Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Cruel Start in my opinion could have just been apart of the next book Cruel Hate. It’s very short with a plot that ends as soon as it starts. Had I known just what I was getting myself into I might have passed. I am reading the next book which has more promise but overall disappointed in the start to the series!
❥ PREORDER ❥
I fell for the enemy.
He broke me, and then put me together again.
Our future? It’s worth fighting for.
Or it was before the accident.
The accident stole Phoenix from me. Now, he’s nice… kind even. But the memory of me—of our baby—is gone. Despite everything, I’m left fighting for our child and the man I’ve come to love.
How much will I have to sacrifice to bring him back? What happens when secrets buried deep in the past burst into the present? Do we have a chance? Or is it inevitable that history repeats itself and we’re forced to go our separate ways?
Cruel Love is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance with pregnancy, plenty of angst, heat, and a HEA. This is the conclusion of Cruel Hate, and Aspen and Phoenix’s duet. This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great 5 star read. Once I started I didn’t want to put it down. We start out with Aspen and Phoenix agreeing to a fake relationship for a conversation with her parents, which did not go well. These two hooked up at a summer party and now Aspen is pregnant. These two have an attraction between them that is intense. Phoenix was getting on my last nerve with some of the things he would do or how he would react. These two needed to get their things together and see what was in front of them. Of course Aspen had jealous girls to deal with at times as well.
Overall I really enjoyed the book. The characters were great and seeing characters from previous books was great as well. We get lots of twists and turns and my emotions were all over the place. And the cliffhanger ending, ugh…I need the next book asap. If you’re looking for a great read, 1-click and get started on this book/series. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I am so in love with this whole series. This is the first part of Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Now in college things are a little different for Phoenix as he tries to navigate classes and football. Then once Aspen discovers that she is pregnant they are both left struggling to figure out how this is all going to work. I could not put this book down and I am on pins and needles waiting for the second part of their story.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaugn is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review
Cruel Hate is the fifth installment of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Isla Vaughn writes romance novels full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and fierce women. The story of Aspen and Phoenix is exactly that. Aspen is level headed, deals with no nonsense and knows exactly what she needs to do in life to deal with an unexpected pregnancy. Phoenix is a jock, falling behind in school, dealing with family drama, and trying to figure out how he can financially support a newborn. Will the two of them be able to work out their differences for the sake of a baby?
This was a very short, 189 page, quick read full of drama, steam, and what the heck kind of moments. I have a love/hate relationship with these characters. Depending on the moment, I am rooting for one over the other. The end leaves you with a cliffhanger. I can’t wait to get my hands on Cruel love. The name alone gives me hope that my love/hate relationship will take a turn. I highly recommend reading this ENTIRE series. Isla Vaughn is a wonderful author who knows how to draw her reader in leaving you craving more at the end EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I cannot believe the way this book was written! The sparks between the characters was so hot it almost came off of the page. I couldn’t put this book down, it was so amazing! The way this was written it felt as though I was going to school with them as well as going through every situation/circumstance that they faced. I cannot wait to read more in this series and see what happens with these two!!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am absolutely obsessed with this series! I could not put this book down as I needed to know what was to happen next! The way that this story was written, I was enthralled and could not wait to read more! The chemistry between the main characters and their story line was absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to read more of these books in the series. This series is quickly becoming one of my absolute all time favorites.
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194065396-cruel-hate” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1690022630l/194065396._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/194065396-cruel-hate”>Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5850708846″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Another completely grab them by the short and curlies and do not let them go until they have finished it book.<br />Deserving of 5 stars, Be prepared for a book hangover as it is impossible to put aside for long.<br />Phoenix and Aspen’s relationship continues to be a rollercoaster with emotions running high.<br />Can Phenonix do as his grandfather asks and go against his sense of worth, and can Aspen manage to juggle school, work and the pregnancy whilst battling her hot and cold attachment to Phoenix, and what is his twin up to.<br />I am stunned by the ending and really really cannot wait for the continuation.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate is the 5th book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. I am sooooo hooked on this series, and am always happy when another is released. Especially since the author is queen of Cliff Hangers!! This book shouldn’t be read as a stand alone, as it continues from the previous books, picking up right where Cruel Start left off. We continue the story of Phoenix and Aspen, as they try to navigate their difficult situation. Both are trying hard not to end up like their parents, even as they find them self in the same situation. I love both characters, as well as the supporting characters. The close knit group that Phoenix has with his brother, cousins and their girls friends is very sweet and realistic. Aspen quickly became a protected member of their group and fits in perfectly. Now…. please hurry in releasing Cruel Love so I can see how this ends!
