Savage Lies – Page 3 – Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Mertz

April 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ashley Mertz

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies is available now in eBook and Physical Book
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐⭐ Book Review

Savage Lies is the first installment of the Hidden Valley Elite series. It follows the prequel, Savage Start. It is an enemy to lovers, dark, high school bully romance. Picking up where Savage Start left off, Riley and her mother are back in town and Riley’s mom is telling her to make herself comfortable as they will be staying for a while. However, Riley can’t quite figure out how to get comfortable when Cole gives her all the negative vibes. Determined to run Riley right out of town, is she and her mother truly safe?

Savage Lies is a teenage drama full of angst, emotion, and plenty of banter. The characters are realistic, lovable, and relatable. This is my second time reading a book by Isla Vaughn and I am absolutely hooked. Her writing reels you in from the very beginning leaving you begging for more. Savage Lies ends in a cliffhanger, which had me disappointed but once I put into perspective that meant I would get the pleasure of reading another Vaughn novel, I was stoked. I can’t wait to get my hands on Savage Truth.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Conley

April 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Megan Kimley

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 1st book in the Hidden Valley series and we pick up about a year after the prequel. While it’s not necessary to read the prequel, I definitely recommend it because it does provide key information that will help you understand what’s going on. Cole doesn’t remember Riley (but there’s just something about her), but she remembers Cole. I really loved how Isla Vaughn develops her characters and the plot line and cannot wait to get my hands on the next book! This is an enemies-to-lovers, “bully” romance with some darker themes that may trigger some people. *Ends on a cliffhanger*

Reviewed by @meggs1717

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Nichole Chrisman

April 20, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Nichole Chrisman

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 1 in the Hidden Valley Elite and I have been WAITING for it! I read the prequel first and could not wait to get my hands on this one! You don’t have to read the prequel but it gives a good amount of nuance that this doesn’t go into. In this book Riley and her mom have moved, again but mom is determined to stay in this location. Her mom starts dating a new guy and it’s Cole’s dad. Cole and his brother a livid that their dad is dating already after the loss of their mom and while he is attracted to Riley (who he doesn’t remember meeting), he is not about to let her mom and his dad be together. All Riley wants is to live her life as normally as she can but that won’t happen if Cole has anything to do with it!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shannon Fowler

April 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shannon Fowler

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is a continuation from Savage Start so definitely start there. Teenager Riley and her mother are con artists. However, it seems that mom has had a change of heart. She insists that this is the real deal and that Riley can be a normal teenager. Riley isn’t sure of anything anymore. Including the attraction to Cole.
Teenager Cole is considered the high school’s elite and he’s the football star. Everyone wants to be with him or be him. Cole is typical in that he is mad at his parents and the world. However, Riley enters his world and things are a little more interesting but why all the lies? What is the truth about her and her mother?

This story is a really good teen angst story. Everything seems like the end of the world. They know it all. Noone loves them. Parties, football and hatred for the parents. This author seems to know teenagers.

I am left with questions as this story ended on a cliffhanger. So I am looking forward to reading the next story, Savage Truth.

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Reviewed by @shannonlovesbooks

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Bethany Rucker

April 19, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Bethany Rucker

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley has many dark family secrets that she wants to keep hidden. Cole has his own personal and family secrets he doesn’t want getting out. However, Riley is just the new girl at their school, and Cole is considered someone untouchable. Who will end up coming out on top when they start hating and blackmailing each other? Will their hatred for each other, or their lust win out in the end? Patiently waiting on book 2!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Stephanie Chapman

April 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Stephanie Runyon

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

n angle, a vulnerability. Find it and exploit it.”

In Savage Lies, Riley and her mother have returned to Santa Monica after being gone for a year. This time, Riley enrolled in a private school and her mother has disappeared with her boyfriend. When Riley questions her Uncle Ronan, he assures her that Raelyn hasn’t told him anything. On the first day of school, Riley runs into Cole. Instantly she recognizes him, but since she has changed her entire look, he doesn’t. Without his knowledge, Riley lifts Cole’s wallet to learn more about him. While hiding in the bathroom, she pockets the money from the wallet. Just as she is about to exit, she runs straight into Cole. He threatens her. He will make her life miserable. Cole spreads the word to stay away from Riley. However, after school, he hears someone in the pool area. He sees Riley on the high dive and interrupts her mid-dive, but not until after he takes a picture with the clock in the background for evidence.

Cole’s father, Lucas, tells him to not worry about the alert he receives about one of their rental properties. Instead, Cole learns that his father’s new woman’s daughter was the one who set the alarm off. Raeyln and Riley are living in the rental property. Cole gets a copy of the key, intent on showing Riley he can get her anywhere. Shocked, Riley demands to know how he got the key to the house. Cole informs “Your mother is dating my dad.” From that moment, Riley intends to get revenge.

The plot thickens in the series. Both Cole and Riley are hiding dark secrets. Despite their “hatred” of each other, something undeniably attracted both of them to each other. Isla Vaughn created well-developed personalities for every person in this book and the cliffhanger ending had me desperate to read more. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a romance novel with more depth than just happily ever. I am eager to read the sequel.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jenique Bornman

April 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jenique Bornman

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Firstly READ THE PREQUEL!

This book, THIS BOOK. WOW absolutely blown away. The author walks the line between love and hate with perfection.
The characters are superbly written and the development of the story is superb. 10/10
The story follows to people who are SOOO attracted to each other that the extreme hatred they have for each other is completely overshadowed. The chemistry…. one word HOT.
The push and pul between them is so intense and the slow burn is just waiting for the spark that will ignite their absolute overpowering passion for each other. Let me tell you I CAN’T WAIT!!
Bit of a cliffhanger at the end but we don’t have to wait long… next book is set to be released 27 April

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Bethany Rollins

April 18, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Bethany Rollins

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Riley returns to Santa Monica and Hidden Valley Academy, the same place she met Cole, their dream kiss moment never forgotten. Cole has also never forgotten the little thief he met a year ago and now she returns transformed into a new look, but he feels the connection not knowing they are the same girl. Cole is still angry at his father over the death of his mom, which lead him to torment Riley and mark her as his alone. As his hostility grows so does his desire to truly claim Riley as his own.

This is so far a great series and I’m ready to jump into book 2. I am hopeful Riley will step up to her independent and fierce spirit we only seen glimpses of thus far. I also cannot wait to see how Riley and Cole will continue to grow together. The suspenseful overtones that Riley and her mom have set up adds to the drama of the story and keeps making you wonder when safety will be shattered.

I would recommend reading the prequel prior to starting this book. It’s not necessary but it is beneficial in not getting held up on simple questions and getting more background on the main characters.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone

April 17, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jessica

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jessica Stone

So, to start I highly recommend reading the prequel story Savage starts, I don’t believe that it is required, but it definitely gives a lot of context as to what’s going on in this book and a lot of deep down thoughts and emotions that our two main characters are feeling in the book.

Cole and his brother Damon are seemingly you average rich boys, stars of the football team, heartthrobs, used to getting what they want. And what they want is their father to feel the pain that they have felt after recently losing their mother. But quicker than they would like, it seems as though their father has moved on and they’ll do anything to put a stop to that relationship.

Riley, is anything BUT your average kid, having moved around from town to town with her mother pulling con’s on unsuspecting men, her mom swears this town, this time will be different. But Riley’s heard that before and isn’t quite ready to believe her mom.

Suddenly Riley and Cole are thrust into one another’s lives, there’s an undeniable attraction between the two that Riley is fighting tooth an nail. Cole on the other hand is trying to keep Riley close, so he can tear her and her moms life apart.

This book is a WILD ride, I have a wee bit of whiplash after reading it. I’m obsessed with this series already, I love the push and pull, enemies to lovers, high school bully angsty themes to this series. Spoiler alert this book end on a sudden cliff hanger that has me dying for the next book. The build up is great, the story, familiar but with its own spin and the writing has my begging for more.Can’t wait to see what this author has in store for the rest of this series I can see it easily becoming a favorite of mine.

Savage Lies, Hidden Valley Elite Series, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy BItsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, April 2023

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Tausha Treadway

April 17, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Tausha Treadway

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn. This is a great enemies to lovers romance. Its the story of Riley who has moved once again and her mom promises this will be the last time. Cole is the star football player and part of an elite group of kids. What he says goes and everyone follows him. When Riley and Cole share a secret kiss this puts a target on Riley’s back and when Cole can’t get her out of his head he treats her even worse. Riley is no shrinking violet so when he’s mean to her she stands right up to him and doesn’t back down. This fascinates Cole even more. He’s almost obsessed with her. He pretends he doesn’t want her but is not going to let anyone else have her. There is a fine line between love and hate and Cole is pushing those limits to the core. Will he finally freeze Riley out or will Riley come out on top in outsmarting Cole? Read this fun romance to find out!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brittany Angel

April 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Brittany

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies picks up a year after the events in Savage Start. Riley and her mother are back in town once again, and Riley has every reason to be weary. Her mother assures her they are there to stay and that she needs to get comfortable. The biggest problem she has is Cole Savage and the fact that he will do anything to get her out of his life and town.

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Savage Lies Hidden Valley Elite Book 1 by Isla Vaughn Review by Heidi Woodring

April 16, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Heidi Eich Woodring

Savage Lies, the first book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn great read. This bully to romance grabbed be instantly. Riley and Cole, the main characters have something that draw them together and that is what make reading this so profound. The teenage drama, the family dysfunctions, and the emotions in this book grab you even more to make this hard to walk away kind of read. The supporting character are amazing too and hope some get their own book along the way.
This is the first book that I read by this author and I am hooked. I love that this series is darker then the normal high school stuff. This is not that type of read. The author really showed emotion in creating this series. Each character is their own, each plot comes with drama that make this series strong. I can not wait to read all the books in this series!

Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Brandy Rymer

April 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Brandy Jo Rymer

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite Book 1 “Savage Lies” was amazing! I stayed up all night reading because I could not put this book down! Riley is a girl with secrets who is not only gorgeous, but she knows how to protect herself, she doesn’t let anyone mess around with her. Cole is the Elite of Hidden Valley High School and always goes after what he wants, and what he wants is the new girl Riley. Cole is not only a star player on the football team, but he participates in underground fights with his brother Damon, and his cousins Phoenix and Shane to help raise money for his cousin’s college tuition. Unfortunately if Cole or the boys got caught he could risk losing any chance any of them have at going to their choice college. Cole makes sure that everyone in the school knows that Riley is off limits, he wants her cold-shouldered and no male is allowed to date her. Cole gets dirt on Riley, while she gets dirt on Cole, and they both go back and forth trying to one-up the other, while trying to fight off the electrical passion that they have between them. Unbeknownst to either one, Riley’s mom is dating Cole’s dad, and he’s proposed marriage. Cole figures out that Riley’s mom was his dad’s mistress when his mom committed suicide, making Cole’s love/hate relationship with Riley even stronger. What lengths will Cole go to make Riley’s life a living hell to get his revenge for the death of his mother, and will their passion for one another go unrequited or will they find an outlet to suit the two, especially with Riley sleeping across the hall from Cole?

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Ashley Westerman

April 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Ashley Westerman

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m really enjoying this series, I am so glad I got to read this enemies to lovers romance. I really like how complex the plot of the books is. It makes reading it that much better, but also makes me very excited to read the next book in the series. I’m glad I was able to read the prequel, it’s not necessary but it helped me understand better. The chemistry of Cole and Riley flew off the pages and let me feel the emotions. Great read. Highly Recommend!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by M Policicchio

April 15, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by M Policicchio

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies picks up one year after the end of Savage Start. Riley and her mom have moved back to Santa Monica. Riley finds herself alone, her mother off with a boyfriend that Riley knows nothing about, starting a new school. The first day Riley bumps into the eyes she can never forget, the set of lips that belong to a kiss she cannot stop feeling, tasting. Cole.

