Maxim

by Ava Summers

I’m a journalist. It’s my job to expose corruption. But what if the man I’m falling for is part of it?

Maxim Petrov is sinfully sexy. Everywhere I go, there he is.

He says he wants to protect me. Which is handy because my life is becoming more dangerous by the minute.

The official line is that Max is a billionaire hotel developer. However, my research for the story I’m writing suggests otherwise.

Honestly, if I had any sense, I’d walk away and never look back.

Only… I can’t.

When Max looks at me, I swoon. When he takes care of me, I melt. And when he tells me my place is at his side, how can I resist?

If only I could ignore all those red flags…

But we’re both hiding things. Secrets that could unravel at any moment.

Secrets that could kill me.

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Maxim is a MF dark mafia romance with a HEA, no cliffhanger. It contains themes some readers may find disturbing, so please check the content warning at the start of the book before reading.

Tropes
Touch her and die
He falls first
Alpha male
Strong FMC
Dark secret
Woman in peril
Curvy girl

Genres: Dark Romance, Romance, Dark, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance

356 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2024

About the author

Ava Summers is a dark romance author who loves reading about feisty females and morally gray alpha males. She prefers books with a healthy dose of spice. If the heroine doesn't have to choose between her guys, even better! When Ava's not reading and writing, she likes to paint and occasionally run 10ks. She also spends way too much time keeping her rescue cat entertained.

Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

Slow burn, the romance was taking its time to unfold, the mcs had a few unexpected meets here and there.
It couldn’t hold my interest.

Moreover, I found unappealing reading about the hero’s… sausage!!! 🙄

“Max’s … err … sausage was on the extra-large, exceptionally girthy side, from what I could tell.” Nat

Dnf @ 20%

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nat is a journalist she does fluff pieces but wants to branch into serious pieces. When she meets Maxim its when her boyfriend was being abusive in public to her. maxim stepped in and helped her. Not long after she was with her friends out dancing when she saw him watching from the bar and in a blink of an eye he disappeared. Maxim can't stop thinking about her and it seems she keeps popping up in places he is at. The next time they run into each other is at an event the mayor is having be it was brief like the other times. maxim learns the mayor is dirty and knows he needs to complete his dealing with him, so he isn't caught with the mayor. Nat has had informants tell her things about the mayor which has her investigating him. Just as she is getting close, she becomes in danger from the mayor. Maxim finds out what she is up to and tries to protect her and her friends. Will she leave Maxim when she discovers who he really is? Can he protect her from his enemies as well as the mayor?

This is an action-packed story. However, the trigger warning are appreciated because things do get a little hairy in places. This is a well written and very entertaining story. Its a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a slightly more complex read than I'd initially anticipated. The plot as it's advertised is true but there was a lot more to uncover than I'd guessed and I enjoyed it although I feel a few parts could potentially have been explained in a bit more detail.
The romance was slightly slower paced which felt like a change for me when reading a mafia romance, that being said there was still plenty to read and I enjoyed the sparks between them.
I wish there had been a bit more development of the side characters romances as they played out as well but otherwise I feel I really got to know all the characters.
If you are looking at reading them definitely take note of the trigger warnings. It gets very dark at times and in general there's a lot of dark topics that run as the main theme of the plot.
Overall, a good read with some great characterisation.
Favourite Quote - 'What was I thinking? Oh, wait. I wasn't.'
Favourite Character - Kolya

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim comes to her aide when she needs it the most when her abusive boyfriend breaks her wrist. They meet again a year later, and it starts their path, but Nat has no time for men because she is chasing a story that will make her career on corruption. The problem is someone doesn't want that story written and when she finds herself in danger Maxim is somehow there to keep her safe. When she learns just who he is will his position keep them apart. This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shirley M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim is all man. He is protective of Nat, he's tough, but fair. The story wasn't an insta meet and now you're never getting away story. There was a year gap before they meet again. I like that Nat didn't immediately fall for Maxim, even though they clearly had chemistry when they were together. Nat is working on a story to further her career, not knowing who Maxim really is. However, along the way she does find out who he really is. Chasing her story gets her into trouble, and it's up to Maxim and his men to find her. This whole story line was well written, dark parts and all. Love conquers all.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the intensity of this book. Max is very alpha male and is very protective of Nat. Nat is attracted to Max, but has second thoughts when she finds out Max is not who she thought he was. But it is way too late for backing out for Nat because the chemistry they share is undeniable. Absolutely wonderful story, albeit a little dark, but it makes it an even better story in my opinion.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Áine Foley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have to say that I've loved everything that I've read by Ava Summers and this book is no different. You will love this book if you are a fan of dark(ish) mafia/bratva romance. Maxim is very masculine but he's not overbearing. He's sweet and protective of Nat and understands the trauma she's experienced from a previous relationship. A solid five stars for me with a good amount of spice.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Please, please check your trigger warnings when you read this book! Mentions of r$pe, kidnapping and other horrid things.


I did really enjoy this, a good slow burn with random meets. I do enjoy how our FMC is a plus sized girl and he loves her for that and doesn’t want her to change. I did like our MMC from the moment he walked in. A dark, murderous man with eyes for her only? Yes please I’ll take 3

[Salima · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Nat and Max. This is a an awesome mafia book. I love mafia romance. Max is such an Alpha Male very protective of Nat. Love how their story develops throughout the book. Nat’s ex was a real loser and I love how Max saved her. Little did she know he’s part of the Mafia. Just loved it. Will definitely read more from Ava Summers.

[YAZ3885 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book it keeps you on edge and makes you want to keep reading. Max is such an Alpha Male and very protective of Nat. Love how their relationship develops throughout the book. The chemistry they share is undeniable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was Maxim and Natalya’s story. Maxim Petrov wants to protect her. Which is handy because her life is becoming more dangerous by the minute. The official line is that Max is a billionaire hotel developer. But her research for the story she’s writing suggests otherwise. Will their secrets come out? It was an engaging and suspenseful read. And voluntarily leaving my review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a well written and great storyline. Loved the characters Max and Natalya were great together. Enjoyed their relationship and the evolution of it. Dark mafia romance are my favorite and this has been one of my favorite in that genre!

[Marg Campbell-McCauley · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 Stars - well paced and enjoyable

A good example of the genre with fleshed-out, likeable characters and a desirable MMC whose pathway to devotion to his love is just want we want for our MFC, who is recovering from an abusive relationship. You will like this one😊

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing 🔥

I really loved this good twists and turns would highly recommend you read this book and the rest of the series the author writes keep em coming Ava 🥰

[Karen Lovvorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bratva man falls first

Enjoyable read with some difficult parts. Real world traumas with the head of the Bratva finding his match. Will she be able to except him as he is?

[B. Erickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Ms. Summers and won't be my last!!! It was a fantastic read and I would love to see another book in this series!

[Nemo Blue · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't

[Colleen McGovern · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!!!!!!!!

This book has everything you could want. Hot sex, gutsy woman, protective man, and a villain. I can't wait to read more from this author. Maybe Amanda's story?

[Angela Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hopelessly smitten

I enjoyed the way the male was hopelessly smitten with the female and wasn’t afraid to pursue her. Every woman wants that kind of man.

[Emz sirenreadssmut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this dark mafia read it was quick & the story was good & consistent for the most part. The spice was perfectly balanced with story.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim comes to her aide when she needs it the most when her abusive boyfriend breaks her wrist. They meet again a year later, and it starts their path, but Nat has no time for men because she is chasing a story that will make her career on corruption. The problem is someone doesn't want that story written and when she finds herself in danger Maxim is somehow there to keep her safe. When she learns just who he is will his position keep them apart. This story kept me glued to the pages from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl addie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome 👍 riveting read, loved it