Captivation:

by Kate Taylor

It’s a tale as old as time: a daughter paying for her father’s sins.
Mia Santoro has spent years distancing herself from her father’s world—carving out a quiet life and atoning for the blood on her family’s hands. But the mafia never really lets go.
When her father is caught embezzling from the family, Mia is taken as collateral—dragged into a world of blood and betrayal she’s spent her life avoiding.
All she has is her unshakable compassion and a fierce determination to protect the people she loves.
But nothing could prepare her for him—the man who pulled her into this life.
Logan Sternato doesn’t believe in mercy.
He was raised to see love as a liability, emotion as weakness, and loyalty as a price paid in blood.
When he takes Mia, he expects fear. Compliance. Obedience.
Instead, he finds a softness that disarms him—a quiet strength that unsettles him more than violence ever could.
She makes him feel.
And for a man like Logan, that’s the most dangerous thing of all.
Surviving the mafia is one thing.
Surviving each other is another battle entirely.

Genres: Dark Romance

457 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2025

About the author

Kate Taylor is a UK-based writer who spends most of her time dreaming up romance stories featuring broody heroes and soft-hearted heroines—or reading about them.
At twenty-three years old, Kate is living the life of an eighty-year-old woman. She loves reading and writing, painting, coloring, baking, and spending time with her furry companion—a miniature schnauzer with a bit of an attitude problem.

Reviews

[Layla · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Bestie wrote a book and smashed it 🥰

This book follows Mia, who has spent years staying away from her father's life of crime, trying to build something for herself whilst caring for everyone around her.

When her father is caught messing around with his crime family's funds, Mia is taken as collateral by the family's boss and forced to stay under merciless, coldhearted Logan's roof with little freedom.

Logan truly believed he'd have Mia under his control, but her softness takes him aback and he soon finds out the strength isn't always about being tough, it's also about having a whole lot of heart, which Logan was always told not to do.

I really, really enjoyed this read. I loved Mia and how she never gave up on being compassionate and empathetic - that is truly her strength. She also never fails to do what she truly believes is right without using anger or violence - this clearly throws Logan off as violence and anger are what he was taught to use to be able to lead.

Logan soon starts developing feelings for Mia, and the rest is history! Bonus points for him falling first because this further shows that Mia is a badass.

As well as the romance in this book, the ongoing story with Mia's father and the family's troubles was very interesting and I honestly really liked that the romance did not overshadow it, there was a really good balance here and in terms of the spice, there wasn't so much of this which honestly I preferred. Sometimes, when I go into dark romances, I fear that it'll be all spice, no plot. This story, thankfully, is very balanced, so you never feel like there's too much of anything.

I was kindly given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review, and I would like to thank Kate for trusting me. I'm so proud of you!

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia has spent the better part of her life trying not to get involved with her father’s mafia associations. But when he is caught embezzling money from the Sternato family, Mia is taken as collateral and thrown head first into the very world she vowed never to be a part of. Enter Logan Sternato, ruthless mafia kingpin, and a man after blood.

I’m not being biased when I say that this was up there with one of the most captivating (pun not intended) debut novels l’ve had the pleasure of reading. When one of my book besties offered me the opportunity to arc read her new book for her, I felt so honoured. Captivation was more than just its namesake. From the very first chapter, I was drawn in by the characters, the emotional plot line, and the effortless flow of the writing. The chemistry between Mia and Logan felt raw and so incredibly real, yet Kate somehow still managed to make a sizzling slow burn romance out of them. Mia’s and Logan’s struggles, growth, and connection to each other felt genuine, and it was impossible not to root for them, despite the challenges they faced together. I’m really looking forward to seeing more of what Kate has to offer 🥹🫶🏻

Thank you for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review @author.katetaylor ✨

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of being part of Kate’s ARC team, and let me tell you I absolutely adore this book. Mia and Logan make me so happy, I cried, I laughed, I smiled, I fell in love. Honestly this is a rollercoaster in the best possible way. I loved the tension between Mia and Logan, the way Mia is so so unafraid of him at points, the way he is and everything he’s been through. Honestly I can’t wait to read more and see what Kate does next 🖤

[Niamh · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a debut!! First of all just want to say a huge thank you to Kate for trusting me as one of her ARC readers, I’m always slightly skeptical when reading debut’s as they do tend to come across as immature and not very well rounded- that is not the case here, even just from
the first few pages I couldn’t believe how phenomenal Kate’s writing style was, it’s so clear she has been perfecting her writing for years, it was so easy to follow, fast paced and I was completely sucked in from the get go. This absolutely deserves a place up there with the long standing mafia romances, I felt every emotion reading this, The plot is exciting, the characters are so authentic and layered, we grow with these characters throughout the course of the book- I’ll definitely be thinking of Mia and Logan for a long time and I can’t wait to read future releases from Kate.

The book releases on October 1st and I hope Kate has you all lining up to purchase it as she truly deserves it. 👏🏻

[Sabína · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aj napriek tomu, že mladučká Mia Santoro vedela, aký život vedie jej otec, nikdy mu nebola vystavená. Až do doby, kým sa v ich obývačke nezjaví Logan Sternato. Mladý mafiánsky boss obviní Miinho otca zo zrady a kým sa ten neprizná, berie Miu do zajatia. Čo však začalo ako „poistka“ sa neskôr zmení na boj o život. Zmení Logan svoj prístup k Mii ako k väzenkyni alebo Mia doplatí na chyby svojho otca?

Milujem, keď môžem dať ARC-om 5⭐️. MILUJEM, KEĎ MÔŽEM DAŤ 5⭐️ DEBUTOM!!! A poviem vám, aj niektorí renomovaní autori a autorky sa majú od Kate čo učiť. Fakt by ste nepovedali, že toto je jej prvá kniha.

Captivation je jedna skvelá, dobre napísaná kniha. Táto mafiánska slow-burn romanca vás udrží v napätí od začiatku až do konca. Je plná zvratov, skvele napísaných postáv a ten banter! Spicy scény a násilie sú opísané naozaj vkusne. Dokonca aj mafiánske prostredie a praktiky sú napísané celkom vierohodne.
Príbeh plynie postupne, bez výrazných skokov v deji. Ak sú tam aj nejaké diery, ani to nespozorujete. Aby toho nebolo, autorka do hlavnej hrdinky vložila veľký kus seba. Naozaj je tá kniha špeciálna.

Ak máte radi mafiánske prostredie s morally gray hlavným hrdinom a silnou, ale jemnou ženskou hrdinkou, toto je kniha presne pre vás.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you're born into the Mafia you rarely live life unscathed by the bloodshed it brings. No child should learn that but poor Mia, the way she learned the truth about her parents broke my heart! Logan was used to getting his way, he is the Mafia boss afterall! But when he takes Mia as collateral until her father can clear his name, life changes for both of them and they don't even see it coming. There are times I wanted to slap Logan for being an asshole, but that's part of his "I'm an asshole to everyone but her" charm. I have to say, Gavin and Fiona were my favorite side characters! Fiona with her motherly no nonsense ways and Gavin with his protective brother vibe towards Mia, he was absolutely a friend and not just her bodyguard. And I can't forget Millie, she was another no nonsense lady! And Henry got what he deserved, I called it that his douchbag ass had a part in what happened to Mia..that asshole 😡. This is a mafia romance so please check trigger warnings before reading. It's already been released but thank you @author.katetaylor for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!

[mini_porkchopxo · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE ARC REVIEW!

This is a smashing debut from Kate Taylor. It has everything you would want in a Mafia romance. A brooding man, an amazing FMC, and a gripping plot.

Her writing is really well done because in the beginning, I hated Logan. I truly thought he was going to be an MMC that I wouldn’t gel with. But she managed to make me love him. And that just shows the level of her writing skills to be able to pull something like that off.

Mia isn’t the typical defenceless FMC. She’s soft, kind, caring, and beautiful inside and out. But she doesn’t let people take more than she’s willing to give. She has a heart of pure gold and I truly felt for her throughout the whole book. The poor woman goes through some stuff but it just solidifies how incredibly strong she is.

Kate Taylor, thank you for providing me with an ARC for your debut. I feel truly honoured and I’m rooting for a great release day for you.

[Stacey Crosbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished this book whilst I was on holiday and my gosh could I not put it down. This book is one of my favourites and I can't wait to to read anymore books that may come out in the future by Kate.

I felt the characters were beautifully written with the main character Mia being a badass, I loved that her personality grew throughout the book but for the better, she stayed true to her nature and is a very strong woman. It was great to read the other main character Logan falling for Mia first rather than the woman falling for the guy which usually happens in a lot of these styles of books.

The plot of the story was new to me, I felt like I couldn't even guess what happens next and I am happy that its not an obvious story line.

Definitely read this book and fall in love with it as much as I did. you won't be disappointed ❤️

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

i LOVED this book! i devoured this in one sitting, literally could not stop reading once i got into it. i am so surprised that this author is so new, the book did *not* read debut author at all.

it took you on an emotional rollercoaster for sure, and the MMC was written so well. i kept screaming at the FMC to just love him like he didnt totally kidnap her 💀 the author just dived awesomely into his personality and why the way he was the way he was. both MCs had really flushed out personalities, i loved it.

