What if your soulmate gave up on love before even meeting you?
I've lived my life trying to undo the evil my father caused in this world. With every penny I donate, and every orphan I help, I feel lighter, but it never lasts long. Always on the move, I'm restless and feeling more lost than I allow people to see.
That is, until I met Fleur. She is as grounded as Mother Earth and fearless around wild animals, but is she brave enough to take another chance on love? And if so, would she ever fall for someone as flawed and troubled as me?
With a background in life coaching, Elin is easy to talk to and with over thirty-six books under her belt, fans rave about her unique writing style that has subtle elements of coaching mixed into fictional love stories with happy endings.
Elin is curious by nature. She likes to explore and can tell you about trekking through the Asian jungle, watching the sunset in the Sahara Desert, sailing down the Nile in Egypt, kayaking in Alaska, river rafting in Indonesia, and flying over Greenland in a helicopter.
She enjoys writing books with her talented daughter Pearl Beacon, whom she describes as one of the kindest and wisest people she knows.
To connect or learn more, please visit Elin at: Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon, Instagram or simply send an email to: elin@elinpeer.com
Maximum is a story of personal growth, letting go of fear and love. Neither protagonist is perfect, in fact they both of issues that hold them back. However compromise, listening to one another and wanting to be a better person results in a unique and compelling love story. Maximum and Fleur are both likeable, down-to-earth characters - even though both had a far from normal upbringing. I adored not only them but also their story.
This book doesn't follow the usual cliche of meet, get together, break up and reconcile. Instead we see a couple work through their issues together. Observe how persistence and respect are used to form a connection and watch as they fall in love. Nothing in life is perfect but it is how we deal with those bumps in the road that can make or break a relationship. Fleur and Maximum might not get it right first time, but they do persevere and endeavour to be better.
I loved the epilogue, who knows if it will pave the way for stories in the future. It was also great to "bump into" some very old friends too.
Are all children affected the same by a cult leader?
This is the 6th and last book in this series following the 5 children as adults and how each of their psyches formed from the trauma imposed on them by a psychopathic cult leader.
When that cult leader is also your biological father, you question yourself as to whether you will be the same as him. Can you be like other people and have a normal relationship? How do you act in a normal relationship?
Maximum and Fleur did not have a normal upbringing. He wants her and she is finished with men after what her husband did to her. Everything he does to get her to go out with him meets with a resounding no. Finally, Fleur thinks he could be helpful when she goes back to South Africa and says yes to him accompanying her. They both have issues, and as they explore the animal kingdom, they each start to learn how to trust and get to know each other. Jealousy and anger are deeply embedded in Max and with the help of Fleur and family members, he learns that he is the only one who can change and control those feelings. And how much will it cost him before he gets control?
Fleur is an animal communicator. I love how she talks to the animals and can hear them talking to her. Some amazing info on lions mating.
Each of the 5 children that were survivors of the cult was basically all treated the same but that influence on them moulded their psyches differently.
This book brings about a good close to this series. I liked the thought of Maximum and Fleur together, even as I thought he came on too strong in the last book. But as I read this one I realized these two were perfect for each other, they balanced each other. The one thing that did bug me was Maximum's jealousy. I was glad when he was able to spend time with Jolene and she was able to get him to see things in a different light, one he was able to talk to Fleur about. Once the two of them were on the same page things were great for them.
I really liked how this one ended, loved the low key wedding and the epilogue years into the future, loved seeing everyone happy and still a very close family.
On a side note, reading about Fleur's abilities with animals made me wish I could do that, especially the part in Africa, what a trip like that would be!
It’s sad to see the series end, but it has come full circle. Maximum is a Gypsy who is always moving around. He has lived trying to fix the mistakes his “evil” father caused, he cannot find anything "good" his father did. Maximum tries to help the poor, the orphaned, but it seems that he can’t help himself, until he meets Fleur Linden, an animal communicator. Maximum goes along with his adoptive parents and his little sister Saffron to Fleur’s Farm where he meets Fleur whom Maximum thinks is Mother Earth reincarnated. Maximum wants to follow Fleur to South Africa, so he begs her to let him go. A trip to The Big Five game reserve in Madikwe, South Africa (it really does exist) may prove otherwise for Fleur and Maximum. Details of the trip will not be disclosed. Fleur can communicate with sharks, elephants, lions and plenty of other animals. She has even spoken to Megan, a teenager in a coma . Fleur won’t commit to another relationship due to the fact that her ex-husband tried to control her. “Max” needs to control his jealousy. He has fallen head over heels in love with Fleur. Being patient, Fleur is going to take it easy. The whole family meets Fleur and has fallen in love with her. Throughout the book, both Max and Fleur grow to know how to love and be patient of each others needs and wants. I love that the author included an Epilogue and brings the reader up to date, sixteen years later. It’s sad. The Cultivated series is ending, but with the ending, brings new beginnings. I was thinking a series about the children of all the biological and adoptive sons and daughters. Starting with Dove. She is her mother’s daughter.
Maximum is the last installment in the cultivated series. The series is about a family of siblings raised in a cult and the effects that a mass suicide that was orchestrated by the cult’s leader had on them. Elin Peer does a great job of really getting into the characters heads, and being able to make you fully invested in their ability to overcome their issues. So much so that it feels like you are reading about real people. Maximum and Atlas are the leader’s biological children, so I found myself most interested in getting a deeper look at them. Did they have the same tendencies? Did they feel guilty because it was their father? This book definitely answered that for me.
The relationship between the siblings also evolves throughout the series and is really brought together in this book. As each character heals, they are able to open up more and further their bonds. As far as the romance, I loved the relationship between Fleur and Maximum. At first it appears that Maximum is laid back and easy going but in reality, he is not. He has jealousy and trust issues. Which is why Fleur, with her understanding and patient nature is a perfect match for him. She really is a great addition to their family and to the series. This book ties in really nicely. If you like an interesting story with a swoon worthy relationship, this one won't disappoint.
Once again Elin Peer has caught me with the last book in the “Cultivated” series. This time we hear about Maximum, which is the child of the cult leader Connor O’Brian and the brother of Atlas. Maximum has some issues about his father, and about if he will be like his father, which used the women and children at the Red Manor. He meets Fleur which is afraid of falling in love again, because her divorce from Pierre, which used her ability to communicate with animals to get some fabulous pictures, was painful and awful. This book was a perfect end of this series, but I hope that Elin Peer some day will continue the series. All in all, this book was also a page turner. Once I have started reading the book, I cannot put it down until I have finished reading it. This is how I feel about all Elin Peer's books.
~~ Maximum finding that perfect fit … The sixth book in this incredible series, written by the marvelous Ms. Peer! Following the stories of the other 4 siblings, this story continues our peek into how the siblings have grown & overcome various issues & experiences in their post Conor O’Brien world. Will Maximum’s inability to sustain long term relationships hinder a life with the beautiful, talented perfect Fleur? Can they both overcome the stumbling blocks that seem to keep appearing in their path? Once again an extraordinary story filled with a few twists, and that definitely hooks you in from the start! Wonderful, hard to put down!
This is the last book of the Cultivated series and brings to a conclusion how a cult can have an impact on children and relationships. This is the story of Fleur and Maximum.
Scared to let anyone in to her life after a horrible divorce, Fleur is a charismatic and talented animal communicator. She met Maximum during an open day, and straight away Maximum was attracted to her. Like his siblings, Maximum suffered from the consequences of having grown up in a cult. Especially since, he is the son of the cult leader. Not only does Maximum desire to overcome his jealousy, he also wants to investigate his DNA heritage and the influence that it would have for his own children.
I really like this last book in the series. I found that Maximum and Fleur formed a complementary couple. Through the book, Fleur has a genuine heart. She has the patience to help Maximum, who is tormented by his insecure feelings. On the other hand, Maximum makes Fleur stronger and to become confident in her own personal life. She is an extremely confident person as an animal communicator. In its conclusion, Elin has answered some of questions about Conor O’Brien’s life and brought this series to an end.
Sadly, this is the 6th and final book in the Cultivated series. I am truly sad to see it end. I truly enjoyed reading this series. Maximum was another great page turner. The story and the characters in it were amazing. I loved the Safari part in this book as well. I think Fleur was perfect for Maximum.I love the way Elin makes each book unique on its own as well as bringing back our favorite characters from the previous books as well.. I would highly recommend this series to anyone.
I was really looking forward to Maximum's story the brooding peaceful warrior who was out taking care of everyone else lost jealous angry bitter soft sweet loving and very caring for his family. Always looking for love but never relaxing enough to find it or finding that special person. Unfortunately his story just fell flat for me. I love the characters really enjoyed the story because it felt true to him but for some reason it just didn't grab me. I love this author and I love this whole series so that was an anomaly for me I was surprised that I really just didn't feel it as much as I normally do her books. I guess after reading as many of her books as I have it shouldn't be a surprise that one out of 20 or more didn't hit me in the heart and soul like they normally do. It's a great read like I said I really think it's just me but we all know how that goes.
Maximum, Cultivated, Book 6, by Elin Peer. Maximum, in some senses, is the gentlest book in Elin Peer's Cultivated series. Maximum, the biological son of Conor O'Brien, deranged leader of the Irish Red Manor Cult in which he and the other children in the cult were raised, is a gentle giant. He loves football, travel, and orphaned children, travelling the world to aid those worst off as a form of retribution for the sins committed by his father.
Chief among those was infidelity, which left Maximum with lasting jealousy that jeopardized any relationships he might have with women. He's had many relationships, none of them ending well because of his fear of infidelity. As each of his siblings finds and relates to another person with love and trust, Maximum seems to move farther away from any kind of adult relationship stability.
Then he meets Fleur Linden, a South African animal communicator. He has a deep suspicion of charlatans and mystics of all types. He can't get a handle on Fleur, yet he develops a deep physical reaction to her.
Inviting himself on a safari to Africa with her, he determines to find out more about this fascinating woman. Trouble is, she had been married before, and it didn't end amicably. Now, for reasons of his own, her former husband is trying to renew the relationship. I think you can see where this is heading.
In spite of his desire for Fleur, Maximum's old habit begins to gnaw away at his new relationship. Then he has a session with Jolene, Atlas's wife, a psychiatrist with a keen interest in helping the survivors of cults cope with ir trauma. Slowly, bit by bit, Maximum begins to overcome his jealousy as Jolene gives him a new vision of what happened to cause it.
This book is a firsthand lesson on how to control an unreasonable passion. Peer's insight, expressed through Jolene, is pragmatic, rational, and sympathetic. It gives Maximum the courage to look at himself closely and figure our a way to overcome his emotion. As with all of Peer's books, there are lessons hidden behind the tales of romantic love, and this exploration of jealousy and its effects on individuals leaves one looking at one's own character and wondering if one is as "perfect" as one thought.
Although the members of this family share the same traumatic experience earlier in life, they each take away from it something different – their own imperfections when it comes to relationships. What I love about this series is that Elin Peer manages to portray a unique story for each of the siblings.
In this instance, Maximum is drawn to a fascinating persona by the name of Fleur whose ability to communicate with animals does enthrall Maximum. We get to journey with them to a wildlife preserve in South Africa. While each has suffered disappointment in past relationships, they, too, deal with it differently and need to have a break through before they can fulfil their innermost desires. Once again, Elin Peer applies her life coaching skills to her writing and subtly reveals to us the basic components of a healthy partnership.
Getting there is the interesting part. Since they also spend time with others of the Robertson Family, we get to revisit more of our favourite characters. This was also a grand “conclusion” to a wonderful series and yet I surmise from the epilogue that we may be blessed with more to come as an off-shoot. That would be well-worth the read – always well-written and thought provoking, it makes for good entertainment, too.
I received an arc and this is my honest and voluntary review.
This was a book in a wonderful series about the children of a cult leader. Maximum was the son of the dead cult leader who convinced his followers to commit suicide in a mass killing which included the death of his mother. Then, years later, Maximum met a wonderful young woman named Fleur who could literally talk to animals! I guess what I most loved about this book was the incredible descriptions of the thoughts of the animals, especially the sharks and the lions. This makes the book a wonderful support for animal conservation efforts. There was always the question of whether human beings were also animals and if Fleur could read those thoughts as well. I guess she seemed to have a sensitivity to their feelings at the least. My only disappointment was due to my love for romantic and very suspenseful books. So I would have loved more suspense regarding Fleur's ex-husband who kept returning and annoying her. I was expecting some actual physical danger from him, such as threatening her with a gun in order to get her to return his love again. But it was great how the love between Fleur and Maximum grew and developed into a wonderful relationship. I highly recommend this book.
Every time I get a new book from Elin Peer (yeah, I get all her books! I'm addicted) I do everyting I can to strearch out the book as mutch as I can. I want to be in the story for as long as possible. I want it to be in my head all day, when I'm coocking or cleaning, I want the story to play in my mind. All day long. I just love it. For me, when a book takes over your mind, and play out a story by it's self, is the best way for a book to be. But! I simply could not stretch it out longer! I only had five pages ledt of the book, and could not let them be unread any more! I just could'nt! This last book in Cultivated wraps up the series so good! Can't imagen it to be better, even if I tried! So wunderfully put together in a wild story. This series blew my mind! I had this feeleing when I read the Slave series too! Never had I thought that a character in book could make me so mad and hatefull, gasps of mindblowing crazy things like that, indtil I read The Slave series and now also with Cultivated! Don't let this scare you! It's a really good story! Really good! It just make you feel and think, and that's what's so good about it! If you haven't read Cultivated yet, then start now, you wont regeret it!
Maximum – The 6th and final book in the series Cultivated by Elin Peer Maximum was the youngest of the children living with The Red Manor Group, presented earlier in the series. He was rescued and adopted by Charles and Liv and - he was also the son of the cult leader Conor O´Brien. This has haunted him ever since. Had he inherited the genes that made his father this charismatic and dangerous person? What could happen if or when this was revealed to the world? What does it take for him to face and acknowledge the truth about his background and realize his unique qualities and potential, settle down and build a life of his own. He works with projects to support orphans travelling all over the world helping both with money and his practical skills for building and having things work. When will he realize he is not only a product of his father but also his mother and the upbringing in the family of Charles and Liv and all his siblings. Will he dare to confront himself and show his sensibility behind the mask? Will he meet someone who calls forth the real Maximum so he will be able to create a future beyond what he had ever dreamt of?
Have you been following the "Cultivated" series? If you have, I know you're as excited as I am to read "Maximum". If you haven't let me give you a brief synopsis so far so you know what your missing. NO SPOILERS OR DETAILS. This series follows the five children as adults after being raised by a cult leader. Yep, you read that right. How their personalities developed after all the trauma imposed on them. There's an old saying: "There are three sides to each story: 'your, mine, and the truth." In each book, Elin Peer has given us each of these character's truth and in this one, we get Maximum's. There are so many emotions, so many twists and turns, and yet she brings their fully flawed personalities to life in such a way, I walked away feeling like I knew them. Maximum and Fleur is another great storyline that will pull you in and keep you mesmerized from page one. What an exceptional story!
Incredible ending to such a fantastic series!! If I could give more stars I absolutely would!!! The Cultivated Series follows the children in the Red Manor Cult, and how life in the cult has affected them. This series is astounding! The amount of research and time that must have been spent making this series so realistic and factual makes it a must read! Maximum is so blown away by his first meeting with Fleur that he acts like an arrogant jerk. Fleur has been burned badly before in a previous relationship and is not looking for love. Maximum devises a plan to make Fleur see him differently, but doesn’t expect to see her in a different light. Very strong chemistry between the characters, excellent story line, and the subject matter of the whole series will grab you from the beginning. The growth of the characters through the whole series and the way they find both love and healing is so enlightening. Sad to see the series end. It will definitely stick with me.
Well this series ended on a show stopper. When Max met Fleur he fell in love almost immediately but she had been there, done that and said never again. Max always came across as free and easy with a passion for travel and helping people who needed it. Fleur was a loner with a passion for animals and had a connection with them. I really didn’t think this romance would work Max never gave up and at times was like a loveable but whiny kid. Did he have what it took to win Fleur over?. Well their funny,steamy antics in Africa seem to say yes. Elin Peer has this knack of pulling you into her stories and feeling like part of the family. I felt like I’ve lived through each and every one of their terrible pasts and helped put them all back together to be one big happy family. My emotions were on a rollercoaster and I’m sorry this series has ended albeit on a fantastic story. Well done Elin!!
Maximum is so taken with Fleur Linden that he keeps doing everything wrong with her but when she says she is going home to South Africa for some work and to see her parents he asks to go along and she refuses but he keeps on her until she realizes he could be a help to her because of Pierre. Maximum is happy to oblige her playing her boyfriend Maximum gets carried away and things get out of hand. Maximum shows his jealousy but manages to get Fleur to relax around him but he is shocked at how calm she is around all the while animals and how she communicates with them and they show them where they had left the remains of the poachers. Their relationship seems to improve even though Fleur doesn't like lying to her parents but she is happy that Maximum has gotten her ex-husband who made her very reluctant to get involved with anyone. But during their time to get they find themselves very attracted to one another. When they return to Ireland they decide that he will stay on the farm with her and he will commute when needed. Loved the storyline and all the characters are always entertaining. I was given an ARC as a gift from the author without obligations. I am providing an honest review.
This is a strong story and possible conclusion to the cultivated series. I enjoyed reading all the other books in the series. I loved learning about what made Maximus tick. I didn’t really engage with the female character Fleur which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5. The story felt more centered around her than Maximus but I would have loved to see Fleur participate in more of Maximus’ life. With his devotion to children I felt it would have been more monumental for a child to have reached out to him in all his time volunteering. Personal opinions on the character aside it was in line with the rest of the series and we got more in depth on the cult and other characters from previous books including a little crossover on another series and that’s always fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Maximum is the last book in the Cultivited series and one of the 5 children raised in a cult. Like his other 4 siblings he was scarred and affected by Conor O’Brien, his biological father and cult leader. Maximum saw what Conor’s infidelity did to his mother and because of that experience he has issues with committing to a long-term relationship. Fleur is a gentle soul that communicates with animals and not interested in men or a relationship thanks to her stalker ex-husband. Maximum and Fleur is an unusual match, but when he accompanies her to South Africa and they must spend days in each other’s company, things start to develop. Fantastic story-line with great characters and detailed description of the safari and their experiences with the animals. Worth the read!
Fascinating 5 stars - Fleur’s ability is fascinating. It definitely made the story interesting. I learned stuff I didn’t know about lions. While this is a fiction book, the environmental concerns and the sharks behavior makes sense. The romance between Maximum and Fleur was unexpected but at the same time, it’s what both of them needed. They are perfect for each other. The conflict from Pierre and Maximum’s own behavior were emotionally intense. The author created characters that felt real despite the backdrop of animal telepathy and Robertson family's billions. Information about Max and Atlas’ father was revealed. I really like the epilogues. [I received an advanced copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.]
The sixth and I assume the last book in the Captivated series. I truly hate to see it end! All of Ms Peer's books have taught me something. Fleur is an animal communicator and the scenes in Africa are nothing short of amazing. I can just imagine Fleur and Maximum sitting around the campfire, admiring all the stars, with wild lions dozing near them. Wow! The romance between Fleur and Maximum also provides information about jealousy and how to overcome the negative impact on a relationship. Plus the love scenes are absolutely beautiful. Maximum continues exploring his emotions regarding the Red Manor cult and we learn more about Colin's background. I loved this series and highly recommend it.
This is the type of story that you read on a cold winters night with a hot drink. The story gives you the feels!!! Even though Maximum is brought up by the sadistic and cruel cult leader Connor, he is a strong and caring man with a heart that is filled with compassion and kindness. He meets Fleur a kind, caring and independent woman. Who doesnt intend in getting into a relationship after being divorced from a controlling abusive man. But they both go on a safari in south africa sparks ignite and they both delve into a relationship not knowing if it will work or not. Both having their own issues and problems to deal with. The book takes you through so many emotions love, hope, uncertainty and excitement. But you will have to read this story so you can decide how it makes you feel!!!!
This story was a great end to a series. Over the course of these 6 stories you really start to feel like you can become a part of the Robertson family. This is the story of Maximum and Fleur. Another unusual pairing but in such a great way. I really enjoyed the character of Fleur. Her ability to communicate to animals and train others. She really had that girl next door quality to her. Which is why I think she was the perfect balance needed for Maximum. I highly recommend this series as a whole. All 6 stories are interesting ad unique. Elin Peer has a way of creating characters that you can really dive into.
Another great book in this series!! Maximum and Fluer are amazing together. The story flows really well. I really loved what Fluer did for a living. I think that it is super fascinating. I am glad Maximum didn't give up on his pursuit of Fluer and that she was understanding of his "flaws". Another favorite thing was to continue to see the characters from the previous books and how their lives have changed. I believe this is the final book in the series and I am sad to see it end. You feel like you really get to know these characters and they almost feel real to you. I highly recommend picking up this series!
Maximum plays a starring role in the last two books of this series. The younger son of Conner O'Brien, the cult leader of the Red Mansion, his questioning prompts Atlas to tell Conner's background from childhood during a family party. In this book, we read of the romance between Maximum and Fleur, a telepathic communicator with animals both wild and tame. You will enjoy their travel to South Africa, finding out what Maximum admits to as his sexual fetish, go on safari with them, and find out what he must overcome to be a good marriage partner. Peer never fails to tell an outstanding story while enlightening the reader! This six-book series is fantastic.
This is my favorite of the series not just cause I’ve been wanting Maximums story but mainly cause I loved Fleur and her connection to animals!!! I am a huge animal advocate and the fact that she could communicate to them was to me a beautiful aspect of the story, it shows the tenderness, soulfulness and care that they have and they need to be protected so I think Fleur might be my favorite heroine of all time!! Now on to the Max and Fleur lol. She is very gun shy about men due to a ex but Max is nothing short of persistent and needs to show her how different he is if she would just let him. Fabulous story