Rejected by a teenage god. Lies so dangerous our lives are at stake. A game worth playing.
Cole Savage doesn’t hate anyone as much as he hates me… or the fact that he wants me just as much.
We all have issues, and the less he knows about me, the better. I just have to keep him unbalanced, which is harder than I thought it would be.
Yeah, he wants me. But I want him just as much. And that’s a secret I’ll kill over.
Until I overhear Cole saying “she’s not my type.” Game on, pretty boy. Because the kiss that seared me to my core told a different story.
Let’s see how tall and proud he walks when I put him in his place—which is hands-off of me.
Savage Truth is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance with plenty of angst, heat, and a HEA. This is the conclusion of Savage lies, and Riley and Cole’s duet. This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
2,5 stars rounded up. Reading this book was very frustrating and infuriating
I feel like this duet (plus little novella at the start) went downhill really fast: the novella was interesting, promising and set a good tone, book one was weaker and focused on all the wrong things imo, but book two was simply a clusterfuck of epic proportions.
Important note: although I'm gonna critique this book quite heavily, I still think the author is talented and knows how to write, so nothing personal 👉👈
My main issue was the inconsistencies from chapter to chapter: - one moment the heroine feels guilty and wants to console the hero, the next chapter she's full on revenge mode against him 🤡 - the hero THINKS about calling a "truths" with the heroine only at night, so that they can bang, they NEVER DISCUSS it, and few chapters later they TALK about this mysterious truths as if it really exists 🆘 - i lost count how many times the heroine and her mother had the "talk" only to repeat it chapters later: h thought they would leave, she would ask her mother about it, the mother would say no, they're staying. To which the h would ask what kind of con they were planning this time, the mother then would proceed to convince her no con was happening, the h would throw a temper tantrum and flee the room. A few moments later h would think something is fishy and be convinced a con is happening and badger her poor mother about it again. And again. AND AGAIN ☠️☠️☠️ - hero's father and heroine's mother would invite all their kids to lunch and declare they're engaged and want to move in. Later on when they would talk about it with the children that were PRESENT at the lunch, the kids would be shocked as if it was news 😤🤷🏼♀️
If the tags and tropes are your thing, check it out, but honestly this was a disappointing downfall of a series 👁️👄👁️
The battle between Cole and Riley rages on. Something is off, even more so with Riley and her mom and Cole will stop at nothing to get rid of them, despite his growing attraction to Riley. That is until Cole learns the secret that Riley and her mom have been keeping. Now, there’s nothing Cole wouldn’t do to protect Riley. This was a quick, suspenseful read that I couldn’t put down!
This was so good. It had me on the edge of my seat just waiting on the other shoe to drop and boy did it ever holy smokes talk about intense. This is the conclusion to Cole and Riley's story and what a fantastic ending these 2 deserved. Ugh the push and pull these 2 did I wanted smack him upside his big head so many times and tell him stop being a da haha. I just wanted to high five her, because yeh he deserved it all, but I would like to know if that lil thing she did at that hotel in the closet if it actually could be done🤔🧐Loved these 2 and this story. I'm ready for the brother and the cousins who are next.
Savage Truth is the second book in the Hidden Valley Elite duo and the end of Cole and Riley’s story. Make sure you read the prequel first Savage Start. You must read them all in order as they follow on from each other with the same characters. Savage Truth is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult, high school bully romance.
This intriguing and scandalous high school romance, it is full of hatred is palpable and angst, fiery passion and drama, dark lies and secrets, jealousy and fury and bullying.
One kiss and she was on his radar. She became his deadly enemy. He wants to play games? She can play games too. She has nothing to lose.
The deadly Elite, the Academy’s football stars rule on and off the ground. One kiss and now he can’t get her out of his head. One that may just be his undoing. One where the lies and secrets of others may be his undoing. Revenge has never tasted so sweet.
They are playing a dangerous game of cat and mouse one they might not survive.
There are characters you will love to hate and others you will hate to love and others you just want to reduce to ashes.
Who will be the victor?
I can’t wait for the other Elite to get their own books.
The conclusion of Riley and Cole’s story was intense and emotional. It was exactly what I expected. This bully romance gave its all in its conclusion. Riley and Cole are on a new path that can lead them together, or keep them apart. Once at war with each other, we now see them at war for each other. It’s an experience of drama, jealousy, betrayal, secrets, lies, and love. Riley is letting fear win out and determined to run from the first real life she’s ever had. She has more fear as everything comes to a head. Cole is not the boy we met in book 1, and our rich boy bully is in his feelings for his forbidden girl. He feels for Riley more than he has for any other girl. It’s beyond the physical, and he’s determined to have her at all costs. When all the secrets come to light, will it tear them apart, or bring them closer.
Tension, tackles and truce This is the conclusion of Riley and Cole’s story. What a roller coaster this has been. From the novella, Savage Start and throughout Book 1 Savage Lies, I knew this was going to be amazing. Cole is a o force to be reckoned with, but Riley has a strength that can withstand so much. Together there are sparks and chemistry. From enemies to lovers these two play a deadly game. I highly recommend this series (start from the novella!) and can’t wait to continue on with Brutal Days.
I read the sequel of this series and then kindle unlimited the first book because I liked the sequel so much. Finally getting to the second book I was filled with so much anticipation of what was going to happen. Definitely recommend the series. Riley has so much built up tension with Cole but he is a blackmailer. Will things change? Will Riley’s mom be caught with Cole’s dad?
Ok I couldn't put it down as soon as I started the book. this is well the conclusion of Riley and Coles story but your going to learn the underlying threat to them. I'm not spoiling it for any one because your going to be shocked and so I to the story you'll need more.
I can't wait to see what's next in this series I'm totally hooked on it
Savage Truth is book 2 in a set including a prequel and book 1. I'm not sure how easy to follow book 2 would be without reading the other two prior. It picks up directly where book 1 ends.
Riley is a high school student who has spent her entire life on the run with her mother, from her incredibly dangerous father. This means a lifetime of sticking to the plan, changing appearance to blend in, using fake names and running cons.
Riley and Cole already loved to hate one another, but living together has really put it over the top. Book 2 brought no less passion, but less in the form of hatred between them. Everything is a game of cat and mouse and along the way, they discover some things and make some real connections. I'm making an effort not to post any spoilers but it doesn't leave much specifically to say.
Book 2 was good and I was pleased with the ending. In comparison to the prequel and book 1, which felt more that I was totally engrossed and couldn't put it down, this felt rushed. So many things happened that answer a lot of questions, and it was well fleshed out in terms of sharing the entirety of what the author envisioned, but with a ton of conclusions fitting into a very small section of the book - as though everything had to fit into (x) number of pages. Until I hit the part that felt rushed it was completely enjoyable to read. Descriptions are easy to follow, backgrounds of favorite areas are clear, looks and emotions and experiences are still a fun read, I just feel the author didn't do her talent justice to rush some pretty conclusive sections. Definitely worth the read, starting with the prequel. Looking forward to reading Damon's story next!
Review of Savage Truth by Isla Vaughn * * * * * Riley's and Cole's blossoming love continues to its final part in this epic bully romance and the stakes are raised and danger is lurking.
Riley and Cole are still going at each other, even when they just want to rip each other's clothing off. He's an elite with a massive following at school and a big future in football. She's a girl with secrets and knows how to move in life trying to survive. However, the threat she has been running from her entire life has started to arrive on the doorstep. Can Cole and his powerful father really protect her? Can Riley be safe to live the life she has started to build for herself?
Finally we are given more explosive drama and steamy scenes. Riley and Cole finally just accept their chemistry and it is delicious! Family starts coming together, even if some or more still hate one another. Cannot wait to see who has their romance next and how it can be as steamy and crazy as Riley and Cole's story!
Savage Truth features the alternating views from Riley and Cole. Cole had erased the fight videos that Riley was using to blackmail him with. Cole wanted Raelyn and Riley gone from his life.. sort of. When Lucas told Cole to not get involved with Riley, Riley teamed up with Cassie to devise a plan to take Cole down. Their plan backfired when Riley couldn’t stop her feelings from growing. Cole and Riley became intimate overnight. When Cole couldn’t find Riley at home, he entered the school gym to discover Riley was at a dive practice. Jealousy caused Cole to start a fight with Jarrett. Subsequently, the following school day, Cole began an argument in class. With a warning from the principal, Cole attempted to make Riley jealous by kissing another girl. At lunch, Cole sees Jarrett and Riley together and another fight ensues. They suspended both of them from school.
