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Debts & Desires: A Dark Mafia Romance
Everyone warns me about the scarred man in the corner booth. I bring him cake anyway.
Dmitri Ivanov is the Bratva's enforcer. Silent. Brutal. The kind of man people cross the street to avoid.
He comes to my bakery every morning at the same time, orders the same black coffee, with the same haunted eyes. My employees are terrified. I ask him how his day is going.
When trouble finds me one night, he makes it disappear. Violently. Without hesitation. I should be afraid. Instead, I hand him a towel and ask if he's okay.
He says he's a monster. Says I shouldn't want him. But when he touches me like I'm something precious, I believe less in monsters, and more in the man beneath the scars.
He thinks he'll destroy me. I think I might be the one thing that saves him.
Tropes: beauty and the beast grumpy/sunshine opposites attract scarred hero she softens him
Dmitri Ivanov is the Bratva's enforcer. Silent. Brutal. The kind of man people cross the street to avoid.
He comes to my bakery every morning at the same time, orders the same black coffee, with the same haunted eyes. My employees are terrified. I ask him how his day is going.
When trouble finds me one night, he makes it disappear. Violently. Without hesitation. I should be afraid. Instead, I hand him a towel and ask if he's okay.
He says he's a monster. Says I shouldn't want him. But when he touches me like I'm something precious, I believe less in monsters, and more in the man beneath the scars.
He thinks he'll destroy me. I think I might be the one thing that saves him.
Tropes: beauty and the beast grumpy/sunshine opposites attract scarred hero she softens him
Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
March 19, 2026
If you love a romance where a soft, kind-hearted heroine melts the walls of a dangerous man, Debts & Desires by Kelsie Calloway will absolutely pull you in and not let go.
Cleo runs her grandmother’s cozy bakery in Brighton Beach, bringing warmth and sweetness into a world that doesn’t always deserve it. And then there’s Dmitri Ivanov—the Bratva enforcer everyone fears. He’s quiet, intimidating, and carries the kind of darkness that makes people look the other way. But Cleo? She walks right up to him, offers him cake, and asks how his day is going. That alone tells you everything about her heart.
What makes this story so special is the way Cleo sees past Dmitri’s scars—both the visible and the hidden ones. Where others see a monster, she sees a man who’s hurting. And Dmitri? He may believe he’s beyond saving, but the way he protects Cleo—fierce, immediate, and without hesitation—shows there’s so much more beneath the surface. Their relationship builds in this quiet but powerful way, full of tension, tenderness, and moments that hit you right in the chest.
The chemistry between them is everything you want in a grumpy/sunshine, beauty-and-the-beast romance. He’s all control and danger, she’s warmth and light—and somehow, they fit perfectly. The story is packed with action, drama, and just enough danger to keep your heart racing, but it never loses focus on the emotional connection growing between them.
What I loved most is how Cleo doesn’t try to change Dmitri—she simply sees him. And sometimes, that’s more powerful than anything else.
Debts & Desires is a quick but deeply satisfying read that proves even the most broken people can find something worth holding onto. If you’re into scarred heroes, protective alpha energy, and a heroine who leads with kindness instead of fear—this one is definitely for you.
✨ Sweet, intense, and a little dangerous—just like the best kind of love stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cleo runs her grandmother’s cozy bakery in Brighton Beach, bringing warmth and sweetness into a world that doesn’t always deserve it. And then there’s Dmitri Ivanov—the Bratva enforcer everyone fears. He’s quiet, intimidating, and carries the kind of darkness that makes people look the other way. But Cleo? She walks right up to him, offers him cake, and asks how his day is going. That alone tells you everything about her heart.
What makes this story so special is the way Cleo sees past Dmitri’s scars—both the visible and the hidden ones. Where others see a monster, she sees a man who’s hurting. And Dmitri? He may believe he’s beyond saving, but the way he protects Cleo—fierce, immediate, and without hesitation—shows there’s so much more beneath the surface. Their relationship builds in this quiet but powerful way, full of tension, tenderness, and moments that hit you right in the chest.
The chemistry between them is everything you want in a grumpy/sunshine, beauty-and-the-beast romance. He’s all control and danger, she’s warmth and light—and somehow, they fit perfectly. The story is packed with action, drama, and just enough danger to keep your heart racing, but it never loses focus on the emotional connection growing between them.
What I loved most is how Cleo doesn’t try to change Dmitri—she simply sees him. And sometimes, that’s more powerful than anything else.
Debts & Desires is a quick but deeply satisfying read that proves even the most broken people can find something worth holding onto. If you’re into scarred heroes, protective alpha energy, and a heroine who leads with kindness instead of fear—this one is definitely for you.
✨ Sweet, intense, and a little dangerous—just like the best kind of love stories.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 14, 2026
3.75stars—DEBTS & DESIRES is the third novella in Kelsie Calloway’s contemporary, adult IVANOV BRATVA dark, Bratva romance series. This is Bratva enforcer Dmitri Ivanov, and bakery owner Cleo Marchetti’s story line. DEBTS AND DESIRES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dmitri and Cleo) DEBTS AND DESIRES follows the forbidden relationship between Bratva enforcer Dmitri Ivanov, and bakery owner Cleo Marchetti. For close to three months Dmitri Ivanov has visited Cleo Marchetti’s bakery, secretly watching our heroine when she is not looking but Cleo, unlike everyone else, refuses to sit back and wonder about the lonely man who visits every day, a man with whom Cleo will fall in love. An attack, an abduction and eventual rescue find Dmitri and Cleo professing their love, a love Dmitri never anticipated.
The relationship between Dmitri and Cleo is an opposites attract. Cleo is the sweet, local baker, compared to the assassin and Bratva enforcer who has always felt unloved and lost. Dmitri has lusted after our story line heroine for months, while Cleo secretly dreams about the scarred man who is now part of her life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and determined including the introduction of Cleo’s employees, and the return of Dmitri’s brothers Alexei and Sergei. The requisite evil has many faces.
DEBTS AND DESIRES is a fast paced, quick read novella about power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, determined and charismatic.
Copy supplied for review
NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Dmitri and Cleo) DEBTS AND DESIRES follows the forbidden relationship between Bratva enforcer Dmitri Ivanov, and bakery owner Cleo Marchetti. For close to three months Dmitri Ivanov has visited Cleo Marchetti’s bakery, secretly watching our heroine when she is not looking but Cleo, unlike everyone else, refuses to sit back and wonder about the lonely man who visits every day, a man with whom Cleo will fall in love. An attack, an abduction and eventual rescue find Dmitri and Cleo professing their love, a love Dmitri never anticipated.
The relationship between Dmitri and Cleo is an opposites attract. Cleo is the sweet, local baker, compared to the assassin and Bratva enforcer who has always felt unloved and lost. Dmitri has lusted after our story line heroine for months, while Cleo secretly dreams about the scarred man who is now part of her life. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
The secondary and supporting characters are energetic and determined including the introduction of Cleo’s employees, and the return of Dmitri’s brothers Alexei and Sergei. The requisite evil has many faces.
DEBTS AND DESIRES is a fast paced, quick read novella about power and control, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and edgy; the romance is seductive; the characters are broken, determined and charismatic.
Copy supplied for review
May 12, 2026
A couple that are from two different worlds but find that they want to be with one another.
They meet when he shows up at her bakery that she named after her grandmother, she knew who he was but still treated him as a human being every time he came into her bakery.
They become close and soon he saves her from people going after her because of him. Soon they get even closer as well as becoming intimate.
A call takes him to the family compound about her and the man who wants to use her against him and his family.
It doesn’t take long before his enemies find out about her and take her to use against him and his family. It doesn’t take long before he finds her and tends to the men that took her except for the man who gave out the order to take her. He takes her to his family compound to keep her safe from their enemy.
They're not there for long before he leaves having his brother who’s the head of his family to keep her safe until he gets back. He comes back after he tends to the man as well as his men. They tell each other how much they love one another.
She tells him that she wants to go back to the bakery and he agrees to let her go after she agrees to let him add a couple of things.
Six months later the bakery has been expanded as well as having security features. The bakery is busy with people that know that she’s with him as well as his family name.
She takes some time off to have girl time with his brother’s girlfriends. When she gets back he asks her to marry him and she tells him yes.
They are happy and in love even after everything they have been through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
They meet when he shows up at her bakery that she named after her grandmother, she knew who he was but still treated him as a human being every time he came into her bakery.
They become close and soon he saves her from people going after her because of him. Soon they get even closer as well as becoming intimate.
A call takes him to the family compound about her and the man who wants to use her against him and his family.
It doesn’t take long before his enemies find out about her and take her to use against him and his family. It doesn’t take long before he finds her and tends to the men that took her except for the man who gave out the order to take her. He takes her to his family compound to keep her safe from their enemy.
They're not there for long before he leaves having his brother who’s the head of his family to keep her safe until he gets back. He comes back after he tends to the man as well as his men. They tell each other how much they love one another.
She tells him that she wants to go back to the bakery and he agrees to let her go after she agrees to let him add a couple of things.
Six months later the bakery has been expanded as well as having security features. The bakery is busy with people that know that she’s with him as well as his family name.
She takes some time off to have girl time with his brother’s girlfriends. When she gets back he asks her to marry him and she tells him yes.
They are happy and in love even after everything they have been through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 24, 2026
You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Cleo runs her grandmother's cozy bakery and is sweet as the treats she makes but when the bratva enforcer comes in she gives him cake because sugar make you happy besides he needed more sweet in his life, he drink a drink that wasn’t too good drinkable but not good, looking right past all his armor and that’s okay with her despite unknowingly leaving him rattled. Dimitri sexy as all get out Bratva’s enforcer most go the opposite way when they see him coming, he isn’t a man you want on your radar, and the moment he walks into the little bakery, eats something sweet, and leans to smile from the little baker who forces him to eat her sweets since he doesn’t get enough sugar and drink her ewww drinks 😊. The magnetic pull is there from the moment they meet but so is the action, oh the drama ….so much drama, danger, but will they realize they are stronger together than apart, but will it lead them to happiness?
March 24, 2026
A bakery is always a good place to start. Every morning, Dmitri Ivanov comes to Cleo’s bakery and orders a coffee. He’s the enforcer for the Ivanov bratva. She sees the man behind the monster and gives him sweet things to eat. Really, if it weren’t for the violence and the corpses dropping, this would be a sweet and steamy romance. But it’s not, because Dmitri does his job. And Cleo is in danger just for talking to him.
I understand Cleo’s need to feed Dmitri. Because I just want to give him a hug and a cookie. He’s so damaged, yet so loving. He holds his heart in his hands and gives it to her, ready to be hurt. It’s quite lovely the way the two connect.
Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit
Bechdel test? Passed
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, history of abuse.
Tropes- Instalove, beauty and the beast, age gap, he ain’t heavy- he’s my Bratva.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I understand Cleo’s need to feed Dmitri. Because I just want to give him a hug and a cookie. He’s so damaged, yet so loving. He holds his heart in his hands and gives it to her, ready to be hurt. It’s quite lovely the way the two connect.
Cat’s Stats
Heat- explicit
Bechdel test? Passed
Safety? Y
Triggers- violence, history of abuse.
Tropes- Instalove, beauty and the beast, age gap, he ain’t heavy- he’s my Bratva.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 23, 2026
3.75 - 4 stars.
I really liked how Cleo was with Dmitri, the way she took time to really see him, understand him and accept him for who and what he was. She had such an impact on him, gave him cake because he needed more sweet in his life, made him drink something he didn't like just to be near her, gave him a new layer to his relationship with his brothers and helped him to change what he thought and felt about himself. I believed in the connection and chemistry between them and liked seeing them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked how Cleo was with Dmitri, the way she took time to really see him, understand him and accept him for who and what he was. She had such an impact on him, gave him cake because he needed more sweet in his life, made him drink something he didn't like just to be near her, gave him a new layer to his relationship with his brothers and helped him to change what he thought and felt about himself. I believed in the connection and chemistry between them and liked seeing them together.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Calloway delivers a captivating and well written mafia romance read. Our main characters are Dimitri and Cleo. Cleo runs her grandmother's cozy bakery and is sweet as the treats she makes. Dimitri is the Bratva's enforcer and is feared by all. These two are complete opposites and yet, their chemistry is undeniable. A quick, darkly delicious read that is full of drama and danger but also sweet romance and steamy chemistry.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2026
Debts And Desires is Dimitri and Cleo's story. This couple is as different as night from day yet the enforcer and the bakery owner fit seamlessly together. Although their journey is full if drama and action, intrigue and danger. It doesn't take long for those who came after Cleo to learn she's not on her on and she's definitely got someone fighting for her. Debts And Desires is an absolute must read.
March 17, 2026
Book three of "The Ivanov Bratva" pack an immense amount of story into a small footprint of pages. Yummy! Cleo runs her grandmother's bakery in a quiet corner of Brighton Beach. Every morning a giant of a man comes in and sits at a corner booth - Dmitri Ivanov, Bratva enforcer rumoured to be a monster. But Cleo doesn't see just the monster. She sees the man beneath the death and violence and decides that the "man" needs someone to really "see" him. A really good read !!!
March 21, 2026
This is Dmitri and Cleo's book. The author had a good lead in to this book. While it is a quick love story, the lead in shows that the two have watched and in a way, gotten to know each other a bit. Dmitri feels he's only good as an enforcer and that defines everything, he is. Cleo sees past that into him as a person. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
She runs her grandmother's bakery and connects with a bratva giant covered in scars. Most are afraid of him, but Cleo sees past the scars and into the man. When trouble finds her Dmitri discards it and tells her he is no good for her. They may be different, but the heart says different for these two. This story has beauty and the beast vibes and is heartwarming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2026
Dimitry is an enforcer and has the scars of a life time to show for it. Cleo runs a bakery that Dimitry visits every day like clockwork, others are afraid of him, but not Cleo, she treats him like any other person, she sees beyond the scars and when trouble finds her they soon learn they have to get through him first, well written engaging steamy desires drama action and more.
March 12, 2026
Great quick read! Dimitri was such a great H. He was dark and intense but absolutely melted for his girl. I love that he wants the best for Cleo and shows her his soft side in the way he treats her and respects her. Cleo was the perfect sweetness he needed in his life. This was my first book from this author, so now I'm going to dive into more of this delicious goodness 😍
March 20, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how it is almost like Cleo courts Dmitri but he is determined to protect her. Cleo does get her man and he rescues her when she is kidnapped. I liked how Dmitri makes sure she is protected as much as possible.
March 21, 2026
“Debts & Desires: A Dark Mafia Romance” by Kelsie Calloway
-Dimitri, a scarred enforcer, meets sweet bakery owner Cleo. Their worlds collide with danger, desire, and dark intrigue.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts. Cleo’s strength balances Dimitri’s intensity beautifully. A steamy, fast-paced mafia romance that keeps the reader hooked.
-Dimitri, a scarred enforcer, meets sweet bakery owner Cleo. Their worlds collide with danger, desire, and dark intrigue.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts. Cleo’s strength balances Dimitri’s intensity beautifully. A steamy, fast-paced mafia romance that keeps the reader hooked.
March 23, 2026
Cleo isn’t afraid of Dimitri. Even though he says he’s a monster. She doesn’t see one. He tells her she should be afraid, but she’s not. She wants what she wants, and Dimitri is it. These two were fire. The action, danger. This book was intense and steamy. I fell in love with these two immediately. An awesome story.
March 15, 2026
Cracking
I loved this - part of a series which does add to the context if you've read the previous books but would also work stand alone. Spicy adult romance, fab chracters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this - part of a series which does add to the context if you've read the previous books but would also work stand alone. Spicy adult romance, fab chracters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 16, 2026
4.5 stars
Cleo and Dmitri. I really enjoyed there love story. I adored how strong Cleo was. She knew what she wanted, and didn’t say no for it. This was the perfect amount of mafia without being overwhelming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cleo and Dmitri. I really enjoyed there love story. I adored how strong Cleo was. She knew what she wanted, and didn’t say no for it. This was the perfect amount of mafia without being overwhelming.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 21, 2026
The author has given us a heart pounding story that pulls us into the lives of Cleo and Dmitri. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with secret desires, insecurities, danger, action and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2026
Debts and Desires not only have a really terrific plot, but Dmitri and Cleo will stick with you from start to finish. I think the way this romance book is written is amazing and has a very engaging romance. Look out because you next 5/5-star romance book is a click away.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews