Salvatore

by Eden Summers

It was meant to be a girls’ night. No guys allowed. Until one blind kiss had me caught in the devil’s web.
A monster in Armani.
An heir to the underworld.
He upends my life, his seduction smooth even as he offers two choices: get in his car or be shoved in his trunk.
No, thanks.
But when my past comes back to haunt me, there’s only one man ruthless enough to stand between me and the threat.
The same man who makes my heart race for reasons that should probably have me medicated.
Trusting Salvatore with my life is dangerous. But resisting him? Impossible.
Because he doesn’t just want me safe.
He wants me to remain by his side. As his queen.
And he’s not willing to let anything come between us.
Not fate. Not fear. Not even death.

Genres: Dark Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Mafia Romance, Crime, Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance

438 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

Eden Summers is a bestselling author best known for the Hunting Her World, Reckless Beat series and the Vault.

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Reviews

[Dora Koutsoukou]

The premise was catchy but the execution didn’t win me over.
Salvatore was salvable, however I cannot say the same for Ivy.

Dnf @ 38%

[˚₊‧꒰ა vruxreads ໒꒱ ‧₊˚ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★

This is how you write a mafia romance. Period.

This book had everything action, suspense, mystery, emotional tension, obsessive love, and family dynamics that actually mattered. From start to finish, it was intense, captivating, and completely addicting.

Ivy? Flawless.
Strong, bold, sassy, and did not take anyone’s shit not even the hero’s. She didn’t excuse his behavior, didn’t shrink herself, and held her own like a damn queen. I lived for her fire and backbone.
Also she had Salvatore wrapped around her pinky!

And Salvatore? Whew.
Cold. Heartless. Unbothered by the world until her.The way he became utterly obsessed, breaking his own rules and doing things for her he’d never done for anyone else? Peak dark romance behavior. His possessiveness wasn’t just hot, it was lethal. And I loved every second of it.

The tension, the danger, the high stakes everything kept me hooked. But what made this stand out was how well it was written. The plot wasn’t just a setup for smut (though the spice was amazing, let’s be real) it had layers, depth, and a family storyline that gave the whole book weight.

This wasn’t just another mafia book this was THE PERFECT BOOK!

- no cheating, no ow drama

[honeylu ୨₊˚🌱 · Rating 5 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ genuinely best thing I've read, absolutely no complaints and would recommend 100% ˘͈ᵕ˘͈

╭┄┄┄┄┄-·-·-·-｡ﾟ･｡ﾟ･
HOLY SHIT, guys I'm not being dramatic this is one of the best books I've read. Do you want a strong loud mouth fmc who doesn't take shit from anyone? Or a OTT possessive psychopathic mafia MMC who's willing to kill anyone for her? Combined creating an irreplaceable tension of passion and hatred? A couple despite the hateful words they meant the opposite <33. I ate this book up!!! ( also I'm not kidding with OTT possessive this man damn near kills anyone who dares to look or touch her even family)

Honestly I say read the summery and absolutely dive headfirst into Ivy and Salvatore's world blind. (This is the last book of a 11 book series!) I'm a standalone girl but honestly I don't even think the other relationships could top this absolute masterpiece. Thank you to my fellow friends who wished me a good read because you gave me something I'll never forget. I fear I need a copy of this book before the end of the year.
╰┄┄┄┄┄┄┄꒰꒱₊˚・｡ﾟ･

╭୨୧┄┄┄┄┄𓂃˚⊹
Please read triggers for this book; Violence, Kidnapping, Sex Trafficking, Mention of Child Pornography, Child Abuse, Abuse, Manipulation, Brutal Cartel, Family Hatred, Forceful Abortion (unsuccessful, not heavy), Racism, Imprisonment of parent.
╰୨୧┄┄┄┄┄˚˳⊹

╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・Highlights-꒱꒱

“Are you attempting to seduce the answers out of me?” / “Why do you think that?” she whispers. “Because it’s almost working.” You guys are not ready for the tension.

It’s violent desperation. “Am I worthy yet?” guys. a man begging?

I also fucking love her attempts to emasculate me. I fucking foam at the mouth for this shit. Literally screamed at this line!

“I started a war for you—for a woman I barely know, for reasons I don’t even understand.” Salvatore the man you are.

“Don’t trust anyone ever again.” / “Not even you?” / “Especially not me.” She was eating it up too.

“I’ll protect you with my life.” / “That’s what I’m worried about.” Can I have him Ivy?

╭・꒦₊˚ɞ・Playlist-꒱꒱

・Softcore - The Neighborhood
・Haunted - Beyonce
・I'm not in love - 10cc
・Youth - Daughter
・Born to Die - Lana Del Rey
・Skyfall - Adele (94% end of book)
୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・୨୧・・・・・

Thank you for reading my review!! <3 Please read!!

[Briony (briohnee) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arrogant assholes with dark features are like catnip sent straight from Satan - LOL

Finishing this series was bittersweet, especially when I loved the last book so much. This book didn’t hit in the same way but I was locked in and felt like I was in Guy Ritchie film the entire time.

Ivy is a mess. Respectfully she is and I love her for it. She says the most out of pocket things and then just had the most hectic of traumatic back stories on standby. Girl could step on Salvatore’s throat in stilettos and he would be like BET so I love that for her.

Salvatore is a mess. Which is fair in the circumstances but boy just needed someone to say I love you and we could have avoided a lot of unnecessary therapy bills.

But together they are a big beautiful mess that I was delighted to read.

And this book was also really funny! The jokes Ivy made felt like something my friends and I would make and then she neg’s him? GAGGED. And that’s not even touching on the rest of the family absolutley ripping Salvatore to shreds.

Thank you to Eden for this ARC and for blessing my eyes with some of the sauciest words to grace the screen of my kindle. My ancestors could not look at me whilst I became a moist puddle for a man in a good suit.

[Zoe-Amelia Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not ready to say goodbye to these characters 😭😭

I left it as long as I could and read as slow as I could (which wasn't slow at all because if you've ever read an Eden book you know the story sucks you in and you aren't coming up for air until you've devoured it in one sitting 😂)

Salvatore and Ivy did not disappoint! I loved them both in the previous book and knew their story was going to be explosive, but I wasn't ready fir the depth and emotion I went through reading this!

This entire series has been amazing and the final installment is no different, I'm just so sad it's the end because everytime a new book in this series is released it feels like coming home!

Thank you Eden for these amazing stories and characters, the whole series is in my top favourite reads and they'll stay in my heart forever 🖤

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unexpectedly delightful!

Only 4/5 stars instead of 5/5 because the epilogue and bonus content didn’t provide any insight into their future.

[Savanna Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved how this man could turn anything into an innuendo. It was a true talent.

[Karon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvatore - Eden Summers

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Firstly I will make no secret of the fact that I love this author and her writing, and I was lucky to receive an ARC for this book.

Salvatore is the final instalment in the (Hunting Her) series, which are interconnected and although all the characters have their own title, they also make appearances as the storylines progress. That being said you can read these virtually in any order and you will still be able to follow what is going on.

I cannot recommend enough that you should read all eleven books in this series.

In this book we come to learn how and why Salvatore is the total unfeeling, emotionally detached individual he is with regards to his siblings and people around him, and why he has never let them think anything but the worst of him.

Salvatore was never meant to be heir to the family empire and was always happy to be the as he put it the spare, leaving him able to fade into the background, but when his older brother Dante decides to walk away without a trace after a horrific trauma dished out by the hands of the most dysfunctional psychotic parents you could ever imagine Salvatore is automatically excepted to take his place, which he does without question, but the metal and physical abuse he suffers becomes the catalyst for his emotional downward spiral, especially when his siblings are constantly used as a weapon of choice to keep him line.

Salvatore is written as calculating, manipulative and self serving and lives in a world of total darkness and is driven by thoughts that he cannot let anyone or anything crack the wall he has build around himself, and while you navigate his story you can’t help but fully understand why this makes him tick like he does, and that if he shows total indifference this will save his family from mistreatment.

This form of self preservation works for him until he meets Ivy, leaving him and his world in chaos which slowly starts slipping out of his control as he starts to having feelings he has never truly felt before. But when Salvatore finds out Ivy is hiding a dark secret it leaves him torn between trying to let some light into his already darkened unforgiving world and soul and fight letting, nothing not even death come between them or withdraw and retreat totally.

There are twists, turns and surprises and the angst is off the charts. The banters and sass between Ivy and Salvatore is sublime and is some of the best I’ve ever read, leaving me with more than a few good laugh out loud moments.

These two characters totally complement each other and are written in a way that you can’t help but want them to work through their personal demons and try to find a way to build a solid foundation to allow then to experience something they never thought they could.

This book is so emotionally well written that you instantly become fully invested from start to finish, and you realise that with regards to Salvatore and his stoic detachment and actions in previous books you should never judge a book by its cover, but this doesn’t mean that you can totally overlook his unhinged behaviour especially when things he cares deeply about are put in danger, or how he struggles with outside influences who are disrespectful to his position as head of the family or how much of himself and his soul he has sacrificed to protect it.

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would, it’s a fabulous must read that will take you on a beautiful rollercoaster of heartbreak and joy.

[Carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Salvatore is the last book in the Hunting Her series and the the witty banter between the MCs are hilarious. It's got dark elements, mafia & cartel, enemies to lovers, grump & sunshine and a surprise pregnancy. But the twists and turns with unpredictable suspense keeps you turning those pages. The FMC is the star of the show and the MMC isn't what he seems...

TW: Guns, Knives, Murder, Violence, Kidnapping, Sex Trafficking, Mention of Child Pornography, Child Abuse, Manipulation, Imprisonment of a Parent, Death of a Parent/Mentor, Threats, Talk of Abortion, Racism.


Ivy Diaz has a hidden past and she's reinvented herself with a job she loves and 2 best friends. She only does ONS and no double dipping. She's out at a club with her besties when tall, dark and handsome appears and makes a drink suggestion.

Salvatore Costa is new to Baltimore and is in line to inherit the head of the Italian Mafia from his Uncle. He's taking care of business at his brothers club while his brother is consoling his girlfriend.

Ivy draws his attention when the Queen herself gets physical with a racist loudmouth on the dance floor. She seems to know who he is and the kiss they share only ignites his need for more.

Salvatore lets her know he knows what she's hiding and their night together exceeds his imagination. When she goes missing and he gets the chance to rescue her he doesn't hesitate.

Ivy doesn't want to be indebted to Sal and she definitely doesn't want to acknowledge feelings but he seems to be the only one who will kill anyone whose out to take her back to her father.

[Anna Theurer (Anna's Bookshelf) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book check marks all of my boxes - mafia romance, edge of your seat suspense, the perfect alpha hero, and a sassy heroine. What is not to love?! Salvatore is an exciting and suspenseful read that captured my attention from the first chapter and had me frantically flipping pages to see just what was going to happen next.

Having read the previous books in the series, I assumed Salvatore would be emotionless, unyielding, and calculating. However, even while exuding an aura of danger and power, his blood runs hot for Ivy. He is able to find the humor in their interactions and as well as display a smoldering obsession that draws out his protective nature. Salvatore definitely has many layers! As for Ivy, I adored her feisty attitude. Her entertainingly snarky and creative way with words had me chuckling. She can be headstrong, but this girl has been through a lot. Her backstory is sure to pull at your heartstrings, but also have you admiring her strength. Sparks fly between Salvatore & Ivy and I thought for sure my kindle was going to catch fire.

It is difficult to believe that Salvatore is the final novel in the Hunting Her series. I am going to miss all of these characters as I have grown to love them over the years. Salvatore is the perfect conclusion to this epic, romantic suspense series. Nearly all of the books can be read as complete standalones, but I do recommend reading Remy prior to Salvatore for the ultimate reading experience. All in all, I definitely recommend this book to all who love romantic suspenses.

I read an early version of this manuscript and I voluntarily leave this review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[FULVIA BELLINATO · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always hard to review a book that affected me so much because my fear is that I won’t completely be able to express my emotions and that I won’t do justice to the story and the author.
I started reading Eden’s book many years ago and it’s been a revelation, a breath of fresh air, something unexpected that made me seek out all the other books and stalk the author (I also have the huge honor of helping her with her Italian sometimes)
This is the last book in a series that I really love, where the characters are flawed, tortured souls that have to deal with what life throws at them and try to make the best of it even in the most unsuitable and unexpected ways.
The writing is fluent and captivating, Salvo’s and Ivy’s banters are hilarious and full of double meaning and their chemistry is off the charts. Only someone like Ivy could keep up with somebody as unhinged and unstable as Salvo because she’s got her own huge hung ups that only he can understand. They are perfect for each other in their own twisted way.
I won’t tell about the story (it’s in the blurb) or the possible triggers ( it’s the author’s job) but in this story you won’t find rainbows and unicorns so be prepared to embark on a journey into the darkest parts of the human soul.
This story will stay with you long after its end. Nobody writes like Eden Summers

[Niamh Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t believe this series has come to an end—what an unforgettable journey it’s been. From the very first book to the last, this series has been an absolute thrill to read. Eden Summers masterfully crafts a world full of twists and turns, where you find yourself hating a character in one book and loving them in the next. That emotional whiplash? Perfection.

This final installment was no exception. I absolutely adored the dynamic between Salvatore and Ivy. Their chemistry, tension, and growth made every page addictive. Honestly, I found myself dragging out the last few chapters because I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. That’s how deeply invested I was.

One of my favorite things about Eden Summers’ writing is her fearless approach to uncomfortable topics. She doesn’t shy away—she dives in. And yet, she balances it with so much heart and intensity that you have to keep reading. More than once, I stayed up way too late, breathless from the twists that seamlessly wove through each storyline.

I know I’ll need to come back and write a more thorough review once it all sinks in—but for now, I just want to start the series all over again. Thank you, Eden Summers, for this emotional, gripping, and unforgettable ride.

[Robin Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What an amazing, exciting, heart-wrenching ride this has been! Eden has once again amazed me with her writing. I rank her at the top of my favorite authors right alongside J. R. Ward. Eden’s writing is spot-on perfect with her flair for word banter between characters and her ability to cause me to feel every emotion while reading her books.

I couldn’t imagine what the last book in the Hunting Her series would be like, but man oh man, I wasn’t expecting this. Ivy and Salvatore are absolutely perfect in every way. The fire and sass Ivy brings to their relationship is epic. And the fact that Salvo (Sally) loves her sharp wit and smart-alecky retorts makes the book very entertaining and a quick book to devour.

I have to admit that it took a bit of time to get immersed in this story, but it was because I didn’t want to finish it too quickly because then it would be over. Last book in the series. No more. I’m sad the series is over, but so, so glad I was able to experience the Hunting Her World.

[Ellie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

Tropes:
Crime family
Morally Grey mmc
Touch her & 💀

Loved 🥰:
- Salvatore was pretty open about his feelings towards Ivy & I liked that
- the chemistry between Ivy & Salvatore and
- Salvatore being soft but only for Ivy
- the banter between Salvatore & Ivy

Liked ☺️:
- getting to see all the previous couples together in little bits
- getting to see Salvatore open up a bit more with his family

Why it wasn’t rated higher (for me personally)🤷🏻‍♀️:
- the middle part of the story dragged for me - however I do see the page count on the published book is 100pgs less than my arc was so this may have been improved
- I felt like there was not a lot of scenes of Salvatore & Ivy actually just being together. I would have liked to see them be a couple more

Spice:
🌶️🌶️

Range & Rep:
Adult romance
LGBTQ+ rep

[Terri West · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing finale to this brilliant series! Eden has pulled out all the stops for this finale book, giving me a multitude of emotions and heart stopping moments.
A well written novel with excellent pacing on the plot, great characters and wonderful worldbuilding. We even have cameos from some of my all time favourites from the rest of this series.
This is a bitter sweet moment, a fantastic book and series that I thoroughly recommend, although I am indeed sad to see it end.

[Julie Workman-Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Eden brings it, she's brings IT!!! I've loved this series and every single one of these dangerous and beautiful men so I was a little sad that the series is coming to an end, but what a way to go out, Salvatore is absolutely amazing, the journey was an emotional rollercoaster and I loved every word of it.

[Buffy ❤️‍&#x1f525;&#x1f480; · Rating 4 out of 5]

So I did like this book but it didn’t grasp my attention like other books would have so it did take me longer to finish than usual. But overall the storyline was good, the chemistry b/t the MMC and the FMC were good
If you’re like me and like more descriptive 🌶️ scenes then this may not be for you because I felt like those scenes were pretty rushed through (just my opinion)

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This held my interest and the mafia vs cartel dynamic was very intriguing and the way the mmc was so toxic but open about it and trying his best while still being nurturing was fun to read about.

[MaybeMayaReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

‼️MINI ARC REVIEW‼️
• Truly a 5/5⭐️ book for me. My favorite in the series, honestly (even though I’ve only read 6 out of the 11 books but I digress).

• Salvatore Acosta… the man that you are. BEYOND POWERFUL. Live, laugh, that man🖤. And Ivy fucking Diaz. The woman that you are. My favorite female character, Abri is a close second (my basket case of a woman🤍).

• The Acosta family. The Acosta siblings. Y’all will forever have a special place in my heart. Will never forget y’all.

• Eden really did her big one with not only this book but with this series as a whole!

[Alison · Rating 2 out of 5]

The end justifies suffering through the beginning

I was searching for a mafia romance and this one purported to be what I was looking for in a dark romance with an obsessed, devoted anti-hero, a FMC with secrets, forced proximity and touch her to your own peril vibes. The premise was so promising but the reality did not live up to that promise. The writing was abysmal. It was like reading something a tween trying to sound cool would write with the repetitive use of words like simp, snickers, and skootches. Now, I liked Salvatore. He was a great anti-hero. He was protective, witty, and oddly compassionate. Ivy, though, was one of the worst FMCs that I think I’ve ever read for the majority of this story. She is ungrateful, foolish, a liar, demeaning, has double standards, and says things that she doesn’t mean while expecting a different reaction than the one she asked for. And her constant inclination to run in pretty much every circumstance got seriously old. I got beyond frustrated with Ivy’s assertion that she alone got to make decisions that were NOT hers alone to make and everyone (*ahem* Salvo) was just supposed to accept them. The supporting characters are all pretty wretched too. They’re all angry without any real basis a lot of the time. Olivia is the worst best friend ever. Double standard much? I can appreciate a good spicy romance but the adult moment that happens after Ivy is injured is just asinine. Other than Salvatore, I have pretty much nothing good to say about the first 85% of this book. Miraculously around the 85% mark, we finally get some decent action, the romance turns less toxic, and Ivy and the supporting characters become somewhat more palatable. The ending is the only thing earning this one two stars from me. I wouldn’t recommend suffering through the first 85% just to get to the ending though when there are plenty of other good mafia books out there.

[Robyn Griffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

One of the most frustrating unrealistic annoying FMC’s I’ve ever read

[Marnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intense and unputdownable!

Dear Author Eden Summers.

I have to say that SALVATORE Costa has got the be the most intense growliest alpha-male of your heroes (Torian notwithstanding), in your Hunting Her series, and I absolutely believe you have completed this series on such a high note that it is impossible for your readers to believe that this is where we say goodbye to the characters we have come to love, adore and beg you for more.

He was intense and at his and Ivy's first meeting in a nightclub you wrote the incendiary chemistry between them as so strong, the ⚡️ static ⚡️ was fair sparking from my virtual pages. She could feel the heat and attraction, but was out with friends and determined not to ditch them in order to satisfy her verrrrrry piqued libido. The flirting though, was bound to happen;

"Out of curiosity, if seduction was the aim, what would be your pick-up line?” He leans closer, the heat of his lips casting warmth over the shell of my ear. “I don’t pick up, sweetheart. I pin down.”

Holy cow!!! And not once during this interaction did she glance at him. She'd conjured him up to be in her future midnight based ‘imagination’ and further into the evening, when she finally take that look, he was everything and more. Not only was he God's gift to women, but she knew his name and panicked.

SALVATORE acknowledged his emotional stuntedness and bore the never-ending brutal accusations of being the favourite child, thoughtless, selfish and self-indulgent from his embittered siblings. The onslaught was continual and after each brutal interaction from them all, I felt the yoke of their resentment sit heavier over him. It was a testament to the strength you gave him that he stood tall as heir to their family under the tutelage of their uncle who had taken over after the removal of their horrendous parents. He was the epitome of protector and hero, not sharing with his siblings the torturous treatment their parents subjected him to in aiming to create an unemotional death machine, a monster to ruthlessly rule their family, and that was all they saw. My heart broke for him as did theirs at a watershed moment when they found out the truth.

You created the perfect heroine for him. Ivy was so full of suspicion and mistrust, having only experienced the brutal side of life before coming to work for her best friend's father and into Salvatore's atmosphere. She had deeply held secrets and her past was a threat to his family. Where others feared to tread, she trampled and stampeded, throwing snarky shots across the bow in a never-ending volley that had him wanting so much more from where they came;

"But you, Ivy—your wit, your fire, your rebellion—that’s what has me by the throat.”

She ‘saw' him, recognised the roiling pressure beneath the surface of him, and at a watershed moment between Salvatore and his uncle, she was the voice of understanding reasoning, reading the room more quickly than even he had. I absolutely loved the relationship that you built between them, even as she fought against her own will in wanting the man who fought against his own nature to possess and control every situation threat that could possibly be conceived against her.

I was teetering on the edge of a tension that I couldn't release until I'd finished the last page. You made me laugh and weep tears of sorrow, maybe not just for the characters, but for myself knowing that another book will not be coming after this one. I have to grieve for the end of a magnificent series, say a hopeful parting to the gorgeously alpha-men and their strong women because no doubt we shall meet again when I re-read the series. Because these men cannot be ignored.

Ms Summers, you have written a book that has to be read by everyone who loves to have demanding, c0cky, over-protective, bossy and possessive heroes in their romance world. Ivy said she shouldn't want to want such a man, but if readers do, then they need to be reading SALVATORE because he's the whole dam package. Hell’s teeth, they’ll be needing to read the whole series.

What started as a single title with HUNTER has become a 10 book Hunting Her legacy that you have created for your readers and I loved each hero more as your world built, and as the final book, SALVATORE deserves more than the 5-Star maximum rating I can give, Ms Summers. You created a mafia masterpiece and I loved every word.

Yours in Books, Marns 🖤💙✦

#fbombromancereads #mumsalwaysreading #bookblogger #bookreviewer #bookreview #marnsreads #marnsj

[Franjessca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvatore is the final book in Eden Summers’s Hunting Her series. As someone who has recently begun to read this series, having read only the first two books and now this one, I regret not reading them sooner. I loved Eden Summers’s Reckless Beat series, and I’m now fully immersed in her Hunting Her series, which offers a darker, more suspenseful read featuring anti-heroes who are undeniably ruthless and scary. However, since they are fictional characters, it’s acceptable to add them to your book boyfriend list. Salvatore is one of those characters I’m adding to mine after reading his story; this man would go to great lengths to protect the heroine, Ivy Diaz, even though she is technically an enemy of his family. He only learns this fact after conducting a more thorough background check on her, but that won’t stop him from pursuing her, even though she’s going to give him a run for his money.

I love heroines like Ivy, who are sassy, tough, and know how to handle someone like Salvatore. Seriously, while reading from her point of view, I developed a girl crush on her and would love to have her as a best friend. She looks out for her friends, especially when they are making questionable choices, but she’s doing the same with Salvatore, so she can’t really get on them. 😉 I enjoyed the banter between her and Salvatore, and I appreciated how she eventually admitted her feelings for him despite her hesitation due to his background. She has every reason to be wary when she meets Salvatore and his family, as it means her past is about to catch up with her.

I found it hard to put this book down and often struggled to return to reality whenever I had to run errands or attend to other tasks because I was eager to find out what happened next with Salvatore and Ivy. This book is filled with dark and suspenseful scenes, as well as action-packed, heart-racing moments. It also includes a great mix of steamy scenes that will leave you wanting a cold shower. Eden Summers keeps you on the edge of your seat right up until the end of the book. I wasn’t sure if Ivy and Salvatore would ever achieve their happy ending, given the hardships they were facing, but thankfully, they did. I give this book five stars and wish I could give it more, but unfortunately, Amazon, Goodreads, etc., won’t let me.

If you enjoy an unhinged, walking red flag of an anti-hero and a rebellious, strong heroine, then you should add this book to your TBR list immediately, especially if you love Dark Mafia Romance stories and the Enemies to Lovers trope. I’m determined more than ever to read the rest of the books I haven’t picked up. It’s my Eden Summers/Hunting Her era, so watch out!

Single/Dual POV: Dual POV.

Standalone or Part of Series: It’s the final book in the Hunting Her series, but could be read as an interconnected standalone.

What to Expect:
✔️Mafia Romance
✔️Forbidden Love
✔️Enemies to Lovers
✔️Touch Her & I’ll ☠️ You
✔️AntiHero/Walking Red Flag MMC
✔️Kickbutt Heroine

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Check out all my book reviews at A Book Lovin' Mama's Blog

[Sandy S · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5stars-SALVATORE is the eleventh and final instalment in Eden Summers’ contemporary, adult HUNTING HER dark, erotic, Mafia romance series. This is Salvatore Costa and Ivy Diaz’s storyline. SALVATORE can be read as a stand alone but for back story and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order. Some of the events of SALVATORE crosses over with,and runs parallel to some of the events of REMY.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there WILL BE triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Ivy and Salvatore) SALVATORE follows the acrimonious and bitter relationship between our story line couple. Ivy Diaz is best friends with Remy’s girlfriend Olivia, and both Ivy and Olivia work at Olivia’s family owned funeral home but all is not as it appears to be, and not only is Ivy hiding a secret,so too is her best friend Olivia Pelosi. Struggling with her first face to face with our story line hero, a man whose reputation precedes his introduction, the death of Olivia’s father is about to set a target on our heroine’s back. Ivy is hiding, on the run, and the Costa family’s need for information is about to pull Ivy back into the world from which she ran. Knowing her life will be forfeited regardless of who takes control, our heroine is now viewed as a threat, an enemy from within.

The world building focuses on the social structure and relationships between Salvatore, Remy, Bishop, Matthew and Abri, between themselves, and their uncle Lorenzo, a man who is determined to destroy our story line heroine. The dysfunctional family dynamics is paramount to the story line premise, blood means nothing but a curse to destroy -for Ivy as well when the Cartel demands her life.

The relationship between Ivy and Salvatore is tempestuous at best. The back and forth is often angry; the vitriolic spewing of hurtful names and accusations is heart breaking- the antagonistic behavior is threatening and blinding. Ivy’s inability to trust threatens everything including her friendship with Olivia Pelosi. The $ex scenes are erotic, and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, powerful and determined secondary and supporting characters including Salvatore’s siblings: Remy and Olivia, Michael and Layla, Bishop and Abri, their mother Adena, uncle Lorenzo, and several members of the Cartel. The requisite evil has many faces.

SALVATORE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, dysfunctional family dynamics, family and friendships, acceptance and love. The character driven premise is dark, dramatic and emotional; the romance is heart breaking and impassioned; the characters are desperate, dynamic and dangerous.

copy supplied for review

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mesmerising & emotional finale

The finale to Eden Summers' Baltimore Universe and the Hunting Her series has arrived, and it was BRILLIANT, a fast-paced, action-filled ride. The Baltimore Universe has been a go-to of mine since Hunter was released in 2018, so it's sad to say goodbye to all these amazing characters. SALVATORE was a magnificent final installment which I never wanted to end.

Salvatore Costas lives and breathes mafia, it runs through his veins like blood, but the position as heir was only his because his older brother walked away from the lifestyle. Salvatore gives an outward appearance of being stoic, manipulative, demanding, and dominating, but in his heart and on his shoulders, he carries the weight of the world with the secrets he hides. Ivy Diaz, wow what a woman!! She instantly won my heart. She was feisty, stubborn, didn't know how to hold back her words, she's a challenge. Her life hasn't been an easy one, but her struggles have made her a strong, resilient, independent woman. She is also a woman who hides many secrets.

