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. 👑

Thank you Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!

If you like enemies to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, mafia romances with spicy scenes and dark themes this book could be for you!

Grayson is a brooding ex-special forces turned boxing trainer and hitman, and Maddie is wholesome a makeup artist. I loved the banter, how they clash and the tension until they give in to each other!

Like I said, if you're looking for spice, this book definitely delivers. Howeveeer, the plot feels a bit all over the place at times, with some subplots that don’t quite land and a few character choices that made me go like “Wait, what?”

Just be prepared for a wild, sometimes messy, but undeniably entertaining ride. 🤠

Looooooved this book, if you’re into dark romance then this is definitely for you, make sure to check your triggers though! This was my first mafia romance and I loved it! So well written, loved Grayson!!

Yess yess and yess! I am a sucker for mafia vibe romance and this checked off every box for me. I have now read all of the series and wish I could read them for the first time again

I loved this one so much! Luna Mason never disappoints. Grayson and Maddies story was so good! I enjoyed the more of a ramping up of the mafia story coming along. I usually don't enjoy a surprise pregnancy trope but I feel like it was done well here. I wanted to whack Maddies mom so badly! This is a dark mafia romance so check your triggers as always! I can't wait to read book 3 and see how the story progresses!

Thank you so much to Luna, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for this ARC in return for my honest review. My opinions are my own

Yet another great book by Luna Mason. I absolutely loved the enemies to lovers grumpy vs sunshine love story this book brings. Characters and story were both amazing I cannot wait to read the next one.