Cole figures out that Riley is the daughter of the woman his father is dating quickly. Cole decides that despite the intense attraction that he can’t explain that he is going to use Riley to inflict pain on his father. Riley turns out to be no easy target. She is spunky and fiery. The back and forth, the games, the slow torture between Riley and Cole is only adding fuel to Cole’s fire, his desire. After a couple of heated, hate filled kisses, Riley and Cole find themselves in an awkward situation. His father and her mother wanted to get married. Cole is dead set on making sure that never happens.

HOLY COW!!!! The sparks and chemistry between Cole and Riley. If these two would just ever just take a moment to have a conversation without all the hatred and evil plans. When these two finally get together it is going to be nothing but fireworks. Between the secrets and lies, Cole and Riley manage to find each other and grow close without all the drama. This book is dark, dirty fun! Can’t wait for the next one!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Terri Jo McAllister

April 14, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Terri Jo McAllister

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley is used to moving around with her mom. When you both are in the con business, you don’t stay in one place too long. Or visit the same place twice. So when Riley’s mom does just that, and doesn’t clue her in on the job, Riley is alarmed. Tension rises when she runs into the elite football star, and he doesn’t even remember her. It was one-time, and they were both drunk, but man, that kiss…

Cole does remember Riley and that kiss, but his mission is make her life a living hell. He will run her and her gold-digging mother out of town, no matter what his dad says. A quick read that keeps you sucked in until the end!

Reviewed by Terri Jo McAllister

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lisa Helmick

April 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lisa Helmick

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is the first book in this series. It is a high school bully romance. Basically a hate to like. I read the prequel and liked it so I though I would grab this one. This one was very slow moving and I struggled a lot with it. There is little movement forward and the bullying is minimal. The story revolves around Riley and the Elite boys. The storyline gets confusing at times and the characters have little growth. The story does read easy for the most part. This does not end at the conclusion of this book. Everything is still up in the air until the next book arrives.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jasmin Marie

April 13, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jasmin Marie

<a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies” style=”float: left; padding-right: 20px”><img border=”0″ alt=”Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1)” src=”https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1673615562l/76854377._SX98_.jpg” /></a><a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/76854377-savage-lies”>Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance</a> by <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/23199631.Isla_Vaughn”>Isla Vaughn</a><br/>
My rating: <a href=”https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/5483951548″>4 of 5 stars</a><br /><br />
Riley and Cole have a very brief history: a soul-changing kiss at a party. Although, Riley wasn’t invited to that party; she crashed it with her mom to rob the house. After Cole kissed Riley, she and her mom quickly left but the memory of the kids remained. When Riley returns to town a year later to live a “normal life,” Cole tells everyone she’s off limits and she quickly becomes his target. This book is fast paced and easy to read. There is a prequel but you do not have to read it to understand the context of the story. Looking forward to the next one!
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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Lucy Machard

April 12, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Lucy Machard

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is awesome. You’ve got a con-artist’s daughter and a playboy football star who hate each other from the get-go as they try to come to terms with everything that’s happening in their lives. Of course, they ignore each other, and try to make each other’s lives miserable while denying how they feel. I don’t think I’ve read anything else besides this series from the author, but she has me absolutely impressed and enthralled! I can’t wait to start the second book; definitely grab this one!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Angelina Frazzini

April 10, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Angelina Frazzini

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is book one of the series. I highly recommend reading the prequel to better understand what’s going on in book one. This book pulled me in from the beginning and I just had to keep reading to see what was going to happen.

Riley is the new kid at school. The only problem is, she was here once before very briefly. She has no idea what has gotten into her mom but she’s determined to figure it out. The only thing she needs to do is stay off Cole’s radar. That might be difficult to do. Riley remembers the amazing kiss she shared with Cole the first time around even if he doesn’t. Their chemistry is off the charts and for whatever reason, she can’t find their connection. Cole is determined to split his dad and Riley’s mom up. Riley is just collateral damage at this point.

This book is full of angst! I couldn’t get enough. I can’t wait to jump into book two and find out how the story continues! I highly recommend this series!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Megan Pesek

April 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Megan Pesek

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies follows the prequel Savage Start.
Enemies-to-lovers and high school bully are understated. This is dark and full of scandal, so much scandal. It’s also full of angst, lies, drama, and even more secrets, jealousy, and bullying.

