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Beneath the Mask #4
Detained
A ruthless mafia boss, and a determined NYPD detective play a dangerous and seductive game of cat and mouse, in this thrilling dark romance set amidst the brutal yet alluring underbelly of the New York City Mafia.
Frankie
I don’t have to hide behind a mask anymore. I rule New York. It’s time to finish what I started ten years ago—destroy the man who took my life. No one can get in my way. That is until I’m arrested for murder and have my first taste of Detective Zara O’Reilly. The woman is hell bent on ruining my plans. She thinks I don’t know she’s watching my every move, waiting to drag me back into that prison cell. She can pretend I’m the enemy all she likes. In reality, she craves me as much as I do her. No matter how much we fight it. My stalker becomes my obsession. She doesn’t realize the power she holds, not only over me, but the city. Together we will be unstoppable . . . if she lets me break her.
Frankie
I don’t have to hide behind a mask anymore. I rule New York. It’s time to finish what I started ten years ago—destroy the man who took my life. No one can get in my way. That is until I’m arrested for murder and have my first taste of Detective Zara O’Reilly. The woman is hell bent on ruining my plans. She thinks I don’t know she’s watching my every move, waiting to drag me back into that prison cell. She can pretend I’m the enemy all she likes. In reality, she craves me as much as I do her. No matter how much we fight it. My stalker becomes my obsession. She doesn’t realize the power she holds, not only over me, but the city. Together we will be unstoppable . . . if she lets me break her.
409 pages, Paperback
Published November 19, 2024
2198 people are currently reading
41023 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,136 reviews
March 14, 2024
sigh it’s been a while since i’ve had a bad reading streak. two dnf’s and one of the worst reads of my life. sometimes i think i need to pay homage to the inner tween in me that used to stay up each night religiously reading dark romance, specifically mafia on wattpad but alas i just dont think im built for that anymore.
when i saw promo for this book i was told i would be getting a badass fmc
someone please help me find her, i think she’s missing!! she just felt average to me, when i picture badass fmc i expect lana myers and nothing less so that might be my fault.
also the way that we were constantly losing the plot just for them to have sex over and over and over again?!?! like i get it most people came here for the smut but like i think there should’ve been a better balance, i just couldn’t care about any of these characters, they were extremely boring and this entire book was purely repetition over and over again.
there were only two scenarios going on throughout the book. him needing revenge and them fucking. that’s it, that’s like 90% of the book. like please how the fuck did we lose the plot so badly after 10% and to get it back at 85% is baffling truly 😭 i don’t even know if it’s because i chose to read the fourth book but i thought they weren’t interconnected standalones so who knows.
“I just carved your initial into my skin. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.”
i really couldn’t pick who was worse him or her, i think that’s the only thing they did well 😍 piss me tf off
yeah this was just overall not for me. between the extreme insta-love and characters with zero chemistry i would suggest avoiding this 😅
when i saw promo for this book i was told i would be getting a badass fmc
someone please help me find her, i think she’s missing!! she just felt average to me, when i picture badass fmc i expect lana myers and nothing less so that might be my fault.
also the way that we were constantly losing the plot just for them to have sex over and over and over again?!?! like i get it most people came here for the smut but like i think there should’ve been a better balance, i just couldn’t care about any of these characters, they were extremely boring and this entire book was purely repetition over and over again.
there were only two scenarios going on throughout the book. him needing revenge and them fucking. that’s it, that’s like 90% of the book. like please how the fuck did we lose the plot so badly after 10% and to get it back at 85% is baffling truly 😭 i don’t even know if it’s because i chose to read the fourth book but i thought they weren’t interconnected standalones so who knows.
“I just carved your initial into my skin. If that isn’t love, I don’t know what is.”
i really couldn’t pick who was worse him or her, i think that’s the only thing they did well 😍 piss me tf off
yeah this was just overall not for me. between the extreme insta-love and characters with zero chemistry i would suggest avoiding this 😅
January 22, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (ARC review)
''You are my inevitable''
Safety warnings:
- H 40 / h 26
- No cheating
- OW drama*
- No OM drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Human trafficking
- Mention of r*pe
- Mention of cheating (not MC's)
- Miscarriage
- Mention of loss of loved ones
- HEA
If you have read all the books in this series then you are very well aware who Frankie is and have some of his backstory along with his path to revenge.
In this book we get a good glimpse into his life before everything fell apart. Reading about his past was heartbreaking and it could have all been avoided but sadly things just did not work out and his loss is still something that haunts him in the present time.
Zara on the other hand lives her life in a very different way as she is a detective for the NYPD but her past and life is not all that is seems and she too is dealing with her past decisions/mistakes.
You see how connected things become between them. They were inevitable and honestly they balanced each other perfectly. He needed someone like her to bring him back to life and she needed someone like him to start living her truth without judgement and betrayal.
We also get to see everyone in this series and what they are up to. Some surprises and shocks are found along the way but all in all this was a decent final book of this chapter of Luna's world.
We meet new characters that will be getting their own spin off books/series, and I can't wait! Especially after that final reveal from a certain someone whose book is next.
