Mason

by Iris T. Cannon

Mason Ironside is not the man you run to. He’s the man you run from.


MASON
I don’t play hero.

I don’t rescue.
I don’t fix things.

I end them.

So when I found her—bleeding out, barely breathing—
I should’ve walked away.

I didn’t.

Because the second I touched her…
something locked in.

Now she’s mine.

Not to protect.
Not to save.

To keep.

Anyone who hurt her is already dead.
Anyone who comes looking finishes the same way.

She thinks I gave her a second chance.

She’s wrong.

I didn’t save her life.

I took it.

SHELBY
I'm supposed to be dead.

I was left bleeding. Broken. Forgotten.
Another body no one would come looking for.

Then he found me.

Mason Ironside.

He didn’t ask questions.
Didn’t call for help.
Didn’t hesitate.

He just took control.

Of the situation.
Of the danger.
Of me.

I should be afraid of him.
Every instinct I have says run.

Because men like Mason don’t save women like me.

They keep them.

And the way he looks at me?
Like I already belong to him—

I’m starting to realize…

I might never get the chance to leave.

🖤 Possessive. Obsessive. Irredeemable.
✔️ A ruthless enforcer who’d burn the world for her
✔️ A scarred heroine who refuses to be fragile
✔️ Twisted love, violent redemption, and filthy devotion
✔️ And heat so blistering, it hurts to look away

MASON is a dark, gritty age gap mafia romance with mature themes that may be triggering for some readers. Please check the content warnings and read responsibly.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 23, 2025

Reviews

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several books by this author, and they are filled with fast-paced action, suspense, and a hint of romance. This book follows Mason, the enforcer, and Shelby, an innocent school teacher who is thrown into chaos when her brother crosses the wrong people. Mason is there to clean up the mess and the more they are together, feelings between the two reveal themselves. I think this is my favorite book in the series so far. The story was thought provoking and detailed, the characters were realistic, strong, and emotional, and the side characters added depth to the story. I wanted more scenes between all the girls because it was that good! Mason and Shelby were the protectors of their families. They fall for each other very quickly and must fight through their fears of relationships and the hardships they have gone through to stay together. The only thing I would have liked more was another 50-100 pages. After what Shelby experiences, Mason kind of just walks out and then they struggle through the next few chapters without communication. And then all is forgiven, and the story is over. I wish there was a little more after they forgive each other to see them together. Overall, I will continue this series because they are easy and interesting reads.

Also, curious if Ghost will have a story!!

[Michelle Frater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason is the enforcer and underboss of the Moreno family. He’s carved out a life of loyalty and violence, bound only to the people who saved him and he wouldn’t have it any other way. Family, for Mason, means everything. That is, until a brief stint in prison changes everything. There, he meets Clay, and a promise to pass on a message to Clay’s sister spirals into something Mason never saw coming. Shelby is a kindergarten teacher and she’s guarded for a good reason. Her past is littered with pain and a dangerous ex who won’t let her go. Clay has been her shield for years, but when her troubles finally catch up to her, it’s Mason who stands in the line of fire. From the moment they meet, there’s a magnetic pull between them, a crackling chemistry that feels as dangerous as it is irresistible. Despite her fear and scars, Mason becomes her unlikely safe place, and in turn, Shelby becomes the one thing Mason didn’t know he needed. Their relationship, though is anything but smooth sailing. The emotional intensity is palpable, and I appreciated how Mason, rough edges and all, wasn’t afraid to be emotionally available—at least to Shelby. But just when things begin to settle, a new threat shatters their fragile sense of security. Ironically, it's not Mason’s world that puts Shelby in danger—it's her brother’s. Shelby initially had my full admiration. Her bravery in the face of ongoing abuse and her quiet resilience were compelling. However, after Mason rescues her following a terrifying encounter, her response felt emotionally confusing. Her inner monologue made it clear she recognized Mason’s good intentions. He didn’t pressure her or try to fix her, he was just there for whatever she needed, yet she continued to push him away. Likewise, Mason’s emotional spiral when she needed space felt jarringly out of character, as though he’d momentarily forgotten the gravity of her trauma. Though I appreciated the realism, their relationship was a mess—at times raw and relatable, at others, frustrating and rushed. Thank heavens for the Gatti women. Mia, Maxine, and the rest of the crew brought warmth and grounding to the chaos, wrapping Shelby in a support system that was authentic and empowering. They were a highlight for me, proving that found family can be just as vital as romantic love. In the end, Shelby is a survivor. The reconciliation between her and Mason may have felt a touch too quick, but it still managed to tug at my heartstrings. This book delivers all the staples of a gripping mafia romance—danger, devotion, vulnerability, and desire—with two complex leads who need each other more than they know.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Loverulesall_books · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐
2.5🌶️

Iris has simply done it again... pulling me straight back into the mafia world. Mason has always been a mysterious character from the earlier books and I am here for his story! There was nothing short of twists and turns, chemistry & tension like no other, and retribution & sweet redemption to keep me on the edge of my seat. This book had it ALL!

The story follows on from Kanyan, in which Mason creates a petty felony to land himself in prison for 48hours. Here he unexpectedly meets Clay, who claims innocence and begs Mason to ugently pass on a message to his sister, Shelby. Kanyan's true motives in prison involve eliminating a target, and finds an ally in Ghost - a fellow inmate who's spent the past decade living in the shadows.

When Mason meets Shelby, he is automatically entranced by her. She evokes feelings he never thought he'd ever feel again and impulsively vows to protect her. However, Shelby's ghosts of her past lands her in serious trouble and Mason is caught up in the crossfire. Will he be willing to help burn the world down in order to protect his girl?

This is by far the spiciest book Iris has written to date, but also the most emotional one. I loved the yearning between Mason and Shelby - how she thought she was beyond broken for Mason (who she thought deserved someone whole), whilst Mason let her go because he wanted her to choose him, and not stay for reasons that she felt indebted towards him.

The chemistry and tension between Mason and Shelby was sizzling from the get go. The way they just fit together was so darn possessive! I absolutely love an alpha male who falls first (and hard) for his girl and makes him fall to his knees. Although Shelby doesn't know the power that Mason truly holds, she felt safe with him and he was someone she could trust.

The found family aspect is also a trope I adore. The way in which all the girls (especially Mia and Maxine) rallied together to include Shelby.. and how she didn't have to be perfect - she only had to be present and herself.. Strong, resilient and a survivor 🙌🏻

I am so, so looking forwards to more from Iris. Now she's opened the lid on Ghost and Jayson's inevitable task to prove his worth... I am literally SAT! 💗

Thank you so much to Iris for the eARC, in exchange for an honest review 🫶🏻

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is just there to give her a message from her brother. But something about her intrigues him. When he sees the danger coming for her, he takes her to keep her safe, but it quickly becomes more than that. She makes him feel things he has never felt before. He was born in trauma, raised in brutality, and lived in the darkness, never claiming anything good for himself. But with her, he wants everything. She has been running from her past and a danger that won’t leave her alone. When it comes to her front door, he is the one that saves her, and claims her. They have an intensity in a passion that neither understand, but they also can’t deny. The author has created two unique characters that engage you and invest you in the story. Their romance is as steamy as their attraction and it makes you want to dig in. There were however, a lot of other sub arcs going on that bogged down the story unnecessarily, and became more of a distraction than an addition. Some things were never really explained, which made giving them page time confusing. Other things just kind of appeared with the odd focus, and then kind of dropped off, which also was confusing. I liked the core story but could have done without so much sub plot that didn’t seem to go anywhere.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might want to make sure to double check that you are buckled up, dangerous men, alpha’s personified, possessive, oh, gorgeous, brooding all the makings of a story consisting with three D’s (dark, delicious, and dirty) 😊. There will be suspense, betrayal, death, darkness, secrets reveled, violence, hope, forgiveness, and maybe even love along the way. Mason sexy as all get out force to be reckoned with, he isn’t a man you want on your radar in fact he has a reputation that proceeds him one of the most feared enforcers second in command to the head of the Moreno crime family, he is dangerous, ruthless, and deadly when needed. Shelby a schoolteacher innocent to a world she didn't know existed until her brother gets on the wrong side of the wrong people throwing her right into the middle of it all unsure how or what to do and thrown into the thick of with one dangerous sexy man. The magnetic pull between them is too strong to ignore and the more they are around each other the stronger the pull but will they be able to make it through the dangers that await them, will he realize she isn’t a weakness but his strength, will they see they are stronger together, and is this their time for happiness?

[Angela Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book from the first few pages! Mason has been one of my favorites and I'm glad he got his story! Mason is loyal and protects the ones he loves, but he doesn't think he is worthy of love. When he was younger he had a relationship with his two best friends, he was the 3rd wheel, but had a secret daughter Mia out of the relationship. He was always uncle Mason to Mia, and didn't know how to tell her the truth without hurting her.

During this time Mason is locked up on a petty crime, that was arranged. While inside he discusses a plan with "GHOST" with who btw I'm now in love with (Sorry Lucky). He also meets Clay, Shelby's brother. Clay is a tech wiz who was set up on a bogus charge. Once Mason is out he agrees to go to Shelby's house to make sure she is ok, she's on the run from her Ex husband.

When her ex shows up, Mason is there to save her, but Shelby saves herself and Mason. Now Shelby is lost and doesn't know what to do, so Mason takes her under his care and protection.

Sparks fly and Mason is slowly letting his walls down. Shelby feels safe and protected by Mason. But nothing every stays peaceful.

When Shelby is kidnapped, r*ped, and beaten nearly to d*eath, the group discovers that Clay is hiding a flash drive that can destroy a lot of powerful people.

Can Shelby and Mason make their relationship work?

[Crystal Grimshaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check your triggers!!! This book was so heartbreakingly good. The FMC has gone through the wringer and is still being dealt a very rough hand but Mason is steadfast in his devotion to Shelby and it is so touching. I could feel the love from him bleeding off the pages. I loved how the other women in the family rallied behind Shelby and were just there. For whatever she needed. They didn’t pressure her or try to fix her, just were there. I wish there was a little more to Mia and Mason’s story because I really enjoyed their interactions. Especially how Mia and even Maxine accepted Shelby into the fold. I hope we get to see more of those dynamics in future books in this world. I have not read the Gatti brother books or even book one of the Gatti Enforcers and never once felt lost in the story. I want to read them all now though!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shelly Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book two in the Gatti Enforcers. I decided to read this one and give the author another shot to recapture the same intense story line she had with Scar and Brando. She did. This is Mason's story. He wasn't really one I wanted to read about. When he was introduced in Brando, he was a wimpy indecisive mob boss. He's much better as an enforcer.

Shelby is a teacher who starts off strong and well matched. Towards the end, they both end up wimpy and waffling for a bit and then finally come to a meeting of the minds. We do find out that Mia knew the family secret, that Maxine is stronger than everyone realizes, Saxon isn't all good, Lucky is not averse to crossing the line, the women in the family kicks everyone, still not a fan of Lulu, Shelby may be a teacher, but she'll stand up to everyone. I received an advance review copy from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Amanda Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason is the second book in the Gatti Enforcers book by Iris T Cannon. I read this as a standalone, but I would recommend reading the previous books to better understand the side characters. Im now going to go read the previous books! Mason follows the story of Shelby, an innocent school teacher running from an abusive ex, and finding help in Mason, a mafia underboss. Wow!, the chemistry between Mason and Shelby was undeniable. I enjoyed reading Masons and Shelbys POVs to see how their relationship developed and the development of their characters. Also I did enjoy the occasional POV chapters of Ghost and Saxon, because Im hoping it would lead to their stories being told, which would hopefully answer some of the questions that I had at the end. I can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an advanced review copy for free from Booksirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Bea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh this book. First of all I am a sucker for when a MMC calls her princess or sweetheart, plus additionally I love a good mafia romance. Mason is a Mafia enforcer, Shelby is a school teacher who got tangled up in a life of danger and secrets. Her tragic past has made her resilient. This is book two of the Gatti enforcers, I have not yet read book 1, but I definitely will because I really liked the writing style as well as the communication and chapter length. The book itself was a bit hard to get into, but I believe thats a me issue, for the middle and ending (20%+) I read it within one day and absolutely adored it! The only issue I had was with the cover, I don't really like books with real people on the cover, other than that I would definitely get a physical copy of this!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Shifty Bugger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Wow, this Gatti Enforcer went through so much, life for Mason really changed him after his best friend was shot dead and his friends wife became very sick and passed away and then his neice was sick fortunately she had pulled through. There was so much action, suspense, drama, danger, twist and turns, violence, torture, anger, kidnapping, betrayal, lies, secrets, electrified passion, intense pleasure, trafficking, stalker, and maybe she could feel love. Shelby was quiet a nervy lady until she met him until she was kidnapped and now she is in hospital fighting for her life.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason Ironside is a force of nature, you do not want to cross him. He is the enforcer a man to be feared. The second in command to Kanyan De Scarzi, the head of the Moreno crime family. Clay Monroe asks Mason to deliver a message to his sister Shelby. He is in prison and her ex husband David Eddy is in the area. They have been running from him for several years.

Mason is a book you should not miss. It is the second book in the Gatti Enforcers series. Iris T. Cannon has hit it out of the ballpark with this book. I could not put it down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Margaret Yelton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mason is the 2nd book in the Gatti Enforcers series by Iris T. Cannon, whom is a new author for me. I found this book to be fast paced, and action packed. Mason is an enforcer for the family, whom is tossed into prison when the book first starts, Clay is someone else in prison whom claims to be innocent. Shelby is Clay's sister, who has left her abusive ex but lives in constant fear of his return. The chemistry between Mason and Shelby is off the charts, but can she handle a man like him. I would definitely recommend this book to others, although for some it maybe triggering.

I received and ARC from BookSirens, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is a Mafia trope done RIGHT. We've got DANGER we've got HEAT, we've got FAMILY, OBSESSION, SECRETS and REDEMPTION. We've got it all folks!

I MELTED for this MMC, I am a sucker for a dangerous man who needs to be saved from himself. Mason is a DREAM.

Our Leading Lady? Magnificent. Strength to her core; a beautiful compliment to all the rough edges surrounding our MMC. Chemistry is perfection.

This plot is all about cracking through the walls and barriers, learning to love again, finding strength within, and HEALING. The feels I felt. Incredible.

10/10. Definitely planning to read the other book in this series.

[Ndoo · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't really know what to say, so I'll keep it short - the book was good, honestly, just not really for me. It was way too heavy. Honestly, I got bored halfway through and ended up skipping to the last 15 chapters or something .
I don't know if I just wasn't in the mood or if I'm starting to realize I don't really enjoy books with heavy, intense scenes.
I especially hate the topic of sexual assault. I don't think it should be added unless it's actually the main theme. It just felt unnecessary here. Like she was already going through so much from the beginning, so why add even more on top of that? It felt too much.🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know where to start. It's been a VERY long time since I read a book like this. The story grabs you from the first page and with the vivid writing, character development and perfectly paced storyline, you feel like you are a invisible observer. I have never read anything from this author but that ends now. I can't wait to read more and look forward to Saxon and Ghost getting a storyline. This is definitely a must read! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Ms. Cannon certainly started "Mason" with a bang!

Action-packed!
Intense.
Suspense.
STEAM!
Gosh, Shelby and Mason could light fireworks just sitting close to their proximity!

Mason is a protector by nature, and Shelby and even Clay, are sure in need of his protection!

Could Mason and Shelby be more?
They come from different worlds.

I have to say... my heart strings wanted to wrap tightly around Mason!
He deserves love, and after what Shelby went through...so does she!

Hopefully Ms. Cannon recognizes they need each other!

[Brenda A · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really rough read

The storyline the plot and the writing were all good. Then it started to go down the rabbit hole there were too many characters too many complications. The MMC was kind of lame and did not take care of business . All the women in the book got raped or traffic which was hard for me to deal with. There was a happy ending for this couple but there was a lot of pain and Trauma to get there that's not what I read a romance for. Someone else might be able to stomach the violence better but I think I'll pass on this author for a while.

[Charity Riddle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hot, single dad, protect her and unalive, softy (just for her), Mafia Enforcer. Um...... Yes, please.
This is a dark mafia romance that follows Mason and Shelby through a wild ride. While he is trying to protect her from the life she didn't deserve. While you can read it as a stand-alone. I would recommend you read book 1.
Please check your trigger warnings. Violence, Abuse, Unaliving, Kidnap, Rape/Assault, Human Trafficking, Torture just to name some.

[ZeeZee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is done so well that I have no words for how perfect it is. You felt every bit of Shelby and Mason's anger, frustration, grief and sorrow. The storyline was well crafted and not rushed or too slow. It progressed perfectly. And it set up Saxon and Ghost's future storyline well.
Can't wait for the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is book 2 in the Gatti Enforcers series and it's Mason and Shelbys story. This book is an emotional story that I easily got caught up in. Shelby has been through the wringer thanks to an ex. Everything she went through is felt deeply and everything Mason and the rest of the family does to help her is heal is felt even deeper. Make sure to check the trigger warnings. There's topics that may be sensitive to some readers. For me, Mason is an absolute must read!

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason and Shelby are well matched. She is trying to get away from her abusive ex who won't take no for an answer. She connects with Mason and who is totally committed to her. Their relationship warms the heart and had me cheering for them all throughout this book. He is a fixer, and he goes above and beyond to make things better for her. This book has triggers so beware.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tameka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Age gap- where it was never mentioned, she didn't make bad decisions based on age, he was never mentioned as a silver fox etc. The only thing hinted at the possibility of his age is his daughter being old enoughto be married. So yeah, no to the age gap premise. Mafia romance- This book was light on the Mafia aspect also. Nevertheless, this was not a bad book, just not exactly what I was expecting. Happy reading.

[Jenni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason is instantly drawn to Shelby, and his obsession only grows saving her is only trapping her in a cage of his own, but could Shelby get free or love a man like him? Well written engaging, suspense, dark themes, obsessive and more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Bollard · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I gave it 3.5 stars but rounded up. Mason Ironside is an enforcer with a soft spot for Shelby Monroe, a woman whose brother he met in his very short prison start.

The bones of this story are good and strong however the ending leaves a lot to be desired with a lot of questions left unanswered.

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows the complicated relationship of Mason and Marie. An enjoyable read, which brings in other characters that have had their own stories in previous books in the Gatti series. As with the previous books the story was well written and gripping.

A good addition to the series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[brenda hurley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was well written and I enjoyed reading it I couldn't put it down. Iris T. Cannon does it again, I always look forward to reading her books. I can't wait to read more. This is the second book in this series. I recommend this book.

[Sammye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Gatti Enforcers series. It’s Mason and Marie’s engaging story. It’s so well written and interesting. It held my attention from start to finish. I enjoyed the drama, suspense and intense attraction between the characters

[Kristina Nikolic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my god
This book got me screaming cursing and laughing at the same
time. I love the chemistry between Mason and Shelbi and all the
plot got my mouth hanging open.I honestly can't wait the book
for ghost if he have one and the fbi agent.

[Lorraine Whiteley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters, great story and definitely a series I want to get my hands on! I received an ARC and leave this review voluntarily.