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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Heather Goodman

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristin Boutelle

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Amanda Glaspie

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jade Brunton

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kay Stritesky

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Crystal Jimmo

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jess Engel

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!

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

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)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!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Erin DeRoma

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy BItsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kristan Anderson

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!

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

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)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

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

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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 (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jayme Raffauf

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Dr. Anya Schultz

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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.

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

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)Savage Start by Isla Vaughn

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!

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

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)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.

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

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite #0.5)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.

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Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn-Review by Victoria McQuigg

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite #1)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!!!!

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Savage Start by Isla Vaughn-Review by Victoria McQuigg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

❣🌹❤🥀 ❥ BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE ❣🌹❤🥀 ❥
Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn
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 ~

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Isla Vaughn is the author of the Hidden Valley Elite series. Her romance books are full of complex characters, strong alpha males, and the fierce women who bring them to their knees. When not writing, she can be found daydreaming about owning a beach house, reading, or drinking too much coffee. You can find her at www.IslaVaughnAuthor.com

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