Maxim

The Syndicates #12

by Cala Riley

Blurb Coming Soon

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Forced Proximity, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 24, 2025

About the author

Cala Riley, better known as Cala and Riley, are a pair of friends with a deep seated love of books and writing. Both Cala and Riley are happily married and each have children, Cala with the four-legged kind while Riley has a mixture of both two-legged and four. While they live apart, that does not affect their connection. They are the true definition of family. What started as an idea that quickly turned into a full-length book and a bond that will never end.

Check out our linktree for more information:
https://linktr.ee/authorcalariley

Reviews

[Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: protector
Angst: 😱😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥1/2

Loved it - Maxim was everything I was looking for in the series ending book! Having a large family, I always love the books about an MC that is willing to step up for their siblings and Olena was wonderful. The story was action-packed from beginning to end and plenty of twists and turns. I've been with this series since the beginning and while I'm sad to see it end, I know that there's more great stuff to come!

[Sami · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful ending to a wonderful series, I have wanted Maxim’s book for a while now and Cala & Riley definitely didn’t disappoint.

Maxim has to go undercover to help his family bring down the evil of the world. But what happens when he see the daughter of their enemy for sale? Well he has to “buy” her of course.

Watching these go through some very dark and trying times and learn to love and trust each other was incredibly beautiful.

This book touches on some very dark topics, please check TWs. Cala & Riley handled all that darkness so well!

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best way to describe Maxim? A tender monster. Tender with those he loves and ruthless with those who are evil. As a member of the Bratva, he is already sexy in my book.🔥 When Maxim embarks on his mission, his path crosses with Olena who becomes a complication he didn't plan for. But in a twist of fate, Olena becomes his everything. 

Olena learned strength at an early age, forced to protect her siblings from their monster of a Father. When her father decides to sell her (such a POS) she lost her siblings, which in part, she lost herself. They were her everything. But with the patience and love from Maxim, she learned true strength and the real meaning of family. 💞

A few of my favorite tropes can be found on this book:

🖤Age Gap
✨Mafia Romance
🖤Virgin FMC
✨Found Family
🖤Slow Burn

⚠️This story touches on some pretty dark themes. Please be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in. 

[queen_of_the_books_18 · Rating 5 out of 5]

She is the lightness that keeps me from succumbing to the darkness completely.

Maxim is book 12 and the last in a fast paced, action filled Syndicate series and I’ll be sad to say goodbye to these characters.

Maxim, who is the third in command to the Bratva nominates himself to go undercover to take down the human trafficking ring that has been a plot point throughout the whole series.

Because of him being undercover, we don’t get to see a lot of the characters we’ve come to know and love with this series but that doesn’t take away from the story.

Tropes:
•Mafia
•Forced proximity
•Undercover
•Virgin heroine
•Captor
•Edging
•He falls first

please be aware of triggers
•on page suicide attempt

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's the end of this series, and Maxim did not disappoint. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. We do get to see a few characters from the past, and that's always nice. But most importantly, we get a HEA for Maxim and Olena.

Maxim is going undercover to help his family bring down a human trafficking ring. He's not sure how much he can take, but then he meets Olena.
She's the daughter of the very man he's trying to bring down.
She's a light in the darkness.
One split decision changes both their lives.

Olena has spent her life in a gilded cage with only her younger siblings as her saving grace.
Until her father sells her to him.
Maxim.
She can't stand being away from her siblings because who will protect them from their father?
He's determined to show her she can have a good life, but she can't trust him.
She knows that the cruelest men hide behind the sweetest smiles.

Thank you so much to the authors for this ARC to review.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a dark Mafia romance and Cala and Riley know how to write one. Maxim goes undercover for his family. Olena is sold to him by her father. They grow closer and together they learn to love and trust the other.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
Crime family
Hero undercover
Forced Proximity
Touch her & 💀
He falls first

Loved 🥰:
- Maxim was such a great mmc. The way he couldn’t stop himself from saving Olena and then casting for her was 🤌🏼💋
- Olena was a fighter, even tho she had her vulnerable moment, once she saw why she was needed she never gave up
- the build up between these two and seeing their relationship blossom and grow

Liked ☺️:
- the children being a part of the story was so sweet & I loved the happy ending that everyone got
- getting to see more of the bratva side characters

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻‍♀️:
- I would have liked the book to be a little bit longer so that we could have more moments of Maxim and Olena after their happily ever after

Spice:
🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
Adult romance

TWs:
Involves a scene of self harm

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖬𝖺𝗑𝗂𝗆
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖮𝗅𝖾𝗇𝖺
4 𝑆𝑢𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑒 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

Olena, grew up with a father who only valued power and money. His ruthless and has physically and emotionally tortured her for years. She loves and lives for two people, her younger siblings.

