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Beneath the Mask #2
Detonate
Grayson
Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal. I carefully constructed a new life in New York. I thought I had it all. A world-famous boxing trainer by day. A mafia hit man by night. Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do. To kill. I finally felt free.
But one kiss was all it took to shatter life as I knew it. The one woman who hated my guts scaled the walls I built around my black heart. My ray of sunshine.
Just when I believed I could have it all, life blows it up right before my eyes. I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her. But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairy tale she so desperately craves?
Maddie
I was sick of being the family disappointment. The one who could never get a man to stick around. So I kissed a lot of frogs to try to find my prince. Instead, I fell in love with the villain. The last man on earth I thought I could ever love.
He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness. I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never wanted to leave. Sometimes, life doesn’t give you a choice. Can I give up on my search when I have the monster offering me the world? Even if loving me puts us both in danger.
Seven years ago, I left the special forces and my home after a tragic betrayal. I carefully constructed a new life in New York. I thought I had it all. A world-famous boxing trainer by day. A mafia hit man by night. Free to live in the darkness to do what I was trained to do. To kill. I finally felt free.
But one kiss was all it took to shatter life as I knew it. The one woman who hated my guts scaled the walls I built around my black heart. My ray of sunshine.
Just when I believed I could have it all, life blows it up right before my eyes. I know how far I’m willing to go to fight for her. But can she truly love someone who could never give her the fairy tale she so desperately craves?
Maddie
I was sick of being the family disappointment. The one who could never get a man to stick around. So I kissed a lot of frogs to try to find my prince. Instead, I fell in love with the villain. The last man on earth I thought I could ever love.
He might call me sunshine, but I crave his darkness. I wasn’t meant for his world, but he took me anyway, and I never wanted to leave. Sometimes, life doesn’t give you a choice. Can I give up on my search when I have the monster offering me the world? Even if loving me puts us both in danger.
352 pages, Paperback
First published May 31, 2023
4800 people are currently reading
55896 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,681 reviews
June 4, 2023
1⭐️/3🌶️
No plot.
He goes from “I can’t give you what you want” to “I can give you want you want” in .5 seconds flat
She goes from “I want a man who can give me commitment” to “I don’t care I just want you” in .5 seconds flat.
There’s no connection made between the two of them. I literally couldn’t care less about these two.
Also the audacity to act shocked that she was pregnant when y’all have been raw dogging the entire time gtfo…it’s always so funny to me when the book is already bad and throw in pregnancy trope to make matters worse.
Also this was poorly written and so cringey.
I shoulda taken my own fuxking advice and dnf’d 💀
No plot.
He goes from “I can’t give you what you want” to “I can give you want you want” in .5 seconds flat
She goes from “I want a man who can give me commitment” to “I don’t care I just want you” in .5 seconds flat.
There’s no connection made between the two of them. I literally couldn’t care less about these two.
Also the audacity to act shocked that she was pregnant when y’all have been raw dogging the entire time gtfo…it’s always so funny to me when the book is already bad and throw in pregnancy trope to make matters worse.
Also this was poorly written and so cringey.
I shoulda taken my own fuxking advice and dnf’d 💀
May 30, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
''Sunshine''
Safety warnings:
- H 35 / h 26
- No cheating (between MCs)
- OW/OM drama (nothing real)
- Violence/d*ath
- Physical and S*xual assault
- HEA
While I was reading Distance, I could not help but desperately wish that Maddie and Grayson's story would come out the very next day. These two had me in a chokehold the entire time, they were the definition of angst whenever they interacted, and their book was everything it should have been.
We get a lot more backstory about Grayson, we finally understand his reasons for WHY he is the way he is and why he is pushing Maddie away. His ex-wife really did a number on him and honestly, I laughed and loved how her scene with Maddie was handled.
I could not blame him in some occasions when he was pushing Maddie away but he denied himself real happiness for so long because of it.....however, once he gave in, he was ALL in. Yes, they had their moments where things were bumpy, but their love was there, and it was all worth it.
These two constantly bickered and you know damn well this was their foreplay all along. They had amazing chemistry, and the spice was just right. It never took away from the story or from the relationship development.
The subplots were just as interesting as the main plot, it all just kept you on your toes wondering where things were headed. The twists towards the end were surprising and this makes me more excited for the next book!
''Sunshine''
Safety warnings:
- H 35 / h 26
- No cheating (between MCs)
- OW/OM drama (nothing real)
- Violence/d*ath
- Physical and S*xual assault
- HEA
While I was reading Distance, I could not help but desperately wish that Maddie and Grayson's story would come out the very next day. These two had me in a chokehold the entire time, they were the definition of angst whenever they interacted, and their book was everything it should have been.
We get a lot more backstory about Grayson, we finally understand his reasons for WHY he is the way he is and why he is pushing Maddie away. His ex-wife really did a number on him and honestly, I laughed and loved how her scene with Maddie was handled.
I could not blame him in some occasions when he was pushing Maddie away but he denied himself real happiness for so long because of it.....however, once he gave in, he was ALL in. Yes, they had their moments where things were bumpy, but their love was there, and it was all worth it.
These two constantly bickered and you know damn well this was their foreplay all along. They had amazing chemistry, and the spice was just right. It never took away from the story or from the relationship development.
The subplots were just as interesting as the main plot, it all just kept you on your toes wondering where things were headed. The twists towards the end were surprising and this makes me more excited for the next book!
April 30, 2024
If I wanted to read shity wattpad stories, I'd go to wattpad
May 27, 2023
She’s become an obsession. The light I crave at the end of a dark day.
3.75/5 ⭐ - 3/5 🌶️
Sunshine fmc x grumpy mafia hitman? Well yes, sign me up! This book was yummy and spicy with enough suspense to keep me on my toes. We have this sweet but feisty fmc, who’s looking and failing to find her prince charming and our very dark, sworn-off-love hitman mmc. From the beginning, these two had a magnetic chemistry with some delicious banter and although they fought so hard to resist each other, they couldn’t help but give in.
I loved that first part of the book with the fighting and the banter, but I also liked the second part, when their relationship started to grow and that seductive tension turned into an entrancing and loving obsession. Grayson (mmc) was so obsessed with Maddie (fmc). He was possessive and once he gave in to her, there was nothing to stop him from dedicating every cell of his body and mind to her. I also like how Maddie embraced his dark side and escaped from her mother’s dream of a “perfectly sweet” relationship and a marriage, to actually find something suitable and healthy for her.
The book had a lot of subplots. There were action, mafia operations, Maddie’s clash with her mother, and some other interesting stuff, unfolding one after the other or concurrently. There wasn’t as much sport as I thought it would be and I don’t consider the book as mafia x sport, since the sports mentions are very brief. I also feel like sometimes the plot or the writing was a bit rushed and that there were some loose ends but generally this was a fun read.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Sure.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
3.75/5 ⭐ - 3/5 🌶️
Sunshine fmc x grumpy mafia hitman? Well yes, sign me up! This book was yummy and spicy with enough suspense to keep me on my toes. We have this sweet but feisty fmc, who’s looking and failing to find her prince charming and our very dark, sworn-off-love hitman mmc. From the beginning, these two had a magnetic chemistry with some delicious banter and although they fought so hard to resist each other, they couldn’t help but give in.
I loved that first part of the book with the fighting and the banter, but I also liked the second part, when their relationship started to grow and that seductive tension turned into an entrancing and loving obsession. Grayson (mmc) was so obsessed with Maddie (fmc). He was possessive and once he gave in to her, there was nothing to stop him from dedicating every cell of his body and mind to her. I also like how Maddie embraced his dark side and escaped from her mother’s dream of a “perfectly sweet” relationship and a marriage, to actually find something suitable and healthy for her.
The book had a lot of subplots. There were action, mafia operations, Maddie’s clash with her mother, and some other interesting stuff, unfolding one after the other or concurrently. There wasn’t as much sport as I thought it would be and I don’t consider the book as mafia x sport, since the sports mentions are very brief. I also feel like sometimes the plot or the writing was a bit rushed and that there were some loose ends but generally this was a fun read.
