs rooms, he corners her. Inexplicably, they’re both feeling a strong draw and wild attraction to one another.
As the story progresses, you see more about how resilient and tough these teens are, and the screwed up things that can be happening that no one else realizes. This was an excellent way to introduce the series and I can’t wait to read deeper into their stories and watch their relationship build!
This prequel was packed full and obviously was left with many questions I am sure will be addressed in book 1. And if this is how the prequel is then I can’t wait for the rest of the series. We have secrets, lies, and many other things I am waiting to dive into. This series had a lot of names and moving parts but the author did well to focus on who we are following and set the stage for book 1.
I loved this book and it’s made me so excited for the series to come! It was easy to read and had some great characters! Riley was fabulous! She is definitely going to be one who will stick up for herself and I sense there’s going to be some chemistry between her and Cole and also a LOT of angst if the story goes the way I think it will! This is a prequel story so is only short but it definitely gets you ready for the next book! I cannot wait!!! I will add there are some parts of this story concerning mental health which could be a trigger for some readers, I feel the author dealt with them sensitively because sadly these things to happen in life.
While this is a shorter story it does pack a punch. I got to meet the Elite boys and a few or the girls. I got a deeper look into the background on Cole and Damon. It has some shocking and irritating moments. A little look into Riley’s life as well. She has led a very interesting life.
This one captured my interest and hung on til the end. I look forward to the next or first book in the series as I am wondering what is going to happen next.
https://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.png00Lisa Helmickhttps://itsybitsybookbits.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/IBBB_2020_logo_sq.pngLisa Helmick2023-02-10 11:46:142023-02-13 09:00:03Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lisa Helmick
We may request cookies to be set on your device. We use cookies to let us know when you visit our websites, how you interact with us, to enrich your user experience, and to customize your relationship with our website.
Click on the different category headings to find out more. You can also change some of your preferences. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer.
Essential Website Cookies
These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website and to use some of its features.
Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refuseing them will have impact how our site functions. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. But this will always prompt you to accept/refuse cookies when revisiting our site.
We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. You are free to opt out any time or opt in for other cookies to get a better experience. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain.
We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Due to security reasons we are not able to show or modify cookies from other domains. You can check these in your browser security settings.
Google Analytics Cookies
These cookies collect information that is used either in aggregate form to help us understand how our website is being used or how effective our marketing campaigns are, or to help us customize our website and application for you in order to enhance your experience.
If you do not want that we track your visit to our site you can disable tracking in your browser here:
Other external services
We also use different external services like Google Webfonts, Google Maps, and external Video providers. Since these providers may collect personal data like your IP address we allow you to block them here. Please be aware that this might heavily reduce the functionality and appearance of our site. Changes will take effect once you reload the page.
Google Webfont Settings:
Google Map Settings:
Google reCaptcha Settings:
Vimeo and Youtube video embeds:
Other cookies
The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them:
Privacy Policy
You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page.