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMG OMG OMG that cliffhanger will be the death of me! I don’t know how Isla Vaughn does it, but she has a way of pulling you in, twisting you all around, and leaving you gasping right at the very end. I never know what’s coming next with her work, but man, do I love the way she keeps me on the edge of my seat. I need these characters to have a happy ending like I need to breathe.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone
First off, if you haven’t read the book before this, go back and read Cruel Start, and if you have the time the other few books before this one. Ok with that being said, these books are soooo good, they have me in a choke hold.
I’m not super big on sports romance that take place heavily revolving around said sports, and this book has the perfect amount of sports romance and enough angst, heat and drama to keep it fun and entertaining for me.
Phoenix is my best and worst nightmare, he just wants to do what’s best for him, his twin, mom and cousins, to have a good life and succeed, but man, he can be such a moody butthole about everything. I’m in love with his kind protective nature, that he rarely lets show besides to those closest to him and I hate how he hides so much behind the angry macho guy thing. His character development for me in this book was wonderful to see, he’s blossoming. But he still has some growing to do.
Aspen, Aspen, Aspen, my starving little pregnant artist. Aspens one unlucky girl, the night she decides to lose her V card she gets pregnant, jezze. Pro girl can’t catch a break, all she wants to do is pursue he passions with her sister and go to college, a relationship and unexpected pregnancy is the last thing she needs.
So what does this author throw into this mix, a fake relationship, yesssss start the popcorn and buckle up because it’s a bumpy ride with these too. I’ll warn you though, unlike with Cole and Damon, Phoniex’s book is a slow burn, but like the other books in this series, this story ends with a cliffhanger that has me dying to see how she ends out Aspen and Phoniex’s story. Please give this series a shot, seriously, you will not be disappointed.
Cruel Hate, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, September 2023
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Phoenix is a football star excited to get to Thane with his cousins Cole and Damon and twin brother Shane. Yet one last party and an accidental meeting with Aspen might derail his plans. How will Phoenix make football, college, and Aspen all fit together? Can he make it work? Aspen is a spitfire with her walls up, and after watching her parent’s unhappy and unhealthy relationship over the years, she could never fall in love. Phoenix wants the NFL but he refuses to repeat the mistakes his dad inflicted on his family. This is a super hot “relationship,” and keeps the reader needing to read more! Also, OMG once again a cliffhanger! Make sure you get your hands on EVERY book in this series!!
Reviewed by @alape
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After reading Cruel Start, I couldn’t wait to read this one! This book is quite different. In the prior book, it happens somewhat at breakneck speed. This one is more of a slow burn between the two of them. The only spicy things that happen are the arguments and disagreements they have. However, that makes sense as the two of them are dealing with an unplanned pregnancy as well as their own individual issues. Phoenix is not sure what is going on with his twin, Shane. He just knows that there is a distance between them that neither has experienced before. Is it Shane’s ex or something else? Not to mention that he is failing his classes and is in danger of losing his scholarship and his dream of playing football. In addition, his grandfather is acting strange as well. Aspen is dealing with her parents’ disapproval of her pregnancy and their pending divorce. In my opinion, there is more angst and back and forth between this couple than in any of the other books. Again, that would be realistic with this couple. They are facing some really harsh realities, and that makes this book really different than the previous books in addition to this book taking place in college and not high school.
Because the book is different doesn’t make it any less enjoyable than the previous ones. I actually liked that it focused more on them as individuals rather than as a couple. I got more insight into this couple as individuals rather than as a couple. I also discovered more about their parents and how that impacted their present and their future.
I highly recommend reading the prequel before this book as it gives you a good background of Phoenix and Aspen and how they find themselves in their current situation. The icing on the cake was the ending…OMG, what a freaking cliffhanger. Talk about a nailbiter….can’t wait to see what happens next for this couple!!!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This series gets better with every book! The author as always quickly hooks you and keeps you that way the entire book, actually the entire series. I suggest you read the entire series, so you have a better understanding of all the characters. This book (and series) will have you feeling every emotion possible. I am super excited to start the next book and see what else happens. I highly recommend this book and series!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
OMFG. That ending. O.M.G. ok rewind. These two young adults meet at a party, have unprotected sex and Aspen gets pregnant. Most of the time Aspen and Phoenix clash like fire and ice but then there are times where they both burn equally! Aspen is being very adult like in her responsibilities. Phoenix is still undecided. I am not sure how I feel about him. He has a bad attitude, he’s angry…a lot. Hoping he can redeem himself. But loving this story line.
