Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Enemies to lovers for sure! You can feel the tension between the two main characters. This is the first book in the series, but I recommend reading the prequel first. I found it very hard to put this book down to do anything! It kept me hooked until the end. Now I must read book 2!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is the second (well first actual) book in this duet that I have read, the first was the prequel to this series called Savage Start. After reading the prequel I wanted to read more of Riley and Cole’s story but I don’t think it’s absolutely necessary to read the prequel first but the author published it for a reason so it would make sense to start there. Savage Lies started out pretty much at the beginning (again) when they are moving into a new house but not looking for a new mark, yet? Or maybe never according to Riley’s mom. Her mom thinks she should stop worrying, take a break, and enjoy her senior year, but how can she when Cole Savage exists. This series is the ultimate bully to lovers romance. The characters are young, in high school, and I really like the dual point of view. There is a lot of suspense, and tension between the characters that keeps you turning pages wanting to find out what happens next and you are left with a cliffhanger at the end that makes you want to grab the next book right away.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is Book One in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. It is a high school bully, enemies to lover’s romance with angst, drama, passion, tension, and secrets. This book continues from the prequel, Savage Start, which gives the backstory of Riley and Shane’s first encounter and how they first met. Riley is used to being on the run with her mom and never living in any one place for too long. So, imagine her surprise when they move back to a place, they lived only a brief time before. Riley’s mom is insistent that they are starting over and that they will be putting down roots this time. Riley is now having to start over again at a new school, which she has done dozens of times before, but this time is different. This new school is for the wealthy, the privileged, the elite. Worst of all, this school puts Riley face to face with Cole who is determined to make Riley’s life as miserable as possible. Riley and Cole clash, and neither are willing to back down. Cole comes off as a complete jerk, but Riley stands her ground and proves to be tougher skinned than Cole anticipated. The chemistry between the two is off the charts which farther complicates matters. The cliffhanger at the end has me anxious to read the next book.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, the author has me holding on by my fingernails. I got sucked right into the story right off the start and it never let me go. I love the way the MC handles the bully aspect of the story. Way to go for taking the high road. I had a lot of the same feelings that were going through her head as well, I could relate completely.
The love hate relationship between Riley and Cole has me reeling. The character building is on point and has you invested in the reason both Cole and Riley want to hate each other. Fear is a struggle to keep at bay in this teenage coming of age story. I need the next book.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Riley’s world is turned upside down when the life she and her mother is turned upside down by a man. She is now forced to try to blend into a new school but cannot since she has been the focus of one of the Elite’s and his want to be girlfriend. Her run ins with Cole get even more tangled and twisted as her mother drops a bomb on her about moving in to Cole’s dad’s house where things intensify. How strong can Riley stay? Very well written and easy to read.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn is a great new adult romance series
She was meant to be safe by relocating to a new place and assuming a new name. Breaking: It didn’t. Rather, it thrust her into the most perilous situation conceivable. Cole Savage’s visual range.Just one of four members of the untouchable elite, stupid and perfect. They are football stars at the Academy, revered by their peers as gods. And he made her a target from the very first day of school. All due to a single, foolish kiss.
Every page was exciting and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. The story really brings us into their world. I couldn’t put the book down.
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I am so NOT okay with that ending. Seriously?! I was not prepared for a cliff hanger. There better be a followup book! I loved The Other Side of Together, and did not want to put it down. However, it did turn a little deeper than I expected. In the beginning I was talking it up to my 14 year old, saying how I thought she would love it. But now I’m second guessing because it was not the light-hearted teen love story I expected. Mei Li and Marcus develop a strong bond, very quickly. They are practically neighbors, but grew up totally different lives. Mei Li feels obligated to make choices, to keep her family safe. But perhaps her parents don’t even want the same things for her, we don’t know the whole story yet. I knew Nick was a bad guy, but it went beyond what I expected. And now I want to know how everyone else is involved. Not so patiently awaiting a continued story….
Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Riley met Cole, Cole doesn’t remember Riley. Riley is in a new elite school where she is at the bottom of the hierarchy. Cole has set his eyes on Riley and not in a good way. Once he realizes his father is involved with her mom, it is game on. Cole is determined to bring Riley down but he is also fighting wanting her but hating her. Riley’s world is swirling around her and she is angry, throw in Cole and it her whole world is about to erupt.
