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Savage Start by Isla Vaughn-Review by Victoria McQuigg

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start by Isla Vaughn is the Prequel book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I did not read this book until after I had read the rest of the series. But I highly recommend reading it first. It gives insight into Riley and Cole’s initial meeting as it is alluded to in the series proper. When I say that this series has had an absolute chokehold on me from the beginning it is no exaggeration. This is an absolute must read series and an instant read author for me. Five out of Five stars!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Glaspie

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an intense quick read that will instantly pull you into this series. Riley finds herself in another new town where she is promised by her mom that they’ll get to settle down. Cole is trying to live his life but is having to protect his mom. A chance meeting, broken promises, and an ending that leaves you wanting more is what you’ll find in the prequel. If you were unsure about this series, this book will change your mind to an instant yes.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Nina Maes

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Great start! This was a spectacular set up for a series. It will draw you in and keep you wanting to know more. Character’s are fabulous, strong willed and confident. I am hooked and will be ready for the next series.Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Great start! This was a spectacular set up for a series. It will draw you in and keep you wanting to know more. Character’s are fabulous, strong willed and confident. I am hooked and will be ready for the next series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to Savage Lies in the Hidden Valley Elite series! It’s a great start to a fantastic series.

I have already read the entire series, but I had to come back and read the prequel when I had the opportunity to see where it all began! Cole and Riley are from completely different worlds. Cole was born into a world of wealth and privilege. Riley has been most of her life running with her mother and a grifter. Her new target is Cole. She plans to steal a souvenir and leave undetected. It seems like an easy enough task until she gets stopped by Cole. Not only does she get caught by him, but she shares a steamy kiss with him. Neither have a clue what the repercussions that passionate kiss would have.

This series would become one of my favorites, and this novella did a great job of giving me the background of Riley and Cole. If you like new adult, a good, steamy bully romance, and an epic enemies-to-lovers book, this prequel and the duet are not to be missed!!!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Lape

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Let me start by saying this is one of my favorite series and authors. I have read every book this author has published and they keep getting better. This book was the prequel to Savage Start. Cole and Riley have a rocky start. Riley is trying to not be noticed at a house party but when a goth chick walks into Ken and Barbie’s party is pretty hard to stay undetectable. Especially when the hot eye candy that is giving alpha male vibes catches Riley where she has no business being. This book gives an insight as to what happens to Cole and Damon´s parent’s marriage and the tragedy that taints his family name. I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with!
Reviewed by @alape

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Start is the prequel to the books Savage Lies and Savage Truth in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with drama, mystery, angst, and toxic family environments. As the prequel to the series, it is best to read the remainder of the series to have a full understanding of the characters and their continuing stories. This book introduces the reader to Riley and Cole and explains how they first met. Riley is an interesting character that I felt empathetic towards because of her upbringing. Her entire life has been spent planning the next con with her mom as they move from place to place. Riley and her mom constantly look over their shoulders anticipating the moment when they will be caught. Cole is a character that might look tough on the exterior and comes across as just another spoiled rich kid however, deep down he has a big heart. He comes from a toxic family environment where his parents are constantly fighting, and his dad is cheating on his mom. Cole’s mom suffers from depression, and it is up to Cole to be there for her when she has breakdowns. Riley and Cole meet momentarily at a party and share a passionate kiss that leaves Riley wanting more. A great read with some intense moments that took me on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and left me reaching for the box of Kleenex.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amy Dean

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is nothing like a fresh start in a new town to really change things around, take a souvenir, and find a fresh attractive local boy to kiss and turn a young girls world upside down. What starts as a bully can change into someone you can’t get your mind off. This book is a quick page turner that leads perfectly into the next book and leaves you in suspense!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance: Hidden Valley Elite Prequel by Isla Vaughn – Review by Roxsanne Lesieur.

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hidden Valley is a typical place for those made of money, the elite of the elite and they know who they are and how they are supposed to behave, but for one young woman who tries to blend in wherever she is, she stands out.

She is young but has experienced a lot in her short life so far and she is hoping that here is the new start she wants, but she is also always looking over her shoulder and around her for her next grift.

This doesn’t perfectly when she goes for a walk on the beach, spots a target and tries her hand, however she finds something else altogether, something much more dangerous.

A gorgeous boy who kisses her such a way that she forgets where she is, but will this boy be her downfall, and will she be able to escape if she needs to? This is a fast-paced novella with an “opposites attract” theme where emotions are dangerous and grifting should be easy, but plans are seldom straightforward.

Reviewed by @roxsannel

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Carrie Cross

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

“Savage Start” by Isla Vaughn is a gripping prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series that captures readers’ attention from the first page. The author does an excellent job of portraying the cruelty of high school bullying and the devastating effects it can have on someone’s mental health. The dynamic between Riley and Cole is intense, and the author’s vivid descriptions made me feel like I was right there in the moment with them. Overall, “Savage Start” is a well-written and engaging read that leaves the reader wanting more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good high school romance with a touch of drama and suspense.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Trish Ann

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick read for me. I thought the characters were good and it set up the upcoming books in the series. I am not a huge fan of bully and con tropes but this was a decent read. I didn’t connect with the story but am optimistic for the series as a whole. I do like the author’s writing style.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn

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❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn
Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 186
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

Brought down by a kiss.

Blackmailed by the class MVP.

On the brink of destruction.

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.

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

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn

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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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review byPaloma Fierro 21.01.24

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Cole has to deal with his mom’s mental health, while his brother defends their father’s lack of interest in marriage and offspring. Both of them are highschoolers with dreams of being selected to play in the NFL, they have the built and athleticism to the point, now just need the time and selection. 

 

Riley has lived on the go since she can remember, city after city, change of look after change of look in order to not create a life but a constant runaway. But in one of those little lives of her she meets a man, and a kiss that will be burned in her mind forever. 

 

The beginning of a whole thread of stories, a good start of the series.

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Samantha Cleaver

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was a quick read but a great set up for the rest of the series! Depicts more “real life” characters and has a little set up for romance. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Laura Quinn

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Such an amazing book. Love the characteristics of the characters. Love how short and quick read. It was a book that I couldn’t get enough of. 5 stars 🌟

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Alison Risher

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is a short yet intriguing teaser to a series. The main characters are actually interesting. The author must be quite adept with character development. I want to know more. Now, I’m off to search out the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Austin

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read, being only 50 pages I read it in one sitting. This genre is quickly becoming a favorite for me. The characters were great, you could feel their connection coming off the pages. Riley and Cole definitely come from different sides of the track but money doesn’t always make things better. Of course we end on a cliffhanger, looking forward to reading the next book in the series. I need to see where their story goes. I will warn that 18+ readers are recommended due to the content and some darkness. If you like Bully Romance 1-click and get started today on this great read.

Reviewed by @mab54615
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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Mitchell

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I love this series but this short prequel just didnt do it for me. It was nice to meet the new characters but seemed to jump around alot and not flow easily. I kept reading because it was short an I didnt understand the mothers story until finally at the end it came together. The kids stories were ok. The kids were familiar from the other books.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Haller-Doris

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a fast paced start to a dynamic series, filled with drama, intrigue, and lies. It was a quick read, but definitely will draw you into the story and leaves you wanting more. It gives us a taste of Riley and Cole’s first kiss and the dynamics behind their families. I love how the author brings you right to the edge and then it just stops, leaving you filled with needing to know what happens next. I think this was an extremely well written story that really hooks you into the story. Be prepared to want to immediately grab the next book!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kelli Harper

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley and Cole share ONE kiss, but it is enough for both of them to know they want more. This is a high school bully romance starter. It shows you the dynamics of Riley and her mom as well as with Cole, his brother and their parents. It shows that no matter what background you come from, all families have issues. This prequel has drawn me in and I will be reading the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Vaughn

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There are 10 chapters in this novel and is part of the Hidden Valley series. The heat that starts between Riley and Cole is an interesting prequel. Even though there’s 10 chapters, each one is packed with backstory and heat for an enemies to lovers romance novella. This prequel introduces and makes you fully understand the anger in the first official book in this series. It started with a kiss. This was an exciting look into what makes the bully in the series!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kay Stritesky

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I am not so invested in this series that I have to read all of them but these little ones just don’t seem worth it! I really think this could just be a part of the main book. By time we got to the hook that wanted to make me keep reading the book was over.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tracy Greenhalgh

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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68042026-savage-start” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1672932917l/68042026._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/68042026-savage-start”>Savage Start</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/6185173257″>5 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
The prequel to the series and what a way to start it all off, even though I am reading this part way through the series This book is short and sets the scene for the rest brilliantly. <br />We find where Riley moves to the area and Damon and Cole’s backstory.<br />Another intriguing story by this great author. Just because it is shorter does not detract from its depth.<br />
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Savage Start, A High School Bully Romance Prequel, Hidden Valley Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Bully

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this! It follows Riley Cole and Damon as they struggle with their family drama and try to navigate high school.
Rileys is new in town, her mum likes conning people so they move around alot, but Rileys hoping they can stay for a while.
Cole and Damons parents’ marriage is a mess. How do you help when you know one is lying to the other?
I love that the family drama isn’t the only theme running through this; like the teenagers going to parties, there’s flirting, sexual chemistry, and some mischief thrown in. It really leaves you wanting more and so I cannot wait to read the rest of the series! Highly recommend!!

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Mandy Ott

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I did things kind of backwards and read the entire Hidden Valley Elite Series before I read Savage Start, the prequel to them all. However, knowing the rest of the stories did not take away from the excitement and thrills of this one. Isla Vaughn starts this series off right with the introduction of some amazing characters. From the first page, the characters come to life; their struggles, emotions, and passion capture the reader’s attention. The world building of Isla Vaughn is spectacular! The reader is transported through the pages into the world of the Elite; the California coastline, beachside mansions, and parties at those mansions all come to life with her words! This book definitely gave me more insight into the timeline and background of Cole and Riley’s tumultuous relationship. Overall, another great read by Isla Vaughn! I can’t recommend this series enough, but definitely start with this one before moving on to the rest.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Darian Vester

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’ve not read book one, Savage Lies, before reading the prequel, being 30 and reading a New Adult about teenagers doesn’t appeal to me but I really liked this prequel and it has me interested in book one. I hope the series explains more of Riley’s uncle, it just seems off to me that this guy bought her a “race car” but can’t help them. This is a nice short background about the characters that I’m sure everyone who has already read Savage Lies will love. I seen that Cole is the bully in book one and I’m not gonna lie, it makes me sad because I already really like him, not sure how I’m going to handle him being mean but I do look forward to how it all plays out.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I had read the duet first before finding out that Riley and Cole had a prequel story. Once I found out I snatched it up! I loved seeing what made them, them. Reading this book made everything make so much more sense. The big reason why Riley is the way she is, and why Cole the way he is. Just like the other two, the back and forth in this book was really well done and balanced. The set up for the first book was fantastic! It really made me think and wanting more. Isla does such a good job setting up her worlds that I fell like I’m in the middle of them.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Toni Sellers

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Start is a Hidden Valley Elite Prequel, it is a very quick contemporary romance, bully/enemies to lovers. Definitely not a standalone as it ends with a big cliffhanger to lead you into Savage Lies. This gets us ready for Riley and Coles story. Very well written, can’t wait to keep reading this series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kimberly Filer

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great way to start off a series. Leaves you wanting more and more. A book complete with teenagers, hot guys, parties and family drama. A prequel story to Savage Lies and it’s a steamy one. Your introduced to the 3 main characters right at the beginning of the story. Brothers Cole and Damon and the new girl who just has moved into town named Riley. Where Riley goes it seems that trouble always follows as her and her mom are always on the run. Cole and Damon have so much going on family wise that their lives are turned upside down. In this short prequel you will laugh, cry, scream and just keep turning the pages to find out what happens next.

Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Heather Goodman

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a great teaser for the actual books. It’s crazy how the author can put so much passion and emotion in such a small package. This book leaves you wanting more but also satisfied with what you got too. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

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Savage Start: A High School Bully Romance Prequel (Hidden Valley Elite Series) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Manda Kelly

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Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn has quickly become one of my favorite authors. Her Hidden Valley Elite series is by far one of the best Bully Romance series of books I’ve ever read, and this prequel is no different. Get to know some back story into characters you already know and love. This story had me in tears, angry, and just all over the place. You get the a beginning peek into the start of Riley and Cole in this emotional prequel. I absolutely cannot recommend this series or this author to enough people. She is amazingly talented and I am so enthralled with her world.

Review By
Manda Kelly

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