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His to Protect: A Billionaire Mafia Romance
I pressed my hands against his wound to keep him alive.
He decided that meant I belonged to him.
I save a stranger’s life in a freezing alley. I don’t know he’s a king.
I’m a trauma surgeon. I live by control. I walk into chaos, stop the bleeding, and walk away. Detached. Steady. Untouched.
Until the night I kneel in blood and press my hands against a dying man’s wound while he looks at me like I’m the only thing keeping him alive.
I tell myself I’ll never see him again.
I’m wrong.
Kiren Sovarin doesn’t ask for gratitude. He doesn’t thank me. He doesn’t walk away.
He watches.
He protects.
He removes threats before I even know they exist.
He tells me I saved his life like that makes me his.
I should run.
Instead, I fall.
But loving a man like Kiren means stepping into a world where power is taken in blood and loyalty is tested in fire. His empire is cracking from the inside. Enemies don’t just circle — they sit at his table.
And when they can’t reach him, they reach for me.
Then everything changes.
A pregnancy I never think I’ll have.
A child conceived in the middle of a mafia war.
A future that terrifies me more than the bullets ever could.
What should make us stronger begins to expose the fractures between us. Secrets surface. Loyalties twist. And I start to realize that not everything in Kiren’s world is what it seems.
Not every ally is loyal.
Not every truth has been told.
And not every danger comes from outside his empire.
I save lives for a living.
Now I have to protect one.
In a world where betrayal is fatal, and love is the most dangerous weakness of all, I stand beside a king who would burn cities for me.
The question is whether our love survives the fire.
Continue this bestselling Bratva duet now. His To Protect is a full-length mafia romance novel with a cliffhanger.
The Merciless Sovarin Bratva series is perfect for readers who love mafia romance, obsessed heroes, forbidden love, pregnancy twists, and powerful Bratva families.
He decided that meant I belonged to him.
I save a stranger’s life in a freezing alley. I don’t know he’s a king.
I’m a trauma surgeon. I live by control. I walk into chaos, stop the bleeding, and walk away. Detached. Steady. Untouched.
Until the night I kneel in blood and press my hands against a dying man’s wound while he looks at me like I’m the only thing keeping him alive.
I tell myself I’ll never see him again.
I’m wrong.
Kiren Sovarin doesn’t ask for gratitude. He doesn’t thank me. He doesn’t walk away.
He watches.
He protects.
He removes threats before I even know they exist.
He tells me I saved his life like that makes me his.
I should run.
Instead, I fall.
But loving a man like Kiren means stepping into a world where power is taken in blood and loyalty is tested in fire. His empire is cracking from the inside. Enemies don’t just circle — they sit at his table.
And when they can’t reach him, they reach for me.
Then everything changes.
A pregnancy I never think I’ll have.
A child conceived in the middle of a mafia war.
A future that terrifies me more than the bullets ever could.
What should make us stronger begins to expose the fractures between us. Secrets surface. Loyalties twist. And I start to realize that not everything in Kiren’s world is what it seems.
Not every ally is loyal.
Not every truth has been told.
And not every danger comes from outside his empire.
I save lives for a living.
Now I have to protect one.
In a world where betrayal is fatal, and love is the most dangerous weakness of all, I stand beside a king who would burn cities for me.
The question is whether our love survives the fire.
Continue this bestselling Bratva duet now. His To Protect is a full-length mafia romance novel with a cliffhanger.
The Merciless Sovarin Bratva series is perfect for readers who love mafia romance, obsessed heroes, forbidden love, pregnancy twists, and powerful Bratva families.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
May 14, 2026
slow and redundant
1.5⭐️ Wanted this to get better. Verbiage was very repetitive and although book 1 was slow, I found some softness in the pace. This book slowed to a point of a crawl. That pace made the continued redundant language in the storyline excruciating.
1.5⭐️ Wanted this to get better. Verbiage was very repetitive and although book 1 was slow, I found some softness in the pace. This book slowed to a point of a crawl. That pace made the continued redundant language in the storyline excruciating.
April 17, 2026
Reviewed the wrong book.
TBC.
TBC.