There is no love lost between Salvatore and Ivy. While she's a thorn in his side and he's the bane of her existence, the sparks fly between them, the chemistry is insane, and the heat is volcanic. Both have been broken from past events, but it is their time together that begins to heal them. They see beneath the facades they wear, and it is fun watching them grow together. Their story is one of struggles, survival, vengeance, understanding, and love, with numerous twists and turns.

Eden Summers' words are mesmerising, addictive, and once they have a hold on you, they don't let go. From beginning to end SALVATORE is an emotional rollercoaster ride, one that gets the adrenaline pumping, the tears flowing, and yes, even laughter bubbling. Being the final book, Eden has included many characters from the previous books, which adds to the tension, intrigue, and the occasional levity, especially Bishop's prank he played on Salvatore, it was hilarious. At no stage did SALVATORE disappoint, it was PERFECT.

Congratulations Eden on another superb read. I can't wait to see what you come up with next.

A highly recommended book and series.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Nikki'J' · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, the Hunting Her series has finished with a bang. Salvatore certainly seemed like the worst of the worst, but I knew there had to be more to his story and Eden Summers revealed it all and then some.

Salvatore Costa is in line to take over the family from his Uncle Lorenzo. He wasn't the first in line, but the role is now his. His family are a mess, and we've met them in prior books. Salvatore is the most on the outer of his family and he's okay with his role. He doesn't need them, he doesn't need their approval, their love or their trust. He only needs them to fall in line.

Ivy Diaz is Olivia's best friend and work colleague at the funeral home. She's by Olivia's side all through the ups and downs of her father’s illness and then death. Ivy has her own story to tell though. She's in hiding and needs to keep her head down so when she catches the eye of the next mafia don it can only spell trouble.

This is the definition of enemies-to-lovers. They are from opposite sides of a coming war. A war that Salvatore is determined to take on and win. Ivy wants nothing to do with the family that Salvatore plans to crush and she wants nothing to do with the mafia either. She just wants to keep her head down and stay alive. Salvatore wants her.

There is so much chemistry between these two it’s likely to set your kindle on fire and I was hooked but the complications of the relationship building. The push and pull to fight it. The inevitable moment where they can't deny the want any longer. It was never meant to be more than one night, but Salvatore can't stop thinking about her and Ivy can't deny her attraction.

It will take a lot for these two to survive the fallout of their actions and they deny the fact that there is more to what's building between them. When everyone is against them and lives are on the line it will come down to who's got more to lose, and Salvatore won't lose the only thing he's ever really wanted.

Eden wrote some magic with these characters. Ivy's got sass and wit and she's not afraid of the bit bad soon to be mafia don. She's got his number and it's fantastic. Salvatore is known only for his asshole ways and how dangerous he is. His softer side wasn't really soft at all but those moments when he let his walls down and showed Ivy more of himself were special.

Happy Reading.

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salvatore
by Eden Summers

Author Eden Summers has been a must read mafia author for me from the beginning of her Hunting Her series. From Hunter to Cole; the Butcher Brothers of Baltimore and now Salvatore she has given me (and so many other readers) the Mafia at it’s best! Her stories sweep you right into the action, the heat and the grit that mafia readers want in the stories she writes. Strong characters, solid story lines and brilliant endings that have now taken us to the end of her Hunting Her series! Eleven books, so many amazing characters and in Salvatore a chance to learn the last of the entire Costa family secrets, and those secrets shed so much light on everything we have read in the last books of the Hunting Her series.

Salvatore Costa, hard core mafia, it’s his way or the highway…..well for the last few years at least. He has been distanced from his family, meaning his brothers and his sister for years. If they ever found out why he isn’t sure if they would accept the truth or choose to continue with the lies and stories he has built around his heart to keep himself safe.

When Ivy Diaz comes into his life however, the walls drop a bit. She sassy, witty and the banter with her just brings so many dirty thoughts to his mind. But Ivy isn’t really who she claims to be. He manages to find out about her past and he admires her for her tenacity.
He is determined to protect her, Ivy is determined to go into hiding…but then this is the mafia vs. the cartel and someone is going to lose. But who will it be?

The last few chapters will have you sitting on the edge of your seat! Cheering on Salvatore, Ivy, Remy & Olivia, Matthew & Layla and Bishop & Abria as they fight for their family and their lives.

Am I sorry that we won’t have any more of this wonderful characters in my reading life,
YES for sure….but they aren’t that far away and opening their covers will always give you the mafia hit that you need.

I have no hesitation when recommending the Author and her Hunting Her series and if I could this book would get ten stars.

Am I hoping there is a chance that we might see Lorenzo’s sons in a series…well yes I am hoping that is the case. So Madame Author….is there a chance will will see Raffa, Michelo and Eliseo in the future?

[Wendy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, where to start. This author has been a must read for me since her first book.
This is the last in the Hunting series and is an epic read, wrapping all the unanswered questions we may have had through the series and answered with fireworks and a bang.
Salvatore Costa and Ivy have been mentioned in previous stories and now we learn theirs. Salvatore is an emotionless, unpleasant, tyrant of the first order. He has no real relationship with what is left of his family, brought up by monsters and forced to take the throne as heir to a business he never wanted. He is dangerous and uncaring, building walls around himself to hide his truths.
Ivy has come into his world via her best friend and is frankly mortified when Salvatore sets his sights on her. Sassy being her second name and with no interest in being dragged into his world Ivy is hiding her own secrets, ones that could destroy not just her but the whole Costa family. As the two are thrown together time and again, Ivy's sass causes cracks in Salvatore's walls, they settle into a love, hate relationship, until Ivy's past comes back to haunt her, suddenly throwing everything they have built into turmoil.
This story brings what has been a fantastic journey to an end, bringing all the characters from the Hunting series together in both tragedy, a fight to survive and the discovery of new truths. Salvatore and Ivy's story will have you laughing, shouting at them and crying for them as it takes you on a wild ride. There is so much love and heartache hidden in these two, they will have you spellbound up to the last page.
This book is the last in the series and while I would strongly urge you to go back to the beginning, because they are really that good, you may gain a better insight into Salvatore if you go back as far as Seeking Vengeance, where the Costa family story comes into it's own. Either way if you are new here please visit Eden's book list, you will find a wealth of fantastic reads there.
I am so sorry to be leaving this series, it has been a fabulous journey. I can only hope we might be treated to a new series around new characters we have met her. Meanwhile enjoy.

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, WOW, WOW.
5 STARS!

This book is one of the best reads of the year - no contest! It's definitely one of those that I will read again and again, infact, I've already started it a second time.

The Hunting Her series draws to the most dramatic, amazing, intense conclusion within Salvatore. I promise you won't be able to put this book down.

This story follows FMC Ivy (who we previously met in Remy) and MMC Salvatore who we've known for a while as he appears in multiple other books within the Hunting Her series. *please read the other books before you start this one, trust me, its worth the dedication in order to fully appreciate the ending of this book*

Ivy presented as a 'normal' girl in the previous book, quite guarded at times but sassy and always ready to defend herself and those she cares about. Little did we know, she had a secret buried underneath the layers of her admirable confidence. A secret that Salvatore has unearthed and this secret isn't going to hurt just Ivy... it's going to have a chain reaction that effects the outwardly menacing Salvatore and his whole family.

The character development within this book is fantastic. A special mention for Salvatore, my opinion of him drastically changed with almost every chapter. His inner monologue was such a surprise considering how he presents himself to the world. Ivy's ability to recognise Salvatores carefully constructed but required facade is such a joy to read.

To cut a long story short: Eden Summers has done it again. This book is phenomenal. The story, plot, character arcs, romance (spice levels are high!) - everything about this book is exactly what I love to read.

The conclusion had me re-reading the last few chapters over and over, to see characters come together (new and old) was a really beautiful way to say goodbye to this series.

Do yourself a favour and read this book, you won't regret it!

[Madonna Blackburn · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, Ms Summers has done it again!
Mafia romance, once more, done to perfection, with an entertaining storyline that finishes the Hunting Her series in the most delicious of ways.
Salvatore and Ivy surprised me to be honest. They did not come across in earlier novels as anyone that was powerful enough nor interesting enough, to captivate me with their own story.
Wow, was I wrong! This story is high level gripping and consuming. Not a page is turned without the characters being inked onto our brain for future monopolization.
I’ve said this before and it needs saying again…. Eden Summers is a master of dialogue and suspense.
Her use of humour and satire is rivaled with only the best. And although this is a story set in Baltimore USA, you can’t help but feel the presence of this author’s Aussie origins, particularly when it comes to the fun, snarky exchanges.
This story comes out swinging, and does not let up. Eden weaves a savage and potent love story that continues to build momentum throughout every chapter and leads us to a culmination that is, for the most part, unexpected. What a RIPPER of a bombshell!!!
Salvatore’s metamorphosis to Mafia King and Ivy’s progression to Mafia Queen is an enthralling and absorbing read. Full of mischief, fun, darkness and danger, Salvatore is a fitting end to one of THE BEST book series on the market.
From its humble beginnings with Hunter & Sarah (still one of my favourite couples) through to Torian passing the baton onto Matthew who leads us into the real workings of the Costa family, then segueing into Bishop (one of the most amazingly funny books) and ending with Salvatore...this series has just gotten better and better with each new story handed to us. I cannot rate these books highly enough. I have loved each and every one of them, all for their uniqueness, yet connecting, interwoven theme. What a blast it has been to read this author's brilliance…Thank You Eden, job well done!