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Hidden Valley Elite #4.5
Cruel Start
New in town? Check.
Risk taker? Double check.
Party at the cove with a hot guy? Triple check.
It’s my last summer before college, and my life is on the rails. Work, family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When I get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
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 Cruel Hate.
Risk taker? Double check.
Party at the cove with a hot guy? Triple check.
It’s my last summer before college, and my life is on the rails. Work, family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When I get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
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 Cruel Hate.
64 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2023
163 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
September 14, 2023
0 chemistry. Not sure why it’s called a bully romance… no bullies in this 🤷🏼♀️ Won’t be reading any further.
August 13, 2023
Cruel Start
By Isla Vaughn
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️
When the new girl in town, Aspen, is invited to a beach party at the cove, she doesn’t pass on the opportunity.
It’s her last summer before leaving for College, dealing with family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When she get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love
#cruelstart #islavaughn #darkromance #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychooseromance #whychoose
By Isla Vaughn
⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️
🌶️
When the new girl in town, Aspen, is invited to a beach party at the cove, she doesn’t pass on the opportunity.
It’s her last summer before leaving for College, dealing with family drama, and a life that’s almost too much.
When she get the chance to escape… The thrill of cliff diving at the cove is perfect. Just like the hottest man I’ve ever run into. Literally. When the fire between us ignites into a night of passion, it’s best to leave it in the past where it belongs.
The moment the plus sign shows up on the stick, all my risk-taking days are over. And the father? He’s the biggest risk I could imagine. Especially when he finds out he’s about to be a daddy.
Cruel Start is an enemies-to-lovers, new adult bully romance with pregnancy and plenty of angst, and the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love
#cruelstart #islavaughn #darkromance #bookish #bookaddict #readersofinstagram #bookaholic #readingtime #bookshelf #instabooks #bookblogger #bookreview #booktok #reading #booklover #bookworm #booknerd #goodreads #aussiebookstagrammers #aussies #australianreaders #smut #darkromance #reading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #readersofinstagram #instabook #booksofinstagram #review #arcreader #whychooseromance #whychoose
June 30, 2023
4.5 stars
This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
Cruel Start is the fifth book in this enemies-to-lovers, NA sports romance in the dark Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Make sure to read them all in order so you don’t miss out on any of this delicious goodness.
She is just hanging in there then her world is completely turned upside down, it was just supposed to be one last fling, now it is one big surprise.
These complex characters are the Elite they are bullies and alpha young men who rule the Academy. Are they dangerous? Absolutely. Do they take what they want? Oh yeah. Do what they want? You bet they do. Do they rule both on and off the field? In more ways than one. But beware the young women who are just as complex and ferocious. It’s hard not to like them.
There are characters that you will love to hate and hate to love. Isla writes them so well.
This dark college bully romance tale is another tangled web for one of the Hidden Valley Elite where there is sizzling heat, plenty of passion, lots of angst, drama, thrills, fear, secrets, lies, deceit, harassment and jealousy.
This series just keeps on getting better and better. Cruel Start does end in a cliffhanger that continues with the next book Cruel Hate which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
This book contains mature content that some readers may find disturbing.
Cruel Start is the fifth book in this enemies-to-lovers, NA sports romance in the dark Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. I can’t wait to get my hands on them. Make sure to read them all in order so you don’t miss out on any of this delicious goodness.
She is just hanging in there then her world is completely turned upside down, it was just supposed to be one last fling, now it is one big surprise.
These complex characters are the Elite they are bullies and alpha young men who rule the Academy. Are they dangerous? Absolutely. Do they take what they want? Oh yeah. Do what they want? You bet they do. Do they rule both on and off the field? In more ways than one. But beware the young women who are just as complex and ferocious. It’s hard not to like them.
There are characters that you will love to hate and hate to love. Isla writes them so well.
This dark college bully romance tale is another tangled web for one of the Hidden Valley Elite where there is sizzling heat, plenty of passion, lots of angst, drama, thrills, fear, secrets, lies, deceit, harassment and jealousy.
This series just keeps on getting better and better. Cruel Start does end in a cliffhanger that continues with the next book Cruel Hate which I can’t wait to get my hands on.
July 20, 2023
Oh man, the drama! This book is about Phoenix and I’m so excited about it. This is a short prequel but my goodness SO much happened and it’s blowing my mind lol. I can’t wait for the next book to know what happens with everything! Highly encourage you to read the other books before this one! Because they’re all so damn good! I can’t get enough of them.
September 21, 2023
This was a really good book. Aspen is the new girl in town. She gets an invite to a beach party. She meets the hottest guy she has ever seen. When she throws caution to the wind and a wild night of passion that quickly turns into taking a pregnancy test. Will he stick around and be the daddy his baby on the way?
July 10, 2023
I want to not give it 5 stars because I am still angry…intrigued…anxious…and impatiently waiting for the next book.
This quick introduction to Aspen and Phoenix also provides a little preview of what is to come with Shane and Tracey. It’s like a trailer for what’s to come only we don’t get most of the story in the NINE chapters. Yes, NINE chapters.
I read it after a long day thinking I was going to be rewarded and I was so irritated that it was over so fast that I almost threw my Kindle.
So much happens that I didn’t expect. Phoenix’s devious side comes out. Shane’s more like his brother and cousins that we thought. Tracey is who we knew she was but with a helping hand of manipulation that we might or might not be mad about. Aspen is new to us, but I think we’ll like her.
It’s been over twelve hours since I read Cruel Start…I’m still angry, intrigued, anxious, AND impatiently waiting for not only Cruel Hate but the rest of the books in this series.
And it is a 5-star read for me despite my conflicted feelings.
Isla Vaughn has quickly become a go to author for me.
This quick introduction to Aspen and Phoenix also provides a little preview of what is to come with Shane and Tracey. It’s like a trailer for what’s to come only we don’t get most of the story in the NINE chapters. Yes, NINE chapters.
I read it after a long day thinking I was going to be rewarded and I was so irritated that it was over so fast that I almost threw my Kindle.
So much happens that I didn’t expect. Phoenix’s devious side comes out. Shane’s more like his brother and cousins that we thought. Tracey is who we knew she was but with a helping hand of manipulation that we might or might not be mad about. Aspen is new to us, but I think we’ll like her.
It’s been over twelve hours since I read Cruel Start…I’m still angry, intrigued, anxious, AND impatiently waiting for not only Cruel Hate but the rest of the books in this series.
And it is a 5-star read for me despite my conflicted feelings.
Isla Vaughn has quickly become a go to author for me.
December 26, 2025
RTC
3.5 Stars - Prequel Novella - Phoenix + Aspen's story
3.5 Stars - Prequel Novella - Phoenix + Aspen's story
July 1, 2023
Determination. With each book in this series, I fall more and more in love with Isla Vaughn and her incredible work. This is book 4.5 in the series and serves as the prequel to Phoenix and Aspen’s story.
It’s their last summer before they start college in just a few short weeks and one-night changes both of their lives. Phoenix is a football star excited to get to Thane with his cousins Cole and Damon and twin brother Shane, one party, one surfer girl alters his plans in an unexpected way. Aspen is excited and sad about going to Thane for college and leaving her younger sister home with their parents who are in the middle of a nasty divorce. One chance encounter at the cove has both haunted by the other in their dreams, then the party when karma decided to repeat history. Both have a similar story as far as their parents. Both having a young pregnancy on the verge of life changing career moments. The only difference is the decisions the fathers made. For Phoenix his father walked away at the first chance, for Aspen her parents married “doing the right thing” but unhappy and unhealthy relationship over the years. Never a fan of love, Aspen tells Phoenix that she feels he deserves to know but tells him he’s off the hook it’s her responsibility now. Not having positive female influences in his life, mother is great but works too much, aunt was manipulative, needy, and damaged and Tracey, brother’s girlfriend one track mind gold digger. He refuses to do the “relationship” thing and trapped like his cousins and brother with the distraction of a girl. Wants in the NFL and has plans on how to get there.
How will Phoenix handle the news of being a father and “off the hook”? How does being pregnant as a freshman in college affect Aspen’s life? Can they reach an agreement moving forward? While the previous books had slightly more niche complications or story arcs this one has one that I feel many people can relate to. Being the product of a teen pregnancy where my father chose not to stick around, I have always related to Phoenix and Shane in that aspect of their lives. Though history is serving up a seismic level dose of karma for both Aspen and Phoenix, can they find a better way to make it through than their parents did? Now the long wait for the first book in the duet Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023, to discover what the journey holds next for Phoenix and Aspen.
It’s their last summer before they start college in just a few short weeks and one-night changes both of their lives. Phoenix is a football star excited to get to Thane with his cousins Cole and Damon and twin brother Shane, one party, one surfer girl alters his plans in an unexpected way. Aspen is excited and sad about going to Thane for college and leaving her younger sister home with their parents who are in the middle of a nasty divorce. One chance encounter at the cove has both haunted by the other in their dreams, then the party when karma decided to repeat history. Both have a similar story as far as their parents. Both having a young pregnancy on the verge of life changing career moments. The only difference is the decisions the fathers made. For Phoenix his father walked away at the first chance, for Aspen her parents married “doing the right thing” but unhappy and unhealthy relationship over the years. Never a fan of love, Aspen tells Phoenix that she feels he deserves to know but tells him he’s off the hook it’s her responsibility now. Not having positive female influences in his life, mother is great but works too much, aunt was manipulative, needy, and damaged and Tracey, brother’s girlfriend one track mind gold digger. He refuses to do the “relationship” thing and trapped like his cousins and brother with the distraction of a girl. Wants in the NFL and has plans on how to get there.
How will Phoenix handle the news of being a father and “off the hook”? How does being pregnant as a freshman in college affect Aspen’s life? Can they reach an agreement moving forward? While the previous books had slightly more niche complications or story arcs this one has one that I feel many people can relate to. Being the product of a teen pregnancy where my father chose not to stick around, I have always related to Phoenix and Shane in that aspect of their lives. Though history is serving up a seismic level dose of karma for both Aspen and Phoenix, can they find a better way to make it through than their parents did? Now the long wait for the first book in the duet Cruel Hate, August 31st, 2023, to discover what the journey holds next for Phoenix and Aspen.
June 29, 2023
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix's story. There full story will be a duet coming soon in Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
If you have read any of the book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series then you know exactly who Phoenix is. You have met him and his brother, his cousin and all the girls. This book takes place in the summer before all the guys join Cole at Thane University. We get to see all the guys and their girls in this book and I loved that. They are characters that I have already taken their journey with and I always love seeing what happens or is happening in their lives. I also have to say that I am digging what happens with Tracy in this book. Once again if you have read the previous books then you know exactly who and why I am talking about her. Gosh poor Shane. He can do so much better. Unless there isn't something I don't know about her. Phoenix is excited to be going to college and be the quarterback of the team. He has worked so hard to get to where he is and has really stayed focused. But man he is really a jerk sometimes. Aspen has just moved to town and has parents that fight all the time. She and her sister really have to suffer through this but to take her mind off of it all she loves cliff diving. The Cove is the perfect place to go to do this and that's exactly where she meets Phoenix. She has gone there to get away from the arguing and has just taken a dive when she meets Phoenix. Fast forward to a party and things take a surprising turn for them until he is a jerk as usual to her. Now they are at college and things are going great for him and her until she gets sick one day and has a huge surprise coming her way. How will Phoenix deal when he finds out and has she just gotten herself into a mess that threatens everything she has worked for hard to accomplish.
I read this prequel in one sitting and I have to say I am super excited to get my hands on the first book in their duet. I have expectations and I so hope I get to the great and mighty Phoenix deal with emotions and fall so hard. That's just my opinion. Either way I am already hooked and have to know what happens next.