This book is not a stand alone. This series is not a stand alone. Each “set” of books or duet is about a different couple. The Hidden Valley Elite starts when these characters were in high school. They have moved up to college now and life is still hitting them full force.
Loving this series and can hardly wait to see who and what is next!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The incredibly talented Isla Vaughn has done it again! Every book in the Hidden Valley Elite series has absolutely captured me, drawn me in, and kept me wanting more! The writing in each book is superb and Cruel Hate is no exception. I love Phoenix and Aspen’s story, it is so raw, angsty, and feels so real. Please do yourself a favor and read this series. Make sure to read the prequel before reading this, it’s a must for context and backstory alone! Happy reading!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Loved it! I feel like Aspen is just continually let down by her friends, family and Phoenix. She feels like nobody is there for her and she is alone, but she can’t keep away from Phoenix, they have this pull between them. I hate how he treats her when we all know deep down he cares for her more than he thinks. The ending is a cliff hanger and I’m dying for the next book!!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla Vaughn is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine! She delivers, yet again, with Book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, Cruel Hate. This book follows Aspen and Phoenix’s story as they navigate their physical need for each other while finding it difficult to find common ground on anything else. Throw a pregnancy into the mix and this story has it all; angst, sports, fake relationship, and plenty of drama! The world building is wonderful and more solidly connected than some of the earlier books in the series. I feel like this one flows a little better and was less rushed. Isla Vaughn creates such perfectly imperfect characters that the reader can’t help but feel invested in. You can’t help but hope for a happy ending. Speaking of endings, Cruel Hate definitely ends in a cliffhanger!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cruel Hate is the 5th book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn and the 2nd book in Aspen and Phoenix’s story, talk about a cliffhanger!! I need to know what is going to happen next! Aspen is coming to terms with being pregnant by the campus hero and Phoenix is struggling with every aspect of college life, keeping up with school, football, family and now becoming a father. When it all gets a bit too much Phoenix makes some life-changing decisions. I have loved this series so far, I cannot wait for the next installment to find out what happens.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I couldn’t put this book down at all. I had to know what was going to happen next. The characters do have flaws that are very relatable and there are some things that they need to work on as does everyone. The story does flow together easily and incorporates other minor characters to support the main characters of this story. The author has done well overall.
Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Nice start, I am already pulled in and wanting more. Aspen seems like real sweetheart, I am hoping things go well for her. I used to like Phoenix until now, I hope he improves on being snippy to Aspen. Their situation isn’t ideal but could be what both of them need. Tracey is the worst! I’m so tired of her hanging around! Can’t wait to see what comes of Aspen and Phoenix.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Cetus-Lupeedus you guys, can I say this author Isla Vaughn is so amazing 👏 😍 🙌 I love every one of her books. She really knows how to give you what you want while also keeping you needing more and more. Hints why I ran to read this after reading the prequel Cruel Start which I highly recommend reading first before starting this one so you really understand what’s going on. When I tell you I read this sooooo fast I felt like I was in one of those fast reader competition😆😭I just couldn’t stop, I just needed to know what happens next. Then I got to the CLIFFHANGER omgggg whyyyyyyyyy. In the words of the movie Big Daddy “pu pu please don’t do this to me”😭😭😭 Just a couple more weeks til I literally devour the ending to their story and I CANNOT WAIT!!!!!
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Whew this one had me back and forth with my emotions towards every single character in it.
College is in full swing for Aspen and Phoenix and the rest of the group of “elites” we’ve met in previous books.
We learn a lot in this story about these 2. Phoenix is having trouble with his grades and he’s too stubborn and embarrassed to accept help from those offering. He and his twin aren’t close like they have been and it’s throwing him off balance. Add in his grandfather and the things with Aspen and he’s a pressure cooker ready to explode with stress.
Aspen, while I can relate to a lot of things with her and also like she sticks up for herself in most situations, I felt a small disconnect but it may just be “age and thought” differences.
Overall I was hooked and couldn’t put this down and the ending, ugh what a cliffhanger!
