Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This one wrapped up really nicely. Our characters get a happy ending after the problems that Riley and her mother are running from come to a head. Though, at times, the story felt a little disjointed. Just needed a little more time to flesh out the Mafia backstory.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Always on the run Riley never let anyone in, no one has ever effected her until there was Cole.
Riley and Cole are shoved together by their parents, now living together in the same space making it all the easier for Cole to torment Riley further. However Riley is growing on everyone around her and everyone can’t understand Coles cruel tendencies which really is heat under the surface.
He wants to deny his feelings as much as Riley does for him and it makes for red hot Romance. But danger is lurking and Riley and her moms past is about to come barging in… Will everyone make it out alive? Will Riley and Cole finally give in to their desires? A must read to find out
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy has been on the run from Opal for years. When Amy was 12 she accidentally killed a man and Opal has been after her ever since. She ran to the human world, and learned how to control her power.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am becoming such a huge fan of Isla Vaughn’s! This is the second book in the series, but concludes Cole & Riley’s Duet.
It is an absolutely amazing High School bully romance! The author definitely knows how to keep you on your toes!
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn’t wait to devour it after reading the first book. The dynamic between Riley & Cole is so intriguing, it is a “will they-won’t they” type of vibe. Their personalities alone are spectacular and I love that we get to see inside of both of their inner thoughts. It shows why they feel and act the way they do during circumstances.
My favorite part of this book is when they both are both terrified if rejection but they decide to take the leap anyway.
Lots of secondary plots Interconnected and I love that it adds more to the story than just a boy meets girl, girl hates guy type of scene.
Will definitely read more to come from Isla Vaughn and this series.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy, our main character, has a jewelry shop where she puts enchantments on her creations to help her customers. She is being hunted by Opal. Opal is the evil part of the story. She only has one weakness. Opal destroyed Amy’s home and others and has killed many. When Amy’s sister gets kidnapped all gloves are off. This story will keep you reading on into the night. Excited for book 2. Thanks to the author for this new approach to a fantasy novel.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Gemstone Massacre Series. This series is definitely off to a great start. Amy is on the run, always looking over her shoulder, always afraid of what she did and what she caused. Once she knows that she will have to run again she decides now is the time to stop and fight. I enjoyed the characters so much. The way they interact felt so natural. This is a slow burn enemies to lovers romance. I found the incorporation of the LGBTQ+ representation was well done. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion truly brings a whole new twist to the fantasy, mystery, magic genre with an lgbtq+ theme thrown in.
Amy must leave her past behind if they ever truly want a future but soon learns that the past doesn’t always stay there. There are forces that will do whatever is in their power to control Amy, including taking the sister. The only way to escape their control is to fight them and in order to do that they need to build an army. Will Amy ever be free from those that wish to control them? Can Amy find the happily ever after they are searching for?
It is kind of easy to get lost in the book but if you truly read it then it is a wonderful book. Full of action, adventure, romance, and magic that will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. I like that this book incorporates the LGBTQ+ and gender pronouns of inclusivity that we see today. This was an interesting read and I wonder where the author might take it from here.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy was only 12 when she accidentally killed a man, causing the strong leader, Opal, to come for vengeance. To stand a chance, Amy fled to the human world where she learned to harness her powers and opened up a gemstone shop to pass the time. She was tired of running and decided that she was going to settle down whether it meant fighting Opal or not.
Opal spent years trying to find Amy so when she finally succeeds, she takes Amy and her sister Garnet captive. Amy knows that she has to defeat Opal but she won’t be able to do it alone. She was able to destroy most of the magic world after binding Merlin’s two swords together.
When Amy first came to the human world, she met Iris, a shifter who helped Amy figure out some of her powers. With her help and the help of a few other magical friends, can they have an army strong enough to stop Opal?
This book was very unique, most of the magic users relied on gems to harness their powers. Each gem did something different. I also like how the author named all the gem users after gems. Amy was short for Amethyst. The book gave me Steven Universe vibes but more adult themed.
Another bonus is that it is LGBTQ friendly. Iris is gender-fluid and Amy has a same sex love interest. I highly recommend this book for lovers of magic.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was immediately drawn to the cover of this book because it has my favorite color, purple and intrigues by the synopsis and decided to dive right in. This book has what I love with action, drama and magic with some twists and turns to grab my attention.
Amy tries to hide who she is due to being on the run, making sure that no one gets hurt in the process….but Amy’s past comes back to haunt her. The evil Opal is back, wanting vengeance and in order to get Amy’s attention, Opal takes Amy’s sister captive. Evil has bestowed upon Amy and now Amy must learn to fight back….will Amy prevail over the evil and Opal?
This story had me hooked and I really enjoyed the characters I am looking forward to the next book and also be picking up the prequel as well!
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy was twelve and part of a war where they ended up killing for the first time. They then fled to the human world after. They received help from a genderfluid shifter that helped them hide in the human world. Now their sister is captured, and now they start a rebellion. This book has LGBTQ representation, romance, drama, and more. Give it a read!
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This story is the conclusion of Cole and Riley’s story. It picks up right where Savage Lies left off. While you can read it as a standalone…I highly recommend reading the prequel and first book before diving into this one.
We are thrown right back into the drama of Cole and Riley’s story…full of drama, lies, family secrets…and a very thin line between love and hate that is constantly being crossed. We find out that there is so much more going on behind the scenes than anyone could have imagined. There are also many questions that are answered, including: why are they always running?What will happen if Riley’s dad finds them? And, does Riley have a chance at remaining in Hidden Valley for a while?
This is one of those series that I don’t want to give anything away. These two have quite the tangled relationship that has forces from all around them pulling them apart (including themselves). I devoured the book in one sitting because I wanted to know what happened after the cliffhanger of the last book. I highly recommend this series if you are into the bully romance genre with a huge helping of family drama and secrets! I am already looking forward to Damon’s book next!
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After the cliffhanger of Savage Lies, I had to read the next book in the series. In this book, you continue to feel the push and pull of the attraction between Cole and Riley. They continue their love/hate, fire, and feisty games. Yet, Cole is still hell-bent on getting Riley and her mother out of his family life. But also Riley is hidden from her horrible father, and that is proving to be quite a dangerous game. The man is out for blood and he will stop at nothing to get it! This book is a super fast pace page-turner with all kinds of twists coming in hot as there are a ton of dirty little secrets. I can’t wait to see what else this author comes out with.
Reviewed by @alape
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am quite impressed with the first book I’ve read by Julia Goldhirsh! I’m so excited that I picked up their book and cannot wait for the second installment in the Gemstone Massacre Series already. I really appreciate the map in the beginning of the book because I feel that it helps me dive into the world itself. I also LOVE the LGBTQ/gender fluid representation right from the get-go. We start off with a little prologue informing us that they were twelve the first time they killed a man, so definitely diving right into the drama. There is plenty of adventure, different relationships, and magic throughout the whole story. I enjoyed the detail and depth of both the characters and the world. The author did an amazing job bringing everything together to start this series off right. I am excited to see what else Julia brings to life for us!
Reviewed by @shannlynn
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion is the first book in the Gemstone Massacre Series. The book starts out fast paced as Amy is fleeing from an assassin that was sent after her by her vengeful leader. She has been on the run from Opal for years, in a desperate attempt to survive and leave her past behind her. While hiding in plain sight she has been trying to harness her magical powers in preparation for the day where she must fight Opal to the death. This day comes sooner than Amy anticipated when her sister is kidnapped, and Amy has no choice but to fight Opal in order to save her sister. Losing is not an option if both Amy and her sister want to survive.
