Panther's Magpie

Mountain River MC #1

by Cala Riley

A dark, gritty motorcycle club romance packed with forced proximity, brother’s best friend tension, and a slow-burn attraction that explodes into undeniable heat.

She didn’t come looking for trouble, but it found her anyway.

Maggie never expected to end up on the steps of the Mountain River MC, begging for help. A spontaneous road trip with her best friend Aspen was supposed to be carefree—until it spiraled into danger with life-altering consequences.

Aspen’s in deep. And Maggie’s only hope is the one man who might have a reason to care—Aspen’s foster brother.

Calloway “Panther” Alstone didn’t ask to be president of Mountain River MC, but it’s the only family that’s ever truly been his. When a beautiful stranger arrives, claiming his sister’s in trouble, Panther’s instincts kick in. He’ll protect Aspen at all costs.

But Maggie isn’t just a messenger—she’s magnetic, fierce, and impossible to ignore. As the lines blur between duty and desire, Panther’s heart is suddenly on the line too.

Can he save his sister without losing the woman he’s falling for? Or will the chaos tear them all apart?

Start reading Panther’s Magpie today—perfect for fans of Autumn Jones Lake and Lani Lynn Vale who crave their MC romance with heat, heart, and high stakes

Genres: Forced Proximity, Found Family, Dark Romance, Morally Grey

283 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 23, 2025

About the author

Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Reviews

[Joanne Farley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. I loved Panther and Maggie’s story. This book is much darker than other books by this author but I really enjoyed it. The relationship between Panther and Maggies does not get off to a good start and it does take Panther a while to get his head on straight, but once he does look out. I would say this is a slow build to their relationship and honestly the book benefited from it. This is a great read and a perfect start to a new MC series.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a start for this new series! Besties brother, a little age gap, protective mc club, especially their president and some fun times on his ride. I loved the flow of their relationship, it just seemed to ease so nicely. I'm excited to see where this series goes and can't wait for the next book!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t get enough of the MC world that Cala & Riley write, their books are addictive.

Book 1 in their new Mountain River MC series… Panther’s Magpie...

After her best friend, Panther’s sister, is taken by a rival MC club, she runs to Panther for help.
After months of searching for her, they become important to each other and develop a relationship.

I really enjoyed the slow burn of their relationship as they really got to know each other. It seemed more real, especially when they hesitated a lot because of what was happening with Aspen. The whole book was smooth and flowed nicely. I even loved how Maggie got to know the MC brothers, her new found family as well as the other old ladies.

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panther’s Magpie is book one in the new MC series by Cala Riley and I was so excited to read this because I love a brother’s best friend trope.

Maggie and Aspen have been best friends for years but when they get into trouble and Aspen gets taken by a rival MC, Maggie turns to Aspen’s brother, Panther who is the President of the Mountain River MC.

This book was full of everything I wanted. Forbidden moments and suspense that comes with an MC romance. I can’t wait for more books in this series because some characters intrigued me.



Tropes:

🏍️ Brother’s best friend
🏍️ MC romance
🏍️ Praise Kink
🏍️ Forced Proximity

[ᴊᴇꜱꜱᴛʜᴇʙᴏᴏᴋᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ☾ ✧˚ · Rating 3 out of 5]

“𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐠𝐢𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐚 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐰𝐚𝐢𝐭. 𝐈 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐜. 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭.”

Cala Riley is definitely my go-to for more palette cleanser motorcycle club romances.

𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒊𝒆 is the first in a new MC series from the duo. i definitely liked that this one was a little different with Panther basically hating and blaming Maggie at first before he got his head out of his ass. however based on the description i thought this was going to be a little more grittier with this MC, but their partying is done at a club bar and not at the clubhouse. and i don’t think they are current 1%ers based on Panther’s actions at the house build. not what i would expect from an MC president.

i am intrigued to see where this MC goes, esp if one of the books is about Aspen. i am honestly not sold on her and think Maggie deserved a better best friend.

thank you Cala Riley for an e-ARC of 𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒊𝒆

𝑷𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓’𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒈𝒑𝒊𝒆 releases Sept 23rd



✦ ✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
m/f, 1st person dual POV, 21/22 fmc & 31/32 mmc
MC president, best friends brother, medium burn, pierced 🐓, found family, HEA, epilogue

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good start and set up for this author's newest MC series. Not as dark as I thought it would be given the triggers, but I'm not upset about it.

Here we meet Panther (aka Calloway) and Maggie his beautiful Magpie. After her best friend (and Panther's sister) finds herself in the most trouble she's ever been in, Maggie doesn't know where else to go so ends up at the doorstep of the Mountain River MC seeking help.

At first Panther pushes her away thinking his sister wouldn't be in the situation she's in if it weren't for this strong, beautiful yet broken woman. He lashes out and places blame at the feet of the wrong person over and over. Yet she doesn't let that stop her from trying to care for his hurting heart as well.

One thing leads to the other and little by little the attraction starts up. They start needing one another instead of pushing away. She calls him to rescue her and boy DOES HE! He may be the President of this MC, but when he loves - he loves hard and he loves strong. He was so sweet with her, but yet could be dark and ruthless when needed.

Could it be the forced proximity? Could it be trauma bonding? Could it just be fate? You decide... enjoy the ride!

Excited to see who falls in love next!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this first installment in this new series.
Panther is such a grump at the beginning, and Maggie wants her best friend back.
This is a slow burn, but when it gets steamy, it gets steamy!

When Maggie and her best friend run into trouble, she turns to the only person she knows cares for her best friend as much as she does, her foster brother Calloway.

Only he's now known as Panther, and he's the president of the Mountain River MC. He'll do whatever he can to protect his sister. But having Maggie there will be distracting.

He's starting to like having Maggie around, something he never thought possible. He just hopes that his life in the MC doesn't push her away. Because once they cross that line, there's no going back for him.

Thanks so much to the authors for this ARC to review.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic start to a new MC series by the dynamic duo! Yes, I have named them that because every release has me HOOKED and attached to these characters.
Immediately, this story has the reader sucked in with the engaging and riveting plotline from the very first chapter.
I love a good best friend’s brother romance, throw in MC, and I AM HERE FOR IT.
Maggie and her best friend find themselves in real danger at a bar. Maggie can get away, but her best friend gets taken.
As Maggie connects with her bff’s brother’s MC, sparks fly and there is undeniable chemistry.
I loved their story! A real page turner filled with nonstop action.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Beth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book from Cala Riley. The start of a new series and I can already tell it is going to be great.
Maggie turns up at her best friend’s brother’s clubhouse asking for help to get Aspen back not knowing how much trouble she is in. Panther blames her for his sister being in trouble but quickly realises his sister is always getting into trouble.
This is a fairly slow burn but worth the wait. Maggie builds relationships with the brothers and old ladies easily all white she is struggling with guilt.
Working to find Aspen, helping the community and finding family both Maggie and Panther never truly had before.
Looking forward to Aspen’s story.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great start to a new series by Cala Riley. Maggie and her best friend Aspen are on a road trip and stop at a bar, that's when all the trouble starts. Maggie makes it out and needs the help of Aspen's brother Panther to get her back. Panther blames Maggie but soon they grow closer as they work together.

[Danielle Hembree-Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panther's Magpie by Cala Riley
Panther is the President of an MC. Maggie (Magpie) is the best friend of his younger sister Aspyn. When they decide to spontaneously come visit him and stop at the rival's bar for a drink things take a turn for the worse. Maggie makes it out of the bar but Aspyn doesn't. Who else can Maggie turn to besides Panther? Panther doesn't remember Maggie as gorgeous as she is now. He only remembers that she was always beside Aspyn getting into trouble. As they try to get Aspyn back they start falling in love and healing from their past.

If you haven't tried Cala Riley as an author you need to. Because these ladies know how to write spicy scenes in their books. I mean who wouldn't want to do things on a motorcycle? 😉

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
this book’s plot leans heavy on a hostage situation; dangerous biker club activities and violence including sexual and physical assault, kidnapping, dangerous taunts and threats, characters in life threatening situations; mentions of cancer (side characters), parental abandonment and emotional abandonment by parents, foster care system

Maggie may have been inseparable from his sister, but Panther didn’t realize how deep that bond was until she shows up at his MC clubhouse begging for help. Now both their worlds are tossed upside down. And considering how they started out, they’re both surprised by their own developing bond. Poor Panther had no way to fight against her pull. Because of what’s going on outside of their bubble, they feel guilty to have each other, to bring each other happiness. But sometimes in the darkness, beauty is created. And nothing can come between them. Each moment of weakness and pain only makes them stronger. This is definitely darker than the other MCs this author duo has written, and I loved every second of it. Never knowing what mess was coming next! And I loved the unexpected bestie Maggie made with one of the brothers, and the way they all took her in, and I am SO excited to get back into this world again!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “You called, I came.”
• “You will always have a place here.”
• “What if we are each other’s something better?”
• “I think I’m already addicted to you.”
• “Hold on. I’m going to show you what it’s really like being with a biker.”
• “You’re my everything.”
• “Remind me what it means to be yours.”
• “I want you to lose control. I want to be the one to make you that way.”
• “I protect what’s mine.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Age Gap
5/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Sister’s Best Friend
5/10 Slow Burn
7/10 Series

This is my review for Wolf’s Songbird

[Another librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“PANTHER’S MAGPIE” CALA RILEY ⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️/5

I honestly don’t even know what to say about this book…

Maggie wasn’t looking for trouble, but she ended up in the wrong place at the wrong time. What was supposed to be a carefree trip with her best friend Aspen quickly turned dangerous, forcing her to ask for help from the one man who might have a reason to listen: Calloway “Panther” Alstone, president of the Mountain River MC and Aspen’s foster brother.
Panther lives to protect his family, but Maggie is more than just a messenger—she’s magnetic, stubborn, and impossible to ignore. As the club faces new threats, he finds himself torn between his duty to his sister and the feelings growing for Maggie.
Will he manage to save the people he loves without losing himself?

Too much drama and too many far-fetched situations.
I didn’t feel any chemistry between the two main characters; they fall in love way too quickly for my taste, and there’s absolutely no passion in their relationship. Everything felt too rational, almost like it was carefully planned out—I could practically see the outline used to write this book.
Sure, there were some things I appreciated, but the things I didn’t definitely outweighed them.
The part where the club and Maggie try to save Aspen dragged on for way too long, only to be wrapped up in half a chapter. And when Aspen comes back? I found it quite unrealistic that after everything she supposedly went through, she was so alert and rational. Of course, everyone reacts to trauma differently, but the way she immediately dealt with the news of her brother and best friend being together felt very forced—especially considering the timing. Honestly, a lot of things in this book felt forced.

That said, I’m still curious to read the second book, so we’ll see how things continue and develop.

[Alison turton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, the growing connection between the 2 main characters happened at such a natural pace that it didn’t seem forced as is often the case. This book had it all, great plot, plenty of love and lust, and all balanced in such a way to make it a great story to read.

Although this book deals with some darker themes (definitely check trigger warnings if you have specific triggers) it’s definitely on the lighter side of Motorcycle Club romance so it’s a safe read for anyone wanting to dip their toes into dark romance. There’s minimal violence described (only really coming into play towards the end of the book), no cheating and no club girls so the free sex kind of vibe is definitely toned down, and yet Panthers Magpie still managed to keep me hooked from start to finish. With plenty of OWD and the prospect of a club war there’s more than enough action (not to mention the love story between Calloway and Maggie) to go around. The side characters were great and introduced in such a way as to get you interested in the prospect of their own stories (personally looking forward to Meeks story) including Aspen who is featured pretty prevalently throughout this story. All in all another great read from Cala Riley.

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Panthers Magpie by Cala Riley is book one in their new series : Mountain River MC. This is
an opposites attract, forced proximity, found family and best friend’s brother romance between Calloway ‘Panther’ Alstone and Margaret ‘Maggie’ Ellis. A story about a couple finding love when they least expect it and then standing up for what they both deserved. When a road trip goes wrong and decisions are made that put everyone in danger, who will survive the outcome. A good start to the new series as we are introduced to the president of the Mountain River MC and the resilient woman who he falls for.

“She is the sunshine to my storm.”

Aspen is really missing her foster brother Calloway, so convinces Maggie to skip college and go on a road trip to see him. There has been little contact from him recently so Aspen is worried about him. The women have been friends for years and both survived unhappy childhoods, but Aspen has a knack for getting them into trouble. Things turn dangerous when they make a stop at a bar. Luckily someone helps Maggie to escape but she has to leave Aspen behind. Having no other option, she drives to the Mountain River MC clubhouse to get Calloway to help.

Calloway grew up in foster care and was placed with the same family as Aspen. He looked after her like she was his real sister but after he joined the MC, he didn’t want his lifestyle to affect her so for her safety he was slowly distancing himself. He is known as Panther and is the president of the MC. At first he is furious with Maggie and blames her for letting Aspen get into trouble.
Aspen was his only family before he joined the MC, now they are everything to him but saving her could mean putting the club at war with a rival MC. He wonders if he can he put the club first when his sister is in danger.

Luckily his anger towards Maggie fades and he becomes intrigued by her. They develop a friendship while trying to cope with what has happened to Aspen. Both are feeling guilty over her situation especially as they are growing closer. As the search for Aspen takes longer than they hoped, the more time they spend together. Their romance builds even though they both worry the trauma over Aspen is influencing their bond. He knows his sister won’t like them getting together because she is very possessive of him. The situation gets worse the longer it goes on, they have no idea where Aspen is or what the rival MC will do next and it is getting harder to resist their feelings for each other. It was funny how he gave her a nickname so easily as he realised there was so much more to her than he had first thought.

Suddenly there is more at stake then Aspen’s fate because Panther is falling quickly for Maggie.
When it comes down to it, who will he choose - his sister or the woman who has worked her way into his heart. Will she choose her friendship with Aspen or the first person who has ever cared and looked after her. Could they give each other up for Aspen? She has brought some light into his life and he has given her what she always craved for.

It was lovely how Maggie learnt about the MC and its members, embraced their way of life and supported them and Panther through everything. Panther is actually a really sweet guy underneath his bad boy persona and these aren’t your usual MC members. It made a lovely change seeing them so involved in the community and not just violence. I liked how everyone accepted and helped Maggie and Rain was very entertaining with her teasing. My favourite was Meek and his matter-of-fact way of speaking.

I must admit I didn’t like Aspen very much, with her attitude and the way she had kept things from
both Maggie and Panther. I thought Maggie deserved a better friend and was so glad the MC has become her new family. Will their friendship survive all they have been through? I was very intrigued with Asher and my heart went out to him so I can’t wait for his book.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75stars-PANTHER’S MAGPIE is the first instalment in Cala Riley’s contemporary, adult MOUNTAIN RIVER MC erotic, MC romance series. This is Mountain River MC president Calloway ‘Panther’ Alstone, and twenty-two year old, Maggie ‘Magpie’ Ellis’ story line.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Panther and Maggie) PANTHER’S MAGPIE follows in the wake of the abduction of Panther’s foster sister Aspen. Maggie Ellis and Aspen have been best friends for as long as they can remember but a trip to visit Aspen’s foster brother Calloway Alstone ends with Aspen as a hostage of the Ragged Anarchy MC, and Maggie desperate to find someone to help her out. Knowing only one person with the ability, Maggie goes in search of Calloway Alstone, the man with whom Maggie will fall in love but all does not go according to plan when Calloway takes an immediate dislike to our story line heroine, blaming Maggie for everything that went wrong. As the Mountain River MC begin their search for Panther’s foster sister Aspen, Maggie finds herself falling for a man who could break her heart.

The world building follows the hunt for Aspen as Panther slowly spirals in the wake of his missing foster sister. Maggie is desperate to find her friend, and with the little information she knows, the MC begin to hunt down the people responsible.

The relationship between Maggie and Panther begins acrimoniously; a brother’s best friend, of a sorts, a forced proximity as Maggie finds herself with a target on her back in more ways than one. As Maggie and Panther’s relationship slowly turns into something more, Maggie is all too aware that not everyone is happy with their growing love. The $ex scenes are provocative and passionate.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful and energetic secondary and supporting characters including the introduction of the members of the Mountain River MC. Maggie is quickly welcomed as one of their own but Panther’s past refuses to let go. The requisite evil has many faces. Aspen and Asher’s story line is next.

PANTHER’S MAGPIE is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, obsession and retaliation, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive and ; the characters are desperate, dynamic and lively.

copy supplied for review

[ReadonReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the MC book I was waited for and didn’t even know it. Maggie and Panther’s story was an emotional read with twists and spins that I absolutely loved. Maggie has been friends with Panther’s sister since they were little and his sister was notorious for getting into trouble, but she always knew she had him to count on. While Maggie did come from money, she was always so lonely while her parents left her behind, so she made Aspen the center of her life for a very long time. When Maggie and Aspen find themselves in trouble again, Maggie escapes and runs to Panther who is angry at her for leaving Aspen behind. My heart hurt so much for Maggie because she didn’t do anything wrong and it was Aspen who drug her in this position to begin with, so when Panther lashed out at her I wanted to smack him. As time went on and they tried relentlessly to search for Aspen Maggie and Panther grow closer and he realizes it was never her fault and Maggie is seeing that even after all these years Aspen kept a lot to herself hiding people from her. The more I read the more I loved Maggie and Panther’s relationship, I loved the bond the MC created with Maggie, and I liked Rain as a friend for Maggie. What I hated was Aspen’s attitude and it wasn’t how she acted after kidnapping, it was learning how selfish she truly was with those in her life. Aspen treated everyone differently, she wanted them separate and only in her life no one else’s. She wanted to be the center of their attention and when she didn’t have it, she acted out knowing they would come to save her. She wasn’t a good friend or sister and neither Panther or Maggie deserved her treatment. It is going to take a lot for her to show me she has matured in the next book for me to like her even a little. Did I feel bad for situation? Yes, but that gave her no excuse for treating others the way she did. OK, enough of Aspen. Maggie and Panther found that once in a lifetime love and bond with each other and their story was amazing.

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not read this book fast enough. From start to finish I was intrigued by these characters and the plot. Usually when you read a new chapter or new mc book it can be overwhelming trying to figure who’s who and what their roles are, not with this book. Not once did I question who’s who. It was so easy flowing that I would lose myself to a few chapters before coming up for air 🤣

We start off this book learning that Maggie’s best friend Aspen was taken by a rival MC. Oh did I mention that Aspen is also the sister of Panther the President of Mountain River Mc. While trying to find Aspen, Panther and Maggie start spending more and more time together. Watching them go from strangers with only one thing in common to become “home” for each other made my heart so warm and fuzzy.

There were a couple things I absolutely loved about this story. First thing I want to talk about is… the other woman drama!?! Usually I am not one for it but I ate it up in this book and when Maggie finally put claim out there I was hooting and hollering “yass girl! Get your man!”

Second thing is I loved that Cala & Riley showcased that some clubs out there show up so much for their communities. Seeing the Mountain River Mc doing charity rides, a festival and more, made me beyond happy. A lot of the time “bikers” get a bad reputation and I love when they prove people wrong so thank you for that.

Also on that note, I LOVED that the old ladies were involved with the charities and loved watching Maggie start to grow into her role as old lady. Can’t wait to see what she adds to club.

Okay I could ramble on and on about this book so let me stop. The end definitely had me emotional but also so freaking excited to about the future of this club and this series!

[Cathy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This was the first book in a new MC series and I was so excited to start this series and see what we get.

We have Maggie who is Panther's (Callum) little sister's (Aspen) best friend. They have been in each other's orbits but never knew each other back when the girls were younger. We get a brief glimpse of both of them when the girls are young and Panther is in high school.

The book fast forward to the girls being in college and on the way to see Panther it goes sideways and Aspen is trouble and Maggie goes to the only person she can think of that would care and help. Panther and Maggie have a rocky start but underneath the apprehension about trusting and figuring out how to find Aspen is chemistry brewing between the two.

Maggie, from the outside appears to have it all with little issues in her home life whereas Panther and Aspen were foster kids in the same house and looked out for each other while living together. Aspen seems really complex and at times selfish as all get out but I think there is more to her that we will find out in the next book.

There is great chemistry with these two and you see trust get built, desire given into while battling with their own fears about Aspen and life choices. You especially grow to see Maggie come into her own and find some self-worth while also teaching people that picture presented to society isn't always how things are going in real life.

The book does a good job of building characters and giving us glimpses of what to expect potentially in the future and while I guessed some aspects of what might happen, I didn't have it all correct and will be curious to see what this next story for this MC has in store for us.

I did receive and ARC for early reading and was blessed for that fact!

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie has always been envious of Aspen's relationship with her brother, Calloway. Even though he was her foster brother, he had always been there for Aspen despite her being seven years his junior.

Maggie remembered him coming to Aspen's rescue when they were ten and suspended because of a fight, because of another girl's jealousy over the hair clip Calloway had bought her to wear for picture day.

Maggie was only envious of that hair clip for what it meant. That he cared. Her parents couldn't be bothered and the only one who cared for her was the housekeeper. A housekeeper who could be fired on her parents' whim. No, she was jealous that even as a foster child, Aspen had a family who cared.

Through the years, Maggie has been the one to reel Aspen in, but Aspen misses Calloway and is determined to track him down. Now they are in a bar surrounded by scary men the bartender managed to sneak her out the back door when the men started fighting over Aspen.

It had been years since last seeing Calloway and she was shocked in how much he had changed and that he was President of an MC club. And he was enraged when he found out that she abandoned his sister and it only got worse when she describes the men.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. Maggie only has one person in the world who cares about her and its not her friend's kidnapping that puts their friendship on the line.

This book is action-packed and full of danger as Calloway goes to war with a rival MC club to rescue his sister. If you like MC romance you will love this book. Highly recommend.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

This is the first book in the Mountain River MC. This is the story of Panther and Maggie. She is his sister Aspen's best friend. They have known each other for forever and Aspen is basically the only family that Maggie has. She hasn't seen Panther in years but when they were younger he was super protective of Aspen. He is actually her foster brother and the only family that Aspen really has. Now they are in college and Panther isn't calling as much and Apsen is worried is he is forgetting about her. A road trip has them leaving school for days to go and see him. But one night in the wrong bar and things go terribly wrong. Maggie is not on the steps of his clubhouse. The club he never intended to be the president of. But with it being the only family he basically has he would do anything for her fellow brothers. But, he is shocked and super angry that a rival club now has their hands on his sister and Maggie just took the chance to escape and go get help. Now he is about to start a war to get her back and Maggie is having to stay at the club for her own protection from the rival club. I loved reading this book. I loved Callowary/Panther and these two might not have started off on the right foot and fight it every step of the way, but they have a great connection and some steamy moments. I loved the other member of the club we get to know from this book. I can't wait to see whose story we get next. I will for sure be reading it since this one was so good.

[thehotmesslibrary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Panther’s Magpie is a fast-paced MC romance and book 1 in the Mountain River MC series and focuses on the characters Panther, President of the MC and Maggie, best friend to Panther’s sister Aspen. On a road trip Maggie and Aspen get into some trouble, so Maggie goes to the MC for help, only to be blamed by Panther for putting his sister in danger, without knowing the whole story. To be honest, he doesn’t treat her very nicely for the first quarter of the book, thank goodness he redeems himself as the story goes along.

Maggie is quite shy and unassuming, always seeming to be in the shadow of her friend Aspen, who seems to get herself into trouble quite regularly. Although she has feelings for Panther, that takes a backseat when he accuses her of causing what has happened to his sister! We do get to be part of the build up of the story which also has some suspense, sexy times and some typical MC elements. Although I don’t feel that how Aspen treats Maggie is best friend like and she comes across as a little spoilt.

Maggie and Panthers love story is slow building, but once they get together it burns. They do go through some trials and tribulations to be together (especially from Aspen). Here are some triggers to this story for some readers, but if you like a good MC read, then this is the one for you and a great series starter.

ARC received for a fair, honest and sometimes long review. All opinions are my own. 😊

More of my reviews can be found on my blog: http://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in a brand new MC series. It has found family, best friend's brother, age-gap, forced proximity, slow-burn, and a happy ending.

I'll be honest, I didn't think I was going to end up liking Calloway/Panther. He wasn't exactly the nicest guy in the first handful of chapters. But after something happens that opens his eyes, he changes, and I ended up loving him. He's fiercely protective, a bit possessive, and knows when to lean on someone for support. Maggie is perfect for Calloway and the MC life. She's friendly, easygoing, willing to do anything to help those she cares about, and doesn't give up.

I really enjoyed the pace that Maggie and Calloway's relationship took to build. It wasn't an instant thing. They really got to know each other. It seemed more realistic, especially when they would pause and be like, "With everything going on, what are we doing?" The pacing for the whole book flowed nicely. The plot was evenly focused on along with the building relationship. I loved how Maggie got to know the MC brothers and old ladies and really threw herself into the lifestyle.

Usually, I avoid slow-burn books like the plague, but it fit with the story in this case. I had hoped for more spice though after they finally got there. I didn't care for Aspen much at all from start to finish, but I'm hoping she'll be a changed woman in her book and I'll like her more lol I loved the other members of the MC and can't wait for their books!

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cala Riley could not have kicked off their brand-new Mountain River MC series with a stronger start. The first book, Panther’s Magpie: A Best Friend’s Brother Story, is handlebar-gripping, raw, and unapologetically intense. From the very first page, you know this ride isn’t for the faint of heart—Cala Riley digs deeper, edgier, and dirtier than ever, and it sets the tone perfectly for what’s to come.

We meet Calloway “Panther” Alstone, a man who never asked to wear the president’s patch but found himself carrying it all the same. Growing up in the foster system carved him into the man he is—hardened, distant, built to survive. It also forced him to step away from Aspen, the girl who became his foster sister. But when Aspen’s best friend Maggie crashes into his world after a spontaneous road trip goes wrong, Panther finds himself colliding head-on with a temptation he can’t ignore.

The chemistry between Panther and Maggie simmers beneath the danger, slow-burn but explosive when it finally sparks. Watching Maggie fall into the rhythm of the club, be tested, and ultimately embraced by the Mountain River family is absolutely spellbinding. It’s gritty, emotional, and unrelenting—every page pulls you deeper into the brotherhood and the chaos that defines them.

As an opening, Panther’s Magpie is a knockout. Cala Riley sets the bar sky-high for the Mountain River MC series, and if this first ride is any sign, we’re in for a raw, thrilling rollercoaster. I’ve got my front-row seat, and I’m not letting go.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖯𝖺𝗇𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖬𝖺𝗀𝗀𝗂𝖾
3.5 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘱𝘪𝘦 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Panthers Magpie is the first book in Cala and Riley's new series, The Mountain River MC.

Maggie, growing up she never needed for anything. A home, money, education she got, the one thing she never got was love. So when her and Aspen become friends, they always have each others back. They are each others ride or die!

Calloway, he became part of the Mountain River MC when he was young and now his their president. He loves his sister and to keep her safe he keeps her at a distance, but because of that she lands in trouble.

Maggie and Calloway reconnect after years when his sister gets into trouble, and this leads to both of them becoming closer.

Maggie and Panther's book was an amazing introduction to this new world/ crew. I loved the relationship with the secondary characters and the development of their relationship.

They had instant chemistry, the push and pull, and falling happened, even though they didn't want it to.

What I disliked was Maggie being weak. She should have had a backbone, and blamed herself for things that weren't her fault.

And Aspen, she was selfish! And her character wasn't redeemed enough for me.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Eagle, Rain, Hawk...can't wait for their books.
Asher & Aspen's book is up next!

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏍️🔫🏍️🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💋💋💋
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚.5

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to a new MC series from Ms. Riley. She gave us an exciting, action packed, romantic storyline with characters this reader just fell in love with (even if I did want to bop Aspen on the head a time or two). This is a story about the love between step siblings and that of two best friends. Aspen and Maggie have been best friends since grade school. As the years went by it seemed like Aspen was always getting into one jam or another and it was always Maggie to the rescue. It’s through Aspen that Maggie briefly met her step-brother (Panther, who is the prez of the Mountain River MC). Fast forward several years, Aspen and Maggie are still besties and taking a road trip to see Aspen’s Stepbrother. But their trip turns into a nightmare when they stop along the way at the wrong bar. Aspen gets into major trouble and Maggie runs to get help from Panther. But by the time they get back, Aspen is nowhere to be found. The story takes off from here. Panther is determined to get Aspen back but he’s not prepared for the whirlwind of a woman Maggie has grown up to be.

This is an excellent storyline that packs a punch while full of emotions. I highly recommend grabbing it up and getting in from the start with the Mountain River MC. You won’t be sorry you did.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

[My_Books_In_Nooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhh. Cala Riley books just do not disappoint!
Every book I have read so far I either finish in 2 days or same day. I love their writing style ❤️
Panther’s Magpie is the first book in a new series ‘Mountain River MC’.
Maggie is a fierce lil lady, yet soft and vulnerable due to her neglective upbringing. She really is a likable FMC.
I loved how she stood her ground towards the end and showed a certain person not to mess with her.
Panther is the young president of the MC, who runs the team rather smooth and amicable.
Yes, he leads with a fist when needed, but it was great to read how the MC does things in the name of good too.
Their chemistry was sweet, a little slow burn at first, but when they finally got together, it was a lovely folding out.
🌶️ was not OTT but just yum at all the right times AND places. That certain motor scene at the camp grounds 🫣🤭🫣
As for the other characters.
Loved all the other bikers! Welcoming Maggie into the fild like that.
Aspen… mehh I don’t like her tbh. Just because she had a rough upbringing, she can act out like that and drag others into her deep pit?
She needs a good dose of reality🫣🤣 let’s see how Asher will cope with her antics😝🤭

5/5⭐️ for this awesome first book of a new series!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this is just what I needed. A new MC world that gives not only best friend’s brother, but also a super grumpy President of the MC. Maggie has always been best friends with Aspen, even when Aspen would get into trouble she was there to try and help. As kids it meant watching Aspen’s brother Calloway come and ride off with her while Maggie would go home with the family’s hired help. So now years later, it is Calloway that Maggie has to run to for help to get Aspen and she learns quickly that the world he is in is nothing like she could even imagine. What’s worse? Calloway wants nothing to do with Maggie, who he always blamed for all of Aspen’s problems. While we have some forced proximity, we watch Maggie find her footing with these tough guys as they try to work to find Aspen and as Panther learns quickly, Maggie just wants to feel like she belongs somewhere. These two are fantastic together and I have to give props to our supporting Brothers in this book as they do step up and start to show Maggie that MC’s might be dangerous, they are also an amazing family. Panther has a great group of guys that will do everything they can to help him find Aspen and hopefully save her fast. Cala Riley took this couple and gave us so much more and I cannot wait for more in the series.

[Spicy_bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕BOOK REVIEW📕

This is book one in the series, and what a book. I don’t know gos the authors do it: everything they write, I am obsessed with. This book is actually my favourite book of their’s.

MC Prez, Calloway ‘Panther’ finds out his sister was kidnapped by rival MCs after her best friend, Maggie turns up begging for help. Furious with Maggie, he orders her to stay whilst he tries to bargain with the MC’s Prez. Maggie is distraught over her best friend, and after spending time with the Mountain River crew, she learns more about them. What intrigues her most, is Panther, and the two cannot deny their attraction to each other.

Honestly, I just blooming loved this book. I have read quite a few of their MC novels, and this one is top notch. As I said, it’s my favourite one of their books. I loved Panther and Maggie together. They really cared about Aspen, but I totally couldn’t wait for them to give in and when they did: EXPLOSIVE.

I really enjoyed the plot. I honestly wasn’t sure how it was going to end up, but I was obsessed with every page. I found myself loving the other MC characters, and I cannot wait for Aspen’s book. The girls has been through it.

Maggie and Panther needed each other more than they wanted to admit. They were similar in some ways, and I thought their story was written wonderfully.

I cannot wait for MORE.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Louise O · Rating 5 out of 5]

Panther's Magpie (Mountain River MC) by Cala Riley
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)

Panther’s Magpie kicks off the Mountain River MC series with a bang, and as always, Cala & Riley deliver a gripping, emotional, and chemistry-charged ride.

Maggie and Aspen have been best friends forever, more like sisters than anything else. When a road trip takes a dangerous turn, Maggie knows there’s only one person who can help: Panther, Aspen’s brother and the intimidating President of the Mountain River MC.

Panther isn't thrilled when Maggie shows up unannounced, and his protective instincts—and temper—are on full display. He doesn’t know Maggie, doesn’t trust her, and isn't happy about the situation. But as circumstances force them into close proximity, sparks begin to fly, and what starts as tension slowly transforms into something deeper.

I loved this story. The emotional bonds, fierce loyalty, and gritty MC backdrop made it impossible to put down. Maggie is strong and relatable, Panther is broody and complex, and the writing duo absolutely nailed the pacing and heart.

MC romances are my first love, and when they're done this well, it just makes me want to hop on the back of a bike and ride off into the sunset.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5 stars)