Mia was so dope as an FMC, i want to be her when I grow up, forreal forreal. its no wonder logan ended up fallin lol i did too!

thank you thank you thank you to the author for this Arc, i genuinely enjoyed this!

[Marcella Loza · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I ate this book up in less than 24 hours shows how amazing of a book this is. So thankful I was chosen for the arc read. I can’t believe this is her debut book because she had me flying through the pages to see what happens next. Mia and Logan are the definition of enemies to lovers. He falls first and hard. Watching a morally grey MMC go soft for his girl is one of my favorite things about this couple. The way she never backed down from him no matter how scared she might’ve been. Mia is truly one of the strongest FMC I’ve read about. Their banter back and forth had me gasping out loud. I can’t wait for book 2!

[EJ Chow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book in one sitting, in 3 hours. That’s how addicted I was to this book. 😍 I want a Logan too!

[Minnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review

4.5⭐|2🌶|6% frequency

I love supporting new authors and ARC read their debut novels. I really do, but at the same time, I always fear "What if I don't like the book?" They will know then, and I know I'm a picky reader. Still, I give them a chance. I saw Kate posting on Threads that she was in a forum where authors were called childish and don't take writing seriously when they write books in first person present tense. And because I love exactly that, I had to sign up for an ARC.

Here I am now. Just finished reading the book and writing a review.
And do you know what? I loved the book ���
I loved reading it. And I loved both MCs.
Mia is the absolute goody two-shoes. She fully lives to help others. Her 80-year-old neighbor, who is almost dying 🥺 She volunteers at a women's shelter. And she does everything that needs to be done at home for her dad and her sister after her mom died.
And then she gets "kidnapped" by Logan, a mafia don 😎 Yes, mafia romance is definitely one of my weaknesses 🫣 Sure, Logan does what mafia bosses do, you know, right? All the ☠️ and 🔫 ... 😉 But he isn't a completely bad guy. He is definitely more morally grey. But betrayal him, and he gets feral 🙈

And of course, there are a lot of secrets/plot twists 😁

Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


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[Lis J · Rating 4 out of 5]

4,5 ⭐
2🌶️

ok SO mía has always Take care of everyone SO one day her father make a mistake and she is collateral and Take by Logan who is the BOSS on this mafia, when money is stollen and her father refused to admit it she became hostage, there is naivity and fire in Mía she doesnt back down Logan at first he is a asshole and súper grumpy he was raised by his father with fists and threats SO he thing that feelings are not welcome to his world but mía change everything they got this Enemy to lovers at first and there is a Lots of plot twist and betrayal but love this book.

[Jessica Montanelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the characters, the action, the longing, the side characters and everything in between! The plot is clever and keeps you glued to the page, with turns of events that I didn't expect, and a slow burn that makes you tingle and kick your feet. It's softer compared to other mafia and dark romances, but it was perfect for me. I enjoyed it so much, I was a bit sad when it was over.

[Din · Rating 4 out of 5]

What does it say about me when I end up crying while reading a supposed dark mafia romance? 😂

Mia was such a tough FMC—soft but strong, and always putting others first. She’s spent her life taking care of everyone around her: her sister, her dad, even Millie, their sick elderly neighbor. Then she gets “kidnapped” by Logan, the mafia boss who’s all sharp edges and no mercy.

But Logan wasn’t completely heartless. At first, he tried to hide it, doing things quietly—like donating to the shelter Mia volunteered at or making sure Millie had proper care. And eventually, he admits it out loud, letting those softer moments break through the walls he’d built.

It’s a literal enemies to lovers, and you see the shift in their dynamic as they start to fall for each other. The tension, the push-pull, the slow unraveling—it worked so well.

And the family drama? So good. You think you know what’s happening, you hope you’re wrong, but when it unravels it still hits hard. The secrets, betrayals, and twists kept me glued until the end.

[Just_A_Few_More_Pages_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌟This is a book for the bookshelf! 🌟

Don't you just love discovering a book that has you instantly gripped from the start. I found myself laughing at parts even had my partner looking at me weirdly, for me to respond with a 'you wouldn't get it' 😂

I tried finding ways I could hide from responsibilities to read this book. Who needs responsibilities when you have a book with plot, banter and spice. It was the perfect combination.

There were intense moments. I even messaged the author, because I had to talk to someone about certain scenes.

This is definately a book I would have on my self. To the author please consider yourself offically stalked by me waiting some what patiently for your next book. 💗

[FN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating story, and text book definition of enemy to lover! Things the main characters dont expect to happen behind close doors about each other, untangled as they progress along and confronting the uncomfortable truths. I love how the characters were written, soft and vulnerable dont means weak, dark and relentless dont mean heartless - somehwere along the line. It's definitely an enjoyable read. Grateful for the ARC opportunity.

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ loved this book!! Can’t wait to read more!