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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite Book #4.5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angela Hayes

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

 

4.5 Stars

 

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…

Thank you, Isla Vaughn!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Beverly Finnie

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

@placexba
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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenni Bishop

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tonya Merritt

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn

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?

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lorralei Hoerner

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

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.

Happy Reading!

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Allyson Ware

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Review by @aware
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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shelly Kittell

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Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

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.

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn

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❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
Amazon US – https://amzn.to/42fHHKp
Amazon UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0BW7BCKL8
Amazon CA – https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0BW7BCKL8
Amazon AU – https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0BW7BCKL8
#ontour #ItsyBitsyBookBits #ItsyBitsyBookBitsTours #ITSYBITSYBOOKBITSPROMOTIONS #BookSpotlightShowcase #CruelStart #HiddenValleyElite #IslaVaughn #NewAdult #Romance #NewAdultRomance #bullyromance #highschoolbullyromance
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 62
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

New in town? Check.

Risk taker? Double check.

Party at the cove with a hot guy? Triple check.

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.

~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~


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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

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