Book review of Maven

by Tatum James (Author)

Updated at: 25/02/2025

In Tatum James's Maven, two damaged souls navigate a world of desire and deception. Maven Gold, grappling with grief and loneliness, seeks solace in fleeting encounters at a high-end sex club. His carefully constructed world is shattered by a reunion with Chime, a woman from his past who now runs a successful, if unorthodox, business with her best friend. Chime, burdened by responsibility and a carefully guarded secret, must choose between the comfort of her established life and the intoxicating pull of rekindled love. Their paths collide in a story exploring the complexities of love, loss, and the price of survival in a world where appearances deceive and secrets can be lucrative weapons.

4.7 / 254 ratings

Review Maven

Oh my goodness, Maven by Tatum James completely swept me away! I went into it expecting a good romance, based on the description, but honestly, it exceeded all my expectations. The story of Maven and Chime is just… beautiful. Their reunion, a chance encounter in a sex club of all places, was brimming with intense passion and raw emotion. The initial spark was undeniable, but their path to happily ever after was definitely not a smooth one.

I absolutely loved the depth of their characters. Maven, despite his initial struggles with emotional baggage and his attempt to numb his pain, showed remarkable growth and maturity. His unwavering love and commitment to Chime, even after discovering her carefully guarded secrets, truly captivated me. The way he handled the revelation of her past, showing both anger and understanding, felt incredibly realistic and added a beautiful layer to their connection. He wasn't perfect, but his commitment to working through their issues felt so genuine.

Chime, on the other hand, was a bit more complex. While I initially found some of her choices frustrating—the secrets she kept, the business she ran—I understood her motivations. Her past experiences shaped her into a fiercely independent woman, and her survival instincts were completely understandable. Seeing her navigate her feelings, grappling with the consequences of her actions, and finally opening herself up to love again was truly powerful. The way the author explored the contrast between survival and love in their upbringings added a really thought-provoking element to the story. Plus, her relationship with her best friend, Yaz, was fantastic – that tough love was exactly what Chime needed!

And let's not forget little Shyanne! That precious little girl stole the show. Her adorable personality and her undeniable resemblance to her father had me giggling throughout the book. She was such a delightful addition, adding a layer of heartwarming sweetness to the already compelling storyline. The ending was incredibly sweet and satisfying; a perfect culmination of their journey.

The supporting characters were fantastic, too. The mention of Divine already has me eagerly anticipating the next book in the series! And the connection to the Dark Reign series (which I also loved!) was a nice bonus for fans of that world. Overall, Maven is an exceptional second-chance romance. It's full of passion, intrigue, forgiveness, and heartwarming moments that perfectly balance the more intense aspects of their story. It's a five-star read without a doubt, and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone who enjoys this genre, particularly those who appreciate strong, complex characters and a story that explores the intricacies of love, trust, and forgiveness. Seriously, grab this book – you won't regret it!