ARC Review
Did I like it? Sure.
Would I reread it? Maybe.
June 15, 2025
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 says it’s 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! ♥︎
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 says it’s 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! ♥︎
June 4, 2023
Ok, I really liked the first book in this series, but this book? This book was so freaking different I could swear it was a different author! Like what in the hell.
First, this book had like zero plot. There was literally no like concise, consistent plot through the book. It started out being half ass like, there was chemistry between the main characters, but he is a bad boy mafia guy, and she is like a sweet and innocent makeup artist. So opposites, and despite fighting it off like the whole previous book and the very beginning of this book, the second they get together it's like, yeah nope we're endgame now. No questions. Like there is maybe some conflict, but it's freaking minimal, not enough to fill the plot for an entire book.
Two, our FMC has zero personality. Like absolutely none. There is no substance to her. She lives in this fantasy world where her entire personality is just wanting to fall in love and have a happily ever after. It's so cringe. And then multiple times in the book she acts completely out of character, for no reason. Like the situation with the ex? Wtf was that???
Third, there were so many instances where I either thought something was going to add to the plot, or there were random things thrown in that literally did nothing to the plot and I'm like, why is this happening??? Like the Gregory situation, I thought it was gonna be so much more. Like maybe he'd become a stalker, or wouldn't take no for an answer and seek some revenge. Nope. Literally nothing. Then the ex wife? What the hell was even the point of that? It added nothing to the plot and then our FMC acts completely out of character. Just so many wtf moments.
OH and their like one moment of conflict between the couple, how in the fuck did it end with her being the one to apologize and needing to "get over it?" Like personally I think he fucked up more, literally putting her in danger, but then she needs to apologize and figure things out. Hell no. Do I get why he was upset, yes, did they need to have a discussion about that, yes, but how he reacted? Hell no. I was pissed and I'm still pissed. He deserved to GROVEL for that.
This book is basically just pure smut. There is sooooooo much and since there is no real plot, I just felt like I was reading for the smut. Like it was good, but by the end it got cringe for me and super repetitive.
The ending goes kinda balls to the walls in the last 10% trying to make something happen, but mostly I feel like it's just setting up for Luca's book. If that last 10% got detailed more and drawn out more that would have made the book 10x better.
First, this book had like zero plot. There was literally no like concise, consistent plot through the book. It started out being half ass like, there was chemistry between the main characters, but he is a bad boy mafia guy, and she is like a sweet and innocent makeup artist. So opposites, and despite fighting it off like the whole previous book and the very beginning of this book, the second they get together it's like, yeah nope we're endgame now. No questions. Like there is maybe some conflict, but it's freaking minimal, not enough to fill the plot for an entire book.
Two, our FMC has zero personality. Like absolutely none. There is no substance to her. She lives in this fantasy world where her entire personality is just wanting to fall in love and have a happily ever after. It's so cringe. And then multiple times in the book she acts completely out of character, for no reason. Like the situation with the ex? Wtf was that???
Third, there were so many instances where I either thought something was going to add to the plot, or there were random things thrown in that literally did nothing to the plot and I'm like, why is this happening??? Like the Gregory situation, I thought it was gonna be so much more. Like maybe he'd become a stalker, or wouldn't take no for an answer and seek some revenge. Nope. Literally nothing. Then the ex wife? What the hell was even the point of that? It added nothing to the plot and then our FMC acts completely out of character. Just so many wtf moments.
OH and their like one moment of conflict between the couple, how in the fuck did it end with her being the one to apologize and needing to "get over it?" Like personally I think he fucked up more, literally putting her in danger, but then she needs to apologize and figure things out. Hell no. Do I get why he was upset, yes, did they need to have a discussion about that, yes, but how he reacted? Hell no. I was pissed and I'm still pissed. He deserved to GROVEL for that.
This book is basically just pure smut. There is sooooooo much and since there is no real plot, I just felt like I was reading for the smut. Like it was good, but by the end it got cringe for me and super repetitive.
The ending goes kinda balls to the walls in the last 10% trying to make something happen, but mostly I feel like it's just setting up for Luca's book. If that last 10% got detailed more and drawn out more that would have made the book 10x better.
June 29, 2025
I was so excited for this read, but it wasn’t for me. I didn’t like how toxic Grayson was. Grayson pretty much said: I can’t be with you even though I want you, but you can’t be with anyone else. Huh? 🤨 The final straw was when he put her in danger when he was mad at her. 🫠 The smut was good, but that was about all I liked unfortunately. 🥲
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Rating: ⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
June 4, 2025
Grayson is the villain I need in my life, who needs a prince when you have a man like Grayson!!! I loved every bit of this book. Grayson knocked Keller down my list of holy hell I need that man! 🥵🥵
June 2, 2023
Grayson and Maddie were soo good! The storyline was okay .. I read it on my kindle and the errors and having the same chapters back to back was confusing and complicated!
March 14, 2026
You know when you read the first book in a series and you just know you are going to love a character and you need his book... yeah that was Grayson for me. I absolutely loved Grayson in Distance and I just knew I would love him when I got to his book. And I am happy to report, I was in fact right.
In a series, if there is an MMC who is a tortured soul, that is usually the MMC I gravitate towards. And I honestly don't know what that says about me, but I love a man who is tortured and all it takes is that ONE woman to bring them back to the light. And that woman for Grayson was Maddie. That man was head over heels in love from the moment he said fuck it and let her kiss him. Which is a HUGE thing because he hasn't kissed a single woman in 7 years since his ex-wife cheated on him with his best friend.
If you love a fast paced, dark mafia romance with the insta love trope, then this is the one for you! I blew through this book. I have been truly enjoying my Luna Mason journey and I can't wait to jump into Luca's book. With all of the easter eggs in this book, I know his book will be a good one!
Quotes that will live rent free:
In a series, if there is an MMC who is a tortured soul, that is usually the MMC I gravitate towards. And I honestly don't know what that says about me, but I love a man who is tortured and all it takes is that ONE woman to bring them back to the light. And that woman for Grayson was Maddie. That man was head over heels in love from the moment he said fuck it and let her kiss him. Which is a HUGE thing because he hasn't kissed a single woman in 7 years since his ex-wife cheated on him with his best friend.
If you love a fast paced, dark mafia romance with the insta love trope, then this is the one for you! I blew through this book. I have been truly enjoying my Luna Mason journey and I can't wait to jump into Luca's book. With all of the easter eggs in this book, I know his book will be a good one!
Quotes that will live rent free:
I don't want to just fuck her. I want to consume her. I want to take it all. But also, I want her to have all of me.
You're right, Sunshine. I am a monster. But I'm your monster.
May 24, 2023
Y’all. It’s finally that time where I can finally gush about my favorite Dark, Sports & Mafia Romance author, Luna freaking Mason. I am literally OBSESSED with this woman, and the men that she writes. First, it was Keller “sex god” Russo - and this man is hot as fuck, like been on my mind frequently since reading the arc back in February. One of the best book boyfriends out there, not gonna lie. BUT THEN, Luna went and wrote Grayson “big boy” Ward - and I am not well. Like at all.
I woke up at 3:30 AM last night because I was thinking about this book, and you know what that means… I stayed up all night to finish reading it and then ended up arriving to work late 😂 I couldn’t help myself, there was no good pausing place. Every page was absolute gold, and needed to be read. Y’all, when I say the spice was spicing - please believe me. And if you don’t, read it for yourself and find out!
Grayson is something out of this world, his backstory, his trauma, his loyalty, and his heart - I will love this man forever and he’s not even real 😭 that’s not it y’all, Luna was hitting my little bisexual heart with Maddie too - baby, the mouth and the sass on her, phew 😮💨 had me fanning myself so much.
I wish I could show y’all just how much I highlighted in this arc, there are FULL pages highlighted and I think that would be too much. So instead, I’m recommending dark, mafia and sports romance lovers to add this to your tbr. And if you haven’t read Keller and Sienna’s book, Distance - go do that too!
I woke up at 3:30 AM last night because I was thinking about this book, and you know what that means… I stayed up all night to finish reading it and then ended up arriving to work late 😂 I couldn’t help myself, there was no good pausing place. Every page was absolute gold, and needed to be read. Y’all, when I say the spice was spicing - please believe me. And if you don’t, read it for yourself and find out!
Grayson is something out of this world, his backstory, his trauma, his loyalty, and his heart - I will love this man forever and he’s not even real 😭 that’s not it y’all, Luna was hitting my little bisexual heart with Maddie too - baby, the mouth and the sass on her, phew 😮💨 had me fanning myself so much.
I wish I could show y’all just how much I highlighted in this arc, there are FULL pages highlighted and I think that would be too much. So instead, I’m recommending dark, mafia and sports romance lovers to add this to your tbr. And if you haven’t read Keller and Sienna’s book, Distance - go do that too!
June 29, 2023
Get it here:
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I enjoyed these characters but their story didn't seem to have a clear storyline, if that makes sense? They hated each other so we saw a lot of that and got a ton of back and forth between them, which I liked. But there wasn't really much else going on in the background until near the end. And then it was like it finally found the plot and it took off with it at superspeed and rushed to the end.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
I enjoyed these characters but their story didn't seem to have a clear storyline, if that makes sense? They hated each other so we saw a lot of that and got a ton of back and forth between them, which I liked. But there wasn't really much else going on in the background until near the end. And then it was like it finally found the plot and it took off with it at superspeed and rushed to the end.
November 2, 2023
I never got over how in the prologue the MMC’s best friend is dying in his arms and says “Sorry for fucking your wife.” And then just dies.
Also I know next to nothing about running the mafia, but I’m 99.9% sure this isn’t how it’s done.
Also I know next to nothing about running the mafia, but I’m 99.9% sure this isn’t how it’s done.
June 7, 2025
Y’all I just realized I go absolutely feral for a mafia man, and Grayson? He is assassin -level dangerous and totally addictive. This book was spicy—really spicy—and I read it in 24 hours.
It’s a dark romance with all the tropes I love:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Touch her and die
• Sassy, confident FMC who doesn’t back down
The chemistry between the characters was intense, the tension was perfectly paced, and underneath all the danger and heat was a genuinely great love story. I was hooked from start to finish and I’m already planning to read the next one.
This is definitely a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings first. But if you’re into protective, broody mafia men and strong heroines, this is a must-read. I loved it.
It’s a dark romance with all the tropes I love:
• Grumpy x Sunshine
• Touch her and die
• Sassy, confident FMC who doesn’t back down
The chemistry between the characters was intense, the tension was perfectly paced, and underneath all the danger and heat was a genuinely great love story. I was hooked from start to finish and I’m already planning to read the next one.
This is definitely a dark romance, so check the trigger warnings first. But if you’re into protective, broody mafia men and strong heroines, this is a must-read. I loved it.
February 20, 2024
The definition of porn no plot
June 8, 2023
You ever read a book that couldn’t choose one trope, so it decided to include them all? That was this book. Idk, maybe it’s because I started reading from book 2, not one, but it didn’t really feel like a full standalone, but a standalone that could only be read after the first book. Also, the writing was kind of hard to follow and all over the place. I enjoyed the idea of this book a lot, but it left a lot to be desired and included a lot of unnecessary things.
May 22, 2023
“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.”
This book was amazing! The chemistry and passion between Maddie and Grayson so hot and the spice just wow 🥵🥵🤤🤤🤤 Grayson can be my daddy any day!! Took her to London for their first date, uh swoon! I loved everything about this book and can’t wait to see what happens with Luca on the next book!!
“I shake my head, biting back a smile. Right in this moment, life is perfect. It turns out, I had it all wrong. I was never a princess in need of a prince to whisk me away. I’ve been reading the wrong books. It wasn’t a fairytale I was after; a dark romance is where it’s at.”
This book was amazing! The chemistry and passion between Maddie and Grayson so hot and the spice just wow 🥵🥵🤤🤤🤤 Grayson can be my daddy any day!! Took her to London for their first date, uh swoon! I loved everything about this book and can’t wait to see what happens with Luca on the next book!!
“I shake my head, biting back a smile. Right in this moment, life is perfect. It turns out, I had it all wrong. I was never a princess in need of a prince to whisk me away. I’ve been reading the wrong books. It wasn’t a fairytale I was after; a dark romance is where it’s at.”
May 25, 2025
Thank you to the author and Kensington for this ARC!
4⭐️
4🌶️
“It turns out I had it all wrong. I was never a princess in need of a prince to whisk me away. I’ve been reading the wrong books. It wasn’t a fairytale I was after, a dark romance is where it’s at.”
This is a dark, very spicy, mafia romance with just the right amount of suspense. I really loved this one! The chemistry and banter between the 2 main characters was so good.
He’s an ex military, boxing trainer turned mafia hit man, she’s a make up artist looking for her prince charming. Greyson Ward is 🥵the filth that comes out of his mouth! Go pick this one up! It releases May 27th!
Mafia romance
Touch her and die
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy sunshine
Romantic suspense
4⭐️
4🌶️
“It turns out I had it all wrong. I was never a princess in need of a prince to whisk me away. I’ve been reading the wrong books. It wasn’t a fairytale I was after, a dark romance is where it’s at.”
This is a dark, very spicy, mafia romance with just the right amount of suspense. I really loved this one! The chemistry and banter between the 2 main characters was so good.
He’s an ex military, boxing trainer turned mafia hit man, she’s a make up artist looking for her prince charming. Greyson Ward is 🥵the filth that comes out of his mouth! Go pick this one up! It releases May 27th!
Mafia romance
Touch her and die
Enemies to lovers
Grumpy sunshine
Romantic suspense
July 19, 2024
I’m sorry but these books actually own my body and soul
This book was truly so beautifully written. It honestly really hit me in my feels (for everyone that saw my dog licking my tears off my face, no you didn’t)
Like the NICKNAME??? SUNSHINE?? it’s got to be the cutest thing ever. The love between these two characters was unparalleled, and it was just so perfect to watch their story unfold
⭐️5/5
🌶️4/5
📖Tropes: mafia romance, dislike to lovers, would burn the world for her, touch her you die, he’s obsessed with her, kidnapping plot
This book was truly so beautifully written. It honestly really hit me in my feels (for everyone that saw my dog licking my tears off my face, no you didn’t)
Like the NICKNAME??? SUNSHINE?? it’s got to be the cutest thing ever. The love between these two characters was unparalleled, and it was just so perfect to watch their story unfold
⭐️5/5
🌶️4/5
📖Tropes: mafia romance, dislike to lovers, would burn the world for her, touch her you die, he’s obsessed with her, kidnapping plot
February 19, 2024
Dnf it on 40%
July 2, 2025
Grayson is super rough around the edges and gruff. Maddie is sweet. The two list after each other before they eventually and gradually get to know each other better and give in to desire.
This felt more lust driven to me (vs. love) so I’m not sure how genuine or long-lasting the couple’s connection felt to me. It’s a wild ride for sure though, so check it out if you’re looking for:
💜 bad boy x good girl
💜 accidental pregnancy
💜 hurt x comfort
💜 grumpy x sunshine
💜 Morally gray characters
💜 Dark romance
🥊 Sports romance
🔪 Mafia romance
🛡️ Military romance
🖤 “You really don’t make anything easy for me, do you?”
🖤 “Remember, be a good girl. And no one touches what’s mine.”
This felt more lust driven to me (vs. love) so I’m not sure how genuine or long-lasting the couple’s connection felt to me. It’s a wild ride for sure though, so check it out if you’re looking for:
💜 bad boy x good girl
💜 accidental pregnancy
💜 hurt x comfort
💜 grumpy x sunshine
💜 Morally gray characters
💜 Dark romance
🥊 Sports romance
🔪 Mafia romance
🛡️ Military romance
🖤 “You really don’t make anything easy for me, do you?”
🖤 “Remember, be a good girl. And no one touches what’s mine.”
June 8, 2023
This follows Maddie and Greyson. Greyson has been burned in his past so he has sworn off relationships. But a year ago Maddie stormed into his life with just one kiss that changed everything but they hate each out and can not stand each out. They fight each other at every turn but things get complicated when they get close again is it really hate?
This book was good but I do prefer the first book. The spice has been ramped up for sure and the plot is fast paced. Unfortunately I was really struggling to get through it. It was quite repetitive and dramatic for my liking. The nickname Grayson had for Maddie was used too much. The I love you and the intimate moments were full on. I want the Villain in this story to be more villain instead of a soppy romantic. The plot was fast paced and we had a lot of spice which was good just some cringy moments.
If you love:
🔹Fast Paced Plot & Spice
🔹Mafia Ties
🔹Villains
🔹Sassy Makeup Artist
🔹Dark Themes & Content
🔹A Lot Of Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 317
Rating: 🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 2 in The Beneath The Mask Series
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Mafia, Fighter, Age Gap, Accidental Pregnancy, He Falls First, Violence, Blood & Guns
Check Triggers ⚠️
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
This book was good but I do prefer the first book. The spice has been ramped up for sure and the plot is fast paced. Unfortunately I was really struggling to get through it. It was quite repetitive and dramatic for my liking. The nickname Grayson had for Maddie was used too much. The I love you and the intimate moments were full on. I want the Villain in this story to be more villain instead of a soppy romantic. The plot was fast paced and we had a lot of spice which was good just some cringy moments.
If you love:
🔹Fast Paced Plot & Spice
🔹Mafia Ties
🔹Villains
🔹Sassy Makeup Artist
🔹Dark Themes & Content
🔹A Lot Of Spice
Genre/Type: Dark Romance 18+
APK: Kindle ARC
Pages: 317
Rating: 🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Stand Alone: Book 2 in The Beneath The Mask Series
Tropes or Themes: Enemies To Lovers, Mafia, Fighter, Age Gap, Accidental Pregnancy, He Falls First, Violence, Blood & Guns
Check Triggers ⚠️
All Round Romance Reader
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Scribd | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫
June 11, 2023
Kind of sad how bad that was compared to the first one. Like porn with less plot.
May 27, 2025
4.5 stars.
Absolutely enjoyed this, definitely my favorite so far, Grayson and Maddie are adorable. So glad when they finally stopped fighting their attraction towards each other and just went for it. It would’ve been 5 stars if Grayson didn’t kick Maddie out of his car on the side of the road because they had gotten into an argument, if I was Maddie he would’ve definitely had to grovel way more than he did but I’m still obsessed because he did make up for it.
Absolutely enjoyed this, definitely my favorite so far, Grayson and Maddie are adorable. So glad when they finally stopped fighting their attraction towards each other and just went for it. It would’ve been 5 stars if Grayson didn’t kick Maddie out of his car on the side of the road because they had gotten into an argument, if I was Maddie he would’ve definitely had to grovel way more than he did but I’m still obsessed because he did make up for it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2023
Tik tok what the actual fuck? Why is this so hype.
There’s NO PLOT the spicy scenes are not good and not written out well. Very repetitive and BORING. the dialog was so cringy. I finished it but I really had to power through it.
There’s NO PLOT the spicy scenes are not good and not written out well. Very repetitive and BORING. the dialog was so cringy. I finished it but I really had to power through it.
July 10, 2024
5⭐️
4🌶️
The men in these books!! Gosh when we met Grayson in book one I knew I was going to absolutely love him. The chemistry between Maddie and Grayson was chefs kiss and the banter between the two of them! I’m absolutely obsessed with this series and eating it up!
Tropes
Mafia
Sports Romance
Ex Military
Enemies to Lovers
4🌶️
The men in these books!! Gosh when we met Grayson in book one I knew I was going to absolutely love him. The chemistry between Maddie and Grayson was chefs kiss and the banter between the two of them! I’m absolutely obsessed with this series and eating it up!
Tropes
Mafia
Sports Romance
Ex Military
Enemies to Lovers
February 12, 2024
the hell did i just read 😭
November 7, 2023
Tropes:
🖤Age Gap
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤He Falls First
“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.”
Luna freaking Mason. I am literally OBSESSED with this woman, and the men that she writes. First, it was Keller “sex god” Russo - and this man is hot as fuck, like been on my mind frequently since reading the arc back in February. One of the best book boyfriends out there, not gonna lie. BUT THEN, Luna went and wrote Grayson “big boy” Ward - and I am not well. Like at all.
Grayson is something out of this world, his backstory, his trauma, his loyalty, and his heart - I will love this man forever and he’s not even real 😭 that’s not it y’all, Luna was hitting my little bisexual heart with Maddie too - baby, the mouth and the sass on her, phew 😮💨 had me fanning myself so much.
More detailed review here: https://bookswithnatasa.home.blog/202...
🖤Age Gap
🖤Mafia Romance
🖤Enemies to Lovers
🖤He Falls First
“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.”
Luna freaking Mason. I am literally OBSESSED with this woman, and the men that she writes. First, it was Keller “sex god” Russo - and this man is hot as fuck, like been on my mind frequently since reading the arc back in February. One of the best book boyfriends out there, not gonna lie. BUT THEN, Luna went and wrote Grayson “big boy” Ward - and I am not well. Like at all.
Grayson is something out of this world, his backstory, his trauma, his loyalty, and his heart - I will love this man forever and he’s not even real 😭 that’s not it y’all, Luna was hitting my little bisexual heart with Maddie too - baby, the mouth and the sass on her, phew 😮💨 had me fanning myself so much.
More detailed review here: https://bookswithnatasa.home.blog/202...
June 4, 2023
This was the most bizarre read that I ended up skimming to the end. Whole paragraphs or chapters were duplicated! Again, Americans using English terms. The plot was super anemic, and I’m pretty sure dialog was attributed to the wrong characters at some points. It was frustrating. Did a draft copy get uploaded by mistake?
A few things that really were weird was why would Grayson tattoo his dying friend’s birthdate on him after his friend’s dying declaration was, “I’m sorry I f****d your wife?” How did his ex-wife manage to get into the penthouse of a hit man without any trouble, and just waltz into the bedroom? I have better security on my house.
This was just a very disappointing and confusing follow up, and while the first book had some issues, I chalked it up to newbie mistakes. This just compounded them.
A few things that really were weird was why would Grayson tattoo his dying friend’s birthdate on him after his friend’s dying declaration was, “I’m sorry I f****d your wife?” How did his ex-wife manage to get into the penthouse of a hit man without any trouble, and just waltz into the bedroom? I have better security on my house.
This was just a very disappointing and confusing follow up, and while the first book had some issues, I chalked it up to newbie mistakes. This just compounded them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 14, 2023
wanted to love this
I absolutely loved the first book of this series and was so excited to see Greyson and Maddie’s story but it just wasn’t up to the same quality as the first book.
The book felt so rushed and disorganized. Having his ex-wife come back into the picture made zero sense and the whole scene in the bedroom was just cringey and I ended up DNF at that point. Again the writing was just not to the same quality as the first book which was such a shame as I really went into this book wanting to love it.
I really have such mixed feelings because I loved the first book but this one just didn’t hit the mark.
I absolutely loved the first book of this series and was so excited to see Greyson and Maddie’s story but it just wasn’t up to the same quality as the first book.
The book felt so rushed and disorganized. Having his ex-wife come back into the picture made zero sense and the whole scene in the bedroom was just cringey and I ended up DNF at that point. Again the writing was just not to the same quality as the first book which was such a shame as I really went into this book wanting to love it.
I really have such mixed feelings because I loved the first book but this one just didn’t hit the mark.
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