She has loved and cared for them since their were children. She is their protector, until her father sells her.

Maxim, he is third in command in the Bratva. For the past few weeks his been undercover, working with the three other families to take down a human trafficking ring. It makes him sick to do it, but he will do everything possible to save all the men, women, and children. And then he sees her. Olena, and to protect her he buys her.

Olena, her world ends when she is sold but she soon realises that her captor isn't who he says he is. She learns what it's like to live without fear and trust as well as love.

Maxim's mission goes from taking down the human trafficking ring to also doing everything possible to protect Olena and her siblings. She is the light to his darkness. One he will fight for with everything he has.

The last book in 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑺𝒚𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒔 and what a perfect ending.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Loved catching up with the previous characters.

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🌠💋🌠💋🌠
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧💧

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim's story was the well worth the wait! We get to see the protector side of him in full force and it was done SO well!!

Going undercover with one task all ended up getting thrown out the window when he sees the daughter of their enemy up for sale - an innocent young woman who doesn't deserve the treatment she'd endure if she ended up in the wrong hands so what does one man do...
He purchases her of course. He needs to remain neutral and not blow his cover.

Olena, kind and sweet, forced to be seen and not heard growing up. She cares for her siblings as if they were her own children. She'd do absolutely anything for them. Even go up against the evil that is her father.

They have to navigate this new situation with the other so delicately. Her by walking on eggshells not to anger her new "master" and him trying to be protective and loving all while trying to remain full of dark ruthlessness.

I adored these two and their story so so much! Sad to see this series come to an end.

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
The plot of this book involves human sex trafficking, including on page events in detail. There is also on page self-harm and on page parental abuse. There are mentions of necrophilia, CSA, and child kidnapping. There is mafia related violence on page including murder. It should also be noted that a main character is undercover and involved with some of these triggering instances.

The moment is here. What the series has been leading up to: taking down the ring. The sex trafficking business that has caused so much pain to my babies through all these books. The Bratva was my introduction to this series (I jumped in at Nikolai). And now, the Bratva is my goodbye. (No, I’m not ready.) Maxim has been kept in the shadows, and now it’s time to use his expertise. However, he was not expecting his heart to get involved! He needed to get in and get back home. But just like the rest of the men in this series, he has a weakness for the woman he shouldn’t. His mark’s daughter, Olena. She is the kink in his plan he never prepared for. And she wasn’t prepared for Maxim to be her saving grace. He is the opposite of every man she’s ever met, and the men she was raised to be prepared for. She’s used to cruelty. But Maxim Volkov doesn’t have a cruel bone in his body. Well…for her he doesn’t. For the men that could hurt his loved ones, his Family? Oh, that man is deadly. Maxim is the full embodiment of all the things I love about the men in this series. He’s the cherry on top.

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I will follow you to the ends of the earth. Don’t leave me to this darkness alone.”
• “I want nothing from you. All I want is for you to live a better life.”
• “My need to protect you is embedded under my skin.”
• “I just want you in my life. Anyway I can have you.”
• “Why did you stop?” “Because I promised you that you were in control, and I was about to make a liar of myself.”
• “I want you to be who you are. To me, there is nothing better.”
• “I could spend the entire evening between your legs. If I were to start and end each day with this, I would die a happy man.”
• “I want to be yours.” “You are mine as I am yours.”

6/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Dark Romance
6/10 Forced Proximity
9/10 Mafia Romance
5/10 Slow Burn
9/10 Series

This is my review for Matteo
This is my review for Killian
This is my review for Haruaki
This is my review for Nikolai
This is my review for Enzo
This is my review for Callum
This is my review for Kenji
This is my review for Dimitri
This is my review for Tristano
This is my review for Declan
This is my review for Kado
This is my review for Oh Holy Night

[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim is the twelfth and final book in the wonderful Syndicates Series by Cala Riley. This is a mafia romance between Maxim Volkov and Olena Norwak. Maxim goes undercover to infiltrate the human trafficking ring and she’s the complication none of them anticipated. The plot has been building in the previous books while we have enjoyed reading about the men finding the women they are meant to be with. I was looking forward to the conclusion of the families coming together and successfully taking down the evil men involved. Please read the TW’s as some of the details in the book are graphic and disturbing. This is a story of a good man having to do bad things to stop evil men and unexpectedly finding the woman who is perfect for him.

Maxim is third-in-command for the Petrov Bratva. Nikolai is his Pakhan. He offers to go undercover because he speaks the language and has no family left if anything happens to him. He understands what the women are going through as it happen to his grandmother. Human trafficking especially of women and children is despicable to him. He has also been kept in the shadows so no-one will know him or his connection to the Bratva. Alexei sorts out his cover story and new identity, while Dimitri tells him to to get in and get out safely.

Olena has just turned eighteen but she has been isolated by her cruel father. She has raised her two siblings Daryna and Aleksander. She has tried to protect them from the dark world her father is involved with but things have been getting worse. He has started training her brother and she knows he has seen things a seven year old shouldn’t. He has trained Olena to obey and always uses the little ones against her to make her do as he demands. If anything happened to them she doesn’t think she could carrying on without them.

Maxim meets Jan’s daughter one night and feels a strange connection to her. Then after another incident with her, he’s surprised by the sudden urge to save her. Olena is horrified when Jan threatens the kids and she tries to save them. Jan is furious with her and decides to change her life forever. Maxim finally gets an invite to an auction but things don’t go to plan when he finds himself bidding for her. He can’t believe that not only has he bought a woman but it’s Olena.

She is shocked to be attracted by her new owner but scared as heard rumours about him. Why did he buy her? She wonders if he is the good man he portrays or is he pretending to be nice. She can’t understand why he is offering to protect her and wonders if she can trust him. When she stops making assumptions about him and allows him to care for her, their relationship slowly develops and builds. Olena sees he doesn’t want to be in her father’s business and is affected by what he witnesses.

He likes her even though he knows he shouldn’t so it is a slow burn relationship. They have some ups and downs as she finds it difficult to accept how he is but he’s so patient and takes his time to help her heal. He is determined to make her feel safe and help her save her siblings. It was lovely how he shows her what it means to be loved by someone. She becomes his light in the dark world he now inhabiting.

Poor Maxim is haunted by what he has to do to bring down these evil men and how his morals are compromised to keep his cover. Is he becoming evil like the men he’s trying to stop. He struggles as he is pulled deeper into the depraved dealings of her father, he wonders how he will be able to live with himself if he does what is expected of him to keep his identity hidden. He has done some violent things for the Bratva but isn’t cruel to women like her father and his associates.

It was good seeing all the cameos from the some of the other syndicate characters. It was an inspired move by Maxim to introduce her to Thea and it meant we learnt more about her and Alexei. There are some good twists and revelations at the end when everything comes to a head. Olena certainly shows how she has changed as she fights to save her siblings when everything escalates. I had hoped for more from the families as they moved in to destroy the ring and bring the series to an end, but the focus is all on our couple. It’s sad to be leaving these protective men because I have thoroughly enjoyed their stories.

[BooksBooksandmoreBooks69 · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is part of a series, I’ve not read any of the other books, but you can be sure I’m going to after reading this one.

Cala Riley's “Maxim: A Bratva Romance” is a gripping and emotionally charged installment in The Syndicates series that dives deep into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the struggle for freedom in a world filled with darkness.

At the heart of the story is Maxim, a man burdened by the weight of his family's expectations as he goes undercover for the Bratva.
His life takes a significant turn when he meets Olena, the daughter of a formidable crime lord. Their instant connection is fraught with tension, as Olena feels trapped in her luxurious but suffocating life, sold to Maxim by her own father!

As Maxim seeks to protect her, the stakes skyrocket. The plot intertwines a thrilling story of loyalty and danger with moments of emotional vulnerability. Oh man! I could not put this book down!

The author excels at character development, bringing both Maxim and Olena to life. Maxim is the epitome of the tortured hero, wrestling with his obligations while discovering his capacity for love and sacrifice. His resolve to save Olena, even at the cost of his own life, shows his willingness to fight for what is right.

Olena, too, is beautifully written. Initially, she appears to be a damsel in distress, but as the story unfolds, her strength and cunning shine through. Her determination to reclaim her independence and navigate her relationship with Maxim adds layers to her character. Their relationship is complex, it evolves from one of distrust to a deep bond of love.

Cala Riley’s writing is gripping and smooth, and that kept me hooked. She balances the dark themes of the criminal underworld with moments of tenderness and hope between Maxim and Olena.
The pacing is well thought out, with suspenseful moments that lead to unexpected twists that heighten the tension.

Olena's journey from being a pawn in her father's game to taking charge of her destiny absolutely had me cheering 😝

Fans of dark romance will find this book captivating and hard to put down.

If you're looking for a gripping read that will keep you on the edge of your seat while tugging at your heartstrings, this book is an absolute must read!
🦋

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Soul-Stirring Mafia Finale

I have to pinch myself—how is this the twelfth and final book in Cala Riley’s utterly addictive Syndicates series? From the very first instalment, this mafia world has been a gripping rollercoaster filled with danger, sizzling slow-burn chemistry, and commanding alpha men that steal your breath and your heart. And Maxim is no exception—in fact, it’s the perfect, soul-stirring finale to a series I never wanted to end.

This story grabs you from the first page with Olena—a heroine who will steal your heart with her strength, vulnerability, and fierce loyalty. Raised by a cruel father with twisted plans for her future, Olena's only mission is to protect her younger siblings, no matter the cost. She’s a survivor, a protector, and a woman who’s forgotten what it means to dream for herself.

Then enters Maxim. A Bratva man with a mission of his own. He’s undercover to expose a trafficking ring, but what he doesn’t expect is Olena. She’s his detour—his complication—but also his purpose. Even as she sees him as the enemy, he’s determined to show her a different kind of life, one where she’s cherished and safe.

Their connection is magnetic—full of longing, guarded trust, and intense heat that builds beautifully. The passion burns slowly but oh so powerfully, while the danger creeps ever closer in the shadows. With twists, betrayal, and moments of raw vulnerability, Cala Riley weaves a romance that is equal parts edge-of-your-seat suspense and swoony mafia fairytale.

Maxim delivers on every level: a strong, tortured heroine, an alpha hero who’ll burn the world for her, a plot that keeps you guessing, and a love that refuses to be denied. This isn’t just the end of a series—it’s the perfect goodbye to a world that has been dark, dangerous, and utterly unforgettable.

If you’ve followed the Syndicates from the beginning, Maxim is your reward. And if you haven’t started yet—clear your TBR, because this series is unmissable.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim is the last book in The Syndicates Series. We see him throughout the books and get to know his character. He would do anything it takes for his family in the bratva and protect everyone he cares about. He is tired of seeing the horrible actions of evil people. He wants to do something to help. He is determined to stop it even if it turns him into a bad man. He has one mission and nothing can change. However when he meets Olena, his objective changes. He refuses for her to be tainted by evil. He makes a decision that affects his goal. He is dead set on keeping her safe even if she does not trust
him.

Olena feels trapped in her life. Her father is evil and she knows it. She is willing to suffer whatever he throws at her to keep her siblings protected. They are the only good thing in her life and she will do whatever it takes for them. Her world gets turned upside down when her father sells her. What she doesn’t know is Maxim buys her to protect her. She does not trust anyone. She does care how nice and sweet he is to her, she keeps her guard up. She tries to avoid him because she is attracted to him. Maxim tries his best to get her to trust him but he has his work cut out for him.

Cala Riley took me through an emotional journey with the amazing conclusion. It was amazing to see everything Maxim is willing to do even if it makes him sick. He will do whatever it takes to get the right people to trust him so he will be at the center to of it all. He risks his life to get the information out to his family so they are ready to take it all apart. It was sad to see what Olena goes through. I laughed, cried, and wanted to throw the Kindle. In the end, it was worth it. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and all the families. It was great to see, the Mafia, the Bratva, the Yakuza and the Westies all band together to rid the world of evil. What a ride and I cannot wait what books are in store for the future. I will definitely be reading.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was excited to see the ever so talented duo of Cala Riley releasing another book in The Syndicates, a mafia series, is an understatement. This series has been one which live forever in my heart. Each book brings us danger, secrets, twists, and turns, but most of all, a love that will warm your heart. Maxim is the final installment in this gripping series and I am sad to see it ending.