OW Drama*:
Spoiler
''You are my inevitable''
Safety warnings:
- H 40 / h 26
- No cheating
- OW drama*
- No OM drama
- Violence/d*ath
- Human trafficking
- Mention of r*pe
- Mention of cheating (not MC's)
- Miscarriage
- Mention of loss of loved ones
- HEA
If you have read all the books in this series then you are very well aware who Frankie is and have some of his backstory along with his path to revenge.
In this book we get a good glimpse into his life before everything fell apart. Reading about his past was heartbreaking and it could have all been avoided but sadly things just did not work out and his loss is still something that haunts him in the present time.
Zara on the other hand lives her life in a very different way as she is a detective for the NYPD but her past and life is not all that is seems and she too is dealing with her past decisions/mistakes.
You see how connected things become between them. They were inevitable and honestly they balanced each other perfectly. He needed someone like her to bring him back to life and she needed someone like him to start living her truth without judgement and betrayal.
We also get to see everyone in this series and what they are up to. Some surprises and shocks are found along the way but all in all this was a decent final book of this chapter of Luna's world.
We meet new characters that will be getting their own spin off books/series, and I can't wait! Especially after that final reveal from a certain someone whose book is next.
OW Drama*:
Spoiler
January 28, 2024
this is the last time i get a book recommendation off of booktok 💀
January 20, 2024
"𝙉𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙝𝙚𝙖𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚, 𝙕𝙖𝙧𝙖. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙣 𝙢𝙚. 𝙉𝙤𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙨. 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖 𝙛𝙪𝙘𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙢 𝙠𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪."
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes;
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia Boss x Detective
🖤Stalking
🖤Age Gap (15 Years)
🖤Forbidden love
🖤Mask
🖤Dub/ Con
🖤Filthy talking and dominant MMC
🖤Defiant FMC
🖤Touch her/ him you die
This was the PERFECT way to end The Beneath the Mask series. Luna wrapped it up in a way that I feel completed by it;still sad it’s over, but at peace that they’re finally all together again. Also we got to see a lot of our main characters we met along the way throughout the series and I love that we got those moments.
This book focuses on Frankie and his plot for revenge to a man who took everything from him 10 years ago. All he has to do is finish what he started, now being the head of the mafia. Until one day he is arrested for murder by a dangerous, defiant detective; Zara. She plans on ruining his plans and not letting him off so easy, watching and waiting to catch him out again. However she doesn’t realise her lines soon become blurred when she goes from stalking to straight obsession. Addicted to finding out more and not leaving his side.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙?"
Zara was everything! She was badass. She doesn’t take no for an answer, she’s defiant and she’s confident. She eludes strength and power; she’s everything Frankie needed as an equal to rule. The only time she comes truly submissive and undone is at the hands of Frankie. He brought out the best in her and supported her throughout every challenge that arises and she faces. She also is just as supportive forwards Frankie and remains by his side even when they face trials. Frankie was misunderstood and misjudged from the start, and I hope people realise he had endured so much and deserves so much of the happiness and love he receives.
"𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙚."
"𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙘𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙖."
Love you Luna! Bring on the Chaos x
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes;
🖤 Enemies to lovers
🖤Mafia Boss x Detective
🖤Stalking
🖤Age Gap (15 Years)
🖤Forbidden love
🖤Mask
🖤Dub/ Con
🖤Filthy talking and dominant MMC
🖤Defiant FMC
🖤Touch her/ him you die
This was the PERFECT way to end The Beneath the Mask series. Luna wrapped it up in a way that I feel completed by it;still sad it’s over, but at peace that they’re finally all together again. Also we got to see a lot of our main characters we met along the way throughout the series and I love that we got those moments.
This book focuses on Frankie and his plot for revenge to a man who took everything from him 10 years ago. All he has to do is finish what he started, now being the head of the mafia. Until one day he is arrested for murder by a dangerous, defiant detective; Zara. She plans on ruining his plans and not letting him off so easy, watching and waiting to catch him out again. However she doesn’t realise her lines soon become blurred when she goes from stalking to straight obsession. Addicted to finding out more and not leaving his side.
"𝙏𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙨𝙣'𝙩 𝙖 𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙡𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙣𝙚𝙧 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙧𝙪𝙣 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙚 𝙄 𝙬𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙𝙣'𝙩 𝙨𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙘𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪. 𝙄 𝙩𝙤𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚. 𝙐𝙣𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙙?"
Zara was everything! She was badass. She doesn’t take no for an answer, she’s defiant and she’s confident. She eludes strength and power; she’s everything Frankie needed as an equal to rule. The only time she comes truly submissive and undone is at the hands of Frankie. He brought out the best in her and supported her throughout every challenge that arises and she faces. She also is just as supportive forwards Frankie and remains by his side even when they face trials. Frankie was misunderstood and misjudged from the start, and I hope people realise he had endured so much and deserves so much of the happiness and love he receives.
"𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪, 𝙁𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙞𝙚."
"𝙏𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙝𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙢𝙚, 𝙙𝙤𝙡𝙘𝙚𝙯𝙯𝙖."
Love you Luna! Bring on the Chaos x
October 27, 2024
not safe, it has ow scenes and he's a manwhore (mentioned in the other books), and on top of that i think he was married or was about to, and lost the love of his life (too much ow drama for me)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
I would like to thank HambrightPR and Luna Mason for gifting me a free e-copy of DETAINED in exchange for my honest thoughts and opinions.
I really enjoyed reading DETAINED! It has some of my favorite tropes. Enemies to lovers, stalking, forbidden love, and is morally grey.
Zara is a detective who just wants the guilty to pay the price. Her dad is the commissioner and has been covering up for the mob. When a crime is reported by the public someone has to pay. She orders for mob head Frankie Falcone to be arrested. After Frankie's arrest, Zara's father commands her to release him. As Zara enters the interrogation room to release him, she didn't expect him to be one of the sexiest men she'd ever laid eyes on. Frankie was also not prepared for his attraction to the detective. Zara releases Frankie, but she stays hot on his trail. She's torn between what she thought was right, and who she believed she could trust. I won't give and spoilers, but get ready for some spice!
What lengths would you go to for the person you loved?
How far would you go for revenge? And what would you do with one of the world's rarest pink diamonds?
Pick up Luna Mason's book detained today. You won't be sorry you did, but if you can't handle a little heat, stay out of the kitchen!
Happy Reading,
Crystal
@booked_in_mississippi
#hambrightpr #lunamason #hprdetained
I really enjoyed reading DETAINED! It has some of my favorite tropes. Enemies to lovers, stalking, forbidden love, and is morally grey.
Zara is a detective who just wants the guilty to pay the price. Her dad is the commissioner and has been covering up for the mob. When a crime is reported by the public someone has to pay. She orders for mob head Frankie Falcone to be arrested. After Frankie's arrest, Zara's father commands her to release him. As Zara enters the interrogation room to release him, she didn't expect him to be one of the sexiest men she'd ever laid eyes on. Frankie was also not prepared for his attraction to the detective. Zara releases Frankie, but she stays hot on his trail. She's torn between what she thought was right, and who she believed she could trust. I won't give and spoilers, but get ready for some spice!
What lengths would you go to for the person you loved?
How far would you go for revenge? And what would you do with one of the world's rarest pink diamonds?
Pick up Luna Mason's book detained today. You won't be sorry you did, but if you can't handle a little heat, stay out of the kitchen!
Happy Reading,
Crystal
@booked_in_mississippi
#hambrightpr #lunamason #hprdetained
January 18, 2024
I have LOVED every single thing about this series from the start, and this book was absolutely the perfect ending.
This book had me giggling from the first time Frankie and Zara met.
These two had such amazing tension and chemistry from the start, holy shit.
Zara is a FREAKING BADASS. I love her with all my heart. This feisty, sassy, bratty, beautiful, absolute fiery woman.
Frankie oh Frankie. Goddamn that mouth.
The amount of squeals that came from my mouth during this book is unholy.
The plot, the story - past and present, the people. Everything about this book I loved.
It reels you in and keeps you hooked from the start not wanting to put it down for even a second.
And the writing. Luna, it is utterly brilliant. It is filthy as hell, and also so raw and beautiful.
“Because she will soon realize neither of us wins apart.
It’s together where we will rule.”
“Zara was never meant to be broken to fit any mold for the world. She was created to lead, to be a force. She might break for me, but that was only ever for one reason. To show her the true potential she has. To set her free.”
“In every single lifetime, it will always be you, Zara. I would go through the torture I’ve dealt with a thousand times over if it meant that you were my reward. You make everything worth it. Every ounce of pain I’ve ever felt was to bring me to you. My undying love for you is unquestionable. No matter what life throws at us. You, Zara. You are my inevitable, my love and my purpose.”
This baby is yours to read in just a few days, so if you haven’t read the other books yet, you should drop everything and get to reading!
I cannot recommend this book, and all of Beneath The Mask series more, they are absolutely *chef’s kiss* 🖤
And also, all interactions from Jax in this book have already made me love him. I absolutely cannot wait for his story in the new series Beneath The Secrets! 🖤
This book had me giggling from the first time Frankie and Zara met.
These two had such amazing tension and chemistry from the start, holy shit.
Zara is a FREAKING BADASS. I love her with all my heart. This feisty, sassy, bratty, beautiful, absolute fiery woman.
Frankie oh Frankie. Goddamn that mouth.
The amount of squeals that came from my mouth during this book is unholy.
The plot, the story - past and present, the people. Everything about this book I loved.
It reels you in and keeps you hooked from the start not wanting to put it down for even a second.
And the writing. Luna, it is utterly brilliant. It is filthy as hell, and also so raw and beautiful.
“Because she will soon realize neither of us wins apart.
It’s together where we will rule.”
“Zara was never meant to be broken to fit any mold for the world. She was created to lead, to be a force. She might break for me, but that was only ever for one reason. To show her the true potential she has. To set her free.”
“In every single lifetime, it will always be you, Zara. I would go through the torture I’ve dealt with a thousand times over if it meant that you were my reward. You make everything worth it. Every ounce of pain I’ve ever felt was to bring me to you. My undying love for you is unquestionable. No matter what life throws at us. You, Zara. You are my inevitable, my love and my purpose.”
This baby is yours to read in just a few days, so if you haven’t read the other books yet, you should drop everything and get to reading!
I cannot recommend this book, and all of Beneath The Mask series more, they are absolutely *chef’s kiss* 🖤
And also, all interactions from Jax in this book have already made me love him. I absolutely cannot wait for his story in the new series Beneath The Secrets! 🖤
February 3, 2024
Their relationship was so fast paced and something’s didn’t feel logical at all
3.5⭐️
Tropes:
Police fmc x Mafia MMc
Enemies to lovers
Insta love
Past trauma
No cheating
He obsessed
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the premise of story and the union of all the members from previous books. The dom- sub relationship didn’t click that well with me.
I really hoped Frankie story would be good. But the repetition of the story same old revenge, no tension between the main leads, just in one chapter they say , they cant be together and boom 2 chapters later THEY WILL DIE FOR EACH OTHER🤡🤡🤡. The story has so much poten if used correctly, but the smut was great but it felt like they were on each other all the time CRINGE.
The initial club scene where Frankie has other and on page descriptions before female main lead is a bit over the top.
* CHECK TWS*
3.5⭐️
Tropes:
Police fmc x Mafia MMc
Enemies to lovers
Insta love
Past trauma
No cheating
He obsessed
Spice🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved the premise of story and the union of all the members from previous books. The dom- sub relationship didn’t click that well with me.
I really hoped Frankie story would be good. But the repetition of the story same old revenge, no tension between the main leads, just in one chapter they say , they cant be together and boom 2 chapters later THEY WILL DIE FOR EACH OTHER🤡🤡🤡. The story has so much poten if used correctly, but the smut was great but it felt like they were on each other all the time CRINGE.
The initial club scene where Frankie has other and on page descriptions before female main lead is a bit over the top.
* CHECK TWS*
April 7, 2024
If you told me nobody edited this book I would believe you.
January 26, 2024
Dnf. MC's were fully in love with each other by like the second chapter. Twas like a bad wattpad book I'm afraid
February 20, 2024
This book was a mistake but the idea was so damn good...
November 28, 2025
This is definitely one of those books that is more about the spice than the plot.
Mafia boss x female cop and daughter of the NYPD police commissioner. When Zara starts following Frankie because she is investigating him for a murder, the both find an intense attraction that it hard to ignore.
“There isn’t a single corner you could run to where I wouldn’t scorch the earth to find you. I told you, you belong to me. Understand?”
This is an easy read and might work well if you need a palate cleanser between books/series or if you just want a side of plot with your spice. Not much world or character building, and not much of this was at all believable. If I hadn't been reading this for Netgalley I would have DNF'd.
Mafia boss x female cop and daughter of the NYPD police commissioner. When Zara starts following Frankie because she is investigating him for a murder, the both find an intense attraction that it hard to ignore.
“There isn’t a single corner you could run to where I wouldn’t scorch the earth to find you. I told you, you belong to me. Understand?”
This is an easy read and might work well if you need a palate cleanser between books/series or if you just want a side of plot with your spice. Not much world or character building, and not much of this was at all believable. If I hadn't been reading this for Netgalley I would have DNF'd.
January 31, 2024
The potential this book could have had. I was all in for Frankie in the beginning. I had a strong feeling he was going to be my favorite out of the series. What a flop. The repetition of “burn the world down” “I can do anything with ___ by my side” the countless paragraphs of the same thing explaining they want revenge. Just a bunch of fluff about halfway thru to the end.
It felt like insta love, one paragraph about her past when it was said how bad she was, how they got revenge seems it could have been done way earlier in the book with how simple it seemed.
Only good thing about this book is having all the characters from the previous books and fully knowing their stories/backgrounds.
It felt like insta love, one paragraph about her past when it was said how bad she was, how they got revenge seems it could have been done way earlier in the book with how simple it seemed.
Only good thing about this book is having all the characters from the previous books and fully knowing their stories/backgrounds.
January 14, 2026
#Review: *Detained* - Luna Mason [21+]
4.8/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
I honestly needed a dose of some dark romance and this was the perfect choice from my TBR to feel that need.
Zara was a detective who knew very well the world she was living in, being surrounded by mafia gangs which were always the ones who were pulling the strings. Including in the law enforcement. One case she was working on put her closer to the new leader of Falcone gang, Frankie Falcone. Zara would soon find herself in a situation where she would have to decide on who to trust, as multiple events will completely change everything she knew about her own life. Can she trust the brooding mafia leader or will Frankie play her over?
Ahh, this was such a nerve-wracking story, with so many things constantly happening. Frankie was that type of man who knew very well what he wanted and was sure that he would eventually get his way. That's why Zara found herself in a tough place, being attracted to this man, but knowing from the start that she couldn't trust him. I really liked all that uncertainty, not knowing who was in fact good or bad. The whole investigation was super engaging and I loved seeing how it led to a stronger bond between Zara and Frankie. Our mafia leader was for sure a man obsessed, who constantly wanted to be near Zara and to make sure that she will forever be his. His job wasn’t easy though, Zara being an independent and pretty stubborn woman, who wanted to have her way, being keen on having a real contribution to that investigation she was part of.
I haven't read anything by this author before and I had no idea what to expect from this book. It was such a nice surprise and I was mesmerized by this suspenseful story, all those twists and turns and especially by the main characters of this story, who were so complex.
Thank you so much Hambright Pr for this mind-blowing e-ARC, which has definitely captivated me!
✨Tropes
▫️Dark Romance
▫️Enemies to Lovers
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Age Gap (15 years)
▫️Stalking
▫️Morally Gray
▫️Law Enforcement
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️Mafia
▫️Revenge
4.8/5✨
3.5/5🌶️
I honestly needed a dose of some dark romance and this was the perfect choice from my TBR to feel that need.
Zara was a detective who knew very well the world she was living in, being surrounded by mafia gangs which were always the ones who were pulling the strings. Including in the law enforcement. One case she was working on put her closer to the new leader of Falcone gang, Frankie Falcone. Zara would soon find herself in a situation where she would have to decide on who to trust, as multiple events will completely change everything she knew about her own life. Can she trust the brooding mafia leader or will Frankie play her over?
Ahh, this was such a nerve-wracking story, with so many things constantly happening. Frankie was that type of man who knew very well what he wanted and was sure that he would eventually get his way. That's why Zara found herself in a tough place, being attracted to this man, but knowing from the start that she couldn't trust him. I really liked all that uncertainty, not knowing who was in fact good or bad. The whole investigation was super engaging and I loved seeing how it led to a stronger bond between Zara and Frankie. Our mafia leader was for sure a man obsessed, who constantly wanted to be near Zara and to make sure that she will forever be his. His job wasn’t easy though, Zara being an independent and pretty stubborn woman, who wanted to have her way, being keen on having a real contribution to that investigation she was part of.
I haven't read anything by this author before and I had no idea what to expect from this book. It was such a nice surprise and I was mesmerized by this suspenseful story, all those twists and turns and especially by the main characters of this story, who were so complex.
Thank you so much Hambright Pr for this mind-blowing e-ARC, which has definitely captivated me!
✨Tropes
▫️Dark Romance
▫️Enemies to Lovers
▫️Forbidden Love
▫️Age Gap (15 years)
▫️Stalking
▫️Morally Gray
▫️Law Enforcement
▫️Man Obsessed
▫️Mafia
▫️Revenge
January 2, 2026
✨ ARC Review: Detained ✨
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
[Content Warning: This story explores sensitive themes such as family-loss, pregnancy loss, child loss and murder. If these topics are triggering or uncomfortable for you, please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed.]
THE WHAT
Frankie Falcone is the leader of the New York mob, driven by a relentless need for revenge after losing his family years ago. After working with corrupt cops, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Zara, the police commissioner’s daughter. What begins as a mild attraction quickly escalates into a volatile love story filled with danger and high stakes.
THE VIBE
Mafia romance, Dark romance, fast burn, corruption, morally grey character, mafia wars, family betrayals, revenge driven, high stakes danger, female heroine.
THE HOW
The story is told through a dual POV structure from both the FMC’s and MMC’s perspective. The story has an interesting premise and plenty of twists and turns that kept things moving.
THE HIT
The plot itself was interesting and the twists did keep things engaging. The spice was solid and well done and was one of the stronger parts of the book.
THE MISS
Unfortunately, the storyline felt overcrowded with too many elements happening at once. The characters behaviours often felt inconsistent with how they were originally introduced. The connection between the two main characters felt misplaced, rushed and unrealistic at times. Given the length of the book, I thought this could have been done better.
THE REC
There are other books in this genre I would recommend first. That said, something that didn’t work for me might completely work for other readers, especially those that enjoy spice/smut.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 2.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 4/5
[I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author. This review reflects my honest and unbiased opinion]
[Content Warning: This story explores sensitive themes such as family-loss, pregnancy loss, child loss and murder. If these topics are triggering or uncomfortable for you, please take care of yourself and skip this one if needed.]
THE WHAT
Frankie Falcone is the leader of the New York mob, driven by a relentless need for revenge after losing his family years ago. After working with corrupt cops, he becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Zara, the police commissioner’s daughter. What begins as a mild attraction quickly escalates into a volatile love story filled with danger and high stakes.
THE VIBE
Mafia romance, Dark romance, fast burn, corruption, morally grey character, mafia wars, family betrayals, revenge driven, high stakes danger, female heroine.
THE HOW
The story is told through a dual POV structure from both the FMC’s and MMC’s perspective. The story has an interesting premise and plenty of twists and turns that kept things moving.
THE HIT
The plot itself was interesting and the twists did keep things engaging. The spice was solid and well done and was one of the stronger parts of the book.
THE MISS
Unfortunately, the storyline felt overcrowded with too many elements happening at once. The characters behaviours often felt inconsistent with how they were originally introduced. The connection between the two main characters felt misplaced, rushed and unrealistic at times. Given the length of the book, I thought this could have been done better.
THE REC
There are other books in this genre I would recommend first. That said, something that didn’t work for me might completely work for other readers, especially those that enjoy spice/smut.
THE OVERALL: Overall, I would rate this book as follows:
⭐️Overall Rating: 2.5/5
🔥Spice Rating : 4/5
September 6, 2025
where do i even begin..?
a badass FMC, Mafia boss MMC? couldn't ask for more. Zara is a strong, smart, savvy detective who ends up falling head over heels for the Mafia leader shes trying to bring down. he falls right back, as much as they both try to deny their feelings they know that it's pointless.
the twists and turns and the suspense were SO good. I laughed, cried, had my heart broken and then put back together, and squealed with excitement.
i loved how each one of the characters stood out, even minor ones.
I also love how Frankie treats all of his men and their women like his family and would lay down his life for all of them, including Zara, and he proves that over and over again.
I totally knew something was off about George from the beginning and boy was I right! he's a slimy ass dick wad who deserved the fate he got.
the storyline was incredible, the relationship building and trust building and just all of it. I devoured this book in a day because it was just that good. Luna Mason will always have a special place in my heart for these books. i cannot say enough good things about this book!
a badass FMC, Mafia boss MMC? couldn't ask for more. Zara is a strong, smart, savvy detective who ends up falling head over heels for the Mafia leader shes trying to bring down. he falls right back, as much as they both try to deny their feelings they know that it's pointless.
the twists and turns and the suspense were SO good. I laughed, cried, had my heart broken and then put back together, and squealed with excitement.
i loved how each one of the characters stood out, even minor ones.
I also love how Frankie treats all of his men and their women like his family and would lay down his life for all of them, including Zara, and he proves that over and over again.
I totally knew something was off about George from the beginning and boy was I right! he's a slimy ass dick wad who deserved the fate he got.
the storyline was incredible, the relationship building and trust building and just all of it. I devoured this book in a day because it was just that good. Luna Mason will always have a special place in my heart for these books. i cannot say enough good things about this book!
November 6, 2025
I really enjoyed this one! Frankie and Zara’s story had everything I look for chemistry, tension, and just the right mix of danger and passion. They’re both such strong, determined characters, and I loved how well they matched each other’s energy.
The romance was intense, the action kept things moving, and it wrapped up the series in a really satisfying way. I liked seeing a different side of Frankie and how Zara balanced him out so perfectly.
Overall, it was a great read, dark, steamy, and full of heart. Luna Mason delivered another addictive story that kept me turning the pages. Thank you to Hambright for the gifted ARC.
The romance was intense, the action kept things moving, and it wrapped up the series in a really satisfying way. I liked seeing a different side of Frankie and how Zara balanced him out so perfectly.
Overall, it was a great read, dark, steamy, and full of heart. Luna Mason delivered another addictive story that kept me turning the pages. Thank you to Hambright for the gifted ARC.
January 12, 2025
I hate their names. Idk why she’s pregnant but they were fine.
January 22, 2024
4.5 rounded up - THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR THE ARC!!
What an excellent end to the Beneath the Mask series!!
The Russos and Falcones have finally made good on their promise. They got their revenge on the Capris and run New York. We also got to meet Jax, who will be starting the Beneath the Secrets series in Vegas!
Frankie Falcone has been out for blood since his family was taken from him ten years ago. With Luca stepping aside, he runs the Russo family and they are finally ready to dish out the revenge on Romano Capri that he deserves.
However, Frankie didn't bank on overzealous Detective Zara O'Reilly, the NYPD Commissioner's daughter, being out for the mafia and trying to take him down in the process.
A fitting end to the Russo family story, we have nothing but happy endings and kinks galore.
Bow down to the King and Queen of New York!
My, very personal to my reading tastes, issues with this book: (SPOILERS)
- F/Z are very instalove. An engagement ring and baby making happening within like 10 days?! No. I preferred the slower burns of the other books in the series.
-F/Z are hot together but I HATE her calling him sir. That's what the girls at the sex club called him. She should get to call him something else.
-This book felt a little chaotic. There was a lot trying to happen with the romance at the same time as the end of the feud and it just took me out a couple times.
With that being said, I still give this a 4.5 as the overall story and interconnected family is well done!
What an excellent end to the Beneath the Mask series!!
The Russos and Falcones have finally made good on their promise. They got their revenge on the Capris and run New York. We also got to meet Jax, who will be starting the Beneath the Secrets series in Vegas!
Frankie Falcone has been out for blood since his family was taken from him ten years ago. With Luca stepping aside, he runs the Russo family and they are finally ready to dish out the revenge on Romano Capri that he deserves.
However, Frankie didn't bank on overzealous Detective Zara O'Reilly, the NYPD Commissioner's daughter, being out for the mafia and trying to take him down in the process.
A fitting end to the Russo family story, we have nothing but happy endings and kinks galore.
Bow down to the King and Queen of New York!
My, very personal to my reading tastes, issues with this book: (SPOILERS)
- F/Z are very instalove. An engagement ring and baby making happening within like 10 days?! No. I preferred the slower burns of the other books in the series.
-F/Z are hot together but I HATE her calling him sir. That's what the girls at the sex club called him. She should get to call him something else.
-This book felt a little chaotic. There was a lot trying to happen with the romance at the same time as the end of the feud and it just took me out a couple times.
With that being said, I still give this a 4.5 as the overall story and interconnected family is well done!
December 29, 2025
This is the fourth book in the Beneath the Mask series. It follows Frankie and Zara who are an unlikely pair. Frankie is a mob boss and Zara is a detective. When Zara starts stalking Frankie in hopes that she can catch him in the act of something illegal that she can lock him up for. They form an uneasy relationship.
‘He falls first’ it doesn’t take her long to catch up.
I thought this final book wrapped up the series really well. I think this book was my favourite of the four.
The writing in the first book slightly lacked organization but gets progressively better as the series goes on.
Overall I really enjoyed this series and I’m happy that I decided to continue on with it.
4/5⭐️
‘He falls first’ it doesn’t take her long to catch up.
I thought this final book wrapped up the series really well. I think this book was my favourite of the four.
The writing in the first book slightly lacked organization but gets progressively better as the series goes on.
Overall I really enjoyed this series and I’m happy that I decided to continue on with it.
4/5⭐️
January 26, 2024
Holy fxcking hell! - hot steamy spice and mafia greatness!
January 20, 2024
ARC REVIEW
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This last book in the Beneath the mask series was EVERYTHING!!!
Zara was a bad ass with a sad past with her dad, but then she meets Frankie who she definitely thinks she going to hate and very quickly realises she is helpless when it comes to him.
Frankie was his usual brutal crazy self. I’m so glad that after the mystery of him in ‘Devoted’ we got to see his caring side of him, the side that will do anything for Zara.
I’m so glad all the other main characters from the first 3 books were so involved in the storyline and that we got to see everyone’s happy ending.
JAX!!!! All I can say is Luna hurry up and give us his book. I can’t wait for April.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
This last book in the Beneath the mask series was EVERYTHING!!!
Zara was a bad ass with a sad past with her dad, but then she meets Frankie who she definitely thinks she going to hate and very quickly realises she is helpless when it comes to him.
Frankie was his usual brutal crazy self. I’m so glad that after the mystery of him in ‘Devoted’ we got to see his caring side of him, the side that will do anything for Zara.
I’m so glad all the other main characters from the first 3 books were so involved in the storyline and that we got to see everyone’s happy ending.
JAX!!!! All I can say is Luna hurry up and give us his book. I can’t wait for April.
February 17, 2024
1.5/5 for me. This book was incredibly meh. Spice was okay and the romance and story were hard to get through. I didn’t feel ANYTHING for the mmc or fmc. It was disappointing because the other 3 books aren’t bad. It just felt like a forced book, the insta attraction was done poorly. I thought the detective and mafia trope would’ve been interesting, but it was done horribly.
January 25, 2024
I’m not sure if I had too high of hopes for this book after reading the others in the series or what, but this one missed the mark for me. I felt like the entire book was in super speed and everything was happening so fast. I also didn’t feel anything for Zara and Frankie as compared to previous characters. I loved the other books, but this one just didn’t do it for me. I also would’ve loved more involvement from the other books main characters in this one. Overall, not terrible but not what I expected to conclude the series.
September 6, 2025
4 Stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Detained is a fiery and emotional finale to the Beneath the Mask series! Frankie is a mafia boss fueled by revenge and Zara is the determined detective. They have a slow-burn romance full of tension and chemistry!Watching them push each other’s boundaries, grow stronger together all while navigating high stakes was thrilling!
The ending is satisfying and gives both characters their hard earned happiness while giving a nod to past couples fans love! This book is definitely a must read for fans of mafia romance and morally gray heroes!
Detained is a fiery and emotional finale to the Beneath the Mask series! Frankie is a mafia boss fueled by revenge and Zara is the determined detective. They have a slow-burn romance full of tension and chemistry!Watching them push each other’s boundaries, grow stronger together all while navigating high stakes was thrilling!
The ending is satisfying and gives both characters their hard earned happiness while giving a nod to past couples fans love! This book is definitely a must read for fans of mafia romance and morally gray heroes!
February 7, 2024
Excruciating read.
It had potential for 2 seconds until the insta love troupe came CRASHING in. It seemed like they were in deep by like 30%.
It had potential for 2 seconds until the insta love troupe came CRASHING in. It seemed like they were in deep by like 30%.
August 12, 2025
Thank you to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for letting me read this book! From the opening pages, Luna Mason dives us straight into the heart of New York's criminal underworld, as Frankie—war-wounded and hardened—declares, "I don’t have to hide behind a mask anymore. I rule New York. It’s time to finish what I started ten years ago—destroy the man who took my life." His voice crackles with vengeance, presaging a gripping and dangerous mission.
Zara O’Reilly, on the flip side, is carved from resolve and betrayal. As the police commissioner’s daughter turned detective, she’s spent her career chasing shadows—but when Frankie is arrested for murder, she sees more than a criminal; she sees a threat to everything she stands for. And yet, caught in that fiery magnetism, she can't help but think, "He doesn’t know I’m watching his every move—and I want him to know." Their tension crackles like electricity.
What I particularly loved was how their dynamic evolves. There’s a scene late in the book—when Zara reluctantly teams up with Frankie during a violent siege in his penthouse. She watches him dispatch attackers with brutal precision, then catches him off guard with a gentle question: "Are you okay?" His eyes soften just for a moment and he replies, "Not until you're safe." That exchange—raw, unexpected—is the hinge of their connection.
By the climax, Frankie’s obsessive pursuit of vengeance collides with Zara’s duty—especially when they unearth who truly betrayed Frankie years ago. The reveal: his childhood friend Luca, once like a brother. The betrayal sends Frankie reeling—and Zara feels the seismic shift, unwilling to abandon him even as she should uphold the law. She whispers, "I’m not letting you fall apart alone," and he finally lets his guard down—tears, rage, and relief mingled.