This book was action packed and full of a few twists and turns that I did not see coming. The fantasy world and characters were wonderfully written. Amy has learned to be strong in order to survive the evil forces that dictated her life in the past. She has been trying to leave her past behind her but has always known the day would come when she would no longer be able to hide. The evil forces that dictated her choices were always going to return and she needed to prepare for the inevitable battle against them. Opal is the leader of the evil forces and the one that Amy has been fleeing from after Opal destroyed their entire clan. She has her own reasons for turning evil, which are explained in a prequel book that I intend to read. This book was full of drama, action, adventure, magic, a bit of romance, and the age-old battle of good versus evil.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Man oh man!! What a great series so far!! I read the prequel to Riley and Cole’s story (books 1 and 2) first and then followed up with books 1 and 2. Although reading the prequel isn’t needed, it does give a little extra to their story that I am personally glad that I read. I can’t wait to read the rest of the Hidden Valley Elite series!! In book 2 SO, SO much happens! This book sucks you in so quick! I read it in two days because I just couldn’t put it down. Cole hates Riley and her mother. He blames her family for the destruction of his family. If it weren’t for them he’d still have his mom. Riley hates Cole. He’s been freezing her out ever since she came into town. She can’t date anyone, she can’t have friends, and everyone is mean to her. He might want her and her him, but they enemies. Living with each other doesn’t help! But their parents (his dad and her mom) want to get married and they swear everything will be okay, safe, and different. Some secrets are deadly though, and she will do everything she can to keep her secrets away from him! He’s hot on her trail though and she must get away. Their game of cat and mouse will put lives in danger if their not careful and what high schooler is careful? When Riley’s father comes into town, their lives get turned upside down. Again. Will they set aside their differences before someone is killed? Will all their secrets catch up to them? That first kiss seared into them both and now the chips are falling all around. You have to read this series!! It will keep you on your toes and hooked until the very end! Then you will be racing to get the next book and the next after that!
https://www.amazon.com/review/R1K4R9UBYXH54Y/ref=pe_1098610_137716200_cm_rv_eml_rv0_rv
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion was a great book that had a mix of romance, dark fantasy, and mystery. The character building and world building was good. In my opinion, the book was unpredictable. This book had some twists to it. This was my first book by the author and I really enjoyed it.
View all my reviews
https://www.bookbub.com/reviews/3768511438
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I waited impatiently for the conclusion of Riley and Cole, and it was worth it…sort of. I feel as if it was a quickly wrapped up present. Don’t get me wrong – it was a good ending. It was just so much so fast.
The questions I had from the previous books were answered. The angst and tension are thick in this book. Emotions are traveling like a roller coaster throughout the ending of their story. The growth in the two characters is parallel to their feelings to one another.
I look forward to the next book by this author.
Hot For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Adam Tron is part of the biggest rock band of the century and as such can have his choice of woman but as his friends in the band are slowly finding there futures he is feeling a bit lost at the moment. Although he has a plan that hopefully will bringing with the woman who has dreamed about for a while now but never approach.
Christy Valor has overcome a lot in her life to get to the heights of the Pop world, so when one of the hottest Rock bands asks her to come and tour for some of there dates she jumps at the chance, although full of sass and seduction she is really looking forward to Tron, his bass speaks to her and if his music anything to go by he would be a brilliant lover, a bit of fun for the tour.
Although they strike up a relationship on the road, Adam feels like there is a secret with Christy that she is not comfortable sharing, yet. But, we need to get through Adam’s manager and Christy’s Manager who seem it is there right to sabotage the relationship from the beginning.
This is the first book I have read in this series and it can be read as a stand alone book, but I am determine to see how each of the other band members find there awesome women. This story is full of pace and you delve straight into the action from the first chapter.
I love the characters of Adam and Christy, as they gel well together and the chemistry which sparks of the age makes you want to keep turning the page to see where the story takes you. There are also great secondary characters with the sense of a family with the band comes off the page and you get the feeling of care and protection from them. I have to say I could have crawled into book and punched the manager Garrett but in the end you do have a sense of sadness for him but not much, Lol.
I can’t wait to read the next book and the books before this ones, as you have made a fan of me.
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Truth is the second book in this series and directly follows book one, so this cannot be read as a standalone. This is the conclusion to Riley and Cole’s Story who we met in book one. I really enjoyed their story even if i wanted to smack them occasionally. The author pulled me in and made the main characters interesting even when they were being total wankers. There was drama, suspense and with danger just around the corner no one could relax. This was a little angsty for my taste but i enjoyed the story overall and was eager to see how some of the “who’s and what’s” questions that book one left me with. I am looking forward to more books by this author in the future!
Happy Reading!
Savage Truth: A Dark High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Truth is the continuation of Cole and Riley’s story. The previous book ended in one heck of a cliffhanger and the angst and attraction between them is even more dramatic at the beginning of this book than it was in the first.
