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Deafened by Silence
Rhys Waversea wants to watch the world burn, and Clayton Michaels will spark that flame.
It was supposed to be so simple. A fresh start where no one knows about the accident. No one knows I'm a deaf girl walking amongst the hearing, cocooned in my own silent world. So simple, if I had gone anywhere except Waversea Academy. Here, shadows cling to every wall. Privilege follows me like smoke, clogging my throat. There’s a poison running through this campus, and it's wearing the face of the founder's grandson.
From the moment I set foot on site, I’m dragged into the middle of a war between two jocks who claim to hate each other more than anything else. One watches me like he’s trying to unearth my secrets. The other shields me like he already knows them. Loyalties shift, the line between protection and possession blurring. I wanted a quiet life. What I got was a battlefield, and I’m the prize they’re both willing to destroy in the name of victory.
It was supposed to be so simple. A fresh start where no one knows about the accident. No one knows I'm a deaf girl walking amongst the hearing, cocooned in my own silent world. So simple, if I had gone anywhere except Waversea Academy. Here, shadows cling to every wall. Privilege follows me like smoke, clogging my throat. There’s a poison running through this campus, and it's wearing the face of the founder's grandson.
From the moment I set foot on site, I’m dragged into the middle of a war between two jocks who claim to hate each other more than anything else. One watches me like he’s trying to unearth my secrets. The other shields me like he already knows them. Loyalties shift, the line between protection and possession blurring. I wanted a quiet life. What I got was a battlefield, and I’m the prize they’re both willing to destroy in the name of victory.
360 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2025
414 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
Maddison Cole
39 books630 followersMaddison Cole is a married mum of two, and a serial daydreamer. As a huge fan of fantasy romance novels for the past 7 years, she has finally decided to put pen to paper (finger to keyboard doesn't sound as poetic) and begin to write her own.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
As a child, life was moving around the UK and a short stint in the Caribbean, before Maddison has found herself back in the south east of England where she is now happily settled. With a double award in applied arts and an A-level in art history, Maddison is just your average musical-loving, Disney-obsessed, jive-dancing woman with a dark passion for steamy fantasy books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 189 reviews
November 7, 2025
Harper, Clayton, + Rhys
-dark academia bully romance
-forced proximity
-bad boy + golden retriever jocks
-hate to want > lust to love > whychoose
-rivals & jealous/possessive mmcs
-deaf girl representation
this is a great start to this new series! the guys dynamic is fun & i can't wait to see how they end up coming together to share her...but obvs we got to get out of this little pickle we're in at the moment! haha im excited!
-dark academia bully romance
-forced proximity
-bad boy + golden retriever jocks
-hate to want > lust to love > whychoose
-rivals & jealous/possessive mmcs
-deaf girl representation
this is a great start to this new series! the guys dynamic is fun & i can't wait to see how they end up coming together to share her...but obvs we got to get out of this little pickle we're in at the moment! haha im excited!
October 22, 2025
ARC - Deafened by Silence - Maddison Cole
- Deaf FMC
- Bully vs Jock
- Damaged pasts
- Hate to want, lust to love
- Possession and obsession
- Why choose
- Touch her and ☠️ vibes
Release date - November 7th🗓️
“Running from our fears only feeds them. If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
So for all my fellow readers who devoured the Shadowed Souls trilogy as much as I did then I have some good news for you…Maddison is bringing us more characters into the Waversea universe and we now have the War at Waversea series🏀
Firstly we have our MMCs/FMC:
* Rhys - bully, possessive, out for revenge and gets what he wants
* Clayton - golden retriever with a twist, loyal and protective but self destructive and can’t let go
* Harper - sassy and bad ass, feisty, knows what she wants and resilient
So our FMC has lived a sheltered life since a tragic accident that resulted in her going deaf, but her goal is to move to Waversea Academy to study the sciences/medical fields and live a quiet life going by unnoticed. This is where she meets our two MMCs who are polar opposites, but believe me when I say you will love them for very different reasons and they most certainly don’t lead her into a quiet life!
Rhys is living in the shadow of his father with a troubled past and wants revenge and will burn his world down to get it and when he’s assigned to be Harper’s mentor this is where his obsession starts. He wants to break her and have his way with her when she defies him. He wants one night with her so the infatuation will pass, but is one night enough?
Clayton bumps into Harper randomly and ever since he is standing in the shadows, always at arms length to make sure she’s safe. His obsession grows instantly for her but his insecurities get in his way and he’s built walls to stop anyone getting close, he doesn’t want to stain her with his troubled past. He’s our antihero! Will Harper break down his walls?
This storyline has such great plot and I couldn’t put the book down, I needed to know what happened next! Following the characters through the story I was constantly on edge and the sexual tension that is between the characters, woah talk about edging🥵 This story ends on a cliffhanger, but I was NOT expecting the twist, but one thing I can assure you is that it was worth being kept on the edge and I cannot wait to hear what happens next in the story!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be an ARC in one of my favourite universes that you’ve created, I fell in love with the Shadowed Souls and now in this universe it’s the gift that keeps on giving🖤
- Deaf FMC
- Bully vs Jock
- Damaged pasts
- Hate to want, lust to love
- Possession and obsession
- Why choose
- Touch her and ☠️ vibes
Release date - November 7th🗓️
“Running from our fears only feeds them. If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
So for all my fellow readers who devoured the Shadowed Souls trilogy as much as I did then I have some good news for you…Maddison is bringing us more characters into the Waversea universe and we now have the War at Waversea series🏀
Firstly we have our MMCs/FMC:
* Rhys - bully, possessive, out for revenge and gets what he wants
* Clayton - golden retriever with a twist, loyal and protective but self destructive and can’t let go
* Harper - sassy and bad ass, feisty, knows what she wants and resilient
So our FMC has lived a sheltered life since a tragic accident that resulted in her going deaf, but her goal is to move to Waversea Academy to study the sciences/medical fields and live a quiet life going by unnoticed. This is where she meets our two MMCs who are polar opposites, but believe me when I say you will love them for very different reasons and they most certainly don’t lead her into a quiet life!
Rhys is living in the shadow of his father with a troubled past and wants revenge and will burn his world down to get it and when he’s assigned to be Harper’s mentor this is where his obsession starts. He wants to break her and have his way with her when she defies him. He wants one night with her so the infatuation will pass, but is one night enough?
Clayton bumps into Harper randomly and ever since he is standing in the shadows, always at arms length to make sure she’s safe. His obsession grows instantly for her but his insecurities get in his way and he’s built walls to stop anyone getting close, he doesn’t want to stain her with his troubled past. He’s our antihero! Will Harper break down his walls?
This storyline has such great plot and I couldn’t put the book down, I needed to know what happened next! Following the characters through the story I was constantly on edge and the sexual tension that is between the characters, woah talk about edging🥵 This story ends on a cliffhanger, but I was NOT expecting the twist, but one thing I can assure you is that it was worth being kept on the edge and I cannot wait to hear what happens next in the story!
Thank you so much for choosing me to be an ARC in one of my favourite universes that you’ve created, I fell in love with the Shadowed Souls and now in this universe it’s the gift that keeps on giving🖤
November 8, 2025
Shhh 🤫
Back at Waversea for a new term and a new set of unashamedly complicated MCs...colour me invested!
Our FMC, Harper, has worked her a$$ off to snatch a converted place at the elite college. Hoping to fly under the radar for several reasons, Harper hopes to sneak in, remain silent and get through it. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and what happens next is nothing short of loud!
I loved how the story unfolded, and we had our introductions to MMCs, as well as what they brought to the table. I am all in at this point.
I especially swooned so hard at the Easter eggs from previous books...I did let a tear escape...it's beautiful alright.
The plot be plotting in this book, and thankfully, we don't have to wait much longer for the next book. There's bully, there's trauma, there's unashamedly LOUD characters and of course, we get the 🌶🌶.
Come at me Maddison Cole, I can't wait for what comes next!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
Back at Waversea for a new term and a new set of unashamedly complicated MCs...colour me invested!
Our FMC, Harper, has worked her a$$ off to snatch a converted place at the elite college. Hoping to fly under the radar for several reasons, Harper hopes to sneak in, remain silent and get through it. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and what happens next is nothing short of loud!
I loved how the story unfolded, and we had our introductions to MMCs, as well as what they brought to the table. I am all in at this point.
I especially swooned so hard at the Easter eggs from previous books...I did let a tear escape...it's beautiful alright.
The plot be plotting in this book, and thankfully, we don't have to wait much longer for the next book. There's bully, there's trauma, there's unashamedly LOUD characters and of course, we get the 🌶🌶.
Come at me Maddison Cole, I can't wait for what comes next!!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶🌶
October 16, 2025
'I’ve never let anyone this close to seeing my soul bared, but it’s clear now that I’ve been longing for someone to share that with.'
🏀🖤Deafened by Silence by Maddison Cole 🖤🏀
Deafened by Silence is Maddison's newest why choose academy sports romance from the War at Waversea series.
'I won’t hide. I will thrive on their misconceptions, prove to everyone I don’t need my hearing to succeed.'
I had the absolute pleasure of Beta reading this and let me tell you this is one you will not want to miss out on!! I was hooked from the start to finish. I loved the dark academia setting, the world building was so detailed I could practically picture it!
'Revenge is a mean bitch, and this one might just be his downfall.'
I loved the diverse characters in this, especially with a deaf FMC. You can really tell the amount of research that went into building this character, her sassy/fiery nature was so relatable as well as her sweet innocent side.
'She may desire him, but she craves me.'
The boys 👏🏻 ok let's start with Rhys. The bad boy, the bully, the spoilt rich kid who goes after what he wants, who also has a secret sweet side. I didn't like him until I did and then I loved him. Then we have Clayton the good boy, the sweet protective gentleman who has a secret dark side. Both strong MCs, rivals, rags Vs riches, the tension kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book. The one thing they do agree on, is protecting her 😍
“If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
The storyline was intense and captivating and the plot twists kept me guessing the entire time. Also the spice was 🔥 from the sexual tension to the smoking hot scenes 🥵 I also loved all of the side characters, especially A... She really helped bring Harper out of her shell. I cannot wait to see where this goes because that cliffhanger was insane!
Release day on 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐰:
https://books2read.com/deafenedbysilence
🏀Rival MMC's
🖤Stuck in the Middle,
🏀Deaf FMC
🖤Hate to Want
🏀The Bully vs the Jock.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
🏀🖤Deafened by Silence by Maddison Cole 🖤🏀
Deafened by Silence is Maddison's newest why choose academy sports romance from the War at Waversea series.
'I won’t hide. I will thrive on their misconceptions, prove to everyone I don’t need my hearing to succeed.'
I had the absolute pleasure of Beta reading this and let me tell you this is one you will not want to miss out on!! I was hooked from the start to finish. I loved the dark academia setting, the world building was so detailed I could practically picture it!
'Revenge is a mean bitch, and this one might just be his downfall.'
I loved the diverse characters in this, especially with a deaf FMC. You can really tell the amount of research that went into building this character, her sassy/fiery nature was so relatable as well as her sweet innocent side.
'She may desire him, but she craves me.'
The boys 👏🏻 ok let's start with Rhys. The bad boy, the bully, the spoilt rich kid who goes after what he wants, who also has a secret sweet side. I didn't like him until I did and then I loved him. Then we have Clayton the good boy, the sweet protective gentleman who has a secret dark side. Both strong MCs, rivals, rags Vs riches, the tension kept me on the edge of my seat the entire book. The one thing they do agree on, is protecting her 😍
“If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
The storyline was intense and captivating and the plot twists kept me guessing the entire time. Also the spice was 🔥 from the sexual tension to the smoking hot scenes 🥵 I also loved all of the side characters, especially A... She really helped bring Harper out of her shell. I cannot wait to see where this goes because that cliffhanger was insane!
Release day on 𝟕𝐭𝐡 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐍𝐨𝐰:
https://books2read.com/deafenedbysilence
🏀Rival MMC's
🖤Stuck in the Middle,
🏀Deaf FMC
🖤Hate to Want
🏀The Bully vs the Jock.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5/5
November 2, 2025
*Menage (MFM)
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*College Setting
*Bully Romance
*MMCs as rivals
*Deaf FMC
*Tragic Pasts
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / 3
Tension, all the tension😳🔥
Wow we’ll talk about being able ugly in the middle! Poor Harper just wants a chance and a normal college experience. She’s a great FMC, she has tenacity, fire and a stubborn streak that means she won’t allow herself to be walked over and she’s more than happy to stand up for what she believes is right and what she wants 👑💪
Her fierce personality however attracts the two rivalling basketball players 🫣 Rhys is the son of the the college founder and a complete bully to everyone; he’s antagonistic arrogant and smug yet he’s hiding a lot of pain and loneliness 😖 his actions are manic and determined to hide his true emotions! On the other hand there’s Clayton, determined to play hero and protector even if that means saving Harper from him, blowing hot and cold as he feels 😣 again he’s hosing his own pain and guilt but he’s finally giving in to the hope she represents! Harper is just as drawn to each man and will not let their behaviours (their manipulation, blackmail, rage, etc) stand. The intense connections between our MCs is HAWT and the spice is 🌶️ however it appears that she may be a pawn in their rivalry and it drives wedges between their already fragile relationships 😢😢 yet I get a sense there may be a third party involved twisting this right up - especially after that cliffhanger!
The story flows smoothly and there’s always something happening to keep you engaged - whether it’s the characters themselves or an apparently plot twist - I found it easy to blast through this in one night as I couldn’t wait to see where it progressed; eagerly awaiting the next book 😀
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*College Setting
*Bully Romance
*MMCs as rivals
*Deaf FMC
*Tragic Pasts
*Mid Burn
*Book 1 / 3
Tension, all the tension😳🔥
Wow we’ll talk about being able ugly in the middle! Poor Harper just wants a chance and a normal college experience. She’s a great FMC, she has tenacity, fire and a stubborn streak that means she won’t allow herself to be walked over and she’s more than happy to stand up for what she believes is right and what she wants 👑💪
Her fierce personality however attracts the two rivalling basketball players 🫣 Rhys is the son of the the college founder and a complete bully to everyone; he’s antagonistic arrogant and smug yet he’s hiding a lot of pain and loneliness 😖 his actions are manic and determined to hide his true emotions! On the other hand there’s Clayton, determined to play hero and protector even if that means saving Harper from him, blowing hot and cold as he feels 😣 again he’s hosing his own pain and guilt but he’s finally giving in to the hope she represents! Harper is just as drawn to each man and will not let their behaviours (their manipulation, blackmail, rage, etc) stand. The intense connections between our MCs is HAWT and the spice is 🌶️ however it appears that she may be a pawn in their rivalry and it drives wedges between their already fragile relationships 😢😢 yet I get a sense there may be a third party involved twisting this right up - especially after that cliffhanger!
The story flows smoothly and there’s always something happening to keep you engaged - whether it’s the characters themselves or an apparently plot twist - I found it easy to blast through this in one night as I couldn’t wait to see where it progressed; eagerly awaiting the next book 😀
November 14, 2025
This book was a lot different than what I was expecting. I am a huge, huge fan of Harper. Her character is just amazing. Her strength, her determination her solitude. I love her. I have never read a book before with a deaf fmc before and all the positives and negatives that go along with her cochlear implants. I know some of it has been exaggerated technology wise, as the author mentioned, but it is still so eye opening and detailed that you can’t help but live a bit of it with Harper.
I’ve been battling with Clay and Rhys and I’m kind of stumped I don’t know how to feel, I’m definitely leaning toward my man Clayton. They are both so broken and at first I could not see a way out for them, and I just don’t know how they are going to reconcile their pasts to build a future. I feel like there’s definitely something going on in the background there’s a piece that hasn’t come to light yet and I think in book 2 we’re gonna get an awful awakening to something mind blowing. This does end on a cliffhanger, but not a hair pulling scream inducing one so don’t be nervous about that. All in all it was a good read and it’s left me wanting more. Can’t wait for book 2.
I’ve been battling with Clay and Rhys and I’m kind of stumped I don’t know how to feel, I’m definitely leaning toward my man Clayton. They are both so broken and at first I could not see a way out for them, and I just don’t know how they are going to reconcile their pasts to build a future. I feel like there’s definitely something going on in the background there’s a piece that hasn’t come to light yet and I think in book 2 we’re gonna get an awful awakening to something mind blowing. This does end on a cliffhanger, but not a hair pulling scream inducing one so don’t be nervous about that. All in all it was a good read and it’s left me wanting more. Can’t wait for book 2.
November 1, 2025
Rhys effing Waversea.
He's nothing more than a spoilt brat, born with a silver spoon in his mouth and probably had a Gucci onesie. I mean he wore a Louis Vuitton tarcksuit to a laboratory field trip. Dude is ridiculous. What's even more ridiculous is the fact that I absolutely fell in love with him. Not at first sight, probably not even second or third sight. But dude got under my skin and made me love him. The nerve.
The one who is quietly pursuing our dear and completely sassy Harper Adams is Clayton Michaels. And dude had me wrapped around his finger faster than you can say Yes Sir.
I absolutely loved this story. Harper is deaf, and just love how the guys don't bully her for it, don't make it a big deal. They just make it a part of them, knowing to face her so she can read their lips, and accepting she needs to put the mic on them. Just loved every bit and I need book 2 asap!
He's nothing more than a spoilt brat, born with a silver spoon in his mouth and probably had a Gucci onesie. I mean he wore a Louis Vuitton tarcksuit to a laboratory field trip. Dude is ridiculous. What's even more ridiculous is the fact that I absolutely fell in love with him. Not at first sight, probably not even second or third sight. But dude got under my skin and made me love him. The nerve.
The one who is quietly pursuing our dear and completely sassy Harper Adams is Clayton Michaels. And dude had me wrapped around his finger faster than you can say Yes Sir.
I absolutely loved this story. Harper is deaf, and just love how the guys don't bully her for it, don't make it a big deal. They just make it a part of them, knowing to face her so she can read their lips, and accepting she needs to put the mic on them. Just loved every bit and I need book 2 asap!
November 12, 2025
How could you put me through all of that!!! I loved every single second of it. There is so much to unpack in this book. We have such different characters all rolled into a great trio. The rich, if a bit psycho, Rhys. The stubborn but resilient Harper. Then our self loathing but strong protector Clayton. From page one we get sucked into Harper’s tragic backstory and how she lost her hearing to the point where she decides to finally get out on her own to waversea. There we meet the bully Rhys and his target,the scholarship student Clayton. The journey these characters take is heartbreaking and just all around emotion inducing. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next, especially after that epic cliffhanger! Definitely recommend!
October 17, 2025
🏀🖤 ARC Review: Deafened by Silence (War at Waversea #1) by Maddison Cole 🖤🏀
"In a world built on noise, she turns silence into power."
Get ready, because Maddison Cole is coming for your heart, your sanity, and your TBR with Deafened by Silence, a dark, emotional, and explosively addictive why-choose academy sports romance that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and holy hot.
Harper just wanted a fresh start, a quiet life where no one knows she’s deaf or what she survived. But Waversea Academy has other plans. This elite, cutthroat school is a breeding ground for rivalry, privilege, and obsession. And right in the middle of it all? Two enemies who can’t stop fighting each other or falling for her:
🏀 Rhys Waversea — the arrogant, untouchable heir who hides his pain behind cruelty and control. The boy who wants to watch the world burn… and might just light the match himself.
🏀 Clayton Michaels — the golden boy with a dark side, a heart of loyalty, and a secret that could destroy them all.
And caught between them? Harper is the deaf girl they underestimate, the one who turns their world upside down with her resilience, rage, and soft defiance.
“If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
This book owns its title and it’s loud with emotion, tension, and slow-burn chemistry. Cole’s depiction of deafness is handled with such depth and care; it’s raw, empowering, and unapologetically real. Harper’s inner world is beautifully written, full of quiet rebellion and fierce independence.
The enemies-to-lovers energy between Rhys and Harper? 🔥
The protective devotion from Clayton? 🥺
The rivalry that turns to obsession? Chef’s kiss.
✨ What to Expect:
🏀 Deaf FMC representation (so well done)
🔥 Bully vs. Jock Rivalry
🖤 Why-Choose / Reverse Harem
🏫 Academy Setting with Dark Academia Vibes
💔 Trauma, Healing, and Found Strength
💞 Stuck-in-the-Middle Tension
🥵 Rivals-to-Lovers Energy
😱 A CLIFFHANGER that will ruin you
The writing is electric, the tension is lethal, and the spice? Absolute perfection. If you loved Filthy Elites or The Atlas Six but wished for more heat and heart, this one’s for you.
#DeafenedBySilence #MaddisonCole #WarAtWaversea #WhyChooseRomance #AcademyRomance #SportsRomance #BullyRomance #DeafRepresentation #DarkAcademia #ReverseHaremBooks #EnemiesToLovers #FierceFMC #SpicyReads #Bookstagram #BookReview #NewRelease2025 #HPRomance
"In a world built on noise, she turns silence into power."
Get ready, because Maddison Cole is coming for your heart, your sanity, and your TBR with Deafened by Silence, a dark, emotional, and explosively addictive why-choose academy sports romance that’s equal parts heart-wrenching and holy hot.
Harper just wanted a fresh start, a quiet life where no one knows she’s deaf or what she survived. But Waversea Academy has other plans. This elite, cutthroat school is a breeding ground for rivalry, privilege, and obsession. And right in the middle of it all? Two enemies who can’t stop fighting each other or falling for her:
🏀 Rhys Waversea — the arrogant, untouchable heir who hides his pain behind cruelty and control. The boy who wants to watch the world burn… and might just light the match himself.
🏀 Clayton Michaels — the golden boy with a dark side, a heart of loyalty, and a secret that could destroy them all.
And caught between them? Harper is the deaf girl they underestimate, the one who turns their world upside down with her resilience, rage, and soft defiance.
“If we own our pain, it won’t have the power to hurt us anymore.”
This book owns its title and it’s loud with emotion, tension, and slow-burn chemistry. Cole’s depiction of deafness is handled with such depth and care; it’s raw, empowering, and unapologetically real. Harper’s inner world is beautifully written, full of quiet rebellion and fierce independence.
The enemies-to-lovers energy between Rhys and Harper? 🔥
The protective devotion from Clayton? 🥺
The rivalry that turns to obsession? Chef’s kiss.
✨ What to Expect:
🏀 Deaf FMC representation (so well done)
🔥 Bully vs. Jock Rivalry
🖤 Why-Choose / Reverse Harem
🏫 Academy Setting with Dark Academia Vibes
💔 Trauma, Healing, and Found Strength
💞 Stuck-in-the-Middle Tension
🥵 Rivals-to-Lovers Energy
😱 A CLIFFHANGER that will ruin you
The writing is electric, the tension is lethal, and the spice? Absolute perfection. If you loved Filthy Elites or The Atlas Six but wished for more heat and heart, this one’s for you.
#DeafenedBySilence #MaddisonCole #WarAtWaversea #WhyChooseRomance #AcademyRomance #SportsRomance #BullyRomance #DeafRepresentation #DarkAcademia #ReverseHaremBooks #EnemiesToLovers #FierceFMC #SpicyReads #Bookstagram #BookReview #NewRelease2025 #HPRomance
November 9, 2025
Wow! This is why I love my fellow bookstagram friends on here! Finding books and authors I need to read! Deafened By Silence by Maddison Cole is book 1 in the War At Waversea series and it drew me in at 10pm and I couldn't put it down! Give me a great dark, why choose, college romance with so much angst and slowburn any day and I am hooked!
Harper has lived a very sheltered life after a devastating accident where she not only lost her parents, but also her hearing. She decides to move away and start over, gaining her freedom and attend Waversea Academy to study the sciences/medical fields to help in the area of deaf studies and live a quiet and peaceful life. Well, she definitely didn't get quiet! Rhys, the rich bully, his family founded the school, he's the guy that gets whatever he wants. But down deep is a boy who just wants to be loved and wanted and hides so much pain behind trying to be in control and his cruelty. And Clay, the sweet jock who feels an instant connection for her, he’s so loyal and wants to protect her while dealing with so much pain from his past and the insecurities of who he is and what he deserves. These three are heartbreaking at times! They will take you on a ride of so many emotions! They each have so many internal struggles and find something in each other. The guys hate each other and it's made worse by them both wanting Harper. The tension, the angst, the absolute edging, it’s written so good! And when they come together, hot as fire every single time. Leaves you wanting so much more!
Harper is raw, fierce, and heartbreakingly real and her deafness is written so powerful and real. You can feel the pain, the strength, and the fire behind every moment between these three so deeply. Every emotion will go through you! This ends on a crazy cliffhanger I did not see coming but thankful book 2 will be out in a few weeks! So loved finding a new author and can't wait to go back and read her other books in this world! Go read this book, it will pull you in from page one!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
🧡 Deaf FMC
🏀 Bully x Jock
🧡 Damaged pasts that never healed
🏀 Hate to want ➜ Lust to love
🧡 Possessive, obsessive, only mine energy
🏀 Why Choose
🧡 Touch her and ☠️ vibes
Harper has lived a very sheltered life after a devastating accident where she not only lost her parents, but also her hearing. She decides to move away and start over, gaining her freedom and attend Waversea Academy to study the sciences/medical fields to help in the area of deaf studies and live a quiet and peaceful life. Well, she definitely didn't get quiet! Rhys, the rich bully, his family founded the school, he's the guy that gets whatever he wants. But down deep is a boy who just wants to be loved and wanted and hides so much pain behind trying to be in control and his cruelty. And Clay, the sweet jock who feels an instant connection for her, he’s so loyal and wants to protect her while dealing with so much pain from his past and the insecurities of who he is and what he deserves. These three are heartbreaking at times! They will take you on a ride of so many emotions! They each have so many internal struggles and find something in each other. The guys hate each other and it's made worse by them both wanting Harper. The tension, the angst, the absolute edging, it’s written so good! And when they come together, hot as fire every single time. Leaves you wanting so much more!
Harper is raw, fierce, and heartbreakingly real and her deafness is written so powerful and real. You can feel the pain, the strength, and the fire behind every moment between these three so deeply. Every emotion will go through you! This ends on a crazy cliffhanger I did not see coming but thankful book 2 will be out in a few weeks! So loved finding a new author and can't wait to go back and read her other books in this world! Go read this book, it will pull you in from page one!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 3/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
🧡 Deaf FMC
🏀 Bully x Jock
🧡 Damaged pasts that never healed
🏀 Hate to want ➜ Lust to love
🧡 Possessive, obsessive, only mine energy
🏀 Why Choose
🧡 Touch her and ☠️ vibes
October 29, 2025
Maddison Cole is back and for those of us who devoured the Shadowed Souls trilogy, rejoice! She’s dragging us straight back into the haunting halls of Waversea. Deafened by Silence isn’t just a return to her world; it’s the start of something darker, sharper, and utterly addictive.
The dark academia setting is perfection moody, secretive, and brimming with tension. You can feel the chill of the old stone walls and the danger hiding in every shadow. Cole’s world-building is so vivid it’s almost cinematic, the kind of writing that makes you forget you’re reading.
At the heart of it all is Harper, a deaf heroine who refuses to be defined by her silence. Fierce, clever, and quietly resilient, she’s the calm and the storm all at once the kind of character who lingers long after you close the book.
Then there’s Rhys and Clayton.
Rhys the rich, tattooed king of the academy is equal parts cruel and vulnerable. The boy you promise to hate until you can’t.
Clayton the golden boy with a darker edge is gentle where Rhys is sharp but just as capable of wrecking you. Their rivals to protectors tension had me hooked from start to finish.
The love triangle (Rhys- Harper - Clayton) is chef’s kiss all tension, longing, and heartbreak. And while it’s MFM (no sword crossing, sadly), the chemistry between the guys begs for it. Every glance and argument crackles with emotion, turning this romance into a power play built on desire and danger.
Just when you think you can breathe… that cliffhanger hits. Brutal. Brilliant. Maddison Cole truly knows how to leave readers begging for more.
Special mention to Addy, Harper’s loyal roommate she’s the warmth this dark world needs, and I’d love to see her get her own story. Cameos from Shadowed Souls tie everything together perfectly, making this feel like a true expansion of the universe.
Deafened by Silence is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere a story of power, perception, and the quiet kind of strength that changes everything. Waversea still has secrets to tell, and this time, the silence is deafening.
📚 ARC provided voluntarily thoughts are 100% my own.
The dark academia setting is perfection moody, secretive, and brimming with tension. You can feel the chill of the old stone walls and the danger hiding in every shadow. Cole’s world-building is so vivid it’s almost cinematic, the kind of writing that makes you forget you’re reading.
At the heart of it all is Harper, a deaf heroine who refuses to be defined by her silence. Fierce, clever, and quietly resilient, she’s the calm and the storm all at once the kind of character who lingers long after you close the book.
Then there’s Rhys and Clayton.
Rhys the rich, tattooed king of the academy is equal parts cruel and vulnerable. The boy you promise to hate until you can’t.
Clayton the golden boy with a darker edge is gentle where Rhys is sharp but just as capable of wrecking you. Their rivals to protectors tension had me hooked from start to finish.
The love triangle (Rhys- Harper - Clayton) is chef’s kiss all tension, longing, and heartbreak. And while it’s MFM (no sword crossing, sadly), the chemistry between the guys begs for it. Every glance and argument crackles with emotion, turning this romance into a power play built on desire and danger.
Just when you think you can breathe… that cliffhanger hits. Brutal. Brilliant. Maddison Cole truly knows how to leave readers begging for more.
Special mention to Addy, Harper’s loyal roommate she’s the warmth this dark world needs, and I’d love to see her get her own story. Cameos from Shadowed Souls tie everything together perfectly, making this feel like a true expansion of the universe.
Deafened by Silence is a masterclass in tension and atmosphere a story of power, perception, and the quiet kind of strength that changes everything. Waversea still has secrets to tell, and this time, the silence is deafening.
📚 ARC provided voluntarily thoughts are 100% my own.
November 6, 2025
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This is the story of Harper, Clayton and Rhys. One is the man who saves her when she needs it and the other is her bully. Harper is deaf but she can hear with the help of her implants and it has been her dream to go to Waversea Academy. She is there on a scholarship and is so excited to be there. A accident took not only her parents but her hearing and she has lived a sheltered life of a hermit pretty much ever since. She is determined to show the world she is no different from any of the other people at the Academy. Rhys father owns the Academy. He is a guy who has had everything handed to him his entire life and he knows there is power in that. So much power that the hates it but isn't afraid to throw it around. He is not a fan of his father and is determined to blow his world up and take everything from him. Clayton is there too on a scholarship and he lost his brother and is now there living his brother's dream. If his brother was going to do it Clayton will let him live still through him. He is a basketball player and darn good at this too. But that puts him on Rhys radar and he is absolutely horrible to him. I have to say I got to know Rhys in this book and I was not much of a fan. But, by the end he was growing on me. He is a spoiled rich kid in his attitude. Everyone is expendable and usable and Harper has thrown a big old bomb into his life and now things are upside down and he has not a clue how to deal with that. Clayton is also attracted to Harper and she adores him. He is kind of her. He helps her study and saves her every single time she needs saving. She is the first and basically only person's hes ever opened up too. And in turn she opens up to him. Until it all explodes and Rhys is standing this with a bomb in his hand. This book is so good. I don't think I realized this was not a standalone and the way it ended I was shook. This book is really good and I have a feeling the next one is going to be even more some. You do not want to miss this book.
This is the story of Harper, Clayton and Rhys. One is the man who saves her when she needs it and the other is her bully. Harper is deaf but she can hear with the help of her implants and it has been her dream to go to Waversea Academy. She is there on a scholarship and is so excited to be there. A accident took not only her parents but her hearing and she has lived a sheltered life of a hermit pretty much ever since. She is determined to show the world she is no different from any of the other people at the Academy. Rhys father owns the Academy. He is a guy who has had everything handed to him his entire life and he knows there is power in that. So much power that the hates it but isn't afraid to throw it around. He is not a fan of his father and is determined to blow his world up and take everything from him. Clayton is there too on a scholarship and he lost his brother and is now there living his brother's dream. If his brother was going to do it Clayton will let him live still through him. He is a basketball player and darn good at this too. But that puts him on Rhys radar and he is absolutely horrible to him. I have to say I got to know Rhys in this book and I was not much of a fan. But, by the end he was growing on me. He is a spoiled rich kid in his attitude. Everyone is expendable and usable and Harper has thrown a big old bomb into his life and now things are upside down and he has not a clue how to deal with that. Clayton is also attracted to Harper and she adores him. He is kind of her. He helps her study and saves her every single time she needs saving. She is the first and basically only person's hes ever opened up too. And in turn she opens up to him. Until it all explodes and Rhys is standing this with a bomb in his hand. This book is so good. I don't think I realized this was not a standalone and the way it ended I was shook. This book is really good and I have a feeling the next one is going to be even more some. You do not want to miss this book.
October 19, 2025
ARC review: I absolutely loved the other Waversea books (the Shadowed Souls trilogy & Beautiful Delusions), so I was super excited for this ARC that also takes place at Waversea. From what I understand, this is a re-write of the War at Waversea trilogy- previously published as Perfectly Powerless, Handsomely Heartless, & Beautifully Boundless... but I have NOT read those, so this is all new to me.
Anyway. Deafened By Silence centers on Harper, who lost her hearing in an accident that also killed her parents. She's just starting college at Waversea, and has run-ins with two men: Rhys, a bully whose father owns the school, and Colton, a scholarship kid and Rhys' rival on the basketball team. Naturally, she's attracted to both of them, and both men are trying to pursue her, as well.
The romantic aspect is a big part of the story, but honestly, there is SO much more to it. Harper is dealing with trying to fit in to the hearing world after being homeschooled and a bit of a shut-in for years. She also sees right through Rhys' tough guy act, and simultaneously tries to break through Colton's super high walls - she's incredibly strong and a really fun FMC to get to know.
Colton and Rhys are polar opposites, but they both have pretty tragic backstories that hold them back emotionally from a lot. I think once they get on the same page, they'll relate to each other really well - but after that cliffhanger, it might be a pipe dream. 👀
Overall - I really enjoyed all three of our main characters (and even the side characters - I'm looking at you, creepy Kenneth), and the dark academia vibes the story gives off. Plus, the BANTER and the tension. It's so good!
Anyway. Deafened By Silence centers on Harper, who lost her hearing in an accident that also killed her parents. She's just starting college at Waversea, and has run-ins with two men: Rhys, a bully whose father owns the school, and Colton, a scholarship kid and Rhys' rival on the basketball team. Naturally, she's attracted to both of them, and both men are trying to pursue her, as well.
The romantic aspect is a big part of the story, but honestly, there is SO much more to it. Harper is dealing with trying to fit in to the hearing world after being homeschooled and a bit of a shut-in for years. She also sees right through Rhys' tough guy act, and simultaneously tries to break through Colton's super high walls - she's incredibly strong and a really fun FMC to get to know.
Colton and Rhys are polar opposites, but they both have pretty tragic backstories that hold them back emotionally from a lot. I think once they get on the same page, they'll relate to each other really well - but after that cliffhanger, it might be a pipe dream. 👀
Overall - I really enjoyed all three of our main characters (and even the side characters - I'm looking at you, creepy Kenneth), and the dark academia vibes the story gives off. Plus, the BANTER and the tension. It's so good!
October 24, 2025
I’m going to need a few days to recover.. that was insanely good! My heart took a beating but it will be ok when the next book comes out.
I loved the Shadowed Souls series and having cameos of some of my favorites was great! You don’t have to read that series to enjoy this one.
Tropes:
Why choose/ love triangle
Basketball players
Enemies to lovers
MFM
Forced proximity
Touch her and die
The story follows Harper as she begins her college career a semester behind at Waversea. She lost her hearing in a tragic car accident that left her deaf. She has cochlear implants, knows sign language and can read lips. She has been sheltered by her Aunt but now she is ready to experience life. After her campus tour she is directed to the deans office. At the end of the meeting she is informed that Mr. Waversea’s son had been asked to be her mentor. Teachers gasp and she knows that’s not a good sign. She decides to avoid him.
Rhys rules the school. He is a Waversea after all. His kingdom is ruled by his whims and everyone bows to him. His bully of a dad insists he mentor the new girl. He couldn’t care less until he connects the dots. The girl that caught his eye is the one he is supposed to mentor. Well damn. Let the fun begin.
Clayton has his demons. His tragic past makes him keep his walls high and people at arms length. When he is in the right place at the right time and catches a girl from falling, it begins his mission to protect her…even from himself.
Harper is such a boss. I loved her spunk and determination. I love how she stands up to bullies and owns her shit. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out in the next book!!
I loved the Shadowed Souls series and having cameos of some of my favorites was great! You don’t have to read that series to enjoy this one.
Tropes:
Why choose/ love triangle
Basketball players
Enemies to lovers
MFM
Forced proximity
Touch her and die
The story follows Harper as she begins her college career a semester behind at Waversea. She lost her hearing in a tragic car accident that left her deaf. She has cochlear implants, knows sign language and can read lips. She has been sheltered by her Aunt but now she is ready to experience life. After her campus tour she is directed to the deans office. At the end of the meeting she is informed that Mr. Waversea’s son had been asked to be her mentor. Teachers gasp and she knows that’s not a good sign. She decides to avoid him.
Rhys rules the school. He is a Waversea after all. His kingdom is ruled by his whims and everyone bows to him. His bully of a dad insists he mentor the new girl. He couldn’t care less until he connects the dots. The girl that caught his eye is the one he is supposed to mentor. Well damn. Let the fun begin.
Clayton has his demons. His tragic past makes him keep his walls high and people at arms length. When he is in the right place at the right time and catches a girl from falling, it begins his mission to protect her…even from himself.
Harper is such a boss. I loved her spunk and determination. I love how she stands up to bullies and owns her shit. I can’t wait to see how this all plays out in the next book!!
November 5, 2025
Maddison Cole’s "Deafened by Silence" introduces us to a captivating story that draws you into the tumultuous world of Waversea Academy, where teenage rivalry blends with personal struggle, and the stakes are anything but innocent.
The story follows Harper, a deaf girl looking for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in the eye of a storm fueled by privilege, secrets, and conflicting loyalties.
Her struggles with being deaf in a hearing world are written with care, providing us a window into her feelings of isolation and determination. From the very beginning, her voice resonates deeply as she grapples with the duality of wanting to be seen while also yearning for peace.
Waversea Academy is more than just a school, it’s a battleground where the powerful clash, and Harper is unwillingly thrust into the crossfire.
The dynamics between her and the two jocks, Clayton Michaels and Rhys, are fraught with intensity. Both characters bring their own complexities and motivations, creating a push and pull dynamic that kept me reading…..
The story is engaging and immersive, seamlessly blending action with heartfelt moments. The dialogue is sharp, and the character interactions bristle with energy.
As the plot unfolds, we witness how the rivalry between Clayton and Rhys can easily turn from protection to manipulation! 😧
Overall, "Deafened by Silence" is a compelling and thought provoking read. The author has created a vivid world where love, rivalry, and self discovery clash with dramatic intensity.
If you enjoy romances that deliver heart pounding tension along with emotional moments, this novel should definitely be on your reading list.
🦋
*Supplied for review
The story follows Harper, a deaf girl looking for a fresh start, but instead finds herself in the eye of a storm fueled by privilege, secrets, and conflicting loyalties.
Her struggles with being deaf in a hearing world are written with care, providing us a window into her feelings of isolation and determination. From the very beginning, her voice resonates deeply as she grapples with the duality of wanting to be seen while also yearning for peace.
Waversea Academy is more than just a school, it’s a battleground where the powerful clash, and Harper is unwillingly thrust into the crossfire.
The dynamics between her and the two jocks, Clayton Michaels and Rhys, are fraught with intensity. Both characters bring their own complexities and motivations, creating a push and pull dynamic that kept me reading…..
The story is engaging and immersive, seamlessly blending action with heartfelt moments. The dialogue is sharp, and the character interactions bristle with energy.
As the plot unfolds, we witness how the rivalry between Clayton and Rhys can easily turn from protection to manipulation! 😧
Overall, "Deafened by Silence" is a compelling and thought provoking read. The author has created a vivid world where love, rivalry, and self discovery clash with dramatic intensity.
If you enjoy romances that deliver heart pounding tension along with emotional moments, this novel should definitely be on your reading list.
🦋
*Supplied for review
November 7, 2025
They never do.
The first book of a trilogy — a dark YA “why choose” story.
As dark as it is funny.
The author gives us so many hilarious moments, but in such an ironic way that it’s both delightful and perfectly balanced with the darker parts. Especially our FMC — what a deliciously sarcastic and badass diamond!
There’s a list of TWs, but if you love dark stories like I do, just dive right in!
It was impossible for me not to love the FMC.
She’s captivating, original, and self-assured. She knows what she wants and doesn’t let her past define or limit her — nor does she let anyone else do it.
She’s adapted to her circumstances so admirably that she’s even learned to embrace them to find peace. How many times have I wished I could switch off the world for a moment to find peace? She can do that.
Then we have the MMCs — who don’t even like each other!
One:
- The right kind of bad boy
- With so much to like
- Thinks she’s better off without him
- Believes he has nothing to give
- The Hero
The other:
- The brat bad boy
- With so much to dislike
- Thinks he’s the best
- Believes he doesn’t need anyone
- The Joker
They do have something in common: they’re both broken. And she sees them — because she’s one of them.
But guys… I think she wants to stay between you two, not against you. Will they be able to see that — or accept it?
The plot is so engaging it completely pulls you in.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! There’s drama, intense and spicy moments, unexpected twists, scenes that make you want to scream “What?!” and "Why?!", and so much action.
And then that hell of a cliffhanger that left me yelling, “WHO?”
The first book of a trilogy — a dark YA “why choose” story.
As dark as it is funny.
The author gives us so many hilarious moments, but in such an ironic way that it’s both delightful and perfectly balanced with the darker parts. Especially our FMC — what a deliciously sarcastic and badass diamond!
There’s a list of TWs, but if you love dark stories like I do, just dive right in!
It was impossible for me not to love the FMC.
She’s captivating, original, and self-assured. She knows what she wants and doesn’t let her past define or limit her — nor does she let anyone else do it.
She’s adapted to her circumstances so admirably that she’s even learned to embrace them to find peace. How many times have I wished I could switch off the world for a moment to find peace? She can do that.
Then we have the MMCs — who don’t even like each other!
One:
- The right kind of bad boy
- With so much to like
- Thinks she’s better off without him
- Believes he has nothing to give
- The Hero
The other:
- The brat bad boy
- With so much to dislike
- Thinks he’s the best
- Believes he doesn’t need anyone
- The Joker
They do have something in common: they’re both broken. And she sees them — because she’s one of them.
But guys… I think she wants to stay between you two, not against you. Will they be able to see that — or accept it?
The plot is so engaging it completely pulls you in.
Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop! There’s drama, intense and spicy moments, unexpected twists, scenes that make you want to scream “What?!” and "Why?!", and so much action.
And then that hell of a cliffhanger that left me yelling, “WHO?”
November 18, 2025
I definitely took a little bit to get into the book. I’m not sure if it just started slow or if it was a book hangover and I was still clinging to the ending of my last book with a vengeance. However It ended up like a current in the water. Suddenly I was in too deep and there was no way back. I was invested. Harper is so real and I LOVE the way she is written. The way she views her disability, as not a hindrance for her, but how it would benefit people if everyone was like her? That was the moment I came to truly adore her. She is the epitome of grow through what you go through. She took what happened to her and is turning it into not just a career, but a career that could help countless people, AND make her happy. She is also a kick a** now, take names later, with a side of sass, spunk, and “get it done”, all in one body. I also love that she’s not afraid to explore anything that peaks her interest. Or anyone for that matter.
Speaking of anyone. The back and forth with Clayton and Rhys, both with each others rivalry before Harper, along with the escalation and tactic change after, gives me mixed feelings about both of them. I love certain aspects of both, but also have certain things that make me cringe. Rhys understandably more than Clayton, but it’s still there for him too. I also couldn’t help but feel for Rhys. I don’t know if it’s relating to his feelings that he tries to bury and seeing through the persona, or if I just have a thing for the ones you think you can save. I have to hold out hope that he’ll get his act together though. Both of them honestly. That ending nearly gutted me from every angle. I can’t wait to start the next book.
Speaking of anyone. The back and forth with Clayton and Rhys, both with each others rivalry before Harper, along with the escalation and tactic change after, gives me mixed feelings about both of them. I love certain aspects of both, but also have certain things that make me cringe. Rhys understandably more than Clayton, but it’s still there for him too. I also couldn’t help but feel for Rhys. I don’t know if it’s relating to his feelings that he tries to bury and seeing through the persona, or if I just have a thing for the ones you think you can save. I have to hold out hope that he’ll get his act together though. Both of them honestly. That ending nearly gutted me from every angle. I can’t wait to start the next book.
December 1, 2025
Captivating story; needs edits
I enjoyed the story - Harper doesn't let her hearing drag her down, instead viewing it as a superpower of sorts. The way the dynamic unfolds between her, Clayton and Rhys is fascinating. Rhys is a relentlessly stuck up and self absorbed rich guy with a god complex. This goes to the point of parody almost, and it's only easy to read because he accepts and knows it as well. I'm glad he didn't immediately get written into a changed man in this book - instead Harper reads him the riot act every time he acts out, slowly changing his internal monologue about himself.
Clayton is equally weird, if not much sweeter than Rhys when it comes to Harper. The tortured soul with a past he can't seem to escape, and a slight stalker/savior complex he's also well aware of. I appreciate that both of them were written to know they have issues. Clayton is working harder at fixing them, but is also much more likeable than Rhys.
There's a healthy amount of humor and sarcasm woven into the story. The big incident was not what I would have expected at all and provided a whole layer of mystery and suspicion about the characters. (I have my thoughts about Abby and Kenneth....deep sigh on Kenneth haha. He's such an odd guy.) It was an enjoyable read, but I do have to mention this story could use a round of editing/proofreading. I try to avoid mentioning it if its under 5 minor issues, but I caught somewhere around 30 - if I feel like I'm proofreading a story whole reading it it just pulls me out of it repeatedly.
Despite that, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the next in the series.
I enjoyed the story - Harper doesn't let her hearing drag her down, instead viewing it as a superpower of sorts. The way the dynamic unfolds between her, Clayton and Rhys is fascinating. Rhys is a relentlessly stuck up and self absorbed rich guy with a god complex. This goes to the point of parody almost, and it's only easy to read because he accepts and knows it as well. I'm glad he didn't immediately get written into a changed man in this book - instead Harper reads him the riot act every time he acts out, slowly changing his internal monologue about himself.
Clayton is equally weird, if not much sweeter than Rhys when it comes to Harper. The tortured soul with a past he can't seem to escape, and a slight stalker/savior complex he's also well aware of. I appreciate that both of them were written to know they have issues. Clayton is working harder at fixing them, but is also much more likeable than Rhys.
There's a healthy amount of humor and sarcasm woven into the story. The big incident was not what I would have expected at all and provided a whole layer of mystery and suspicion about the characters. (I have my thoughts about Abby and Kenneth....deep sigh on Kenneth haha. He's such an odd guy.) It was an enjoyable read, but I do have to mention this story could use a round of editing/proofreading. I try to avoid mentioning it if its under 5 minor issues, but I caught somewhere around 30 - if I feel like I'm proofreading a story whole reading it it just pulls me out of it repeatedly.
Despite that, I did enjoy the story and look forward to reading the next in the series.
October 28, 2025
Poly/Why Choose, College new adult, hard of hearing FMC, billionaire MMC, poor MMC, opposites attract, sports/basketball players, scholarship student, mystery/suspense, bullying, other woman drama, past trauma, and other dark themes. Check content warnings.
I couldn't put this down and finished it in one night. I love that Harper is a strong FMC, though her slight attitude in the beginning with the aunt that took her in, annoyed me a bit.
Though there is a love triangle between Rhys x Harper x Clayton, Harper seemed to lean more towards Rhys for most of the book. Rhy is your typical dark romance MC--rich tattooed bad boy that's king of the school and gets his way in everything but has daddy issues; where Clayton is your tortured sweet MC with a troubled past, ailing mother, and mountains of debt and past guilt. Both are enemies, and have so much chemistry, but I think this is an MFM, so no sword crossing, sadly. I was wishing they developed a loveline as well because that enemies-to-lovers pipeline is setup so well, PLEASE KISS! LOL
That cliffhanger at the end hit after everything seemed to be going so well. I need to know how they all make-up, and who the mysterious person targeting Harper is (I have my suspicions about a certain yapper).
Can't wait for the next book! Need it!
P.S. Addy is a great friend and roommate, and I'm glad Harper has her in her corner. Hope she gets her own HEA and series later.
P.P.S Loved seeing cameos of characters from Maddison Cole's other series "Shadowed Souls"
I couldn't put this down and finished it in one night. I love that Harper is a strong FMC, though her slight attitude in the beginning with the aunt that took her in, annoyed me a bit.
Though there is a love triangle between Rhys x Harper x Clayton, Harper seemed to lean more towards Rhys for most of the book. Rhy is your typical dark romance MC--rich tattooed bad boy that's king of the school and gets his way in everything but has daddy issues; where Clayton is your tortured sweet MC with a troubled past, ailing mother, and mountains of debt and past guilt. Both are enemies, and have so much chemistry, but I think this is an MFM, so no sword crossing, sadly. I was wishing they developed a loveline as well because that enemies-to-lovers pipeline is setup so well, PLEASE KISS! LOL
That cliffhanger at the end hit after everything seemed to be going so well. I need to know how they all make-up, and who the mysterious person targeting Harper is (I have my suspicions about a certain yapper).
Can't wait for the next book! Need it!
P.S. Addy is a great friend and roommate, and I'm glad Harper has her in her corner. Hope she gets her own HEA and series later.
P.P.S Loved seeing cameos of characters from Maddison Cole's other series "Shadowed Souls"
November 9, 2025
The entitled vs the scholarship student and the girl who sees them
First off that cliffhanger made my jaw drop. Who the what the.....what. I am glad the next book is close.
So we have Rhys the son of the dean and entitled jacka$s. I hated him from the moment we met him. He uses his name to get away with anything he wants. He treats people terribly and now he has been tasked with helping our this charity case. Yes, he has his issues but he still takes advantage so much.
Clayton on the other hand is so different. First he is here on scholarship try to make up for things, get a degree so he can continue taking care of his mother.
These two opposites hate each other and are constantly getting into it both on and off the basketball court. They however find themselves wanting the sane girl although for different reasons.
Harper is deaf and finally deciding she wants to rejoin the normal world. She hates being seen as different or worse disabled. She has all the technology available to succeed without too many special accommodations. She just wants to have a normal college experience but that's not in the cards for her. Now she's the filling between to rivals and she has to figure out what to do.
I loved this story with all the push and pull. She sees beyond the person the boys pretend to be. She wants them both for different reasons but ultimately they are all broken and she wants to rebuild.
"If we own our pain, it won't have the power to hurt us anymore."
First off that cliffhanger made my jaw drop. Who the what the.....what. I am glad the next book is close.
So we have Rhys the son of the dean and entitled jacka$s. I hated him from the moment we met him. He uses his name to get away with anything he wants. He treats people terribly and now he has been tasked with helping our this charity case. Yes, he has his issues but he still takes advantage so much.
Clayton on the other hand is so different. First he is here on scholarship try to make up for things, get a degree so he can continue taking care of his mother.
These two opposites hate each other and are constantly getting into it both on and off the basketball court. They however find themselves wanting the sane girl although for different reasons.
Harper is deaf and finally deciding she wants to rejoin the normal world. She hates being seen as different or worse disabled. She has all the technology available to succeed without too many special accommodations. She just wants to have a normal college experience but that's not in the cards for her. Now she's the filling between to rivals and she has to figure out what to do.
I loved this story with all the push and pull. She sees beyond the person the boys pretend to be. She wants them both for different reasons but ultimately they are all broken and she wants to rebuild.
"If we own our pain, it won't have the power to hurt us anymore."
November 10, 2025
I loved the Shadowed Souls trilogy and couldn't wait to get back to this world. Harper is a great FMC and I connected with her straight away. She is likeable, determined and the way she puts Rhys back in his box so quickly just made me love her. Harper shared her more vulnerable side with Clayton and I liked how you can see the broken parts of each of the three characters were starting to mend as the story progressed.
This is definitely more love triangle than throuple shaped currently but I am trusting the process!
I am a Wyatt girl through and through so totally thought Rhys would be my guy but right now I am 100% team Clayton (not that he deserves it currently). The surprise date was amazing and if Clay wasn't so gullible I would be all for him riding off with Harper into the sunset and leaving Rhys in the dust until he grows up. Right now, Harper is better off without either of them although the tension between them all is so so good. The morning after scene was probably my highlight; it was so funny and most of my quotes were from that one chapter.
The book ends on a cliff-hanger and things things might be about to get worse before they get better. Fingers crossed the grovelling is incoming. Right now my money is on the hoodie thief being involved somehow but I don't think it will be that straightforward!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
This is definitely more love triangle than throuple shaped currently but I am trusting the process!
I am a Wyatt girl through and through so totally thought Rhys would be my guy but right now I am 100% team Clayton (not that he deserves it currently). The surprise date was amazing and if Clay wasn't so gullible I would be all for him riding off with Harper into the sunset and leaving Rhys in the dust until he grows up. Right now, Harper is better off without either of them although the tension between them all is so so good. The morning after scene was probably my highlight; it was so funny and most of my quotes were from that one chapter.
The book ends on a cliff-hanger and things things might be about to get worse before they get better. Fingers crossed the grovelling is incoming. Right now my money is on the hoodie thief being involved somehow but I don't think it will be that straightforward!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
November 13, 2025
Deafened by Silence is set at Waversea Academy and centers on a deaf protagonist who enrolls for a fresh start after an accident.
However, she finds herself in the middle of a war between two jocks. One of the rivals, Rhys Waversea, is ready to watch the world burn, while Clayton Michaels, is ready to ignite the flame. The plot is written beautifully and easy to follow along with themes of shifting loyalties and blurring lines between protection and possession.
The relationships are written in a way that makes them feel real and are full of meaning. There’s a bully trope but it has a good balance between over stepping and staying just before the line that makes reading it enjoyable and not ick.
Our girl is a sassy and well written character who makes you feel all her emotions as if they were your own.
Character development was good and didn’t seem forced. There’s still a lot more development to be had but that’s what makes them all feel real.
The cliffhanger was the cliffhangers to hang all other cliffs because oh my gosh… I need answers like yesterday!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
Triggers:
* Orphaned FMC
* Stuck in the middle of a physical rivalry
* Bullying
* Stalking
* Blackmail
* Gaslighting
* Invasion of Privacy
* Ableism / Discrimination
* Privilege Dynamics
* Eyes Open/Eyes on Me sex
* Open Door Sex
* Possessive behaviour
* Substance Use
* Party Culture
* Mentions of childhood trauma
* Battles with Depression
* Flashbacks/Nightmares from one of the MMC’s
However, she finds herself in the middle of a war between two jocks. One of the rivals, Rhys Waversea, is ready to watch the world burn, while Clayton Michaels, is ready to ignite the flame. The plot is written beautifully and easy to follow along with themes of shifting loyalties and blurring lines between protection and possession.
The relationships are written in a way that makes them feel real and are full of meaning. There’s a bully trope but it has a good balance between over stepping and staying just before the line that makes reading it enjoyable and not ick.
Our girl is a sassy and well written character who makes you feel all her emotions as if they were your own.
Character development was good and didn’t seem forced. There’s still a lot more development to be had but that’s what makes them all feel real.
The cliffhanger was the cliffhangers to hang all other cliffs because oh my gosh… I need answers like yesterday!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️/5
Triggers:
* Orphaned FMC
* Stuck in the middle of a physical rivalry
* Bullying
* Stalking
* Blackmail
* Gaslighting
* Invasion of Privacy
* Ableism / Discrimination
* Privilege Dynamics
* Eyes Open/Eyes on Me sex
* Open Door Sex
* Possessive behaviour
* Substance Use
* Party Culture
* Mentions of childhood trauma
* Battles with Depression
* Flashbacks/Nightmares from one of the MMC’s
November 9, 2025
absolute must read!
5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
🖤why choose
🖤bad boy x golden retriever jock
🖤dark academy
🖤basketball player MMCs
🖤deaf girl rep
🖤sassy, badass FMC
🖤possessive, jealous MMCs
🖤dark, damaged bully MMC
🖤broken anti-hero MMC
When I say I devoured this book, I mean I ate it up! I was hooked from the very beginning. I absolutely fell in love with Harper’s character, she is so strong and resilient. The rivalry between Clayton and Rhys was epic, and the push and pull between Rhys and Harper was the highlight of the story. I loved that on one hand, we have Rhys, the bad boy with no emotions, and on the other, we have Clayton, who is sweet and broken. I did not expect that twisty cliffhanger ending. I will be impatiently waiting for book two.
“There’s no thrill in having my meal served on a silver platter. I want to chase it through the woods, corner it, sink my teeth in, and ruin it for anyone else.”
“For a depraved second, I wonder what it’d feel like if he ever really let himself go. Would he kiss me or strangle me? Why does either option intrigue me?”
“She is so small compared to me, yet not fragile in the slightest. I know she doesn’t need my help, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I’m drawn to her like a drug, getting high on being there when she needs me most.”
“I didn’t ruin Harper. She’s ruined me.”
5⭐️ 2.5🌶️
🖤why choose
🖤bad boy x golden retriever jock
🖤dark academy
🖤basketball player MMCs
🖤deaf girl rep
🖤sassy, badass FMC
🖤possessive, jealous MMCs
🖤dark, damaged bully MMC
🖤broken anti-hero MMC
When I say I devoured this book, I mean I ate it up! I was hooked from the very beginning. I absolutely fell in love with Harper’s character, she is so strong and resilient. The rivalry between Clayton and Rhys was epic, and the push and pull between Rhys and Harper was the highlight of the story. I loved that on one hand, we have Rhys, the bad boy with no emotions, and on the other, we have Clayton, who is sweet and broken. I did not expect that twisty cliffhanger ending. I will be impatiently waiting for book two.
“There’s no thrill in having my meal served on a silver platter. I want to chase it through the woods, corner it, sink my teeth in, and ruin it for anyone else.”
“For a depraved second, I wonder what it’d feel like if he ever really let himself go. Would he kiss me or strangle me? Why does either option intrigue me?”
“She is so small compared to me, yet not fragile in the slightest. I know she doesn’t need my help, but I can’t seem to stop myself. I’m drawn to her like a drug, getting high on being there when she needs me most.”
“I didn’t ruin Harper. She’s ruined me.”
November 11, 2025
Deafened by Silence follows Harper as she embarks on her college journey after years of being homeschooled due to a tragic accident that claimed the lives of both her parents and her hearing. Eager for a fresh start, Harper’s life takes an unexpected turn when she crosses paths with two troubled boys whose lives are equally complex.
Clayton is burdened by the weight of his family’s debt, while Rhys is consumed by anger towards his powerful father. Despite their constant clashes, both boys are inexplicably drawn to Harper. The tension between them forms a compelling bully-romance dynamic, filled with emotion and conflict.
An intriguing suspenseful thread weaves throughout the story, hinting at someone’s sinister interest in Harper’s well-being. While the identity of this antagonist remains elusive, the well-placed clues keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Clayton and Rhys are both hot-headed, and their interactions with Harper range from protective and intense to frustrating in the best way possible. Watching Rhys grapple with his feelings while Clayton tries to shield her adds depth to the story and keeps the reader invested.
The romantic moments are balanced and engaging, never becoming overly explicit. The pacing is spot-on, propelling the reader forward with each page. I eagerly anticipate the journey that awaits these characters in the second book.
Clayton is burdened by the weight of his family’s debt, while Rhys is consumed by anger towards his powerful father. Despite their constant clashes, both boys are inexplicably drawn to Harper. The tension between them forms a compelling bully-romance dynamic, filled with emotion and conflict.
An intriguing suspenseful thread weaves throughout the story, hinting at someone’s sinister interest in Harper’s well-being. While the identity of this antagonist remains elusive, the well-placed clues keep the reader guessing until the very end.
Clayton and Rhys are both hot-headed, and their interactions with Harper range from protective and intense to frustrating in the best way possible. Watching Rhys grapple with his feelings while Clayton tries to shield her adds depth to the story and keeps the reader invested.
The romantic moments are balanced and engaging, never becoming overly explicit. The pacing is spot-on, propelling the reader forward with each page. I eagerly anticipate the journey that awaits these characters in the second book.
October 27, 2025
This book hits the feels and it is a dark bully romance so prepare yourselves. There are themes like hazing, bullying, masked pursuers (not the good kind) and straight up fighting. As a reader, rest assured there are some lights that shine through the darkneess around our characters, but remember, this is a series so no resolutions this book. Be prepared for all the unresolved feelings :)
Harper has lost her parents and her hearing in an accident. Being secluded which her aunt takes care of her, she's determined to make her big break and attend an academy away from home. Only once she's there she catches the eye of Rhys, whose grandfather founded the school. And he is not someone whose eye you want to catch. He's a menace and a builly and Harper, isn't going to be be one to put up with that. Unfortuntately for her, that just may catch his eye even more. Clayton is just trying to survive, even why Rhys tries to take him down. He's also got an eye for Harper, and comes to her rescue. Even though he's not a good person, and doesn't feel like he deserves anything good in his life. She can't stay away from either of them, and they can't stand each other. They just might cause each other to self-destruct.
Harper has lost her parents and her hearing in an accident. Being secluded which her aunt takes care of her, she's determined to make her big break and attend an academy away from home. Only once she's there she catches the eye of Rhys, whose grandfather founded the school. And he is not someone whose eye you want to catch. He's a menace and a builly and Harper, isn't going to be be one to put up with that. Unfortuntately for her, that just may catch his eye even more. Clayton is just trying to survive, even why Rhys tries to take him down. He's also got an eye for Harper, and comes to her rescue. Even though he's not a good person, and doesn't feel like he deserves anything good in his life. She can't stay away from either of them, and they can't stand each other. They just might cause each other to self-destruct.
November 5, 2025
Harper is starting college after years of being homeschooled following the accident that took both her parents and her hearing. She’s determined to find her footing again, but things get complicated when she meets two boys who are just as broken as she is.
Clayton is fighting to pay off his family’s debt and stay afloat. Rhys is on a mission to destroy his powerful father, and himself in the process. Both are intense, both are troubled, and both are drawn to Harper in very different ways.
This is definitely a bully romance, so expect tension, drama, and a love triangle that’ll keep you hooked. There’s also an undercurrent of mystery. Someone clearly has it out for Harper, and while the first book doesn’t reveal who, the foreshadowing is clever enough that you might pick up on a few hints.
Clayton and Rhys are both too hot-headed for their own good, but their chemistry with Harper is addictive. Watching Rhys wrestle with his feelings while Clayton tries to protect her had me alternately laughing and yelling at my Kindle.
The spice is playful and well-balanced. Not overly explicit but still steamy enough to keep things interesting. I’m absolutely looking forward to book two to see how everything unfolds.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
Clayton is fighting to pay off his family’s debt and stay afloat. Rhys is on a mission to destroy his powerful father, and himself in the process. Both are intense, both are troubled, and both are drawn to Harper in very different ways.
This is definitely a bully romance, so expect tension, drama, and a love triangle that’ll keep you hooked. There’s also an undercurrent of mystery. Someone clearly has it out for Harper, and while the first book doesn’t reveal who, the foreshadowing is clever enough that you might pick up on a few hints.
Clayton and Rhys are both too hot-headed for their own good, but their chemistry with Harper is addictive. Watching Rhys wrestle with his feelings while Clayton tries to protect her had me alternately laughing and yelling at my Kindle.
The spice is playful and well-balanced. Not overly explicit but still steamy enough to keep things interesting. I’m absolutely looking forward to book two to see how everything unfolds.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️ / 5
November 7, 2025
This is my first time reading one of Madison Cole books and let me just say I’ll be reading more of her books. Once I started this book I couldn’t put it down. After Harper loses her hearing in a tragic accident she transfer to Waversea Academy for a fresh start. Instead she’s pulled into a rivalry between Rhys and Clayton. As secrets unravel and obsession deepens, she becomes the spark that could set the entire academy ablaze.
There so much tension between the three especially between Rhys and Clayton. At first I didn’t care for Rhys as much because the way he was with Harper but then he started to show some of his sweet side. Clayton I loved for Harper he was always ready to protect her. I loved Harper character the way she was sassy, resilient and knows what she wants. I thought the author did a good job with the FMC deaf representation. I did love how both were obsessed and protective of her. The book does leave off on a cliffhanger so I’m excited to read the second book.
💌Thank you to Chaotic Influencer & Maddison Cole for the Arc💌
Tropes:
❤️Why Choose romance
🏀Basketball players
❤️Dark Academy
🏀Deaf FMC
❤️Hate to want, lust to love
🏀Bully vs Jock
❤️Damaged pasts
🏀Touch her and ☠️
❤️Bully romance
🏀Forced proximity
There so much tension between the three especially between Rhys and Clayton. At first I didn’t care for Rhys as much because the way he was with Harper but then he started to show some of his sweet side. Clayton I loved for Harper he was always ready to protect her. I loved Harper character the way she was sassy, resilient and knows what she wants. I thought the author did a good job with the FMC deaf representation. I did love how both were obsessed and protective of her. The book does leave off on a cliffhanger so I’m excited to read the second book.
💌Thank you to Chaotic Influencer & Maddison Cole for the Arc💌
Tropes:
❤️Why Choose romance
🏀Basketball players
❤️Dark Academy
🏀Deaf FMC
❤️Hate to want, lust to love
🏀Bully vs Jock
❤️Damaged pasts
🏀Touch her and ☠️
❤️Bully romance
🏀Forced proximity
November 16, 2025
“She did, before the dementia robbed her from me. What’s your mom’s excuse?” “Dead,” Harper deadpans and raises a brow. She hastily stuffs her belongings away. “So I win this pity party and you should still know better. I was being nice. The least you could do was acknowledge me.” Pushing her phone into her back pocket, she grabs her bag and strolls past me. Pausing by the door, she turns back to face me. “I hope you manage to pull the stick from your ass and have a good day-”
Honestly this book was great it literally throws some of my fave troupes in together. Dark romance check, bully check, academy check.
Harper is starting at waversea academy after being home schooled her whole life. She lost her parents and her hearing in a accident and just wants to be seen as normal.
Enter our two guys Rhys the rich tattooed boy who thinks he owns everything and doesn't like the fact that Harper doesn't just call at his feet like everyone else.
Clayton our bad boy turned scholarship student who has pretty much become her protector. Both boy set her heart racing and just also so happen to hate each other. But also someone else seems to want to hurt her which makes this even more interesting. I honestly can't wait for book 2 thank god for rapid release books.
Honestly this book was great it literally throws some of my fave troupes in together. Dark romance check, bully check, academy check.
Harper is starting at waversea academy after being home schooled her whole life. She lost her parents and her hearing in a accident and just wants to be seen as normal.
Enter our two guys Rhys the rich tattooed boy who thinks he owns everything and doesn't like the fact that Harper doesn't just call at his feet like everyone else.
Clayton our bad boy turned scholarship student who has pretty much become her protector. Both boy set her heart racing and just also so happen to hate each other. But also someone else seems to want to hurt her which makes this even more interesting. I honestly can't wait for book 2 thank god for rapid release books.
October 18, 2025
ARC Copy ✨
Wow! 🤩 after stumbling across the Shadowed Souls Series (which I devoured like a starved raccoon) through booktok I signed up for ARC reading of Deafened by Silence by Maddison Cole & wow so glad that I did!
Love Harper’s quiet fire and fierceness & the way she handles the chaotic Rhys & the simmering fire that is Clayton pheewwff 😈
I love the exploration of the characters, the depth to each. The spicy scenes are so well written and add to the plot without taking away, the plot has great pacing, characters are wonderfully complex but not overdone, relatable & strong.
Love the cameos by the characters from the Shadowed Souls so nice to refresh the love for them within this book!
Ate this up in one day! Well worth the read, definitely check out Maddison’s other books as well, I’d say read the shadowed souls first just to really enjoy the world that it’s set in, not that it’s necessary to understand it, it’s explored and explained enough within this book but to enjoy the other character cameos fully.
Can’t wait to read more and find out how the story ends! Hopefully HEA!
Thanks Maddison! X
Wow! 🤩 after stumbling across the Shadowed Souls Series (which I devoured like a starved raccoon) through booktok I signed up for ARC reading of Deafened by Silence by Maddison Cole & wow so glad that I did!
Love Harper’s quiet fire and fierceness & the way she handles the chaotic Rhys & the simmering fire that is Clayton pheewwff 😈
I love the exploration of the characters, the depth to each. The spicy scenes are so well written and add to the plot without taking away, the plot has great pacing, characters are wonderfully complex but not overdone, relatable & strong.
Love the cameos by the characters from the Shadowed Souls so nice to refresh the love for them within this book!
Ate this up in one day! Well worth the read, definitely check out Maddison’s other books as well, I’d say read the shadowed souls first just to really enjoy the world that it’s set in, not that it’s necessary to understand it, it’s explored and explained enough within this book but to enjoy the other character cameos fully.
Can’t wait to read more and find out how the story ends! Hopefully HEA!
Thanks Maddison! X
November 1, 2025
Harper Addams starts a new school and almost instantly catches the attention of bad boy Rhys Waversea and his rival Clayton Michaels. The one thing they have in common is her, and they can't even get it together there. This is absolutely a slow-burn dark academia romance with a heavy side of bullying and manipulation.
Harper has no fear when it comes to Rhys and holds him accountable for his demons, while being gentle and understanding with Clayton and his demons. Rhys is the bad boy that gets his way, takes what he wants, and doesn't truly let anyone get close to him. Clayton is the protector that keeps to himself and is focused on his goals. Harper manages to get them both focused on her, and they only come together when it comes to her.
This first part leaves you with so many questions, very few answers, and a whole lotta betrayal before it ends with you questioning how quickly can we get to the next book. Even the side characters bring something to the story -- somebody please tell me what the deal with Kenneth is! This is absolutely worth the read and while it was my first dip into Waversea and Maddison Cole's writing, it definitely won't be my last.
Harper has no fear when it comes to Rhys and holds him accountable for his demons, while being gentle and understanding with Clayton and his demons. Rhys is the bad boy that gets his way, takes what he wants, and doesn't truly let anyone get close to him. Clayton is the protector that keeps to himself and is focused on his goals. Harper manages to get them both focused on her, and they only come together when it comes to her.
This first part leaves you with so many questions, very few answers, and a whole lotta betrayal before it ends with you questioning how quickly can we get to the next book. Even the side characters bring something to the story -- somebody please tell me what the deal with Kenneth is! This is absolutely worth the read and while it was my first dip into Waversea and Maddison Cole's writing, it definitely won't be my last.
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