Salvation

by Kate Taylor

She’s nothing he expected.
He’s everything she never let herself want.
Matteo Sternato believes one thing above all else: power keeps people safe.
As the oldest son of a notorious mafia boss, he’s determined to prove himself, to stand at his father’s side and protect the people he loves. But the world he craves is one his father refuses to let him enter, shielding him with rules, routines, and a tutor who’s just another obstacle in his path.
Or so he thought.
Rose Wakefield has spent her life navigating a different kind of power—one that leaves bruises and nightmares. Tutoring Matteo is more than just a job for her; it’s a way to escape her life.
But nothing about the job—or Matteo—matches her expectations. He’s kind, protective, and relentless in breaking down the walls she’s spent a lifetime building, showing her for the first time that power can be safe… in the right hands.

She knows how to survive.
Trust is another story.

Paperback

Published May 28, 2026

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

[Maddie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW - 4.5⭐️
 
First, I want to say thank you to Kate for sending me a copy of this arc, because once I read Captivation at the start of the year, I couldn’t wait to read more from her! I’m OBSESSED with her writing!
 
Now let’s talk about Salvation. This was AMAZING!!Every time I picked up this book I did not want to put it down. I loved all the tropes and micro tropes in this, and it didn’t feel like they were just thrown in for the sake of it, they were put in perfectly! I also loved how all the heavy topics were talked about in such a respectful way while also having an interesting plot and having the cutest romance, that you can’t help but adore. Rose and Matteo have one of the best, most precious relationships I have ever read about.
 
Also, I wanted to talk about how this was my first time reading a second gen book and I absolutely devoured it, I loved seeing Mia and Logan and seeing how their future ended with such a wonderful, fulfilled life that they 100% deserved. I also loved how Matteos whole family were so supportive towards Rose, she deserved every bit of their love and care.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series, and from the crumbs of Alex you get in this book I already know I’m going to love the book and him!🤭

[Mads🧸✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I already posted my review but I must’ve completely forgotten!🫠🫣

I was very kindly sent an arc for this book and I read it in two days🤣🫣. I absolutely loved everything about this book.

Mat and Rose are for such a power couple🫶🏽

Sensitive subjects within this book were handled with such care and grace❤️‍🩹.

I haven’t read book one but I am FOR SURE going back to read it!!! 📖

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review

4⭐|2🌶️|5%🌶️frequency

This book is different. At least I have never read anything like that before. And I don't mean that in a negative way.

This book is the second book in the series, and at the same time, it's the start of the second generation. BUT, and here is what makes it different. I've never read a second generation mafia book where the Don is still the Don. The second generation is still "kids". Matteo is the oldest son of Logan and Mia. He might become a Don someday, but right now Logan is still young enough and healthy 🩷 , and will hopefully stay this way forever 🤞
But Matteo is also too young to get fully into his role as Logan's second in command; he's only 17.

As young as Matt is, he has a lot from his parents. Yes, he's a rich kid, but he still knows values. Materialistic things aren't everything. He knows what to stand up for. He helps when he sees something isn't right.
I don't want to say too much, but Logan and Mia did a great job with their kids, yes plural, because they have 5 (and a half 🤣) 🩷

I haven't said anything about Rose yet. To be honest, I don't know what to say about her without giving away too much by now 🙈 But I loved her. She's a wonderful, strong young woman.

I loved seeing so much from Logan and Mia again. Seeing how much they still love each other and sometimes annoy their kids with it 🤣


Thanks to the author for trusting me with an ARC 🩷


Follow me on IG for more
https://www.instagram.com/minnie.love...

[Nikky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvation by Kate Taylor 
Release date: 28th May 2026 
Book one in the series is Captivation.

I was lucky enough to receive an arc copy of this book from Kate, which I was glad as when I finished book one, I needed book two straight away. 

Salvation was such a different take on a mafia romance as it is from the pov of Logan and Mia's son, Matteo and we have Rose, just a girl trying to get through life. They go to the same school and find themselves shoved together when Matteo needs a tutor. 

The slow burn love is amazing (just like book one) Kate has a way for writing slow burn that keeps you wanting more. The backstorys of each character were written beautifully. Rose's story was heartbreaking and raw. Where Matteo is fighting being a teenager and becoming a heir.

Favourite quote: "You have me" I repeat, my voice a whisper over her lips. "I'll protect you" 

The mafia aspect was still there but it wasn't the main goal of the story and that is something I loved about it. 

Also loved Daddy Logan 🙈🥰 if you know, you know.

The growth between Matteo and Rose was everything I wanted from a romance book. The last few chapters had me on the edge of my seat and sobbing all at the same time. I loved book one but book two was just something else, so thank you Kate for not only writing such a beautiful story and characters (Logan has gone straight onto my book boyfriend list) but for allowing me to have an arc copy of Salvation. I devoured it in 24 hours. I hope there is a book three 🙏🏻

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Releasing on the 28th, check the triggers! And it helps if you've read Captivation first (Logan & Mia's story - Matteo's parents), since Salvation is the second book but follows Matteo, their oldest child. Matteo & Rose's story was so damn adorable! Matt is every bit the protector his father Logan is, but also as tender and caring as his mother Mia. Rose is a strong girl, stronger than she gives herself credit for. Her parents are abusive, and as a parent I can't imagine inflicting that pain on my children regardless of what they've done - mind you Rose is abused for merely existing 😳. The way this two fall into what would be non-existant love was amazing. He's the mafia heir that everyone fears, and she's the invisible smart girl just bidding her time until she can leave town and escape her terrible home life. I swear Logan and Mia hired Rose for that exact reason, they see how smart she is and figures this is how to keep their son grounded as a kid instead of the brutality typically demanded of mafia heirs. This is a high school romance, so its closed door spice (teens experiment we know that - but we don't have to know the specifics 😅😂). Honestly the way the Sternatos saved Rose and brought her in was amazing, I can't wait to read Alex's story in book 3! Side note, I loved seeing Fiona's dream of owning her own cafe come to life! Thank you @author.katetaylor for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!

[_teeny.reads_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much to the author Kate Taylor for the opportunity of reading this ARC.

This is an interconnected stand alone so dispite the fact I hadn't read book one I was still able to read this one and follow along without any confusion.

This book flows so well and is written with great descriptions of characters and surroundings, Kate has built the story line so well and although there are some dark themes of this book it was actually very enjoyable.

For me the only thing I found somewhat lacking was the "Mafia" aspect there are a few mentions of the family being a mafia family and once scene to somewhat reflect this however I didn't feel as though this was built into the story as much as I'd have liked it to be with this being a "Mafia Romance".

I did however love the chemistry between the MMC and FMC and the way she brought out his softer caring side that it seems not many would usually see, they are written so well together and it was refreshing to read.

Overall I really enjoyed this one and would definitely look to reading more from this series and hopefully learn more about the Mafia side of the family.

[Anne Hildebrand · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review - 4.5

Salvation was such a delight to read! While technically the second in a series (after Captivation), it also worked well as a standalone since it involves a new generation. The slow burn romance between the two leads hooked me fast. They are truly adorable together.

Rose and Matteo are fascinating characters in their own rights, too. He’s heir to a powerhouse mafia family while she’s trying to stay invisible until she can (hopefully) leave for college.

Then tutoring comes in.

Rose needs the funds and Matteo is in danger of not graduating on time. And in the process, both learn that there is way more to the other than meets the eye.

A huge thanks to Kate for allowing me to read an early copy! The way she handled topics such as familial abuse and neglect were done so well. The character growth throughout was superb and the ending had me in tears (good tears).

I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next! :)

[Vera · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say about this book. It delves deep into the trauma of domestic abuse. The mafia element for me was subtle, in a way it allowed for the darkness of the world and the power to settle around the protagonists but not alter the main focus and trophy of “found family” which was such a strong element in this book, so beautifully portrayed, it made me devour the entire thing in 3 days. A must read for sure. It took me out of a reading slump and reminded me how powerful a carefully threaded fictional world can suck you in and thread itself into your core, to the point it doesn’t let you go for days.

[novelcrazzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you dear author for the ARC, I completely loved Salvation. It was such a beautiful read that showed how hard it is to recover from domestic abuse and the whole blame game the victim undergoes.

I loved the fact that there were no clichés; all of the scenes were beautifully written.

I also loved the relationship between Logan and Rose. It reminded me so much of Tobias and Stella from the Edge of the Darkness Trilogy. I need to reread the whole book just for Logan.