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Silent Sins: Agapov Bratva #1

What He Craves: A Billionaire Mafia Romance

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The most dangerous stray you'll ever take in won't have four legs. He'll have a Russian accent, a little girl's hand in his, and the Bratva at his back.

I run a shelter in Savannah. I care for the broken, the abandoned, the ones everybody else gave up on. So when a man calls about a dog for his daughter, I figure it's a normal Tuesday.

I could not have been more wrong.

Alexei Agapov sweeps the room before his eyes ever land on me. Ice-blue stare. Tattoos curling out of his collar. Every warning my mama ever gave me, wrapped up in one sinful package.

So naturally, I reach into my pocket to show him my kennel notes – and hand him a dog treat.

(In my defense. He's very distracting.)

It's his daughter who undoes me. Ivy. Six years old. A laugh that fills the room. And a father who looks at her like she's the only soft thing left in his world.

She comes back. Week after week. For a while, it's easy to pretend Alexei is just a mysterious rich guy with a quiet daughter.

But then they come for Ivy.

They don't get her, but she’s too shattered to let anyone near. Anyone but me.

So I follow her behind his gates – into the one place her father can keep her safe. I can resist a dangerous man. But a broken heart that needs a second chance? Never.

I keep telling myself it’s temporary. That I can care about Ivy and still walk away.

I'm lying. About every part of it.

Because in Alexei's world, love is leverage.

And no one can know I’m carrying his child.

What He Craves is Book One of the Silent Agapov Bratva duet – a full-length single-dad mafia romance with a cliffhanger ending and a guaranteed HEA at the end of Book Two. A touch-her-and-die hero, a sunshine heroine who runs toward the fire, and a six-year-old who steals every scene. For readers who love icy Bratva alphas, slow-burn obsession, and the kind of tension that wrecks your sleep schedule.

476 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 2026

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Kat Steele

67 books134 followers

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5 stars
766 (52%)
4 stars
413 (28%)
3 stars
215 (14%)
2 stars
44 (3%)
1 star
20 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
Profile Image for Heather.
812 reviews
September 1, 2026
meh best part was the cliffhanger

This book moved incredibly slow. The beginning was cute but then it just kind a lulled along. There wasn’t much of anything happening at all. Then the ending has the most action out of the whole book… and you know what? I couldn’t care less because I don’t want to read the second book when this book dragged and then had a climax.
There’s some light threats which causes increase in security, but there isn’t much mafia plot happening in this book. This book was just ok.
2,884 reviews24 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 23, 2026
I voluntarily reviewed "WHAT HE CRAVES AGAPOV MAFIA" ARC was given freely by the author for my honest opinion, I was hooked from the start its an intense drama with grief, danger, mystery, suspense, emotional turmoil, twists making for a superb read.
Alexi is part of the Bratva, a single dad, his wife Clara was in wrong place wrong time when a hit took her life, his daughter Ivy 6yrs old is absolutely adorable I love their scenes together she means the world to him.
Maggie got Second Chance Savannah Kennels from Miss Eleanor now in her 70's not able to do it anymore, Julian Mercer aka Jules is her assistant manager & gay, her best friend & chosen family.
Maggie is having a time with Elvis running between her feet a Dashchund & Jules knows she's great with all the animals at the Shelter, then in walks Alexi with his daughter Ivy, he's 6'2" dark dangerous male in tailored suit older than her in his late 30's.
Maggie watches Ivy watch the puppies you can go in to see them in a minute, I'm Magnolia I own the shelter, do you know all their names asks Ivy I do even the cats she asks, yes they get offended if I don't, Ivy laughs Alexi watches how Maggie is with Ivy, making her a priority.
Maggie takes Ivy to see Biscuit & Clover then Daisy a yellow Lab mix also Junebug & Moose.
Ivy ask Alexi can we take Daisy home please Papa, I'll be good I promise, then Maggie says she can come help walk & feed the dogs anytime she squeals & turns to Alexi so fast, are you ok with that he asks Maggie of course Ivy throws her arms around Daisy.
Alexi thinks about Maggie when home she wasn't afraid of him her entire attention was all about Ivy who's never turned herself over so naturally with someone like Maggie not since her mother Clara.
Alexi speaks to his brother Roman who's Pakhan of Agagov Bratva letting him know someones moving product without clearance at the Port logs, you think its eternal Roman asks.
Roman tells Alexi the Italians are pushing again, where the East Coast access points looking for away in, their looking for weakness Roman corrects
Alexi built Black Tide Logistics as a sheild to the outside world, he's a businessman, father raising his daughter in a life that looks stable & secure.
Alexi messages his assitant to find out everything about Maggie Hayes, Second Chance Savannah.
Ivy tells Alexi she wants to see Maggie, Jules, & Daisy she doesn't have a person yet Papa she will he says.
Will Alexi & Maggie end up together both he Ivy likes her its a must read to see what happens I love the scenes with him & Ivy chatting so doesn't seem like guy, you want see how it all turns out, awesome read.
70 reviews
October 11, 2026
great moments buried under tons of filler

I wanted to give this 4 stars, maybe even five. There were some really well done moments, some great lines. Interesting premise. But I can’t. Because those moments are buried under piles of filler and cliche.

The story starts off a little too Insta attraction. These two don’t make sense together so the whole point of this trope is that they spend some time together and start to see things about each other. Like the thought is planted, but they don’t really allow it to take route initially and it’s a slow build. Even just a couple of additional visits to the shelter before they started examining the attraction would have made all the difference. Even if those visits weren’t really gone into with any depth. It leaves you confused as to what it is about her that he is drawn to.

I know it’s supposed to be set in Savannah and I get that but the way they write her dialogue is painful. You can just say that she’s got a Southern drawl and leave it at that, you don’t have to form all of the words to make her sound like a country bumpkin. Her internal monologue isn’t like that so it doesn’t make sense to keep breaking into that. And just because she’s from Savannah doesn’t mean she has to have such a country way of speaking. She doesn’t have to refer to the child as sugar and sweetheart and sugar bean at the end of every sentence. It’s distracting from the story.

Speaking of, the story is basically about 20% real story buried mountains of filler. The banter is painful and does nothing to advance the storyline at all. It’s not cute. I HATE the try hard style of “you’re insufferable… But you love me” and the accusation then correction, “you’re judgy…no, I’m observant”. In fact, she uses “you’re bossy…I’m protective” twice on one page. It’s like there is a bank of these exchanges and authors pull them out of a hat and rearrange them when they don’t know how to fill space. Spicy scenes are bit too try hard too, just a few too many position changes, etc.

There is a lot of repetition in general. Three times a bucket of balls spills and puppies chase them. The child screams the FMC’s name and throws herself at her EVERY time she sees her like she hasn’t seen her in days. Again, feels forced.

A lot of confusing details trying to sound suspenseful in convos between the Bratva bros. People show up like we’ve met them but we haven’t. I found myself having to look back to see if I missed something repeatedly.

The climax at the end is GOOD, I was all in. But then, the cliffhanger. It wasn’t a real cliffhanger, it felt like it ended mid sentence. Not even like the end of a chapter. Like destroyed the build of the scene completely. She could have accomplished a cliffhanger that made you want to continue without hacking up the best scene in the book.

Bottom line, there is potential her for this author, if she does the work to keep the story and people real and authentic instead reaching into the bag of cliches and fluff. I feel like she has the ability to be really good. I will continue with the second half.

42 reviews
June 30, 2026
Maggie owns a pet rescue. Julian is her ride and die gay friend and Asst. Mgr of the rescue. Elvis is a dachshund with an attitude. Ivy is a sweet 6 year old girl being raised by her widowed dad, Alexei who also happens to be part of the Bratva.

Maggie is all heart and falls for Ivy from the first meeting. This is when she and Alexei come in to look at dogs for Ivy. Julian and Maggie get the same vibe from Alexei. He is sex on a stick and has an air of danger about him demonstrated by his quiet, intense watchfulness, his seriousness. Only his obvious love of his daughter smooths the rough edges he projects. He is very protective since his wife was shot to death in an attack on the both of them. He survived, she did not. Ivy was a toddler and not with them at the time.

Maggie's day starts with Elvis tripping her with a running jump between her legs, whereupon she wildly grabs for a mop handle which is, unfortunately, attached to a mop head in a bright yellow bucket of water. Disaster ensues along with a wet floor and Maggie sliding across said wet floor. Jules comes out to see what the noise was and enjoys teasing her about making such a clumsy mess first thing in the morning. And letting Elvis win the battle.

When Alexei and Ivy arrive, Maggie knows she must not give in to her attraction to him, but adores his sweet and sometimes serious daughter. In fact Maggie and Ivy get along so well that Ivy invites her over for dinner one night. Which Alexei agrees to. He also agrees to Ivy spending some time after school doing small jobs at the shelter since she enjoys the animals so much.

Attraction is building as Maggie works every day and has more dinners with Alexei and Ivy. Until someone notices Maggie's shelter is being spied on by unknown men in black cars. Then come the break in at the shelter, Maggie's jacket is moved from the shelter to her mother's car at her home or the diner she works at and after the break-in, a picture Ivy drew is sent to Maggie with a note on it, "You can't keep her." Alexei increases security on Maggie, Ivy and the shelter.

The characters of this book just give you the warm fuzzies in between the danger and the fire hot scenes between Alexei and Maggie. Julian is loyal and provides laughs with his attitude and advice. The dogs are chaotic, Ivy is charming and sweet, Maggie is loving and Alexei is touch-her-and=die protective as well as exuding sexual power. Kat Steele has hit another one out of the park and I can't wait for the second and final book. Luckily it seems to be almost here. DON'T MISS THIS ONE!
Profile Image for Gauri.
133 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2026
I AM OBSESSED WITH ALEXEI AND MAGGIE!!! 😭🔥❤️

This book had me hooked because Alexei Agapov is EXACTLY the kind of hero I will always fall for. The intimidating, powerful, emotionally guarded Bratva man who looks like he could destroy the entire world but turns completely soft when it comes to his daughter?! YES. GIVE ME MORE. 😩🔥

And then there’s Maggie… my sweet, warm-hearted, animal-loving queen. 🥹❤️ I absolutely loved her. She has such a beautiful heart, but she’s not weak or a pushover. The way she cares for the animals, the people around her, and especially Ivy made me fall for her instantly.

But ALEXEI??? 😭

The way he loves Ivy absolutely melted me. Seeing this dangerous, powerful man being such a devoted father was one of my favorite parts of the book. And then watching Maggie slowly become someone he can trust and eventually someone he cannot imagine living without??? I WAS GONE. 🫠

Their chemistry was 🔥🔥🔥. The banter, the attraction, the tension, the possessiveness, the protective energy… EVERYTHING. I loved watching Alexei go from “I should stay away from her” to basically “Touch her and you die.” 😂❤️ That protective side of him was EVERYTHING.

And Maggie + Ivy??? MY HEART. 🥹 The relationship between them was so sweet and natural. Ivy was such a little scene-stealer, and honestly, watching Alexei, Maggie, and Ivy together had me imagining them as this perfect little family. Add the adorable animals from the shelter and I was emotionally DONE. 🐶😭

Also, Jules deserves his own book because that man had me laughing every time he showed up. 😂 His friendship with Maggie was everything. Everyone needs a best friend like Jules!

Kat Steele gave me everything I wanted: mafia danger, suspense, possessive/protective hero, a soft family side, amazing chemistry, adorable animals, emotional moments, and SPICE. 🔥🔥🔥

I flew through this book because I genuinely cared about Alexei and Maggie. Their relationship had me smiling, screaming, swooning, and occasionally yelling at the page. 😂

And THAT ENDING?! EXCUSE ME??? 😭😭😭

Why would you do this to me, Kat?! I NEED THE NEXT BOOK IMMEDIATELY.

Alexei + Maggie + Ivy = THE FAMILY I DIDN’T KNOW I NEEDED. ❤️

Absolutely loved this one. Alexei has officially joined my list of fictional men who have completely ruined real men for me. 😂🔥

5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
5/5 for Alexei
5/5 for Maggie
∞/5 for their chemistry
And 100/10 for my emotional attachment to this family.

I NEED MORE ALEXEI. THAT’S IT. THAT’S THE REVIEW. 😭❤️🔥
Profile Image for Nanasbookreviews.
1,965 reviews57 followers
July 16, 2026
What He Craves by Kat Steele is the first book in the Silent Sins: Agapov Bratva series.

Maggie Hayes is the proud owner of the animal shelter, Second Chance Savannah. She runs it with her best friend, Jules, and a group of dedicated volunteers. One day, a little girl and her father visit the shelter looking to adopt a dog, and Maggie's life changes forever.

Alexei Agapov is the definition of dark, dangerous, and intimidating. Maggie knows she should stay away from him, but it's nearly impossible, especially when his adorable six-year-old daughter, Ivy, steals her heart. She falls for both of them faster than she ever expected. When Alexei's enemies come after Ivy, Maggie doesn't hesitate to do everything she can to protect the little girl.

This Bratva romance features some of my favorite tropes, including single dad, touch her and die, opposites attract, and billionaire. It's a fast-paced romance packed with suspense, action, incredibly steamy moments, and plenty of adorable and funny scenes.

One of my favorite parts of the book was the warm, welcoming atmosphere at the shelter. I also loved the chemistry between Alexei and Maggie. The characters were fantastic. Jules is the kind of loyal, funny, and protective best friend everyone wishes they had. Maggie is caring, devoted, and a little self-conscious, making her easy to root for. Alexei is the classic dark, dangerously attractive hero, while Ivy completely steals every scene she's in. She is such a confident little ray of sunshine, and every chapter featuring her was my favorite. I also really enjoyed the Southern charm, accents, and traditions woven throughout the story.

If you enjoy dark romance with suspense, action, protective heroes, and a sweet family dynamic, I definitely recommend giving this one a try.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
134 reviews
July 22, 2026
3.75 stars

This is a new author for me and I wasn’t disappointed as this is an enjoyable mafia-light story that follows Maggie and Alexei. Maggie is the owner of a pet rescue in Savannah and she meets Alexei when he brings in his six-year-old daughter, Ivy, to get a dog. Ivy immediately forms a bond with Maggie, which Alexei initially believes is because Ivy’s mom has been dead for almost as long as Ivy’s been alive. While Alexei agrees to let Ivy return to the pet shelter and “help” Maggie, he also sees it as a way for him to het close to Maggie as well.

Although Maggie and Alexei hit the sheets fairly quickly, their relationship develops slowly over time. That is until Maggie is repeatedly threatened and nearly harmed, and then Alexei becomes controlling,having his men watch her and the shelter. Then, during an adoption event at the shelter, Ivy is nearly kidnapped, but thankfully Maggie thwarts it and afterward Ivy won’t Maggie out of her sight. And it sets up the second book in the duet.

I will admit I figured out the direction the plot was taking rather quickly but it didn’t deter from the story at all. The side characters in the book are hilarious, especially Jules, Maggie’s best friend and assistant at the shelter. Even Roman, Alexei’s older brother, is a great secondary character although he isn’t funny, but he understands and acts as a voice of reason for Alexei.

Overall, a good, rather quickly read and I am looking forward to the conclusion.
693 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐.75

The first 10–15% of this book felt a little clunky to me. The writing didn’t flow as smoothly as I would have liked, and it took me a while to settle into the story. Thankfully, once I got past that, the writing was more enjoyable.

Maggie was definitely my favourite character. I loved how devoted she is to the animals she cares for and to the people she loves. She’s sweet, wholesome, and genuinely likeable, but she’s also not a pushover.

Alexei is very much the stereotypical Bratva hero—stoic, emotionally guarded, and almost cold. He’s fiercely overprotective, especially when it comes to his daughter, Ivy, and doesn’t let anyone get close to either of them. While Maggie and Alexei have an instant attraction that quickly develops into insta-love.

Ivy, along with Irina and Viktor, added to the story. I especially loved how quickly Ivy connected with Maggie and the rescue centre, bringing some fun and warmth to the plot.

Overall, this was a very readable romance. As the story progressed, the plot intensified and I became much more invested in what was happening. I didn’t realise going in that it ended on a cliffhanger, which was a bit of a disappointment, but I’m definitely interested enough to pick up book two to see what happens next.

Thank you to the author for the ARC. This is my honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for Elsa Reyna.
569 reviews15 followers
July 7, 2026
LOVED IT AND HATED IT CAUSE IT ENDS ON A CLIFFHANGER!!!
An Unforgettable Start to What Promises to Be an Incredible Series!

Kat has done it again with another captivating story that drew me in from the very first page.

Maggie devotes her life to caring for dogs at her kennel, where she meets Ivy, an energetic young girl who instantly forms a special connection with both Maggie and two lovable dogs. Ivy's father, Alexi, is cautious at first, but after seeing how happy his daughter is, he agrees to adopt the dogs—with the understanding that Ivy will take on the responsibility of caring for them.

As Ivy begins volunteering at the kennel under Maggie's guidance, Alexi finds himself increasingly fascinated by Maggie. She's nothing like the sophisticated women he's known in the past. Her warmth, authenticity, and down-to-earth Southern charm make her impossible to forget, and their growing connection adds a wonderful layer to the story.

The characters are lovable, the romance develops naturally, and the heartfelt moments with the dogs make this book even more special. The ending left me eager to see what happens next, and I cannot wait to dive into the second installment. If you enjoy sweet romance, engaging characters, and stories that leave you smiling, this is definitely one to read!
84 reviews1 follower
July 1, 2026
Maggie started out as a volunteer cleaning animal cages and worked her way up before the old owner wanted to retire and gave her Second Chance Savannah Animal Shelter. Maggie rescues animals and provides them safe haven until they can be adopted. Her best friend, Jules, is her assistant manager. He is loyal and has become her found family. Besides Jules, Maggie has her mother who has raised her alone since she had her at 17. Her mother works running the local diner.

When a little girl named Ivy walks through the shelter doors with her father, Alexei, Maggie can’t help but notice them. During the tour of adoptable dogs, Maggie is so distracted by Alexei she attempts to hand him a dog biscuit. When Alexei suggests that Ivy is not prepared to adopt an animal yet, Maggie supports him. Ivy shares she would like to learn by coming to the shelter to help learn how to care for an animal. Maggie agrees, as long as Alexei agrees, which he does. Neither of them realize this will change both of their futures!

You’ll want with them, root for them, grieve with them and rejoice with them. Simply put, you will not want to put this down! Can’t wait for book 2.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
8 reviews
June 25, 2026
I am so very happy and very sad after reading “book 1”.  Happy because I totally enjoyed the story, sad because it was a cliffhanger and I must wait! I absolutely adore Maggie’s best friend Jules. True ride or die relationship. Their interactions brought me so much joy and laughter. And of course, the little rascal Elvis. Ivy is a little angel and loved how she was portrayed in the book. Maggie of course is a gem, and I love the whole vibe I got from here through the entire book. Now I have not forgotten “my” main man…Alexei! LOL. I totally have this mental picture of a man that exudes sex! I love how he takes charge and gets things done, all while taking care of his woman. And yeah, the intimate scenes were FIRE! I must stop or I will for sure tell you more than I should about the book. Kat, this is truly a winner for me. I can hardly wait for Book 2 and see how the rest of the story plays out. 
Profile Image for Rozebudzz.
533 reviews9 followers
October 2, 2026
Maggie and Akexei

I had a hard time liking Maggie. She seemed determined to be a martyr to her principles. She rescues animals and owns a sanctuary and that’s her whole life. Even after she meets Alexei, the sanctuary comes first. Always. She’s uncompromising and stubborn. It’s like she lives one-dimensional life. It’s annoying the hills she’s willing to die on and there are many of them.

I also didn’t like the constant banter and useless dialog. There’s a lot of it that in real life, would just be useless chit chat but when written on a page, it’s tedious to read. I skipped over a lot of it.

Alexei had to change the most for Maggie because she’s so stubborn and refuses to compromise. He could have his way occasionally but he has to lie to her to get it. This is not a balanced relationship or an honest one.

Anyway those are my reasons for the one star. I just didn’t like these people, I thought the plot was lame, and I’m not going to finish the duet.


550 reviews4 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 24, 2026
Kat. You did it again
Maggie runs a kennel. One day a young girl and her father arrive to check out the dogs. The little girl ivy takes an instant liking to Maggie but her father is skeptical. Ivy finds a couple of dogs she has fallen in love with. But her father Alexi tells her he has to think about it Alexi goes home to his mansion. He was intrigued by Maggie. He has never met someone like her. She’s not polished like the woman he has dated. Shes a very open southern girl who he can’t get off his mind
They go back to the shelter the next day and says that they will take the two dogs that ivy loves. But he explains she has to walk them, and clean up. She wants to be a volunteer at the shelter so that she can learn. Maggie volunteers to help her lean. At that point she is invited to the mansion for dinner.
This is an amazing story and I can’t wait to read the second part.
This is an arc book
Profile Image for Jean.
150 reviews
July 29, 2026
Really liked this one except CLIFFHANGER!!!!!!! I guess i missed that!
I actually did enjoy this one...liked the main and side characters....will confess I had one person pegged as a bad guy...but they ended up RIP, so there goes that theory..altho I still have a strong feeling about who is behind everything negative going down. Just please, don't let it be Jules who gives Maggie up to the bad guys...I hate when the best friend, turns out to really suck at being a decent human.
Could have done with less of the useless "banter" between Maggie (MFC) and Jules (her bestie)..just seemed to be forced plus did we really need ALL the antics of the naughty pound puppies?
The author seemed to really want us to understand that they were from the south...because the "southern" dialect/sayings were really old school. that was grating as well
28 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2026
I was really looking forward to Kat's latest novel. I've loved her mafia stories since her first novels. I always bite my nails, she wrote such twists and turns and tense novels. This is her duology, it starts a little differently. It's about a father who suffered a great loss and is raising his daughter alone. He has a hard time letting new people into their lives. His relationship with the female protagonist is built very well. Of course, then the story "gets going" :) It's full of excitement, tension and I don't know what will happen in the next moment. And then comes the good little bratva thread!!!! Of course, the hanging ending always makes me wonder what the next story will be. And I'm biting my nails again until the end. Thank you Kat, I love your stories!!!!
Profile Image for Coral - Sebas.
86 reviews5 followers
June 29, 2026
I absolutely loved the story of Maggi and Alexei. Needless to say, with a child as special as Ivy, it’s heartwarming and delightful—especially the jabs at Jules and, above all, the little animals he has. The plot is very well developed. I adore the way Alexei treats his daughter, how tender he is with her, and the humanity he shows compared to the much more ruthless mobsters in other stories. Combined with the fact that Maggi completely captivates him, this makes their relationship unique, with unmatched chemistry. The book keeps you on the edge of your seat, eager to find out what will happen next. I can’t wait to read the next book!
Thank you to the author for providing me with a free advance copy (ARC).
Profile Image for Sara Mae.
56 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 16, 2026
Oh my word - Kat has done it again 🔥

Welcome to the mafia world where she shows us depth and humanity with fierce love and protect her at all costs energy.
Alexei knows how to treat the women of his life right and shows his heart buried underneath the tough mafia man bravado. I LOVED that he adopted not only an older dog who doesn’t normally get that chance but a small one to keep her company. His daughter with her heart of gold and incredible perception is a true testament of his character.
Maggie is the sweetest southern gem that absolutely feels like the missing piece of their family.
I’m SO ready for book 2- this was a 5⭐️ read for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
144 reviews2 followers
July 4, 2026
Another brilliant book by my favourite author.

Who would have thought that a stop at the local animal adoption shelter would resulting Alexei meeting Maggie the owner, and falling in love with her.

It was suppose to be a visit to pick a dog for his daughter Ivy.

Instead it ends up with Ivy volunteering her services, and walking away with 2 dogs....Winston n Daisy.

The relationship between Alexei is explosive and everything seems going well until danger comes knocking on their door with Maggie constantly been targeted.

Once again, it ends with an explosive cliffhanger.

Cant wait to read book 2.
Profile Image for Jesmin Nawaz.
1,334 reviews14 followers
August 21, 2026
Did I know this was a duet? Nope. If I had, I would not have started it. I was wondering why the story was dragging and it wasn't until the end I realized why. You know that panic you get when the book starts to get to the last 75 pages and things aren't moving along or moving in the wrong direction? That's what I felt.

Initially I enjoyed the chemistry between the MMC and FMC. The spice is good, the flirting, the banter, all good stuff. Ivy is the scene stealer but I don't know if I can stomach another book even for her. This book did not need to be cut in two and could have just been one book. I don't think I'll read the conclusion.
Profile Image for Denise Fisher.
196 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2026
What a read!

Spice AND everything nice! Cliffhanger warning, I’m hoping it’s there waiting. It is worth it really. Exit at a point you won’t forget like some books. I don’t betray story, I just express how I feel. The story has great developed characters and cute as well as serious parts. It’s one of few books I’ve read where I actually thought it could happen to me. Could not put it down, had to so I could go to bed cause I started it late and I have important things to get done today. But, I did finish it before I started them. Spicy, more than some like but not hardcore like I’m used to. Don’t miss this.
6 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 15, 2026
Maggie almost giving Alexei a dog treat had me laughing in the first chapter.
Maggies wet dream intense.
The dinner invite and being an overnight guest of Alexei's leaves me breathless, and wanting more!
The love and care Alexei shows for his daughter Ivy right from the beginning, heart warming!
Alexei showing his protective,side and Maggie's immediate acceptance beautiful.
Thrills, chills and supense, makes me the reader can't wait to get my hands on book two, I wish they both where available the same day
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
190 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
June 19, 2026
ARC book, thanks Kat Steele for the opportunity. This is book number one. A different take on the mafia. Alexi, a single dad that falls for Maggie. I loved this story of him being golden retriever and falling for her, but also have the touch her and die perosona. This book was well written with having you on the edge of your seat to find out who is causing all of the up roar. This books ending was mind blowing and cannot wait to read the next book. Nd don’t worry there is some spicy chapters too.
911 reviews2 followers
June 29, 2026
What He Craves was an engaging and steamy romance with plenty of chemistry and emotional tension to keep the pages turning. Kat Steele does a great job creating compelling characters and a relationship that gradually pulls you in.

The pacing occasionally felt a bit rushed, but it didn’t take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. The romance, emotional moments, and satisfying character development made this a worthwhile read.

If you’re looking for a passionate romance with plenty of sparks and a strong emotional core, this is definitely one to add to your reading list.
90 reviews2 followers
July 25, 2026
3.5/5
I enjoyed a few things about the book. It was a first from this author and I will read more. I like the plot. It was decent for a mafia book. I like the characters as well. I did not like the pacing. Some parts went too fast while others appeared out of nowhere and the spice scenes took up too much for this quick read. I think it could have been a little bit better developed overall and that is why the rating. Side characters were good and there was some humor so there’s that. I would recommend if your looking for a quick read
1,812 reviews15 followers
September 2, 2026
Covets, Desires, Wants...No... What He Craves

I really enjoyed this story by Kat Steele. Folks I hate to tell you that this story has an incredible cliffhanger and it will make you cry and or really upset you but in the end we have another book 📖📚 that you will be excited to read about Bratva Mafia Romance and all it's sins and happiness and of course the death of loved ones. This is Alexi, Magnolia aka Maggie and of course sweet Ivy's story. I definitely recommend this book 📚📖 it's definitely a good read.
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247 reviews1 follower
June 20, 2026
What He Craves: Agapov Bratva Book 1
By Kat Steele

I like the characters, they are well defined and interesting. Maggie is strong, sweet, approachable. Alexei, a protector who came from the Bratva world but at the same time has deep feelings. The supporting characters, Jules, Irina, etc are good, stoic, etc.

The story is interesting, compelling. My POV is that the story felt too long, could be more precise, less pages. Also, the cliffhanger is a 2ble BUMMER!
1,196 reviews3 followers
June 24, 2026
This book grabbed my heart and squeezed. I felt such joy for the calling Maggie has for taking care of those who society throws away. Alexei has a six year old daughter he loves to the moon and back. The details of this story kept getting more involved and complicated. The way love grows is added as another layer to this story. There is light and dark embedded in this book.

This review contains my thoughts and feelings for this book.
1 review2 followers
July 1, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. I fell in love with the characters especially Ivy, the main character's daughter. The author did a good job balancing the steam with the story which I find is not done in a lot of cases. A lot of books this days really overdo it on the steam and there is very little substance. This book doesn't disappoint and left me wishing book 2 was already available. A must read for sure!
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
15.6k reviews160 followers
July 4, 2026
Maggie, Alexi and Ivy meet when they come to the animal shelter. ivy wants a dog, but her father doesn't think she is ready for the responsibility, so he agrees for Ivy to come to the shelter to learn how to care for a dog. It starts their journey and as they get to know each other danger comes calling cemented them even more. Will the outcome ring happiness to them. This story kept me glued to the pages.
I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.
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