SPICY?! And a page turner? YES PLEASE! This series is proving to be one of my favorites! I love a mafia romance and this one has all the goods. The story line is a perfect enemies to lovers that keeps you on your toes the whole time. I love Grayson!
I am extremely excited for the next book!
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review it for others!

I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Detonate from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you so much!

After reading Distance and thinking Maddie and Grayson’s relationship would make for a great enemies to lovers story, I was right. Though I wish they could’ve had some more time as enemies, I really did enjoy their story.

Overall the plot is mostly the romance and spicy scenes between Maddie and Grayson. But there is a mafia element in there as well it is just not the main focus of the story.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys more spice than plot. Overall I rated it 4.25 ⭐️and 4🌶️

Detonate is book to in the Beneath the Mask series from author Luna Mason. Although the series book are all anthologies they are interconnected I'm assuming... the others haven't released yet.

That being said I own a physical copy of the first book in the series (Distance) which I did buy thanks to booktok/ bookstagram but I also read the description and I was so interested because whaaattt?!?! Sports and Mafia Dark Romance?!?!?! Sign me up!

Detonate was all smut and not really much plot. Now if you don't mind that then this book may be for you.

However for me I much enjoy plot and /or character driven books... spice doesn't really matter to me if it's there then ok if not again... ok.

I don't think it was awful.... i also don't think it's a masterpiece..... but it's entertainment. Do with that information what you will but give this a try if you like.

I feel like this is a good book for starters in the dark sports romance trope but check the trigger warnings.

Check the tropes as well.

I WILL DEFINETLEY GIVE THIS A READ AT ALETER TIME.

Thanks to Netgalley for the gifted eARC in exchange for an honest review.

If this dedication doesn't make you want to pick up this book then I am sorry we aren't not the same type of reader:
This book is dedicated to all my readers who deserve to be treated like a princess, but don't want the prince to sweep them off their feet. Who want the villain to tell them to grab the headboard and take it all like a good girl.
Villains fu@k better.
Grayson is ready for you now...

Maddie and Grayson

Tropes:
- Mafia Romance
- Dislike to lovers
- Former Military
- Fighter Coach x Makeup Artist
- Touch her and D!e
- Grumpy x Sunshine (Can be stabby)

Maddie: The only way to make her mom proud was to have the prince, white picket fence, and the 2.5 kids. Since Maddie did not have those things she was the family disappointment. After kissing Grayson one time she knew all of the frogs she had been kissing was not going to make her happy. Even though she was sunshine there was a darkness that made her feel like herself that she didn't want to let go of. That darkness being Grayson.

Grayson had been avoiding Maddie at every turn possible. He knew from day one if she got close to him she would tear down all of the walls that he had built because of the tragic betrayal he had suffered after leaving the special forces. He had not kissing another female in 7 years. He came Maddie running into his arms and kissing the crap out of him. He had no idea what to do with the feeling. Grayson is for sure the touch her and D!e type of man. He would burn the world down for her.

This was my first book by Luna Mason and I will tell you right how it will not by my last. Even though there were some trigger warnings I think she did a wonderful job of explaining how the character was feeling. She didn't just gloss over them.

Thank you Luna Mason, NetGalley, and Kensington Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my review.

#Detonate #NetGalley

Did not disappoint! Read distance a while back and loved it. I absolutely loved this book and cannot wait to continue the series!

I started to read this book, and I realized that it wasn't a good fit for me and that I wouldn't be able to give a fair review on it. Thank you to the publisher, author and NetGalley for this ARC.

I loved this book. Grayson grew on me but Keller is still my one guy. The bickering between Maddie and Grayson was top notch. The heat between them and finally acting on those feelings? Whew. Grayson has major touch her and die vibes and I was here for it.

I received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.

Thank you Kensington Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

If you're looking for some heat - you've found it.
Unfortunately I wish there was more development in the MCs relationship besides lust. I think they do come to appreciate and value each other as people, neither character felt very fleshed out, and therefore their relationship also felt flat.

