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The Ivankov Brotherhood #1
Bratva Darling
I wasn't prepared for her . . .
She just got me to pay three times as much as I wanted for a company I'll buy and destroy.
She knows who I am. The bratva doesn't scare her.
Intelligent, brave, and unstoppable. I'll make her mine.
She doesn't know it yet, but we're soulmates. I'll take her to her limits. Then give her all her heart desires.
Bratva Darling is an interconnecting, standalone dark mafia romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book one in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that'll keep you warm at night.
Contains mature themes.
She just got me to pay three times as much as I wanted for a company I'll buy and destroy.
She knows who I am. The bratva doesn't scare her.
Intelligent, brave, and unstoppable. I'll make her mine.
She doesn't know it yet, but we're soulmates. I'll take her to her limits. Then give her all her heart desires.
Bratva Darling is an interconnecting, standalone dark mafia romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book one in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that'll keep you warm at night.
Contains mature themes.
384 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 28, 2022
1060 people are currently reading
704 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 166 reviews
October 19, 2025
Bratva Darling by Sabine Barclay
The Ivankoff Brotherhood series #1. Mafia, morally gray romance. Erotica romance. First person, present tense.
Laura Doyle is a business attorney with cutthroat tactics and a confidence to get her clients exactly what they want. Dealing with Maksim of the Bratva is just another successful deal for her and her client, but personally she wants him in her bed. And everywhere else. Fortunately he is just as determined to make her his.
Fast moving dark romance. Super streamy. Daddy play.
Laura has impressive language skills over and above her lawyer and business acumen.
The Ivankoff Brotherhood series #1. Mafia, morally gray romance. Erotica romance. First person, present tense.
Laura Doyle is a business attorney with cutthroat tactics and a confidence to get her clients exactly what they want. Dealing with Maksim of the Bratva is just another successful deal for her and her client, but personally she wants him in her bed. And everywhere else. Fortunately he is just as determined to make her his.
Fast moving dark romance. Super streamy. Daddy play.
Laura has impressive language skills over and above her lawyer and business acumen.
March 12, 2023
1.5⭐️
So bad it’s good 😅 But only if you read it and pretend it’s satire. The minute you start thinking about how this was all written very seriously… Yikes 😬 🤣
So bad it’s good 😅 But only if you read it and pretend it’s satire. The minute you start thinking about how this was all written very seriously… Yikes 😬 🤣
June 16, 2025
I kinda wished there was more tension between these two main characters before the insta lust. I liked the idea of the story… making a rich, powerful man pay for what he wants but the tension/suspense just wasn’t there. With that said this was still a good story.
Laura is a brave woman. She makes the deals grown men would be scared to. When she meets with the Kutsenko brothers she already has a plan to make her client a good deal on the property they’re selling. She goes up against the Kutsenko when usually people would bend to their will.
Maksim is the oldest brother and the one Laura has a connection to. He makes her hot and the feeling is mutual. Maksim is mafia and getting involved with him is a bad idea, but Laura never chooses the easy path.
Morally grey challenge for RARE.
Laura is a brave woman. She makes the deals grown men would be scared to. When she meets with the Kutsenko brothers she already has a plan to make her client a good deal on the property they’re selling. She goes up against the Kutsenko when usually people would bend to their will.
Maksim is the oldest brother and the one Laura has a connection to. He makes her hot and the feeling is mutual. Maksim is mafia and getting involved with him is a bad idea, but Laura never chooses the easy path.
Morally grey challenge for RARE.
Read
July 4, 2022I'll abstain from rating as I only got until the end of chapter 5.
From Chapter 1, Laura is that bitch. Information is power, she walked into that meeting knowing she was going for the kill and she got it. Akina Maksim on the other hand, as from Chapter 1, him, his bratva, have been playing catch up. In terms of the Italians attack, how they responded to it. Laura basically annihilates them at negotiations, how they respond to that. I do not play or follow any sport, so I may get the saying wrong, but they were basically playing catch-up, defense from the start till where I got, rather than being on the offense.
The main reason why I am DNFing is that Maksim seems to be a character born out of Laura needing an Alpha/Dom to complement/complete her...eeh, but to me he just isn't doing it. Like Laura was the character the author formed, shaped then Maks is sort of responding to what she does. He doesn't feel like a complete character to me.
Then, the sex scenes description/setting is well written, but the dirty talk/moan talk scenes were cheesy. Then, on their way to their first official date they are discussing everything, their power dynamics, their family history, how they both haven't dated in a while but he is assigning a bodyguard to her coz he wants to date her, not just sleep with her; and they even haven't had a cup of tea together. Maybe it is the Kenyan in me but they for all intents and purposes they had not broken bread/had a conversation that was not reactionary to the crime world they are in, she almost called him daddy aka father figure, she is busy calling him Sir, yet the energy, apart from the angry kisses when she "defies" him when she is in actual fact 1000% giving her own Domme/Queen/Top vibes is not being reciprocated.
So, in short, loved Laura's character, did not feel Maksim was giving sufficient Dom/Pakhan energy back to Laura/anyone else and the pacing was not my jam.
From Chapter 1, Laura is that bitch. Information is power, she walked into that meeting knowing she was going for the kill and she got it. Akina Maksim on the other hand, as from Chapter 1, him, his bratva, have been playing catch up. In terms of the Italians attack, how they responded to it. Laura basically annihilates them at negotiations, how they respond to that. I do not play or follow any sport, so I may get the saying wrong, but they were basically playing catch-up, defense from the start till where I got, rather than being on the offense.
The main reason why I am DNFing is that Maksim seems to be a character born out of Laura needing an Alpha/Dom to complement/complete her...eeh, but to me he just isn't doing it. Like Laura was the character the author formed, shaped then Maks is sort of responding to what she does. He doesn't feel like a complete character to me.
Then, the sex scenes description/setting is well written, but the dirty talk/moan talk scenes were cheesy. Then, on their way to their first official date they are discussing everything, their power dynamics, their family history, how they both haven't dated in a while but he is assigning a bodyguard to her coz he wants to date her, not just sleep with her; and they even haven't had a cup of tea together. Maybe it is the Kenyan in me but they for all intents and purposes they had not broken bread/had a conversation that was not reactionary to the crime world they are in, she almost called him daddy aka father figure, she is busy calling him Sir, yet the energy, apart from the angry kisses when she "defies" him when she is in actual fact 1000% giving her own Domme/Queen/Top vibes is not being reciprocated.
So, in short, loved Laura's character, did not feel Maksim was giving sufficient Dom/Pakhan energy back to Laura/anyone else and the pacing was not my jam.
June 27, 2022
Laura meets the four Kutsenko brothers at a business meeting where she gets them, particularly the eldest brother Maksim to pay three times as much as they wanted for a company. The bratva doesn’t scare her & she meets Maks toe to toe.
This is the start of a new series by the author & her first book of this genre. I love her historical books as Celeste Barclay so was eager to read this & it didn't disappoint in any way. The chemistry & attraction between Maks & Laura is combustible & they fall in lust from that first meeting, their second accidental meeting goes with a bang! But their feelings deepen & grow with each meeting. I loved both Maks & Laura, he's the strong leader but also surprisingly gentle & caring, whilst lacking some communication skills. Laura is strong, highly intelligent but also a submissive. Their romance was fraught with misunderstandings & danger. Everything is going so well until wham the author hits you with something I didn’t see coming & I was on the edge of seat. It’s not a short book at nearly 400 pages but the pages flew by & I read it in two sittings, a very well written engrossing, enthralling read which I loved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the start of a new series by the author & her first book of this genre. I love her historical books as Celeste Barclay so was eager to read this & it didn't disappoint in any way. The chemistry & attraction between Maks & Laura is combustible & they fall in lust from that first meeting, their second accidental meeting goes with a bang! But their feelings deepen & grow with each meeting. I loved both Maks & Laura, he's the strong leader but also surprisingly gentle & caring, whilst lacking some communication skills. Laura is strong, highly intelligent but also a submissive. Their romance was fraught with misunderstandings & danger. Everything is going so well until wham the author hits you with something I didn’t see coming & I was on the edge of seat. It’s not a short book at nearly 400 pages but the pages flew by & I read it in two sittings, a very well written engrossing, enthralling read which I loved.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
April 13, 2023
a touch of BDSM with this Bratva love story
Laura was a high power attorney whose was brought in to broker a sale of a business to the Kuschenko family, part of the Bratva. Laura bluffs her way to the better part of the deal earning the respect and admiration of Maksim Kuschenko and he asks her out.
Laura seems both super confident and super insecure. She’s confident in her sexuality but then she’s not. She doesn’t want to be a sub but she kind of does. She was a bit all over the place as a character so I didn’t quite connect with her. Maksim was consistent as an alpha. He was clear about how he felt and what he wanted. I enjoyed him as a hero and as a brother to his siblings.
I think I will continue the series but I won’t listen to the book because i enjoyed book better than the narration.
Laura was a high power attorney whose was brought in to broker a sale of a business to the Kuschenko family, part of the Bratva. Laura bluffs her way to the better part of the deal earning the respect and admiration of Maksim Kuschenko and he asks her out.
Laura seems both super confident and super insecure. She’s confident in her sexuality but then she’s not. She doesn’t want to be a sub but she kind of does. She was a bit all over the place as a character so I didn’t quite connect with her. Maksim was consistent as an alpha. He was clear about how he felt and what he wanted. I enjoyed him as a hero and as a brother to his siblings.
I think I will continue the series but I won’t listen to the book because i enjoyed book better than the narration.
dnf-never-again
March 11, 2025DNF’ed at 37%. I was thinking that this might subvert some of the traditional mafia character and plot expectations, but it was disappointing and irritating (She’s a high powered corporate lawyer who tells the MMC she’d rather be eating a ham sandwich than dealing with him, then takes him for a tonne of money in negotiations… Yay! Exciting! Make him fight that sandwich for your attention while you kick lawyerly arse!... well, no, she’s 26, fluent in a tonne of languages, can shoot/fight with knives/is skilled in hand to hand combat and ZERO percent distressed after killing two men because of her lessons from a boyfriend during her semester abroad - in Russia, where she also learned *everything* about the Russian mafia both in Russia and the US… and she’s submissive and into Daddy kink - which is fine, but honestly, I’m bored of it). If anyone knows a grittier mafia story with an older, “normal” FMC (has a job that she likes/is committed to, would normally call the police/hide, is upset by violence/crime/danger) who is also not submissive/into BDSM and heavier power play (dominant is not required, just powersharing/powerirrelevant in bed?), let me know. Otherwise, I think I’m striking Mafia off the TBR for a while again.
August 4, 2025
DNF. I just don't really care what happens to any of these characters.
June 13, 2022
This book was a beautiful surprise. I've never read a book by Celeste (Sabine), so I didn't know what to expect. Well, I was so very glad to read a book where the heroine was badass, kick-ass, brave without being careless, intelligent, strong, practical, and filthy. I am so tired of heroines in bratva romances who are so f**king naive they run into trouble because they don't know any better or refuse to do what the hell they're told to do. Or they are so bratty and bitchy, they cross the line from fierce into forgettable--as in they should bury her where no one can find her and forget about her.
Laura was the perfect mix of submissive and fierce--the perfect match for the vicious yet vulnerable Maks. I loved this book so much, I'm already reading it again.
I cannot wait to read the books featuring the other Kutsenko brothers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Laura was the perfect mix of submissive and fierce--the perfect match for the vicious yet vulnerable Maks. I loved this book so much, I'm already reading it again.
I cannot wait to read the books featuring the other Kutsenko brothers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
January 26, 2023Bratva Darling the first book in The Ivankov Brotherhood series by Sabine Barclay is a dark mafia romance with suspense and BDSM elements of a Daddy Dom mix.
I wasn’t prepared for her…
She just got me to pay three times as much as I wanted for a company I’ll buy and destroy.
She knows who I am. The bratva doesn’t scare her.
Intelligent, brave, and unstoppable.
I’ll make her mine.
She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re soulmates.
I’ll take her to her limits. Then give her all her heart desires.
The Bratva Darling is an interconnecting, standalone Dark Mafia Romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book one in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night.
I was a little leery of this novel suggestion and where I would like it. I have to say that the author did a fantastic job of giving the loveable rouge a character arc. Not only did he have to learn to change his life to fit a love marriage but he also had to learn communication. The female lead also had to learn to bend and compromise with her partner and communicate her past, desires, and wants out of a relationship. If this tells you anything I got the second book in the series in my library ordered it right after reading this book.
I wasn’t prepared for her…
She just got me to pay three times as much as I wanted for a company I’ll buy and destroy.
She knows who I am. The bratva doesn’t scare her.
Intelligent, brave, and unstoppable.
I’ll make her mine.
She doesn’t know it yet, but we’re soulmates.
I’ll take her to her limits. Then give her all her heart desires.
The Bratva Darling is an interconnecting, standalone Dark Mafia Romance with a HEA and no cliffhanger. It contains extra-steamy scenes that will make your toes curl and your granny blush. This is book one in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night.
I was a little leery of this novel suggestion and where I would like it. I have to say that the author did a fantastic job of giving the loveable rouge a character arc. Not only did he have to learn to change his life to fit a love marriage but he also had to learn communication. The female lead also had to learn to bend and compromise with her partner and communicate her past, desires, and wants out of a relationship. If this tells you anything I got the second book in the series in my library ordered it right after reading this book.
June 28, 2022
This is an extremely juicy story. It is hot band steamy. Maksim is a leader of the Bratva in New York. He is dominant and hot. Laura is a kicking lawyer who is not afraid to challenge him. The story is page turning and has great characters. The author takes the reader on a wild ride as the mobsters come out to challenge for leadership. It is a wonderful romantic story that shows what a couple will do to achieve their happiness.
May 28, 2023
Laura, an Irish attorney come up against the Russian mafia rulers in a land acquisition. She is ruthless as an attorney but not blind as a female. Maksim, their lesser catches her eye. Maksim may rule the Russian mafia in New York, but Laura ruled his heart and mind. Loss of mafia, cartel, Irish, Italian ... mafia groups interact in this book. No wars declared but definite power plays. The book has a lot of sexual scenes, some kink(if you are into that), and language. The only thing I hated was the use of this powerful attorney calling him Daddy immediately when they start dating.
July 18, 2025
4.5 stars.
This was such an intense book. It’s my first ever mafia/dark romance and I picked up Sabine’s because I’ve enjoyed her historical writing as Celeste. I really loved this story. It was a lot, but I surprised myself with how much I liked it, even if it was a bit angsty. I loved both Maks and Laura and how they fought to keep one another safe. Maks was such a strong hero and clearly a dangerous man, but that just made his devotion to Laura that much more satisfying.
This was such an intense book. It’s my first ever mafia/dark romance and I picked up Sabine’s because I’ve enjoyed her historical writing as Celeste. I really loved this story. It was a lot, but I surprised myself with how much I liked it, even if it was a bit angsty. I loved both Maks and Laura and how they fought to keep one another safe. Maks was such a strong hero and clearly a dangerous man, but that just made his devotion to Laura that much more satisfying.
November 30, 2023
"Bratva Darling" by Sabine Barclay is book one in the Ivankov Brotherhood series. It is a good start to introduce you to the characters and a look into their Mafia lifestyle. There is a lot of action and suspense in this book. I don't normally read books about the Mafia, but this one was enjoyable. I will continue in this series to see what happens next.
November 30, 2025
I enjoyed this book more than I thought. It is very spicy. I liked Laura. She is strong and knows what she wants. She can handle herself. They both have issues that they need to deal with, but they make it work. I'm interested to see what happens in book 2.
August 3, 2022
The Review
Laura Doyle is a lawyer at a top firm in New York City. She is strong-willed and knows what she wants. Maksim Kutsenko is the self-made leader of the New York Russian Bratva. When she stands up to Maksim at a business meeting, he is blown away and knows he needs to see her again. Bumping into each other at one of his clubs is destiny as they can't stop thinking about each other. Maks is not the smoothest when it comes to women and Laura definitely pushes him out of his comfort zone, but, thankfully, they work together beautifully and I really felt the love, passion and protection for each other. I am so excited to read the next in the series because all of these brothers/cousins are just the hottest and sweetest!
I don't love the Dom/Daddy theme in books; it grosses me out. But I pushed through the initial awkwardness and managed to look past that because the plot was interesting.
Tropes
Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Alpha Hero, Criminal Hero, Rake Hero, Self-Made Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Wealthy Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Animal Lover Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Knife-Wielding Heroine, Working Heroine, Desk Steam, Bath/Shower Steam, Outdoor Steam, Dirty Talk, Instant Attraction, Abduction/Kidnapping, Suspense/Danger/Murder
Laura Doyle is a lawyer at a top firm in New York City. She is strong-willed and knows what she wants. Maksim Kutsenko is the self-made leader of the New York Russian Bratva. When she stands up to Maksim at a business meeting, he is blown away and knows he needs to see her again. Bumping into each other at one of his clubs is destiny as they can't stop thinking about each other. Maks is not the smoothest when it comes to women and Laura definitely pushes him out of his comfort zone, but, thankfully, they work together beautifully and I really felt the love, passion and protection for each other. I am so excited to read the next in the series because all of these brothers/cousins are just the hottest and sweetest!
I don't love the Dom/Daddy theme in books; it grosses me out. But I pushed through the initial awkwardness and managed to look past that because the plot was interesting.
Tropes
Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Alpha Hero, Criminal Hero, Rake Hero, Self-Made Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Wealthy Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Animal Lover Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Knife-Wielding Heroine, Working Heroine, Desk Steam, Bath/Shower Steam, Outdoor Steam, Dirty Talk, Instant Attraction, Abduction/Kidnapping, Suspense/Danger/Murder
May 6, 2025
Rating - 3.25/5
Laura + Maksim
✔️ Russian Mafia
✔️ H was Pakhan/ h was Lawyer
✔️ Daddy Kink/ BDSM
✔️ OM/OW drama
✔️ No cheating
✔️ Dual POV [First person]
✔️ HEA
Thoughts :
- I had a love-hate relationship with Laura. She was strong-willed. Loved to taunt. Killed without any remorse to protect herself and the people she loved. But she practically sprouts nonsense to hurt Maks whenever she's jealous. He's no better either. I guess they deserved each other.
- Wish there was some funny teasing and easygoing interaction between either Maks or Laura and his brothers and cousins. Not to mention we never got any conversation including Laura's sister. She was only mentioned.
- So many unanswered questions like about Laura's stupid cop friend, her friends, Maks' cousins, etc.
- The repetition did not bother me much at first. What really annoyed me was both Laura and Maks needed to be constantly reassured about their relationship. It was getting on my nerves and not to mention prolonging the book unnecessarily.
- I did not find bedroom scenes that steamy. It was just okay.
This book had the potential to be a lot better than this. Needed to work on details and plots a little bit. It had a uniqueness but the author did not live up to the full expectation.
Laura + Maksim
✔️ Russian Mafia
✔️ H was Pakhan/ h was Lawyer
✔️ Daddy Kink/ BDSM
✔️ OM/OW drama
✔️ No cheating
✔️ Dual POV [First person]
✔️ HEA
Thoughts :
- I had a love-hate relationship with Laura. She was strong-willed. Loved to taunt. Killed without any remorse to protect herself and the people she loved. But she practically sprouts nonsense to hurt Maks whenever she's jealous. He's no better either. I guess they deserved each other.
- Wish there was some funny teasing and easygoing interaction between either Maks or Laura and his brothers and cousins. Not to mention we never got any conversation including Laura's sister. She was only mentioned.
- So many unanswered questions like about Laura's stupid cop friend, her friends, Maks' cousins, etc.
- The repetition did not bother me much at first. What really annoyed me was both Laura and Maks needed to be constantly reassured about their relationship. It was getting on my nerves and not to mention prolonging the book unnecessarily.
- I did not find bedroom scenes that steamy. It was just okay.
This book had the potential to be a lot better than this. Needed to work on details and plots a little bit. It had a uniqueness but the author did not live up to the full expectation.
December 30, 2022
so cringy
I made it 44% before I DNF’d it. Listen to the bad reviews
1. She starts off so strong. Literally I was so excited to read this book. I was cheering for her so hard. Then by chapter 5 she’s this weak little thing that needs approval/recognition to do anything.
2. The Daddy thing has got to stop. I love a good daddy trope, but this was so incredibly over the top that I wanted to gag. It’s every other pet name she’s calling him daddy and it’s just completely uncomfortable.
Really disappointed in this. Two stars because the plot was good until I got the ick.
I made it 44% before I DNF’d it. Listen to the bad reviews
1. She starts off so strong. Literally I was so excited to read this book. I was cheering for her so hard. Then by chapter 5 she’s this weak little thing that needs approval/recognition to do anything.
2. The Daddy thing has got to stop. I love a good daddy trope, but this was so incredibly over the top that I wanted to gag. It’s every other pet name she’s calling him daddy and it’s just completely uncomfortable.
Really disappointed in this. Two stars because the plot was good until I got the ick.
June 28, 2022
Bratva Darling is a novel by a new author for me. I loved it so, so much. The BDSM elements were superb and not too overbearing, there was the wonderful daddy kink element, the heroine was someone I wanted to be and the hero was someone i wish would be interested in me haha.
The length of this bad boy was so appealing. I love getting lost in novels like this. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The length of this bad boy was so appealing. I love getting lost in novels like this. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 16, 2023
Could not take the writing seriously. Any disagreements the main characters had would be solved within the next line and both characters were so apologetic about every single thing. And by the second chapter they already sealed their fate of being together so the whole book was just them trying to make the other one happy.
Want to read
January 13, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/30/2022)! 🎁
May 24, 2025
3/5 ⭐
Bratva Darling is a fast paced no nonsense Russian mob romance novel.
Personally this book wasn’t for me. I wouldn’t read it again, but would recommend it to anyone who loves a fast paced romance novel packed with the insta-love trope.
The start was promising with a strong, feisty and determined young woman, Laura. Having made a name for herself in being a cutthroat lawyer who doesn’t budge on her deals, no exception for the Russians she’s meeting in the opening scene.
The insta-love made this story a difficult connection. By page 10 they both are already having impure thoughts about the other. And the smut ended up deflecting from the plot.
There’s miscommunication and as a clear result both characters should’ve taken more time to get to know each other, even if it was just a little.
They both get mad about the silliest things (example: they already part ways in chapter 6, because Laura doesn’t like him taking her to a restaurant of his rival. Suddenly acting up as if she didn’t know that he is the mobster she already knew he was).
They seemed better off without one another as the relationship started to fill with toxicity and mistrust, resulting in my miscommunication.
At certain points Laura had more chemistry with side characters like Sergei, a guard, rather than Maksim.
The dom/sub dynamic comes to light very suddenly. It hits you out of nowhere as they were talking about small things like ‘how are you?’ and ‘what you’ve been up to?’.
Turns out both Laura and Maksim are members of a spicy club, without any previous mention or scene of it. There was no easing into it or working up to it. He could’ve taken her on a spicy date so we would know they’re both into this specific lifestyle.
Some language used here there, two examples: “I almost jizz” and “AF”, felt a little juvenile at times. Maybe it’s an extremely personal preference, but I prefer fully written words in books instead of acronyms. That way books are more timeless and won’t be outdated over time and references potentially getting missed by future readers.
50+ percent in we finally get some actual plot, when Nadia, Maksim’s ex, starts to poke around and cause trouble. That’s swiftly dealt with as to where the story falls flat again.
My heart hurt a little when the FMC had a thought in one of the chapters “everything has gone smoothly for the last two weeks”, it felt like the arguments and constant bickering weighed heavy on her shoulders too.
Its a story that doesn’t go into too much detail plot-, smut- and character wise. The framework for this novel is there, it just didn’t flourish enough for me. I missed depth and development of previous mentioned topics.
Bratva Darling is a fast paced no nonsense Russian mob romance novel.
Personally this book wasn’t for me. I wouldn’t read it again, but would recommend it to anyone who loves a fast paced romance novel packed with the insta-love trope.
The start was promising with a strong, feisty and determined young woman, Laura. Having made a name for herself in being a cutthroat lawyer who doesn’t budge on her deals, no exception for the Russians she’s meeting in the opening scene.
The insta-love made this story a difficult connection. By page 10 they both are already having impure thoughts about the other. And the smut ended up deflecting from the plot.
There’s miscommunication and as a clear result both characters should’ve taken more time to get to know each other, even if it was just a little.
They both get mad about the silliest things (example: they already part ways in chapter 6, because Laura doesn’t like him taking her to a restaurant of his rival. Suddenly acting up as if she didn’t know that he is the mobster she already knew he was).
They seemed better off without one another as the relationship started to fill with toxicity and mistrust, resulting in my miscommunication.
At certain points Laura had more chemistry with side characters like Sergei, a guard, rather than Maksim.
The dom/sub dynamic comes to light very suddenly. It hits you out of nowhere as they were talking about small things like ‘how are you?’ and ‘what you’ve been up to?’.
Turns out both Laura and Maksim are members of a spicy club, without any previous mention or scene of it. There was no easing into it or working up to it. He could’ve taken her on a spicy date so we would know they’re both into this specific lifestyle.
Some language used here there, two examples: “I almost jizz” and “AF”, felt a little juvenile at times. Maybe it’s an extremely personal preference, but I prefer fully written words in books instead of acronyms. That way books are more timeless and won’t be outdated over time and references potentially getting missed by future readers.
50+ percent in we finally get some actual plot, when Nadia, Maksim’s ex, starts to poke around and cause trouble. That’s swiftly dealt with as to where the story falls flat again.
My heart hurt a little when the FMC had a thought in one of the chapters “everything has gone smoothly for the last two weeks”, it felt like the arguments and constant bickering weighed heavy on her shoulders too.
Its a story that doesn’t go into too much detail plot-, smut- and character wise. The framework for this novel is there, it just didn’t flourish enough for me. I missed depth and development of previous mentioned topics.
June 28, 2022
Omg, I love Laura so freaking much! It’s not just her take no 💩 attitude, or her true talk snarky comebacks, this woman is #goals! Lol! She is the perfect example of a strong, capable, independent woman who knows what she wants and refuses to settle for less.
Maks I ok, I guess. 😉😂
No, seriously though, this book is the absolute best example I’ve seen of a healthy, respectful, and truly romantic relationship in a story. Add to that the impressive way the author has portrayed the BDSM and light Dom/sub aspects and this book might just be the best one I’ve read and that’s saying a heck of a lot because I’ve read some really awesome books lately.
The characters are fantastic, there’s so many interconnected relationships throughout the story, but none of them seem forced, or even convenient just for the story’s sake.
This is a top tier book for anyone who loves mob romance, strong capable women, and men who aren’t threatened by them, but instead adore them for it.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maks I ok, I guess. 😉😂
No, seriously though, this book is the absolute best example I’ve seen of a healthy, respectful, and truly romantic relationship in a story. Add to that the impressive way the author has portrayed the BDSM and light Dom/sub aspects and this book might just be the best one I’ve read and that’s saying a heck of a lot because I’ve read some really awesome books lately.
The characters are fantastic, there’s so many interconnected relationships throughout the story, but none of them seem forced, or even convenient just for the story’s sake.
This is a top tier book for anyone who loves mob romance, strong capable women, and men who aren’t threatened by them, but instead adore them for it.
5 ⭐️s= Perfect story, exciting, engrossing, well developed complex characters, solid plot with few to no holes, descriptive environments and place settings, great mystery elements, realistic dialogue, believable reactions and behaviors, loved this story so much I’d buy it.
4 ⭐️s= Great story, highly entertaining and enjoyable, exciting storyline, well developed characters and settings, a few discrepancies but nothing that can’t be overlooked. Believable actions and reactions, realistic dialogue, a book I would consider buying.
3 ⭐️s= Good but not great story, noticeable discrepancies, grammatical and or spelling errors, undeveloped characters or unbelievable behaviors but still readable. Nothing majorly wrong with the story, just not interesting enough for me to continue. Would not buy the book.
2 ⭐️s= Not offended by the story, but not interested enough to finish. Unbelievable characters, poor writing, many mistakes, big holes or discrepancies, many spelling or grammatical errors, characters not believable, unlikeable or TSTL.
1 ⭐️= Offensive, extremely poor writing, horrible characters, victimization, gaslighting, blatant abuse, unnecessary violence, child endangerment, or any other highly objectionable behaviors by Main characters. Would never buy this book, and do not recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 26, 2022
“Bratva Darling” is the first story in ‘The Ivankov Brotherhood’ by Sabine Barclay, who promises there will be a total of six books in the series. After having read this one, I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. This was an action-packed, dramatic story balanced out beautifully with lighter moments and passionate experiences.
Women in mafia romance stories are often weak, pawns, foolish, or forgettable. When Laura faces Maksim, his brothers, and their attorney across a negotiating table, he’s as impressed with her intelligence as he is with her appearance. Laura knows that Maksim is a dangerous man, but she can’t stop herself from being wildly attracted to him. Not long after their momentous meeting in the boardroom, Laura and Maksim meet again in a situation where the chemistry between them ignites, and so does complete chaos. As the story continues to unfold, the action intensifies and the danger increases. We also learn most surprising things about both main characters.
I don't want to ruin the plot for you because there are plenty of terrific twists and turns, and I hope you get to experience them as unprepared as I was!. Laura is as far as one could get from being submissive in how she lives her life, but in her physical relationship with Maksim, she finds peace in that role. Maksim is the mafia leader, so of course much of his world is dark and violent. He demands absolute loyalty from his men and everybody with whom he deals, and he is brutally unforgiving with those who betray him or the family. Yet the author has managed to make him a likable character and show the development of his emotions towards Laura. The tension in the book keeps rising until it reaches an exciting conclusion. Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down. Be warned that there’s a good chance you’ll have the same experience!.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions i also purchased a copy on Amazon.
Women in mafia romance stories are often weak, pawns, foolish, or forgettable. When Laura faces Maksim, his brothers, and their attorney across a negotiating table, he’s as impressed with her intelligence as he is with her appearance. Laura knows that Maksim is a dangerous man, but she can’t stop herself from being wildly attracted to him. Not long after their momentous meeting in the boardroom, Laura and Maksim meet again in a situation where the chemistry between them ignites, and so does complete chaos. As the story continues to unfold, the action intensifies and the danger increases. We also learn most surprising things about both main characters.
I don't want to ruin the plot for you because there are plenty of terrific twists and turns, and I hope you get to experience them as unprepared as I was!. Laura is as far as one could get from being submissive in how she lives her life, but in her physical relationship with Maksim, she finds peace in that role. Maksim is the mafia leader, so of course much of his world is dark and violent. He demands absolute loyalty from his men and everybody with whom he deals, and he is brutally unforgiving with those who betray him or the family. Yet the author has managed to make him a likable character and show the development of his emotions towards Laura. The tension in the book keeps rising until it reaches an exciting conclusion. Once I started reading this, I couldn’t put it down. Be warned that there’s a good chance you’ll have the same experience!.
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions i also purchased a copy on Amazon.
June 16, 2025
I enjoyed the mob/family aspects of this book more than the relationship between the MC's in it - but that's a personal taste thing. I wanted a darker mob romance, but unbeknownst to me, this is a Dom/Sub mob book more than anything else.
This is a repeated and prominent kink for the whole series. Which would be fine for the most part, even if that's not my thing, but I quite haaaated the constant use of "Daddy" in the book. Laura refers to Maks as "Daddy" in 90% of their interactions. It squicked me out because she'd use it in every (private) conversation - not just during spicy times.
The book moves pretty quickly with the action and the relationship, and then digs in deeper as you go. It gets twisty with the interactions between mob families and the hidden family ties. But honestly, the endearments made me start skimming after the halfway point, so I wasn't too invested. Especially when she starts calling him "sweetie pie" in Russian.
I have a couple other books in this series but I'm not sure I'm going to read them just because I can't handle the constant Dom/sub spanking for punishment over stupid stuff, and the use of the word, "Daddy" all the time. But if you like that more than me, this might be more to your taste,
This is a repeated and prominent kink for the whole series. Which would be fine for the most part, even if that's not my thing, but I quite haaaated the constant use of "Daddy" in the book. Laura refers to Maks as "Daddy" in 90% of their interactions. It squicked me out because she'd use it in every (private) conversation - not just during spicy times.
The book moves pretty quickly with the action and the relationship, and then digs in deeper as you go. It gets twisty with the interactions between mob families and the hidden family ties. But honestly, the endearments made me start skimming after the halfway point, so I wasn't too invested. Especially when she starts calling him "sweetie pie" in Russian.
I have a couple other books in this series but I'm not sure I'm going to read them just because I can't handle the constant Dom/sub spanking for punishment over stupid stuff, and the use of the word, "Daddy" all the time. But if you like that more than me, this might be more to your taste,
June 30, 2022
Wow. Where do I start? Don’t let the description of this book turn you off. It is a very well-written romance that you shouldn’t miss out on. The power plays in this book are so intense that they draw you in. I am totally not into BDSM, but it was such an integral part of how the relationship between Maksim and Laura evolved that I found myself not skipping over the passages as I sometimes do. Maks and Laura were constantly redefining their relationship as they navigated their likes, wants, and needs in order to build a solid foundation while dealing with the repercussions of being together. The BDSM wasn’t the main focus of the story but was there to demonstrate their personalities and their developing relationship. It’s all about the connection they have with each other and how they communicated their likes and dislikes. And I am now going to go out and buy my own little pink floral lunch bag while I wait for the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 7, 2023
I am a Maksim hate account
Skipped half of the book, didn’t like Lauras and Maksims relationship 🤷♀️
She says “I don’t want a Dom, I’m not a little”, and next page, she’s acting like a little, and he’s her Dom.🤦♀️ Her strong character is amazing, and then there’s Maksim🧍♂️with absolutely nothing to work with apart from being good at fucking and beating people up.
Hated it from the place where she has a panic attack while he “punishes” her and he doesn’t stop, oh no! HE THEN FUCKS HER!! 🤬🚩🤬🚩🤬🚩🤬
Also, from the amount of spankings she gets, her ass should be bruised a permanent black and blue the whole entirety of the book. But then Maksim is coming here with the “Even after rough fucking, I have never bruised her” child please 😂
Read the second book (about Bogdan and Christina) first (5⭐️), liked it better, finished it, even though it’s basically the same book. THE DIALOGUE WAS THE SAME in some parts of the book. The oh so sacred nicknames of the couples are repetitive and extensive.🙄
Bogdan at least knew what proper aftercare was.
Skipped half of the book, didn’t like Lauras and Maksims relationship 🤷♀️
She says “I don’t want a Dom, I’m not a little”, and next page, she’s acting like a little, and he’s her Dom.🤦♀️ Her strong character is amazing, and then there’s Maksim🧍♂️with absolutely nothing to work with apart from being good at fucking and beating people up.
Hated it from the place where she has a panic attack while he “punishes” her and he doesn’t stop, oh no! HE THEN FUCKS HER!! 🤬🚩🤬🚩🤬🚩🤬
Also, from the amount of spankings she gets, her ass should be bruised a permanent black and blue the whole entirety of the book. But then Maksim is coming here with the “Even after rough fucking, I have never bruised her” child please 😂
Read the second book (about Bogdan and Christina) first (5⭐️), liked it better, finished it, even though it’s basically the same book. THE DIALOGUE WAS THE SAME in some parts of the book. The oh so sacred nicknames of the couples are repetitive and extensive.🙄
Bogdan at least knew what proper aftercare was.
March 19, 2024
Maksim and Laura
This is an excellent book.I read this series a while back but had to reread it after I started the Italian series( Mancinelli brotherhood)and realized they referred to things that happened in this Bratva series that I forgot about.I read so much and have horrible retention that this book was like new to me.I like the strength and complexity of Laura( she has ties to people that Maks knows nothing about)Things and people aren't what they seem to be in this.Maks is everything I enjoy in a mob boss anti-hero.Possessive,controlling,faithful and protective.His brothers and cousins are all strong,loyal and interesting.Their books are next in the series.This has all the things I like in a Bratva or mafia book;conflict,loyalty,violence and lots of sex.It is well written.I like how the Russian is translated to English right after something is said.I noticed that the author did that with the spoken Italian in the Mancinelli brotherhood series also.Few typos or poor grammar choices.Well done.
This is an excellent book.I read this series a while back but had to reread it after I started the Italian series( Mancinelli brotherhood)and realized they referred to things that happened in this Bratva series that I forgot about.I read so much and have horrible retention that this book was like new to me.I like the strength and complexity of Laura( she has ties to people that Maks knows nothing about)Things and people aren't what they seem to be in this.Maks is everything I enjoy in a mob boss anti-hero.Possessive,controlling,faithful and protective.His brothers and cousins are all strong,loyal and interesting.Their books are next in the series.This has all the things I like in a Bratva or mafia book;conflict,loyalty,violence and lots of sex.It is well written.I like how the Russian is translated to English right after something is said.I noticed that the author did that with the spoken Italian in the Mancinelli brotherhood series also.Few typos or poor grammar choices.Well done.
June 9, 2022
"Bratva Darling" is an awesome start to a new series by Sabine Barclay. The story is dark in the way you would expect a mafia romance to be. It has BDSM elements that are true to the lifestyle, safe and consensual and in my opinion on the mild side. BDSM is a component of Maks and Laura's relationship but not a focus of the story. I could not have loved this book more. The characters are well written and one of the things I love most about Sabine Barclay's characters is that no matter the story type or time period, her characters are relatable. The story is fantastic, there is drama, danger, mystery, unbridled lust, love, loyalty, and family. I was pulled in right from the start and I was captivated right up to the end. I am so happy that the release book two in The Ivankov Brotherhood is not far off!
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 9, 2025
"I'm always going to choose you."
Laura, a lawyer facilitating the merging of companies, ends up getting the Russian mafia to pay way more than anticipated. She knows the gentlemen she is conducting business with are Bratva but she is not easily scared. Her beauty, intelligence, and bravery captures the attention of one of the Kutsenko brothers - Maksim. Can their connection survive the dangerous world Maksim is a part of?
The romance between Laura and Maksim moved very fast but made sense for this story. I did appreciate the mature communication between the pair - there were several instances of minor miscommunication that were appropriately resolved. This was a solid mafia romance with a touch of BDSM but I wasn't a fan of her calling him "daddy" - especially outside of intimate moments - and the fact they breeze over her past with this lifestyle. I will likely continue this series to see where it goes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
Laura, a lawyer facilitating the merging of companies, ends up getting the Russian mafia to pay way more than anticipated. She knows the gentlemen she is conducting business with are Bratva but she is not easily scared. Her beauty, intelligence, and bravery captures the attention of one of the Kutsenko brothers - Maksim. Can their connection survive the dangerous world Maksim is a part of?
The romance between Laura and Maksim moved very fast but made sense for this story. I did appreciate the mature communication between the pair - there were several instances of minor miscommunication that were appropriately resolved. This was a solid mafia romance with a touch of BDSM but I wasn't a fan of her calling him "daddy" - especially outside of intimate moments - and the fact they breeze over her past with this lifestyle. I will likely continue this series to see where it goes.
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫/5
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