This is part of a series. The emotions between Riley and Cole are intense. I thought Cole was a jerk but you see sides to him that show a different side. I am eager to read the next book, such an entertaining book with a hint of mystery on what is next to come.
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The teens in this series suffer from neglectful parenting. Many of the characters have been parenting themselves as well as their own parents. The sad fact is that this happens way too often in today’s world. Young people need direction when they are maturing yet these characters strive to do the best they can with what they have been given. A world of privilege does guarantee a happy life.
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oh, wow! This story could have come straight from today’s headlines! At the center is the budding romance between an undocumented immigrant and the son of a police detective. Both young people are hampered by family secrets- the ones they, as well as the ones they are unaware of. Family loyalty competes with the urge on the parts of the couple to forge their own path together. The end of the story is actually a new beginning.
Resisting Nature by Brooke May
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
So while this is the 4th book in the Powder River Pack series, it’s the first book I am reading, and it can absolutely be read as a stand alone, but I do feel that you would probably get more backstory in reading the other books in the series. This is also my 1st time reading this author. I have to say, other than being somewhat shorter than I’m used to reading, this was a great book. I love the characters, the world building, the strong plot. I am looking forward to reading more of the series, as well as more from this author.
Review By
Manda Kelly
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I am so glad I read the prequel first, I loved the continuation of the story between Cole and Riley. Its definitely an addictive read and a book that cannot be put down. Who doesn’t love a dark brooding man and people you don’t know if you can rely on.
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This prequal is enough to entice anyone into reading the rest of the series. This short book is full of angst and leaves you on a cliffhanger. I did love the bully romance troupe and the twist with the conwoman. I am really enjoying this series so far.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Wow, so much to unpack in this brilliant book. There’s the mystery, the romance, the hidden histories and motivations of different characters. The second book in an amazing series, this one contains references to its predecessor but can also be read as a stand alone. Be warned though, the twists and turns will keep you turning the pages and reading long into the night! 5 stars!
Reviewed by @sparkinside
Master Botosoni by Sylvia Black
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Mann!! I do love this series and I’m always super excited when I see a new one was released. This could be read as a standalone but let me tell you I highly suggest you going back to read all 8 of the previous books. Sylvia Black definitely has another hit on her hands. This book wass so good from start to finish. I could barely sit it down. I just had to know how it ended. How Botosoni and Catina got their HEA. It’s a fast past read with some steamy bits. It was also real action packed, with the war between them and rogues and shifters. This author is always so well written, with great characters and side characters.i love reading her works.I can not wait til April for the 10th Book 🙌😍
Ps 🤨 21 is getting to old then I must be a crypts keeper 🤣
Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Hidden Valley Elite Book 2 (3 if you include the novella prequel) was my favorite of the series so far. The drama between Riley and Cole reaches an all new high and there were some chapters that had me at the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this one down! I enjoyed the previous books, but this one was much better. Isla Vaughn put together a great story here and all the twists and turns were well placed and took the book to a whole different level compared to book 1 and the prequel. I look forward to reading many more by Isla and reading more from this series.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic is the second book in the Divine Vintage Series. It is a cozy mystery with paranormal elements, drama, suspense, mystery, intrigue, vintage clothing, and romance. I was so excited to read this book after having read book one, Divine Vintage, and I was not disappointed. This time around we follow the (mis)adventures of Marcy as she reluctantly agrees to lend a hand as a costumer to a local theatre group. Things start off on the wrong foot for her immediately with the Play Director, Mike, as she inadvertently seems to have gotten on his bad side without even trying. As if that is not bad enough, Marcy finds herself confronted with a glowing white orb in the loft of the theatre where the costumes are stored. She is unnerved and spooked by the white light but finds herself wanting to know more about it, so she enlists the help of her friend Tess. Although Marcy has become more in tune with her abilities to see a person’s aura, it is Tess that can connect with the spirit world through vintage clothing. Together, Marcy and Tess begin to unlock the secrets of a gruesome death that took place in the theatre in 1966. I loved the characters in this story, especially Marcy with her eclectic clothing style and easy-going attitude. Although she was fun-loving, she also had a firecracker spirit that she revealed when someone, such as Mike, pushed her buttons. I loved that Tess could sense spirits and see visions through the touch of vintage clothing and thought it was a unique and special gift to have. I cannot wait for the next book!
