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Kept: A Mafia Romance
In his world, vows mean everything. And she tempts him to break every one.
Lorenzo Conti has spent a lifetime keeping his empire—and his heart—under lock and key. At forty-eight, he’s engaged to a woman who will secure his family’s legacy, seal his alliances, and give him the son he needs.
Then his daughter’s best friend, Elizabeth “Birdie” Miller, shows up at his door. She’s too young. Too pure. Too curious about the man she should fear.
He should stay away. He doesn’t.
One glance becomes a touch.
One touch becomes a sin.
Now Lorenzo is caught between duty and obsession, honor and hunger.
In his world, women are protected, promised, and possessed.
And Birdie?
She’s the one he was never supposed to keep.
She’s the one thing the Don swore he’d never take. And the one thing he can’t give back.
Lorenzo Conti has spent a lifetime keeping his empire—and his heart—under lock and key. At forty-eight, he’s engaged to a woman who will secure his family’s legacy, seal his alliances, and give him the son he needs.
Then his daughter’s best friend, Elizabeth “Birdie” Miller, shows up at his door. She’s too young. Too pure. Too curious about the man she should fear.
He should stay away. He doesn’t.
One glance becomes a touch.
One touch becomes a sin.
Now Lorenzo is caught between duty and obsession, honor and hunger.
In his world, women are protected, promised, and possessed.
And Birdie?
She’s the one he was never supposed to keep.
She’s the one thing the Don swore he’d never take. And the one thing he can’t give back.
338 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
May 28, 2026
the fmc is bffs with mmcs daughter. They're in college together when there's an attack. The fmc throws herself in front of the bff and saves her. Since there's still a threat, they're taken back to Chicago. Unfortunately, the girls sneak out again and the bff is shot again and dies.
The mmc meanwhile is engaged to ow(it feels weird saying that since our fmc is technically the ow, but I digress). The fmc starts off smart, has a backbone, and it slowly falls apart. The mcs start an affair while the mmc is engaged and going to functions with his fiancée(moc). The night the mmc says he's going to break it off with his fiancée, she tells him she's pregnant. He decides he's going to marry her now. *That same night he doesn't come home and sleeps with the fiancee and goes back a couple days later and sleeps with the fmc. Meanwhile, he's switched out the fmcs birth control, and has no plans of stopping. Because that's his idea of keeping her in his life. He was a spineless POS. The fiancée and his second in command orchestrate disappearing the fmc, making it seem like she ran away. (She kind of wanted to, and she's also pregnant now).
**not safe at all. see above. fmc is the mistress.
The mmc meanwhile is engaged to ow(it feels weird saying that since our fmc is technically the ow, but I digress). The fmc starts off smart, has a backbone, and it slowly falls apart. The mcs start an affair while the mmc is engaged and going to functions with his fiancée(moc). The night the mmc says he's going to break it off with his fiancée, she tells him she's pregnant. He decides he's going to marry her now. *That same night he doesn't come home and sleeps with the fiancee and goes back a couple days later and sleeps with the fmc. Meanwhile, he's switched out the fmcs birth control, and has no plans of stopping. Because that's his idea of keeping her in his life. He was a spineless POS. The fiancée and his second in command orchestrate disappearing the fmc, making it seem like she ran away. (She kind of wanted to, and she's also pregnant now).
**not safe at all. see above. fmc is the mistress.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
it is a cliffhanger. need to wait for part 2 Freed
February 10, 2026
This is my first book by Sarah Bale and my mind was blown. This is an age gap, best friend’s father mafia romance. Birdie (Elizabeth) is the college roommate of Sienna whose father is a mafia don. Birdie’s family is all gone and she’s alone except for an assortment of friends. During a holiday party someone storms into her apartment and shoots killing some of her friends. Sienna and Birdie are taken by her father and ushered to Chicago to recuperate in his penthouse. Now Lorenzo is about to marry into another family for a stronger alliance and to have a son. His fiancée is about the same age as Birdie and Sienna. Lorenzo has a strong attraction to Birdie and when a devastating event occurs these two grow even closer. Birdie although alone is a very strong, confidant woman. She isn’t one of those shy wimpy characters who drive me crazy. She’s bold enough to go after what she wants. Lorenzo was a little harder to figure out, but like most mafia don’s, he’s possessive, he’s controlling but he will do whatever he needs to keep his Elizabeth safe. This books has loads of action, suspense, spice and a mystery. Unfortunately it also has a cliffhanger. I’m eagerly waiting for the next book. Please check the trigger warnings because there are events that could be triggering for some.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Now this isn’t the first book of Sarah Bale’s that I’ve read, so while I expect to get extremely irritated and angry with characters I certainly didn’t expect to be sitting here reading this book with tears running down my face during multiple parts. This book took me on a roller coaster and put my emotions through the wringer. I started reading and couldn’t put it down until I got to the end, which is when I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. Something else that Bale’s books haven’t made me do before.
I loved Birdie so much. She’s so sweet but also strong as hell and I loved seeing her stand up for herself. I also love me some daddy Lorenzo, even if I want to smack him upside the head. (But I will say that I’m always a sucker for the birth control tampering trope). 😏
I have so many thought and theories about this book but since they mostly pertain to the last 15% of the book I’m going to keep them to myself. What I will say is that the math just ain’t mathing for me. 🤨And, I NEED the next book like yesterday. It’s not a want, it’s a necessity, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
I loved Birdie so much. She’s so sweet but also strong as hell and I loved seeing her stand up for herself. I also love me some daddy Lorenzo, even if I want to smack him upside the head. (But I will say that I’m always a sucker for the birth control tampering trope). 😏
I have so many thought and theories about this book but since they mostly pertain to the last 15% of the book I’m going to keep them to myself. What I will say is that the math just ain’t mathing for me. 🤨And, I NEED the next book like yesterday. It’s not a want, it’s a necessity, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book completely caught me off guard. Despite featuring two tropes I usually avoid, age gap and cliffhangers, Kept delivered an emotionally intense and immersive experience I couldn't put down. Lorenzo is a man of control, loyalty, and power, torn between duty and desire. He did some "really" questionable things just to keep Birdie with him, but then their love grew. The age difference didn’t matter when they were together, they were compatible and so hot, yet other elements intervened and their forbidden romance had to stop. Birdie is his daughter’s friend and far too young for him, yet she became his unexpected source of comfort when he needed it. The attraction builds slowly, the emotional weight hits hard, and that cliffhanger, oh my God! I never saw it coming. It left me with theories, questions, and one painful truth ringing loud, betrayal hurts the most when it comes from those closest to you and those you trust. Shocking, emotional, and deeply affecting, this story stayed with me long after I finished. Book two is no longer optional. I need it. One more thing, I loved the author's writing!!! And read the trigger warnings.
February 14, 2026
Once I started this book I couldn't put it down. There were twists that you don't see in mafia romance throughout this story. The chemistry between Lorenzo and Elizabeth was there from the first meeting. And the story unfolds from there. Does end on a crushing cliffhanger making you need book 2 of the duet immediately.
"The moment that girl stepped into my orbit, she stopped being someone people could talk down to."😀
“Addio, tesoro mio.” Goodbye, my treasure. 😢
"Him. The only steady thing in the storm."😊
"But he was always there. Pulling me back. Holding me together. Keeping me tethered to a world I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in."😥
"The touch is light but it burns right to my heart."❤️
"For my Christmas angel. Wear this and make it impossible for me to behave."🥵
"She stopped being a woman I wanted. And became the one I’ll never let go."❤️😊
"After this, she’ll never walk out of my life. And I’ll destroy anything that tries to take her from me." 🖤
"Loving him feels like standing in the center of a storm and pretending the lightning won’t hit me." ❤️😊🥰
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
"The moment that girl stepped into my orbit, she stopped being someone people could talk down to."😀
“Addio, tesoro mio.” Goodbye, my treasure. 😢
"Him. The only steady thing in the storm."😊
"But he was always there. Pulling me back. Holding me together. Keeping me tethered to a world I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in."😥
"The touch is light but it burns right to my heart."❤️
"For my Christmas angel. Wear this and make it impossible for me to behave."🥵
"She stopped being a woman I wanted. And became the one I’ll never let go."❤️😊
"After this, she’ll never walk out of my life. And I’ll destroy anything that tries to take her from me." 🖤
"Loving him feels like standing in the center of a storm and pretending the lightning won’t hit me." ❤️😊🥰
I am leaving my honest review for a complimentary copy of this book via the author.
February 20, 2026
Slow Burn, Savage Ending
OMG Besties… "Kept" had my emotions in a chokehold.
Birdie and Lorenzo? A whole chaotic, morally grey mess and I was glued to every second. This is a veeeeerrrrryyyyy slow burn... like tension simmering so long it almost hurts... but when it hits? It hits. I was side-eyeing Sienna, absolutely despising Fran (and I mean REALLY despising), pitying Birdie one minute and then tearing up for Lorenzo during that burial scene the next. And Birdie caving in like that? UGH. I wanted to shake her. The emotional whiplash... Ruthless.
The mafia politics, the age gap tension, the forbidden obsession... it’s dark, possessive, and deliciously messy. Lorenzo being promised to another while losing control over the one woman he shouldn’t want... Peak torment.
But that ending?!?! NOOOOOOO. I know it’s a duet, but I was NOT prepared. I need Book 2 immediately.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
OMG Besties… "Kept" had my emotions in a chokehold.
Birdie and Lorenzo? A whole chaotic, morally grey mess and I was glued to every second. This is a veeeeerrrrryyyyy slow burn... like tension simmering so long it almost hurts... but when it hits? It hits. I was side-eyeing Sienna, absolutely despising Fran (and I mean REALLY despising), pitying Birdie one minute and then tearing up for Lorenzo during that burial scene the next. And Birdie caving in like that? UGH. I wanted to shake her. The emotional whiplash... Ruthless.
The mafia politics, the age gap tension, the forbidden obsession... it’s dark, possessive, and deliciously messy. Lorenzo being promised to another while losing control over the one woman he shouldn’t want... Peak torment.
But that ending?!?! NOOOOOOO. I know it’s a duet, but I was NOT prepared. I need Book 2 immediately.
My Ratings: ⭐ 4.5/5 ▪︎ 🥵 3/5
🥀 For my rating scale breakdown, head over to my Goodreads &/or Amazon profile! 🖤
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me on the edge of my seat! I was never sure what direction the story was going!
It was filled with drama, emotional moments, secrets, and danger.
I loved Birdie. She was confident, smart, and also relatable. Her insecurities made her all the sweeter and loveable.
I really liked Lorenzo. I truly believe he loves Birdie. However, I didn't like some of his choices. I definitely approve of his protective and possessive ways though.
These two had great chemistry and the spice was perfect.
I was not expecting the ending!!! I need book 2 as soon as possible!!
This was another fantastic read by Sarah Bale!!
It was filled with drama, emotional moments, secrets, and danger.
I loved Birdie. She was confident, smart, and also relatable. Her insecurities made her all the sweeter and loveable.
I really liked Lorenzo. I truly believe he loves Birdie. However, I didn't like some of his choices. I definitely approve of his protective and possessive ways though.
These two had great chemistry and the spice was perfect.
I was not expecting the ending!!! I need book 2 as soon as possible!!
This was another fantastic read by Sarah Bale!!
February 11, 2026
Kept :: Conti Mafia Duet Book 1 ) What You Get!’ 🔥Dark Mafia 🔥Forbidden 🔥Age Gap 🔥Best Friends Father !!! OMG !!! Guys !!! I’m already completely In love and obsessed and we’re only on book 1 of what is surely going to be an unforgettable duet !!!! No words , just no perfect words can even start to describe the crazy and wild ride I was just taken on !! This phenomenal world that Sarah has so brilliantly created , literally had me on the edge of my seat speechless and completely blown away from beginning to end ! And Birdie and Lorenzo oh my gosh so freaking hot together ( all the different layers and complexities to their characters and their relationship, I could not get enough of them .
February 10, 2026
OMG guys!
You have to indulge in this mafia duet!
The start has me wishing book two was already here!
Emotionally, I'm a wreck!
The world and character building, the action, the twists!
Man, I felt like I was on a scary carnival ride that I LOVED!
Wait until you meet Birdie and Lorenzo!
These two...
I'm guessing what comes next!
Will Ms. Bale prove me right?
Or, will I be totally gob-smacked and wrong?
I can tell you, it's going to be a very difficult wait!
VERY DIFFICULT!
You have to indulge in this mafia duet!
The start has me wishing book two was already here!
Emotionally, I'm a wreck!
The world and character building, the action, the twists!
Man, I felt like I was on a scary carnival ride that I LOVED!
Wait until you meet Birdie and Lorenzo!
These two...
I'm guessing what comes next!
Will Ms. Bale prove me right?
Or, will I be totally gob-smacked and wrong?
I can tell you, it's going to be a very difficult wait!
VERY DIFFICULT!
February 16, 2026
The cliffhanger!!! Why did you do this to me!? I need to know what’s going to happen next! Such a cruel cruel world…bad Sarah lol. This book was amazing. It pulled me in, told me to sit down, and enjoy the ride. And but what a ride it was. The twists and turns had me holding onto my seat. Lorenzo is so damn hot! Him and Birdie were amazing. This story grips you and holds on. Then it throws a cliffhanger at you. I need the second book yesterday!
March 18, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kept by Sara Bale is a dark, intense romance that dives into obsession, power, and control. When a young woman becomes entangled with a dangerously possessive man, (her best friend’s Dad!!) their connection blurs the line between protection and captivity. It’s a story about desire, dominance, and the complicated pull between fear and attraction.
I just finished this book and I would like to formally announce that I am NOT okay. I was hooked from page one—the age gap, the power dynamic, the dangerously in-control male lead?? I absolutely LOVED it. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” like the liar I am while these plot twists just kept coming out of nowhere and ruining my emotional stability. I’m fine. Really.
And that ending?? The cliffhanger?? How am I supposed to just continue living my life without answers?? I NEED the second book… like… NOW. I will be impatiently waiting for its release in May.
I just finished this book and I would like to formally announce that I am NOT okay. I was hooked from page one—the age gap, the power dynamic, the dangerously in-control male lead?? I absolutely LOVED it. I kept telling myself “one more chapter” like the liar I am while these plot twists just kept coming out of nowhere and ruining my emotional stability. I’m fine. Really.
And that ending?? The cliffhanger?? How am I supposed to just continue living my life without answers?? I NEED the second book… like… NOW. I will be impatiently waiting for its release in May.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sarah does what only Sarah can do, make me love the OW trope.
This one, like most of Sarah’s books had me hooked from page one. I literally didn’t want to put it down, until the cliffhanger at the end which made me want to throw my kindle off of a skyscraper.
It’s was tragically beautiful in so many ways. Can’t wait for book 2. No seriously I can’t wait!!
This one, like most of Sarah’s books had me hooked from page one. I literally didn’t want to put it down, until the cliffhanger at the end which made me want to throw my kindle off of a skyscraper.
It’s was tragically beautiful in so many ways. Can’t wait for book 2. No seriously I can’t wait!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is book one of the Conti duet.
Lorenzo is promised in marriage to another when his daughter's best friend Birdie comes to stay.