This is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix's story. There full story will be a duet coming soon in Cruel Hate and Cruel Love.
If you have read any of the book in the Hidden Valley Elite Series then you know exactly who Phoenix is. You have met him and his brother, his cousin and all the girls. This book takes place in the summer before all the guys join Cole at Thane University. We get to see all the guys and their girls in this book and I loved that. They are characters that I have already taken their journey with and I always love seeing what happens or is happening in their lives. I also have to say that I am digging what happens with Tracy in this book. Once again if you have read the previous books then you know exactly who and why I am talking about her. Gosh poor Shane. He can do so much better. Unless there isn't something I don't know about her. Phoenix is excited to be going to college and be the quarterback of the team. He has worked so hard to get to where he is and has really stayed focused. But man he is really a jerk sometimes. Aspen has just moved to town and has parents that fight all the time. She and her sister really have to suffer through this but to take her mind off of it all she loves cliff diving. The Cove is the perfect place to go to do this and that's exactly where she meets Phoenix. She has gone there to get away from the arguing and has just taken a dive when she meets Phoenix. Fast forward to a party and things take a surprising turn for them until he is a jerk as usual to her. Now they are at college and things are going great for him and her until she gets sick one day and has a huge surprise coming her way. How will Phoenix deal when he finds out and has she just gotten herself into a mess that threatens everything she has worked for hard to accomplish.
I read this prequel in one sitting and I have to say I am super excited to get my hands on the first book in their duet. I have expectations and I so hope I get to the great and mighty Phoenix deal with emotions and fall so hard. That's just my opinion. Either way I am already hooked and have to know what happens next.
July 1, 2023
Cruel Start is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series. If you have not read the rest of the books in this series, I highly recommend that you do. Each previous book lays the foundation for the ones after it and introduce characters as it gives their backstory. This one is a new adult romance, enemies to lovers, story that centers around the characters of Aspen and Phoenix.
Phoenix and Aspen are heading off to college soon and trying to make the most of their summer. After a steamy night of passion together between Aspen and Phoenix after a party, Aspen discovers that she is pregnant. She feels obligated to tell Phoenix but tells him that she will accept responsibility of the baby and he can move forward and live his life. Neither of the two have had ideal role models in their parents so they have no example to follow. Aspen’s parents chose to get married to do the right thing and have had a miserable marriage. Phoenix’s dad walked away when he learned of Phoenix’s mom becoming pregnant with him. With these kinds of role models in their lives neither know what love or a healthy relationship is so both Phoenix and Aspen have sworn off relationships. Whatever choice they make will forever alter the course of their young lives. Will they choose to work together to raise the child? Will they each choose to go their separate ways?
As with all the books in this amazing series this was well written, with descriptive scenes, wonderful characters, and a storyline that pulls you in from the first pages. The characters of Phoenix and Aspen are ones that you feel yourself rooting for. Both have baggage from growing up in toxic environments so neither really know what love or a healthy relationship is. For that reason, they have chosen to remain single. However, fate intervenes when the attraction they feel at a party is acted upon and Aspen becomes pregnant. The two are faced with some difficult decisions at a young age that affects the bright futures they both had laid out for them in college. The author takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with lust, passion, drama, bullying, dysfunctional families, angst, heartache, sorrow, secrets, lies, betrayal, and a teen pregnancy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
Phoenix and Aspen are heading off to college soon and trying to make the most of their summer. After a steamy night of passion together between Aspen and Phoenix after a party, Aspen discovers that she is pregnant. She feels obligated to tell Phoenix but tells him that she will accept responsibility of the baby and he can move forward and live his life. Neither of the two have had ideal role models in their parents so they have no example to follow. Aspen’s parents chose to get married to do the right thing and have had a miserable marriage. Phoenix’s dad walked away when he learned of Phoenix’s mom becoming pregnant with him. With these kinds of role models in their lives neither know what love or a healthy relationship is so both Phoenix and Aspen have sworn off relationships. Whatever choice they make will forever alter the course of their young lives. Will they choose to work together to raise the child? Will they each choose to go their separate ways?
As with all the books in this amazing series this was well written, with descriptive scenes, wonderful characters, and a storyline that pulls you in from the first pages. The characters of Phoenix and Aspen are ones that you feel yourself rooting for. Both have baggage from growing up in toxic environments so neither really know what love or a healthy relationship is. For that reason, they have chosen to remain single. However, fate intervenes when the attraction they feel at a party is acted upon and Aspen becomes pregnant. The two are faced with some difficult decisions at a young age that affects the bright futures they both had laid out for them in college. The author takes the reader on a rollercoaster ride of emotions with lust, passion, drama, bullying, dysfunctional families, angst, heartache, sorrow, secrets, lies, betrayal, and a teen pregnancy. I cannot wait for the next book in this series.
July 2, 2023
This is book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series. It is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix's duet (Book 6 and 7). It is has both enemies to lover's trope and bully romance. I highly recommend reading books 1-4 before starting this one, but it is not a must, I just think it gives a good background context for Phoenix's character, and some of the other non-main characters.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to get my hands on Cruel Hate & Cruel Love.
Aspen is new to town and is barely hanging on as it is when her life was turned upside down after what was supposed to be a small fling with Phoenix.
Phoenix is the star football player at the Academy, and is headed to Thane University after this summer, and then most likely the NFL.
The chemistry between these who is electric and starts from the minute they set eyes on each other. One night between the two of them may impact both of their futures. What will they decide to do about the big surprise? This is the first time we really get to see Phoenix's mind when it comes to women, besides being told he is a ladies' man. His thought process has always been 'one and done' type of mentality.
Phoenix I feel is the biggest bully out of the 4 Elite boys. He literally could care less about anything or anyone unless it has to do with his football career. I can't really blame him though, because he has worked so hard to get to where he is. Like pretty much the other two boys, Phoenix and Aspen meet at a party, but this time at the Cove.
This big surprise threatens to undo everything both Phoenix and Aspen have worked so hard for. So what will they choose? Will they only think of themselves, regardless of what the other one wants?
I read this in one sitting, and I am so excited to see how their relationship or non-relationship evolves. This book is super-fast paced, but Isla Vaughn does a wonderful job giving you just enough details to suck you in, but also not so little details that you are left confused. This book DOES end in a big cliffhanger so be prepared!
Such a must-read series, and book.
This series just keeps getting better and better! I cannot wait to get my hands on Cruel Hate & Cruel Love.
Aspen is new to town and is barely hanging on as it is when her life was turned upside down after what was supposed to be a small fling with Phoenix.
Phoenix is the star football player at the Academy, and is headed to Thane University after this summer, and then most likely the NFL.
The chemistry between these who is electric and starts from the minute they set eyes on each other. One night between the two of them may impact both of their futures. What will they decide to do about the big surprise? This is the first time we really get to see Phoenix's mind when it comes to women, besides being told he is a ladies' man. His thought process has always been 'one and done' type of mentality.
Phoenix I feel is the biggest bully out of the 4 Elite boys. He literally could care less about anything or anyone unless it has to do with his football career. I can't really blame him though, because he has worked so hard to get to where he is. Like pretty much the other two boys, Phoenix and Aspen meet at a party, but this time at the Cove.
This big surprise threatens to undo everything both Phoenix and Aspen have worked so hard for. So what will they choose? Will they only think of themselves, regardless of what the other one wants?
I read this in one sitting, and I am so excited to see how their relationship or non-relationship evolves. This book is super-fast paced, but Isla Vaughn does a wonderful job giving you just enough details to suck you in, but also not so little details that you are left confused. This book DOES end in a big cliffhanger so be prepared!
Such a must-read series, and book.
July 17, 2023
Not even sure where to start. Phoenix, the responsible cousin. Aspen, the new girl in town, the one he can’t seem to take his eyes off of. A one-night stand that took Aspen’s virginity and left her with a parting gift. They don’t really know each other. Not even sure they like each other. But when the stick turns pink again and again, Aspen makes the decision for herself. She will let Phoenix know to make the decision for himself.
When Phoenix finds out, the trauma of his past comes roaring back at him. Phoenix won’t do what his dad did to him. He will be there. He will be a good dad, even if it means risking everything he has worked for his entire life, all the plans he has made. The question is now what about Aspen.
Aspen’s life is in flux. Her parents never stop fighting. They just moved to town because of her parents’ financial situation. Her sister is barely around. All she has is starting college in the fall. Her waitressing job will help cover everything her scholarships won’t. She just needed a little fun in her life. Cliff Diving was her escape. Until she saw him. She knew he was dangerous and a player. She liked the risk and took it. Thinking it was going to be easy to walk away. Now, she can’t. Her life is forever changed but that doesn’t mean his has to be.
Phoenix and Aspen start navigating what this means to each of them, separately and together. Throw in some family drama, some college frustrations, and some planned deception, what could go wrong? I can’t get enough of these characters. I love, love, love this series!!! I never want it to end. I love that all the boys are back together again at Thane. Can’t wait for the next installment. I need my fix. Seriously addicted to all things HVE!!!
When Phoenix finds out, the trauma of his past comes roaring back at him. Phoenix won’t do what his dad did to him. He will be there. He will be a good dad, even if it means risking everything he has worked for his entire life, all the plans he has made. The question is now what about Aspen.
Aspen’s life is in flux. Her parents never stop fighting. They just moved to town because of her parents’ financial situation. Her sister is barely around. All she has is starting college in the fall. Her waitressing job will help cover everything her scholarships won’t. She just needed a little fun in her life. Cliff Diving was her escape. Until she saw him. She knew he was dangerous and a player. She liked the risk and took it. Thinking it was going to be easy to walk away. Now, she can’t. Her life is forever changed but that doesn’t mean his has to be.
Phoenix and Aspen start navigating what this means to each of them, separately and together. Throw in some family drama, some college frustrations, and some planned deception, what could go wrong? I can’t get enough of these characters. I love, love, love this series!!! I never want it to end. I love that all the boys are back together again at Thane. Can’t wait for the next installment. I need my fix. Seriously addicted to all things HVE!!!
July 2, 2023
Phoenix hates Tracey, Shane's girlfriend of two years. He knew she was a gold digger. While playing football on the beach, Shane's shoulder is dislocated. Instead of riding to the hospital with Shane, Tracey hangs back at the beach. Phoenix intercepted Tracey when she finally showed up at the hospital. Instead of letting her go back, he lied and said that Shane's football career was over. Tracey didn't show up for Shane's physical therapy appointments. When she tried to visit Shane at the house, Phoenix repeated his lie.
Meanwhile, Aspen was trying to escape the constant fighting at her house. Her sister had moved into her boyfriend's house. Aspen overheard her father shouting how his life would have been different if her mother hadn't trapped him with the pregnancy. A party was being held at the cliff that Aspen liked to dive at. Her friend Erin introduced Aspen to Piper, Teagan, and Tracey. Piper thought Aspen looked familiar, but Aspen said they had only arrived in town. The girls were friendly, except Tracey was still standoffish. Phoenix hit on Aspen at the party. Piper encouraged her, so Aspen followed Phoenix to a secluded spot. Aspen lost her virginity that evening. However, Phoenix then walked away afterwards. Unfortunately, Aspen does not have the chance to walk away.
This novella left me wanting to dive right into the next book. This is the perfect teaser for this series and it leaves a lot of scenarios in the air. Phoenix, the always quiet and reserved one of the entire group getting into a bind with a poor girl depending on her scholarship to stay out of the toxic life her parents had is definitely worth reading.
Meanwhile, Aspen was trying to escape the constant fighting at her house. Her sister had moved into her boyfriend's house. Aspen overheard her father shouting how his life would have been different if her mother hadn't trapped him with the pregnancy. A party was being held at the cliff that Aspen liked to dive at. Her friend Erin introduced Aspen to Piper, Teagan, and Tracey. Piper thought Aspen looked familiar, but Aspen said they had only arrived in town. The girls were friendly, except Tracey was still standoffish. Phoenix hit on Aspen at the party. Piper encouraged her, so Aspen followed Phoenix to a secluded spot. Aspen lost her virginity that evening. However, Phoenix then walked away afterwards. Unfortunately, Aspen does not have the chance to walk away.
This novella left me wanting to dive right into the next book. This is the perfect teaser for this series and it leaves a lot of scenarios in the air. Phoenix, the always quiet and reserved one of the entire group getting into a bind with a poor girl depending on her scholarship to stay out of the toxic life her parents had is definitely worth reading.
July 3, 2023
This novella is technically book 4.5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series. While it is the very first part of Phoenix and Aspen's story, it's so much better to read the others, first. I've really grown to love Phoenix's character throughout them, which makes me even more excited to read his arc.
Phoenix eats, sleeps, and breathes football. He has always stuck to the plan - and now that he's graduated high school, the next step is Thane, which will lead him to the NFL - like his dad. It's time to buckle down and not let anything distract him once he starts college, but until that first day...it's SUMMER. That means drinking, partying, one night stands....and Aspen.
Aspen is struggling. Life in general is hard. Family garbage, work life, just...planning for the future. When she gets a chance to sneak away and dive in the cove, she never misses an opportunity. That's where she meets Phoenix and they leave the world behind for a night. However, in the greatest cherry on top ever, Aspen becomes pregnant.
Their chemistry is out of this world, but this is exactly what Phoenix DID NOT want. He doesn't know how to be a father, he never had one of his own around. He wanted to have one last summer of recklessness and relaxation until Thane in the fall, and now he's playing a balancing act. Aspen's hormones are leading her wildly along through many stages in an already stressful life. These two together are electric, the cliffhanger has me chomping at the bit for book five, and this read is over in a heartbeat.
Excited to read about the group together at Thane in the next book!
Phoenix eats, sleeps, and breathes football. He has always stuck to the plan - and now that he's graduated high school, the next step is Thane, which will lead him to the NFL - like his dad. It's time to buckle down and not let anything distract him once he starts college, but until that first day...it's SUMMER. That means drinking, partying, one night stands....and Aspen.
Aspen is struggling. Life in general is hard. Family garbage, work life, just...planning for the future. When she gets a chance to sneak away and dive in the cove, she never misses an opportunity. That's where she meets Phoenix and they leave the world behind for a night. However, in the greatest cherry on top ever, Aspen becomes pregnant.
Their chemistry is out of this world, but this is exactly what Phoenix DID NOT want. He doesn't know how to be a father, he never had one of his own around. He wanted to have one last summer of recklessness and relaxation until Thane in the fall, and now he's playing a balancing act. Aspen's hormones are leading her wildly along through many stages in an already stressful life. These two together are electric, the cliffhanger has me chomping at the bit for book five, and this read is over in a heartbeat.
Excited to read about the group together at Thane in the next book!
July 1, 2023
Cruel start is a prequel to Aspen and Phoenix's story. Their story continues in book five and six of the Hidden Valley Elite Series. Although you don't need to need to read the first four or their prequels, I would recommend you do!! It is such a great series and the previous books give you a lot more information about other characters and events that are mentioned here and there throughout this book. The prequels are wonderful little starters and I am so glad that I read them! Back to this book. Cruel Start is so good! I can't wait to finish Aspen and Phoenix's story! Aspen is spending her last summer before college working and staying away from family drama as much as possible. She needs the stress relief that comes from cliff diving at the cove. She uses it to get away and unwind from life. After a dive she crashes into Phoenix. He's the hottest man she's ever literally run into. She's the only girl to ever get under his skin. A night of passion at a cove party turns into the biggest mistake she could imagine and has repercussions he always said he'd never make in his life. Her risk-taking days are over and he's risking more than ever. What will these two do when those two lines show a plus? Are their lives over? There goes NFL for him and college for her, right? And what about the fall out with their parents?! Their life plans are going up in smoke quick! Check this book out! If you love enemies to lover books (that end with a cliffhanger!), you will love this new adult romance. This story continues on with book five Cruel Hate and then book six Cruel Love, which I personally can not wait to read!!
June 30, 2023
4.5 Stars
Cruel Start is Book #4.5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. Wow- this series just keeps getting more intriguing and angstier with each new addition. As with the other books in the series it is a New Adult Bully romance, with a surprise pregnancy element, chemistry, spice, angst, drama, friendship, intrigue, emotion, family drama/dynamics, secrets, fear, and lies.
This is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story, a novella length morsel to whet the appetite- which made for a quick and intriguing read. Aspen and Phoenix’s story continues in the next two books- ‘Cruel Hate’ (Book #5) and ‘Cruel Love’ (Book #6)- so I can’t wait to lay my hands on them to find out how their story unfolds from here.
Even though this is book #4.5 in the series, it could be read as a standalone if you wanted, being the first book in Aspen and Phoenix’s story. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will definitely enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, backstories, and other ‘groundwork’, which having on board will definitely help your understanding and appreciation of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole.
Bring on Book #5!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
Cruel Start is Book #4.5 in the Hidden Valley Elite series by Isla Vaughn. Wow- this series just keeps getting more intriguing and angstier with each new addition. As with the other books in the series it is a New Adult Bully romance, with a surprise pregnancy element, chemistry, spice, angst, drama, friendship, intrigue, emotion, family drama/dynamics, secrets, fear, and lies.
This is the prequel to Aspen and Phoenix’s story, a novella length morsel to whet the appetite- which made for a quick and intriguing read. Aspen and Phoenix’s story continues in the next two books- ‘Cruel Hate’ (Book #5) and ‘Cruel Love’ (Book #6)- so I can’t wait to lay my hands on them to find out how their story unfolds from here.
Even though this is book #4.5 in the series, it could be read as a standalone if you wanted, being the first book in Aspen and Phoenix’s story. But, having said that, I highly recommend reading the previous books before starting on this one as I feel that knowing what happened there will definitely enhance your reading experience of this story. The previous books help lay the foundations of the series, as well as giving character introductions, backstories, and other ‘groundwork’, which having on board will definitely help your understanding and appreciation of each instalment, as well as the Hidden Valley Elite series, as a whole.
Bring on Book #5!
Happy Reading…
Thank you, Isla Vaughn!
July 7, 2023
Phoenix is on the cusp of getting a taste of the dream he has had for so long, he's about to wander onto the campus of Thane and chase his football dreams... then she happens and it changes everything. It was supposed to be one last night of fun at the cove before heading off to school, but that night of fun has just brought on a unexpected dilemma that neither ever saw coming!
In this captivating little morsel of a prequel we meet Aspen and Phoenix and it didn't take me long to see that these two have some serious chemistry and fight in them. They spent one memorable night together and the plan was to move on and never see one another again, but things didn't go quite how they planned. One little plus sign changes everything... and I cannot wait to see how it all turns out for them!
These two gave just enough to keep me engaged and hanging on their every word and left me dying to see where the pages of the next installment take them, I just have this feeling they are going to wreck my heart... in all the best ways of course! Highly recommend you take a chance on this series, it is one of the best series that I have read this year...SERIOUSLY I am completely obsessed with it!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
In this captivating little morsel of a prequel we meet Aspen and Phoenix and it didn't take me long to see that these two have some serious chemistry and fight in them. They spent one memorable night together and the plan was to move on and never see one another again, but things didn't go quite how they planned. One little plus sign changes everything... and I cannot wait to see how it all turns out for them!
These two gave just enough to keep me engaged and hanging on their every word and left me dying to see where the pages of the next installment take them, I just have this feeling they are going to wreck my heart... in all the best ways of course! Highly recommend you take a chance on this series, it is one of the best series that I have read this year...SERIOUSLY I am completely obsessed with it!!
I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.
July 11, 2023
I am hooked on the Hidden Valley Elite series and was so excited to see that we are moving on to Phoenix's story. Phoenix is Shane's twin brother who does not do relationships, unlike his twin who's been dating the same girl for the past two years...until now. Phoenix meets Aspen and it is lust at first sight for the both of them, too bad Aspen is a virgin and Phoenix doesn't do relationships, or will he? I love how Isla Vaughn continues building upon the relationships of her past characters while bringing in new love interests for our main men. They are all such well-developed characters, that they feel like people you went to school with when you were a teen. This book definitely took a turn that I was not expecting for the talented football player. Of the two twins, Phoenix had always seemed like he had his head on straight and his eye on the prize of the NFL. Too bad a one-night stand may have caused that to take a turn in a new direction. What is he going to do with this strong pull that he has for Aspen, will they be able to work things out, or will their situation change everything? I am so excited to find out about the next book in this series! Bravo Isla Vaughn, this was another amazing read!
@Brandy Rymer
07/2023
@Brandy Rymer
07/2023
June 29, 2023
I can't stop getting excited everytime i pick one of these books up. The author does an amazing job with the characters that you are automatically drawn into their lives. This is part of the Hidden Valley Elite series and I definately recommend reading them from the beginning as the 2 main boys are linked from the beginning as they are cousins and their lives are all link and entwined.
In this short introduction we are with Phoenix and Aspen's story.
It is a story of instant attraction and how one decision taken in a moment of lust has left them connected forever.
The attraction between Phoenix and Aspen is instant but both of them carry a lot of baggage and family drama which has left neither of them wanting a relationship and when that decision is taken out of their hands what will this mean for them and their futures?
I really can't wait to carry on reading and delving more into Aspen's and Phoenix's life to see how they overcome the challenges that are ahead of them.
Will they learn to drop their guards and give love a chance? Or will their past dysfunctional families make all hope of that impossible.
In this short introduction we are with Phoenix and Aspen's story.
It is a story of instant attraction and how one decision taken in a moment of lust has left them connected forever.
The attraction between Phoenix and Aspen is instant but both of them carry a lot of baggage and family drama which has left neither of them wanting a relationship and when that decision is taken out of their hands what will this mean for them and their futures?
I really can't wait to carry on reading and delving more into Aspen's and Phoenix's life to see how they overcome the challenges that are ahead of them.
Will they learn to drop their guards and give love a chance? Or will their past dysfunctional families make all hope of that impossible.
July 16, 2023
Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn - Review by Jessica Stone
Like with the previous 5 books in this series, this book had me in a chokehold. This book is about Phoniex, Cole and Damon's younger cousin, and his love interest Aspen, and it starts the beginning of a new time period that the first books were leading up to, college.
Though I was a bit disappointed with how quickly this book was over, I know that the author has some angsty, dirty drama gracing the pages of the next book for us as always. Isla loves to leave these books on CH but ALWAYS delivers a wonderful climax and conclusion. To say I'm invested in this family and their stories is an understatement.
I find these books fun and easy to read, the continuation from the previous books is wonderful and well thought out, I genuinely enjoy and crave getting to know each and every character more intimately, I highly recommend getting your hands on the first 5 novels and taking a dive into the world this author has created, you will not regret it.
Cruel Start, Hidden Valley EliteSeries, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, July 2023
Like with the previous 5 books in this series, this book had me in a chokehold. This book is about Phoniex, Cole and Damon's younger cousin, and his love interest Aspen, and it starts the beginning of a new time period that the first books were leading up to, college.
Though I was a bit disappointed with how quickly this book was over, I know that the author has some angsty, dirty drama gracing the pages of the next book for us as always. Isla loves to leave these books on CH but ALWAYS delivers a wonderful climax and conclusion. To say I'm invested in this family and their stories is an understatement.
I find these books fun and easy to read, the continuation from the previous books is wonderful and well thought out, I genuinely enjoy and crave getting to know each and every character more intimately, I highly recommend getting your hands on the first 5 novels and taking a dive into the world this author has created, you will not regret it.
Cruel Start, Hidden Valley EliteSeries, Isla Vaughn, Review, Itsy Bitsy Book Bits, New Adult, Romance, Jessica Stone, July 2023
September 1, 2023
This book was fantastic to read. Isla has a way of making each character unique yet still has qualities that are relatable.
This book follows the story of Aspen. She is a girl excited about the next chapter in her life, college. She can't wait to get out on her own and focus on making her dreams her reality. She has worked hard for a long time and is very determined. She loves the escape that comes with being in the water.
Phoenix is looking forward to college and being with all of his closest friends who are also family to him. He has rules that he follows and does not break them for anyone.
When Aspen meets Phoneix it's like someone decided to throw a wrench into her plans. When one night of passion leads to a plus sign on a pregnancy test she is mortified. It only takes one time and one night to change the course of your life.
What happens when they meet again after their night together? How will he react to the news that he is going to be a father? Can they learn to like each other enough to handle the impending child they are bringing into this world?
Read this book to find out what happens with these two.
This book follows the story of Aspen. She is a girl excited about the next chapter in her life, college. She can't wait to get out on her own and focus on making her dreams her reality. She has worked hard for a long time and is very determined. She loves the escape that comes with being in the water.
Phoenix is looking forward to college and being with all of his closest friends who are also family to him. He has rules that he follows and does not break them for anyone.
When Aspen meets Phoneix it's like someone decided to throw a wrench into her plans. When one night of passion leads to a plus sign on a pregnancy test she is mortified. It only takes one time and one night to change the course of your life.
What happens when they meet again after their night together? How will he react to the news that he is going to be a father? Can they learn to like each other enough to handle the impending child they are bringing into this world?
Read this book to find out what happens with these two.
June 29, 2023
I think Phoenix and Aspen’s story may be the hardest yet to come into. These two are coming with some big baggage and then one spur of the moment choice can change your life. I always viewed Phoenix as kind of a putz but I am seeing a little glimmer of a nice guy under that tough persona. Aspen has been messed by her parent’s relationship. This book is intense and you can feel every emotion as you are reading. I got pulled into it right from the start. It was like coming home. New faces, old faces, and then we get a cliffhanger until the next one comes out. I’ll be hanging on here waiting to see what’s coming for them. These characters are so well-written that they feel like they could be your friend’s kids. They are real struggles and very relatable. This is a really good series and I’m always watching for the next one to come out. You are watching a new relationship develop and waiting to see how it’s going to turn out. Will it last or fade out? Stay tuned for the next episode of Phoenix and Aspen.
July 1, 2023
As high School ends, Summer comes and goes, college begins. Stop! Summer starts as Aspen stands on the edge of the cliff, she knows her dive will wash her mind clean if only for the moment. She loves diving, and she is good at it. Phoenix loves women and he is good at it. His brain of thought is "one and done". That is until the One is stuck in his mind and he can't be done. This is just the beginning for Aspin and Phoenix. That is where this series leads you too. So make sure you read the series in order. You won't want to miss how this couple collides. The author has done it this time. She has once again opened a series that leaves you begging for more, so much more. Her story is fast paced and leaves no stone unturned. While this is a New Adult Romance it does touch on sensitive subjects. It also ended in a cliffhanger, so be prepared to get comfortable as your reading gets rocked. Such a must read series, I look forward to starting the next book in this series. I want more of Aspin and Phoenix!
July 3, 2023
5 Stars
Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
Cruel Start is part of the Hidden Valley Elite (Book 5)and is the prequel to Phoenix and Aspens Duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. You guys this author is killing me slowly with this teaser and cliffhanger. I devoured this book in no time and absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on Cruel Hate. I highly suggest you start with book one and read this series in order as you’ll get to know the characters better and the back story of what has been going on. Phoenix and Aspen holy moly these two. He’s heading off to play football at Thane University. He’s all about football and getting the grades to. He’s having one last summer of fun before college starts. Aspen is new in town and all about taking risks. These two have one night of off the charts passion and now both of their lives are about to drastically change. I highly recommend reading this NA bully romance to find out what happens next I’m already ready for more from this Author and this ridiculously good series.
Cruel Start (Hidden Valley Elite) by Isla Vaughn
Cruel Start is part of the Hidden Valley Elite (Book 5)and is the prequel to Phoenix and Aspens Duet Cruel Hate and Cruel Love. You guys this author is killing me slowly with this teaser and cliffhanger. I devoured this book in no time and absolutely can’t wait to get my hands on Cruel Hate. I highly suggest you start with book one and read this series in order as you’ll get to know the characters better and the back story of what has been going on. Phoenix and Aspen holy moly these two. He’s heading off to play football at Thane University. He’s all about football and getting the grades to. He’s having one last summer of fun before college starts. Aspen is new in town and all about taking risks. These two have one night of off the charts passion and now both of their lives are about to drastically change. I highly recommend reading this NA bully romance to find out what happens next I’m already ready for more from this Author and this ridiculously good series.
June 30, 2023
This author struck gold with this series. The first few books were great and add this prequel in and now I’m dying for the next book.
This is mainly about Aspen ( the new girl to town ) and Phoenix. She doesn’t know him or his reputation and he doesn’t know her as they go to different schools. They literally run into eachother one day and neither can get the other out of their mind.
A few days later they see eachother again and this time they get to know eachother a bit. When their time is over He walks away without looking back.
They both are going to Thane so they will see eachother around campus. What will happen when Aspen lets him in on what she finds out. Aside from the chemistry between these two. Phoenix just might be a genius for what he manages to pull off with Shane. Cannot wait to see what happens there. Amazing addition to a great series and impatiently waiting for Cruel Hate!
This is mainly about Aspen ( the new girl to town ) and Phoenix. She doesn’t know him or his reputation and he doesn’t know her as they go to different schools. They literally run into eachother one day and neither can get the other out of their mind.
A few days later they see eachother again and this time they get to know eachother a bit. When their time is over He walks away without looking back.
They both are going to Thane so they will see eachother around campus. What will happen when Aspen lets him in on what she finds out. Aside from the chemistry between these two. Phoenix just might be a genius for what he manages to pull off with Shane. Cannot wait to see what happens there. Amazing addition to a great series and impatiently waiting for Cruel Hate!
July 4, 2023
All Aspen wanted to do was get away from her fighting parents. Cliff diving to clear her mind she never imagined she would run into the gorgeous bad boy, Phoenix. Emotions and feelings she isn't familiar with come up when he saves her from falling when she accidentally runs into him. Phoenix isn't looking to get a girlfriend, but this girl could be the end of that. Their one night stand is about to turn both if their lives upside down. Will they end up becoming a couple? This prequel gives you just enough info to get you hooked and begging for the full story of Aspen and Phoenix. I'm also dying to know if his twin, Shane, finds out he's the reason for the end if his relationship with Tracey. I felt bad for Shane, but I absolutely understood where Phoenix was coming from in regards to that whole situation. I can't to see what happens with these characters and how everything works out for them.
July 27, 2023
Cruel Start is another great installment in the Hidden Valley Elite Series, and now it’s Phoenix’s turn to share his story with readers, and he didn’t disappoint.
Cruel Start is a great title for this book as it is somewhat of a cruel start for Phoenix and his “surfer girl,” Aspen! The chemistry between these two is electrifying, but they have a lot of things to overcome before they find their happily ever after!
This book is a little different from the previous books as now the characters I have come to love have now moved on to college, and I actually liked Phoenix a lot earlier on than I did the male characters in the earlier books. He wasn’t all that nice to Aspen in the beginning, but now that he knows she is pregnant, he has no intention of shirking his duties as a father.
What I have come to discover about Aspen, I like. I don’t know as much about her as I do about Phoenix because I have gotten to know him just a little bit in the previous books. Both are going to be complex and complicated characters because of the parents they have. Each has issues with relationships and love because of their parents, with the exception of Phoenix’s mother, but I am hoping they work through those for the sake of their relationship and because I like them as individuals.
The book isn’t very long as this serves as a prequel for the upcoming books, but Vaughn packed a lot of things in those pages that just give us a little taste of what is to come. Looking forward to getting to know more about these two in the next few books!
Cruel Start is a great title for this book as it is somewhat of a cruel start for Phoenix and his “surfer girl,” Aspen! The chemistry between these two is electrifying, but they have a lot of things to overcome before they find their happily ever after!
This book is a little different from the previous books as now the characters I have come to love have now moved on to college, and I actually liked Phoenix a lot earlier on than I did the male characters in the earlier books. He wasn’t all that nice to Aspen in the beginning, but now that he knows she is pregnant, he has no intention of shirking his duties as a father.
What I have come to discover about Aspen, I like. I don’t know as much about her as I do about Phoenix because I have gotten to know him just a little bit in the previous books. Both are going to be complex and complicated characters because of the parents they have. Each has issues with relationships and love because of their parents, with the exception of Phoenix’s mother, but I am hoping they work through those for the sake of their relationship and because I like them as individuals.
The book isn’t very long as this serves as a prequel for the upcoming books, but Vaughn packed a lot of things in those pages that just give us a little taste of what is to come. Looking forward to getting to know more about these two in the next few books!
June 29, 2023
5 Stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This author is totally teasing me in a good way with the beginnings of Aspen and Phoenix's story.
The college years are to be one of the best when you are one of the up and coming new stars on the football team for Thane University like Phoenix is. All about football, grades and his focus on NFL future...Phoenix wants success....but when he meets the beautiful "surfer girl" in Aspen...one fun night may impact both Phoenix and Aspen's futures....what is to come with Phoenix and Aspen....
I highly highly recommend reading this series in order, you get to know a little more of Phoenix at the beginning.....and I cannot wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens to both Phoenix and Aspen. I love this series and author, just have to have patience until the next book is released.
Happy Reading!
This author is totally teasing me in a good way with the beginnings of Aspen and Phoenix's story.
The college years are to be one of the best when you are one of the up and coming new stars on the football team for Thane University like Phoenix is. All about football, grades and his focus on NFL future...Phoenix wants success....but when he meets the beautiful "surfer girl" in Aspen...one fun night may impact both Phoenix and Aspen's futures....what is to come with Phoenix and Aspen....
I highly highly recommend reading this series in order, you get to know a little more of Phoenix at the beginning.....and I cannot wait until the next book comes out to find out what happens to both Phoenix and Aspen. I love this series and author, just have to have patience until the next book is released.
Happy Reading!
July 20, 2023
This book is an amusing quick read. It sets you up for the new series and gives you a glimpse of what is to come. It draws you in from the start and doesn't let you go even when it finishes. This book has me wanting more and more. The writing grips your attention and the story line keeps you turning pages. This book also kinda piggy backs iff of the Elite Series by this author. It deals with the siblings that have been around but not prominent and now they are. If you like everything tied up with a pretty bow then this not the book to read at the moment. You will want to wait till you have time to read the next book as you are left with a cliffhanger. I am normally not a fan of those but this book just spoke to me and I can't wait to see what happens. This is a must read for anyone and especially those that have read the Elite Series.
July 21, 2023
I didnt know such a short prequel could contain so much drama and fun. The writing of this made it feel so impactful in such a short time, and I immediately fell for these characters. I loved each character we met, well except one, if you know, you know!!! This being so short it kind of ended on a cliffhanger and has me scrambling to grab the next and now I want to read the entire series. This has so many things in it to appeal to so many people like family drama, some spice, college atmosphere, sports. If you want something quick and exciting that will suck you in and get you started on a series than absolutely pick this up. I would recommend reading the other books in this series first to get everyone's backstory. I didn't and I wish I had so now I will go read the ones before this because I already love (almost) everyone so I want to read their stories!!
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