It’s a continuation from Cruel Start, I promise you that it is worth it. This series is mind blowing and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are reading it. I laughed, I cried and most of all I connected with Aspen and Phoenix. You get a little more information on Aspen’s family in this one. While trying to continue school and getting ready to a have a baby seems daunting enough, add a mix of his family drama and her family drama and you have a good visual of what is yet to come. I have not read the last book yet, however I can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
It’s a continuation from Cruel Start, I promise you that it is worth it. This series is mind blowing and keeps you on the edge of your seat as you are reading it. I laughed, I cried and most of all I connected with Aspen and Phoenix. You get a little more information on Aspen’s family in this one. While trying to continue school and getting ready to a have a baby seems daunting enough, add a mix of his family drama and her family drama and you have a good visual of what is yet to come. I have not read the last book yet, however I can’t wait to see how this plays out.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
If you have not read Cruel Start, I HEAVILY suggest you read it before even reading one word of Cruel Hate. Everything will make much more sense. Cruel Hate picks up where Cruel Start leaves off. The angst, fear, frustration, and darkness are back at it again. School isn’t going great for either Phoenix or Aspen. The punt bunnies won’t leave Phoenix alone, and Aspen is catching hell from her parents. The only way that Phoenix can think of to fix both problems is to have a fake relationship. But does it really fix things or does it make things worse? This book ends on a cliffhanger and I’m just chomping at the bit to find out what happens next!
After a rough start Aspen and Phoenix are having quite the semester. Both are having serious issues regarding school, family, friends and of course their little peanut. Their story just gets a lot more complicated than what they can expect.
While Aspen wants to have a more present partner, she still does not want a boyfriend, so as any immature and unqualified college future mom, her head is everywhere but not where it should.
Meanwhile Phoenix feels the pressure of having low grades due to his problem to learn, but he rather bottle up all instead of accepting help in a healthy and humane way to progress.
This kind of couple makes you understand the importance of a good uprising and why it is easier to prevent problems than solve them.
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I absolutely love reading Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series, it is my favorite series I’ve read in a long time! The real-life situations that these characters get themselves into, and the way that they handle them just is phenomenal. This is the continuation of Phoenix and Aspen’s tale of an unexpected pregnancy resulting from a one-night together. It is so endearing to watch how their strong personalities continue to clash against each other, as they are both rather self-centered characters, each feeling that their situation is beyond what they can control or handle. Yet if they would both develop open communication, they would realize how much they need to depend on each other. This book was so hard to put down, it kept me reading all day today, I just couldn’t put it down from the second I opened it. I am so anxious to see what the outcome will be in the next book from the horrendous cliffhanger that we are left with! My heart aches to read the finale of Phoenix and Aspen’s tale. If you’ve read any of the books in this series, make sure that you go in order, because each book builds upon the next, and you do not want to miss out on anything! I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested and loves reading enemy-to-lovers romances.
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Cruel Hate is the fifth book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and is a Enemies to Lover’s Romance New Adult Romance that will have you turning the pages till the end. This is packed with drama, suspense, family drama, tension, enemies-to-lovers and plenty of angst. I highly recommend reading the prequel Cruel Start before diving into this book as this one picks up where the prequel left us. Each book in this series keeps getting better and hotter than the last one. This is Phoenix and Aspens Duet and holy smokes! These two had a one-night stand that brings a shocking surprise that neither one was truly prepared for. So, a plan is formed to keep both their parents off their backs. But will this fake relationship turn into more than that? These two don’t have a easy time but can they navigate through it all together or will it end in a disaster? I highly recommend reading this book. I can’t wait to read the next book to find out how it all ends. I look forward to reading many more books by this author.
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Isla did it again. This is such a good series. This book is about Phoenix and Aspen. Phoenix wants to play NFL, but Aspen is pregnant. How will a baby fit in? The book ended on a cliffhanger. Can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens. I cannot get enough of Isla’s books. It’s an easy and quick read. I can never put never put the book down. Always exciting and suspense filled. I highly recommend Isla’s books. She does not disappoint!
Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I could not wait to get my hands on this book and start reading. As soon as it hit my kindle I opened it immediately and did not put it down until I had finished. It just had to know how things would progress after the previous book. It took no effort to become engaged with this book. I love the characters. I would say they are some of my favourites but that would also apply to every single couple in this series so far.
This author has such a enigmatic and captivating writing style. I love each and every book. They are all completely different yet have the same feel about them. Not only is this one of my favourite series this year, it is only of my favourites overall. I cannot wait until the next book to see how things turn out.