Kept: A Mafia Romance

by Sarah Bale

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.

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 10, 2026

Reviews

[Elsa Reyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Tammy Manning · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Jinane Abou Hassan zahran · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[A.K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!!

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.