June 13, 2026
This did not need to be a duet. Why drag out a storyline that could have been finished in the first? It would have been more interesting if it did. This book was worse than the first and the writing didn’t get better. The ending is a let down. You won’t miss anything by skipping this book.
April 22, 2026
Slow-burn with satisfying payoff
This duet is well-written, and you can tell the author wrote with care and intention. This story is not fast-paced, but it is carefully crafted to keep the reader engaged. And, not having read other books by this author, the pacing reflected the careful and methodical natures of the MCs. Some may find it too slow, or too detailed, but I enjoyed it very much.
One thing that I found a little bothersome was that the internal monologues of the characters were very similar in cadence and observation and thought. Maybe that was intentional, to show the reader the similarities between their personalities, despite their “environmental” differences?
I also didn’t feel that there was a lot of character growth as individuals, but they both were older and more mature. Instead, I think the growth was in their relationship.
The tension points in the story were not immediately resolved; it took time for “solutions” to be found and the crisis resolved. I enjoyed that change of pace—it was more realistic, despite this clearly being fiction at the same time.
This duet is not “binge-worthy”; it is more to be savored and enjoyed. I appreciate books like this, and if you do as well, I recommend you give this duet a try.
This duet is well-written, and you can tell the author wrote with care and intention. This story is not fast-paced, but it is carefully crafted to keep the reader engaged. And, not having read other books by this author, the pacing reflected the careful and methodical natures of the MCs. Some may find it too slow, or too detailed, but I enjoyed it very much.
One thing that I found a little bothersome was that the internal monologues of the characters were very similar in cadence and observation and thought. Maybe that was intentional, to show the reader the similarities between their personalities, despite their “environmental” differences?
I also didn’t feel that there was a lot of character growth as individuals, but they both were older and more mature. Instead, I think the growth was in their relationship.
The tension points in the story were not immediately resolved; it took time for “solutions” to be found and the crisis resolved. I enjoyed that change of pace—it was more realistic, despite this clearly being fiction at the same time.
This duet is not “binge-worthy”; it is more to be savored and enjoyed. I appreciate books like this, and if you do as well, I recommend you give this duet a try.
June 26, 2026
It was Fate
Rowan is a ER doctor and very much dedicated to her profession. She saves a man that was bleeding out in an alley at the beginning of the story. She had no idea who it was but talked to him and told him to stay with her.
Kiren's is the CEO of a big medical company. He's still recuperating from his injury but still attends a gala where Dr. Rowan will speak.
These two can read each other very well. Rowan realizes who Kiren is professionally and the man in the alley. Kiren is unable to keep Rowan out of his dangerous world. He lets Rowan make her choice as he tries to protect her. Rowan is being watched and notes are left with messages.
Kiren moves Rowan to a secure building while the culprit is found. Individuals from Kiren's past are coming about which now has Rowan in their sights. Ethan, Rowan's brother is roughed up to send a message.
You will be surprised as you read who some of these key characters are and the involvement. I was surprised with one and shocked at the same time? I loved the outcome.
Rowan is a ER doctor and very much dedicated to her profession. She saves a man that was bleeding out in an alley at the beginning of the story. She had no idea who it was but talked to him and told him to stay with her.
Kiren's is the CEO of a big medical company. He's still recuperating from his injury but still attends a gala where Dr. Rowan will speak.
These two can read each other very well. Rowan realizes who Kiren is professionally and the man in the alley. Kiren is unable to keep Rowan out of his dangerous world. He lets Rowan make her choice as he tries to protect her. Rowan is being watched and notes are left with messages.
Kiren moves Rowan to a secure building while the culprit is found. Individuals from Kiren's past are coming about which now has Rowan in their sights. Ethan, Rowan's brother is roughed up to send a message.
You will be surprised as you read who some of these key characters are and the involvement. I was surprised with one and shocked at the same time? I loved the outcome.
August 5, 2026
His to Protect A Billionaire Mafia Romance is an intense and captivating romance filled with danger, loyalty, power, and an unforgettable connection between two characters drawn together by fate. Kat Steele creates a gripping story that blends the high stakes of the mafia world with emotional depth, passionate romance, and the complexities of trust.