My biggest disappointment though was how shortsighted Luca and Grayson were. It was quite obvious from the start that there was a mole. In particular, it's ridiculous to think that Grayson would think flaunting his relationship with Maddie was a good idea, when his mafia was in the middle of a war.

But if you're willing to overlook basic, but critical plot points in exchange for high heat, this is perfect for you!

Detonate is romance-heavy and fast-paced. Both the promise and prologue pulled me in right away. I would have enjoyed this book more if the romance had a little more depth. I also wanted more of the mafia plot line. Overall, I enjoyed this book and I'm interested in reading other books in this series. Thank you to Kensington Publishing for this advanced copy!

What a great read! I was so curious about Maddie and Grayson after the first book in the series, and their story did not disappoint. It was fast paced and full of action and spice. I loved their journey together, and how protective Grayson was. After his first taste of her, he fell hard and could not resist her, but because of his background, he kept pushing her away.

I love how we got to know Grayson and his backstory so much more. But he was doomed to not be able to be away from her, and I loved to see it. He was obsessive and so determined.

Maddie was also fierce and had a strong mind. Their chemistry was off the charts, even though it often than not was bickering and tension between them. The spice was so good because of it!

The storyline was so intense from the start, and I couldn’t stop reading. I was hooked, and it was so good! The twist towards the end shocked me, and I can’t wait to see how this series unfolds in the next book! 🖤✨

Oh my God! I adored this! Grayson and Maddies story is so touching and I loved seeing Grayson love again after so much pain and hurt! And seeing Maddie go for what she wants and stop trying to please her mother

Recycled mafia romance, trope heavy, cringe dialogue and no character development. Sorry. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I went into this one thinking it was a standalone... but not having read book 1, I felt like I missed crucial parts leading up this relationship. I was was just thrown in to two characters with minimal chemistry, no personalities and a lot of sex. Don't get me wrong, I like my smutty books. But there needs to be more than just that. 🤷🏻‍♀️
I was not a fan of the writing itself. It felt rushed, like it was just trying to tick of the requisite number of tropes needed in the book.

Thank you to Net Galley and Kensington Publishing for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This is my favorite book in the series so far. The spice was spicing and the plot was thick. Seriously, this standalone has plot twists, great character development, and devastating chemistries.

Thank you so much to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ability to review. These thought are my own honest feedback.

Okay, listen—ex-special forces boxer turned mafia hitman? Say less. I ran to this book like Maddie runs from emotional stability. And while I was definitely entertained (and maybe a little flustered), I can’t say this dark romance knocked me out Cold War-style the way I hoped it would.

Grayson is the walking definition of “I can fix him” bait—broody, lethal, and allergic to feelings unless they’re expressed through punches or steamy tension. And Maddie? Our sweet, sunshine heroine is just trying to be the main character of her own life, but keeps tripping into Grayson’s shadows like she’s late to a mafia-themed meet-cute.

Their chemistry is all “we shouldn’t—but we definitely will,” and the spice level is… let’s just say the thermostat got broken and no one’s called maintenance. But somewhere between the betrayal, danger, and emotional damage, the plot and pacing started to wobble like Maddie in stilettos at a mafia gala. It was giving “vibes over logic,” and sometimes I just wanted a little more from the characters than angst and abs.

That said, if you’re a fan of chaotic hitmen, morally questionable love interests, and sunshine-gone-feral girlies who fall for the villain, you’ll probably devour this like it’s your emotional support mafia romance. For me, it was a fun ride, but not the book that’ll live rent-free in my head forever.

Final verdict: A good time, not a long time. Like kissing a hitman in the rain—dramatic, dangerous, and just messy enough to make you question your life choices.

Review for Detonate by Luna Mason
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Detonate is explosive in every sense—gritty, emotional, and packed with tension. Luna Mason delivers a gripping dark romance with characters that are flawed, magnetic, and impossible to forget. The chemistry is off the charts, the stakes are high, and every page pulses with danger and desire.

The emotional depth surprised me—in the best way. Beneath the grit and intensity is a story about healing, vulnerability, and what it means to love someone who could destroy you. Mason writes morally gray characters with nuance and heart, and I couldn’t look away.

A few plot threads could’ve used more time, and the pacing rarely let up, but overall this was a raw, addictive read I couldn’t put down. Perfect for fans of angsty, high-stakes romance with a dark edge.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have such mixed feelings about this one. I loved the characters because their dynamic was fiery and very enemies-to-lovers. There was a lot of tension and bickering (which, was def their foreplay lol), and the chemistry and between them delivered while the spice was spicing.

That being said, the overall plot felt a bit scattered. It took a long time to feel like there was a clear storyline, and when it finally happened, things moved way too quickly. Some themes were repetitive and felt similar to the first book. I also struggled with the male lead who came off as very hot and then very cold. It felt a little inconsistent and frustrating.

Overall, while this wasn’t my favorite, there were still parts I enjoyed. I just wish the story had been more balanced and fleshed out like the first book!

Y’all… Y’ALL *hits mic* 🗣️ FIVE STARS!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

I am FLOORED. I felt all that emotions with this one and I fell hard for the characters. I enjoyed this read and the development of the characters. I loved book 1, and didn’t think it was possible to top that love until now. Their banter, the spice, and the chaos were so wonderfully written.

A Mafia Enforcer falls for a No-Nonsense Makeup Artist that’s looking for love. Grayson vows that he won’t get close to another person to get hurt again and Maddie vows that she will find someone worth marrying soon….. will they both end up hurt? Or will love prevail?

Thank you @netgalley for supplying me an ARC and thank you @authorlunamason for writing yet another phenomenal book.

Detonate by Luna Mason

Detonate was an enjoyable read. It's a dark mafia romance with quick pacing—easy to finish in a day. I was especially excited to dive into Maddie and Grayson’s story after being intrigued by them in the first book. This installment delivers high spice, intense drama, and a few interesting twists that have me looking forward to the next book.

While the story was entertaining and fun, it didn’t quite live in my head rent-free. Still, I’d recommend it to fans of dark romance, mafia storylines, and fast-paced plots.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the eARC.

Release Date: May 27, 2025

Luna Mason and this series blow me away! When I need my dark romance fix, this is what I am reaching for. Kensington has done so well with republishing this too, cause it is stunning. Grayson is probably my favorite Luna hero. Former special forces, yes please!!!

🔥 Book Review: Detonate by Luna Mason 💥
(featuring the darkly irresistible Grayson 💣)

If you're looking for a love story that explodes with emotion, danger, and sizzling chemistry, Detonate is your next obsession. ❤️‍🔥

Grayson is the kind of anti-hero you shouldn’t fall for... but absolutely will. 😈 A former special forces soldier turned boxing trainer by day 🥊 and Mafia hitman by night 🌒, he’s wrapped in layers of guilt, danger, and buried passion. He’s lethal, emotionally closed off, and totally magnetic. One kiss from Maddie, the woman he never thought he could have, and his carefully controlled world spirals out of control. 💋

Maddie, the sunshine to his storm 🌞, brings a raw vulnerability and strength that steals your heart. She's tired of kissing frogs 🐸 and looking for a fairy tale — but instead finds herself in love with the monster. A monster who calls her his, protects her fiercely, and might just lose everything to keep her safe. 🖤

The tension? Electric ⚡
The stakes? Sky high 🚨
The love? Addictive 🧨

This book is a perfect storm of angst, action, and a slow-burn romance that detonates into something unforgettable. Luna Mason masterfully blends danger and desire, and Grayson? He’s the villain who’ll ruin you for all heroes. 👑