Cole is still trying to find a way to get both Riley and her mother out of his and his family’s lives, and Riley is trying to discover what her mother’s angle is. Is this just another con or does she really have true feelings for Cole’s father?
As Cole and Riley try to push each other to the brink, they also can’t deny the pull they feel towards one another. The attraction they feel soon starts developing into something much more, but dangerous secrets and dangerous characters are hiding in the shadows that threaten to destroy them all.
While there was a good bit of mystery in the previous book, it gets kicked several notches in Savage Truth. As the title suggests, we finally get the answers to the questions of the dark secrets Cole and Riley’s families are keeping.
This may be the final installment to Riley and Cole’s story, but the writer, Isla Vaughn, has a whole series in store for us that promises to give us other intriguing stories and characters. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58476991-amy-s-rebellion” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Amy’s Rebellion” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1625294858l/58476991._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58476991-amy-s-rebellion”>Amy’s Rebellion</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19412635.Julia_Goldhirsh”>Julia Goldhirsh</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5530726119″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Amys rebellion brings in a character that does not adhere to old societal norms and brings in this idea that the main heroine can be anything that ‘they’ want to be. Amy leads the reader on a Dark Fantasy that incorporates themes that seemed to be inspired by King Arthur and Merlin’s story. Right from the first page the reader is introduced to the idea that Amy is no naive Jane/John Doe, and has had to fight their way forward in Society. In Amy’s rebellion there is romance, adventure and mystery with a modern look to it.
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<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/44107748-emily”>View all my reviews</a>
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Truth, Hidden Valley Elite Series Book 2 is a New Adult (High School) enemy-to-lovers romance. Within its pages you will find a “bully” type relationship between the two main characters, Cole and Riley, mixed in with drama, jealousy, lies, family secrets, unexpected sparks, and maybe even some true feelings of first love. Though this can be read as a standalone, I’d really recommend reading both the prequel and the first book of this series as they give you a lot of background and insight into these characters, their lives, and everything that has been going on over the last couple of years.
Much like the prequel, Savage Start and book 1, Savage Lies, I devoured this book wanting to see what if anything Riley and Cole have discovered about themselves and each other. Have they figured out how you can crave someone so deeply and loathe them at the same time? This book starts off right at the cliffhanger point where the first book ended. Savage Truth finally answers questions like: Why have Riley and her mom been running pretty much all their lives? Does Cole admit to everyone what he knows about Riley’s mom? Will Riley finally get to stay in one place for good and have a normal high school experience? Is Riley’s dad really as bad as her mom says he is? What will happen if Riley’s dad does find them? Are they really finally safe?
“Bully” type romances are not something that has ever really interested me until now. My only negative about this series is that some of the situations or things Riley thought and said seemed a little repetitive, but thinking back, that fits with her character as those are things that have been drilled into her head based on the lifestyle she and her mom have lived. I really liked seeing Cole’s softer side in the prequel before he became so hardened by life and let-downs. The characters’ emotional growth in these books was well written and I felt like I got to watch them blossom throughout this series. I have really enjoyed this whole series and can’t wait to read more from this author and find out what happens to the rest of the Elite, Cole’s brother and two cousins.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first book in the Gemstone Massacre Series. This is a fantasy story filled with magic, danger, Suspense, shapeshifters and a enemies to friends romance. The author does an amazing job of creating the magic world in a way the makes the reader believe its real. I wasn’t aware that their was a prequel to this story and I feel if I had read that first I would have understood the conflict between Amy and Opal better so I will be going back to read that.
I loved the main character of Amy. Amy is a very strong and determined person who has had to deal with a lot of loss, from losing their best friend to losing their entire clan. Now Amy has escaped to earth and is in hiding however she won’t be able to hide forever and with Opal hunting Amy down she knows she needs to build an army strong enough to fight.
The author does an amazing job and it was unique to find the characters who are part of the LGBTQ+ which makes this story relevant and more in keeping with today’s society.
I also loved the likeness to old mystical stories such as Merlin and King Arthur and Excalibur. All these different elements work so well together to take the reader on an exciting journey across magical relms and overcoming obstacles along the way which makes this read really engaging. I can’t wait to see what happens next in the series.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion (Gemstone Massacre Book 1) by Julia Goldhirsh. This is such a good Adult Fantasy read. Its the story of Amy who has killed a man in self defense at, of all places the peace negotiations. Due to this she has been given the name of Amethyst Killer. Amy has a lot of enemies but none that are worse than Opal who is the Magic Council’s President. Amy runs to the human world to escape. Unfortunately Opal follows her and wants Amy dead. She has already killed her whole clan and she won’t stop until she kills Amy. Amy is trying to escape as far away as she can but also she won’t lay down. Opal has taken her friend Night and Amy isn’t sure if Night was captured or is with Opal on her own which adds a whole other level of confusion for Amy. Will Amy be able to lead her people to peace or will Opal take Amy down at last? Read this fast paced Adult Fantasy to find out!
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
In Savage Truth, we continue the story of Riley and Cole. Riley is still feeling unsafe in the Savage household and her mom is pulling away. Cole, unaware of the danger Riley and Raelynn are in, still torments and pines after Riley. This was a good follow up to the 1st book in the series and picked up right where we left off. This book offers more closure into their relationship and telling us the full history of Riley’s lifestyle. While I do like romantic suspense, the teen angst in this series is a bit much. So much drama that as an adult reading gives me eye roll moments. The possessiveness of Cole was also giving me red flag moments although I feel the author was trying to add more drama into the story. Good read overall.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh is book 1 in the Gemstone Massacre series. This book was a fun read. It follows Amy who is on the run from her vengeful leader. Soon she realizes she has nowhere left to run and must fight back. There was a lot going on in this book as is typical at the start of fantasy series. I really enjoyed the world-building as well as the good amount of LGBT+ representation. Watching Amy come into her own and do what she must to protect herself was great fun. The story has a lot of adventure and is a page-turner. I feel like fantasy lovers will really enjoy this story.
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Amy is twelve years old when they kill a man.
With the help of a shifter, they run to the human world where they learn to camouflage themselves but soon they are discovered.
It is time to fight and stop running.
The cover and plot caught my attention. Amy is a fierce and fearless main character and I really loved them.
I don’t read a lot of stories where the main character is trying to build an army.
This book does a great job of incorporating world building with the other elements such as suspense and action.
There are a few options for love interests and I love the slow burn enemies to lovers.
I didn’t know there was LGBTQ+ representation when I first started reading so it was an added surprise that made me love it more.
I saw there were two prequel stories so I probably should have started with those first before reading the main stories. I feel like it would have added some details as far as why certain events happen. But I do plan on going back to read them.
I was really hoping there was a sequel book cause I really want to know what will happen next.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Riley and Cole, they aren’t enemies, but they aren’t friendly with each other either. Savage Truth picks up with all the intensity from the ending of Savage Lies. It isn’t lack of interest that keep Cole and Riley from each other, there is definitely a spark! Riley’s past and Cole’s pain are the problem. And then the secrets start surfacing.
As the truth starts to get out, everyone is there to protect themselves. When Riley is truly in danger attitudes start to shift. Riley’s father truly is the terrible person her mother has always claimed he was. When he makes his appearance known he does it in a bad way. Cole and Damon learn all the secrets; their family secrets and Riley’s and it makes all the difference in their attitudes. Cole, Damon and the cousins join forces with Uncle Ronan to make sure Riley is safe.
This series has been a roller coaster of emotions that keeps you reading late into the night. Save Lies and Savage Truth have been gripping and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Amy’s Rebellion by Julia Goldhirsh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
First time read from this author, and it was enjoyable. It is a fantasy novel with its own element. Amy a heroine who was a fearless and fierce. She drove herself as well as the others around her.
This book entangles magic, drama, action, suspense, and a perfect touch of romance.
Amy left her previous life behind. A life in which her decisions were not her own, and the choices were dictated by others. Amy knows she cannot leave her past fully behind, and the evil forces won’t stop until they have her. She determines her own fate now, and the only way to ever be free is to lead her own army against the evil that’s coming. The story that you will not want to miss.
Savage Truth: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The second book of the series and was pretty good! I can’t decide which one i liked better but book two packed a punch. The push and pull was good. I can see that maybe some wouldn’t enjoy however I happened to really like the characters and the dynamic between them. It was an easy read, hard to put down and had the best twists. Great read! Can’t wait to see what else the series has for me!