The strongest element of the book is the relationship between Kiren and the heroine. Their connection develops through moments of vulnerability, protection, and undeniable chemistry, creating a dynamic that keeps readers invested. Kiren’s powerful presence as a protective and commanding hero contrasts beautifully with the heroine’s strength, independence, and determination.
With its suspenseful storyline, emotional twists, and addictive pacing, His to Protect delivers everything fans of mafia romance enjoy: an intense hero, forbidden attraction, family conflicts, and a love worth fighting for. Kat Steele offers a thrilling and emotional romance that will appeal to readers looking for passion, danger, and unforgettable characters.
The strongest element of the book is the relationship between Kiren and the heroine. Their connection develops through moments of vulnerability, protection, and undeniable chemistry, creating a dynamic that keeps readers invested. Kiren’s powerful presence as a protective and commanding hero contrasts beautifully with the heroine’s strength, independence, and determination.
With its suspenseful storyline, emotional twists, and addictive pacing, His to Protect delivers everything fans of mafia romance enjoy: an intense hero, forbidden attraction, family conflicts, and a love worth fighting for. Kat Steele offers a thrilling and emotional romance that will appeal to readers looking for passion, danger, and unforgettable characters.
March 30, 2026
Rowen awakes to a deep cold, especially on her back and a throbbing headache. Next to her she hears a rustle of fabric and a low voice call, Rowen? She turns her head to see Lila also on the concrete floor propped up on one side and seeking to wake her. It slowly dawns on both women that they have been kidnapped. Don't miss this second and final installment of the Sovarin Bratva - Book 2. Lila learns she has been betrayed and put Rowen in danger also because of it. Her biggest wish, other than escape for both, is to prove she did not do this on purpose and prove her loyalty to her best friend again. While Kiren puts all his sources to finding Rowen, the women must do their best to outwit their captures and stay safe and alive. Plenty of tension, thrills and an explosive ending. With an epilogue, too.
April 8, 2026
This series is a breath of fresh air compared to so many other Mafia or Bratva type books. It is so well thought out and measured throughout. I am very impressed with the style of this series and the characters are straight forward not the type to hide information or be the whiny or overboard obsessive.
Rowan is quite impressive in her calm cool collected manner, stemming from her job as a trauma surgeon. Everything has its place and order which helps her navigate the world of the Sovarin Bratva.
Kiren is matter of fact, logical and surrounds himself with logic, patterns ans patience. This is nothing like most Mmc bratva leaders.
I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for something different in the Bratva romance world.
Rowan is quite impressive in her calm cool collected manner, stemming from her job as a trauma surgeon. Everything has its place and order which helps her navigate the world of the Sovarin Bratva.
Kiren is matter of fact, logical and surrounds himself with logic, patterns ans patience. This is nothing like most Mmc bratva leaders.
I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for something different in the Bratva romance world.
April 24, 2026
Rowan and her friend have been kidnapped. They are not sure by whom but Rowan has an idea who it is. She remembers how many turns and stops they make then she figures out they are heading to the country. Her friend Lila is with her. They are thrown into a basement cell. They are still tied up. When the man Lila was dating walks into the cell they are both stunned. He starts questioning them and Lila tells him Rowan is pregnant. He now has more leverage.
He wants info on Kirins business routes and other information. He sends someone in with water and some snacks. She tells them she will help them to be prepared. They get caught trying to escape. The lady helping gets killed
He wants info on Kirins business routes and other information. He sends someone in with water and some snacks. She tells them she will help them to be prepared. They get caught trying to escape. The lady helping gets killed
June 7, 2026
This was an interesting duology. I enjoy a good Bertha world. Having one take place in North Carolina my home state was cool.
Love enters a controlled concise Bratva Pakhan’s world.
FMC- “ But Kieran doesn’t treat danger the way most people do
She tilts her head slightly. “ what do you mean?“ “ He prepares for it.“
After eliminating the main bad guy—-
Men like that create loyalty only while they’re breathing.
In this world, the business like aspect of the MMC was softened by love in the notion that maybe you can have a family ongoing.
FMC- I follow his eyes across the estate that once held danger at every return. Now the same space, hose, laughter, family, and the promise of a future we fought to protect.
Love enters a controlled concise Bratva Pakhan’s world.
FMC- “ But Kieran doesn’t treat danger the way most people do
She tilts her head slightly. “ what do you mean?“ “ He prepares for it.“
After eliminating the main bad guy—-
Men like that create loyalty only while they’re breathing.
In this world, the business like aspect of the MMC was softened by love in the notion that maybe you can have a family ongoing.
FMC- I follow his eyes across the estate that once held danger at every return. Now the same space, hose, laughter, family, and the promise of a future we fought to protect.
May 7, 2026
I wanted to finish this, and if I ever do I will chang my review.
Problem was for the second book I just was forcing myself to read it. Literally. Then realized I was having to re-read sections because I wasn't paying attention.
It's so very clinical. To a point there is no feeling in this book. They even will say that it's not a feeling, it's observing, it's analyzing. The author goes the extra mile to literally include this in the thought process of every character.
Analyzing every look through a room also was enough for me.
I just couldn't do it anymore.
I wanted to. After the first one I was like, I made it through, I can make it through the next...
I didn't.
Problem was for the second book I just was forcing myself to read it. Literally. Then realized I was having to re-read sections because I wasn't paying attention.
It's so very clinical. To a point there is no feeling in this book. They even will say that it's not a feeling, it's observing, it's analyzing. The author goes the extra mile to literally include this in the thought process of every character.
Analyzing every look through a room also was enough for me.
I just couldn't do it anymore.
I wanted to. After the first one I was like, I made it through, I can make it through the next...
I didn't.
May 13, 2026
I absolutely loved this!
I will admit, I was super annoyed at the way the last book left off. However the author redeemed herself with a suspenseful story of the methodical way Kiren , and his people tracked down where to find Rowen, and Lilah, who was swept up along with Rowen when she was kidnapped. Finding out how years of planning, and a family connection, that wasn't revealed until it was useful for gathering inside information. Kiren was an exceptional man, who's steady nerves got things done. Rowan, was also clear thinking, during the whole ordeal. I loved the HEA ending. Then the extended ending, just blew my away. Five stars isn't enough!
I will admit, I was super annoyed at the way the last book left off. However the author redeemed herself with a suspenseful story of the methodical way Kiren , and his people tracked down where to find Rowen, and Lilah, who was swept up along with Rowen when she was kidnapped. Finding out how years of planning, and a family connection, that wasn't revealed until it was useful for gathering inside information. Kiren was an exceptional man, who's steady nerves got things done. Rowan, was also clear thinking, during the whole ordeal. I loved the HEA ending. Then the extended ending, just blew my away. Five stars isn't enough!
June 24, 2026
Part two in this series has Rowan and her best friend kidnapped, bound in ropes in a cold warehouse and uncertain about their future. Rowan is smart enough to be scared spitless but she is also tough and confident that Kiren will burn down North Carolina in his efforts to find and safely retrieve her. Rowan has to uncover the threat to his inherited empire and there are many names that continue to play in his mind. Thankfully he has an incredible team of reliable people who will dig deep and stand by his side. This is an exciting finish to book one of this series. I do really recommend it highly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
His To Protect is book 2 in the Merciless Mercy: Sovarin Bratva series and is the conclusion of Kiren and Rowan's story. It picks up where His To Claim ends. This story is intense and dramatic! It's intriguing and gritty, maybe even moreso than His To Claim. Enemies are everywhere and this couple fights hard to keep them at bay while they keep their organization going. With Rowan gone, Kiren is going to burn the world down little by little until he finds his woman. This story is absolutely fantastic, completely consuming and must be read!
April 15, 2026
Awesome,
I read the first book and was drawn to the second. There is action, excitement,involvement and a great story. This book will keep you reading long after it’s time for bed. You will find yourself saying “just one more chapter “ which cause lest sleep time. The book move fast, the characters are well developed and becomes real as they lives unreal. This book will keep you in suspense and involve in trying to identify the evil one behind the takeover. I loved this series and know you will too. Beautiful lovemaking .
I read the first book and was drawn to the second. There is action, excitement,involvement and a great story. This book will keep you reading long after it’s time for bed. You will find yourself saying “just one more chapter “ which cause lest sleep time. The book move fast, the characters are well developed and becomes real as they lives unreal. This book will keep you in suspense and involve in trying to identify the evil one behind the takeover. I loved this series and know you will too. Beautiful lovemaking .
April 23, 2026
This Was An Awesome Story....
This was a new author for me. Kat Steele did an amazingly awesome job with this two book 📚 📖 series. It was even more interesting for the fact that it was set in Charlotte NC, a place I have called home for more than 30 years. I love Mafia books and especially those that have romance involved in such different circumstances. I am glad that Dr. Rowan Hale got her happily ever after and even more...hmm. I truly would recommend this story and would suggest you start from the prelude which is now as a book in my Kindle.
This was a new author for me. Kat Steele did an amazingly awesome job with this two book 📚 📖 series. It was even more interesting for the fact that it was set in Charlotte NC, a place I have called home for more than 30 years. I love Mafia books and especially those that have romance involved in such different circumstances. I am glad that Dr. Rowan Hale got her happily ever after and even more...hmm. I truly would recommend this story and would suggest you start from the prelude which is now as a book in my Kindle.
July 8, 2026
really good
Kiren will not rest till Rowan is home safe. She was taken and moved around by Lila’s brother Ivan. She can’t just sit and be a victim but with her carrying Kiren’s baby things aren’t as easy as they once were. Kiren is holding on to everything trying to find her and trying to keep her safe. He doesn’t know about the baby yet but he will. Everything changes then. He see ls what life could be but needs to end the bravo to seal the safety and keep Rowan forever.
Kiren will not rest till Rowan is home safe. She was taken and moved around by Lila’s brother Ivan. She can’t just sit and be a victim but with her carrying Kiren’s baby things aren’t as easy as they once were. Kiren is holding on to everything trying to find her and trying to keep her safe. He doesn’t know about the baby yet but he will. Everything changes then. He see ls what life could be but needs to end the bravo to seal the safety and keep Rowan forever.
July 21, 2026
Love, love, LOVED THIS BOOK AAAHHH!!! So freaking good, the plot went crazy in this one. “And then I saw him” absolutely TOOK ME OUT, along with the next 50 pages. It was such a beautiful story written so well, and the narrators deserve a standing ovation 👏 phenomenal narration, Autumn and Sebastian!! I just love how much there was to the story and the character development was amazing. I’m curious to see what else this author has written!
April 1, 2026
The finale to Kiren and Rowan’s love story. After Book 1 ending in such a dramatic cliff hanger I could not wait to get my hands on this book. Their dramatic and beautiful love story continues and makes you fall in love even more with the characters. Loyalties continue to be tested in this thrilling and addictive story. Enjoy!
April 11, 2026
Redundantly boring- sorry
I didn't enjoy the book very much. The story lacked a strong build-up or tension to engage the reader. The first half was exclusively focused on the rescue of Rowan, which made the plot feel monotonous. Additionally, it wasn't written with much action or excitement, making it dull at times. I believe this book could have been improved significantly with richer details and more dynamic storytelling. I had high expectations based on the premise, but ultimately, I was only left disappointed.
I didn't enjoy the book very much. The story lacked a strong build-up or tension to engage the reader. The first half was exclusively focused on the rescue of Rowan, which made the plot feel monotonous. Additionally, it wasn't written with much action or excitement, making it dull at times. I believe this book could have been improved significantly with richer details and more dynamic storytelling. I had high expectations based on the premise, but ultimately, I was only left disappointed.
April 14, 2026
His To Protect is an exhilarating and exciting story. This book was well-written and an enjoyment to read. Kiren and Rowan are both strong-willed in their own way and beautiful together. This book will hold the readers attention from beginning to the end with many twists and turns, danger, suspense, action and romance. The way Ms. Steele included the supporting characters made the story all come together wonderfully. This is definitely a book that kept me up at night reading, a real page-turner. Thank You !
May 6, 2026
Rowan and Kiran
Really enjoyed this duet! I was sucked in by the plot idea of a Doctor saving a Pakhan and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters and all the shenanigans. Excited to read the extended epilogue and also go back and read the prequel. I will definitely be veg ing out more of Kat Steele’s stories!
Really enjoyed this duet! I was sucked in by the plot idea of a Doctor saving a Pakhan and it did not disappoint. I enjoyed the writing style, the characters and all the shenanigans. Excited to read the extended epilogue and also go back and read the prequel. I will definitely be veg ing out more of Kat Steele’s stories!
May 25, 2026
unexpected
Most books have a lot of conversation and not as much detail as this book does. I was surprised at how you felt as though you were actually there, you felt their pain and their happiness. I read the prequel and it was just as good. I plan on reading the second book in the series.
Most books have a lot of conversation and not as much detail as this book does. I was surprised at how you felt as though you were actually there, you felt their pain and their happiness. I read the prequel and it was just as good. I plan on reading the second book in the series.
May 29, 2026
Super slow read
The story has a very deliberate pace, but the narrative frequently revisits the same points, which slows down the momentum. The description sold me but what would normally be a quick read for me took days because it was slow going. The potential was there but the plot got lost.
The story has a very deliberate pace, but the narrative frequently revisits the same points, which slows down the momentum. The description sold me but what would normally be a quick read for me took days because it was slow going. The potential was there but the plot got lost.
June 24, 2026
Nice conclusion.
The one thing I regret about this book is that the baby wasn’t born yet. I would like to read about Kiren’s reaction and know the gender of the baby.
Otherwise, this was a good sequel to the first book. The suspense was there, along with the spice.
It was nice to see the bad guys get their comeuppance.
I will continue to read this author’s work.
The one thing I regret about this book is that the baby wasn’t born yet. I would like to read about Kiren’s reaction and know the gender of the baby.
Otherwise, this was a good sequel to the first book. The suspense was there, along with the spice.
It was nice to see the bad guys get their comeuppance.
I will continue to read this author’s work.
June 25, 2026
I really liked the different plot- and the writing style was unique and engaging. This genre can have the same old tropes, but this was a bit different and kept me turning the pages. The tension was good, some twists and turns.It was a bit repetitive and dragged at times, but this is a good formula and with a little more polish a best seller.
July 1, 2026
Better than most with no forced marriage.
I’m new to this author but her storyline is very well written. There is so much thoughtfulness in this series I was surprised .The characters are modern & although they ( Brava) always have an unexplained pregnancy,this one was at least believable as was the HEA.
I’m new to this author but her storyline is very well written. There is so much thoughtfulness in this series I was surprised .The characters are modern & although they ( Brava) always have an unexplained pregnancy,this one was at least believable as was the HEA.
August 9, 2026
Not my fave
This book was very clinical and detached. The premise was good but fell short in my opinion. I did not connect with characters. One of the most interesting parts (the beginning or when mc met) was not even told real time...just memories. In short there was promise to this book but did not do it for me.
This book was very clinical and detached. The premise was good but fell short in my opinion. I did not connect with characters. One of the most interesting parts (the beginning or when mc met) was not even told real time...just memories. In short there was promise to this book but did not do it for me.
April 7, 2026
4.9 stars
Idk why .9. It was fantastic. So different from the usual mafia books.
Kiren silent. Quiet. Strong. Powerful.
Rowen. Thinker. Strong. Determined. Perfect together.
Great read Kat! Thanks.
Idk why .9. It was fantastic. So different from the usual mafia books.
Kiren silent. Quiet. Strong. Powerful.
Rowen. Thinker. Strong. Determined. Perfect together.
Great read Kat! Thanks.
April 13, 2026
These are my first books by this author- I will try something else.
I felt like this could have been one book. It was kinda slow I found myself turning pages and jyst trying to be done because I hate having to dnf. And just saying Rowan's best friend is Not best friend material. Girl bye
I felt like this could have been one book. It was kinda slow I found myself turning pages and jyst trying to be done because I hate having to dnf. And just saying Rowan's best friend is Not best friend material. Girl bye
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews