The Maze

by Madhuri Tamse

The Maze - The Political Saga of Twisted Loyalties, Treacherous Secrets, and Scorching Love Continues...

Ayaan Shergill

'When the King's loyalties are tested, and allies become adversaries, betrayal lurks at every corner of the Maze.'

The mysterious accident of his father entangles Ayaan Shergill in a web of love, lies and deceit. With questions over the loyalty of his lady love, Meher Walia, Ayaan defies the rules and embraces the darkness in his pursuit of justice and vengeance, leaving no room for defeat. The once righteous King now takes a treacherous turn, waging a war to bring down his enemy's kingdom and reduce it to ashes. The only problem this time is that he must fight against his own Queen. Amidst unexpected turns, unravelling secrets and forbidden desires igniting between them, their sizzling chemistry refuses to abate. With enmity soaring in every breath and passion blazing in every heartbeat, will Ayaan reclaim what is rightfully his, or will the Maze of politics and love consume him?

Meher Walia

'When the Queen's unseen forces govern the game, secrets unwind, dictating the intricate twists and turns of the Maze.'

Stuck in the storm of scandals and allegations, Meher Walia steers the wheel of power to ease the chaotic web surrounding her family. With white lies, dark truths and shocking revelations, the Queen witnesses the clash of desires, the power of vengeance and the unyielding spirit of a wounded king in love. As Meher braces herself for the epic battle of passion and betrayal, the game of politics intensifies, promising to shatter the foundation of the Walia family. With stakes higher and challenges graver, will Meher withstand the King's war, or will the storm of his unforgiving love doom her world?

When the knight and rook are under suspicion, the Queen an adversary, and the King fueled with revenge, the Maze holds power to mould the course of destiny of everyone who treads on it.

Reading Order of the Politica Romance
Book 1 - The Gamble
Book 2 - The Maze

429 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 15, 2023

About the author

Madhuri Tamse is a bestselling Indian romance author from Mumbai, India, known for writing emotionally intense contemporary romance novels featuring alpha heroes, second-chance love stories, political romance, and high-drama relationships.

With 41+ romance novels on Amazon, her stories explore love after heartbreak, powerful men brought to their knees by love, and women who refuse to lose themselves in relationships. Readers who enjoy enemies-to-lovers, age-gap romance, fake dating, and divorced-couple second-chance romances will find her books deeply satisfying.

Madhuri’s novels blend passion, angst, and redemption, always delivering emotionally rich journeys and happily-ever-afters that stay with readers long after the final page.

Beyond fiction, Madhuri supports indie authors and self-published writers, sharing insights on writing, publishing, and building sustainable author careers through her blog and online community.

Instagram: @madhuritamse | Twitter: @Madhuri0302

Reviews

[Sejal Shah Srinivasan · Rating 5 out of 5]

After teasing us with an action-packed cliffhanger in Book 1, I was waiting to read this, and I was blown away by how this one unfolded.
The story continues from where the previous one ended, with the scandal being exposed and Meher’s loyalty on the line. We also saw Kailash Shergill involved in a suspicious accident. Now Ayaan is hell-bent on uncovering the truth, and his immediate suspect is Pratap, as he had threatened Kailash publicly, and now he pledges to ruin him. Meher’s silence on this matter and her support for her dad aggravates him further, fuelling the distance between them. On top of that, when he learns Meher is entering the political world to help her dad campaign for the CM post, all hell breaks loose. With Ayaan wanting to destroy Pratap and Meher standing like a shield to protect him, both stand head to head on the opposite side of the game. Hereon begins a cat-and-mouse game, where the stakes are high, and there’s much to lose. Will the King and the Queen navigate through this maze with animosity, or will love come between them?
I have never gone thru so many emotions in one book. This is like those thriller movies that you watch, biting your nails with anticipation and curiosity as there’s something happening at every twist and turn. Secrets are revealed, mysteries are uncovered, and truths unfold in the most shocking way. We get to see the ruthless side of Ayaan and boy, he is hot and sexy when he goes rogue. With his sharp mind, quick wit and cool moves, he slays this revenge game. Meher, though initially overwhelmed by his attacks, later matches him eye-to-eye and gives as good as she gets. Their chemistry in this war is sizzling hot, where love and hate both reside. A lot is happening, and many suspicious characters come to the fore, Kailash, Pratap, Aksh, and Vishnu. The climax is riveting with a suspenseful twist, and leaves a lasting impression. I can’t wait for book 3 now. A series full of intrigue and drama, you have to read this.

[Mals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a gripping tale Madhuri Tamse weaves. She kept her readers on their toes throughout this brilliant novel . Can't wait for the next book. Write fast Madhuri 😁

[T. Shree · Rating 5 out of 5]

"There is no route out of the maze. The maze shifts as you move through it..." - Philip K. Dick

If someone asks to summarise Madhuri’s new book, I would say the above quote fits the best to theme. While reading this book my heart and mind encompassed myriad of emotions- Interesting, Confusing, Intriguing, Exciting and what not!! While the initial few chapters kept me confused about Meher’s sudden disappearance & her nonchalant attitude towards Ayaan, the mid chapters gave me a sense that now the story has started moving towards an end until the brain stirring surprise at the end pulled back all my thoughts to the square one, mocking at me … Babes did u really think it’s a typical Bollywood ending?

All through this novel my mind passed through the profound ambiguities & complexities of this maze only to find out that this dark mystery, this maze of conflicting passions and desire and aptitudes is yet to take a sharp turn. Honestly while reading this, I found myself gravitating to the analogy of a maze. It was like a film noir… I was picturing this story as a maze, hanging above the maze watching the characters making different moves… sometimes right… sometimes wrong and I was frustrated because I actually wanted to be in that maze with them, making the turns at their side so that I could get a grip of where this story was proceeding… Yes it was that maddening maze of things.

The story started on a much expected note & a desperate Ayaan who was hell bent on finding out why Meher betrayed him. So here you’d expect an unforgiving and angry Ayaan but hold on your horses!! The Ayaan Shergill you’d meet is a hot molten lava whose possessive punchlines & seducing dialogues will send a shiver of currents through the length and breadth of your body. Oh Boy… why you’ve to be such seductively hot!!

By the time reach the last chapter you’d start getting a feel, now what? It will start to feel like a happy ending where all the characters are coming to the terms with each other but the end will be a sharp reminder, you’re still running in a maze and now you’re completely lost.

What I liked about Ayaan’s character is that at times he appears like a next door boy & sometimes he beats even mafia Capo with his amusing comebacks & cryptic dialogues & intelligent negotiations.

The last chapter will make you feel tossed by the storm and flood of hidden secrets and you’d be compelled to think IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF THE MAZE OR THE END?

Overall brilliantly penned and interesting plot so far. I am curious to know what Checkmate is all about!!

[Saloni Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Meher Which God Did You Pray to??
🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭
The Maze by Madhuri Tamse was one of my most anticipated book releases of the year, and I bet you every page was worth the wait.
The book kept me on my toes all the time, from the first scene itself, Ayaan was shown as a wounded tiger who would go to any lengths to take his revenge and although he was made to think he was betrayed by the woman he loved, he still held on to the hope and was dead serious on making her realise what "mistake" she was doing by siding her father. Meher on the other hand, was not just the romantic interest in this book like The Gamble, she had her own story and her arc which I loved. I honestly felt claustrophobic for the kind of situations she was in, seriously these characters are not even real but I felt proud of the choices she made🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭🤭
Ayaan ready to go to any lengths to have her back by his side was truly a treat to read for me😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻😻
Also after reading this book, I don't think I am going to settle for anybody who does not know how to drive with just one hand, it is now a mandatory requirement now😁😁😁😁😁

[Laiba Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Maze by Madhuri Tamse is the second book of The Political Saga trilogy. This plot was intense and simply mindblowing with the unexpected twists and turns. The characters had been perfectly penned. I enjoyed reading more about Ayaan and Meher's relationship and the mysterious Vishnu. Can't wait to read the final book💙💙

[Rohit Artham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very engaging

Very nice story and narration. Characters are well designed and knitted on the story such that each character has its importance.

[Amreen Shaikh · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Never disclose your secrets to others, for you never know who will harness them as weapons against you.’ That’s the very famous ‘Chanakya Neeti.’

When an author starts writing a series it takes a hell lot of effort to keep that connection between the stories and the readers so that when a reader picks the next one in the series they can recall the previous one and connect to every dot. And from The Gamble to The Maze, the series has shined out so well. The maze has more challenges,  more emotional quotient, and more drama. 

Madhuri has outdone the maze with the finest details and the rivalry is a notch high.  The transitions between the scenes,  the twists, and the hungama with a pinch of fun are outstanding.  And between all the chaos Ayaan Shergill being the romance king and having all naughty thoughts is so much fun 😜😜.

Ayaan is the 👑 who can turn the world upside down for his loved ones. His dedication towards his family and his love is unmatchable. The way he handled every situation to protect his father and his love is what everyone out there needs to do and understand. His enigma, his personality, his attitude, and his charm are the backbone of this story. The King remains king in all aspects.

Whereas Mehar is all confused and dangling between his father and Ayaan. Her heart is on one side and her mind on the other. This is fascinating to see how she is trying to manage both with equal attention and gravity.

This story has given a very noticeable hike to all the characters in the series.  I loved Vishnu and Ayaan's banter. Vishnu and Simran's encounter 😝😝. Ayaan and Krish's bonding and on top of all is Aksh. Though he has been portrayed as a villain I am sure he has his story to tell where Devika will play a very prominent character. ( Only if the author plans a stand-alone for him 😉😉)

Yes, the story is not yet over and we have much more to read in the upcoming book. And wait is too much to kill. Yet this one will give you answers to questions from book one and more drama is waiting to be revealed in the next.

[Jeni · Rating 5 out of 5]

#bookreview

The Political Romance Trilogy by @madhuritamse
The Gamble
The Maze
The Checkmate

I avoid reading trilogies, but I read this only because it was written by Madhuri, and I m a big fan of her writing. And i m so glad i read it... she is one of the few authors who can express emotions so well. You immediately connect to the characters and even relate to them long after the book is over

Most trilogies, i feel, are dragged in between, and you lose grip of the storyline. But she has done total justice to all 3 books

The story moves forward with every book and keeps you hooked on till the end. The multiple POV's in the last book just add to the interest level as you get to know what and how each character thinks... that was definitely a plus

I m glad the story just din't stick to the romance and intimacy of the main couple all the time and moved forward, taking them along as the main lead and giving equal importance to the supporting characters too

The twists and turns and surprises in the plot makes it feel like a super duper 80s-90s bollywood movie plot... I can even imagine the cast in my mind 😜and see all the dhishum dhishum happening 😂😂 definitely worth making a bollywood masala

Read this if u haven't read it yet. The end of the first book may make u feel like, what next- most of it is done- shud I read the other 2 - but picture abhi baaki hai mere dost... so don't just stop there. Keep reading and u will love it even more 😘

[Abbas · Rating 5 out of 5]

If someone were to ask me to summarize this book, I would say that it encompasses a wide range of emotions. While reading it, I felt both intrigued and confused as I was waiting with bated breath to know what would happen next after The Gamble. The initial chapters left me puzzled about Meher's sudden disappearance and her indifference towards Ayaan.

As the story progressed, I thought it was heading towards an ending, only to be surprised by a twist at the end that brought me back to square one. This novel delves into the complexities of conflicting passions and desires, resembling a maze. One of the standout elements of The Maze is the depth and complexity of its characters. Each one is meticulously crafted, with their own unique motivations, flaws, and hidden pasts. I pictured the characters making various moves, sometimes right and sometimes wrong. The story begins with Ayaan's determination to uncover why Meher betrayed him, but he surprises with possessive and seductive lines. While Meher's struggles between choosing Ayaan or the support of her family who quite frequently appear under the pump of different pressures

The banter between Ayaan and Vishnu, the Aankh Micholi of Vishnu and Simran and the bonds of Krish and Ayaan are a breath of freshness in this gripping narrative.

The final chapter leaves you feeling like you're still lost in the maze, with a sense of uncertainty. I appreciated Ayaan's character, who sometimes appears ordinary but also shows wit and intelligence. The last chapter reveals hidden secrets, leaving you wondering whether it marks the beginning or the end or the beginning of the end! Overall, the book has been brilliantly narrated with an interesting plot, and I'm eager to find out what The Checkmate has in store and soon.

[Shri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Suspenseful Dance of Power and Passion

Madhuri Tamse has crafted a literary masterpiece that transcends the boundaries of a typical love story. The Gamble and The Maze is a mesmerizing blend of romance, suspense, and intellectual intrigue. What sets this book apart is Tamse's ingenious use of chess pieces as a metaphor for her characters. Each move, each thought, each action is strategically planned, just like a chess game, and this difference in thinking leads to the creation of beautifully complex characters.
Ayaan Shergill and Mehar Wallia, now Mrs. Mehar Shergill,🤪 are the heart and soul of this narrative. Their individuality, their strengths, and their vulnerabilities are flawlessly portrayed. As they navigate the intricate plot, the reader is drawn into a web of emotions and anticipation. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their love story is a symphony of passion and intellect. just when you think
you've figured it all out, a new twist takes your breath away. It's a testament to her storytelling prowess that she can keep you on the edge of your seat while simultaneously pulling at your heartstrings.

As the story unfolds, you can't help but root for Ayaan and Mehar, hoping that their love will conquer all. The anticipation for the next part of their journey is almost unbearable. I, for one, can't wait to see how their love blooms amidst the backdrop of suspense and intrigue. Madhuri Tamse has created a literary masterpiece that will leave readers yearning for more
WAITING FOR THE CHECKMATE

[Abhilash Kolhapur · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although the story is interesting, for my personal taste, the scenes between Meher and Ayaan are a bit too much. The fight scene also feels a tad unrealistic and Bollywood style. The story also gets a bit predictable at times.
Having said that, on the positive side there are many twists and turns. The sizzling chemistry between the two leads comes to life more than enough times. The climax is well set and makes one await for the next book.

[Sameer Gudhate · Rating 4 out of 5]

"The Maze" by Madhuri Tamse delves deep into a world of twisted loyalties, treacherous secrets, and scorching love, creating a captivating tapestry of political intrigue and personal dilemmas.

The book intricately weaves the stories of Ayaan Shergill and Meher Walia as they navigate a complex maze of power struggles and emotional entanglements. Ayaan's quest for justice and vengeance after his father's mysterious accident exposes a realm of deception, leading him to face his own Queen in a battle for supremacy. Meher Walia, steering through scandals and family chaos, confronts the clash of desires and vengeance while her world unravels.

Tamse's writing style is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the political landscape and the emotional turmoil of the characters. The alternating perspectives offer insights into the intricate dynamics of the characters' minds.

Ayaan and Meher are multi-dimensional protagonists, grappling with their desires, duties, and conflicting loyalties. The exploration of power dynamics and moral ambiguity adds depth to the narrative.

The plot is rich with suspense and unpredictability, drawing readers into the intricate web of the characters' lives. The structure effectively balances the protagonists' viewpoints, revealing their internal struggles and motivations.

"The Maze" masterfully explores themes of power, loyalty, love, and betrayal against a political backdrop. The book raises questions about the blurred lines between right and wrong, and the consequences of pursuing one's desires.

The emotional rollercoaster experienced by the characters is palpable, eliciting empathy and intrigue. Their vulnerabilities and strengths make them relatable and engaging.

The strength lies in the intricate plot, well-defined characters, and the exploration of complex emotions. However, at times, the narrative pace slows down, and certain subplots could have been more streamlined.

"The Maze" is a gripping read that skillfully merges political drama and personal conflicts. The characters' dilemmas and the intricate plotting kept me invested from start to finish.

Madhuri Tamse's "The Maze" is a compelling exploration of human nature, power dynamics, and the intricacies of love and betrayal. With its engaging narrative and well-crafted characters, the book stands as a testament to the author's storytelling prowess.

[Ruchi Reviewer]

📚📚 REVIEW 📚📚 

Book    :  The Maze (Political Romance Trilogy Book 2)
Author : Madhuri Tamse
Format: Kindle Edition
Ratings: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The second installment of the political drama 'The Maze' elevated the story to new heights. The ulterior motives of certain characters and the revelations of some truths were thrilling to read. The development of each character made it a palpable experience.

Once-righteous Ayaan underwent a profound transformation; he became unforgiving toward those who wronged him, turning his life upside down within a span of a few hours. His foresight, calculative mind, and brilliance at play truly made him the master of the game against power-hungry people.

Meher's character underwent a beautiful transformation, evolving from innocence to being feisty, courageous, strategic, and unyielding. She proved to be the queen, adeptly handling everything and protecting the king.

The Walias, hungry politicians, were willing to go to any lengths, using anyone as a pawn and betraying even their loved ones. However, Ayaan meticulously planned every move toward his goals.

I particularly enjoyed how the author related the characters to chess pieces, detailing the characteristics of each—whether king, queen, knight, or rook. It was fascinating to read not only about the leads but also about Aksh and Vishnu. They truly surprised me, especially Vishnu's character sometimes compelled me to read his point of view instantly. Some revelations had a captivating effect while leaving some unanswered questions and introducing a few more mysteries for the next installment, increasing the anticipation of readers.

The story unfolded as an intriguing maze of love, hatred, revenge, planning, thirst for power, plotting, ambition, and family ties. It truly captivated my mind with its mystery and suspense.

The suspenseful, mysterious ending of this installment was intriguing, and the little mysterious snippets that the author added in between made it a chilling and mysterious read. The meticulous plotting of the story was not only intriguing but also kept me on my toes with anticipation of how the story would unfold.

[Sravanthi Rani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisted Loyalties and Tangled Hearts - A Brilliant Sequel

The Maze is a flawless follow-up to The Gamble, continuing the intense journey of Ayaan and Meher as they navigate a labyrinth of politics, betrayals, and hidden conspiracies. The title couldn’t be more fitting—it seamlessly reflects the plot and convinces the reader that there’s always more than meets the eye.

In this gripping sequel, Ayaan and Meher’s love and loyalty are tested at every turn—so much so that the King is left with no choice but to wage war. But the million-dollar question remains: is it a war against the Queen or for the Queen?

We witness new shades of both Ayaan and Meher. Meher’s loyalty is constantly questioned—torn between Ayaan and her father. Ayaan, whose righteousness we admired in the first book, now reveals his unforgiving side and masterful manipulations.

Their chemistry remains sizzling as they engage in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Hidden agendas, shifting loyalties, and the threat of unknown enemies keep the tension alive from start to finish.

And in this game of The Maze—where will the Knight and Rook stand? What roles will they play? And the Bishop? These questions echo through the pages, adding layers of intrigue to an already riveting plot.

As with the previous book, Madhuri Tamse delivers a powerful narrative, raising the stakes and the reader’s expectations for the final installment. The Maze is available on Amazon Kindle Unlimited—don’t miss it!

[Adhiti Aravind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madhuri is raising the bar for herself

Madhuri is raising the bar for herself and I am proud of the journey she is crafting. I started as Madhu Di's reader more than a decade back on India forums. Then to now I've seen her evolution right in front of my eyes and I can proudly say I'm privileged to be a witness to her excellence and growth through the years.

Following her blockbuster release The Gamble with The Maze, she is cementing herself as a solid promise to her readers. From whistle worthy moments to visually appealing shots painted with words and a chemistry that resonates even in dialogues, Madhuri's The Maze is a riveting experience for a reader.

The standout element of this book for me is the build up she is setting for the third and final book of the series. There is enough intrigue even as the climax seemed like an inevitable scene. My personal favourite element of this series is Madhuri's heroine Meher. She is unlike any of her heroines. She is a fine blend of Madhuri's soft heroines with a tinge of feistiness that makes her a unique Madhuri Tamse character.

I'm totally pumped to witness the finale that is about to release soon. Bring it on Madhu Di, do it one more time, this time another notch higher.

[Dipi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The tale was very intricately woven. The suspense factor was not too brilliant as I had already guessed most of the secrets (except for the one related to Ayaan). This story was mostly Meher and why she did what she did. The family moments were nice. Even the ending paved the path well for book 3.

[Tejaswini · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too good

Book 1 & 2 hv been amazing and couldn't put down till the last page.
Cant wait to read the final book of this series

[Khushbu Patel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!

[Divine Earth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read series
Highly recommended.