The past intensified the tension that builds in the story that Raelyn and Riley were running from. I had an idea about Riley’s uncle being a mobster or someone of high influence. Pulling the cons they did and never being caught isn’t something most people are capable of. I didn’t understand why Cole wanted Riley, but couldn’t admit his feelings for her. When he took her virginity, he played it off like it meant nothing. Riley’s reaction was relatable. There are some loose ends that occur in the conclusion, but I am seriously looking forward to reading more of the series.
Finally, the conclusion I have been waiting for since February when I read the prequel to this duet. Isla Vaughn’s ability to leave you hanging at the end of the first book, Savage Lies and pick up in the same moment in Savage Truth is pure talent. This book starts up exactly where the first one ended, Cole has a name that can reveal everything. The emotions warring not only in Riley are reflected in Cole. Riley finally joins the swim team only for her to overhear an argument between her mom and Cole’s dad the same day as her first practice. He’s saying it’s too soon he had plans to get Riley seen by scouts without media attention or risk. Cole finally unleashes the secret he had been holding in for a year, that Raelyn, Riley’s mom was the woman with their dad “that weekend”. Fear is laced through both Riley and Cole at every interaction. She tries to stick to the rules that have kept her and her mom alive for years. He’s tired of the lies and is ready to get Riley and her mom out of his home and out of their lives, only he can’t stop the unrecognizable emotions racing through him. Riley has never had the chance to live, she has only had a life of running to survive until now. Feeling like she has it all she holds back keeping doubt at the forefront of her mind, that girls like her don’t get what they want. Cole recognizes his obsession with Riley but in the past, he’s never felt anything deeper than the physical, but with Riley he feels everything and he’s not sure he wants to give that up. Riley’s dad’s name is finally revealed, Nick, too many warnings, they have been in the same place too long and when she learns her father has a “contract” and plans for her upcoming 18th birthday Riley is ready to run again. Raelyn says no, this time is different we aren’t running we are staying. Can Riley and Cole end their war and just accept what they feel? Are they safe, can her mother be telling the truth? What will happen if Nick finds her? The characters the author has created continue once again to evolve in this amazing book. With each book we learn more and more, not only what they like or dislike but how deeply they feel, the pain of never being still for Riley has tormented her and now she has a chance to live. Cole makes her feel things she never experienced in her life, safety, and trust in someone other than her mother and uncle. Riley makes him feel everything, more than physical, he can confide in her and know she cares. The long-awaited promise of a happy ever after is worth the wait, you truly fall in love with the characters and pray they get all that they deserve. A chance to live, love and feel without fear.
Savage Truth is book two in Isla Vaughn’s Hidden Valley Elite series. I recommend starting from book one, or better yet, the prequel as these books are meant to be read in order and the sequel offers great insight. I was really excited to pick up this book and delve more into Riley and Cole.. I felt like their story had been a dark and twisty rollercoaster ride and the romantic suspense had gotten to a point where I wanted and needed closure. I enjoyed that the first book ended with a cliffhanger leaving readers to pick up where we had left off, leading to more suspense and anticipation. It has been a long time since I read a series that wasn’t a stand alone, so I missed that feeling of needing more. This series has brought that so far.. I am happy to have had lingering questions answered and do feel like this is a series worth reading. In addition to a unique storyline with interesting characters, I simply liked how the story is told by both character’s perspectives. I am looking forward to reading more from Isla Vaughn.
As always check trigger warnings. We continue to follow Cole and Riley. And after the cliffhanger of the last book, I was not disappointed. I truly love the chemistry of these two. And also with the suspense it is just a wonderful time. I am absolutely continuing this series!
This story is the conclusion of Cole and Riley's story. It picks up right where Savage Lies left off. While you can read it as a standalone...I highly recommend reading the prequel and first book before diving into this one.
We are thrown right back into the drama of Cole and Riley's story...full of drama, lies, family secrets...and a very thin line between love and hate that is constantly being crossed. We find out that there is so much more going on behind the scenes than anyone could have imagined. There are also many questions that are answered, including: why are they always running?What will happen if Riley's dad finds them? And, does Riley have a chance at remaining in Hidden Valley for a while?
This is one of those series that I don't want to give anything away. These two have quite the tangled relationship that has forces from all around them pulling them apart (including themselves). I devoured the book in one sitting because I wanted to know what happened after the cliffhanger of the last book. I highly recommend this series if you are into the bully romance genre with a huge helping of family drama and secrets! I am already looking forward to Damon's book next!
This is the last book of the series. Riley and Cole are still playing cat and mouse. Coke likes Riley, more than just physical. They both found out each others truths. Will that pull them together or keep them apart?
I am becoming such a huge fan of Isla Vaughn's! This is the second book in the series, but concludes Cole & Riley's Duet.
It is an absolutely amazing High School bully romance! The author definitely knows how to keep you on your toes!
I read this book in one sitting, I couldn't wait to devour it after reading the first book. The dynamic between Riley & Cole is so intriguing, it is a "will they-won't they" type of vibe. Their personalities alone are spectacular and I love that we get to see inside of both of their inner thoughts. It shows why they feel and act the way they do during circumstances.
My favorite part of this book is when they both are both terrified if rejection but they decide to take the leap anyway.
Lots of secondary plots Interconnected and I love that it adds more to the story than just a boy meets girl, girl hates guy type of scene.
Will definitely read more to come from Isla Vaughn and this series.
I love this series! Savage Truth was such a great end to Cole and Riley’s story. That doesn’t mean the author is done with Cole’s brother and cousins just yet. I can’t wait for the next duel set in this series. Now back to Savage Truth. Savage has more meaning in this story than just a last name. For example Cole is a savage towards Riley especially once he learns her history, despite how he feels emotionally about her. His mind says she’s the enemy and that’s where she will remain. What happens when the past becomes reality, how does that change him? Riley gets the bombshell of a lifetime when she had to move into the Savage household aka Cole’s house. These two are constantly at each other’s throats, yet there’s so much chemistry between them it leaves them both off balance. Riley wants to leave, has begged her mom a few times to no avail. Her mom insists it’s the safest place for them. Unfortunately her gut is telling her otherwise. What happens when dangers are near, can these two put their animosity aside to stay alert? I could go on about this book and series for hours, however that means I would spoil it and that’s not what I want to do. You want a YA romance, you got it! You want enemies to lovers, you got that too! Oh and drama, so much drama. These books will have you craving more. And you absolutely have to start with the short prequel that starts Cole and Riley down this path. This series is full of duets that can be read together without reading the others. In this case there was a prequel so there’s 3. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed!
Holy Smokes!!!!! I had to adjust my heart rate after this book for sure! This has everything that I love about this series and more....lies, blackmail, danger, banter, hot sizzling moments and hate to love between Cole and Riley.
This story picks up right after Book 1 and I totally recommend reading this series in order including the prequel, as the characters are in each book and the story really continues and takes off......you will not be disappointed.
Cole and Riley are still at each other....banter and love to hate each other....Cole feel's like he is onto Riley and her half truths...trying to figure out "why" she is living with the Savage Family when the truth comes out between Cole's dad and Riley's mom....but Cole cannot keep away from Riley no matter what....he wants to hate her but he can't. When they connect in a way that consumes each other, there is no going back. When the past comes back to haunt Riley and her mother, the danger and chaos it creates...its takes every ounce of Riley and Raelyn not to run away like they are used to to keep the Savage family safe...but will the past come back with a vengence that puts everyone in danger? Is anyone safe?
This story is FANTASTIC! It had me at the edge of my seat...the danger and lies mixed in with the pieces of the storyline that I finally got some answers!!!!!! I am already looking forward to the next book in this series and I am all in!!
I waited impatiently for the conclusion of Riley and Cole, and it was worth it…sort of. I feel as if it was a quickly wrapped up present. Don’t get me wrong – it was a good ending. It was just so much so fast.
The questions I had from the previous books were answered. The angst and tension are thick in this book. Emotions are traveling like a roller coaster throughout the ending of their story. The growth in the two characters is parallel to their feelings to one another.
This one wrapped up really nicely. Our characters get a happy ending after the problems that Riley and her mother are running from come to a head. Though, at times, the story felt a little disjointed. Just needed a little more time to flesh out the Mafia backstory.