Riley thought a new place would make a great place to hide, as she always does. Her life is still full of secrets, but this time her mom is changing the rules of the game. Unfortunately for Riley she can’t escape the one causing her so much trouble because of her mom’s relationship with Cole’s dad. She has to stay out of his way or find a way to win.
Cole is one of the Elite, the leader is reality. The Elite are privileged boys who rule their private school. He hates his dad and his mom is dead. Cole’s agenda is to make his dad miserable, no matter the cost.

The characters are so easy to love, Riley, or hate, Cole. The pages fly by once you start. Savage Lies ends with a major cliffhanger. I need the next book now!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Rosanna Ingram

April 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Rosanna Ingram

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

After reading the prequel novella, I have been looking forward to more of Cole and Riley’s story.

Riley has moved (again) and her goal is to graduate while keeping her head down. That is quickly thwarted when a guy that she shared a kiss with months ago puts a target on her back as soon as he sees her. However, when they find out that their lives may be more intertwined than they thought…the bullying and hatred increases. But, as we all know, there is a thin line between lust and hate…and these two cross it every chance they get. The real question is…who will destroy the other first?!?

This book is the definition of enemies to lovers..to enemies…to (you get the point). There is so much back and forth that you keep turning the pages to see what is going to happen next. A couple of words of caution…you don’t have to read the prequel to understand what is going on…and you are going to be left with a cliffhanger that has you wanting the next book! A great story that I enjoyed reading!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Naomi McDonald

April 8, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Naomi McDonald

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

There is a prequel to this story that gives more insight into the tension between Riley and Cole, but it’s not an absolute must in order to understand what’s going on in this book.

As with the prequel, Riley’s character didn’t land as well for me as Cole’s, but overall, the story has a lot of angst and build up between the two that keeps you reading. Even though I didn’t connect with Riley’s character much, I think the character development on the whole was well done, as was the world building.

If you like enemies-to-lovers new adult stories, this will probably be right up your alley.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Shea Gilkerson 4/7/23

April 7, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Shea Gilkerson

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Riley and her mom are closer than most mothers and daughters. That comes with the territory when you spend your lives on the run from a psychotic and dangerous ex. They’ve made their lives about blending in, getting their mark and getting out before he can pin down their location again. Last time he caught up with them, her dad almost killed her mom. It makes it a lot harder when they return to a place from a year ago and especially when her mom gets a boyfriend and tells her to forget everything she taught her and enjoy her senior year of high school. MUCH easier said than done.

Cole is elite amongst the rich and elite of his peers. He is king of the high school, king of the football field, king of his fights…all the girls want him and all the guys want to be him. But he can’t get his mind off the girl who invaded his life a year ago and left him with an unbearably hot kiss. That kiss was from none other than Riley, when they were in the area a year ago. She looked different then, with her hair dyed dark and her emo garb – and he was drunk at a house party. But she never left his mind.

The first day Riley walks in to school, it starts. The harassment from the elite, Cole seeking her out and being threatening. When his dad, whom he hates, calls and tells him not to worry about the rental house showing movement because he is letting a friend crash there, Cole finds Riley there and immediately wonders how things will be explained.

Before long, they find that they are even less likely to be able to avoid one another at all. They both equally hate and lust for one another, pushing and pulling and stealing moments they can’t resist.

There are a lot of layers to these characters and they play very well off of one another. The story is like dangling a carrot, you can’t stop turning the pages to see what happens next. There is a prequal that shares the experience from a year before book 1, but it isn’t necessary to read to understand this book – it just adds some extra when you see they ways they are all trying to survive. Book 1 ends on a great cliffhanger, cannot wait for book 2!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

April 6, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Jaimie Salmon-Colburn

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies is the first book (minus a short prequel) to Riley and Cole’s story. I just finished this book and I am itching to get the rest in the series!! So far the set is so good! In Savage Lies, Riley and her mom, move back to California, again for a fresh start. Her mom swears this time will be different, but Riley’s not convinced. Her mom drags her into a new town, house, and identity that is supposed to keep her safe, but it quickly brings her into the cross hairs of Cole. Him and his band of untouchable academy football elites plan to freeze her out. From day one he puts a huge target on her back. Bully her but no one can touch her. She is his! Her secrets make her a target, but so do his’s. Her mom is determined to become a part of the elite’s family, but if Cole has a say they’ll both be run out of town before his dad can get them settled into their McMansion house. Riley and Cole are facing mutual destruction, but have they met their match? Both hate each other and both are so determined to take each other down. The war has begone and both might get burned!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Austin

April 4, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Michelle Austin

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a great 5 star read. Bully romance is one of my top favorite genres and this author did not disappoint. I was pulled in right from the beginning. My emotions were all over the place, Riley and Cole’s story was nail biting and had my frustration levels high. They both had secrets and their attraction was intense. I loved these two characters, they are both strong, stubborn and will do anything to come out on top. Who will break first?
This is definitely for mature readers, there are some scenes that could be triggers for some. And the cliffhanger, ugh….the next book can’t come fast enough. I highly suggest starting with book one so that you can meet all of the characters. This series is one of my top favorites and I CAN’T WAIT until the next book in the series. 1-click and get started today.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Kiana Corley

April 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Kiana Corley

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Isla did an amazing job writing this book. I do recommend that you read Savage Start before this book so you know all about the history between Cole and Riley.

Cole is the man at school. He is rich, good-looking, a star athlete, and part of the elite group. Riley is the girl that has never really called on place home for longer than a few months. She is used to being ready to move at the drop of a hat.

Riley comes back to Santa Monica and the history she left behind with Cole. Can the past be forgotten or will he still hold onto that same grudge? Cole is used to getting his way and having people hang on to his every word and listen to him. Riley is not that kind of girl she is not afraid to push back against him.

Is there really a thin line between love and hate? Can you mend something that was broken before it even started? Can you really just get someone out of your system? High school is not easy with all of the emotions that come along with it. Read this book to find out if Cole and Riley can figure out high school relationships. Beware all is fair in love and war.

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

April 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Elizabeth Sanchez

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Savage Lies is the 2nd book in the Hidden Valley Elite series (It says book 1, but there is a prequel Savage Start, which is worth reading too). I was hooked on this series instantly. Aside from the awkwardness of reading steamy scenes between teenagers, this series is perfect. There is a good mix balance of romance and mystery. Both Riley and Cole are well developed and strong characters. Riley and her mom have a life of baggage and have lived on the run as con=artists for the last 15+ years. Now her mom says they are done and things are different. Riley is having a hard adjustment and is waiting for the other shoe to drop. She has a love hate relationship with her soon to be step brother, literally. The ending was total cliff hanger so on to the next book!!

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Melissa Saxton

April 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Melissa

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Set one year after the prequel savage start, Riley and her mom are back in the same town and though they have different looks the drama remains.
Rileys mom is sneaking around and swears up and down this isn’t a con and Riley should settle in and enjoy the school year but she’s obviously skeptical after the running away they’ve done her entire life.
The first day of school she runs into Cole again and the sparks are still there but Cole doesn’t make the connection.
Their lust burns as hot as their hate and Cole is determined to make Rileys life hell… but little does he know Riley is his match in every way and won’t be taken down without a fight.
Red hot enemies to lovers you can feel the palpable feelings between Riley and Cole, but can they get out of their own way and out from behind all the secrets?

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Savage Lies (Hidden Valley Elite Book 1) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Maria Colon

April 2, 2023/0 Comments/in Reviews /by Maria Colon

Savage Lies: A High School Bully Romance by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I have been waiting for this one…only to devour it in less than 24 hours.
And then I might have thrown a temper tantrum because now I must wait (again) for Savage Truth, but I digress.

Riley returns to California and to an unsuspecting Cole at the beginning of a new school year. We are treated to plenty of drama and a bit of suspense as we try to figure out who is lying and where the truth does lie.

Friendships are formed. Allegiances are somewhat formed. Enemy lines are drawn, I mean this is high school and there must be a mean girl and some bullying, right?

Cole and Riley are beginning to suspect that not all has been black and white in their world and secrets may start unraveling.

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