Detonate is Grayson and Maddie’s story. I absolutely loved this book. Though I wanted to smack the crap out of Maddie’s mom! Could have smacked Frankie for a bit too. I cannot wait to read Luca’s story.

Steamy hot dark mafia romance follow up to Distance. I thoroughly enjoy the plot and writing style and devoured it in a day. Grayson and Maddie’s story with more of the mafia war brewing between the Russo’s and Falcones. Loved to the hate to love vibe. My only critique is surprise pregnancy was used in both books. It’s still a scorching dark romance read. Check your triggers if you’re considering reading this series.

Thank you NetGalley foot the ebook while I didn’t see it was book two until I started. I definitely recommend reading book one first. Still enjoyed the book

Explosive (pun intended) from start to finish. A high-stakes thriller with magic, sabotage, and a seriously cool protagonist. It reads like an action movie in book form — I couldn’t put it down. Great for fans of fast-paced urban fantasy with a techy twist.

I loooove a good dark mafia romance and I honestly had a great time during the first half of the book. But then getting to 60% and their romance has already kinda reached its peak? It was a bit too much, too fast in my opinion. I still enjoyed the plot, and the Mafia storyline! But the romance kinda fell flat for me in the second half. That being said, Luca's story got me really curious and I might just reach for the next book soon 🫣

Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽

The second book in the Beneath the Mask series. Maddie and Grayson’s story is an amazing enemies to lovers dark romance. Grayson has trust issues, being cheated on etc but Maddie became the light in his darkness. They fought their attraction until they couldn't anymore and I loved watching their story unfold.

I just love a mafia romance. Greyson and Maddie are the definition of enemies to lovers. They bicker and love to get under one another’s skin. However, it quickly becomes apparent that the “hate” they feel is in fact fueled by desire. After denying their connection for over a year, one night together makes Greyson realize he will never let Maddie go.

This was a hot and spicy read with a sassy FMC and a possessive, obsessed MMC. Basically everything you want to see in a mafia romance. I also really loved all of the side characters and I cannot wait for book 3!

I lowered my rating slightly because the tension broke so quickly. Greyson went a year denying his feeling for this woman but we didn’t see that struggle in the book. I would have liked a little more struggle and tension. Overall, this was a really fun read.

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

Luna Mason has done it again!

First person, dual POV.

Tropes: Dark romance, Mafia, Sports, enemies to lovers, former military, age gap, he falls first

Grayson and Maddie do not have an easy journey, but watching them come together gives me everything. I loved them so much.

Grayson is obsessed with Maddie right away, and we love a man who knows what he wants. They had the soul mates feel that I love in my PNR and romantasy and this mafia left absolutely no crumbs behind. The backstory and pain definitely made me just want to hold and love on Grayson.

Maddie & Greyson are my favourite couple of this series!! classic enemies to lovers with the most steamy chemistry.

Maddie is definitely the FMC you want in a Dark Mafia Romance, she's fiery, Strong and isn't afraid to call out any man. Greyson was in true Dark Mafia form, Dark, Broody and Protective.

if you are looking for an easy read with a lot of spice, you will enjoy this book, if you are after something with a bit more depth this probably wont be your jam.

overall a great little pick me up if you are currently in a funk and need something to cleanse your pallet

I couldn't put down this intense and captivating dark mafia romance. Grayson Ward, a former Marine turned mafia hitman, is consumed by past betrayals and reluctant to love again. Full of positivity, Maddie Peters is drawn to Grayson despite their stark differences. Their chemistry is undeniable; after a single kiss, they resist their growing feelings for each other. Grayson’s emotional depth and Maddie’s fierce spirit make them a perfect match, and their love story is filled with tension, humor, and sizzling passion. The book offers a thrilling mix of action, drama, and steamy moments, making it a must-read for fans of mafia romances with complex characters and high stakes.

This book was so good enemies-to-lovers book! I read this one one go! I knew from book one that this one would be as good than the first one, but it really was and I wasn’t disappointed!

I was a little bit in a reading slump lately because it’s very busy also, but omg I am SAT with this series 😍

Give me a book with dark romance, a hot man with tattoos, maffia related and a man who’s on his knees multiple times for a women 🫠😮‍💨🥵

This book follows Maddie and Greyson, two characters locked in an emotional tug-of-war. Greyson, having been burned in the past, has sworn off relationships. He’s deeply scarred and refuses to be in anything serious. Maddie, on the other hand, storms into his life with a single kiss that changes everything. What follows is a love/hate friendship that had so much potential—but also drove me up the wall.

The Good:
The chemistry? Absolute fire. When Maddie and Greyson were together, their attraction was undeniable. Their I-want-you-but-I-can’t-have-you dynamic was full of tension, and when they finally gave in, it was chef’s kiss. The kitchen scene 😉
The banter was top-tier. These two could have been the ultimate will-they-won’t-they couple. Their witty exchanges kept things entertaining, and I enjoyed their playful dynamic.

The Not-So-Good:
The love/hate relationship felt immature at times. Instead of two adults struggling with emotional baggage, they acted like teenagers. “I like you, but I can’t be with you” over and over again got frustrating.
The plot… or lack thereof. I struggled to find a clear direction. Some parts were boring, cringeworthy, or just fell flat. I found myself skimming sections because certain conversations or scenes didn’t feel necessary.

This book had so much potential. The chemistry and banter were there, but the lack of a solid plot made it difficult to stay fully invested.

As part of the Beneath the Mask series, Luna Mason introduces Detonate.
It had a great start with the fighting and banter between Greyson and Maddie, but then it blew up everything that it could have been pretty fast. Despite the potential for an epic story, there is very little plot surrounding it. Yes, I enjoyed reading it. Yes, it could have been executed better. Will I read the next instalments.....probably.

My brother in christ, i just finished the first book and i have found myself unable to even download the second one (this one). This is the most horrible written piece of dare i call it literature i have ever laid my eyes upon. This author should not be allowed near a computer or a tree ever again for everyones sake. Protect your eyes kids and turn around from this series before its too late.

The writing in this was SO cringy, and generally poorly written. It had no plot, wattpad level smut, and took all my effort to get through.

“He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness”

I LOVE Maddie and Greyson so much! They are on my mind constantly, just as much as Frankie and Zara for sure. The tension and chemistry between these two is palpable even in Distance, but taken up to a whole new level from page one of this book. Maddie is the definition of a badass FMC who is not going to take shit from anyone, and I was definitely here for her spicy energy the whole book. And what pairs well with a fiery FMC? Of course, a troubled, badass MMC who has a soft spot only for her and will do anything for her.

The romance is intense and a little messy in the best way—full of banter, frustration, and undeniable pull. It doesn’t feel forced; instead, it’s the kind of slow-burn that sneaks up on you until, suddenly, you realize you’re completely hooked. And the twists? Just when I thought I had it figured out, Mason threw in a curveball that had me flipping pages at lightning speed.

Luna Masons Detonate is an absolute masterpiece! From the very first page, the story pulls you in with its intricate plot, vivid world-building, and deeply compelling characters. The author’s writing is both poetic and raw, balancing high-stakes tension with moments of profound emotion. Every twist and turn kept me on the edge of my seat, and the ending left me speechless. If you love books that challenge your expectations and leave a lasting impact, this is a must-read. I can’t recommend it enough!

This was on my TBR and a new version was offered as an ARC (2025)

After the build up in distance if the bickering between Maddie and Grayson, I just knew there would be chemistry! Even the 1st chapter teased in Distance had me eager to read this book.

Sadly it was more of the same. Almost zero plot and a whole lot of smut.

Maddie came off as dense with no depth to her personality, and Grayson, although his past explains his decision-making skills, the combination of the 2 gave off "over reacting".

I will not be reading the next one, and this series disappointed me. I wish it was more of a mafia romance.

I would add that if you need some smutty inspiration, read this with/to/or by your partner. Enjoy 😉

Detonate by Luna Mason ❤️‍🔥

♾️/5

𝙄’𝙢 𝙖𝙙𝙙𝙞𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙃𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙥𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙤𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮, 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙨𝙖𝙨𝙨. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙙𝙤 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙤𝙬𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙚𝙚𝙥 𝙝𝙚𝙧.

what to expect:
😈 frenemies to lovers
🤭 lotssss of tension
🖤 mafia hitman MMC
🔥 feisty FMC
🥊 he’s obsessed with her

HOLY HELL! This book was incredible…i’m absolutely obsessed with Maddie and Grayson. From the moment I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down honestly just what I needed! From the moment I read the prologue I couldn’t wait to keep going and became quickly hooked.

The tension and banter between them gave me life. I loved everything about their relationship, the chemistry was off the charts 💥 The spice in this book 🥵 many scenes are now engraved in my brain 😮‍💨

“𝙉𝙞𝙘𝙚 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙚𝙨. 𝙄 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙮’𝙙 𝙚𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙡𝙮 𝙩𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚’𝙨 𝙚𝙮𝙚 𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙.” 𝙄 𝙬𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝙋𝙖𝙧𝙩 𝙤𝙛 𝙢𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙡𝙮 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙙𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨.

“𝙄𝙩 𝙬𝙞𝙡𝙡 𝙗𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙛 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙨𝙝𝙪𝙩 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙪𝙥.

I think I have a thing for Grayson’s because i’m obsessed with this man. Everything he did for Maddie just made me so in awe of his love for her. He would seriously do ANYTHING for her and it was very evident in this book.

Maddie our FMC is a feisty woman who quickly became one of my favourite characters ever. I loved everything about her and the way she stood up for herself and didn’t take shit from her mum anymore. 👏🏼 Love it how Grayson was so supportive no matter what.

I was NEVER bored reading this book. It kept me intrigued and on my toes the entire time. From the 70% mark holy heck it got intense!!! The little crumbs Luna did to set up the next book made me so excited, I immediately want to pick up the next book!