Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is book 1 of the Elite series. It tells the story of Cole and Riley who have a hot an steamy but can’t stand each other relationship. Will they give in to the lust for each other or will they let their stubbornness get in the way?
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This was a good first book in the series. It carried over from the prequel nicely. I thought that the characters were good. The bullies to romance trope isn’t one of my favorites but it fit the genre well. I thought that the plot moved along smoothly and there was a good amount of angst. I like the writing style of this author and do look forward to reading more of her books in the future.
Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What a page-turner! This I was the finale of Riley and Cole’s story and I couldn’t put it down. The previous two installments built to this finale and it was full of suspense and steam.
I really enjoyed that character building that took place throughout the story, as well as the romance building. The heat and attraction between Cole and Riley easily come through the pages and you as the reader want them to stop fighting it by trying to hate each other. While this is a romance, the mystery and suspense woven throughout keeps the reader engaged and the author has an effortless writing style. I really enjoyed the way the story comes together, but it was a bumpy ride and well worth the read!
❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❥
Rejected by a teenage god.
Lies so dangerous our lives are at stake.
A game worth playing.
Cole Savage doesn’t hate anyone as much as he hates me… or the fact that he wants me just as much.
We all have issues, and the less he knows about me, the better. I just have to keep him unbalanced, which is harder than I thought it would be.
Yeah, he wants me.
But I want him just as much.
And that’s a secret I’ll kill over.
Until I overhear Cole saying “she’s not my type.”
Game on, pretty boy.
Because the kiss that seared me to my core told a different story.
Let’s see how tall and proud he walks when I put him in his place—which is hands-off of me.
~ AMAZON US ~ AMAZON UK ~ AMAZON CA ~ AMAZON AU ~
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
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the prequel, I couldn’t wait to dive into book one in this explosive series. I had a pretty good read on Riley and Cole from the prequel and so it just made everything that much more interesting to read in this story. The author does a great job of continuing the character development of all of the characters and she writes them in a way that feels relatable. The story continues to have a mix of humor, romance, and mystery all wrapped into one story. Definitely had me hooked until the final page and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. Definitely make sure to review the trigger warnings for the book!
Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Truth is book 2 of this bully romance. The first book ends with Cole and Riley finding out that their parents are in love and getting married. Both were not happy about this due to the hate/love relationship they were harboring. Throughout a lot of the book, it is this back-and-forth of them wanting each other but hating each other. Cole tries making Riley’s life a living hell, so Riley decides to play him in his own game. However, this back and forth, ends with Cole being obsessed and possessive of Riley. As the story continues, the secrets of both families start to come to the surface, with each other finding solace in the other’s pain. Things become extremely apparent when Riley is faced with her past, her father. A father that wants her and her mother dead. Cole is now on the end of making sure nothing ever happens to her.
The first book in the series was so enjoyable I quickly read this one. I am a sucker for a bully romance and this was a good one. Both characters had great banter, chemistry, and character traits. Cole, while a bully, was also quite smitten with her and you could see him in the way he approached much of the situation. Riley, is a strong character with determination, but also a little bit naive. I also like the way the book ended. I feel when you are dealing with a “step-sibling” romance there is a lot of negativity from the family, etc, but things seemed pretty smooth and positive in how things transpired. I liked this book and the author’s writing enough to want to read the next set of duets.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673615562l/76854377._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies”>Savage Lies</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/6228363516″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
I have jumped backwards into the series after starting to read further on in the series. I recently read the prequel and whilst this introduced characters book 1 really drags you into Cole and Riley’s story. <br />The characters develop well and the twisted and semi dark, bully groundwork is laid. The world built around their high school, sports and the relationships and history that some characters have as this story unfolds really makes you feel that you could be there.<br />Once again a book by this author that grabs you and holds you in place until you have reached the cliffhanger of an end.<br />
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/34425105-tracy”>View all my reviews</a>
Savage Lies is the 1st book in the Hidden Valley Elite series. Diffently recommend reading the prequel 1st. This book carries on from the prequel with Riley and Cole as the main characters. The author adds more detailed characters in this book. Coles brother and his 2 cousins. There is more of the push and pull of the FMC and MMC of wanting to be together and hating each other, and both are trying to destroy each other.
This is a fast and easy read, which was very enjoyable, and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before you start reading.
Savage Start is the prequel to a new series that I have started. It is an enemies to lovers novella.
Riley is the FMC and everything is perfect in her world. Riley and her Mom have been running from place to place since she was a baby and is used to packing up and leaving in the middle of the night. They end up in a beach town and this is where she runs into Cole, MMC. They share 1 kiss and she can’t shake the feeling of being with him but knows she can’t. They have a love/ hate thing going on and she knows it will never amount to anything.
This is a short fast read and I can’t wait to read the next book!
Be sure to check the trigger warnings before starting.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a true gem, capturing your attention from the start and holding it until the final word. With an ideal blend of mystery, romance, and humor, it left me eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series. The characters are relatable, making it easy to connect with and empathize with their experiences.
“Moving to a new town and taking on a new identity was supposed to keep me safe. News flash, it didn’t. Instead, it put me right into the most dangerous place imaginable. Cole Savage’s line of sight.
Stupid, perfect, and one of four members of the untouchable elite. They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers. And from the first day of school, he put a target on my back. All because of one stupid kiss.
My secrets are dark and dangerous. But based on the fury that drives Cole to ruin me, so are his. We’re both facing destruction, and he’s determined not to let me win. He doesn’t know it, but he’s met his match. I’ll use his hate, and I’ll teach him that it burns as hot as his lust. And if he wants a war, I’ll give him one.”
Second story in the series, really enjoying the characters and the storyline, cant wait to read the rest of the series. Quick read, keeps your attention. I give this book 4 stars.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
As always, the author has a way to pull you in from the beginning. It’s so easy to get lost in the story. The characters are interwoven in such a way that they all are in each other’s stories throughout the series. The backstories of each character in this novel, Riley and Cole, are really good yet sad at the same time. The characters are very relatable and seem to fit together before they realize what’s happening. I recommend that whenever you plan to read this novel, please read it in one sitting, that’s how great it is.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cole and Riley are from two different worlds but find themselves thrust into the same world. They’re both cunning but distrustful which leads to a dark and heated book. Although this is the first book in the series, I am happy I read the prequel first. This books does a great job of instantly pulling you into the series; the prequel just answers some early questions. Be prepared for a constant page turning and an ending that leads you to want more.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I read the prequel to this book and IMMEDIATELY picked this one up. I am a sucker for enemies to lovers, but this is my first bullies to lovers series. I’m happy that I’m able to pick up the next one and keep reading the story. It’s a fast read, the main character is a very relatable teenage girl whose rival is the “King of High School.” I would say there is a bit of bully triggering in here but man, Riley handles herself like a champ. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a fast, but fun and exciting read!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I have definitely read these books out of order but I love that I can still follow along! It is nice to put small pieces into place now. I have definitely had mixed feeling over the course of reading these books but the story is good. The characters are fun and well developed!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The back and forth between Riley and Cole is amusing. Cole dishes it out and Riley just gives it right back to him. The secrets between them are just getting bigger and bigger. I read through the prequel and loved it. I devoured this book in record time. It’s not necessary to read the prequel, but it would be a great benefit. It made a lot more sense knowing the backstory. The cliff is high and the drop off the cliff is steep, But worth every second of. Isla has done it again with this fantastic book in the Hidden Valley world.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The story continues! I couldn’t start and finish this one fast enough. The author continues building the world around Cole and Riley, engulfing the reader in the story. The attraction between them is palpable, despite hating one another. They couldn’t be from more different worlds and they each have their own secrets, so what happens when they are forced to live in the same world?
The author crafts an intense, engaging read that keeps you turning the page. I quite enjoy the world building. There are times I read books set in high school that aren’t believable or read as if they are adults instead of teenagers and while these teenagers deal with adult themes, I feel like the author does a great job bringing in typical teenage issues that make the setting feel authentic.
I devoured this book and the author has me on the edge of my seat to start the next one!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow! What a great, fast-paced read to start a new series! This prequel introduces us to main characters Riley and Cole, as well as a host of supporting characters like Riley’s mom and Cole’s brother and cousins. The author does an amazing job setting the story and starting to create depth and mystery into the characters and beginning their development through the story. The author sets up an intriguing plot following Riley and her mom, who never stay in any place for long, and also following the super elite Cole and family, riddled with problems of their own. What happens when these two collide?
The author has an engaging writing style. If you’re looking for your next series, get ready to be consumed by this one!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
***Trigger Warning: Bully Romance***
After reading the prequel, I couldn’t wait to read this. I really enjoyed getting to know Cole and Riley. Isla Vaughn does an amazing job at character development. Although not necessary, for best enjoyment reading the prequel adds to the background knowledge of the 2 characters.
This story is very fast paced and oh boy does it leave you on the edge of your seat.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was such a good read! I just couldn’t stop once I’d started. It follows Riley, Cole and Damon, about a year I think after Savage Start, the prequel to this book. Riley’s mum and Cole’s and Damon’s dad are dating but nobody is happy about it. Damon and Cole are still angry about the death of their mum last year, blaming their dad so the last thing they want is another woman on the scene. Cole is suspicious of Riley and her mum and is determined to find dirt on them to split their parents up while also making Riley’s life hell in and out of school. It’s a great read with lots of twists and turns. There’s sexy scenes, funny bits, teenage drama and it’s just awesome! Already looking at getting the next one in the series. Highly recommend it!!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Somehow I managed to read The Hidden Valley Elite series and skipped book one. Until now. Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn is book one in the series, I’d say it definitely is necessary for following along in the next books (so don’t be me and think the prequel was the first book!) Riley is just here to make a new name for herself. She is running from something but clearly runs right into Coles crossfire. Cole is the best of the best, the top jock here at Hidden Valley High School. Well him, his brother and his cousins. Knowing you darn well should stay away from someone but feeling the tension between the two of you makes everything incredibly confusing and difficult. This book is crazy, but In all of the best ways. Since I’ve already read the whole series, I’ll just say it is DEFINITELY worth it. This was one of my favorites and I look forward to other books by Isla!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book I have read from this author and wow she now has a new fan. This book is the prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series and now I’m hooked on these guys. I also love that she wrote this from both characters’ points of view because it makes me feel more emotional for them. This was a quick read for you to get ready for this epic series and I can’t wait to read it.
Riley is used to moving around so when her and her mother end up in another small town she doesn’t get attached. She wanted to have some fun first because she would be gone soon anyway. Riley sees a house party so she sneaks in and she looks around. She sees something valuable so she takes it but she wasn’t expecting to run into someone. Riley runs into the very addictive Cole. She doesn’t know what to do so she kisses him and runs. Will Riley leave and never return or will Cole find her first?
Review by @heatherbass
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
What do you do when you have been running for so long that when its time to stop running you just don’t know how. Meet Riley a teenager who has been running her whole life with her mother. Running cons in different places and always on the move. Now mom has met someone and is ready to settle down for real. RED Flag Warning!!! Mom’s special someone named Lucas comes with 2 teenage sons Cole and Damon. The love-hate relationship that Cole and Riley have makes your entire body sizzle. This can’t put down book that leaves you hanging on every word right to the very end where you are desperate to know what’s going to happen.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
After reading the prequel novella, I was very intrigued to read more about Riley and Cole. This series is a quick read and very interesting. I would strongly encourage reading the prequel (Savage Start) before reading this book. It will provide so many details and background information about the significance of the interactions between Riley and Cole, the dynamics between Cole, Damon and their dad, and the story of what happened to Cole’s mother. Isla Vaughn does a great job of developing the characters and all the quirks and nuances of a story about high school students. I really liked all the layers of the story – Riley and her mom; Cole, Damon and their father; Cole and Damon’s cousins and their need to work hard to earn football scholarships and how Cole and Damon can help them; the elite clique of boys and girls at girl; and the connection between Cole and Riley. This was a good read and I look forward to reading more in the series.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In the prequel we met Cole and Riley. Both coming from different backgrounds, Cole was privileged and Riley was a thief who was always on the run from her psycho father. In book 1, Riley finds herself back in Cole’s town not understanding why because her mother and her never pulled a con twice in the same place. Riley finds out that her mom has a new boyfriend and wants to place down roots for real. The problem with this is Riley can’t believe her mother would want to do this because she has never acted like this before and Riley’s father was still looking for them. However, because she loves her mom she decided she will go along with whatever this is for now, especially since her mom was making promises she only dreamt of. What she doesn’t know is that she is about to get thrown right into the path of a cute guy she had a moment with a year ago. Throughout the book, her and Cole become enemies due to past circumstances, lies, and miscommunications. Cole has a lot of pull in school and the area and produces many enemies for Riley. They find themselves playing each other to make each one of them miserable, while actually having a lot of sexual tension. Once truths start to come out, so do feelings. But will the truths come out in time to save both of them?
If you love a bully and stepsibling romance this is a good one. These books are short, sweet, and full of entertainment. I enjoyed the story as much as the romance. Each of the characters was great as well. Because we have the prequel, it made loving Cole, even though the bullying, easy. You knew where a lot of the heartache was coming from and could also see how much he loved her at the same time. And Riley, well she was just badass. She had a soft side that was easy to love but also didn’t let people just take what they wanted. She stood up for herself, was cunning, and also sympathetic. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately read book 2.
I am a fan of this authors writing and when I saw this one I had to read it. I have enjoyed reading this series and I couldn’t put it down! I love that this is the beginning of the series. This was such a great read and one of my new favorites. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn is a great new adult romance series
Surveying her prey, stealing a keepsake, and getting stopped by a panty-melting local who steals a kiss all happen quickly.That kiss is toxic. Not really, but the kind that makes her confront the reality on an emotional level
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Start was an intriguing introduction to the Hidden Valley Elite series. It was well written, full of action, pulled you in right away, and was able to hold your attention till the unfortunately abrupt ending. Yes, it definitely did end on a cliffhanger but also what felt like an incomplete story. I am intrigued enough to pick up book two and am looking forward to more of Isla Vaughn’s writing and more of Riley and Cole’s story.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn is the first book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. This series is comprised of duets following different couple. This book is the first of the duet following Cole and Riley. This story is an Enemies to Lovers, High School Bully Romance. The heat and angst are absolutely unmatched. The cliffhanger at the end is a doozie so be ready to jump right in to the second book. Trust me you will not want to put this series down. Five out of Five Stars!!!!