Savage Start

Hidden Valley Elite #0.5

by Isla Vaughn

Virgin? Check.
New Life? Double Check.
Grifter? Triple Check.

Look, it’s not like I have a choice about being born into a family of conmen, or women- technically. A girl’s got to survive, and by the looks of the new town I’m forced into, it’s time to step up my game.

It doesn’t take long to survey my prey, steal a souvenir, and get stopped by a panty-melting local who steals a kiss.

That kiss is poison. Not really, but the emotional kind that forces me to face the fact.
If I give up my precious v-card to a guy, he’s the kind who would take it. Dangerous. Sexy as hell and just as deadly. Distracting enough that I somehow managed to get caught… but will I escape?


Savage Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance novella with plenty of angst, and the prequel to Riley and Cole’s duet Savage Lies and Savage Truth.

This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing. It is not a standalone and does end in a cliffhanger that continues with Savage Lies.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, New Adult, Dark Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

55 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 2, 2023

Reviews

[Medollga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an interesting 10 chapter set up for the series 🙌🔥💓

[SaviLeeLind · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bully Romance is one of my absolute favorite tropes. This short and sweet read explores the toxicity, angst, betrayal, drama and additional outlying subjects that bring the store together. Cole and Riley each tell a story that binds them together but the road that links them is tainted to start. While, this book is just a preview, it does have the desire of effect inducing excitement for what is to come.

[Jessica Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn - Review by Jessica Stone


This is the first book I have read from this author, but she did not disappoint , I literally cannot WAIT to read the rest of this series. Going to purchase as soon as I'm done with this review.

This book starts off with Riley and her mom moving into a new place in a new town, seemingly running from something but we haven't discovered what yet. Riley's mom is seeing a new man and is certain this will be the last new town, the last new home. Promising they are done running and things are changing, but Riley, knowing her mother, isn't so quick to believe that things will actually be different. Used to getting by on the bare minimum, having nothing Riley's learned to stay distant from everyone she meets, clothed in her "goth" style, it's easy to play the unsociable weird girl to avoid drawing attention to herself, the last thing she'd want is for someone to look to closely.

Cole and Damon and two brother living in the perfect home with the perfect family... or so it seems from an outside perspective. Coles and Damon's family is shredding apart from the inside out, Cole father, a certified jerk is having an affair and Coles mother is cracking under the pressure to keep it together on the surface. The only thing holding their family together are the boys and their willingness to try, but will that be enough to keep their "perfect" lives from crumbling down.

By chance one evening Riley and Cole meet at a party thrown by coles also seemingly perfect cousins, and sparks FLY between the two. But just before things can get to out of hand Riley flees from Cole, but that doesn't stop him from invading her every waking thought from then on.

I loved this little taste of the Hidden Valley elite, super glad I was able to read this before diving into the series because it gives a look of perspective I believe of what's going to happen in the series and why the characters are who they are. I would highly recommend reading this before starting the series but I do not believe that you necessarily have to read this before the others. It is short and sweet though so that's something to note.

Anyways, rounding out this review with a yes, yes, yes, cannot wait, yes.


Savage Start, Hidden Valley Elite Prequel, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Bully, Jessica Stone, February 2023

[Ayla Phipps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Isla Vaughn and though it was very short, being the prequel of a new series, I am hooked. It only took me about 2 hours or so to finish. The world the author creates is a very realistic one, the characters feel raw and real in their reactions to things. With a dual perspective of Riley and Cole, Savage Start sets off a whirlwind to come.
Riley is new to Santa Monica, along with her mother they have been running from city to city, from character to character since Riley was a year old. Always running from her father never safe until now, or so her mother claims. Cole is a local Elite of Hidden Valley Academy, along with his younger brother and two cousins. Cole’s life seems perfect on the surface, but the façade hides his crumbling family led by his father’s indiscretions. New to the city and a day of travel Riley finds herself walking on the beach before coming up on a house party. Allowing herself a few moments to do a “normal” teen activity she sneaks inside only to get caught stealing. The mystery man disarms her defenses stealing an epic kiss before she flees, but every moment her mind is consumed with fantasies of the kiss and the first guy to ever make her feel the dagger of desire.
Is Riley and her mother finally safe? Will the promises she makes come true? Will Cole’s brother ever learn the truth behind their mother’s mental decline? The author is beyond amazing, and I have already got my calendar marked for the release of book 1 in Riley and Cole duet, Savage Lies, March 30th, 2023, I can’t wait to read more about these characters and see where their story leads. The second book Savage Truth, April 27th, 2023, is the conclusion of Riley and Cole’s story with a happy ever after. I can’t wait to go on their journey with them.

[Colleen N · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Shea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Riley and Cole seem like they're going to be a safe haven to one another through the wild storms their lives bring to them. While from different backgrounds, they both have surprises behind closed doors that no one would guess at.

Riley, a con artist teen who is used to moving frequently, changing her appearance to blend in and who learned everything she knows from her mom, is a teen wondering what her mom has up her sleeve this time. They have moved again to a new location, and she still hasn't switched her appearance to fit in with the crowd. However, she has never lived close to a beach before and takes advantage of spending as much time as she wants wandering and thinking. While on a stroll, she caught sight of a house party and found her way in to get a sense of the crowd. She meets Cole as she tries to filch something small to make herself feel more comfortable.

Cole, a local rich kid with everything people could imagine they'd want, has a lot of skeletons in his closet. He is attending the party at his cousins house that Riley sneaks into from the beach. As he catches her coming out of one of the upstairs rooms, he corners her. Inexplicably, they're both feeling a strong draw and wild attraction to one another.

As the story progresses, you see more about how resilient and tough these teens are, and the screwed up things that can be happening that no one else realizes. This was an excellent way to introduce the series and I can't wait to read deeper into their stories and watch their relationship build!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is a quick read. A new series from a new to me author. It is supposed to be an enemies to lovers, high school bullying type of romance. I can feel the connection between Riley and Cole. However, this prequel begins with Riley and her mother.

Riley lives with her mom and we get the feeling that life has not been fair or easy for these two. They have a life of petty crime, and it seems it is mostly stealing and overall being dishonest. However, this is left to readers' discretion as nothing was really given away, more of a teaser for this part of the story.

Riley and her mother have a different place to live yearly or more often, and it appears they are on the run from dear ol’ dad who sounds like he would be vicious and violent. Again, just a tease of this situation so the reader is left to wonder and speculate.

Cole is the all-American boy next door, Mr. Popularity at school. He goes to high school with his cousins and his brother. On the outside he has it all. Especially money. But even having money causes and creates problems. Money doesn’t buy love. Some even believe money can’t buy happiness. I guess it depends on what makes you happy. Cole’s parents are not happy. Is money the root of their problems? Doesn’t seem like it. Implications that dad is having an affair, implications that mom may have mental issues. Again, just a tease of this situation as well.

This story is a prequel that ends in a cliff hanger and looks to what will be a good series. Looking forward to reading more and discovering just what is going on.

[Jaimie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start is a short Prequel that ends with a cliffhanger which continues on with Savage Lies. This isn't a standalone, but it gives you a little more back story with the characters in Savage Lies. In Savage Start, Riley and Cole are the main characters. Riley and her mother move to a new town in California. They move a lot and are almost always on the run. Her mom says it will be different this time, but it never is. She can't trust being safe, ever! It doesn't take her long to get caught stealing at a McMansion party and the guy who catches her not only takes her "souvenir", but he also steals a kiss! Thrown off balance by his dangerous and sexy kiss, she's distracted. And she got caught! She NEVER gets caught!! Leaving this town sooner rather than later might be the best. Cole, catching a little thief at his cousins party, is equally caught off guard by the mysterious girl. He was a little drunk, so he doesn't remember all the details of her features, but he can't stop thinking about the kiss and what it did to him. He's never reacted like that before with anyone. When he catches wind of who she is, or more importantly who her mother is, all bets are off. This book is a new adult bully romance prequel about Riley and Cole's story. I haven't yet read the last of their story (Savage Truth), but I can't wait to get my hands on it and all the books to this Hidden Valley Elite series! If you like enemies to lovers romance books this is a great set! I can't wait to finish it all, but let me tell you that this prequel and the first book were enough to hook me in!!

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

Savage Start is the prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series and debut novel by Isla Vaughn. It is a very short (50pgs) story that gives a very small taste of what to expect from the rest of the series. It made for an intriguing, quick and easy read. I read it in well under an hour.
This is a New Adult (High School) bully romance, although there was very little in the way of romance, bullying, or really much else- as this basically just lays the ground-work for the next instalment/s, giving cause as to why the bullying/enemies to lovers/ angst/ and emotion aspect of the story arises- which I imagine will come in the next instalment/s.
The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at the Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Cole and Damon and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are their high schools football stars and every girls wet dream- and they know it. I guess as the series goes on, each of the elites will get their own book/s. This prequel sets us up for Cole and Riley’s story, which is set to continue in the next TWO books- “Savage Lies” (Book #1) and “Savage Truth” (Book #2).
This book depicts a toxic family environment, with parental conflict/cheating/yelling matches etc- as well as suicide- darker topics- so this may be triggering for some readers.
It ends on a cliffhanger and the story continues in the next book.
Happy Reading…

Thank you, Isla Vaughn!

[Angela Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reilly is a grifter, con artist you name it, a product of her up bringing always having to survive and with the chaos of her mother, life is not boring. Another move, another city but when she discovers they are living near the beach, she loves the walks along the beach to clear her head of her mother's scheming. One night she spots a party in one of the houses and sneaks in, looking around she spots an opportunity to steal something and as she is almost getting away she is stopped by a boy who she is intrigued by.

Cody is at his cousins house for a party, when he spots her coming out of one of the bedrooms, as soon as he confronts her he has an urge to get to know this mysterious girl. Cody's life is complicated and with his parent being wealthy there is also a certain mask he needs to wear, but can he be free with Reilly or will his world crash around him.

This is a great prequel into this series, the characters are brilliantly written and you are invested in them for the first chapter. As in all prequels it is a great story to easy you into the start of the series where it carries on with Reilly and Cody.

I do have to warn you although this is classed as a young adult story there maybe triggers which some people find uncomfortable to read, but in my opinion it just adds to the intensity to this story and of course the cliff-hanger at the end just wets your appetite for more.

[Anya Davies-schultz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This prequel gives you an insight into who the players are and why they are the way they are for future reads. In this edition, you will meet Cole and Riley. Riley is a girl who is always on the run with her mother. They have created a life of conning people and moving to the next town apparently to escape her father finding them. They end up in Santa Monica with a new aspect of going straight and staying, but Riley will believe it when she sees it. While walking, she stumbles upon a house party where she sneaks into and tries to steal something. She gets caught by Cole and ends up running out of the house after he kisses her. Cole is an elite teenager who plans on football giving him his future. He and his brother, while privileged, are dealing with their parents who have a loveless marriage. As the story goes on, Cole, who is a momma’s boy, is always consoling his distraught mother. In the book, the two main characters never run back into each other, but the circumstances of each of their stories seem to be foreshadowing how their relationship will go once they do.

I am a fan of a bully romance. You are not going to get the bully aspect in this short story, but it sets the scene for why (I believe it will be Cole) becomes a bully. I enjoy both characters with the little we learned about them. I also feel sympathy for Cole and the situation at home. I am excited to see what aspires between the two and how the series will progress.

[Tara Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Ashley Mertz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savage Start by Isla Vaughn is available in eBook only
⭐️⭐️⭐⭐️ Book Review

Savage Start is a Hidden Valley Elite prequel. This high school bully romance is full of dark, intense topics endured by two teenagers, Riley and Cole, who come from two completely different backgrounds. Riley is a rebel with a messy life, forced into a new town, always on the run with her dysfunctional mother. Cole comes from money but he and his brother find themselves in the middle of their parents' infidelity issues. When Riley sneaks into a party that Cole is attending, sparks fly and they share the most passionate kiss.

Isla Vaughn is known to write about complex characters, strong alpha males, and fierce woman who bring them to their knees. Savage Start was a great introduction to all three of these topics. There was a lot of intense, dark, action packed into these short fifty five pages and I didn’t want it to end. I love that both Riley and Cole come with plenty of baggage but rely on one another to be the other's safe haven. Although this is a prequel, and I am sure the intention was to leave you wanting more, I didn’t feel like there was enough, ending way too soon. And the cliffhanger has me thinking……OMG! Now I can’t wait to read Savage Lies.

[Stephanie Runyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start is a part of Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series. Featuring the alternating views of Riley Matthews and Cole Savage, the story begins with Riley moving to Santa Monica with her mother. They had always run cons, and rarely stayed in one place for very long. That evening, she tells her mother that she is going to the beach. Riley finds a party and slips in to see people her age. She goes into the house and enters a room. Seeing a library, she scans the room and finds a lighter made of gold. She turns to leave and runs into a guy. Cole asks who she is, and Riley attempts to lie. He threatens to call the police after he takes the lighter out of her back pocket. Riley attempts to taunt him, and he steps up to her challenge. He kisses her, and Riley is shocked. She makes a mad dash from the house. Neither of them knew the other, but they both wanted more.

This is a great prequel, and I liked watching Riley’s streetwise manners fly out the window when Cole caught her trying to steal. The underlying conflict is equal on both sides. Riley’s mother is trying to hide them from Riley’s father. Cole and his brother Damon have a father who cheats on their suicidal mother. The conclusion leads well into the sequel.

[Beejai Bohls · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. It is a short quick read that will keep you wanting more. I am normally not one that likes a cliff hanger but for some reason, I don't mind it with this book. It is probably because, it was an incredible story that hit on everything I needed in a book. I was definitely left wanting more and feel that even if it did have a definite ending, I would still be craving the next book. IT sets the stage for what seems like an amazing new series. There is character development throughout the book which is something I always hope for. The twists and turns that this book takes surprised me but in the best way possible. There is everything one could hope for in a bully romance; heartbreak, love, angst, twists that you don't see coming, and will leave you wanting more. If you have a few hours of free time I highly suggest reading this book and being sucked into it. I would suggest being prepared to feel everything the characters do because the book is well written. I can't say enough good things about this book without giving things away and I don't want to do that. Do yourself a favor and read this book you won't be disappointed.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
There is always a staple of high school and that is a bully and the popular kids. Savage Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult sports bully romance. It is a very extremely short read at 55 pages. It is a prequel where it all began. Yes there is a cliff-hanger ending but it continues with Savage Lies where Riley and Cole’s story is told and then it continues with Savage Truth and more.
This is not your ordinary romance story it is deliciously dark and scandalous that pulls you in. It is intense and intriguing and hard to leave aside to go to work. There is drama and angst, jealousy and deep-seated lies and did I mention bullying? And let’s not forget the hatred that reins. But for all that they’re the deadly Elite. They’re the Academy’s football stars. The privileged boys who rule on and off the ground. Those who play to win and anyone who stands in their way is taken down. You do not want to be on their radar because revenge is sweet. They are playing a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake.
There are characters you will like but there are those who you just want to rip to pieces.
I look forward to delving into more.

[Rosanna Ingram · Rating 4 out of 5]

This quick read gave just enough information for me to be interested in reading the next book in the series in order to find out what happens.
Riley and her mother move from town to town...conning their way to survive. They have recently arrived in Santa Monica and her mom promises her that this time will be different. Feeling wary of her mother's promises, Riley finds herself gathering information and storing it away...just in case. However, a kiss from a stranger puts a wrench in her plans.
Cole is caught between enjoying his life as a junior in high school and taking care of his mother's emotional well-being. He often finds himself comforting his mother while his father is out of town. While at a party, he finds a stranger wandering around...and catches her stealing. Who is this stranger?
This story was easy to read in one sitting. The reader gets some good back story and character development. It leaves you with lots of questions that, presumably, will be answered and addressed in the series. Both of these characters seems to have a lot more going on than they let the world see...and I am intrigued as to how their stories will progress!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ugh!! I wanted more!! This prequel is awesome. It is a very short quick read but it will definitely keep you wanting more. Usually, I don't care for cliff hangers, but there were so much little details that I felt like it was ok. There is so much that I want to say.... but I fear that I'm going to ruin it if I say too much! The initial plot for the book sets up a very exciting mood for the rest of the series! The main characters developments throughout the book is something that I always look forward to, and I can say that the characters in this prequel are presented as wonderful characters with quite a bit of potential for the upcoming books in the series! Surprisingly, there were quite a few twists and turns that were incorporated into such a short read. There are so many emotions and elements that were put into this book, there's romance; heartbreak, love, angst, and so much more that you don't see coming, and will leave you craving more. If you have a couple of hours of free time, I suggest picking up this book and getting lost in it! I can say that you will not be disappointed or regret picking up this book! Happy Reading!!

[Kiana Corley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book to read. The character development and the storyline were well thought out and executed.

This book is about Cole and Riley. Riley is a girl that is not used to staying in one place for very long. She is used to not getting to know people too well because she knows that she will inevitably leave them sooner rather than later. Cole is the guy that everyone thinks has everything in the world and the best of the best. As well as being a high school athlete his life is not all that it seems to be from the outside looking in.

What happens when the jock meets a stubborn girl. In this story first impressions are important and the impressions that these two made on each other were not great. Enemies from the first talk are definitely how these two started out.

Read this book to find out, what really goes on behind closed doors of the perfect family. What causes a high school girl to have been to more schools and new places than some people move in their lifetime? Can you build trust from something that started with lies and hatred? Read this wonderful book to find out.

[The Dragon Den Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Savage Start by Islan Vaughn
* * * * *
The small introduction that was needed to get me hooked on the series, providing background and some sizzling drama!

Cole lived his life as an Elite, a football player and start to his team living a luxurious life - the only real down being his parents and their toxic marriage. At a summer party, he sees this stunning goth girl sneaking around and now she is stuck in his mind.
Riley and her mother have now moved to a new place, apparently to begin an actual life. Real jobs. Real roots. Riley calls bull, as they have to life a certain life to keep safe They cannot stop running. They cannot get attached. They cannot stand out.
The actions of this summer will be the beginning of these rules breaking.

Sometimes when beginning such series like this and there is a little backstory, we are not given it in full. A few snippets here and there along the way really. However, this author has provided an actual prequel, which gave me more information and I knew more as I dove into the first novel.
Heading onto the next book with intruige and excitement.

[Kerry carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really gripping short read. The characters are amazingly written. They have so much depth that you can't help be drawn into their lives. Both the main characters Riley and Cole have traumatic lives. Both have family issues which affect them in ways no young adult should he affected.
Riley and her mum are on the run from her father. They never stay anywhere for long and because of this Riley has a distrust of people.
Cole's family is very toxic. With a dad constantly cheating and his mother suffering from mental health problems it is a volatile mix.
The way Riley and Cole meet is unexpected but one thing is for sure they never forget each other.
This story does deal with some issues that may cause a trigger for some people like mental illness and the consequences of untreated mental illness. The author handles this in an emotionally honest way which brings the situation to life and makes your heart break for the characters involved.

I can't wait to see what is in store for Cole and Riley and if they will ever see each other again.

[Book Magic · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short novella, a prequel to a promising new adult series. Be aware it does end in a cliffhanger that will leave you wanting more. Can I just say wow, I'm so glad I picked this up to read, but I want the rest of the series now because I have to know what happens next to Cole and Riley.

Riley is a quick thinker she's had to be, as she's seen and helped with more cons than she wants to admit. Her mom and her have just moved yet again, and Riley is waiting to find out what the new con will be despite her mom telling her they are finally safe from her father and won't be conning anyone or moving again. She is trying to figure out her new look to blend in when she stumbles onto a party. It's there she meets Cole, one of the ElITIES of Hidden Valley. Cole isn't your typical good-looking jock though he pretends to be, while he hides the family drama he is trying to deal with.

This is a fun, fast enemy to lovers and a new adult bully romance that has left me wanting to know more about Riley and Cole. I honestly can't wait for the rest of the series to come out.

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!!!

[Katie Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start by author Isla Vaughn is the prequel story to the Hidden Valley Elite series. It features Riley, a teenager who is constantly on the run with her mother. They never can get too comfortable anywhere before it’s time to pack up what little they have and take off again. But there’s a boy she is swept away by and she has to know more about him. The handsomely popular Cole is often finding himself having to nurture his mother’s mental health while his dad is constantly gone for business conferences and working late hours. Will he find time to try to bump into the girl that comes along with blurry memories of a party, but definitely a kiss he can’t forget?

While the book is not even remotely lengthy, it certainly packed a punch and definitely has left me wondering what is yet to come. I felt like the bouncing back between Riley and Cole’s thoughts worked out very well and didn’t become confusing. I am definitely interested in seeing what comes next with Riley and Cole.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Dayumn!!!! How could so much happen in 50ish short pages? We got to meet most of the main characters of the series. There was a brief but intense encounter between Cole and Riley. There was a heart-wrenching scene for Cole and Damon. Well, I meeeaaaaannnnn…..There was so much for Damon. He had to realize the father he idolized was the villain after all. Can’t wait to see how Damon grows and changes. There are sooooo many questions left unanswered. Is the woman at the conference Riley’s mom? What is up with the long lost father that they had to flee and hide out all these years? Where does the mysterious uncle fit in? Can Riley change her ways?

I can’t wait for the next one in the series to be released! They won’t get here fast enough! I have to find the perfect shelf for this series because I have a feeling it is going to singe everything around it!!! So hooked and left waiting and wanting more!!

[Lorralei Hoerner · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

This is a new author to me and this story is a prequel to the Hidden Valley Elite series and I am on edge and this story felt so raw and real! Although this story does end in a cliffhanger....I am feeling a whole LOT of emotion already and I cannot wait to dive into the next book.

Riley is new to town, trying to find her way....and blending in when she can. When she stumbles into a party..she is trying to take a souvenir of some sort....until she gets caught by the handsome, Cole. One sizzling kiss, one moment...all it took for Riley and Cole not to forget each other.

This story also entwines family......Cole's family, which has some dysfunction and mental illness and Riley, whom only has her mom and constantly moving.

I cannot wait to dive into this series and see what this author has in store for the Hidden Valley Elite especially what is going to happen next for Cole and Riley.

[Beverly Finnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start is just the tip of the iceberg. It’s my initial introduction to The Hidden Valley Elite Series, and I can say I want more. A short prequel that seems to set up a wild series. The author gets you interested, drags you right into the world that’s been created. Then cut! Leaves you hanging, wanting more, thinking how it could end that way. But that’s what’s brilliant about it. Because it was enough to peak one’s interest and just enough to get one hooked.
The introduction of Riley and Cole and the extremely different lives they lead. The secrets and lies that I guarantee will bring them back across each other’s paths later on. But for now it’s a stolen kiss from a stranger that burns them up. Unfortunately though life happens, and turns everything on its head.
I can’t wait till the next book is released, I’m hooked! I also think you could be too! It may be just a taste, but it’ll have you wanting more!

[Tausha Treadway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start (Hidden Valley Elite Prequel) by Isla Vaughn. I loved this book and can't wait to read more. This is about Riley who has had to travel from town to town because her family and more specifically her mom is always on the run. She's been born into a family of female cons. When they move to Santa Monica Riley realizes she's in a new world. Riley is walking along the beach and comes upon a party and decides to join. She's a pure girl and is picky about who wins that. She meets a hunky guy that is perfect and he kisses her. Now all she can think about is him. She doesn't even know his name. Cole's life seems perfect on the outside but his dad's cheating is embarrassing and pretty much ruined Cole's life. This new girl is just the right thing to take his mind off it. Will Riley give what's she's been saving herself for just the right guy but is Cole it? Read this fast paced romance with dark secrets and see what happens!

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savage Start by Isla Vaughn is the prequel to the duet Savage Lies and Savage Truth. This is a dark high school bully romance and touches on subjects that might be triggering. This prequel has set the scene for what's to come with the main characters, Riley and Cole. I loved the look into their lives before they met. The main characters are complex, they have depth, and the story is original. I loved that she created such a strong female main character. The world she has started to build in this prequel is well thought out, perfectly detailed, and going to be fun to dive into.

Riley is independent, quick-witted, and can fend for herself. Cole is the king of the school, plays football, and loves most of his family. I loved his loyalty to his brother and cousins. I can't wait to see the who, what, where, and how these two characters will interact with each other and how their chemistry will ignite my Kindle.- Brooke

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did things kind of backwards and read the entire Hidden Valley Elite Series before I read Savage Start, the prequel to them all. However, knowing the rest of the stories did not take away from the excitement and thrills of this one. Isla Vaughn starts this series off right with the introduction of some amazing characters. From the first page, the characters come to life; their struggles, emotions, and passion capture the reader’s attention. The world building of Isla Vaughn is spectacular! The reader is transported through the pages into the world of the Elite; the California coastline, beachside mansions, and parties at those mansions all come to life with her words! This book definitely gave me more insight into the timeline and background of Cole and Riley's tumultuous relationship. Overall, another great read by Isla Vaughn! I can't recommend this series enough, but definitely start with this one before moving on to the rest.