Thank you Luna and Hambright PR for this copy of detonate!
I love a good mafia sports turned hitman romance. Luna puts out the most captivating stories. Thank you for allowing me to read the next book in this amazing series!

The tension, the spice? Chef's Kiss! Luna Mason can do no wrong! I would classify this as a great entry level series for someone new to the dark romance genre. Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this e-arc!

So, I have not read the first book in this series, with the understanding that each book is a standalone in a interconnected series. And I think that might have been my problem with the beginning. The characters and their interactions felt disjointed for the first 25% of the book. I didn't understand why they pushed each other away or why they were fighting against each other. Once they decided to give in to their chemistry, the story picked up and I couldn't put it down. Luna's spice was wonderful and I loved how Maddie and Grayson were with each other once they each decided to get together. Maybe reading the first book, and seeing their interactions would've helped with my rating, but as a standalone the beginning made it hard to be invested, but I'm glad I stayed with it.

I kissed a lot of frogs to try and find my Prince.
Instead, I fell in love with the villain.

Oh Luna Mason does no wrong! I absolutely adore her books.

“𝐒𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞, 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐦𝐲 𝐧𝐚𝐦𝐞.”

Grayson and Maddie were forced to be friends because their best friends are now married. And what do we know about two opposing coming together? They come together 😏 ( wink wink)

Grayson and Maddie’s banter and tension was just fabulous! The back and forth of Grayson trying to keep Maddie safe from him and the life he lives was a little longgg for me BUT it was still a good book.

The series is interconnected standalones, each couple gets their own book, but the plot of the series continues through to the next book. So I would highly recommend you read them all

𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐁𝐑 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Good Girl x Bad Boy
💜 Morally gray characters
🖤 Dark mafia romance
💜 Ex-military with traumatic past
🖤 Age gap

this book is most definitely my favorite in the entire series i attached my good reads review below the chemistry in this book is top tier and i recommend it to everyone looking for that perfect mafia romance

Grayson and Maddie have my whole freakin heart, I loved seeing parts of their budding love in Distance and them having their own book to really flesh out their enemies/hate to lovers was amazing. Grayson was willing to risk it all for his girl and Maddie's desire to protect them both made my heart ache. This entire series is wonderful, I will read anything Mason writes in the future!

3.5 rounded up!

“She’s become an obsession. The light I crave at the end of a dark day.”

Detonate is a spicy ride from start to finish! If you're dipping your toes into the dark romance/mafia world, this book would be perf! It’s so easy to read and bingeable, I finished it within a few hours on a roadtrip!

"You aren't my villain. You are my everything. I love your darkness. But I also love your light. I love every single part of you."

𝐀𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐁𝐑 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
💜 Grumpy x Sunshine
🖤 Good Girl x Bad Boy
💜 Morally gray characters
🖤 Dark mafia romance
💜 Ex-military with traumatic past
🖤 Age gap (26, 35)

Grayson and Maddie? *Fireworks.* After falling for Keller and Sienna in *Distance*, I was already curious about this chaotic duo. Luna absolutely nailed their banter-equal parts hilarious and hot. Maddie is sunshine with teeth: bubbly, bold, and the kind of FMC who doesn't whimper- she *roars*. And Grayson? Oh, he's a walking emotional grenade. Forget the cold, broody alpha trope-this man *feels*, and he *shows it*.

What I loved most? His heart is on his sleeve, his devotion is feral, and when it comes to Maddie, he'd raze the damn world. Their chemistry is nuclear, their love explosive, and when they finally stop pretending they don't want to jump each other? *Chef's kiss*. Bonus points for Grayson bringing ex-military energy to the mafia like it's a career pivot on LinkedIn.

Also, if you're into stories where the man *actually* expresses his emotions, worships his woman, and would cross hell barefoot for her-go read this. Yesterday.

★★★★

Thank you to #lunamason, @hambright_pr and @netgalley for this advanced reader copy. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

This book is pure sinful perfection. Grayson is every dark, dangerous fantasy wrapped up in one insanely hot package. A mafia hitman with filthy words, possessive obsession, and the kind of dominant energy that makes you weak in the knees. 😈

Maddie is his sunshine, but she’s not so innocent — she craves his darkness just as much as he craves her light.
Their chemistry? Explosive. Addictive. Illegal. 🔥🔥🔥

Luna Mason doesn’t hold back. The spice is deliciously filthy, the tension will ruin your soul, and the way Grayson loves Maddie? Obsessive, raw, and absolutely unhinged. ❤️‍🔥

If you love possessive antiheroes who would burn the world for their woman, mafia danger, and enough steam to melt your Kindle — Detonate is for you.

🖤 Mafia hitman
💜 Enemies to lovers
🖤 🥃🐱
💜 Grumpy sunshine
🖤 Mafia romance
💜 Touch her and ☠️

Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Despite a lot of things that just didn’t sit right with me, I found myself intrigued with this story. I love a good dark mafia romance, and there was so much potential with this one. However, with the inconsistencies in the story, underdeveloped characters/plot line, and grammatical issues, this is not a top read for me. I will address those later, but all that being said, I still kind of liked the story. I’m so conflicted!

I was offered by HambrightPR to read and review this title. I really appreciate that opportunity and don’t take it lightly. I don’t typically write negative reviews, always trying to find the positive because I actually do want people to read this book and form their own opinion. So even though I will address what I found to be the cause of my lower review, I will highlight what I did like about the book.

Grayson is a flawed man, part time trainer for up and coming boxers, and part time hit man for the mafia in New York. After a devastating blow years ago that left him heartbroken and lost, he up and moved to NY, to a new life, vowing to never allow anyone in his heart again. Maddie is the best friend of his best friend’s wife. They can’t stand each other, but since the fateful day where they kissed, his first in seven years, he has not stopped thinking of her. The pull they feel towards one another can’t be denied, and they finally come together in the most explosive way. Grayson has a filthy mouth and knows how to use it. He wants, needs, to keep her safe, for she is his everything. Maddie has never felt for anyone what she feels for Grayson, but neither one of them are sure about a future together. There is a lot of uncertainty, a mafia war, dangerous situations, and an unexpected surprise.

I liked the banter between the characters, the draw they had to one another, and of course the spice. Grayson is a dirty talker through and through, but Maddie can give it back too. There is tension and suspense throughout the story that worked. The ‘twist’ was interesting as well.

All that being said, there were inconsistencies that I had a hard time getting past:

He kissed her in the bathroom at the restaurant, then went down on her, but afterwards when she went to kiss him, he turned his head. He then brought her to the warehouse he burned down, f**ked her on the hood. No mention of a condom, so I’m assuming he came in her but when they went back to his house and he went down on her again, he only mentioned “her juices,” nothing about his c*m. This book is definitely hot, but I’m finding the inconsistencies, and the back and forth of his reasoning hard to buy into.

Later, she lies to him so she can “break up” with Gregory so she says she started her period. Then later Grayson shows up and foils her plans, takes her home and f**ks her. Not one mention of her being on/not being on her period.

The ex wife just shows up after all these years in his penthouse, while he’s f**king Maddie? C’mon.

You can’t decorate a cake just out of the oven. Chapter thirty five is in there twice as thirty five and thirty six on KU…I’ve never seen that happen. I did message her (kindly! I’m not an asshole), to let her know.

There are moments, situations, where Grayson just seems so careless with Maddie. He’s a hit man and says he loves her, she is everything to him and doesn’t want anything to happen to her, yet he has either put her or let her get into situations that are dangerous for her.

Sunshine is used 135 times. I love a cute nickname, but I thought it was used too much.

You could tell from some of the wording used that the author is not American (zero issue with that but when it’s set in America and more British terminology is used, you knew.) I didn’t let that affect my review, just more of an observation!

I felt there were missed opportunities within the plotline, as well as things that popped up that didn’t really fit.

Overall, will I read this again? No. Will I continue the series? Maybe. Do I recommend this book? Yes. Because I know there are a lot of people out there that will really like the story and need to form their own opinion.

☠️“Smothering me in her rays while I thrive in the darkness. I don’t crave the light. But I can’t get her out of my mind.”
☠️“Eyes on me. Watch me devour you as you come all over my face.”
☠️“She knows I’m a monster and wants to f*** me anyway.”
☠️“Let’s get one thing straight here, Sunshine. If you want me to keep f***ing you until you see stars, no other man touches you. I’ll keep it simple. I. Don’t. Share.”
☠️“A man of darkness is the only one to bring me light.”

This book dives deeper into Maddie and Grayson’s story, and I couldn’t get enough! With dual narration from both Maddie and Grayson—one of my favorite storytelling styles—we get a richer glimpse into Grayson’s past, adding layers to his character that made me love him even more. The chemistry between these two crackles on every page, and their witty banter kept me smiling the whole way through. Fast-paced and addictive, I devoured this in one sitting. And let’s talk about the spice—absolutely chef’s kiss! If you’re into steamy romance with heart and humor, this one’s a must-read.

Thank you Hambright PR, NetGalley and Luna Mason for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4.5 Stars!

Such a great dark mafia romance read. I would classify this as a great entry level series for someone new to the dark romance genre.

Grayson is an ex-military man who finds out that his wife has been cheating on him. He ends up moving to New York and joining the mafia as a trainer turned hit-man. He swears off women for seven years after the betrayal from his ex-wife but when his friend Keller's wife brings around her friend Maddie, he cannot resist.

I loved the tension and spice between these two characters, Maddie is a spit-fire and does not back down so I thought she was the perfect fit for Grayson.

If You Love Catching Feelings for the Villain... This One’s For You.
WHEWWW—Grayson is everything! If you’re someone who loves falling hard for the morally gray, brooding type, prepare yourself. His backstory, his loyalty, the trauma he carries, and the way he loves? It’s the kind of combination that’ll have you questioning why fictional men don’t come to life. I am fully feral over this man.

This book hits all the right notes of a mafia romance, and the dislike-to-lovers tension between Maddie and Grayson? Chef’s kiss. Their banter gave me life—sharp, witty, and full of heat.

If you need a fix of danger, spice, and a villain you’ll absolutely swoon over, don’t walk—run to this book.

ARC Review: Detonate
Stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

Detonate is a spicy, emotionally charged dark romance that pairs a deadly ex special forces soldier turned hitman with a sunshine heroine who wasn’t supposed to fall for him. Grayson is the perfect morally grey antihero, while Maddie brings heart, heat, and vulnerability to every scene.

Their chemistry is explosive, and the story blends mafia danger, emotional tension, and steamy romance with ease. The pacing is uneven in a few spots but doesn’t take away from the overall impact, and the plot still keeps you hooked. Bonus content at the end is a great touch for fans wanting more.

If you love antiheroes, high heat, and high stakes, this one’s worth the read.

Thank you to @authorlunamason and @hambright_pr for sending me an ARC to review!

Absolutely loved Grayson and Maddies story! I read this in one sitting!!
Call me sunshine and I’m absolutely done for 😂
Highly recommend!

Grayson is a tortured soul controlled by the demons of his past. He was betrayed by his wife and bestfriend and has never gotten over it. He’s a boxing trainer by day, mafia enforcer by night.

Here comes Maddie, a ray of sunshine in Grayson’s life. Maddie shifts Grayson’s whole world after one spontaneous kiss. She isn't scared of the monster that Grayson can be. She is smart, sassy and full of life everything he needs.

I just adored their hate to love, frenemies to lovers thing they had going on. The banter was on point and the spice was oh so nice. This book had the perfect amount of mafia murder and mayhem, suspense, tension and sass. Grayson fell so hard for Maddie and was so possessive. Maddie was fierce and never backed down.

I am so excited to dive right into Devoted, book 3 Luca Russo here I come!

As always check your trigger warnings this is a mafia romance with dark topics.

If you like
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine

👩🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏼 Good Girl x Bad Boy

🩶 Morally gray characters

🖤 Dark romance

🥊 Sports romance

🔪 Mafia romance

🛡️ Military romance

LISTEN. Luna Mason snatched my attention in the prologue and said, “Hope you like emotional damage, babe.” AND I DID. I was pausing the audiobook, jaw on the floor, whisper-screaming “HOW DARE YOU” like a woman possessed. Poor Grayson—my angsty, emotionally constipated, murdery little marshmallow. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and then immediately watch him break someone's nose in an alley.

And then there's MADDIE. My take-no-prisoners, kiss-no-frogs FMC who walked into Grayson’s dark little lair and said, “Hi, I’m your problem now.” ICONIC. The chemistry between them?? Unholy. The sexual tension?? Criminal. The spice?? Five alarm fire. I was clutching my headphones like they were rosary beads.

Every time Grayson called her “Sunshine” I went feral. Fully unwell. Bitterly melted into a pile of regret and yearning. He went from “I don’t kiss” to “I’ll burn the world for you” in record time and I was EATING. IT. UP.

And shoutout to narrators Maxine Mitchell and Robert Hatchet for dragging me even deeper into this delicious madness. Their voices? Top-tier. The delivery? Flawless. I was living in that audiobook like it paid rent.

Detonate is gritty, messy, emotional, and hot enough to blow a fuse. I laughed, I swooned, I spiraled. 10/10 would fall for the mafia hitman again.

I’ve been waiting for Maddie and Grayson’s story since Distance (which I absolutely loved). This book didn’t quite hit all the right spots for me but still was an enjoyable read.
I loved Grayson as the MMC. He’s charming and delightfully morally grey. He was fighting his attraction to Maddie but once he fell, he was all in.
Maddie drove me nuts with her insistence on pandering to her mother’s wants. It didn’t fit with her persona of a strong, independent woman.
I was expecting a stronger storyline for this one and it’s more spice than plot.
I still enjoyed this book but can’t help but want more.

Maddie and Grayson ❤️‍🔥 I love this interconnected series. Distance still being my favorite though.
You go on a whirlwind of lust, spice and bloody encounters. If murder is not your thing, this book isn’t for you.
If you adore mafia romances, especially with touch her and die vibes – don’t miss out on this! Excited to get into the next story 💜

I went into this book so excited thinking I’m gna find my new fav read but it did not go the way I expected 😭

The writing was so poor I found it hard to read without cringing badly. Not only was the inner monologue insufferable but the dialogue felt robotic and fake. There was no emotion??

It’s marketed as a standalone but actually relies heavily on the first book, which I didn’t read, to build the foundation of the story.

I couldn’t connect with the characters and their motivations at all.

I’m so upset because I truly did want to enjoy this ☹️💔

ೃ⁀➷ Thank you NetGalley and Hambright PR for the ARC! ♥︎