Maxim is one book that had me sitting on the edge of my seat. Right from the start, we are thrown into a world of human auctions, fathers who are anything but loving, and men who are dark, evil, and have no morals. That is, until we meet Maxim, a man who's an alpha protector, wants to put a stop to the trafficking, and in order to do so, puts his life on the line. Little did he know, he would have to go against all his rules to save Olena from her life and her father. The only thing that has kept her going is her younger siblings, whom she is more of a mother figure than a sibling.
Bringing Olena to his home was never on his plate; however, things changed to get closer to shutting down the trafficking. Determined to prove to Olena that all men are ot like her father, he shows his true self, which has the innocent Olena curious about love and sex. Here is when the chemistry that has been simmering just under the surface breaks loose and sets everything on fire.

Throughout this book, I had a lump in my throat reading about how these men treated the women they were auctioning off, which included little children to their own families. Cala Riley wrote a story that dealt with difficult situations but it was done with professionalism and care. I have to say that Maxin is one book that has found a spot in my top five of The Syndicate series books.

[Another librarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

✍️ 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝑹𝑬𝑽𝑰𝑬𝑾 ✍️
“MAXIM” CALA RILEY ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5/5

I still can’t believe Maxim is the final book in this series. After twelve incredible characters and couples, we’ve reached the end.

Maxim decides to go undercover for his family, even though it means diving deep into the darkest sides of organized crime. While he struggles with doubts and fears he won’t be able to stay detached, everything changes when he meets Olena, the daughter of a powerful and dangerous man. Despite where she comes from, Olena becomes his reason to keep going. A single split-second decision changes both their lives, and Maxim is willing to risk everything to protect her.
Olena has spent her entire life under her father’s control, finding solace only in her siblings. When she’s sold to Maxim, her world is turned upside down again. Although she longs for freedom and fears betrayal, Maxim seems determined to prove she deserves a better life. But Olena has learned the hard way that the most dangerous men often hide behind the kindest smiles.

I don’t want to accept that this is the end—I’m not ready to say goodbye to the Bratva, the Irish, the Italians, and the Yakuza families... but sooner or later, every story must come to a close. If you haven’t started this series yet and plan to, I recommend beginning with Mafia Royalty, since this is its spin-off. And while you can read the books as standalones, I strongly suggest following the reading order because the overarching plot develops throughout the series—each family is tied together by a common goal.

What can I say? It’s a bittersweet ending, beautiful yet leaving me with that hollow feeling—satisfied, but not really. And not in a bad way. I’ve been waiting for Maxim’s story ever since Nik’s book, and Cala and Riley delivered a raw, emotional journey that shows just how rotten the world can be.

My heart broke for Olena—for everything she went through, for never being allowed to grow up like a normal girl, and for never being able to trust anyone. But Maxim is exactly the kind of man she needs—someone who would always put her first.

I’m holding out hope for a next generation series…

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim is a compelling and emotional conclusion to Cala Riley’s Syndicates series, delivering a dark mafia romance that balances high-stakes suspense with heartfelt chemistry. Maxim Volkov goes undercover for his family, forced into a morally gray world that tests his strength and resolve. Olena, the heroine, is trapped in a gilded cage and sold to Maxim—her fight for survival and her guarded vulnerability make her easy to root for as their relationship unfolds from distrust to deep connection.

The romance is a perfect slow burn, packed with angst and tension as both characters wrestle with trauma, trust, and the dangerous world around them. Maxim’s gentleness and determination shine through, creating a hero you can’t help but root for, while Olena’s resilience brings hope to the story’s darker themes.

While the mafia elements provide plenty of drama and twists, the real strength is the personal growth and emotional depth both leads experience together. Though the narrative explores some tough and triggering subjects, Cala Riley’s storytelling will keep you hooked and invested in their journey.

If there’s a drawback, the series concludes with a bittersweet sense of goodbye and a few loose ends, but overall Maxim stands as a satisfying and heartfelt finale. Readers who love organized crime romance, slow-burn tension, and redemptive love stories will find this the perfect ending to an engaging series.

[Cathy Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

It is the end of an era (I am still working on the back log of the Syndicate) but it felt like it was wrapped up nicely. There is some old friends that we see and get a little caught up on what has been happening.

We have Maxim who is part of the Bratva (3rd in command) but has be in the shadows and finally has his time to do something for the organization to assist in bringing down a horrible operation that they have been working on bringing down for a while. He is concerned about loosing himself during this trial but wants to make this happen.

We have Olena, who's dad is a monster, and see's little value in women overall and has been making her life a living HE$$. She has two younger 1/2 siblings that she tries to shield as much as she can but when she steps out of line she pays the price.

They are forced together and have to learn how to navigate the situation they are in, despite neither one wanting or expecting it. There is attraction and desire between the two but they don't pursue anything until they both realize that this more than just a fading attraction. They grow and learn to trust and respect each other.

It was well written and I look forward to reading up on the ones I have missed.
I was blessed enough to receive and ARC.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a dark and emotional story with strong trigger warnings for human trafficking, child abuse, and emotional manipulation.

Maxim goes undercover to take down a trafficking ring, but he never expected Olena: sold by her own father, broken and terrified, yet willing to endure anything to protect her younger siblings. Raised to obey and submit, Olena has only known betrayal; so even when Maxim tries to protect her, she can't trust him.

Their connection is a slow burn, gentle, patient, and guarded. While I admired Maxim’s strength and Olena’s resilience, the chemistry between them felt emotionally distant. There's devotion and gratitude, but the romance lacked depth for me; perhaps intentionally, due to the trauma they both carry.

Still, the story shines a light on the harsh realities of trafficking. Cala Riley doesn’t soften the darkness, and that raw honesty makes the story both heartbreaking and important.

Olena’s journey is slow, painful, and brave. Maxim is the kind of protector you’d want when the world turns cruel. I also loved Thea, who brought warmth and depth to the narrative.

A short but intense and meaningful read about survival, trauma, and healing.

[Amanda Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim by Cala Riley

💜💜💜💜

This is the final book in The Syndicates series by these incredible women, and I’m sad to see it end, but it wrapped up perfectly. The entire book gave the same feeling as the other bratva family books, but it felt softer in a way. I’m not sure if it was because I knew it was the final story or because Maxim is the ultimate gentleman; regardless, I was invested. Their writing always captivates me, and the way the book handled such sensitive topics while bringing healing was amazing. There are very dark subjects in this, so please check the trigger warnings.

I love Olena; she is so young but has endured so much thanks to her father, while also raising her siblings. Maxim getting her out of his home in a very unconventional way was the best thing to help her see how the world really is, gain confidence, and do everything she can to get her siblings out safely while also helping the mafia bring down her father.

Even though the Syndicates series is over, I recommend this series with many more books to enjoy!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oof, this one gave me every single emotion and then some. Funny how it is the last book in this series, which can we just sit back and realize how far the Syndicate has come since the very first book? Maxim gave us the most beautiful wrap up to the series that has you appreciating where it started and the pain that had to happen to get to the ending. Maxim is undercover for the Syndicate and he knew going in he was going to see and have to do things that he would never want in his life. Olena has only known to hide in the shadows until the fateful day her father does the unthinkable and sells her. Now she is just doing whatever she has to so she can survive. This book leaves you twisted and turned as you witness the love Olena has for her siblings and the darkness that surrounds her until she realizes that Maxim might be her savior. Maxim doesn’t feel like that though and just wants to bring this ring down as much as he can. With Olena’s help he learns that he is capable of so much more than he ever thought and love is everything in this one woman.

[Louise O · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim is Book 12 in the Syndicates series, and he is the embodiment of a protector. He takes his role seriously, driven by a fierce sense of duty and a deep loyalty to the 'family.' He knows exactly what’s at stake, and he's willing to do whatever it takes to keep everyone safe.

What he didn’t expect was Olena the powerful connection that forms. As he works tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the operation, he's pushing himself to the limit, burning the candle at both ends to protect her and everyone else who matters.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Maxim is the kind of character you can’t help but fall for—strong, selfless, and deeply human. From the very beginning, this series has had me hooked, and I’ve found each book nearly impossible to put down.

Cala and Riley have delivered yet another incredible installment. Their storytelling just keeps getting better.

Overall 4/5

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Maxim we finally reach the end of what has become one of the best series I’ve read in such a long time . A series that has me equally in love and obsessed !!! No words can possibly describe how sad I am . Please be aware going in that Maxim is very much a dark and extremely emotional story ; so be sure to read the triggers first . Maxim and Olena - the degree to which I found myself falling utterly invested , the emotions I found myself reeling with the whole way through. All the different layers and complexities , the love , the passion, the pain , the secrets , the revenge , the non stop action , the family and friendships, I really did feel like I was taken on the wildest ride and completely blown away in all the best ways . And really what not to love about a MMC who’s the perfect blend of morally grey , protective , patient and loving . And our heroine Olena - who is so beautifully broken yet still strong and resilient.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book in this incredible series, and this is Maxim and Olena’s story.
Maxim is patient, protective, and with a huge heart, and he goes undercover for his family to take down a trafficking ring. Olena has been raised in a gilded cage, to obey and submit, and throughout she never loses sight of her goal, and that is to protect her younger siblings. When Olena is sold by her father, Maxim buys her, and she may be broken, but their relationship grows and strengthens throughout.
This is a well written sloe burn, emotionally charged story, with family dynamics, friendships, angst, tension, betrayal, trauma, turmoil, trust, acceptance, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, tragic, twisted, and unpredictable, dark mafia romance.
I look forward to reading more from these talented authors’ whose work I highly recommend.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes Cala Riley did it again . Oh how I just love the sacrifice Maxim took for the family. He knew he was the only one that could do this job. What he wasn’t expecting was to be so deep in it that he didn’t know if he could even live with himself if he had to go all the way. Olena daughter of a monster is raised with the understanding that women are to be seen and not heard. What she was expecting was her father to rip the rug up from under her. When Olena met Maxim she thought he was also a monster like her father. What will Olena find out? Will Maxim keep his word to the family? Does Maxim get in so deep he doesn’t know if he will survive? Will be be able to save the innocents? This book will have you flipping these pages so fast cause you are just going to want to know what is going to happen next. Definitely a 5 star read.

[Beth Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last book in the series and I loved it as much as the rest. This is a slow burn but understandable why it needs to be a slow burn with the plot.
I love the characters and the fact that Olena does think she has feelings for Maxim early on but questions them is what makes this book different from so many others.
The explanation from Maxim as well while trying to protect her adds to this as well. So many books skim over this element and it is a nice change.
I only discover led Cala Riley about 2 years ago when I knew they were going to be at the first book signing event I was going to and I have kept up with all their releases since.
Definitely recommend but also go back to the start of you haven’t read them because although it is standalone it will make more sense to read the whole series.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maxim is the final installment of The Syndicates series. I was in complete emotional overload which is why it has taken me a couple days to write this review. The content is heavy and the content warning, should be taken seriously. This story isn’t for the faint of heart.

Maxim pulls you in and keeps you engaged while the main character infiltrates a group filled with corruption and unthinkable actions. Maxim and Olena are strong, resilient characters who do whatever it takes to protect the vulnerable.

Maxim highlights some of the worst in our society. The book also uncovers some of the best. The character-driven plot, outstanding character development, and world-building will keep the reader turning pages as fast possible. The writing style is phenomenal and I love reading anything by Cala Riley.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maxim may be a powerful man in the Bratva but there are lines that he will not cross. He is more than willing to go undercover to protect those who are most vulnerable, and the assignment was straightforward. Or at least it was until he met Olena and now he will do whatever is necessary to protect her.

Olena knows the dark and dangerous man that her father is however her siblings are her world and she has always tried to shelter him. Those attempts have now put her in a dangerous situation where she is not only going to be separated from them but auctioned off as well and she worries that she is leaving one dire situation for something even worse.

After everything Olena has been through she doesn’t trust easily but despite being bought by Maxim he is unlike any man she has ever known as they take us on a journey that is filled with action and surprises.

[Britney Chavez · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came into this series towards the end, the last few books and my goodness did they all suck me into this wonderful world! But I gotta say Maxim and Olena were a top favorite. I gotta say it was mostly Maxim.

Don’t get me wrong I liked Olena but with her being so young and all the stuff her father did to her, and having to read some of the scenes, it just took a little bit for me to get into her. But I do gotta say with all of that, she does come out stronger than I thought she would. With how she made sure to protect her siblings as best as she could. She truly was a strong woman.

But Maxim won me over right away. The way he cared for Olena right from the start and he didn’t know how or why he did. It just came natural to him because he is truly a good guy, just has to do some bad things.
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4️⃣⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
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8/10 recommendation