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The War at Waversea #1
Perfectly Powerless
There's a darkness at Waversea College.
A shadow lingering behind every wall, a figment lurking beneath the surface. Most are oblivious to its deadly intentions, too distracted by their meaningless dramas to notice the caress of the wind that is silently coiling around us all. But I see it because I know where to look. I can taste the thickening of dread through the air until it clogs in my throat like tar. And the worst part is there's nothing anyone can do to stop it, because this poisonous undercurrent emanates from one man. Rhys Waversea.
Fuelled by his father's bank account and adrift in an endless boredom, he would watch us all burn alive for his own amusement. All of which is not my problem, until Harper Addams steps foot on campus. Captivating us both with her quick wit and smart mouth, I make it my mission to keep her from harm and namely, from him. As tensions grow, it quickly becomes apparent the hatred between Rhys and I has only just begun.
This is a M/F/M ménage story which is a part of the contemporary dark bully college romance genre. Trigger warning: dark love-hate themes, sexual scenes and bullying. Not suitable for under 18's.
A shadow lingering behind every wall, a figment lurking beneath the surface. Most are oblivious to its deadly intentions, too distracted by their meaningless dramas to notice the caress of the wind that is silently coiling around us all. But I see it because I know where to look. I can taste the thickening of dread through the air until it clogs in my throat like tar. And the worst part is there's nothing anyone can do to stop it, because this poisonous undercurrent emanates from one man. Rhys Waversea.
Fuelled by his father's bank account and adrift in an endless boredom, he would watch us all burn alive for his own amusement. All of which is not my problem, until Harper Addams steps foot on campus. Captivating us both with her quick wit and smart mouth, I make it my mission to keep her from harm and namely, from him. As tensions grow, it quickly becomes apparent the hatred between Rhys and I has only just begun.
This is a M/F/M ménage story which is a part of the contemporary dark bully college romance genre. Trigger warning: dark love-hate themes, sexual scenes and bullying. Not suitable for under 18's.
Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2020
About the author
Abigail Cole
11 books42 followersAuthor also writes under Maddison Cole
Abigail 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.
Abigail 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
March 29, 2026
4.5⭐️ bully romance was 😮💨😮💨😮💨
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 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!
January 7, 2021
This was the first book that I have from this author and it was an ok read for me. I am not a fan of love triangles and if I had known that this was how the book was going to be, I probably wouldn’t have read it. That being said, if you are into love triangles, then this is the book for you. Good characters that will keep you invested.
February 11, 2026
I wanted to like this book. The plot intrigued me, and I love the representation of a Deaf FMC. I just couldn't get into this book. The characters felt very young. I have read a lot of RH/why choose books in this genre. This book left me wanting. The people who rated 5 stars must be tripping
December 27, 2020
Clayton, Rhys and Harper are the MCs of the Perfectly Powerless. Each of them tells us his POV.
Harper is amazing! I realy liked her as a character. She's strong, no victim, and she's super kind and easy going. Clayton is a bad boy, but in a good way. Doesn't make much sense, but it will when you'll meet him. And there's Rhys (love thy name), a bad boy, and he's bad to the bone. He is filthy ritch, obnoxious and cares only for him self. In reality he's bored. Everything drops to his feet, he doesn't even have to lift a finger.
But not Harper! And that's what excites him.
There's much more to the story and to their backgrounds. But by giving you a hint, I'd just spoil too much!
Perfectly Powerless is a good start to the The War at Waversea Series. Knowing the genre, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Harper is amazing! I realy liked her as a character. She's strong, no victim, and she's super kind and easy going. Clayton is a bad boy, but in a good way. Doesn't make much sense, but it will when you'll meet him. And there's Rhys (love thy name), a bad boy, and he's bad to the bone. He is filthy ritch, obnoxious and cares only for him self. In reality he's bored. Everything drops to his feet, he doesn't even have to lift a finger.
But not Harper! And that's what excites him.
There's much more to the story and to their backgrounds. But by giving you a hint, I'd just spoil too much!
Perfectly Powerless is a good start to the The War at Waversea Series. Knowing the genre, I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 21, 2025
Dnf @41%. This book has just been boring and nothing really going on. Plus one of the mmc’s is a complete dick. I can’t stand Rys and I don’t see how he could become likeable.
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
🌶🌶
January 2, 2021
There are 3 main character, Rhys, Clayton and Harper.
Rhys: rich, bully, brutal, with a vicious. His brutal upbringing has made him who he is and he owns it. He hates emotions and vacant he bothered until it comes to Harper.
Clayton: is the bad boy from the wrong side of town. Quiet and a loner. He seems to have a hero complex when it comes to Harper. He has secrets that he keeps close to his chest.
Harper: independent, sarcastic, fearless. She is attracted to both men for different reasons. She gets in the middle of a war that started well before her appearance. She is the catalyst that takes it to the next level.
The dynamics between the three is messy and brutal. There are times when Rhys takes things too far. The entire campus enables him. Harper to a certain degree let’s him get away with a lot. When she hits her limit it may already be too late for Clayton.
I wasn’t sure about this one but the story kept me wondering. I wanted Rhys to get his comeuppance but then he shared a part of his history. Then I felt sorry for him. Of course, he does something crass and cruel so I was back to hating him.
Harper had me confused to her relationship with Rhys.
Clayton was the real mystery. A lot to find out about him and his situation.
An emotion roller coaster with a lot of angst. The cliffhanger ending will have you impatiently waiting for the next battle in the war.
Rhys: rich, bully, brutal, with a vicious. His brutal upbringing has made him who he is and he owns it. He hates emotions and vacant he bothered until it comes to Harper.
Clayton: is the bad boy from the wrong side of town. Quiet and a loner. He seems to have a hero complex when it comes to Harper. He has secrets that he keeps close to his chest.
Harper: independent, sarcastic, fearless. She is attracted to both men for different reasons. She gets in the middle of a war that started well before her appearance. She is the catalyst that takes it to the next level.
The dynamics between the three is messy and brutal. There are times when Rhys takes things too far. The entire campus enables him. Harper to a certain degree let’s him get away with a lot. When she hits her limit it may already be too late for Clayton.
I wasn’t sure about this one but the story kept me wondering. I wanted Rhys to get his comeuppance but then he shared a part of his history. Then I felt sorry for him. Of course, he does something crass and cruel so I was back to hating him.
Harper had me confused to her relationship with Rhys.
Clayton was the real mystery. A lot to find out about him and his situation.
An emotion roller coaster with a lot of angst. The cliffhanger ending will have you impatiently waiting for the next battle in the war.
March 23, 2026
Plot: 5/5 • Spice: 2.5/5 ➡️➡️➡️ Harper is off to college. Something she’s always dreamed of. She’s been assigned a mentor. The son, Rhys, the namesake of the college. Rhys is your typical guy with a lotttttt of daddy issues. Avoiding Rhys, Harper accidentally slips and is caught by Clayton. He saves her from embarrassment. One thing you should know about Harper is she’s deaf. She has a cochlear implant, and uses it pretty much when she needs to.
Rhys and Clayton are both on the basketball team. Clayton, a brooding guy with a dark past. He just got out of juvie. Here to turn his life around and make his brother proud. Rhys and Clayton hate each other. Fists, words, anger. All between them. So it’s perfect they pine after the same girl. for different reasons, Harper nonetheless.
You can tell Harper likes Rhys (eventually) by their push and pull. She craves it as much as he does. He pushes her and she thrives. You can tell Harper likes Clayton. Immediately. However, Clayton and his demons make their progression very slow. He needs her like oxygen, yet hes the one who fuels her fire.
This ends with Rhys making Clayton a deal. Debts paid, his mom’s cate taken care of, transfer to an online course load and leave. Leave Harper. He says no. Not even hours later he’s summon to the destroyed locker room. Blood everywhere. A letterman jacket with his brothers name and MURDERER on it. Clayton knows Rhys did this. Harper
must have told him his secret. Clayton gets Harper to a room. Shows her what happens and blames her. Scolds her. Hates her. He takes Rhys’ deal. Harper. Is. Devastated. She didnt do it. But he doesn’t care. He knows she did.
Rhys tries to corner Harper as she tries to leave. Resulting in them finding a camera in the room they were just in. someone’s watching. It wasn’t Rhys who tormented or attacked Harper in the beginning. It was someone else. Someone we don’t know about.
God, this was so good. I devoured this. Clayton’s pain. Rhys’ issues. Harper trying to find a life for herself. She’s kind of a badass bitch. I enjoy her as a FMC. I can’t decide who of the MMCs I like more yet.
College setting - Enemies to lovers - Touch her die - Rivals - Dark pasts - Daddy issues - Family loss - Revenge - Rich boy/Poor boy - Deaf FMC - Cliffhanger
Rhys and Clayton are both on the basketball team. Clayton, a brooding guy with a dark past. He just got out of juvie. Here to turn his life around and make his brother proud. Rhys and Clayton hate each other. Fists, words, anger. All between them. So it’s perfect they pine after the same girl. for different reasons, Harper nonetheless.
You can tell Harper likes Rhys (eventually) by their push and pull. She craves it as much as he does. He pushes her and she thrives. You can tell Harper likes Clayton. Immediately. However, Clayton and his demons make their progression very slow. He needs her like oxygen, yet hes the one who fuels her fire.
This ends with Rhys making Clayton a deal. Debts paid, his mom’s cate taken care of, transfer to an online course load and leave. Leave Harper. He says no. Not even hours later he’s summon to the destroyed locker room. Blood everywhere. A letterman jacket with his brothers name and MURDERER on it. Clayton knows Rhys did this. Harper
must have told him his secret. Clayton gets Harper to a room. Shows her what happens and blames her. Scolds her. Hates her. He takes Rhys’ deal. Harper. Is. Devastated. She didnt do it. But he doesn’t care. He knows she did.
Rhys tries to corner Harper as she tries to leave. Resulting in them finding a camera in the room they were just in. someone’s watching. It wasn’t Rhys who tormented or attacked Harper in the beginning. It was someone else. Someone we don’t know about.
God, this was so good. I devoured this. Clayton’s pain. Rhys’ issues. Harper trying to find a life for herself. She’s kind of a badass bitch. I enjoy her as a FMC. I can’t decide who of the MMCs I like more yet.
College setting - Enemies to lovers - Touch her die - Rivals - Dark pasts - Daddy issues - Family loss - Revenge - Rich boy/Poor boy - Deaf FMC - Cliffhanger
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!
January 11, 2021
I’ve got this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I’m going to give this book 3.5 stars, but it’s not the author’s fault. It’s mine.
I’ve read the previous series (or tried) called The Shadowed Souls and I struggled with it. The book is written in multiple POVs and it confused me a lot. I have finished the first book in the series and as you can maybe see having yet finished the second.
So I think that because I couldn’t really get myself to read that series, my brain took it upon itself to “protect” me from having this again.
Please, again, don’t take this wrong on the author, it’s most definitely, like 100% surely not her fault!
When I started this one, I went in hoping it’ll different than The Shadowed Souls series and even thought my brain didn’t want to hope and made me be behind, it was different. This book has 3 POVs and it was so much easier for my brain to navigate through.
For the 60% of the book I needed to drag myself to read it. I gotta be honest tho, I skipped some lines and I’m not proud about that. I know Abigail put a lot of thoughts and time into this and I feel like I betrayed her.
Right now I really dislike the thinking of my brain!
However, after the 60% the book got so much better! I mean after the first steamy scene appeared, I got through the book in seconds, haha.
I’d say the book was slow in the beginning, there was a lot to catch up to and I bet that the author wanted us to know as much as possible about the characters.
Mentioning the characters. I freaking loved Harper! Like seriously! She was that type of heroine that doesn’t back down and is like a bull!
The fact that she also lost her hearing and needed to learn ASL (which I tried too, but failed unfortunately) was unfortunate but amazing in the book. I never read a book with a person who can’t hear or has implants/discs to help. This was fascinating to me and I loved it so much!
For the boys? Ugh, they are just…weird boys…one is worst than the other, although I gotta give some credit to Clayton as he is just trying to protect himself. Rhys tho? He’s just a stupidly broken rich boy who doesn’t know what to do with his emotions.
I’m really and truly sorry about my behaviour towards this book. I’m always trying to give multiple and fair shots to every author.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to review now 2 and a half books of yours, Mrs./Ms. Abigail Cole.
I’m going to give this book 3.5 stars, but it’s not the author’s fault. It’s mine.
I’ve read the previous series (or tried) called The Shadowed Souls and I struggled with it. The book is written in multiple POVs and it confused me a lot. I have finished the first book in the series and as you can maybe see having yet finished the second.
So I think that because I couldn’t really get myself to read that series, my brain took it upon itself to “protect” me from having this again.
Please, again, don’t take this wrong on the author, it’s most definitely, like 100% surely not her fault!
When I started this one, I went in hoping it’ll different than The Shadowed Souls series and even thought my brain didn’t want to hope and made me be behind, it was different. This book has 3 POVs and it was so much easier for my brain to navigate through.
For the 60% of the book I needed to drag myself to read it. I gotta be honest tho, I skipped some lines and I’m not proud about that. I know Abigail put a lot of thoughts and time into this and I feel like I betrayed her.
Right now I really dislike the thinking of my brain!
However, after the 60% the book got so much better! I mean after the first steamy scene appeared, I got through the book in seconds, haha.
I’d say the book was slow in the beginning, there was a lot to catch up to and I bet that the author wanted us to know as much as possible about the characters.
Mentioning the characters. I freaking loved Harper! Like seriously! She was that type of heroine that doesn’t back down and is like a bull!
The fact that she also lost her hearing and needed to learn ASL (which I tried too, but failed unfortunately) was unfortunate but amazing in the book. I never read a book with a person who can’t hear or has implants/discs to help. This was fascinating to me and I loved it so much!
For the boys? Ugh, they are just…weird boys…one is worst than the other, although I gotta give some credit to Clayton as he is just trying to protect himself. Rhys tho? He’s just a stupidly broken rich boy who doesn’t know what to do with his emotions.
I’m really and truly sorry about my behaviour towards this book. I’m always trying to give multiple and fair shots to every author.
Thank you for giving me an opportunity to review now 2 and a half books of yours, Mrs./Ms. Abigail Cole.
January 9, 2021
Perfectly powerless was everything I was hoping for! The spin-off from the Shadowed Souls Series seriously didn’t disappoint! It was very well written & had me flipping through pages needing more.
Harper is our female main character, she lost her parents in a tragic car accident that resulted in her being left deaf. She doesn’t allow this to make her weak, it has only made her stronger! She went to live with her auntie who sheltered her from the world but Harper wanted more from life and decided to enroll at Waversea College. Armed with T-shirt’s with hilarious Slogans on “I’m not ignoring you, I just don’t want to hear your bullsh*#” she is ready for the new chapter in her life.
Rhys & Clayton are the two swoon worthy male main characters, they are worlds apart from one another but equally broken at the same time. The two guys clash at every turn & loathe one another
Rhys is a seemingly cold hearted, spoilt rich guy whose father happens to own Waversea, but there’s more to this troubled soul than what meets the eye.
Clayton is a kind hearted guy, but is carrying the weight & guilt of his past on his shoulders, he keeps himself to himself and is at Waversea on a scholarship!
Harper had every intention to keep her head down and just focus on her work, that was until she met Rhys & Clayton. Harper is different to all the other girls at Waversea she is feisty, strong willed & intriguing to them. Rhys wants to break her, Clayton wants to save her! So much for keeping her head down, when she is equally drawn to both of them!
Perfectly powerless ended on a cliffy and I can’t wait to find out what happens to this love triangle in book 2
Harper is our female main character, she lost her parents in a tragic car accident that resulted in her being left deaf. She doesn’t allow this to make her weak, it has only made her stronger! She went to live with her auntie who sheltered her from the world but Harper wanted more from life and decided to enroll at Waversea College. Armed with T-shirt’s with hilarious Slogans on “I’m not ignoring you, I just don’t want to hear your bullsh*#” she is ready for the new chapter in her life.
Rhys & Clayton are the two swoon worthy male main characters, they are worlds apart from one another but equally broken at the same time. The two guys clash at every turn & loathe one another
Rhys is a seemingly cold hearted, spoilt rich guy whose father happens to own Waversea, but there’s more to this troubled soul than what meets the eye.
Clayton is a kind hearted guy, but is carrying the weight & guilt of his past on his shoulders, he keeps himself to himself and is at Waversea on a scholarship!
Harper had every intention to keep her head down and just focus on her work, that was until she met Rhys & Clayton. Harper is different to all the other girls at Waversea she is feisty, strong willed & intriguing to them. Rhys wants to break her, Clayton wants to save her! So much for keeping her head down, when she is equally drawn to both of them!
Perfectly powerless ended on a cliffy and I can’t wait to find out what happens to this love triangle in book 2
December 28, 2020
Perfectly Powerless • The War at Waversea Series • Book 1
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@abigail_cole_author
Holy crap, I am speechless right now. This is my first read by Abigail & I'm wondering why! I literally could not put this book down.
Rhys is a grade A asshole & king of Waversea College. Harper is deaf after a horrible accident. Rhys sees her as a "charity case" and sets out to make her life hell. Clayton can't handle the way Rhys treats her & finds himself coming to her rescue often. The boys find themselves fighting over her attention & she makes the most of it.
Wow, wow, wow! First of all, Harper's character is a total badass & I want to be her when I grow up. The way she stands up for herself had me cheering her on. Yasss girl! Rhys is the tattooed bad boy you love to hate. I found myself loving him one second and wanting to kick his ass the next. Clayton is the strong, safe, knight in shining armor. I was just as confused as Harper about which guy I would pick, so I feel her pain. & let me just tell you, the sex was on fireeee 🔥
Abigail totally blew me away with this story. She leaves us with a cliffhanger, so I'm gonna need the next book...like yesterday 😉 Can't wait to read more about Rhys, Harper, & Clayton.
*ARC Review*
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
@abigail_cole_author
Holy crap, I am speechless right now. This is my first read by Abigail & I'm wondering why! I literally could not put this book down.
Rhys is a grade A asshole & king of Waversea College. Harper is deaf after a horrible accident. Rhys sees her as a "charity case" and sets out to make her life hell. Clayton can't handle the way Rhys treats her & finds himself coming to her rescue often. The boys find themselves fighting over her attention & she makes the most of it.
Wow, wow, wow! First of all, Harper's character is a total badass & I want to be her when I grow up. The way she stands up for herself had me cheering her on. Yasss girl! Rhys is the tattooed bad boy you love to hate. I found myself loving him one second and wanting to kick his ass the next. Clayton is the strong, safe, knight in shining armor. I was just as confused as Harper about which guy I would pick, so I feel her pain. & let me just tell you, the sex was on fireeee 🔥
Abigail totally blew me away with this story. She leaves us with a cliffhanger, so I'm gonna need the next book...like yesterday 😉 Can't wait to read more about Rhys, Harper, & Clayton.
December 19, 2024
Brilliant Read
In true Maddison Cole fashion this book is amazing and had me hooked from the start. I'm loving Harper, Rhys and Claytons story.
In true Maddison Cole fashion this book is amazing and had me hooked from the start. I'm loving Harper, Rhys and Claytons story.
Did Not Finish
November 16, 2025DNF
December 14, 2025
DNF.....I just couldn't get into it. almost skimmed to the end. but didnt event want to bother
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.
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