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Maven
Since his mother’s death and his brother’s imprisonment, Maven Gold has been in a vicious cycle of sleeping with a different woman every other night to numb the pain. Frequenting a local sex club gives him access to various flavors to satisfy his palate. When a chance encounter with a blast from the past arouses more than his libido, he vows to make her his.
After the untimely death of her mother when she was seventeen, Chime has been responsible for taking care of herself as well as her younger sister. For years, Chime and her best friend have run their discreet sex club and secret jilted lovers blackmailing ring without a hitch. Their most popular service is helping women set up wealthy men with pregnancy scares and getting them to pay for their silence.
When Chime is propositioned to reunite with the only man to ever capture her heart, she must weigh her options on whether to let love win and bare it all to her lost love, even if it means losing everything she’s worked so hard to build.
After the untimely death of her mother when she was seventeen, Chime has been responsible for taking care of herself as well as her younger sister. For years, Chime and her best friend have run their discreet sex club and secret jilted lovers blackmailing ring without a hitch. Their most popular service is helping women set up wealthy men with pregnancy scares and getting them to pay for their silence.
When Chime is propositioned to reunite with the only man to ever capture her heart, she must weigh her options on whether to let love win and bare it all to her lost love, even if it means losing everything she’s worked so hard to build.
1 pages, Audio CD
Published June 10, 2025
About the author
Tatum James
67 books691 followersTatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
January 21, 2025
2.5 stars
Honestly the plot seemed like it would be entertaining but baby it was something. The opening threw me off badly because Chime wasn’t making sense at all. If a man leaves money on the table for you to abort just do it and be done. Why she was going back and forth with a man that was rude af after the fact is crazy to me. It put a bad taste in my mouth about her, like you already taking care of your sister and using men for a come up maybe a baby isn’t the move but Ummkay.
Idk the introduction of Maven left a lot to be desired as well, like I can’t remember if they were mentioned in previous books but I think maybe a clearer flash back or something would’ve helped. Cus why we ain’t hear about him until they was face to face? Like ohh this the love of your life you haven’t mentioned in any of these chapters hmmm. I feel like I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of her and Yaslan building up their business or something than the lil portions we got. The third act partial break up seperation was wack to me like I haaaaate it, especially when the author rushes to resolve in a couple sentences the next chapter. Like why even include it if the resolution was gonna be right there.
I felt like while Chime was moving wild at some points, Mavens anger wasn’t justified anymore. Like don’t keep forcing you way into her life saying you forgive her and love her but keep throwing it up everytime you need to make a point. Like was she wrong for trapping him yes but him being mad about it was pointless like sir the bridge is already crossed and you still wanna be with her just shut up about it. Then the fact that he was hiding his own secrets is like CMON NOW.
Overall this was just okay I think more character development was needed. Maven was a sex addict, Chime was a hooker with a plan and a couple plots. They both needed more guidance and I’m glad therapy was mentioned but we should’ve seen some of those sessions IMO. I also kinda dislike when authors use sex as a tool to distract from the actual problems because it was a lot of sex when they needed to be having more discussions, additionally the sex didn’t help move the story along. Like I get it we like a little spice but the spice has to be in places that will further the story.Like half the scenes wasn’t even built up, as a reader I didn’t see any sexual tension no real romantic connection. They just having quickies still mad at each other not establishing boundaries or setting a plan in motion to help they child transition or help them come to some sort of understanding just freaking and that’s it.
Honestly the plot seemed like it would be entertaining but baby it was something. The opening threw me off badly because Chime wasn’t making sense at all. If a man leaves money on the table for you to abort just do it and be done. Why she was going back and forth with a man that was rude af after the fact is crazy to me. It put a bad taste in my mouth about her, like you already taking care of your sister and using men for a come up maybe a baby isn’t the move but Ummkay.
Idk the introduction of Maven left a lot to be desired as well, like I can’t remember if they were mentioned in previous books but I think maybe a clearer flash back or something would’ve helped. Cus why we ain’t hear about him until they was face to face? Like ohh this the love of your life you haven’t mentioned in any of these chapters hmmm. I feel like I would’ve enjoyed seeing more of her and Yaslan building up their business or something than the lil portions we got. The third act partial break up seperation was wack to me like I haaaaate it, especially when the author rushes to resolve in a couple sentences the next chapter. Like why even include it if the resolution was gonna be right there.
I felt like while Chime was moving wild at some points, Mavens anger wasn’t justified anymore. Like don’t keep forcing you way into her life saying you forgive her and love her but keep throwing it up everytime you need to make a point. Like was she wrong for trapping him yes but him being mad about it was pointless like sir the bridge is already crossed and you still wanna be with her just shut up about it. Then the fact that he was hiding his own secrets is like CMON NOW.
Overall this was just okay I think more character development was needed. Maven was a sex addict, Chime was a hooker with a plan and a couple plots. They both needed more guidance and I’m glad therapy was mentioned but we should’ve seen some of those sessions IMO. I also kinda dislike when authors use sex as a tool to distract from the actual problems because it was a lot of sex when they needed to be having more discussions, additionally the sex didn’t help move the story along. Like I get it we like a little spice but the spice has to be in places that will further the story.Like half the scenes wasn’t even built up, as a reader I didn’t see any sexual tension no real romantic connection. They just having quickies still mad at each other not establishing boundaries or setting a plan in motion to help they child transition or help them come to some sort of understanding just freaking and that’s it.
January 23, 2025
Disadvantage
Hmmm 🤔 foremost “Maven” is not a standalone read. There’s context that’s directed associated with other Tatum James’ books. Unfortunately, this knowledge didn’t become obvious until the book’s end. I definitely would have appreciated this book “Maven” & the characters more had I known & read the books pertaining to “Dark Reign Dynasty” 🤷🏾♀️. Nonetheless, Maven was a good read but some of the conversations/events were convoluted. Duah 🤦🏾♀️🤭‼️…Once I get familiar with the Reign/Gold black market enterprises, I’ll probably read “Maven” again. Currently, I’m at a disadvantage with all that transpired in the book.
Hmmm 🤔 foremost “Maven” is not a standalone read. There’s context that’s directed associated with other Tatum James’ books. Unfortunately, this knowledge didn’t become obvious until the book’s end. I definitely would have appreciated this book “Maven” & the characters more had I known & read the books pertaining to “Dark Reign Dynasty” 🤷🏾♀️. Nonetheless, Maven was a good read but some of the conversations/events were convoluted. Duah 🤦🏾♀️🤭‼️…Once I get familiar with the Reign/Gold black market enterprises, I’ll probably read “Maven” again. Currently, I’m at a disadvantage with all that transpired in the book.
January 25, 2025
Yes, You all.. this was a good story. 4.75 stars....
April 4, 2025
This took longer than what it needed to and the book is only 200 pages.
The only issue I have with this book is the fmc and how she reacted to things that she could’ve just owned up to. But other than that I enjoyed the book!
The only issue I have with this book is the fmc and how she reacted to things that she could’ve just owned up to. But other than that I enjoyed the book!
January 30, 2025
I honestly forgot about Maven, and didn’t realize that he was kin to the Black Reign Dynasty until it was mentioned. Mr. Maven was “outside” living, albeit a bit reckless, trying to bury the pain that he was experiencing with his loss. While at his new spot trying his newest flavor, he sees a woman that makes him stop in his tracks. Go figure that he would find the one that got away in a damn sex club! 🤯
Chime was getting it anyway she could, after losing her mom at a young age, and having the responsibility of caring for her sister. Learning how to finesse men out of their pockets, she and her best friend found a lucrative niche, until Maven walks into her establishment.
Both Maven and Chime are stunned to run into each other again after all this time. Maven is elated to find the love of his life again and is ready to move forward expeditiously. However, Chime riddled with the guilt of her past actions is ready to run again. But Maven is not having it.
Chime made me a bit crazy with all her damn secrets. I get you scared but just tell the man everything at once and get it over with. Nooooooo….. you had to break his heart in doses and could have lost him forever. 😤 However, Maven isn’t just any man, cause sis many men would have ghosted you for less with all that, okay? Whew….. 👀🤬 I loved Shyanne with her smart self. Glad these two finally got on the same page, cause tension headache cometh!! 😒 Looking forward to Divine’s story.
Chime was getting it anyway she could, after losing her mom at a young age, and having the responsibility of caring for her sister. Learning how to finesse men out of their pockets, she and her best friend found a lucrative niche, until Maven walks into her establishment.
Both Maven and Chime are stunned to run into each other again after all this time. Maven is elated to find the love of his life again and is ready to move forward expeditiously. However, Chime riddled with the guilt of her past actions is ready to run again. But Maven is not having it.
Chime made me a bit crazy with all her damn secrets. I get you scared but just tell the man everything at once and get it over with. Nooooooo….. you had to break his heart in doses and could have lost him forever. 😤 However, Maven isn’t just any man, cause sis many men would have ghosted you for less with all that, okay? Whew….. 👀🤬 I loved Shyanne with her smart self. Glad these two finally got on the same page, cause tension headache cometh!! 😒 Looking forward to Divine’s story.
February 11, 2025
It’s Maven For Me😍🥵
As always, this book did not disappoint👏🏾🫡 Maven is the typical man that understood when the woman has flaws and all but decides to see the good in her. Now Chime didn’t have to keep all them dang on secrets that was damaging to her character. Especially the one about that man’s daughter, now the one about what type of business she ran or her side business, I would have to agree with her and I wouldn’t have told him that either at first. I think Maven was a little to quick to jump the gun about her side business, because he had a secret of his own and she took that with a grain of salt compared to how he acted when her business came to for front.
Anywho, yall just go read the dang on book because you won’t be disappointed.
As always, this book did not disappoint👏🏾🫡 Maven is the typical man that understood when the woman has flaws and all but decides to see the good in her. Now Chime didn’t have to keep all them dang on secrets that was damaging to her character. Especially the one about that man’s daughter, now the one about what type of business she ran or her side business, I would have to agree with her and I wouldn’t have told him that either at first. I think Maven was a little to quick to jump the gun about her side business, because he had a secret of his own and she took that with a grain of salt compared to how he acted when her business came to for front.
Anywho, yall just go read the dang on book because you won’t be disappointed.
February 2, 2025
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Wow oh wow. This book did not disappoint me. It's always good to read about a strong woman. I really wish there was more to read. No, there is not part 2 needed. I'm just being greedy 😜. Just read the damn book!!!
Wow oh wow. This book did not disappoint me. It's always good to read about a strong woman. I really wish there was more to read. No, there is not part 2 needed. I'm just being greedy 😜. Just read the damn book!!!
March 8, 2025
MAVEN & CHIME ❤️
I loved how the author put this story together. Maven and Chime reconnected after so many years, but not without a few surprises. One thing that didn't change for them was that they still loved each other. Maven was not letting Chime go again, and I loved how determined he was to make things right with them while also embracing fatherhood. And although they both had secrets, I was glad they were able to reveal their truths and work things out. Great happy ending.
I loved how the author put this story together. Maven and Chime reconnected after so many years, but not without a few surprises. One thing that didn't change for them was that they still loved each other. Maven was not letting Chime go again, and I loved how determined he was to make things right with them while also embracing fatherhood. And although they both had secrets, I was glad they were able to reveal their truths and work things out. Great happy ending.
January 20, 2025
Omg I love Maven.
December 15, 2025
3.75✨💥🌟
January 22, 2025
MrsTeeReads
Okkkkkk I understand desperate times lead to desperate measures but the gold trap is too much! Look at me hating on somebody's hustle.😬 Chime and Yaslen made a business out of it and was successful. And masked it behind a grown ups club…smart!
I enjoyed learning about Maven and his discovery. I was running from his grief and ran smack into his past…the one that got away. Discovery why she ran was a game changer and the mercy he needed to cope with his losses.
This was a good read, no emotional attachment. Of the Reign crew Maven’s story was not as captivating as Syre and Bishop.
Okkkkkk I understand desperate times lead to desperate measures but the gold trap is too much! Look at me hating on somebody's hustle.😬 Chime and Yaslen made a business out of it and was successful. And masked it behind a grown ups club…smart!
I enjoyed learning about Maven and his discovery. I was running from his grief and ran smack into his past…the one that got away. Discovery why she ran was a game changer and the mercy he needed to cope with his losses.
This was a good read, no emotional attachment. Of the Reign crew Maven’s story was not as captivating as Syre and Bishop.
February 11, 2025
"Dark Reign Dynasty Series Book 5 ".
I couldn't place Mavin for the life of me in the other books. This, however, did not take away from the plot. It was interesting getting to know Chime and Mavin. You got this feeling of false security. Like things were going too good.
All the skeletons were out of the closet, and he seemed so forgiving, accepting, and loving of all Chime's discretions. I just kept wondering when the other shoe was gonna drop and what it could possibly be 💁🏾♀️.