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is a fantastic chapter in the “Hidden Valley Elite” series by Isla Vaughn. Savage lies although officially book one of the series it continues the sizzling heat between Cole and Riley that we got a glimpse of in the prequel book savage start. Cole starts a vindictive war against Riley wanting to drive her and her mum out of his life while fighting his undeniable attraction and lust for her. The chemistry between them is like fireworks and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series…
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen is a beautiful and consuming YA love story. Mei Li and Marcus are well written and fully developed characters. Their story is complicated, heart breaking, and will make you feel all the emotions. The issues they are dealing with in the book are so real and raw and make it that much more complex and heartfelt. Definitely recommend this beautiful story. 5 out 5 Stars!
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic (Divine Vintage Series) by Sandra L. Young, This is such a fun paranormal, romance. Its the story of Marcy who is an artist who has just realized she can read people’s aura’s. She is also a expert in vintage clothing so when her friend is left in charge of the local production of “The Importance of Being Earnest” Marcy is in charge of the wardrobe. While working on this production Marcy begins to see a Aura around the theater and when Marcy finds out that this same play was put on in this very same theater 50 years ago and the lead actress died tragically during the production. Marcy is determined to solve this actresses death so that she can be free at last. Marcy is also attracted to both the director and an actor Will she be able to play the leading role without becoming an aura herself? Read this fun romance to find out!
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young is the second book in the Divine Vintage series. While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a stand-alone. In this book we follow Marcy Alexander who is Tess’s assistant from the first book. Marcy finds herself in a ghostly mystery when she sees an unattached aura while doing a costuming gig. Marcy is used to seeing the auras of the living but not of ghosts. Of course, Marcy is in for a ride when she finds herself in a ghostly mystery. We also meet Mike, the director of the play that Marcy is costuming. They find themselves a bit at odds but of course, that changes. I enjoyed this story. I loved the first book so much and I wasn’t sure how I was going to feel about a change in the main character but Marcy was just as lovely as a main character as she was as a side character. The story was just as engaging as the first book. The chemistry between Mike and Marcy was great and the romance was sweet and just right. Ms Young writes ghost stories so well. I am always drawn into the world of her stories. I adore the characters. The writing is absolutely lovely. Please do yourself a favor and read this book and then go read Divine Vintage if you haven’t yet.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance with a ghostly twist. Having read and enjoyed book one in this series I was looking forward to this book and I was not disappointed. I was hooked from page one and was kept happily turning the pages by the ghostly mystery storyline. Marcy Alexander is a vintage fashionista who reluctantly agrees to do the costumes for a period-era play. However, she was not expecting all the drama, or having to harness her aura-reading ability to solve a ghostly mystery from 1966. Then there is the director Mike who is gorgeous but gruff, and who’s aura flares crimson, meaning he’s irritated whenever they talk. He’s determined to produce a great show despite his prank-driven friends. As well as all this Marcy has an ailing Mum who is urging her to pursue her dream career and she has a very persistent ghost to deal with. The descriptive narrative brought the setting vividly to life making me feel fully immersed in the story. I found Marcy very likeable and relatable and enjoyed her developing romance with director Mike. The ghostly element along with the 1966 murder mystery kept me gripped throughout.
Divinely Dramatic by Sandra L. Young
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Divinely Dramatic is the second book in the Divine Vintage series. This can be read and enjoyed as a standalone book. It had been some time since I read the first book in this series, but it was not an issue for diving into this fun mystery read. Marcy has been asked to be the costumer for a production of an Oscar Wilde play. I was drawn in immediately because I love Oscar Wilde’s works, but the drama that always seems to unfold when stage productions are involved in a book. There are plenty of interesting characters, a mysterious death from the 1960s, and more in this book. I’m not going to give plot points or anything away. Just know that if you enjoy a fun mystery set in the theater, you will enjoy this book. I liked the characters and how the history of the theater played into the story. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future.
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
4 Stars
The Other Side of Together by Emily Cox and Nicole Allen proved to be everything the blurb promised, and more. Emotionally charged with raw and gritty developments, these authors stummed my emotions and delivered an captivating angsty YA romantic drama.
This has a bit of a forbidden romance x star-crossed lovers feel and the darker elements worked beautifully. Marcus and Mei Li are a case of opposites attract, but will face challenges that will test them- so will they risk it all for love? Their story is set to continue, so bring on Book #2 ASAP!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Emily Cox and Nicole Allen!
Reviewed by @angelahayes
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Savage Lies is the very first book in the Hidden Valley Elite series, and what a read! It’s full to the brim with drama, emotion, and HEAT! Cole and Riley are both such addicting characters, truly a new addition in the classic, but fantastic enemies to lovers trope! I personally recommend reading the prequel Savage Start before diving into this, there are several references you may not got if not, as well as it being just as thrilling to read! Was truly enthralled with this series and could not put it down, finishing it in a day just like a did with the prequel! Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a spicy, anger inducing, amazingly frustrating book!!
Savage Start by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Riley and her mom have been on the run for years. Bouncing from place to place. They finally settle in a fancy town. Full of wealthy people, and a beach. Riley sneaks into a mansion that has a party going on and steals a gold lighter. That’s where she runs into Cole. He wants to know more about the new mystery girl.
Cole and Damon are care takers for their mother. Their father is a lawyer always saying he’s out of town on business trips. Well not is all what it seems. There is a trigger warning at the end. I was not ready to stumble on that. Neither were the boys or their father.
This was a super quick read but so so good! I can’t wait to learn more about Riley and Cole and Damon. And what’s to come next!
A Heart So Savage by April Moran
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is book 2, we get more pov from this book. Book one is a king so savage so read that, then book 2. Kingston and Ava are really falling for each other, but she thinks she will be the downfall of them both. You find out what happened to Kingston and Oliver as kids and what a monster their father was. Ava gets confused in her feelings for King but she knows she needs him more now than ever, more than King will understand. Carson wants Ava to be declared dead so he can get her inheritance. But that doesn’t work out to Carson’s plan, nor Ava’s. Kingston maybe twisted in his ways of love and treatment of Ava but as in book one he will destroy everyone and everything for Ava. Omg couldn’t put this down!!
Resisting Nature by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Last book in this great series, you will find romances, werewolves, and drama. Although the story can technically be considered stand alone, reading the previous books in the series will help you understand other characters as well as the present characters. This one focuses on Alexa and Miles. She is leaving her past behind her and settling into a new place and new career. She can finally breathe until her encounter with Miles. His charm easily entrances her as she also has the same effect on him. Unfortunately, she pushes him away before getting too close and this leaves Miles baffled. Will this disconnection help to find ways to gain her trust and cope with her past or break what has been formed?
It Just Comes Natural by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The third romance in this book series focuses on Macy and Brandon. Brandon, who is a part of the wolf pack, has been away for some time but is now back in his hometown in Wyoming. Now it is his chance to win back his girl and make her his mate. Macy works hard to keep from repeating her family’s past wrongdoings. She is the representation of a strong female character. But now with their lives moving forward from where they interacted last, can something develop from where they currently stand? Characters from the previous book in series are brought back into the story but this book can be a stand alone but much better understanding and enjoyment reading previous books in series.
Call of the Alpha by Brooke May
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
First book in this series was so good and I was very much looking forward to the next one! This one focuses on Rylie and Mason’s romance. Hard working and career driven Rylie is brought back to her hometown and is instantly drawn towards Mason, who is the alpha of the werewolf pack. These wolves have an intense scent of attraction when it comes to being drawn to their mate that helps balance out their aggressive nature. Being such a busy man, Mason dismisses looking for a mate but Rylie’s scent starts to quickly change things for him. As they start getting to know one another, Mason has his own dark secrets in which he contemplates revealing to Rylie or not. Seeing where this romance turns into makes this read worthwhile!
