Posts

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Barbara Bohls

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

This is the 5th book in the series and when I say these books just keep getting better and better. I truly mean that. Let’s start with the series, you will want to read these books in order. It will help you understand the characters and the situations that are presented in each book. Now, when I say that these books just keep getting better and better with everyone, I truly mean that. The complex characters and plot twists that are presented seem to be more and more captivating with each book. In this book, the plot has some twists and turns that I didn’t see coming and it also has deep character growth. The angst that is expressed in this book is not for the weak of heart. The situationship that is being had between he main characters is something that can be relatable to some people. The growth and development of the situation and the characters will have you turning pages almost as fast as you can because it is that good. This book was a super quick read and kept me glued to the pages. You won’t want to stop reading to do anything else until you are finished with this book. Speaking of finishing this book, there is a cliffhanger but I wasn’t mad at it. Yes, I normally hate cliffhangers but this one I feel really made the whole book. You will have emotions that you don’t know what to do with. This book will sit with you for a few days after you finish reading it and it will leave you craving more because let’s be real, you really, really want to know what happens.
Reviewed by: @bbohls
View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kerry Carr

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

Omg omg. This series is literally ripping my heart out and stealing my breath. This is the 5th book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series and you most definately need to read every book in order. Trust me you won’t regret it.

Well where to start with this book. We are back with Aspen and Phoenix. Things for this couple was never going to be easy. When a one night stand turns into Aspen falling pregnant the couple have a lot of stuff to deal with. Add to that dysfunctional families on both sides, starting a new college, Phoenix’s dreams of joining the NFL and Aspen’s dreams and goals. Neither of them wanted to add a kid into the mix but that’s what’s going to happen.
The chemistry and sexual attraction between them is off the charts however Phoenix is hiding secrets which means that the sexual chemistry turns into rage and anger towards each other. How are they going to cope raising a child when everytime they are together they argue and fight.
There is no denying the connection and attraction they feel for each other if only they would stop being so stubborn and just admit it.
This story is full of drama and angst and conflict and OMG the cliff hanger at the end. I literally am holding my breath for the next installment of this series.

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rayne East

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

That ending is just cruel!
Love, love, love this whole series. Please read the books in order or at least read Cruel Start before this one. Phoenix and Aspen had me tangled in knots. Aspen’s character is amazing and is exactly what Phoenix needs. The angst is off-the-charts in such a good way. Just prepare yourself for the ending – ugh – how I despise cliffhangers. Now the waiting game begins for Cruel Love. Highly recommend!!

View all my reviews

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 189
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

Knocked up by the QB.

Harassed by punt bunnies.

Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here.

I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant.

Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship. But I know the truth… Spending time with him can only lead to trouble.

After all, neither of us has an answer to the biggest problem of all.

How fake can it stay when he’s the father of the child I’m carrying?

Cruel Hate is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst. 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 a ton of heat and a HEA in Cruel Love.

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

Click here to view the Book Trailer for Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

Click here to experience a Chapter Reading of Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) 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

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ GOODREADS ~ BOOKBUB ~ TIKTOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Mitchell

Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate: A College Sports Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I accidentally read these out of sequence so I definitely recommend reading them in order. I enjoyed this book, it tells the story between Aspen and Phoenix mainly but includes Shane and Tracey too. Can Aspen an Phoenix work through their differences? Can’t wait for the next book! Its a cliffhanger!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dawn Mitchell

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

I accidentally read these out of sequence so I definitely recommend reading them in order. This book is a great introduction to the main characters Aspen, Phoenix, Shane, Tracey and their college lives. The struggles they face an what is about to come.

View all my reviews

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ PREORDER ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ PREORDER ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn
Genre – New Adult, Romance
Page Count – 189
Cover Designer – TE Black Designs

Knocked up by the QB.

Harassed by punt bunnies.

Falling for the enemy isn’t an option here.

I threw caution to the wind and my v-card at the one man I can’t stand. What did that get me? Pregnant.

Now, we’re both screwed. Mr. Superstar wants the punt bunnies off his back. I want my parents off mine. To do that, he proposes a fake relationship. But I know the truth… Spending time with him can only lead to trouble.

After all, neither of us has an answer to the biggest problem of all.

How fake can it stay when he’s the father of the child I’m carrying?

Cruel Hate is an enemies-to-lovers, fake relationship, new adult, sports romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst. 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 a ton of heat and a HEA in Cruel Love.

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ GOODREADS ~ BOOKBUB ~ TIKTOK ~ TWITTER ~ INSTAGRAM ~ NEWSLETTER ~

~ WEBSITE ~ FACEBOOK ~ TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ YOUTUBE ~ INSTAGRAMFACEBOOK GROUP ~ TIKTOK ~

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannen Kern

Cruel KingCruel King by K.M. Scott
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW!! This is my first book by this author, and what an intense way to dip my toe in! I didn’t even feel myself finding the groove of this book, I just dove right in, and the author swept me away immediately. I couldn’t put it down and found myself staying up late to see what happened next just to find myself twisting and turning in the story. The characters will have you at the edge of your seat, yelling at the book, and rolling your eyes all while tugging at your heartstrings. The amount of tension and chemistry in this story is astounding, and I thought it was written incredibly well to make you feel each of those emotions as your own. I won’t give anything away, but you will absolutely be clamoring for more from this author after finishing this book!

Reviewed by @shannlynn

View all my reviews

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Colleen Noyes

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 prequel to a new series. This was hands-down, one of the best short prequels. I have read to a new series in a long time. First, let’s just start off with the fact that the cover is absolutely gorgeous so I was immediately intrigued to grab the book. The main characters of Riley and Cole pull you right in from the start. I enjoyed the fact that from the beginning it kind of shows you that while there have always been cliques in high school and they always feel that they are so much different than the other that no matter what everybody has problems. Riley is a scrapper that comes from a dysfunctional mother at the very least, and you are welcomed into her life of mess. Just when she starts to think that maybe she can stay in one place and settle down, as predicted her life seems crazy at the hands of her mother. She doesn’t come from money and has to do whatever it takes to survive and that must bring an immense amount of stress. Cole on the other hand obviously comes from money and you would assume has the perfect little life however, you learn very quickly the old saying that money doesn’t buy happiness. He is forced into an adult role that comes with its own price. There are parts of the story that are dark so be warned but man I cannot wait to see where it goes. This book to me is very reminiscent of the high school dramas from the 90s and early 2000s like “one tree hill “, “90210 “,“gossip girl “. If you were someone who enjoyed those dramas then I think you were very much enjoy this book.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Collier

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

This is a prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story. This is a super quick read and just like the rest of the Hidden Valley Elite series it is fantastic. I really just can’t get enough of this series. Phoenix just wants to get to college and then to the NFL. Can one night of passion derail all his plans? I am now counting down the days until the next book in this story comes out.

View all my reviews

Brutal Nights: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn review by Michelle Collier

Brutal Nights (Hidden Valley Elite #4)Brutal Nights by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the fourth book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Damon and Skylar’s story is so packed with twists and turns. I just could not put it down. The pull between these two characters is undeniable. I am impatiently waiting for the next book in the series.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christie Mitchum

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel Start is another great installment in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, and now it’s Phoenix’s turn to share his story with readers, and he didn’t disappoint.

Cruel Start is a great title for this book as it is somewhat of a cruel start for Phoenix and his “surfer girl,” Aspen! The chemistry between these two is electrifying, but they have a lot of things to overcome before they find their happily ever after!

This book is a little different from the previous books as now the characters I have come to love have now moved on to college, and I actually liked Phoenix a lot earlier on than I did the male characters in the earlier books. He wasn’t all that nice to Aspen in the beginning, but now that he knows she is pregnant, he has no intention of shirking his duties as a father.

What I have come to discover about Aspen, I like. I don’t know as much about her as I do about Phoenix because I have gotten to know him just a little bit in the previous books. Both are going to be complex and complicated characters because of the parents they have. Each has issues with relationships and love because of their parents, with the exception of Phoenix’s mother, but I am hoping they work through those for the sake of their relationship and because I like them as individuals.

The book isn’t very long as this serves as a prequel for the upcoming books, but Vaughn packed a lot of things in those pages that just give us a little taste of what is to come. Looking forward to getting to know more about these two in the next few books!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Westerman

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

I really love this series, it has everything you could want in a romance book. Even though it’s a prequel it’s missing nothing. It has everything you could hope and want. Somehow this author makes the series better and better with each book. Read it today you won’t be disappointed!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Christine Baranek

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

Cruel Start
By: Isla Vaughn

Once again, Isla Vaughn does not disappoint. I have read every last one of the Hidden Valley Elite books and every last one is a page turner that is filled with drama, suspense and spice. All are dark, but to be honest, I like that in this series and I feel like it works perfectly well. Isla Vaughn is the queen of character development and I feel has absolutely thought about each and every aspect of her characters before she even begins writing. Her characters are flawed but in a very relatable way and they all show growth and evolution. Cruel Start is once again a fantastic addition to the series. This is the beginning of Aspen and Phoenix’s story and I am left waiting with bated breath for the second part of their story. This book is absolutely fantastic and I cannot recommend reading it and the rest of the series enough!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Robb

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 4.5 installment in the Hidden Valleys series. Personally, I would read the book in order of the series in order to get the full context and character development but they can be read as stand-alone as well. In Cruel Start we are introduced to Phoenix and Aspen. The author definitely knows how to develop characters, write tension and keep you on the edge of your seat.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn-Review by Victoria McQuigg

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

Brutal Start by Isla Vaughn is another entry in the Hidden Valley Elite series. This book is our introduction to Phoenix and Aspen’s story. I recommend reading the series to get the best context and back story of the characters. This book follows Phoenix as he starts College as an up-and-coming football star. This is what he has worked for his entire life. Football, so he can chase his dreams of making it in the NFL and sticking it to his awful father. But what happens when a night of fun with a girl named Aspen flips his whole world upside down. This Author, this series, these characters are so good. They have been living rent free in my head ever since the first book and I am eagerly awaiting the next installment. 5 out of 5 Stars.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Lape

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

Oh my god!! Talk about a tease!! This short intro of Aspen and Phoenix’s story leaves you hanging to make sure you read the full book. Now if you have read the other books in this series, you know you won’t be disappointed! I have read each book in this series so far and let me tell you this author does not disappoint with any of her books. 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. I can not wait to read the full story!!

View all my reviews

Reviewed by @alape

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tori Werkheiser

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didnt know such a short prequel could contain so much drama and fun. The writing of this made it feel so impactful in such a short time, and I immediately fell for these characters. I loved each character we met, well except one, if you know, you know!!! This being so short it kind of ended on a cliffhanger and has me scrambling to grab the next and now I want to read the entire series. This has so many things in it to appeal to so many people like family drama, some spice, college atmosphere, sports. If you want something quick and exciting that will suck you in and get you started on a series than absolutely pick this up. I would recommend reading the other books in this series first to get everyone’s backstory. I didn’t and I wish I had so now I will go read the ones before this because I already love (almost) everyone so I want to read their stories!!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Hannah Porter

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

Cruel start was a short but truly amazing beginning for the Aspen and Phoenix story. This is the prequel to the next two both which will revolve around the two.😭😭😭 It makes me so sad to have to wait for the next 2 books in this series. I need to know what happens between them now 🤣😭. I’m also looking forward to seeing all the complex characters again and what role they play in these next books. Hopefully they help out and not make things worse 😂. I hope Aspen and Phoenix can work it out for the little one or ones lmao you know twins run in the family lmao

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristan Anderson

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel Start is part of Isla Vaughns Hidden Valley Elite series. Let me tell you what is cruel… me not realizing this was a prequel novella! As I finished I was internally screaming NOOOO that’s it?! It was, over too soon. Really though, I should have known better. However, this is just the prequel for the two part story of Aspen and Phoenix. When one moment of passion turns their worlds upside down, the pair need to figure out how to deal with the impending future. I am so excited to see where this couple goes and what happens between them. I’m also excited to hopefully catch some glimpses of our previous characters.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Austin

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

This was a great 5 star read. This author continues to pull me in with her writing. This is quickly becoming a favorite series of mine. This is 4.5 prequel that has me wanting the next two books now. Phoenix and Aspen have a chance encounter that turns into a steamy fling that could change both their lives forever. You could feel their chemistry coming off the pages. What will happen when Phoenix gets the news? What will they do?
I can’t wait to see where things go for these two. All of the characters added a great element to the story. There is adult content and we get a heck of a cliffhanger. 1-click and get started today on this series.

Reviewed by @mab54615
View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Donya Pedigo

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

I’m so in love with this series and this author’s writing! This is the beginning of Phoenix and Aspen’s story, which is part of the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Personally, I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out where their story goes from here. It is possible to read this amazing story as a standalone, but I’d definitely recommend reading the whole series as you get to learn more about Phoenix throughout his family’s books. Also, it’s an incredible young adult series that is enjoyable to read.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lyndsey Fairley

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

I did not expect this to end the way it did, i need the next like right now, please of course .

So much happens in this quick prequel that I had to read it twice to be sure I didn’t miss anything the first time around.

if you liked any of the others from this series then you don’t want to miss this one. And if this is your first of this series I recommend reading the others, not that you need to but you’ll want to because they’re that good!!
Can’t wait to get the next one, I need to know what happens!

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Robin Rankin

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

Cruel Start: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite)

Another Hidden Valley Elite Book I blew through because I couldn’t put it down. I am so completely and totally in love and obsessed with this series.

Phoenix is starting college in the fall with his brother Shane, they’re on the football team and life is good for them. Then there is a change for both of the boys and I hope it will be good for them both.

We meet Aspen and I was able to relate to her, trying to do the opposite of her parents and looking forward to college in the fall. Then she meets Phoenix.

I am impatiently waiting for the next book and don’t know if I will survive the wait.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Barbara Bohls

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

This book is an amusing quick read. It sets you up for the new series and gives you a glimpse of what is to come. It draws you in from the start and doesn’t let you go even when it finishes. This book has me wanting more and more. The writing grips your attention and the story line keeps you turning pages. This book also kinda piggy backs iff of the Elite Series by this author. It deals with the siblings that have been around but not prominent and now they are. If you like everything tied up with a pretty bow then this not the book to read at the moment. You will want to wait till you have time to read the next book as you are left with a cliffhanger. I am normally not a fan of those but this book just spoke to me and I can’t wait to see what happens. This is a must-read for anyone and especially those that have read the Elite Series.

Reviewed by: @bbohls
View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Katie Matthews

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

I love it when authors do prequels to their next full story – it’s a great introduction to the characters and for me gives me a deeper understanding of them and also makes you want to read their full story because you need to know what is going to happen and I am so excited to read Aspen and Phoenix’s full story. This was a brilliant read and having met Phoenix in previous books I was already highly anticipating his story and this taster has made me want it even more. I really loved meeting Aspen in this book, she is a nice character who is dealing with lots of stuff at home. I thought her and Phoenix had this genuine connection and I am looking forward to seeing how this relationship develops over the next two books!

@katiem
View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Sugar

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

Oh man, the drama! This book is about Phoenix and I’m so excited about it. This is a short prequel but my goodness SO much happened and it’s blowing my mind lol. I can’t wait for the next book to know what happens with everything! Highly encourage you to read the other books before this one! Because they’re all so damn good! I can’t get enough of them.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler

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

If you are following along, you will know that this book is a prequel and a CRUEL START to the story of Phoenix and Aspen! It is also part of the Hidden Valley Elite, which started following this group of people when they were in high school. Several have now moved onto college but their situations, drama and angst have followed them there.

These two characters have lived in the shadows of their siblings and even their neglectful parents. Phoenix and Aspen are risk takers and care little about the damage they may cause to themselves. However, a little surprise addition begins to change things, but we really don’t know just how much as this story does end on a cliffhanger!

Looking forward to more of their story in Cruel Hate.

View all my reviews

 

Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Aranza Cardoza

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite #4.5)Cruel Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cruel Start: A Dark College Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn

4 out of 5 Stars

Once again, Isla Vaughn has given us a great book. I can’t tell you how much I love Isla Vaughn’s writing. As usual it was a very easy and fun book to read. In this book we get to see the beginnings of Aspen and Phoenix. I was unable to put it down because of how much I enjoyed it. Can’t wait for the next one.

View all my reviews

Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Troyer

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

WOW!!! What a great start to Phoenix and Aspen. Sex, lust, relationship. Cannot wait to read the next book!!!

View all my reviews