The epilogue seals the transformation beautifully. Frankie, scarred but softened, stands by Zara in the precinct, her badge gleaming on his chest. He murmurs, "Mask or not, you’re my law now." It’s a masterful twist that completes their arc: two opposing forces entwined by fate and desire.
Zara O’Reilly, on the flip side, is carved from resolve and betrayal. As the police commissioner’s daughter turned detective, she’s spent her career chasing shadows—but when Frankie is arrested for murder, she sees more than a criminal; she sees a threat to everything she stands for. And yet, caught in that fiery magnetism, she can't help but think, "He doesn’t know I’m watching his every move—and I want him to know." Their tension crackles like electricity.
What I particularly loved was how their dynamic evolves. There’s a scene late in the book—when Zara reluctantly teams up with Frankie during a violent siege in his penthouse. She watches him dispatch attackers with brutal precision, then catches him off guard with a gentle question: "Are you okay?" His eyes soften just for a moment and he replies, "Not until you're safe." That exchange—raw, unexpected—is the hinge of their connection.
By the climax, Frankie’s obsessive pursuit of vengeance collides with Zara’s duty—especially when they unearth who truly betrayed Frankie years ago. The reveal: his childhood friend Luca, once like a brother. The betrayal sends Frankie reeling—and Zara feels the seismic shift, unwilling to abandon him even as she should uphold the law. She whispers, "I’m not letting you fall apart alone," and he finally lets his guard down—tears, rage, and relief mingled.
The epilogue seals the transformation beautifully. Frankie, scarred but softened, stands by Zara in the precinct, her badge gleaming on his chest. He murmurs, "Mask or not, you’re my law now." It’s a masterful twist that completes their arc: two opposing forces entwined by fate and desire.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
“in every single lifetime, it will always be you. i would go through the torture i’ve dealt with a thousand times over if it meant that you were my reward. you make everything worth it. every ounce of pain i’ve ever felt was to bring me to you. my undying love for you is unquestionable. no matter what life throws at us. you. you are my inevitable, my love and my purpose.”
is the writing in these books groundbreaking? no. but are they highly entertaining? absolutely. the drama of it all, the constant spicy smut, the strong element of found family. and that's enough, at least for me. i know what to expect and that i can count on these books to enjoy myself. they are dark and heavy, but at the same time there's a lightness to them that comes from the comic relief and dark humor between the characters. i will say, though, this wasn't what i was expecting from frankie’s story, i anticipated more angst due to his past trauma. and don't get me wrong, his grief was there, but i wanted more longing and almost forbidden craving. i understand and agree his fmc was perfect for him, if there is someone as unhinged as him is zara. but it was too fast paced for me, albeit the initial tension.
is the writing in these books groundbreaking? no. but are they highly entertaining? absolutely. the drama of it all, the constant spicy smut, the strong element of found family. and that's enough, at least for me. i know what to expect and that i can count on these books to enjoy myself. they are dark and heavy, but at the same time there's a lightness to them that comes from the comic relief and dark humor between the characters. i will say, though, this wasn't what i was expecting from frankie’s story, i anticipated more angst due to his past trauma. and don't get me wrong, his grief was there, but i wanted more longing and almost forbidden craving. i understand and agree his fmc was perfect for him, if there is someone as unhinged as him is zara. but it was too fast paced for me, albeit the initial tension.
November 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 stars
This was my first book in the Beneath the Mask series, and now I’m kicking myself for not picking these up sooner. I had no trouble following along, but you can feel the history and tension between the characters and the criminal world they live in — enough that I immediately added the rest of the series to my TBR.
Frankie and Zara’s dynamic is exactly the kind of morally gray, high-pressure push-and-pull I love in dark romance. He’s ruthless and obsessive in that “I know I shouldn’t like you but here we are” way, and she’s sharp, competent, and refuses to bend just because he wants her to. Their back-and-forth had me hooked.
The pacing is tight, the danger feels real, and the chemistry? Absolutely there. I also loved the NYC underbelly vibe — gritty without being too heavy, and addictive enough that I flew through this in a day.
If you like mafia romance with tension, obsession, and two stubborn characters who can’t stay away from each other, this one is worth picking up. And now I guess I’m reading the entire series. 😅
This was my first book in the Beneath the Mask series, and now I’m kicking myself for not picking these up sooner. I had no trouble following along, but you can feel the history and tension between the characters and the criminal world they live in — enough that I immediately added the rest of the series to my TBR.
Frankie and Zara’s dynamic is exactly the kind of morally gray, high-pressure push-and-pull I love in dark romance. He’s ruthless and obsessive in that “I know I shouldn’t like you but here we are” way, and she’s sharp, competent, and refuses to bend just because he wants her to. Their back-and-forth had me hooked.
The pacing is tight, the danger feels real, and the chemistry? Absolutely there. I also loved the NYC underbelly vibe — gritty without being too heavy, and addictive enough that I flew through this in a day.
If you like mafia romance with tension, obsession, and two stubborn characters who can’t stay away from each other, this one is worth picking up. And now I guess I’m reading the entire series. 😅
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