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Maksim: A Dark Mafia Romance
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 24, 2026
I'm going to start my review by saying I know I found a great book when I binge read it!
'Maksim' is the first book in the Made Men & Monsters series, and honestly, it pulled me in from the very beginning. I appreciated was that the story got straight to the point from the beginning, the arranged marriage that sets everything in motion wasn’t dragged out for chapters and chapters, it happened, and we were immediately thrown into the story. That made the pacing feel incredibly smooth forn the rest of the book, timefrmes were mentioned but not lingered on.
I was initially drawn to this book because of Natalia. Being honest, I struggle with mafia romances where the FMC is written to be overly obedient or simply compliant with whatever the MMC or the family wants and just accepts her new life. Natalia was absolutely not that woman, and I loved her for it! She was headstrong, confident, and carried herself so well throughout the entire story. She knew when to stand her ground, but she also knew when pushing further wasn’t the right move. That balance made her feel strong without making her unnecessarily difficult, and I thought she was really well written.
And then, of course, a special mention for the fur baby!!
I will always love a book that gives the dog the attention they deserve, and I was absolutely here for it. I’m a sucker for a well-written animal companion, and Volk definitely stole a piece of my heart.
Maksim was an addictive read with great pacing, a strong FMC, and a story that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I loved that Natalia had a backbone and wasn’t afraid to use it, and I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes from here (because I've also fallen in love with all the brothers! They all have their own personalities that I loved to learn about and I'm such a sucker for a found family!)
If you enjoy mafia romance with an arranged marriage, a strong-willed FMC, plenty of tension, and a very important four-legged side character, Maksim is definitely one to add to your TBR!
'Maksim' is the first book in the Made Men & Monsters series, and honestly, it pulled me in from the very beginning. I appreciated was that the story got straight to the point from the beginning, the arranged marriage that sets everything in motion wasn’t dragged out for chapters and chapters, it happened, and we were immediately thrown into the story. That made the pacing feel incredibly smooth forn the rest of the book, timefrmes were mentioned but not lingered on.
I was initially drawn to this book because of Natalia. Being honest, I struggle with mafia romances where the FMC is written to be overly obedient or simply compliant with whatever the MMC or the family wants and just accepts her new life. Natalia was absolutely not that woman, and I loved her for it! She was headstrong, confident, and carried herself so well throughout the entire story. She knew when to stand her ground, but she also knew when pushing further wasn’t the right move. That balance made her feel strong without making her unnecessarily difficult, and I thought she was really well written.
And then, of course, a special mention for the fur baby!!
I will always love a book that gives the dog the attention they deserve, and I was absolutely here for it. I’m a sucker for a well-written animal companion, and Volk definitely stole a piece of my heart.
Maksim was an addictive read with great pacing, a strong FMC, and a story that kept me wanting to know what would happen next. I loved that Natalia had a backbone and wasn’t afraid to use it, and I’m definitely interested to see where the series goes from here (because I've also fallen in love with all the brothers! They all have their own personalities that I loved to learn about and I'm such a sucker for a found family!)
If you enjoy mafia romance with an arranged marriage, a strong-willed FMC, plenty of tension, and a very important four-legged side character, Maksim is definitely one to add to your TBR!
August 29, 2026
This is book one of the Made Men & Monsters series. I was drawn into Maksim and Natalia‘s story from the first chapter. It’s an excellent arranged marriage romance. I loved her sass and Maksim was in awe, as well! I loved how the alpha man was a teddy bear for her! This one was fun to read. I was thoroughly entertained.
July 15, 2026
Pretty standard mafia romance book. Girl is married to mafia boss, mafia boss has enemies. Girl escapes husband's house and is apprehended by enemy. Husband takes everyone down for wife he didn't care for 2 months ago. It's not bad, but doesn't exceed expectations. I liked the dog narrative, and that she is not a virgin and he waits for her to want sex. No trying to convince her she wants it. Spice scenes are nice.
the writing style is a bit odd to me. The sentences are short, clipped, like the author thought it would hive more edge to the characters with this.
There are several sentences that are reused throughout the story. This is something you can maybe get away with in 600-800 pages, but not in a story you can read in a few hours.
the writing style is a bit odd to me. The sentences are short, clipped, like the author thought it would hive more edge to the characters with this.
There are several sentences that are reused throughout the story. This is something you can maybe get away with in 600-800 pages, but not in a story you can read in a few hours.
August 19, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed this book featuring the morally grey male character and the feisty female lead forced to marry. The banter between them was wonderful. I enjoyed reading about a strong Alpha male who knew he had all the power not using that power to coerce or dampen the spirit of the equally strong female character. The two were compatible and combustible is every aspect of their interactions. I am ready for the next book in the series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2026
THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING IN EVERY WAY!!
Eloise Dravenhall absolutely nailed it-the tension, the yearning, the action, and even the humor were all perfectly balanced. She did such an incredible job that I already want to read it again and tell everyone about it.
I loved how the MMC never belittled the FMC's feelings or opinions. Instead, he respected her and treated her as an equal.
And the FMC? She was stubborn in the best way-rong, confident, and a natural leader. When she set her mind to something, you just knew she was going to make it happen one way or another.
The chemistry was absolutely addictive, and every interaction had me wanting just one more chapter.
This book was a 10/10 for me, and I absolutely can't wait for the rest of the series!
Eloise Dravenhall absolutely nailed it-the tension, the yearning, the action, and even the humor were all perfectly balanced. She did such an incredible job that I already want to read it again and tell everyone about it.
I loved how the MMC never belittled the FMC's feelings or opinions. Instead, he respected her and treated her as an equal.
And the FMC? She was stubborn in the best way-rong, confident, and a natural leader. When she set her mind to something, you just knew she was going to make it happen one way or another.
The chemistry was absolutely addictive, and every interaction had me wanting just one more chapter.
This book was a 10/10 for me, and I absolutely can't wait for the rest of the series!
July 14, 2026
Meet Maksim and Natalia. He’s the Pakhan. She’s to be his wife, bratava style (aka she didn’t know!) These two meet and it’s like a clash of the titans, but with respect. This story is so well written you feel like you’re in their heads. Their interplay is top-notch. His brother’s add so much depth to Maksim (and the story!). Volk too. New author for me and I’m a huge fan. Can’t wait for more, I’m hoping his brothers and her sister get their own story!! Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Did Not Finish
July 5, 2026ARC Review, thx Eloise Dravenhall
DNF at 20%.
Eloise is a new to me author, and the tropes and themes of this book sounded so promising—my favorite trope, "arranged marriage," plus a pet (a dog) that survives the storyline. Unfortunately, however, I just couldn't get into the book and found the writing style very draining.
I'm sorry.
DNF at 20%.
Eloise is a new to me author, and the tropes and themes of this book sounded so promising—my favorite trope, "arranged marriage," plus a pet (a dog) that survives the storyline. Unfortunately, however, I just couldn't get into the book and found the writing style very draining.
I'm sorry.
July 6, 2026
Just read Maksim by new author Eloise Dravenhall.
Strong debut mafia romance with found family, a shipyard dog, banter, and a housekeeper who runs the Pakhan’s home with her wooden spoon (she reminds me of my grandma).
Maksim and Natalia are the couple for book 1 of Made Men and Monsters. Natalia is the FMC, and she has wit and quick comebacks for everyone—her father, Maksim (MMC), her brothers-in-law, or other Russian mafia men. Some of Natalia’s comebacks had me laughing out loud. Her scenes with Sasha (a Russian mafia guy with a very dry sense of humor) were some of my favorites in the book.
This is a strong found-family trope book that includes weekly Sunday family dinners. The yearning from both the FMC and MMC—and the slow burn between them—was delicious to read!
There were plenty of Easter eggs throughout the book for the upcoming brothers’ books.
And Volk, the shipyard dog, gets a happy ending too. 😊
Looking forward to the other brother's books.
August 24, 2026
Maksim is a thrilling telling of a woman who didn't choose her fate and a man who found a life he never expected he could have. The passion and romance of their story is enticing and sexy. The peril of being part of the mafia world and the power that comes with it is thoughtfully written.
The story sometimes seems too fast but it ends up working well with the storyline. Some parts of the book seemed too orchestrated to set up sequels and not fit with the storyline of Maksim well enough.
The narrative being told by multiple perspectives is fun and detailed. Sometimes it felt like the narrative got passed too quickly from one person but it kept the me interested!
Overall I enjoyed reading Maksim and the characters created. I would read the stories of the other brothers and learn more about this world!
The story sometimes seems too fast but it ends up working well with the storyline. Some parts of the book seemed too orchestrated to set up sequels and not fit with the storyline of Maksim well enough.
The narrative being told by multiple perspectives is fun and detailed. Sometimes it felt like the narrative got passed too quickly from one person but it kept the me interested!
Overall I enjoyed reading Maksim and the characters created. I would read the stories of the other brothers and learn more about this world!
July 6, 2026
Good Book- Pretty standard Mafia story, with some new angles that I liked.
Things I liked:
Her smart and funny mouth- that was refreshing and I found it entertaining. :-)
the DOG!! he stole the show for me.
the supporting characters- the brothers, Sasha, Olga, Ruslan- all so good.
This book doesnt go into to much detail of the "mafia killing part", you know its happening but its not descriptive like some I have read. (altough I would have liked to know what he did to Nico).
Spice- it was ok, standard rough mafia man taking control.
Overall a good read for her first book! Looking forward to what is coming for Dima! :-)
Things I liked:
Her smart and funny mouth- that was refreshing and I found it entertaining. :-)
the DOG!! he stole the show for me.
the supporting characters- the brothers, Sasha, Olga, Ruslan- all so good.
This book doesnt go into to much detail of the "mafia killing part", you know its happening but its not descriptive like some I have read. (altough I would have liked to know what he did to Nico).
Spice- it was ok, standard rough mafia man taking control.
Overall a good read for her first book! Looking forward to what is coming for Dima! :-)
August 30, 2026
Maksim pulled me in right from the beginning! The story moved quickly, kept my attention, and definitely had me wanting to know what was going to happen next. And Volk completely stole my heart—I absolutely loved that dog. ❤️
I really enjoyed the characters and the overall story. Toward the end, things felt a little more fairy-tale-like than I expected, and some parts became a bit repetitive, but neither took away from how much I enjoyed the book overall.
This was an entertaining, easy-to-get-lost-in read, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next book in the Made Men & Monsters series! 📚🖤
I really enjoyed the characters and the overall story. Toward the end, things felt a little more fairy-tale-like than I expected, and some parts became a bit repetitive, but neither took away from how much I enjoyed the book overall.
This was an entertaining, easy-to-get-lost-in read, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where the story goes in the next book in the Made Men & Monsters series! 📚🖤
July 12, 2026
I had a lot of fun with this one! The characters all had their own personalities, which made it easy to get invested in each of them. There were enough teasers to know what the next book in the series will be without giving away too much.
I especially loved seeing the FMC take everything that was chosen for her and decide to make something better out of it. If you’re looking for a lighter mafia romance with some spice and plenty of character growth, Maksim is worth checking out.
I especially loved seeing the FMC take everything that was chosen for her and decide to make something better out of it. If you’re looking for a lighter mafia romance with some spice and plenty of character growth, Maksim is worth checking out.
July 14, 2026
Meet Maksim and Natalia. He’s the Pakhan. She’s to be his wife, bratava style (aka she didn’t know!) These two meet and it’s like a clash of the titans, but with respect. This story is so well written you feel like you’re in their heads. Their interplay is top-notch. His brother’s add so much depth to Maksim (and the story!). Volk too. New author for me and I’m a huge fan. Can’t wait for more, I’m hoping his brothers and her sister get their own story!! Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 8, 2026
I loved this book!! Going into it I wasn’t sure what to expect. Arranged marriage, mafia, but it was so much more. Natalia was bad ass! She didn’t mess around. I love a strong FMC. Maksim the big scary Pakhan was really a big teddy bear for his girl. Will definitely be reading the next books in the series.
July 14, 2026
Meet Maksim and Natalia. He’s the Pakhan. She’s to be his wife, bratava style (aka she didn’t know!) These two meet and it’s like a clash of the titans, but with respect. This story is so well written you feel like you’re in their heads. Their interplay is top-notch. His brother’s add so much depth to Maksim (and the story!). Volk too. New author for me and I’m a huge fan. Can’t wait for more, I’m hoping his brothers and her sister get their own story!! Spice is 🌶️🌶️ and stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews