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Hidden Valley Elite #1
Savage Lies
Brought down by a kiss.
Blackmailed by the class MVP.
On the brink of destruction.
Moving to a new town and taking on a new identity was supposed to keep me safe. News flash, it didn’t. Instead, it put me right into the most dangerous place imaginable. Cole Savage’s line of sight.
Stupid, perfect, and one of four members of the untouchable elite. They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers. And from the first day of school, he put a target on my back. All because of one stupid kiss.
My secrets are dark and dangerous. But based on the fury that drives Cole to ruin me, so are his. We’re both facing destruction, and he’s determined not to let me win.
He doesn’t know it, but he’s met his match. I’ll use his hate, and I’ll teach him that it burns as hot as his lust. And if he wants a war, I’ll give him one.
Savage Lies is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with plenty of angst. 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 a ton of heat and a HEA in Savage Truth.
Blackmailed by the class MVP.
On the brink of destruction.
Moving to a new town and taking on a new identity was supposed to keep me safe. News flash, it didn’t. Instead, it put me right into the most dangerous place imaginable. Cole Savage’s line of sight.
Stupid, perfect, and one of four members of the untouchable elite. They’re the Academy’s football stars, gods among their peers. And from the first day of school, he put a target on my back. All because of one stupid kiss.
My secrets are dark and dangerous. But based on the fury that drives Cole to ruin me, so are his. We’re both facing destruction, and he’s determined not to let me win.
He doesn’t know it, but he’s met his match. I’ll use his hate, and I’ll teach him that it burns as hot as his lust. And if he wants a war, I’ll give him one.
Savage Lies is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with plenty of angst. 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 a ton of heat and a HEA in Savage Truth.
182 pages, Paperback
First published January 29, 2023
472 people are currently reading
3502 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
March 18, 2024
3.5⭐️
Interesting start to this series. There are a lot of things going on with all these characters.
I’m guessing Riley’s dad is a mobster, we shall see 🤷
Interesting start to this series. There are a lot of things going on with all these characters.
I’m guessing Riley’s dad is a mobster, we shall see 🤷
April 2, 2023
First, I jumped into this book without realizing there was a prequel. While I was complain able to enjoy this book without it I still need to go back and read Savage Start because I just KNOW I missed some good stuff.
Now, onto this book…
Holy cow, Cole has that whole douche canoe demeanor down to a science and I was There. For. It because bully romance is my current favorite jam!
That being said, I also loved that Riley was a strong female character. She knew how to hold her own and when she finally clapped back, it was exactly what was needed. But man, I wish she had more of that backbone with Cole. I may have yelled at her a few times along the way because of their interactions.
Either way, the enemies to lovers between those two was steamy and angsty and exactly what I hoping for and omg that ending had my heart racing! I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
Now, onto this book…
Holy cow, Cole has that whole douche canoe demeanor down to a science and I was There. For. It because bully romance is my current favorite jam!
That being said, I also loved that Riley was a strong female character. She knew how to hold her own and when she finally clapped back, it was exactly what was needed. But man, I wish she had more of that backbone with Cole. I may have yelled at her a few times along the way because of their interactions.
Either way, the enemies to lovers between those two was steamy and angsty and exactly what I hoping for and omg that ending had my heart racing! I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
March 31, 2023
I can appreciate a dark bully romance with good amounts of heat and angst attached. I devoured the prequel and was eager for full story.
Cole and Riley are playing a dangerous game with their cat and mouse antics. Each is unsure of the other but unable to resist the attraction for each other. They both are harboring dark secrets and the further things get the more they fight for control. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger but it only has you craving more
Cole and Riley are playing a dangerous game with their cat and mouse antics. Each is unsure of the other but unable to resist the attraction for each other. They both are harboring dark secrets and the further things get the more they fight for control. Book 1 ends on a cliffhanger but it only has you craving more
April 8, 2023
Savage Lies is the first full length book by author Isla Vaughn. This is book 1 of Hidden Valley Elite series. Savage Lies is part of a duet of Coke & Riley’s story. This ends on a “cliffhanger”.
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Cole Savage and Riley Matthews
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = this is book 1 of a duet
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Bully Romance ♥ High School ♥ Sports (Football & Diving) ♥ Dual POVs ♥ Forbidden (future step siblings) ♥ Suspense ♥ OTT Possessive MMC ♥ Touch-Her-and-💀
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language ♥ Sexual Content ♥ death of parent
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Cole Savage and Riley Matthews
𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = Yes
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = this is book 1 of a duet
𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Bully Romance ♥ High School ♥ Sports (Football & Diving) ♥ Dual POVs ♥ Forbidden (future step siblings) ♥ Suspense ♥ OTT Possessive MMC ♥ Touch-Her-and-💀
𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language ♥ Sexual Content ♥ death of parent
𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥
𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
April 8, 2023
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!
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!
April 2, 2023
This is the second book I have read by the talented Isla Vaughn. The first being the prequel to this duet, Savage Start. While not necessary to read it to understand this book it is helpful. Savage Lies picks up one year after the events of the prequel, and while the events of it are mentioned no background is given to give a full understanding of the heat and thus hatred that fuels Riley and Cole.
Riley and Cole are both seniors at Hidden Valley Academy in Santa Monica, California. Riley and her mother never hit a place twice and yet for some reason they have returned here of all places. While she looks different this time Riley still remembers everything that happened the first time, including the amazing soul changing kiss with the stranger at the beach party. Cole still dreams of the little thief from the beach party, with the perfect little body that perfectly fit against his. Now a senior Cole has one goal make it through the year and escape his father, at least until he unknowingly meets his same little thief on the first day of school. While Riley recognizes him, he was drunk the first time and thus clueless now, though he feels something familiar about her tugging in the shadows of his memory. After a conversation with his dad its revealed that Riley’s mom is his dad’s new girlfriend. In his mind that means one thing only, she is trouble, and he needs to make sure they are gone quickly. Only they have invaded every part of each other’s minds. With a determination to both have her and destroy her Cole makes it known around their school that Riley is off limits. To Riley he makes if very clear that she already belongs to him so she might as well face it. Riley feels betrayed and abandoned for the first time in her life, her mom has always been her best friend and filled her in on everything but after nearly 18 years she is telling Riley to turn her back on everything she was raised to do and remember and be a normal teenager. To go out for the diving team, to go to parties, have friends, enjoy living her life like a normal girl.
Can Riley survive being the target of Cole Savage? Is Riley’s mom really trying to be normal after all this time? What does normal mean to a girl raised like Riley was? I loved the prequel and impatiently waited for the main books to come out and I was not disappointed. Savage Lies continues to build the world of Cole and Riley, giving more insight to their desires, and hatred. The cliffhanger once again had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for the final part of the duet Savage Truth, April 27th, 2023.
Riley and Cole are both seniors at Hidden Valley Academy in Santa Monica, California. Riley and her mother never hit a place twice and yet for some reason they have returned here of all places. While she looks different this time Riley still remembers everything that happened the first time, including the amazing soul changing kiss with the stranger at the beach party. Cole still dreams of the little thief from the beach party, with the perfect little body that perfectly fit against his. Now a senior Cole has one goal make it through the year and escape his father, at least until he unknowingly meets his same little thief on the first day of school. While Riley recognizes him, he was drunk the first time and thus clueless now, though he feels something familiar about her tugging in the shadows of his memory. After a conversation with his dad its revealed that Riley’s mom is his dad’s new girlfriend. In his mind that means one thing only, she is trouble, and he needs to make sure they are gone quickly. Only they have invaded every part of each other’s minds. With a determination to both have her and destroy her Cole makes it known around their school that Riley is off limits. To Riley he makes if very clear that she already belongs to him so she might as well face it. Riley feels betrayed and abandoned for the first time in her life, her mom has always been her best friend and filled her in on everything but after nearly 18 years she is telling Riley to turn her back on everything she was raised to do and remember and be a normal teenager. To go out for the diving team, to go to parties, have friends, enjoy living her life like a normal girl.
Can Riley survive being the target of Cole Savage? Is Riley’s mom really trying to be normal after all this time? What does normal mean to a girl raised like Riley was? I loved the prequel and impatiently waited for the main books to come out and I was not disappointed. Savage Lies continues to build the world of Cole and Riley, giving more insight to their desires, and hatred. The cliffhanger once again had me on the edge of my seat and I can’t wait for the final part of the duet Savage Truth, April 27th, 2023.
April 8, 2023
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!
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!
March 30, 2023
Beware: This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
4.5 stars
Coming hot off the heels of the prequel Savage Start is the first Book in the Hidden Valley Elite series is Savage Lies. Thankfully this book is 201ish pages so we can get our teeth into this story unlike the prequel which was only 55 pages. Having said that make sure you read the prequel first.
This is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, sports high school bully romance. This is dark and scandalous. Some of my favourite things. Being a high school romance, it is full of angst and drama, dark lies and secrets, jealousy and bullying. It is as intriguing as it is intense, and the fury and hatred is palpable.
She thought a new place would hide her truth and secrets but, in a world, where the Elite exists nothing could be farther than the truth. She has made a deadly enemy but she may have lost a battle, but she will not lose the war.
He is one of the deadly Elite, the Academy’s football stars, privileged boys who rule on and off the ground. Those who play to win and anyone who stands in their way is taken down. They are playing a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is now on his radar and revenge is sweet.
There are characters you will love to hate and others you will hate to love and others you just want to reduce to ashes.
It does end in a cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for Savage Truth. Who will win this war?
4.5 stars
Coming hot off the heels of the prequel Savage Start is the first Book in the Hidden Valley Elite series is Savage Lies. Thankfully this book is 201ish pages so we can get our teeth into this story unlike the prequel which was only 55 pages. Having said that make sure you read the prequel first.
This is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, sports high school bully romance. This is dark and scandalous. Some of my favourite things. Being a high school romance, it is full of angst and drama, dark lies and secrets, jealousy and bullying. It is as intriguing as it is intense, and the fury and hatred is palpable.
She thought a new place would hide her truth and secrets but, in a world, where the Elite exists nothing could be farther than the truth. She has made a deadly enemy but she may have lost a battle, but she will not lose the war.
He is one of the deadly Elite, the Academy’s football stars, privileged boys who rule on and off the ground. Those who play to win and anyone who stands in their way is taken down. They are playing a dangerous game where lies and lives are at stake. She is now on his radar and revenge is sweet.
There are characters you will love to hate and others you will hate to love and others you just want to reduce to ashes.
It does end in a cliff-hanger. I can’t wait for Savage Truth. Who will win this war?
March 31, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Savage Lies is Book 1 of the Hidden Valley Elite series and this book...I am totally all in! I highly recommend reading Savage Start which is the prequel and the start of Cole and Riley's story.
Cole is part of the Elite 4 that pretty much run Hidden Valley... star football player, handsome and can get any girl....but what he cannot get out of his mind is his kiss with a mysterious girl. The girl is Riley. When Riley comes back into town and starts again at a new school, the same school that Cole and his Elite boys go to, Riley tries just to keep her heads down and get through school on a daily basis. Never count Riley out, she is a bit cunning and has no problem standing up for herself. When Riley takes Cole on.....then it is no holds bar....Cole knowing that Riley off limits to everyone else...yet wants her... but also tries to put her through hell and back. Cole believes Riley is up to something....especially mixing in Riley's mother as well.
Does Cole succeed in freezing out Riley and th entire school or does Riley get the best of Cole in end?
This is a definite enemy to lovers high school bull romance and I love this story so much. The banter, secrets, lies, love to hate, sizzle and wit between Riley and Cole..wow........I am so looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens next since there is a cliffhanger.
Savage Lies is Book 1 of the Hidden Valley Elite series and this book...I am totally all in! I highly recommend reading Savage Start which is the prequel and the start of Cole and Riley's story.
Cole is part of the Elite 4 that pretty much run Hidden Valley... star football player, handsome and can get any girl....but what he cannot get out of his mind is his kiss with a mysterious girl. The girl is Riley. When Riley comes back into town and starts again at a new school, the same school that Cole and his Elite boys go to, Riley tries just to keep her heads down and get through school on a daily basis. Never count Riley out, she is a bit cunning and has no problem standing up for herself. When Riley takes Cole on.....then it is no holds bar....Cole knowing that Riley off limits to everyone else...yet wants her... but also tries to put her through hell and back. Cole believes Riley is up to something....especially mixing in Riley's mother as well.
Does Cole succeed in freezing out Riley and th entire school or does Riley get the best of Cole in end?
This is a definite enemy to lovers high school bull romance and I love this story so much. The banter, secrets, lies, love to hate, sizzle and wit between Riley and Cole..wow........I am so looking forward to Book 2 to see what happens next since there is a cliffhanger.
April 3, 2023
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.
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.
March 30, 2023
I can’t wait for the next book to come out! I’m hooked on this series! I read the prequel and now that I have read Savage Lies. I'm so happy! My only issue is it ended so quickly, I need the next book. I want to finish this story! These two characters are amazing. I love how the author has written the animosity as well as chemistry between them.
Cole and Riley, what is there to say. There’s so much hate between them. But they can’t stay away from one another. Riley feels Cole is a rich spoiled kid, when in reality Cole has other motives for his hate. Unfortunately for Riley he’s taking it out on her. Cole wants to break her, but she’s stronger than he realizes. He doesn’t know what she came from, but he wants her gone. Especially since she’s now living in his house.
Their story doesn’t end in this book, but it does have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what’s next. What will happen between them? This is the beginning of a series I look forward to reading in its entirety. Two sets of brothers that are cousins, each being coupled into two books as the focus. What else could you ask for?
Who else wants to jump on this wagon with me? I guarantee if you like enemies to lovers romances trust me when I say this series is perfect, but they have to be read together. No standalones here.
Cole and Riley, what is there to say. There’s so much hate between them. But they can’t stay away from one another. Riley feels Cole is a rich spoiled kid, when in reality Cole has other motives for his hate. Unfortunately for Riley he’s taking it out on her. Cole wants to break her, but she’s stronger than he realizes. He doesn’t know what she came from, but he wants her gone. Especially since she’s now living in his house.
Their story doesn’t end in this book, but it does have you on the edge of your seat wanting to know what’s next. What will happen between them? This is the beginning of a series I look forward to reading in its entirety. Two sets of brothers that are cousins, each being coupled into two books as the focus. What else could you ask for?
Who else wants to jump on this wagon with me? I guarantee if you like enemies to lovers romances trust me when I say this series is perfect, but they have to be read together. No standalones here.
April 1, 2023
This book was so incredibly well written that once you start the book it will feel like within a bind of an eye it was done. This book is fast paced and keeps you turning pages as quickly as you can. I almost felt like I was skimming the pages with how fast I was devouring the words. The banter between characters adds to the charm this book has. Yes, I said charm; because even though this is a bully romance it does has a warm feeling of charm to it. The push pull dynamic between the characters is spot on and hit all my feels. There is a prequel to this book but you don't have to read it in order to pick this one up. I would recommend reading it because it does give some background information that you won't feel is missing if you don't know about it but would help if you do know about it. This book does leave you wanting more not only because of how amazing it was but because you actually want to know more and what happens. This book read like a dream and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants a fast paced, jammed packed, bully romance; that can be finished in a few hours. Seriously, you will read it that quickly because you wont be able to put it down.
March 30, 2023
I was so excited about this one after reading Savage Start. The tension between Cole and Riley builds throughout this book as Cole's anger toward his father increases. This started a little slow for me and didn't pick up until about 1/3 of the way through, but once it did I was unable to put it down till I was finished. I will be anxiously awaiting the next book in this series.
March 31, 2023
LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! I read the short prequel to this and I’ve been waiting to read this one and I never wanted it to end. Cole is 🥵 and I LOVE Riley. The push and pull/cat and mouse game they’re playing with each other, has me on edge. It’s a good thing though because I love the angst! They “hate” each other for many reasons but they can’t deny the physical attraction they have for one another. Cole has family problems and so does Riley. Can Cole get over how he’s feeling? Can Riley? If you want a book with drama and angst, read this! If you want a GREAT enemies to lovers book…READ. THIS. I promise you, you won’t regret it. This is such a great read I’ll definitely be re reading it in the near future. It’s one of my favorites! And I need more! It can’t end like that! 😭 I know this series is going to be 8 books…and knowing I have to wait till the end of the year to know how it ends is going to be torture!
March 31, 2023
Savage Lies by Isla Vaughn is the first book in the Hidden Valley Elite series, following the prequel Savage Start. In this story, it picks up where some time has passed since Cole and Damon lost their mother. They blame their father and his inability to be faithful to their mother for her taking her life. But when Cole finds out who his father is seeing and connects the dots to Riley's mother, he decides to make it his mission to run Riley and her mother off. The tension between Cole and Riley is fierce as they toy with each other and it is so gripping, it was hard to put this book down. I am anticipating diving right into the second book next to see where it goes next.
April 1, 2023
This book is totally keeping me on the edge of my seat. You know when you are getting close to the end of the book and you realize there is no way everything can be wrapped up in the amount of book left, yep that happened. The tension between Riley and Cole is so thick. They hate each other, but they can’t seem to get past the attraction. Who will be able to discover the truth first about what is really going on?
April 4, 2023
Series is good, book is too short.
This is starting out to be quite an interesting series with an intricate long-term plot. Which is exactly why I say the book is too short. Now I have to wait for the next release to learn more.
This is starting out to be quite an interesting series with an intricate long-term plot. Which is exactly why I say the book is too short. Now I have to wait for the next release to learn more.
May 8, 2023
Moving to a new place isn't easy, especially when it means moving into a new home with people you don't even know. Riley's life got turned upside down when her mother moved them in with her boyfriend and his two boys. She shared a steamy kiss with Cole once and then ran the other way never thinking she'd see him again. Cole is battling the hatred building inside that he has for his father. While their chemistry is off the charts he still doesn't want to let her in. How will they cope with living together? The story is good, the characters have great development and the author did a great job in keeping me, the reader, interested. I'm looking forward to how this story progresses in the next book.
April 24, 2024
It was… ok. That kind of sums up how I felt about this book. Okay.
It was a cliche, tropey school bully book, one I feel like I’ve read a dozen times before. And yet, I read it. I was close to DNFing after a few chapters, but I persevered. The characters don’t really have anything unique that sets them apart from every other character from similar themed books. They feel a bit one dimensional.
But the main problem for me was the writing itself.
Here are a few examples, that explain better than I can:
“I slapped my hand on the table until I found my phone. After unplugging the power cord, I squinted at the screen and pushed myself up. I dropped my feet to the floor and shut off the TV.”
“Half an hour later, I arrived and found a parking space by sheer luck. Someone was leaving when I was about to pass. I almost got rear-ended for stopping short, but I got the spot. After paying to park for the next couple of hours through an app, I crossed the small stretch of sand to the boardwalk in search of Cassie, my flip-flops happily clapping along.”
Now, most readers are probably fine with this. But to me, most of the book was filled with mundane, and frankly, pointless sentences that drag the plot. That’s what made it a bit of a slog.
And then there are the inconsistencies.
From Cole’s pov:
“My fingers curled around her doorknob only to find it locked. A silent laugh escaped. I came prepared for that and pulled the paper clip from my pocket. With a tug on one end of the thin metal, I straightened enough to slip into the small hole in the knob and popped the lock.”
And next we have Riley’s pov:
“With my heart racing, I gripped the knob, gave it a slow turn, and pushed. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t locked his door. Stupid… although mine didn’t have one either. I needed to address that.”
Oops? Just stuff like that made it seem either hastily written, not edited, and/or juvenile. Am I going to read the next book? Yes, even though they seem short enough that they could be combined. It ends on a cliffhanger, though it wasn’t a very high cliff, and I’m invested just enough to keep reading. That’s the third star in my rating.
It was a cliche, tropey school bully book, one I feel like I’ve read a dozen times before. And yet, I read it. I was close to DNFing after a few chapters, but I persevered. The characters don’t really have anything unique that sets them apart from every other character from similar themed books. They feel a bit one dimensional.
But the main problem for me was the writing itself.
Here are a few examples, that explain better than I can:
“I slapped my hand on the table until I found my phone. After unplugging the power cord, I squinted at the screen and pushed myself up. I dropped my feet to the floor and shut off the TV.”
“Half an hour later, I arrived and found a parking space by sheer luck. Someone was leaving when I was about to pass. I almost got rear-ended for stopping short, but I got the spot. After paying to park for the next couple of hours through an app, I crossed the small stretch of sand to the boardwalk in search of Cassie, my flip-flops happily clapping along.”
Now, most readers are probably fine with this. But to me, most of the book was filled with mundane, and frankly, pointless sentences that drag the plot. That’s what made it a bit of a slog.
And then there are the inconsistencies.
From Cole’s pov:
“My fingers curled around her doorknob only to find it locked. A silent laugh escaped. I came prepared for that and pulled the paper clip from my pocket. With a tug on one end of the thin metal, I straightened enough to slip into the small hole in the knob and popped the lock.”
And next we have Riley’s pov:
“With my heart racing, I gripped the knob, gave it a slow turn, and pushed. I couldn’t believe he hadn’t locked his door. Stupid… although mine didn’t have one either. I needed to address that.”
Oops? Just stuff like that made it seem either hastily written, not edited, and/or juvenile. Am I going to read the next book? Yes, even though they seem short enough that they could be combined. It ends on a cliffhanger, though it wasn’t a very high cliff, and I’m invested just enough to keep reading. That’s the third star in my rating.
December 11, 2023
High School/Bully/Enemies to Lovers
SYNOPSIS (of Books 1 & 2): This is the start of a set of stories relating to the two Savage brothers, Cole & Damon, and their cousins, Phoenix & Shane. Each boy has a duet dedicated to them and their love interest. The first duet covers Cole & Riley‘s story. It‘s a bully/enemies to lovers trope but is light on the bullying. Riley and her mother are grifters on the run from her abusive mafia connected father. Riley‘s mother decides to stop running and to reconnect with the love of her life who turns out to be Cole‘s father. Cole, his brother and cousins are the Elite of the high school and are the kings of football. There is angst around Cole‘s relationship with his father and around Riley‘s father finding her and her mother. Ultimately there is a HEA.
Neither book in the duet is long, maybe around 180 pages each, so the story is short. Having said that it is not unique - Cole resents Riley‘s mother and hates his father so decides to take that hate out on Riley. However, despite being short, not much happens over the two books. Despite it being a bully/enemies to lovers there is no real bullying and even the mean girls get no traction and restrict themselves to name calling. I kept feeling something was going to happen but it doesn‘t until the last quarter of the second book. Otherwise the story just keeps boomeranging between Cole not being able to resist Riley and then being mean to her and Riley never calling Cole on his behaviour and just caving every time he comes on to her.
The duet is readable and relatively well written but I found it dragged and became repetitive. Quite a feat considering that it‘s not a long story. There were so many chances for the author to up the story but she never did. Then ending is inevitable with the father finding the FC and her mother but it is all over very quickly and there‘s not really much drama. Cole quickly decides that he loves Riley and can forgive her, her mother and his father for everything and move on. It‘s all very neat and doesn’t bear close examination. Everything is tied up in a neat bow!
I gave book 1 4 stars and book 2 3 stars as this duet started off with some promise but never seemed to deliver.
SYNOPSIS (of Books 1 & 2): This is the start of a set of stories relating to the two Savage brothers, Cole & Damon, and their cousins, Phoenix & Shane. Each boy has a duet dedicated to them and their love interest. The first duet covers Cole & Riley‘s story. It‘s a bully/enemies to lovers trope but is light on the bullying. Riley and her mother are grifters on the run from her abusive mafia connected father. Riley‘s mother decides to stop running and to reconnect with the love of her life who turns out to be Cole‘s father. Cole, his brother and cousins are the Elite of the high school and are the kings of football. There is angst around Cole‘s relationship with his father and around Riley‘s father finding her and her mother. Ultimately there is a HEA.
Neither book in the duet is long, maybe around 180 pages each, so the story is short. Having said that it is not unique - Cole resents Riley‘s mother and hates his father so decides to take that hate out on Riley. However, despite being short, not much happens over the two books. Despite it being a bully/enemies to lovers there is no real bullying and even the mean girls get no traction and restrict themselves to name calling. I kept feeling something was going to happen but it doesn‘t until the last quarter of the second book. Otherwise the story just keeps boomeranging between Cole not being able to resist Riley and then being mean to her and Riley never calling Cole on his behaviour and just caving every time he comes on to her.
The duet is readable and relatively well written but I found it dragged and became repetitive. Quite a feat considering that it‘s not a long story. There were so many chances for the author to up the story but she never did. Then ending is inevitable with the father finding the FC and her mother but it is all over very quickly and there‘s not really much drama. Cole quickly decides that he loves Riley and can forgive her, her mother and his father for everything and move on. It‘s all very neat and doesn’t bear close examination. Everything is tied up in a neat bow!
I gave book 1 4 stars and book 2 3 stars as this duet started off with some promise but never seemed to deliver.
April 18, 2023
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
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
April 19, 2023
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.
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.
January 25, 2024
In the prequel we met Cole and Riley. Both coming from different backgrounds, Cole was privileged and Riley was a thief who was always on the run from her psycho father. In book 1, Riley finds herself back in Cole’s town not understanding why because her mother and her never pulled a con twice in the same place. Riley finds out that her mom has a new boyfriend and wants to place down roots for real. The problem with this is Riley can’t believe her mother would want to do this because she has never acted like this before and Riley’s father was still looking for them. However, because she loves her mom she decided she will go along with whatever this is for now, especially since her mom was making promises she only dreamt of. What she doesn’t know is that she is about to get thrown right into the path of a cute guy she had a moment with a year ago. Throughout the book, her and Cole become enemies due to past circumstances, lies, and miscommunications. Cole has a lot of pull in school and the area and produces many enemies for Riley. They find themselves playing each other to make each one of them miserable, while actually having a lot of sexual tension. Once truths start to come out, so do feelings. But will the truths come out in time to save both of them?
If you love a bully and stepsibling romance this is a good one. These books are short, sweet, and full of entertainment. I enjoyed the story as much as the romance. Each of the characters was great as well. Because we have the prequel, it made loving Cole, even though the bullying, easy. You knew where a lot of the heartache was coming from and could also see how much he loved her at the same time. And Riley, well she was just badass. She had a soft side that was easy to love but also didn’t let people just take what they wanted. She stood up for herself, was cunning, and also sympathetic. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately read book 2.
If you love a bully and stepsibling romance this is a good one. These books are short, sweet, and full of entertainment. I enjoyed the story as much as the romance. Each of the characters was great as well. Because we have the prequel, it made loving Cole, even though the bullying, easy. You knew where a lot of the heartache was coming from and could also see how much he loved her at the same time. And Riley, well she was just badass. She had a soft side that was easy to love but also didn’t let people just take what they wanted. She stood up for herself, was cunning, and also sympathetic. This book does end on a cliffhanger and I enjoyed it so much that I immediately read book 2.
April 10, 2023
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶🌶
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark bully romance, enemies-to-lovers, hate to love, forced proximity, new adult, high school, sports romance
Who would think he would be brought down by a kiss. Blackmailed by the class MVP. On the brink of destruction. When Riley moved to a new town, she never realized a kiss with a hot guy at a beach party would come back to bite her in the rear. Her and her mother have been on the run from an abusive ex when her mother makes a decision she has never made before. They returned to a town they've already been to before. It's her senior year, and the last thing she expected was to run into her kiss that was with Cole Savage, who never forgot even though it took time for it to all come back. It puts her in the most dangerous position to be in, Cole's line of sight. He was stupid, perfect, and one of four members of the untouchable elite. They're the Academy's football stars, which makes them gods among their peers. From day one, he puts a target on her back. All because of one kiss. Her secrets are dark and dangerous, but evidently, so is his because he goes after her with a single-minded determination. He will go above and beyond to make sure she doesn't win. He has no idea he's met his match. She'll use his hate and teach him it burns as hot as his lust. If he wants a war, she'll give him one.
This was my first read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. There is a sequel I didn't know about called Savage Start, but I didn't feel lost at all. The plot is detailed and layered but sucked me in and refused to let go until the cliffhanger. I really don't want to give too much else away, but I highly recommend it, especially if bully romance or dark romance is your thing like it is mine. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💔💔💔
Cliffhanger? ✅️
Do I recommend it? ✅️
Trigger Warnings: ☠️ ☠️ ☠️
Tropes: dark bully romance, enemies-to-lovers, hate to love, forced proximity, new adult, high school, sports romance
Who would think he would be brought down by a kiss. Blackmailed by the class MVP. On the brink of destruction. When Riley moved to a new town, she never realized a kiss with a hot guy at a beach party would come back to bite her in the rear. Her and her mother have been on the run from an abusive ex when her mother makes a decision she has never made before. They returned to a town they've already been to before. It's her senior year, and the last thing she expected was to run into her kiss that was with Cole Savage, who never forgot even though it took time for it to all come back. It puts her in the most dangerous position to be in, Cole's line of sight. He was stupid, perfect, and one of four members of the untouchable elite. They're the Academy's football stars, which makes them gods among their peers. From day one, he puts a target on her back. All because of one kiss. Her secrets are dark and dangerous, but evidently, so is his because he goes after her with a single-minded determination. He will go above and beyond to make sure she doesn't win. He has no idea he's met his match. She'll use his hate and teach him it burns as hot as his lust. If he wants a war, she'll give him one.
This was my first read by this author, and it definitely won't be the last. There is a sequel I didn't know about called Savage Start, but I didn't feel lost at all. The plot is detailed and layered but sucked me in and refused to let go until the cliffhanger. I really don't want to give too much else away, but I highly recommend it, especially if bully romance or dark romance is your thing like it is mine. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
February 13, 2024
"Savage Lies: A Dark High School Bully Romance" by Isla Vaughn is a captivating and intense read that takes the readers on a rollercoaster ride through the complexities of high school dynamics.
The author does a great job of creating a realistic and dark atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of the challenges the main character faces in her high school. Vaughn's writing is raw and honest, making it easy for readers to feel empathy for the protagonist as she navigates the difficult world of bullying and power struggles.
The story is filled with suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of high tension and moments of introspection. Despite the dark themes, there is an underlying message of hope and resilience that shines through.
What sets "Savage Lies" apart is the depth of character development. The protagonist undergoes a compelling transformation throughout the book, grappling with her own emotions and coming to terms with the harsh reality of her situation. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
One thing to keep in mind is that this book does contain mature content, including explicit language and scenes. While it adds to the authenticity of the story, it may not be suitable for all readers.
In conclusion, "Savage Lies: A Dark High School Bully Romance" is a thrilling and emotional book that delves deep into the darker side of high school life. If you enjoy intense reads that explore psychological and emotional dynamics, this book is an intriguing choice. However, be prepared for mature content that may not be everyone's cup of tea.
The author does a great job of creating a realistic and dark atmosphere, painting a vivid picture of the challenges the main character faces in her high school. Vaughn's writing is raw and honest, making it easy for readers to feel empathy for the protagonist as she navigates the difficult world of bullying and power struggles.
The story is filled with suspense, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the plot unfolds. The pacing is well-balanced, with moments of high tension and moments of introspection. Despite the dark themes, there is an underlying message of hope and resilience that shines through.
What sets "Savage Lies" apart is the depth of character development. The protagonist undergoes a compelling transformation throughout the book, grappling with her own emotions and coming to terms with the harsh reality of her situation. The supporting characters are also well-developed, adding layers of complexity to the narrative.
One thing to keep in mind is that this book does contain mature content, including explicit language and scenes. While it adds to the authenticity of the story, it may not be suitable for all readers.
In conclusion, "Savage Lies: A Dark High School Bully Romance" is a thrilling and emotional book that delves deep into the darker side of high school life. If you enjoy intense reads that explore psychological and emotional dynamics, this book is an intriguing choice. However, be prepared for mature content that may not be everyone's cup of tea.
March 31, 2023
4 Stars
Savage Lies is the second book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) enemies-to-lovers “bully” romance with plenty of angsty drama, family dynamics, darker themes that may be triggers for some readers, emotion, and more.
I highly recommend reading the prequel, Savage Start, before starting on this book as the story foundations begin there, as well as character introductions, and other ‘groundwork’ which knowing will help you better understand what happens in this book.
As we discovered in the prequel, The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Cole and Damon and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are the football stars of school, and every girls wet dream- and they know it. It has been a year since the events in ‘Savage Start’, and Riley is back in town and enrolled at Hidden Valley. Soon sparks fly and personalities clash. Things are about to get interesting. But this isn’t a ‘light and fluffy’ read, be warned, the author takes a bit of a darker turn here which may be challenging for some.
I am glad this book was ‘meatier’ than the prequel, as I was able to really immerse in the story and begin to invest in the character/s and developments- which I hadn’t been able to do in the prequel. I am so ready for the next instalment.
Cole and Riley’s story started in the prequel and resumes here, concluding in “Savage Truth” (Book #2). Each of the elites are set to get their own book/s as well, making for a longer series to sink our teeth into.
Bring it on!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
Savage Lies is the second book in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. It is a New Adult (High School) enemies-to-lovers “bully” romance with plenty of angsty drama, family dynamics, darker themes that may be triggers for some readers, emotion, and more.
I highly recommend reading the prequel, Savage Start, before starting on this book as the story foundations begin there, as well as character introductions, and other ‘groundwork’ which knowing will help you better understand what happens in this book.
As we discovered in the prequel, The ‘Elites’ are the top of the food chain at Hidden Valley Elite high school. They are brothers Cole and Damon and their cousins, twin brothers Phoenix and Shane. They are the football stars of school, and every girls wet dream- and they know it. It has been a year since the events in ‘Savage Start’, and Riley is back in town and enrolled at Hidden Valley. Soon sparks fly and personalities clash. Things are about to get interesting. But this isn’t a ‘light and fluffy’ read, be warned, the author takes a bit of a darker turn here which may be challenging for some.
I am glad this book was ‘meatier’ than the prequel, as I was able to really immerse in the story and begin to invest in the character/s and developments- which I hadn’t been able to do in the prequel. I am so ready for the next instalment.
Cole and Riley’s story started in the prequel and resumes here, concluding in “Savage Truth” (Book #2). Each of the elites are set to get their own book/s as well, making for a longer series to sink our teeth into.
Bring it on!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
April 16, 2023
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?
April 21, 2023
How can you crave someone so deeply and loathe them at the same time? This is what Riley and Cole are trying to figure out as their battle of wits encounters many ups and downs for each.
I devoured the prequel, Savage Start, where we first met Riley, the quick thinker who has grown up helping her mom with numerous cons, and Cole, one of the ELITES of Hidden Valley. It isn't a necessity to read the prequel, but I would highly suggest it as it's an enjoyable read that made me see a softer side of Cole than the one we see now. It also lets you in on the backstory of why there is so much tension and heat between the two. This book alludes to it but doesn't go into specifics.
Savage Lies picks up one year after the prequel (Savage Start) when Riley moves back to the town of Santa Monica that Cole lives in. Cole isn't your typical good-looking jock though he pretends to be, all he is trying to do is take care of his brother and cousins while evading his father until he can escape to college next year, but Riley and her mom throw a wedge into his plans. It's barely been a year since Cole's mom passed away, now his father has already moved on, which upsets Damon (Cole's brother) and Cole tremendously. The tension continues to build as Cole takes part of his frustration out on Riley, though she doesn't back down, proving that he might just have met his match. Be aware, this book ends on a cliffhanger that has me counting the days until Savage Truth comes out on April 27th, 2023.
I devoured the prequel, Savage Start, where we first met Riley, the quick thinker who has grown up helping her mom with numerous cons, and Cole, one of the ELITES of Hidden Valley. It isn't a necessity to read the prequel, but I would highly suggest it as it's an enjoyable read that made me see a softer side of Cole than the one we see now. It also lets you in on the backstory of why there is so much tension and heat between the two. This book alludes to it but doesn't go into specifics.
Savage Lies picks up one year after the prequel (Savage Start) when Riley moves back to the town of Santa Monica that Cole lives in. Cole isn't your typical good-looking jock though he pretends to be, all he is trying to do is take care of his brother and cousins while evading his father until he can escape to college next year, but Riley and her mom throw a wedge into his plans. It's barely been a year since Cole's mom passed away, now his father has already moved on, which upsets Damon (Cole's brother) and Cole tremendously. The tension continues to build as Cole takes part of his frustration out on Riley, though she doesn't back down, proving that he might just have met his match. Be aware, this book ends on a cliffhanger that has me counting the days until Savage Truth comes out on April 27th, 2023.
May 31, 2023
Review of Savage Lies by Islan Vaughn
* * * * *
Cole and Riley's romance really begins in this spicy bully romance read, and it is only just a taste of what chemistry they have together.
Riley is moving back with her mother to the town they ran from, which was so unlike them. They were constantly needing to keep moving, it was vital. For both their lives.
However, her mother has dropped the bomb about her well connected boyfriend who they are moving in with and apparently going to start a life together. He also has two sons...one of them being the handsome arrogant guy she had shared an electrifying kiss with in the summer. A kiss that has haunted her.
Now, the man who taunts her dreams is about to make her life difficult.
Cole does not trust his father's new woman or her daughter, not after the events of the past summer. However, Riley's invaded his mind. She is hiding something. He knows they are playing a game. Will he uncover their secrets, or will he be already falling for his soon to be stepsister?
I was surprised that the romance didn't end at the first read, but that has me excited for more. We are given more onto his brother and two cousins, so the assumption is there that they get their own stories too and that has me pumped for more!
So happy I read the prequel before this, provided so much more detail for this read.
Riley and Cole's bantering back and forth really is gripping as even when they drive each other nuts with the taunting and blackmail, they desire one another. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next read.
* * * * *
Cole and Riley's romance really begins in this spicy bully romance read, and it is only just a taste of what chemistry they have together.
Riley is moving back with her mother to the town they ran from, which was so unlike them. They were constantly needing to keep moving, it was vital. For both their lives.
However, her mother has dropped the bomb about her well connected boyfriend who they are moving in with and apparently going to start a life together. He also has two sons...one of them being the handsome arrogant guy she had shared an electrifying kiss with in the summer. A kiss that has haunted her.
Now, the man who taunts her dreams is about to make her life difficult.
Cole does not trust his father's new woman or her daughter, not after the events of the past summer. However, Riley's invaded his mind. She is hiding something. He knows they are playing a game. Will he uncover their secrets, or will he be already falling for his soon to be stepsister?
I was surprised that the romance didn't end at the first read, but that has me excited for more. We are given more onto his brother and two cousins, so the assumption is there that they get their own stories too and that has me pumped for more!
So happy I read the prequel before this, provided so much more detail for this read.
Riley and Cole's bantering back and forth really is gripping as even when they drive each other nuts with the taunting and blackmail, they desire one another. Cannot wait to see what happens in the next read.
April 16, 2023
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!
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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