The Night I Saved Him: A Forced Proximity Mafia Romance Prequel

by Kat Steele

"No police."

That's what he says to me. The man bleeding out against a brick wall at 2 a.m. Jaw clenched. Eyes that find mine in the dark and hold on like I'm the last thing he'll ever see.

That should be my cue to run. Any normal person would.

But I'm a trauma surgeon. Walking away from someone who's dying isn't something I know how to do.

So I stay.

He watches my face like he's memorizing it. Like he needs to remember me. And something tells me I'm going to remember him, whether I like it or not.

Then the engines come. Black SUVs. Russian voices.

"Go," he tells me. And the way he says it – like letting me leave is harder than the wound – almost makes me stay.

Almost.

I make it back to my car with shaking hands and one fewer scarf. I tell myself it's over.

But the next week, a stranger is wheeled into my ER whispering names I don't recognize and warnings I can't forget. And the hairs on the back of my neck won't lie down.

Something has started. Something I don't understand yet.

And somewhere in this city, the man I saved is looking for me.

The Night I Saved Him is the prequel to the bestselling Merciless Mercy, Sovarin Bratva duet. Download now and discover the night that started it all. Perfect for readers who love possessive Bratva heroes, fierce heroines, and the kind of tension that keeps you up way past your bedtime.

Genres: Amazon

51 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 13, 2026

Reviews

[Alyssa's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️ Read
I loved this Prequel to the Merciless Mercy: Sovarin Bratva Series and I was so happy that I got eARCS for Book 1 and Book 2 of this series and I can’t wait to find out what happens with Rowan Hale and Kiren Sovarin!!!! And how she helped save his life too. And I recommend this pre view of this series and I also recommend to read this before you start book 1 and book 2.

[Cathy Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the prelude to the Bratva. The Pakhan was killed in an ambush by one of his most trusted captains, Arkady Voronin. He murdered Kiren Sovarin’s father, leading Kiren to become the new Pakhan, determined to uncover who was behind his father’s death and the attempt on his own life. Kiren has moved his sister to a secure location and is still recovering from being left to die in an alley outside a hospital, where Rowan Hale found him and kept him from bleeding out until his people arrived. I revisited this prelude after starting *His to Claim* by Kat Steele, curious about what led to Dr. Rowan Hale and Kiren’s first meeting. It was a fascinating read.

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pulls you in.

I really love a book that gives you details of a persons life, without boring you with too many details. Meeting Rowen is quick and you immediately get that she's a skilled Doctor. I'm guessing a Trauma surgeon, since she's there when Sergei is brought in crashing quickly from the injuries he's suffering from. This impacts her hard, because she still can't get over the wounded man in the parking garage, that she couldn't really do anything for, before she's forced to run, at his insistence. I am already invested in this story, and will be getting the next one. Trish. A

[Crystal0503 · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to open a series... I don't think anyone that is into bratva/mafia type stories wouldn't be drawn here. I love how drawn and affected Rowan was by her encounter with Kieran. As a trauma surgeon leaving a patient isn't in her but survival well survival is hardwired in us all. I can't wait to see how the story of the two of them evolve together the traits we have seen so far this could be a fantastic series open to so many wonderful possibilities.

[Kristina Schurmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. This sets up the series so well. It gave a great solid backstory for the series. I love Kiren and Rowan as a "couple". I love how smart and cautious Rowan is. I love how protective and steady Kiren is. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. It was a quick and easy novella to read. I definitely recommend.

[SuzyHD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Prequel

I'm already hooked and I've only read the prequel. I can't wait to get started with the first book. After meeting the lead characters, it's just a matter of time before Rowan and Kiren actually get together. She already has something she needs to tell him. Suspenseful!

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrifying and Compelling

She’s an ER doctor on her way off shift when she sees him injured. She rushes over applies pressure to the wound and tells him to stay with her. When the cars come he tells her to run. Intense story, complex people and a story I need more of!

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast paced prequel to this Bratva series. Despite the short but impactful interaction…an impression was made. For you like strong FMCs that can handle their own with an alpha male…check this out.

[Cindy Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Reads

I loved the duet, prequel and epilog. Kept me captivated. and couldn't put the books down. These were my first readings of Ms. Steele's books but will definitely come back for more.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant start to this trilogy. Full of action and suspense. Another start off to a brilliant read by one of my favourite authors.

Received a ARC copy from the author.

[Gray · Rating 4 out of 5]

A WAR IS COMING

The beginning of a war, exciting. I'm intrigued, unsettled, waiting for more. Because if this is a preview next I hope will be better

[Jessica]

4.5 Stars

[JoAnn]

Outstanding!!!!

This is an outstanding beginning to a new series. Cannot wait to start the series and also her other books.

[Camila · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and well written! Got me pumped for more.

[Amanda Montoya · Rating 5 out of 5]

picked

God this book I love it and I can wait to continue the saga it has me already hooked on the series

[Bonita Reed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the series before reading this prequel. Absolutely loved the series. Reading his makes me want to read the series again.

[Shana Roszko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading how they met and how even though she knew it was dangerous she still did all she could to save him. He also saved her by making her leave before his men got there.