Cole and Riley definitely proved that there is a very thin line between love and hate in this conclusion of their duet. From the brutal back and forth blackmail to the off the charts steam. Don’t blink because you might miss something extremely vital. The suspense escalated quickly and had me biting my nails while sitting on the edge of my seat. I loved how everyone’s secrets finally came out and it was like a fresh start for each of them. I really enjoyed this duet and I’m kind of sad it’s already over.
This book is amazing!!! You will not be disappointed when reading it. It picks up where book one left off. You definitely will want to read book one before this one. It has the main male character being the one you want to have but just can't. The leading female is still a kicking butt and taking names kind of girl and I am here for it. This book has all the steam that you could possibly want in a high school bully romance. You will have all the answers to everything that you were hoping form book one. This book will definitely leave you wanting more stories with the rest of the friend group. It makes you want to be part of that friend group. It was a very fast paced read because I was constantly turning pages to see what was going to happen next. There is suspense as well which just takes things to the next level for me. I highly suggest reading this when you have a day to dedicate to doing nothing but reading it, you won't want to put it down.
In this continuation of Riley and Cole's story you get caught up in all the feelings. Cole is trying to do everything in his power to oust Riley and her mother not only from his home but his life. The only problem is what he feels for her goes beyond a simple attraction. He is also trying to come to terms with the fact that she is the daughter of the other woman. Riley is soon to be 18 and had come to learn about her father and his name. She feels uneasy and is ready to run at a moments notice no matter how safe he mother says they are. What will happen if Riley's father does find her? Will he find her? Will she and Cole get a happily ever after or will they confine their love hate relationship?
Savage Truth is the second book in the series the Hidden Valley Elites by author Isla Vaughn. Savage Truth is the second part of a duet and the conclusion of Cole & Riley’s story. This picks up right after Savage Lies... you must read book 1 first before picking up this book.
This was intense, emotional, full of angst, banter... It kept me on my toes and turning those pages to find out what happens next! Couldnt put this down till the end... even then, I wanted more of Cole & Riley!
𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤/𝙃𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙚 = Cole Savage and Riley Matthews 𝘾𝙡𝙞𝙛𝙛𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 = No 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙚 = No, this is book 2 of a duet 𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙚(𝙨) = Bully Romance ♥ enemies-to-lovers ♥ High School ♥ Sports (Football & Diving) ♥ Dual POVs ♥ Forbidden (future step siblings) ♥ Secret Relationship ♥ Secrets/Lies ♥ Suspense ♥ OTT Possessive MMC ♥ Touch-Her-and-💀 𝙏𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙨 = Language ♥ Sexual Content ♥ Kidnapping ♥ Fighting 𝙃𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙇𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙡 = 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙧 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 = ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
my gosh I love every one of these books in this series. Cole & Riley are so hot together. They continue fighting their connection in this book but it’s seriously chefs kiss 💋 some of the topics can be a little dark but it works well with the romance and spice in this book. Cole sure can put on a show for others when really he means the opposite. He loves Riley and he learns a lot more about her in this book just as Riley learns a lot about Cole. It’s nice not having to read about the bully girls in HS in this book too! They were terrible in the last book. But i thoroughly enjoyed these books though and I highly suggest you check them out. You won’t be disappointed. Only thing I’m disappointed about is that the book ended when I just want to read about them forever lol.
This the second book in the Hidden Valley Elite series (it helps to read the prequel!) and what seems to be the end of the story of Cole & Riley. This third book kept my attention as the two teens begin to understand each other and start to work together. There are some steamy scenes, danger, and new experiences. Both Cole and Riley are great characters and it’s good to see them opening up and learning to trust each other. I enjoyed the series and would recommend it. It is a young adult novel but still kept my attention. Looking forward to finding more books by this author.
This was a really good book! I really liked how this duology ended while still setting up some stuff that could happen in the next books in the series. I still think some of the sex scenes were weird because the main female character was still 17 but besides that I enjoyed it. The ending was very thrilling and action packed and even faster paced than the previous first half of the book. I'm glad the secrets from the prequel and the first book were finally revealed in this one. I'm excited to see where the rest of the series goes from here!