Guarded by the Savage Heir: An Enemies to Lovers Mafia Romance

by Ivy Lenox

237 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 2026

Reviews

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luca and Sera were everything in this story. From the first chapter I one I was in trouble. Housework was not getting done that day lol. I was invested. Wasn’t putting this down until I finished. Decision made. Everyone got to fend for themselves. This was wild. It was a rollercoaster of an amazing mafia story. The push and pull between these two. The banter, their moments. This was a grip your iPad kind of read. Together these two were explosive. This story has so much going on, there was no boredom to be had. I was so obsessed with this. One of the best mafia reads I’ve read in awhile.

[Kallie0704 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serafina is a head strong, no nonsense, independent FMC. Luca is a broody, alpha male, a makes his decisions and thats final, MMC. Together they are dynamite.

Circumstances collide them together, and choices make them stay.

⭐️Touch her and die
⭐️ Mafia world
⭐️ Interconnecting characters from previous books in this series
⭐️ Betrayal
⭐️ Scheming
⭐️ Complicated family dynamics
🌶🌶🌶


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5
Spicy 🌶 🌶 🌶

Love the fml was indeed and hard worker who was respected by her peers
Ml i liked his dominance and protective nature towards close ones he was also set in his way and stood his ground when fighting there was touch her die moments
Liked how he took power from under his uncle and it was time for a new boss
The ending matched the books over all story left satisfactory

[Shelley C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded by the Savage Heir😈

Guarded by the Savage Heir is another story in the Moretti Dynasty series and focuses on Luca, the youngest Moretti brother and Serafina, a trauma surgeon with mafia ties😳

Serafina left her family home as she never wanted anything to do with the mafia side of the family. She instead opted to help save people and went into trauma surgery. One night when a man has been wounded badly and comes into her ER, he knows who she is and slips a drive into her pocket. He explains briefly what the drive is before he crashes. Not long later, Luca appears outside her ER, hinting that he knows she’s in possession of the drive.

A good, fast paced story which I enjoyed. A few scenes I felt like things were a bit repetitive and a couple of times I feel as though the author skipped ahead with the plot, for example - Luca knows about X, he hasn’t told her about it yet and suddenly she mentions this. Not glaringly obvious but enough to feel I’d missed something on occasion.

I received an advanced copy via Booksprout and willingly leave my honest review💛

[Principesa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by this author and even though I believe it’s book two in this series, I still found myself pulled into Luca and Serafina’s world without feeling like I missed too many elements from the first book. The setup in this book hooked me instantly: heirs to rival mafia families, one an enforcer, the other a runaway trying to build a life far from the violence she was born into. Their dynamic has that perfect blend of danger, longing, and loyalty that makes the mafia trope so addictive.

Serafina’s strength and ability to stay calm in the most chaotic situations makes her an excellent trauma surgeon but maybe not the easiest person to keep safe. Luca has his hands full. He is exactly the kind of protective, intense hero I love in this genre. His devotion to Serafina—especially when both of their families become threats—is one of the strongest elements of the story. And the banter between them is easily my favorite part. Their chemistry feels natural, and their personalities play off each other beautifully. I also loved how they cannot keep their hands off each other, even in the most precarious situations—it adds a fun, chaotic spark that fits their high‑stakes world. Their connection is easy in a way that feels comforting and fated, even if the emotional falling‑in‑love arc happens a bit too quickly.

Because I didn’t read the first book, I do wonder if I missed out on the deeper family bond between Luca, his brothers and sister in laws. They appear toward the end, and I felt there was history and emotional weight there that I would’ve appreciated more with the full context. I wish there had been more interaction than the few paragraphs they were given in this book. I definitely plan to go back and read book one.

There were a few moments throughout where the pacing felt rushed, and I occasionally struggled to track how much time had passed—events that supposedly spanned weeks sometimes felt like they happened over just a few days. I also noticed some repeated paragraphs (as if the author intended to move them and forgot to delete them from the original place) and repeated Italian endearments during intimate scenes. Italian is such a gorgeous language that I found myself wishing for a bit more variety.

Despite those hiccups, I genuinely enjoyed this story. The premise is compelling, the romance is sweet and protective-not to mention HOT, and Luca and Serafina truly feel meant for each other. Their relationship has that addictive mix of heat, danger, and tenderness that kept me turning the pages. I’m excited to go back and read book one so I can fully appreciate the family dynamics that clearly shaped Luca’s character.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Moretti Dynasty and is Luca's story. Wow, what can I say but this series gets better and better. Prepare to lose some sleep as I couldn't put it down. Serafina abandoned her mafia family at 18, studied and became a trauma surgeon. Her father is a Virelli and runs one of the largest crime families on the east coast. A dying trauma patient slips a flash drive into her pocket, tells her not to let her father, Enzo or anyone else have it, says the 'war' between the families is fake and then flat lines. Then Luca Morelli appears and takes her away. Her life's in danger and there are men chasing her everywhere. He is from the enemy family but her family is also posing a danger. A safe house, assassins and danger everywhere. Secrets held, secrets exposed. Explosive chemistry that's off the charts. What's on the flash drive? Why is her father trying to lure her home? What about his uncle, Enzo? No shortage of drama, danger or fast action. Charity galas and evidence gathering wires. Fast paced and page turning. This is one you don't want to miss. A great addition to the series. The characters are amazing and the story will have you turning the page as fast as you can. A kidnapping, Luca's shot and a coded message in blood. The drama and danger continue. No more spoilers, but a book you don't want to miss. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.

[Maryjane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sarafina, Luca and a thumb drive full of secrets. Wow! Dante Tessaro died in the ER when Sarafina couldn't save him. He used to work for the Moretti family. When Luca (the under boss) walks into the ER he sees Sarafina and he knows who she is, wants what she has, and he wants her. Dante was being watched and Luca saw him put the drive into her lab coat before he died because she was the only one he trusted with it. So when her father comes to take her home she refuses and Luca takes her to his safe house to protect her. However, the Moretti family also wants the information. Now with their feelings for each other growing they have to decide what to do about the Moretti and Virelle feud that has been going on for decades. That's when things start to collide. This is one of the best Mafia stories I have read in a while. It has everything you would want in a great Mafia series. I give it Five HUGE stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Samantha Diane · Rating 1 out of 5]

ARC Review

I really liked the start of Guarded by the Savage Heir as the first chapter I was put straight into the action and I knew this was going to be a fast pace mafia romance which I LOVE.
I continued to read and I did like the dynamic of the characters, however for me, I felt that the story was rushed, and I didn't really get to know the characters well enough.
I really wanted to fall in love with the characters as the Serafina (fmc) & Luca (mmc) were from both feuding families who have been at war with each other, but I felt parts of the building of the story was brushed over, which I was sad about because I just wanted to know more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

This in no way shape for form reflects upon the authors literature or writing abilities, this is just my person opinion and I wish her all the best with the book.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story itself is short. It's about 150+/- pages, but for a story so short, it was surprisingly ready good! There is tension, suspense, a good plot, and likable characters. I love strong women who aren't completely helpless. Our MFC is exactly that. She's smart and actually helpful. I also love MMCs who have good reasons behind decisions and don't let pretty women make them act unwise. These two work well together in this story and I liked them from the very beginning. 🔥

The story itself is good! Everything happening throughout this book comes together in the end giving it a satisfying finish. The writing was good and flowed well.

There were a moderate amount of spicy scenes too. It doesn't feel forced and comes in at reasonable times, making the romance/attraction believable. Overall a solid read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Soft and Sinister Sisters Talita Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC Review

Guarded by the Savage Heir by Ivy Lenox — my second read from this author and I’m officially hooked. Part of the Moretti Dynasty series, and trust me… if you haven’t started it yet, your TBR needs an update ASAP.

We follow Serafina and Luca 🔥
Serafina, our mafia princess turned surgeon, has spent her life running from the world she was born into… until one night in the ER changes everything. Enter Luca Moretti — tall, dark, tattooed, suited, and dangerously protective. From the moment they meet, the tension is instant and undeniable.

✨ What you get:
• Possessive, protective MMC
• Strong, independent FMC
• Immediate attraction
• Forced proximity
• Found alliance

This is a quick, addictive read that pulls you in from page one. Definitely one to add to your TBR, my mafia girlies 🖤

Happy reading 📖✨

[Kaylee Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serafina happened to be the trauma surgeon who was working when a man came in with three gunshot wounds. She immediately could tell by the people with him that they were dangerous. And then that man slips her a drive telling her the war is a lie between her family and the Morellis. And not to give the drive to her father or Enzo Morelli. Unfortunately, he doesn't last any longer. But as she's cleaning up Luca Morelli appears. He's equal parts dangerous and handsome. The both immediately feel a pull to each other but know they're off limits. It's only once she decides to trust Luca with her safety once she realizes her fathers men and more are wanting to "talk" that things start to heat up. This book will keep you pulled in until you hit the end! I really enjoyed that it wasn't a long book- about 230 pages so it was a nice quicker read for me. 

[Elly Ando · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guarded by the Savage Heir – Ivy Lenox

This is 100% a read for the spice… but not in a brainless way.

You’ve still got:
✨ a solid mafia plot
✨ a trauma surgeon FMC who actually has a backbone
✨ and a betrayal setup that keeps things interesting

BUT let’s be honest —
you’re here for Luca Moretti and his unhinged, possessive energy.

And he delivers.

The tension? ✔️
The obsession? ✔️
The “should hate him but don’t” dynamic? ✔️

It leans way more into chemistry and physical pull than deep plot —
but it never feels empty.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Verdict: Come for the spice, stay because you accidentally got invested.

Also — this actually works as a standalone, so you don’t need to commit to the full series to enjoy it.

[Rose Fong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fast-paced hit by Ivy Lenox, Guarded by the Savage Heir, cements her as a standout voice in the Mafia romance genre, an all-systems-go thrill ride from the 1st page to the last.

Dr. Seraphina Virelli, a gifted trauma surgeon at Bellevue Hospital, is on duty when a gunshot victim is rushed into her trauma bay – and with his arrival, her night fractures, setting everything in motion.

Ms. Lenox takes the readers on a relentless ride, covering every emotional spectrum, from quiet anguish to explosive intensity, blending action, betrayal, and desire to bring Seraphina and Luca Moretti into vivid, compelling focus. A must-read from this new(ish) and exciting author.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me feral and I am not ashamed. I devoured it so quickly. Luca and Sera were amazing. I was hooked on this story from the first line until the last and still wanted more. This book took me on a rollercoaster ride. One I didn’t want to get off of. The back and forth, the push and pull between Sera and Luca was intense and thoroughly entertaining. It definitely built into an explosive story and I didn’t care if I got burned by it. The tension was phenomenal and the danger is intriguing. And that ending had me so satisfied I was a puddle by the end. This book is a fast paced epic story that will have you turning pages so fast you might start a fire.

[Jea · Rating 4 out of 5]

When a dying man crashes into Serafina Virelli's ER, he changes her life forever, by handing her a thumb drive with information concerning the war between the family she walked away from when she was 18, and the rival Moretti family. Luca Moretti goes to the ER to contain the situation and saves Serafina from being taken by her father's men, only to take her home with him instead. Together, they discover the drive points to outside influence on the war between the families, but this discovery causes Serafina's safety to come into question. This was a fast-paced mafia romance, with lots of action and intrigue, and plenty of spice.

[Shelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, the writing style is the type I like with a perfect combination of plot, description, and then add in some spice! I would definitely not decline being in Luca's care. He is a great combo of self-aware prick, skill, and a dash of conscience. The banter back and forth between Luca and Serafina.. the perfect amount of sass and flirting. The book moved at a good pace for me, I found myself not wanting to put it down and only did so for sleep and work. I am looking forward to starting the next in the series.

[Ruby Rivera · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord have mercy girl I just finished reading this book and it's everything right now. The story gave me so much it has suspense, laughter, anger, happiness, and even some unexpected parts in this story. I loved every bit of it. The chemistry between Serafina and Luca was on point and I love the banter between them. That ending was beautiful but it left me wanting more. I hope there's another book in the works for this series because Ivy did a great job with this book.

[Jen Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellend read! I fell in love with Serafina and Luca! Wow, the heat between these two! I coudn't put the book down! Serafina is a very strong, independent woman who has built her life away from the mafia world only to get drug back into it. I love how she stays true to herself and works with Luca to do the right thing.

[Mary-Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first time reading this author, wow!
Let me say, hooked from the first page.
I loved Serafina and Luca's story and am looking forward to reading more in this saga.
Highly recommend.
Well done Ivy.

[Whitney Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It was a quick read with all the feels! I loved the characters and their connection was definitely hot and heavy! Plus Serafina was a boss!! She is the female who has control of her life and knows her bounds and what she wants! I love a badass female in books!!

[Cheyenne Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this author! This book was great

[Elicia Zebroski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sooooo good

She runs from the life only to fall for her families enemy! He would give up everything for her. A truly sweet mafia romance. So good.

[Tiffany Shaner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It held my interest till the very end.

[Jodi S · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a strong connection that evolves between Serafina & Lucas's that initially comes in a frightening threatening way. When Serafina weighs up the risks & danger, she realises quickly that Lucas's is her safest option to stay alive.

They are drawn together against their better judgement but they read each other like nobody else can.

This is a suspense filled story of family betrayal and opposites attracting. So much sexual tension radiates between them.

A great read.