Bratva Sweetheart

The Ivankov Brotherhood #2

by Sabine Barclay

She thought it was only for one night…
I’ve never let anyone into my life.

At least not like her. Not until her.

She sees a side of me that isn’t the bratva monster everyone else believes.

Now that she knows, she’s mine.

Mine to keep and protect. Mine to please. In return, it’s her love I crave. She’s my soulmate.

Every kiss, every touch will take her to her limits, and I’ll be the one to catch her.

The Bratva Sweetheart 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 two in The Ivankov Brotherhood, a six-book series that’ll keep you warm at night.

Genres: Romance, BDSM, Dark, Amazon, Contemporary, Dark Romance, Mafia Romance

364 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 9, 2022

Reviews

[Lori Tremain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointing as far as new material. Another of name calling and talk just like book one. Only a little mafia action in this book and it is at the end. Tina is calling Brodgan Daddy before the end of first chapter. A little more kink if you are into that. I want more action on a book. And I hate when the author reuses so much from one book to the next.

[Jill booksandescape · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for review.

Bratva Sweetheart by Sabine Barclay is the second book of the Ivankov Brotherhood. Bogden is a mafia man. When he first meets Tina, the two quickly feel a connection. Tina is able to see Bogden for the man he is, and not the monster everyone else sees.

This is a high heat dark mafia contemporary romance. I liked Tina and Bogden’s compatibility and ability to understand each other.

[Sandy S · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars--BRATVA SWEETHEART is the second instalment in Sabine Barclay’s contemporary, adult THE IVANKOV BROTHERHOOD erotic, dark, Bratva romance series. This is twenty-seven year old, Russian Bratva businessman, Bogdan Kutsenko, and building inspector/architect Christina ‘Tina’ MacNally’s story line. BRATVA SWEETHEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

WARNING: Due to the nature of the story line premise including ‘daddy kink’, r@pe fantasy, bondage, discipline as well as graphic violence, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Bodgan and Tina) BRATVA SWEETHEART follows the building relationship between twenty-seven year old, Russian businessman, Bratva Bogdan Kutsenko, and building inspector/architect Christina ‘Tina’ MacNally’. A one night stand between Russian businessman Bogdan Kutsenko, and Christina MacNally ends when the next morning, our heroine ghosts our story line hero. Christina MacNally works as a building inspector for the city of Manhattan but never expected to come face to face with her one night stand when she is tasked with inspecting a new build at one of the Kutsenko constructions sites. All is not well when our heroine discovers a number of irregularities, irregularities that may or may not be attributed to the man in charge. Afraid of losing her job, Christina offers to back away knowing their relationship may be used as potential fodder should something go wrong but Bogdan Kutsenko knows that to never see Christina would mean breaking his heart. What ensues is the building and highly sexual relationship between Christina and Bogdan, and the potential fall-out as a war between the Russian Bratva, the Irish and Italian Mafia and the Cartel is about to pull Christina into a world she knows little about.

Christina MacNally is about to be thrown head first into the criminal world of bribery and corruption, murder and vengeance, betrayal and power. Bogdan is desperate to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love but there is always someone or something waiting to take them down. Bogdan Kutsenko has loved and lost, and our hero refuses to place himself in a position to lose someone he loves but as the battle for control hits too close to home, Bogdan is willing to walk away to protect the woman with whom he is falling in love.

The relationship between Bogdan and Christina is one of daddy-kink and baby girl with the added bonus of bondage and discipline when Christina refuses to obey. From the outset Bogdan claims he is not a Dominant nor a daddy-wanna be; and Christine says she is not a submissive, nor a ‘little’, and does not like to be treated as a child yet Bogdan demands submission, the calling of ‘daddy’ or sir, and often places our heroine in his lap, or over his knee. A bit of a conundrum; some confusion as to the who, what and why the denial of the obvious but in the end the ‘daddy-kink’ is strong, intense, and not relegated to only the bedroom. The $ex scenes are erotic, intense, and vivid.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, energetic and powerful secondary and supporting characters including Bogdan’s brothers: Maksim and Laura (Bratva Darling 1), Nikolai and Aleksei, and their mother Galina Kutsenko, as well as their cousins Anton, Sergei and Michail; Christina’s parents Liam and Catriona MacNally, and her brothers Tristan and Danny. The requisite evil includes the Irish Mafia, the Italian mob, the Mexican Cartel, and several people getting paid to look the other way.

BRATVA SWEETHEART is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, family and relationships, acceptance and love. The slow building premise is detailed and dramatic; the romance is erotic and highly sexual; the characters are captivating.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (12/27/2022)! 🎁



💝 ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 💝

[Romancing the Duchess - Bethany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Review
Tina and Bogden were magic! I appreciated that Tina was reluctant and weary about getting involved with a Kutsenko, instead of just blindly going with it. She questioned him and their relationship often, but while trusting him to take care of her and keeping her safe. Bogden was just the SWEETEST Mafia man ever! He doted on Tina and read her mind, mood and signals with perfection. I was in love with him and his personality. Their book was romantic, dangerous and, at times, dark and I was hooked the whole story. Their story overlaps the first book in the series, but it was be read alone. However, I loved how I was walking through Laura and Maks relationship all over again through Tina and Bogden's romance.

Tropes
Contemporary Romance, Mafia Romance, Alpha Hero, Criminal Hero, Rake Hero, Self-Made Hero, Protective Hero, Possessive/Jealous Hero, Wealthy Hero, Aggressive Heroine, Bluestocking Heroine, Experienced Heroine, Independent Heroine, Working Heroine, Bath/Shower Steam, Dirty Talk, Angst Romance, Fling to Love, Suspense/Danger/Murder

[Hart's Reader Group · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another freaking dark and delicious bratva romance from Ms. Barclay. Bogdan and Tina are such a beautifully filthy couple--their attraction, the sexual tension, the emotion, and finally the sacrifices.... I could FEEL their love for one another growing as I read. The sex was off the charts HAWT, the suspenseful elements were perfectly tense and heart-pounding, and both Bogdan and Tina were such gorgeously written characters that I loved them through the whole book. The only reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 was because I felt like some of the kinky bits were a near direct copy in phrasing and theme from the first book. Still as sexy but somewhat a letdown because it wasn't "fresh".

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normally I like the oldest brother best in a family because he is always the grumpy guy who a woman tames. Well, while I really liked Maks, I loved Brogdan. Yes, these are mafia guys and they do things that morally ambiguous but Brogdan’s whole way of thinking and acting I found very sexy. These stories contain women who are strong and not just arm candy. I loved it. Sabine wrote a story that was sentimental, sexy, family-oriented (that is a funny way to describe this story) and so much more. I actually teared up in parts. Fantastic.

I received a complimentary copy from publisher through NetGalley.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow - Sabine Barclay's Bratva Sweetheart brings the action, adventure and heat you've been looking for in a mafia romance. Holy smokes, this book's opening is an inferno, and it doesn't stop until the end.

Ms. Barclay writes realistic, likable characters who you would want to meet IRL. Tina/Christina is an independent woman who just happens to like a bit of kink. And she really likes that kink with Bogdan.

Bratva Sweetheart not only brings the heat, it delivers the feels. Tina is a different woman for Bogdan - he doesn't want to forget her after one night and he shows her she is worth more than a one-night stand to him.

Great read!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Corinne Akers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bratva Sweetheart

While I loved reading this book on how the storyline tied into the first book storyline, I was not overly thrilled that this couple had the same kink play as the first couple. Same words, same terminology, it just began to feel pretty redundant after the first book. That being said this book had the same tension through the entire book because of the dangerous nature that the bratva brings with it. And I do recommend reading it, especially if you’re going to binge the entire series like I am!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[CloudyDark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I honestly felt that their relationship was too rushed. They were doubting their relationship so much.

[Marissa Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh! Bogdan and Tina had me on the edge of my seat! I loved all the back and forth between them! I loved how protective they were of each other. They were perfect for one another. Bogdan and Tina were definitely meant to be together! ❤️

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Story was good and I liked the writer's style...I just HATE the Daddy/Baby Girl terms...without that this would have been a 4 star read for me.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bratva Sweetheart" by Sabine Barclay is book two in the "Ivankov Brotherhood" series. This book is about Tina and Bogden. Bogden sees Tina at one of his clubs with another guy, and he seems drawn to her. Tina leaves with him and thinks it is just going to be a one night thing, but a couple days later, they run into each other again, and this time Bogden isn't going to let her go. He is big in his family Mafia stuff, but when it comes to Tina, his softer side is starting to show. I'm really enjoying this series and will continue on to the next one.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tina and Bogdan make an appearance in book one. It made me curious to know their story. It did not disappoint. There is an instant attraction between these two. I'm not always a fan of insta-love, but these characters make it work. I like that Tina is a strong woman. She can handle herself. Bogdan wants to protect her but also respects her strength. This family has me hooked. I can't wait to see what happens in book three.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina MacNally meets Bogdan Kusenko in a strip club whilst on a night out sparks fly from that first meeting. She’s is a building inspector in New York & is surprised to meet Bogdan whilst inspecting a new build. This is the second book in the series & whilst it could easily be read on its own, events from the first book do overlap & also the Kusenko brothers are quite something. I loved how Bogdi & Tina’s relationship grew & change. They fell in lust immediately but it was also far more than that from the start. This isn't a read for the faint hearted but I found it to be riveting & once started found it hard to put down. There are lots of tender moments & I loved that side of the relationship. There’s steam, violence & a lovely love story. However there are surprises, which I didn't see coming also events which kept me on the edge of my seat. Told from both Bogdan & Tina's viewpoints, something I'm not usually a fan of but it worked as I felt I really got inside their heads. A very well written book with strong characters, a fast paced story & an attraction that’s toe curling
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wish this book wasn’t so similar to the first book in the series, Bratva Darling. If I had read this book on its own I think I would have enjoyed it more but I truly felt I was reading Bratva Darling, Maks and Laura’s story a second time. There are too many similarities in how Tina and Bogdan’s relationship develops. I found the way they were so obsessed with each other right away, how Bodgan calls her malyshka, their bedroom proclivities all very similar. Even the involvement of parents ends up being similar for the characters which seems a bit excessive.

The other thing I struggled with was the writing style which I noticed a bit in the first book but it became more clear in this book. I find the author over explains things and the story really drags on at times without a real benefit to the plot or character development.

Speaking of character development, I didn’t find either character to really have much development throughout the book. They are much the same in the beginning as they are in the end. I find that their behaviour also isn’t very consistent where Tina is a very strong willed stubborn woman at times, she becomes weak and meek at other times but it doesn’t fit what I thought her personality should be. Where she is rational and smart at times, then she does something completely stupid and endangers herself.

The last thing that made this a bit of a challenge for me is a lot of the dialogue and smut scenes seemed very mechanical and not very natural. There is a fantasy that Tina wants to play out that when it happens just seems mechanical and not really passionate or exciting. Their pet names for one another seemed forced at times and I’m not really sure why. They also seem desperate to make their own relationship experiences unique to them with expressing firsts that they’ve done with one another as a way to convince themselves they are meant for one another instead of it feeling natural and more like soulmates that are meant to be. I found there were times where dialogue or situations were included that are a bit too rainbows and butterflies for me (meaning it is just too mushy and overly “sweet”) that took a chapter or scene from good to over the top mush.

Although there is kink and a mafia element, it didn’t really come across as a dark romance as I felt everything tried to be perfect and overly romantic and I would have liked more challenges and angst. Something that allowed for character development.

I want to continue the series as I like to know what happens to other characters but I hope the author makes future stories more distinct and interesting without dragging it on.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arabella Auberon · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are a lot of Mafia stories out there that rely on damsels and cruelty towards women as plot points, to the degree that many readers don’t think twice about it. Sabine Barclay proves that not only do those stories not need that type of writing, but those who commit such acts on a woman should be viewed as the villain.
I want to read about strong women falling love with men who are secure enough to want an equal, not a pet. I want to read about anti-hero’s who want a partner, not some wilting flower who can hardly defend themselves verbally, let alone physically.
Even when these women are faced with terrifying situations, they remain strong and capable and they are each willing and able to stand their own ground, whether that’s being in a disagreement with their man, facing down their family, or in a shoot out with the enemy.
That is what Sabine Barclay offers with her Ivankov Brotherhood series. If that’s what you want to read about too, then you won’t be disappointed in these stories.

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.

[Olivia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I skimmed through most of this book. Honestly this book felt like it was never going to end. Honestly Tina couldn’t tell if she was coming or going in this relationship. One minute she’s interested and then she worries what her friends will say, or what other people will say, or what danger she could be in, or why she can’t be told everything even though it was explained to her many times. It was one drama after another that never gets fully resolved. Issue with her previous job, she quits and somehow I guess it resolves itself. Laura gets kidnapped, two lines explain she was found and is recovering. Like here is a bunch of build up to this big threat and like you snap your fingers and it’s dealt with but we get zero explanation on how. What happened to the three prior co workers taking bribes? How did Laura get saved? And honestly, I hated Tina as the h. I felt like she was dr Jekyll and mr Hyde. Like she was portrayed as this fierce take no shit woman, who annoyingly just happened to have connections when needed. Cool that she did building inspections as a woman, I loved that. But it got ridiculous after a while. Oh, want to exercise with my fam, cool I know MMA. Can’t get the vacation days I was because my boss is on a rival mafia patrol, I’ll call a friend who has high seniority. We’re on a yacht so let’s dive off the side like I did on a diving team. Get caught fucking behind a building by the cops, let me call my friend the mayor. The Irish are after me, it’s cool my dad can help and join your mafia group. And seriously she meets Bogden at a strip club where she’s at with her fuck buddy, but gets jealous that his ex girlfriend shows up while they are out randomly. She was so damn wishy washy with their relationship. And honestly, when she cried about him getting her a risqué bikini I almost just threw in the towel and got rid of the book. But I trudged through, and wish I would have just stopped.

[Sudasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

*A great many thanks to Netgalley, Sabine Barclay, and Oliver Heber Books for this ARC. It is important to note that I was under no commitment to provide a positive review, and all opinions are undoubtedly my own.*

Ms. Barclay requested that reviews hold no spoilers or plot summary points. Therefore, I will state what I enjoyed and did not enjoy about this book.

When I requested this ARC, I had not realized that it was the second book in a series; I only realized this after I had already sent in the request. While waiting, I found the first book and read it, so I had some idea of what this one would be about. I hate starting a series without reading the first novel, as I believe it usually sets the tone for everything coming afterward.

I liked most the mafia elements in this novel. I am an avid fan of mafia and dark romances; they're actually my favorite genre. So this was right up my alley. There's just something about the mix of mystery, danger, and romance that make these type of novels so incredibly good!

However, I felt that the relationship between Bogdan and Christina was very rushed and almost forced. The chemistry was there; it just could have been less insta-lust and more insta-love... There were also many grammatical errors in this ARC copy, but I am hoping there will be another round of editing before the final version is released.

With all the above in consideration, I give 'Bratva Sweetheart' a rating of 3 out of stars. I recommend this to persons who, like me, enjoy mafia and mystery romances. Due to the darker elements (violence), foul language, and descriptions of erotic acts, this book is definitely more suitable for persons eighteen and older. All in all, not a bad read but falls short as it does not feel entirely finished.

[Reading to Escape · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3.5 Stars**

Bratva Sweetheart is book two in The Ivankov Brotherhood series but can be read as a standalone. Christina is a strong and independent woman who works as a building inspector for the city. Bogdan is part of the Bratva, and he and his brothers help run various clubs and businesses throughout the city. Christina and Bogdan meet at a club one night and have an undeniable connection. They have a lot to work through before they can make it to their happily ever after, but they have chmistry, a strong desire for each other and persistence on their side.

This was my first book by this author so I didn't quite know what to expect, but I love mafia books. This story definitely has an insta-love vibe, which isn't a favorite of mine, but I do think the author did a good job with it on the whole and I did enjoy the characters and the story line. I did struggle with the "Daddy" aspect of the story...also just a personal preference for me. I would probably have enjoyed the story much more without this. I think the book was well written and I found the story interesting, but I do think it maybe dragged on a little at times. I look forward to reading more of this author's work in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Cheyenne TheSirensBookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This review is completely my own opinion.
I loved the premise of the book. I love a morally grey character that's a sweet melting puddle for one person. Bogdan fit the bill perfectly, and I enjoyed being able to see his sweet side with Tina but also his mafia side. I did, however, feel the writing to be rushed in a lot of the scenes. There was open door scenes, but with the rushed writing I was sometimes confused how they got from one thing to another. The open door scenes weren't the only things rushed, but I wish some of the scenes and explanations were fleshed out a little more. Some of the dialogue was a bit awkward, and seeming to come completely out of left field leaving me confused. Bogdan has a pretty big family, and some of them have nicknames, making it hard to keep track of who's who. An example would be, when a woman's name is mentioned, but doesn't say who she is, so I had to just guess he was talking about his mom. Much later in the book it's confirmed to be his mother. Be sure to read the trigger warning! The types of kinks in this book weren't any I tend to read, but I did give it a chance, but for people who do like these kinks, I think they'll enjoy them. I enjoyed the dirty talk through the book, and that there were a good amount of open door scenes.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Bratva Sweetheart” is the second book in ‘The Ivankov Brotherhood’ series by Sabine Barclay, but it can be read and enjoyed as a standalone story. It’s an insta-lust/insta-love, dark mafia romance with all the characteristics you want n this type of story.

Christina (Tina) is a smart, tough, and independent woman who works hard in her career as a city building inspector. Bogdan is high-ranking member of the Bratva, running various legitimate and not so legitimate businesses. When he and Tina meet at one of those legitimate businesses – a popular nightclub – there is immediate, undeniable chemistry between them. His family has a significant number of business interests based in construction, which brings them into frequent association with inspectors in Tina’s office. It’s an area in which there’s plenty of opportunity for corruption, and for complex situations that add a lot of drama to this story.

This is a entertaining book with a relatively fast pace. The lead characters were good together, although some of their quirks were unusual. Tina and Bogdan have an extremely passionate relationship, some witty dialogue, and intense situations to navigate in search of their happily ever after.

I received a copy of this book from Booksprout and am voluntarily sharing my thoughts and opinions. I also purchased a copy.

[Nat20 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emotionally available and morally gray!

I grabbed this book on a Stuff your Kindle day. I wasn't sure what to expect. I don't often read cime family/bratva books. Often rimes the guys are ruthless and steam roll the women. This book was so different. Bogdan is definitely the anti-hero, but he turns to mush when it comes to loving Christina. I loved seeing the relationship develop. Bogdan isn't an emotional mess, but he is in tune with the fact that he has emotions and feels something for Tina. I'm not an expert on Bratva culture, but I felt the book did a good job describing what was necessary to enjoy the story. I appreciate that Tina wasn't a pushover. In fact, she was a total bada$$. Bogdan didn't attempt to steamrolle her or squash the fighter in her. It was also nice to see glimpses into their lives as working professionals. Some books leave you wondering how on earth the chericters maintain the lifestyle they're living. This is not wine of them. Let's not for get the spice. This is definitely a hot and spicy read with plenty of plot. Why isn't this a 5 star for me? 1. I didn't care for the number of pet names used. It felt like a lot to me. 2. I would have loved to see Tina get some punches in during the bathroom scene.
All that to say, this was a really good book, and I plan to read the other books in the series.

[ALR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Get ready for a knock your socks off, scorching hot, mafia (Bratva) romance. This is my first book by this author and all I can say is Wow. It’s definitely not what I was expecting, but in a good way. There is lots of action, both literally in the lives of Christina and Bogdan, and in their relationship with each other, lots of heat ( get your fan ready), and an interesting twist on insta romance. Both characters are strong leads but balance each other immensely with their tender sides. It truly was nonstop from beginning to end and has me wanting more of these Bratva brothers. Apparently this is book two in the series but as someone who did not read the first book (yet anyway) I was easily able to follow along. I will say Christina and Bogdan’s relationship may be too much for some and highly suggest you listen to the warning disclaimer in the beginning for triggers that may be upsetting for some given the dark aspects of the book, but otherwise a highly enjoyable, steamy hot suspenseful romance. 4.5 stars. I voluntarily read and reviewed an arc copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Meme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tina and Bogdan meet in an unusual setting and the sparks fly right away. The chemistry between the two of them is scorching throughout the entire book. Both of them find that they are into things a little on the darker side in the bedroom and their fantasies complement each other. Their relationship moved pretty fast and is pretty intense. Bogdan is part of the Russian bratva which gives the book tons of action and violence. There really isn't any mystery or intrigue to the story, they know who the bad guys are, its just a matter of what are they going to try to do next. Tina is a strong independent woman so she knows her mind and speaks it, she's also good at reading situations and people, so she can hold back what she want to say too. There are a few twist to the story too to keep things interesting. This story was a great continuation of the series and I was drawn into the story so much that I read it in one sitting. This storynis also part of a series, if you don't read the first bookmyou may be a little confused, but you could also enjoy this book on its own.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alrighty so this is definitely your typical mafia’esc romance novel with dark elements thrown in. I wouldn’t say the typical ness is bad in anyway! I love a good mafia themed novel. You always know there will be dominating males, and “never” going to submit females. Mix in the fact that different gangs come in and have beef with each other at the same time to make things even more interesting.

I really loved how Bodgan and Tina met! Not to mention Tina just bouncing and saying bye (well she didn’t lol)

Then they met each other later and she is all shook to see him again. This is the start of their long, fiery love story. Bodgan is definitely a zaddy and wants complete control over Tina in the bedroom. So of course she doesn’t want to give it to him and their power play is pretty steamy!

It’s not all about them either the story in general is full of battles and conflict and seeing who will come out the victor between several Mafia rivals.

I’d say give this book a go. It is more on the dark side of the smexy romance, so just be aware when you read. Some content might not sit well with everyone!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

[ShariLee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been much of a believer in soulmates, but this book has me reconsidering. Yes, it's that good.

Let's see, it's got: Action, surprises, suspense, violence, intrigue and plenty of steam. It's fun, dark & exciting, with Mafia, more action, more suspense and loads & loads of flaming hot sex. {If you like 'clean' romance, run far, far away.} It's fast paced and even with all of the above, it is super romantic. Really!! There didn't seem to be any good place to take a break & stop reading, so plan on reading it cover to cover.

This is book 2 of The Ivankov Brotherhood but is a complete standalone. I did not read book 1, but did not have any issues. As it is a Brotherhood and they really are brothers, I'm am so going back to read book 1.

Seriously, if you like dark Mafia romance? READ THIS BOOK! I highly recommend. Please heed the trigger warnings. There are there for a purpose.

To mangle a portion of the author's dedication: "There are few things in life that are absolute. Love between soulmates is.".

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anij · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I look down at the woman in my arms and my heart feels like it’s going to burst.”

I knew from reading Bratva Darling that Bogdan and Tina were seeing each other but I thought they had only been together a short while. Apparently Bogdan was very good at keeping his private life private. Sneaky guy!

Bogdan was pretty much what I expected as we got to know all the brothers very well in book one. Sexy, sweet, fun and delicious. I seriously want someone to call me malyshka!

Tina was a huge surprise. I wasn’t all that impressed with her in book one but I really liked her in this one. There is so much more to her than I realized and she ended being a strong heroine. (Not as kick-butt as Laura, but I don’t think anyone else could top her!)

Just like Bratva Darling there’s a ton of action in this book but, despite all the violence, it’s not a dark romance. Bogdan and Tina are adorable together and Bratva Sweetheart is very much a romantic story. No spoilers. Believe me, it’s more fun to discover everything as it happens while reading the actual book. All in all, a very enjoyable read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reg Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't think Sabine could pull off another Bratva romance as strong as the first in this series but she indeed has. Two deliciously sexy and non-vanilla main characters in Bratva boss Bogdan Kutsenko and City Building Inspector Christina. She is one voluptuous woman and when she meets Bogdan in his night club in Manhattan the two generate enough electricity to light up the Empire State Building. They actually part ways on that night and not until a week later is Bogdan surprised when Inspector in hard hat Christina shows up at his project in Brooklyn. She knows her job having a masters along with her red hair and hot body. Bogdan is done for and knows it. The sex is hot and erotic and did I mention hot? Other action is in the form of fighting off threats from rival mafia families and the Irish mob. The way it is written we get to feel as though we are inside the Bratva brotherhood which is a very close and loyal one indeed and extremely family oriented. Good, interesting highly steamy romance. Received this arc and voluntarily reviewed. Can't wait for the next.

[Lynne Shear · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bogdan and Christine's story is my favourite so far, and I am only on book two in this deliciously hot and exciting series.
Sabine Barclay has wonderful talent for not only bringing these stories to life, but all the characters too, whether they are the major or minor characters in these stories.
She cleverly pulls you in, before taking you on a journey of twists and turns as the plots thicken in this Bratva world.
Bogdan is not only extremely handsome, sexy, big, and dominant, but his also caring, kind and funny.
Christine, who is not as confident in her body as she seems is beautiful, intelligent, excellent at what she does, and extremely loving.
Not only is the storyline completely engrossing and fast paced, but you never want to leave this world.
Each character has a personality that is believable making them a whole character, I could even relate to the jar of Maraschino cherries!
Absolutely Loved It!