This is an older man, younger woman story with Birdie being much younger than Lorenzo. But the attraction is there and her fascination with him only pulls them closer.
A fantastic story and so well done.
Lorenzo is promised in marriage to another when his daughter's best friend Birdie comes to stay.
This is an older man, younger woman story with Birdie being much younger than Lorenzo. But the attraction is there and her fascination with him only pulls them closer.
A fantastic story and so well done.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love Sarah writing in the mafia world. This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. Please due check your triggers. Lorenzo has so much more to lose and Elizabeth keeps being in the wrong place at the wrong time. The cliffhanger has me need book two now.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The emotions you will feel in this book are raw. I cried with the FMC as well as got angry for her. The book kept me hooked the whole time and I was not ready for it to end. Now I have to wait for the next book! Ready for it already!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my goodness!!! This was such a great read and absolutely cannot wait to read the next book. I was not ready for the twist and turns. Gave me all the feels! I could not put it down!! I love Birdie and Lorenzo and excited to see what is to come!!! Great job!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
RTC
Review of advance copy received from Author
book was so good! it does end on a cliffhanger but still so good!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my gosh! Sarah Bale gives us everything here but beware of the trigger warnings but do know, cliffhanger is at the end!!!
February 10, 2026
Kept is the first part of the Conti Mafia Duet. It’s an awesome read! I enjoyed it so much. I couldn’t stop reading! I can’t wait to read the rest of Birdie and Lorenzo’s story.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Quickie Review: Kept is absolutely one of my most favorite reads in quite some time. My reading life has been nonexistent lately, and this one held my attention at every turn. It had lots of tropes I adore: age gap, mafia, and forbidden romance. Not a fan of other woman drama? Then this book may not be for you. But if you know Bale’s work, then you know she is phenomenal at writing it and still not totally hating the MMC. Also, this ends in an ooey gooey cliffhanger. Not a fan of those, either? Then I honestly don’t know what to tell you, because you will 100 percent be missing out on a sensational read. I need the next book immediately. 5 Stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I was not prepared for the emotional damage this book delivered. I thought I knew what I was walking into, but instead I got a story that cracked me open and left me staring at the ceiling long after I finished. This wasn’t just a read — it was an experience that dug deep and refused to let go.
The pacing is relentless in the best way. Once I started, the world disappeared, and I found myself racing toward the end with my heart in my throat… only to be left in stunned disbelief when I got there. Let’s just say my Kindle barely survived that moment.
Birdie is the kind of character who sneaks up on you. Soft-spoken but unbreakable, compassionate yet fierce, she carries a quiet strength that made me root for her from the very first page. Watching her grow into herself was incredibly rewarding. And Lorenzo? Complicated, infuriating, magnetic. The kind of man who makes you question your morals while still holding your attention hostage.
There’s so much layered beneath the surface of this story — secrets, choices, consequences — and by the final stretch, I was spiraling with theories and unanswered questions. Something doesn’t quite line up, and I need to know why.
All I know for sure is this: the next book is no longer optional. It’s mandatory. I will be waiting, impatiently and unapologetically, for what comes next.
The pacing is relentless in the best way. Once I started, the world disappeared, and I found myself racing toward the end with my heart in my throat… only to be left in stunned disbelief when I got there. Let’s just say my Kindle barely survived that moment.
Birdie is the kind of character who sneaks up on you. Soft-spoken but unbreakable, compassionate yet fierce, she carries a quiet strength that made me root for her from the very first page. Watching her grow into herself was incredibly rewarding. And Lorenzo? Complicated, infuriating, magnetic. The kind of man who makes you question your morals while still holding your attention hostage.
There’s so much layered beneath the surface of this story — secrets, choices, consequences — and by the final stretch, I was spiraling with theories and unanswered questions. Something doesn’t quite line up, and I need to know why.
All I know for sure is this: the next book is no longer optional. It’s mandatory. I will be waiting, impatiently and unapologetically, for what comes next.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews