The plan was perfect. Maggie Davis was getting out of her nowhere beach town and leaving for a bright future hundreds of miles away. The college scholarship was set, the job was secure, the apartment was paid for, and there might be a futon involved. Then one freak storm ruined everything. Now stuck in a life that she was desperate to escape from, Maggie will have to figure another way out because staying…? It’s not an option. There’s nothing he can do but hide...
Mason Scott knows that hiding from a memory is impossible, and no matter how much whiskey he drinks or how many women warm his bed, he’ll never be free of the one night that will haunt him forever. But fate rears its cruel head when Maggie is thrust into every aspect of his life, a reminder of the piece of his heart that was ripped away from him five years ago. Getting close to Maggie may destroy what’s left of him, and though he tries his damnedest to push her away, everything about her shadowed world draws him closer.
All that's left is to be silent...
Secrets are best left to the silence. That’s something Mason and Maggie know too well. But the more Mason learns about Maggie, the less he understands. And just when he’s ready to open his heart to her, it's Maggie who pushes Mason away, but when the temptation is six foot three, has a pair of delectable dimples, and can fill out a Henley like it's a sin, Maggie is going to have to decide if Mason's world is worth staying for, or if she should stick to the plan.
And run. Due to graphic scenes and language, The Silent Cries of a Magpie is intended for mature audiences and contains subject matter that may be sensitive for some readers. For a list of tropes and subject matter in this book, please visit the author's website. The Silent Cries of a Magpie is not a standalone title.
Ashlan Thomas is a Contemporary and Paranormal Romance author, born a hopeless romantic and possibly allergic to the cold. When she isn’t gardening or baking, Ashlan spends her time bringing to life snarky heroines and swoon-worthy heroes that will make you blush, laugh, and believe in true love. Ashlan and her husband live with their three children and their rescue dog, Nova, near the White Tank Mountains in Arizona.
5-freaking-stars! (We cannot swear, Mrs. Scott would hear.)
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“There’s absolutely nothing wrong with my tongue, Sticks. It’s pretty fucking accurate and I know just what to do with it.”
And then I was thinking about his pretty fucking accurate tongue and I was ready to argue that he didn’t know what to do with it just so he would show me and prove me wrong.
Maggie is a seventeen-year old townie (from the less fortunate part of the town) and the only daughter of the chief of police. She's been working at a cafe since she's thirteen and had been saving for college to break free from the life she was in.
Just when she's about to leave the town she grew up, something happened that crushed her hopes and chances.
But a job ad for a house at Crescent Lake Estates (here's where the richies live) and a scholarship grant from Warrington University (the richies' school), gave her a new shot of hope.
Mason Scott, well hello, he's just the Mason Scott of the Scott clan! He was the quarterback of Stafford Prep (oh tell me about it, we always love the quarterback) and an incoming freshman of Warrington.
"For the first time, I got a close look at him. Real close. His eyes were what held my focus for the longest time. They were deep set, slightly almond-shaped, and the outside of his irises were lined by a rich mossy green, filled with bright peridot and banded by citrine..."
I was just supposed to take a quick peek at chapter 1 (because it's already midnight), to get a feel of the story. And then, I was 69% into the book and it was 3am. Huh, where did the time go?
I love how Maggie is being strong despite everything that is happening to her. I swear I shed more tears than the girl while reading this book. I also totally feel for the whole Scott family, what they went through made me bawl my eyes out. I love how tight knit they are and how Mason is looking out for his parents.
I was captivated by the author's strorytelling. I get attached to her characters so well. From Phil the groundskeeper at Stafford Prep, to Logan, to Coach Watkins (he can be intense yes, but he's hilarious too). And of course, the Scott guys! Matt, Camden, Ben, Ethan and Rich. I am so glad that the author is going to give them their own story.
I definitely can't handle the (sexual) tension brewing between Maggie and Mason. (If you heard someone squeeing, that's me.) Hey Mason, you could use your Forrest Gump and Harry Potter references to me. Talk nerdy to me!
One thing is I was so not prepared for the ending! I swear it sneaked up on me. I can't wait to have the next book!
Now, if we could have even just a novella of the ten shirtless men (Warrington's football team) lifting weights at the Scotts' basement, we'll be so damn lucky. *coughs*
Seriously, you guys, read it! Prepare to cry, laugh out loud, swoon and swoon and laugh out loud again and love Maggie, Mason and all the Scotts over and over again.
I was a beta-reader for this but my review is for the final copy which I recently finished.
From the beginning you are dragged into Maggie's world, and what a world that is. I felt for her from the very start. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
This was well written and both the character's and story were deep and incredibly detailed. Masen and all the Scott men were gorgeous (Inc. Mr. Scott). Jamey was sweet and a good friend to Maggie. I loved his shirts. There is humour in places which was needed as the story has a darker side.
Also reviewed on Amazon, but it hasn't appeared yet
This book causes a myriad of emotions. It starts out with the main character Maggie, she is a townie with big dreams of leaving and living life on her own. Her home life is a complete disaster, (I won't say more because I will spoil the story but it really did piss me off and pushed some buttons) she is struggling to make ends meet by working as many jobs as possible to take care of herself. Her life is so isolated that she does not even own a cell phone and to top it off she gets seizures.
In comes Mason Scott who seems to have everything, money a great family and comes from a long line of respected footballers. But Mason has his own emotional issues as he and his family still have not gotten passed the death of his younger sister. Maggies ends up working for the Scotts as a housemate and due to a natural disaster, she is transferred to the same college as Mason.
This story was completely captivating, you hardly notice the side stories that showed the various side of the characters. You travel the journey with Maggie for every heartache and every triumph. You pray that Mason will stop being a (curse word) and that he mans up and be the better person you know he could be. You especially want the Scott family to get over their grief and bring maggie into their fold. (even though I personly feel as though they take advantage of her kindness and though they seem nice she is still the hired help and they treat her as such.) You enjoy the different aspects of supporting characters as they are great and add additional interest to the storyline.
But really what you want most is to see that HEA ending for Maggie and she deserves nothing less. Alas, the books end on a traumatizing cliffhanger whereby you immediately start looking for the next book only to realize that it's not ready yet. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, still a little bit heartbroken but will be taking that plunge off the emotional cliff when the next book is released. Can't wait!
So I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review.
For me this book was a case of two halves. In the first half you spend time getting to know Maggie, who is kinder and more determined than she probably has a right to be with the life she has lived, and Mason who is outwardly more fortunate but is deeply affected by things from his past. I liked that time was given to getting to know both of them, and quite a variety of supporting characters too.
What I found tricky about the first part of the book is that it really is quite tough and depressing to read at times, as Maggie deals with constant s*%& and so many of the scenes with Mason also feature his girlfriend Taylor, who is just vile. I got to something like 54% and was just like, "When are things going to look up for them?!" So the first part of the book was probably 3 stars for me but I read "lighter" books in general so I don't want this to dissuade anyone.
Particularly because things were definitely redeemed in the second half, as Mason and Maggie grew closer and it feels like Maggie's life is improving. Mason also works hard to redeem himself, in our eyes and Maggie's, and it's never hard to read about an attractive man doing right! I wanted to keep reading and would give the second half 5 stars, hence 4 overall.
I enjoyed the author's tone and style of writing so although this book wasn't quite my usual cup of tea I look forward to reading the next installments in this series.
This novel contains possible triggers for person who have experienced verbal abuse, physical abuse, and bulling.
This novel is just WOW! Donna AnnMarie Smith writes so well that you feel all the pain and disappointment. You will even smell that ocean breeze. Maggie is a seventeen year old girl who is from the wrong side of the tracks. She has been working a the town café since she was thirteen years old. She also does any part time job she can find because she has to pay her own way because he father the Chief of Police could not spare a second thought about her. She found a job posting on the community board and it is working for a rich family on the other side of town. The Scott"s. Mrs. Scott posted the ad for a house keeper. Mrs. Scott instantly takes to Maggie because she looks just like their dead daughter Faith. Mr. & Mrs. Scott take Maggie into their hearts to fill the void. But the whole family does not feels the same way. Mason is a young man who has struggled the most with Faith's death does not want any thing to do with Maggie. He doesn't want to care for her. He struggles to uphold the family code. He also has to try and keep his girlfriend Taylor in check. Taylor is your typical snob from the upper crust. This novel is a struggle to read because you just feel some much for Maggie and Mason both. I can not wait for part two to come out.
This book was great. My only regret is that I read this so early and book 2 isn't out yet!
Maggie was such a fully formed character. She was both strong and weak, just like a real person. She was a hard worker who had goals to try and better herself and her situation. She was also very kind and generous. At the same time she had her trigger areas where she was weak, but considering her situation I think her weaknesses were more just how she managed to cope with her current situation.
I also liked the "haves / have not" aspect of the story. The town is a college town that has its rich area and then the "townies" that were less affluent.
You also have your mean girls and two-faced people, but I found that there were also some people that surprised me as they were more caring than initially presented.
I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is well written. It grabs you and drags you in. I started reading late at night and couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book. If you want something good emotional pick this up and have a box of tissues ready.
I was ready to find a undercovered author to review. I was vary excited when I read what this story was about. And I can tell the author has great passion for her works and put a lot of feelings in to the story. The characters are vary similar and the plot was confusing at times. It didn't jump off the page for me but it could for another reader. This was a unique read that I'll try to return to in the future. This author has great potential and I hope to try more of her books in the future
This was such a great book. It's a long o e, but we'll worth it to get all the character development and story building. So many loveable characters. Thoroughly enjoyed reading about Mason and Maggie, watching the push and pull of their attraction. Both have such trauma they are dealing with without the other knowing. This is a multi book series so be prepared for the book to NOT be wrapped up at the end.
At first, i thought Maggie was a 20-30 something-old. She was so broken hearted, devastated, bitter. And Mason, he was bigger than life. He was also feel tired, broken and lost. I thought of them to be older, so to finally learn they are only 18 and 19 but withso much baggage, complicated would be too simple word for this book.
This book have it all. Maggie snarky mouth. Her strong will to be independent and the background that force her to be. Mason easy life as the son of one of the richest family in town. Yet how broken he is inside for his sister.
I love the smart and funny banter between Mags and Mase. Include all the side charachters, this book have a great world building. I love the Scott family dynamic. Their angst and family drama. Love the RAM boys. They make the college scenes live with their usual college boys antics.
The slow burn between Maggie and Mason is killing me. Although it sweet and sexy journey toward a kiss, i need more!
At the end, this book is more than Maggie and Mason story. Its more than college romance with its jock and ordinary girl story. This book speak loud about bullying, rasisme, LGBT, family, acceptance of your self, abusive parents, friendship, and the strenght of one little girl for her own freedom and happiness.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wow is all I have to say! It has been a while since I read a good NA novel, and this one was such a nice surprise.
It is a slower paced book and refreshingly enough, there's no insta-love like most NA books. I loved all of the characters and the fact that things aren't always what they seem. The lives of the rich aren't always that perfect and they may not all be as stuck up as they are perceived. It showed that everyone, no matter who they are or where they came from, has problems going on.
Maggie...I love that although she has this terrible life, she is strong and witty and she'll eventually make it through. The Scotts will be her saving grace.
Mason...struggling with his sister's death and with his feelings for Maggie shows he has real emotions. I love the cute banter between Maggie and him!
The cliffhanger at the end is killing me because it's obvious who's behind what happened!
I am so happy I had the opportunity to read this and I look forward to reading the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This was Maggie's story. She's a townie, from the poor part of town, a girl who has a tough home life. Maggie's wants a better life and is prepared to work hard and do what she must to get through the rough hand she's been dealt. I was drawn into Maggie's world, loved her drive and resilience. Mason is dealing with his own heartache and tragedy, I loved the way he's trying to work through his issues. There's a lot of characters to get to know in this story, but it's well worth the read. I loved the author's style of writing and can't wait to read the continuation of the series.
I am a horrible person because I didn't review this book last year when I read it. It is a fantastic story. I have thought about it so many times over the last year. I couldn't get the characters out of my head. I totally got attached to them. The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that it wasn't finished! :/ I just discovered the next part and I absolutely cannot wait to read it. What are you waiting for? GO READ IT!!! Oh and grab some tissues :)