PS: If you needed a lil Syre fix to get your blush on, you got that here. I mean, now that he could let his guard down. Since he wasn't protecting his love from the world, he was back to his funny and charming self from books 1 & 2.
Look forward to what's in-store for Divine.
#Second Chance Love
I couldn't place Mavin for the life of me in the other books. This, however, did not take away from the plot. It was interesting getting to know Chime and Mavin. You got this feeling of false security. Like things were going too good.
All the skeletons were out of the closet, and he seemed so forgiving, accepting, and loving of all Chime's discretions. I just kept wondering when the other shoe was gonna drop and what it could possibly be 💁🏾♀️.
PS: If you needed a lil Syre fix to get your blush on, you got that here. I mean, now that he could let his guard down. Since he wasn't protecting his love from the world, he was back to his funny and charming self from books 1 & 2.
Look forward to what's in-store for Divine.
#Second Chance Love
February 1, 2025
Awesome Read
Chime lived a conniving and unstable past. Meeting Maven changed her in ways she wouldn't have imagined. Once Maven saw Chime again, it was like he never missed a beat. Her keeping so many secrets from him almost destroyed them. Shy being the biggest secret. With time and patience, he forgave her. The love he had for her was too intense to allow anything to destroy. Chime had to learn to love and forgive Chime. She knew how to love and care for others. Once they were on the same page, everything was great. This was a great read. I wish we were getting more on them.
Chime lived a conniving and unstable past. Meeting Maven changed her in ways she wouldn't have imagined. Once Maven saw Chime again, it was like he never missed a beat. Her keeping so many secrets from him almost destroyed them. Shy being the biggest secret. With time and patience, he forgave her. The love he had for her was too intense to allow anything to destroy. Chime had to learn to love and forgive Chime. She knew how to love and care for others. Once they were on the same page, everything was great. This was a great read. I wish we were getting more on them.
February 10, 2025
So this book was interesting finished it in one day… in the beginning Maven had me side eyeing him especially with how the book started.. Reading further he became more interesting to me.. Chime was nerve racking and I believe she was the reason I rated it a 4 star… she was so hard on herself that it irked me… Maven also was a hypocrite and on that bs with the back and forth they took the story from intriguing to damn let’s get it over with… this also was my first read by the author so I’ll try another
January 21, 2025
🥰🥰🥰🥰
Yesss love ❤️ this story wad everything I was rooting for them to make I love how they were a match made in heaven just had to figure out to to make it work through trust and understanding ❤️ and they did their little daughter had me cracking up so cute 😍 she definitely was her father's child ❤️ loved it ❤️ yesssz
Yesss love ❤️ this story wad everything I was rooting for them to make I love how they were a match made in heaven just had to figure out to to make it work through trust and understanding ❤️ and they did their little daughter had me cracking up so cute 😍 she definitely was her father's child ❤️ loved it ❤️ yesssz
January 22, 2025
Loved
Mayven wasn’t even thinking about finding love. He thought he found it in college but the love of his life left him never to be seen again!!
Ten years later Chime is back andddddd has a baby. The baby she claimed to have gotten rid of.
So many secrets. So many lies. But love stood strong.
Mayven wasn’t even thinking about finding love. He thought he found it in college but the love of his life left him never to be seen again!!
Ten years later Chime is back andddddd has a baby. The baby she claimed to have gotten rid of.
So many secrets. So many lies. But love stood strong.
February 1, 2025
Loved It
I really enjoyed this story! Maven and Chime total opposites but were made for each other in spite of how they got together! Both carrying secrets for different reasons, but live wouldn't go away! I love how their daughter kept both of them on their toes ! Family and friendships were important as well! Loves the epilogue! I can t wait for Divine story!
I really enjoyed this story! Maven and Chime total opposites but were made for each other in spite of how they got together! Both carrying secrets for different reasons, but live wouldn't go away! I love how their daughter kept both of them on their toes ! Family and friendships were important as well! Loves the epilogue! I can t wait for Divine story!
January 21, 2025
Maven!!!!
And another one. Keep turning out these home run books. My emotions were all over the place in this one. It’s something about an emotionally intelligent man that drives me crazy.
And another one. Keep turning out these home run books. My emotions were all over the place in this one. It’s something about an emotionally intelligent man that drives me crazy.
January 21, 2025
Maven!!
So cute and so many twists!! Showing the difference of how adults function being raised off survival or love was super important! Can’t wait for Divine!! I didn’t think I would like anyone more than psalm !
So cute and so many twists!! Showing the difference of how adults function being raised off survival or love was super important! Can’t wait for Divine!! I didn’t think I would like anyone more than psalm !
February 2, 2025
Trust Me With Your Heart
5 Stars plus for this book. I loved it! This story made me mad,cry and laugh. Maven and Chime were a total trip. Children sometimes change the direction of a relationship. Secrets can destroy it.
Thanks for a great read!!!
5 Stars plus for this book. I loved it! This story made me mad,cry and laugh. Maven and Chime were a total trip. Children sometimes change the direction of a relationship. Secrets can destroy it.
Thanks for a great read!!!
February 19, 2025
must read!!
Yessss, Maven wasn’t coming up off Chime! So glad they got it together and got the happily ever after they deserved!
Waiting for Divine’s book. . . She deserves love like her brother/brother cousins
Yessss, Maven wasn’t coming up off Chime! So glad they got it together and got the happily ever after they deserved!
Waiting for Divine’s book. . . She deserves love like her brother/brother cousins
January 20, 2025
loved it!
Maven really loved her cause baby..: break my heart all at once. Don’t constantly tell me the secrets after I dig it out! However, I’m happy everything worked out for them
Maven really loved her cause baby..: break my heart all at once. Don’t constantly tell me the secrets after I dig it out! However, I’m happy everything worked out for them
January 20, 2025
Family
I'm actually reading the series backwards since this is my first read. Maven was a handful and from the sound of it so is his family. Can't wait to read the rest.
I'm actually reading the series backwards since this is my first read. Maven was a handful and from the sound of it so is his family. Can't wait to read the rest.
January 21, 2025
Great Story!
This was definitely Dark Reign adjacent. I love how the author made the connection towards the end.
Shyanne was my favorite. I hope this comes to audio.
This was definitely Dark Reign adjacent. I love how the author made the connection towards the end.
Shyanne was my favorite. I hope this comes to audio.
January 22, 2025
I love this family
Loved this one just like all of the rest cant wait until the next one with the sister! Hopefully we can get a family christmas book I love happy endings
Loved this one just like all of the rest cant wait until the next one with the sister! Hopefully we can get a family christmas book I love happy endings
January 26, 2025
Maven Gold for the win
As always, Tatum wrote another great book. Well written. The storyline flowed effortlessly. I loved Chime but hated how she was really made the villain. But for good reason. Maven was so torn the whole book but I’m glad he came to his senses. We still waiting on Divine’s book Ms Ma’am!
As always, Tatum wrote another great book. Well written. The storyline flowed effortlessly. I loved Chime but hated how she was really made the villain. But for good reason. Maven was so torn the whole book but I’m glad he came to his senses. We still waiting on Divine’s book Ms Ma’am!
Read
March 9, 2025Maven and Chime
This was another beautiful story by Ms. James. When Chime decided to not keep secrets, it caused Maven to come clean about his family business.. They are a beautiful couple.
This was another beautiful story by Ms. James. When Chime decided to not keep secrets, it caused Maven to come clean about his family business.. They are a beautiful couple.
April 14, 2025
Oh the turn of events!!! I was so confused at first like did she or didn’t she. Chime had a lot of growth throughout this book and i enjoyed that. Maven was a lil bit of a hypocrite but i understood.
July 19, 2025
Quick Read
Tatum knows she can get you wrapped in a story line! This is a quick read with a little drama, a little action, and a splash of sexy!
Tatum knows she can get you wrapped in a story line! This is a quick read with a little drama, a little action, and a splash of sexy!
March 15, 2025
Great Read
Maven was indeed a man driving down his own lane. When he came across the women that captured his heart he wad determined not to let her go again. Chime feeling weak and not being able to fight the attraction but with the secret she was keeping she felt she would lose him and she somewhat did until his sister brought it to his attention that he was hiding secrets just as she was, once they conquered everything things worked out; but within one part of the book when he went to visit his brother I thought he was deceased.
Maven was indeed a man driving down his own lane. When he came across the women that captured his heart he wad determined not to let her go again. Chime feeling weak and not being able to fight the attraction but with the secret she was keeping she felt she would lose him and she somewhat did until his sister brought it to his attention that he was hiding secrets just as she was, once they conquered everything things worked out; but within one part of the book when he went to visit his brother I thought he was deceased.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews