Untamed: A dark mafia cowboy romance

Beneath the Reign #1

by Luna Mason

He’s a mafia boss and a cowboy. They can come after my ranch, my freedom, even my life. But, no one gets away with touching my wife…



Hunter Sterling.

People call me by different names depending on which version of me they know.

The owner of Sterling ranch.
The heir to a mafia empire.
The murderer the town wants caged.

I have ninety days to prove I didn’t kill the mother of my son or I lose everything.

I should be focused on survival.

Instead, I fall for the same girl my best friend does.

Lola Jackson. The city girl. My firefly.

I’m the one she runs to when he hurts her and I’m the one who punishes him for it.

And I make her my wife so that the Sterling name will keep her protected long after I’m gone.

But it was always more than just names on a piece of paper. It’s the one thing that makes me fight harder to stay alive.

When the truth is revealed, it doesn’t just shatter me, it forces me to choose between my empire… or my wife.

But they’ve all forgotten who they’re dealing with.

And now they’re going to learn what happens when a cowboy stops playing nice and a mafia boss goes to war.

Genres: Dark Romance, Westerns, Romance, Mafia Romance, Cowboy Romance, Dark, Marriage Of Convenience

509 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 16, 2026

Reviews

[Shaz ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 - SMAAAAAAASH ❤️‍🔥 Hunter Sterling absolutely provided redemption and may have just become my #1 cowboy 🫦



Pre-read:
I am here for redemption and this dedication is already delivering! 🤠

This one is for my smut enthusiasts who look at a hot, tatted cowboy and think… "I wonder if he'd ride me that hard." Saddle up. You're in for a wild time. Hunter Sterling is about to give you his hat and prove… cowboys fuck better.

[Shira Kadashev · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 60%
Soooooo cringe and the most insta EVERYTHING I’ve ever read

[Kursed Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hunter Sterling is the charming owner of Sterling Ranch, serving up cowboy swagger and BDE in equal measure.

Influencer and heiress of a billion-dollar fashion empire, Lola Jackson followed her bestie, Violet, to New Falls, Arizona to take a break from the hustle. And while she’s there, she plans to test the theory that cowboys fuck better. But a one night stand was all it was supposed to be. Yet they both knew it was more than that before he even pulled out.

Before his father’s death, a business deal permanently linked the ranch to the mafia, leaving Hunter to navigate the fallout. And those consequences are coming in hot. Claiming Lola not only ties her to him, it also provides her protection. Unfortunately, it also paints a giant target on her back.

Does everything happen at warp speed? Absolutely. Did I care? Not even a little. The chemistry is instant, the connection feels genuine, and somehow it all works. And Hunter? Holy cowboy, that man is such a softie. I mean, I ain’t mad at it but… 😳🤠

Also, we need to discuss the real stars of this book because there’s a tie for Best Side Character: Wyatt and Gary!! 🐐

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Format: 📱

🗄️ Genre: Contemporary Romance
🗂️ Subgenre(s): Dark-ish, Mystery/Suspense, New Adult, Western

Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫🏻 {Dual | Present}
Emotions: 🥵🫠😤😳😍
Darkness: 🖤
Burn: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

✨ Tropes: Age Gap (~7), Billionaire, Family Saga, Found Family, Heroine in Danger, Instalove/Insta-Obsession, Mafia/Bratva/Organized Crime, One Night Stand, Single Parent
 
💫 Microtropes: Boy Obsessed, Caretaker/Protective MMC, Caveman/Bridal Carry, Forehead Kisses, “Fuck It”, “Good Girl”, Hand Necklace, He Falls First, He Falls Harder, Panty Thief, Pet Name (Firefly), Tattooed MMC, “Who Hurt You?”, “Yes, Sir”

🔆 Character: Heiress, Illegal Enterprises, Influencer, Photographer, Rancher/Cowboy

💋 Kinks: 🍑, Angel Wings, Bondage/Restraints, Crawl, Cum Jammer, Snowballing, Spitting

🤰🏻 Pregnancy: Epilogue

🚩 Red Flags: Jealous/Possessive/Obsessive, Touch-Her-and-💀, Tracking/Spying

⛔️ Safety Squad: Assault (Not by MMC), Kidnapping/Captive (Not by MMC), OM Drama (One Sided), Unaliving, Violence, and other potentially triggering elements. Triggers may appear both on- and off-page and in the past and/or present. If you have any hesitation, check the warnings before diving in. Otherwise, blind is best!!

📍 Setting: Ranch, Arizona 🇺🇸

📣 Type: Untamed is the first book in the Beneath the Reign series of interconnected standalones.

⚠️ Warning: This sweet and smutty read will leave your panties damp, your cheeks flushed and have you DoorDashing batteries for BOB.

🛑 Be Advised: My Goodreads shelves are … explicit in both senses. As such, they could be considered spoiler-y.

[Little · Rating 0.25 out of 5]

FULL SPOILERS BELOW- DETAILED SPOILERS





⚠️ this book the author has gone off my one click.
📍My running review as I read the book
Nothing happens by chapter 15 but them being “gone for each other.”
Like duuuuddde you looked at her in a bar. For a second. She looked back. Apparently the sex in the truck was life defining. Ready for the life changing sex:

“Oh, my God.” I cry out as he thrusts his hips up. His fingers tighten at my throat, while his other hand digs into my ass as he takes control completely, every movement confident and overwhelming, leaving no room for doubt about who’s leading this. He moves with an intensity that steals the air from my lungs, like he’s trying to consume every reaction, every sound, every breath I give him. When his mouth crashes against mine, heat explodes through me so violently I nearly lose it right there. And when his palm lands against my ass again, my body melts even further against him. To the point I can barely breathe. Hunter owns this moment. Owns me in it. Every powerful movement pulls another cry of his name from my throat, over and over, until I’m not chasing pleasure anymore, I’m desperate for it. “Fuck… fuck,” he groans against my ear, voice rough with restraint hanging by a thread. I lean forward, teeth sinking into his shoulder, and a growl rips from his chest in response. His hand fists in my hair, guiding me back, holding me exactly where he wants me. “You’re close,” he mutters, breath hot against my skin. “I can feel it. Fuck, Lola. So tight.” My whole body trembles, every nerve stretched tight. “Hands behind your back,” he orders. The command leaves no room for argument, and this time I don’t even think about pushing back. I obey, and his hand wraps around my wrists, holding them easily. “I need to come, Hunter,” I gasp. “Please… please.” His mouth claims mine, stealing the words from me, and everything fractures. “Now,” he grunts. The release hits me like a freight train, violent and all-consuming, my entire body shaking as pleasure crashes over me. And he follows, holding me tight as the moment pulls us both under. Afterward, we stay there, breathing hard, skin slick with sweat, the world outside the truck completely forgotten. Then, unexpectedly gentle, he presses a soft kiss to my temple. And a tear slips from my eye before I even realize it’s there. He pulls back immediately, hands coming up to frame my face, concern replacing heat in his expression. “Lola, you okay?” I glance at the fogged windows, and I lean over, drawing an ‘L’ with my finger. Then I look back at him. “I’ve never… felt anything like that before.”

THIS IS CHAPTER NINE! There is 85 chapters and epilogue to go.


Update currently on Chapter thirty two
It’s heading to a DNF.
Recap on what else has “happened”
Barely a sizzle date with her land lord who she doesn’t like because her parents might like him. I resent having to read that date.
A kids party happened. Apparently his child likes no one doesn’t even talk to family. But for some reason this stranger with red hair. The kid trusts. 😒
The biggest excitement he was arrested and then… released
The characters chemistry is so unbelievably nothing. How is there so many chapters.

Chapter 31 the overly nice landlord who is perfect and everyone wants him assaults her *gasps* we never saw the landlord being a plot device at all.

On chapter 32 where does she go — naturally to the cowboy who she had below mid sex with.

“I know you told me to stay away. To forget you ever existed.” Her voice splinters on the last word. “But, Hunter… I didn’t know what else to do. I’ve got nowhere to go, and I need you.”

His reasoning for telling her to “forget him” because he went to the police station for questioning for that one chapter and only to be released the next chapter. Though apparently they are “watching him”

Except from chapter 32:
“Lola.” I keep my voice steady. I owe her that. “I just need to know one thing. Who fucking did this to you, baby? Who hurt you?” She stares into my eyes. Past them. Into something deeper than I knew was there. And she says one word. “Reese.” My heart damn near stops. I grit my teeth so hard I feel the pressure in my skull. The furious part of me is screaming at me to get in my truck, drive to his apartment, and put a twelve-gauge slug through the door before he can open it. But I don’t. Because she’s standing in front of me barefoot and bleeding, and she came here. She didn’t call the cops. She didn’t run to a stranger. She got in her car, and she drove to me. Because I can keep her safe. So I nod. “Let’s get you inside, baby.” I lift her into my arms. She doesn’t fight me. Doesn’t argue. Doesn’t tell me she can walk. She just lets her head fall against my shoulder and lets me carry her through the front door and into the warmth of my home.


Chapter 33:

I shake my head and unbuckle his belt. “No, Hunter. I need you. Make me forget about him. Mark me as yours. Reese told me I’d never be yours. Only his. I want to be yours, cowboy.” I hold his stare, run my hands through his thick, dark hair, and tug him down to me. “I dare you. Take me.” “Fuck it,” he growls. And then his mouth is on mine. It’s feral. Full of passion and hunger and everything I need to burn Reese’s touch from my skin. He rips off his shirt and shoves down his jeans, kicking them across the tile floor. He’s almost panting by the time his blue eyes meet mine again. “Fuck. I need you so bad, Lola. I really fuckin’ need you.”


Why is he panting before they even had sex? The dude has ripped his top off. Surely we are in for another hot and heavy sex scene


“More. Ride me, city girl.” So I do. I sink down and up, hard. Over and over. Until the pressure builds to something almost unbearable. His fingers dig into my ass, pushing me even deeper onto him. I cry out as his mouth finds mine. His fingers tighten around my throat. “You gonna come hard for me, baby?” he mutters against my lips. “So hard. Please.” His hand on my ass slips between my cheeks, and his finger presses gently against my back entrance. My blood hammers in my ears. A shriek of pleasure rips out of me. He’s just teasing there, barely touching, but it’s enough to send me over the edge. I come so hard my whole body locks around him. I almost see stars as he holds me tight, chasing his own release. He fills me up with my name on his lips, breathless, wrecked, his forehead falling against my shoulder. We stay there. Tangled together in the warm water, trying to remember how to breathe. I rest my head on his tattooed chest and listen to his heartbeat slow. And then he presses a kiss to the side of my head. And I feel him. Still inside me. Still hard. My eyes go wide. “Hunter…” I say carefully, sitting upright. “Yes, firefly?” he says lazily, stroking my hair from my face. “We didn’t use a condom.” He bites his lip. “No. We didn’t.” It comes out calm. A hell of a lot calmer than I feel. “Aren’t you scared? What if I get pregnant?”



I swear to the god if this turns into a surprise pregnancy I will just return the book


So the sex scene continues. Instead of being stimulated by words I got the MMC not understanding how a woman wants oral.

“Because I’m about to show you just how good a cowboy eats pussy.” My eyes blow wide. That heat is already creeping over me again. His filthy mouth does things to me that I didn’t know were possible. Getting turned on by words alone. Who even am I anymore? “B-but you just came inside me. Isn’t that…” I can’t even finish the sentence. “Hot as hell, Lola,” he finishes it for me. Okay. Yeah. It is. “Just watch,” he tells me. And I do. Resting on my good hand, I let him tease me with his tongue. Long, slow strokes that make my legs start to shake almost immediately. I can feel him groaning against me as I roll my hips, chasing more pressure, and the vibration alone nearly sends me over. His fingers push inside me, and I cry out. “Want to taste just how hot we are together, city girl?” he rasps from between my legs. Everything he’s done so far has been incredible. Everything he’s given me tonight has peeled away a layer of fear and replaced it with something I don’t have a name for yet. So fuck it. Why not? “Yes, please.” Before I’ve even finished speaking, he pulls back and stands. One hand wraps around my throat. The other stays inside me. My eyes are wide, but I open my mouth. He leans down, hovering his lips above mine. And then he spits into my mouth. I swallow and lick my lips, and something inside me detonates. The taste of us together swirling around in my mouth. He ups the pace of his fingers. His thumb circles my clit. I can hear how soaked I am for him. The sounds I’m making fill the bathroom and should embarrass me, but don’t. “Let me have it, firefly. Nice and hard for me.” I obey. My next orgasm crashes over me so violently that my vision whites out. I taste him on my tongue. I feel him everywhere. Every nerve in my body fires at once, and I come apart in his hands like I was built to. “Perfect,” he declares against my lips. I smile, fluttering my lashes. “That was.” “Now, do you feel better?” I nod. And I mean it. I feel pieced back together. Not whole but no longer shattered. “Good girl.” He presses a kiss to my forehead. Then pulls back and looks at me with an expression that has nothing soft in it. “I’m going to go and stomp on my ex-best friend’s face, and then I’ll be right back to you. Okay?”


No not okay. He spat in her mouth at least offer aftercare or mouthwash.


Chapter 34

Apparently she is family now and is living at the ranch


Chapter 35

She had a glass of water tells her best friend she is completely fine after being attacked and reads his son a bed time story

Chapter 36

He gets payback with the land lord. Cause apparently Lola is “his”


What’s happens between 37 to 40

- she moved in with him
- apparently she is his soulmate and he wants “city girl” his chronic nickname for her to be a wrangler now.
- a murder who did it. Which is just him saying. He needs to find out who killed Ashley. (His dead wife) Which is being pinned on him. Naturally.

Chapter 40 ends with him deciding he should marry her because… if something happens to him “city girl” will have no protection.
WHO DOES SHE NEED PROTECTION FROM!?
The landlord he apparently “dealt with”

Dead god. The maths don’t maths.

CHAPTER 41:

I try to hide my gasp behind my hands. Turn to face him. “D-do you… kill people?” I blurt out. “Yes, baby. I’ve killed a lot of people in my time.” He holds my gaze and doesn’t look away. Doesn’t soften it for me. “I don’t do it unless it’s necessary, and they’re always fuckin’ scumbags. We have rules. Morals, to an extent.” I nod. My brain is spinning, but my heart is steady. Because the man sitting next to me, the one who makes hot chocolate from scratch and carries me up staircases and gets his son a goat-shaped birthday cake, is the same man who just told me he’s killed people. And somehow, I’m not running. Hunter does not scare me.


Of course she isn’t running, she had that life changing below average sex in the back of a car. and IT GETS WORSE

“Nope. I want the real you. Not the girl online.” He pauses. “Although I bet I’d be obsessed with her too.” I pull out my phone, open my page, and slide it across the table. He starts scrolling. And I watch it happen, his jaw ticking, his body shifting in the booth, his eyes going wide. “Fuck, Lola. Fuck.” He bites his lip. “You’re fucking beautiful. You know that, right?” He hands the phone back to me. “But this ain’t who you want to be?” I look down at the screen. I'm in sunglasses, partying in Miami, in a bikini that costs more than some people’s cars. “No.” I shake my head. “I know it sounds crazy. But that’s what I ran from. I don’t want my parents’ life. I don’t want to sell their products with my face and my name.” I find the landscape photo I posted and turn the screen back to him. “This is who I want to be.” He looks at the photo. A real smile spreads across his face.


She doesn’t want to be a famous city party girl. She wants to be on a farm now. Though… she didn’t know wha a wrangler was A CHAPTER AGO.



Chapter 42

They get engaged in a diner while having milkshakes. How billionaire mafia cowboy of him. Like dude. You have a ranch that is meant to be all it? Or you couldnt at least try for a restaurant? Nope. Milkshakes. Great time to pop the question.


Chapter 43
- a few paragraphs of a sex scene happens
- chapter 44 mostly meh sex

Chapter 45
They get married in a courthouse. The billionaire mafia badass doesn’t even pay for a flower.

In a courthouse. The fastest ceremony they could give us. No flowers. No music. No aisle. Just a clerk behind a desk, and the woman I’d burn the world down for standing in front of me in a white dress and the biggest smile on her face. I pull out the little surprise I bought her in a boutique earlier while she was hunting for some earrings. A dainty little cherry necklace on a gold chain. Everything about it reminded me of my firefly. Holding it up between us, she runs her finger along the cherries.

He offers to get cherries tattooed on his dick. Wow. Apparently that is her safe word. Instead he decides to get her name tattooed on his dick, just because.


Chapter 46 - 55
- found he killed someone in the barn didn’t care jsut assumed the dead person deserved it
Everyone found they got married GASPS
he has to find out who killed Ashley again apparently. His wife that was murdered.
REMEMBER- the reason he married Lola was so she was protected & safe. That worked out well for his first wife. So why not repeat it.
End of chapter 55 someone shots through the window at her, naturally he does “hold on baby I’m coming”

Chapter 58- 61
- he gets arrested in 58… he’s out by the beginning of chapter 60.
- she rides a horse


Chapter 62

“Or you could beg,” I suggest. She doesn’t hesitate. Not even a second. “Please, Hunter. Sir. Please fuck me. Fuck me like it’s the last time. Fuck me like the dirty little slut I am for you. I want your huge cock filling me up. Please.” “Fuck!” I hiss. My hand cracks down on her ass as I thrust in hard, all the way to the hilt in one stroke. She cries out so loud it bounces off every beam in the barn.

Chapter 64
- she wants to attend her fathers birthday and not deal with the “hassle” of telling her parents she got married. CUZ LIKE marriage is so temporary.

He says this gold line:

“Maybe you should think about whether this is really where you belong, Lola. Or if you just like the idea of playing house until the real world comes calling.”


SIGGGGHHHHS in 3 act break up that seems to be coming.


Chapter 65

“You can keep your private jet,” I say, shoving on a dress I snatch from the chair. “And your opinions about my life choices.” I shove my feet into sneakers and grab the bag I packed last night from the corner of the room. “Lola, please. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it.”

WAIT. He had a private jet and still proposed in a local DINER with a MILKSHAKE?


Chapter 66
Nothing says mafia bad ass like this line:
Fuck. Fuck. Fuckety. Fuck. I messed that up. Completely. Spectacularly. I watch from the kitchen window as Lola gets into Beau’s truck. She doesn’t look back.

Chapter 67
- his brother tries to shot her. Unfortunately she lives and I still have another 23 chapters to go.

His brother is the “big bad” and holds her captivity. Apparently his brother and the landlord/bestfriend were working together. Why. 🤷‍♀️
She’s shot again or hit by the landlord. I don’t know. But there is a she is dying moment again during chapter 77

Chapter 82
They say their vows again. Why… cause she wanted to see him a suit? Who knows. We are near the end. It is a chapter of name drops potentially setting up other characters books.

Some more mid sex and she is going to stop taking the pill.

In the epilogue set six weeks later we find out she is pregnant

[Sinful Dreamer · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 75%. the insta everything aspect completely ruined the experience for me.

[Mads · Rating 4 out of 5]

(⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5) Woooo, they moved fast! But I liked it. I was so entertained with the plot. Luna & Hunter both had engaging stories that fit well together. I would’ve rated it higher, but the pace of their relationship was a bit wild. Not even just for Luna & Hunter, but even for Wyatt, like damn, was it even week(s)?? But the chemistry was crazy. The glimpse of the other characters makes me excited for their books though, especially Harper & Ace. I love a second chance romance.

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, I picked this one up and didn't want to put it down. The combination of mafia and small town cowboy is where it is at. I mean what more can you ask for than a morally grey cowboy? Yeah, that's what I thought.

Listen, Untamed will deliver everything that you love about Luna Mason. You will get a morally grey MMC who will literally burn the world down for his FMC, a dose of insta love, and a spicy plot. It's always a really good time. What I loved about the one is the bit of suspense. I always love to read a book with a bad guy and try to figure out who it is. And this book had that element so I was in heaven.

There was truly nothing that I didn't like about this one. The vibes were there. The plot kept me engaged. I loved all of the characters and the easter eggs for what is to come. Hunter is morally grey and he will quite literally burn the world down for Lola. She is his light in the dark. Lola has a fun personality and she keeps Hunter on his toes. She also meets his crazy and accepts him and his criminal ways. Hunter's son Wyatt was absolutely adorable. The way he loved Lola like a mother was so sweet to see. And an honorable mentions: Gray the goat.

Luna, I love the direction you are going with this one and I can NOT wait for the next Sterling brother! The easter eggs in this book has me straight feral!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Small Town/Dark Romance
- Cowboy x City Girl
- Instalove/lust
- Single Dad
- Marriage of Convenience
- Mafia
- Morally Grey MMC

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Luna Mason for allowing me the absolute pleasure to read Untamed as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insta love is not my bag I don’t think BUT….

Truck and barn f*cks definitely are!!! THIS COWBOY WAS HOT AS HELL 😮‍💨😮‍💨😮‍💨

Dark mafia cowboy romance, I had a good time!

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5(♾️)🌟, 4🌶️

Untamed really said saddle up… and then hit me with cowboy charm and pure, unfiltered trouble 😏🤠

Mafia, cowboy, and chaos? Say less, I was already sold. 🔥

A morally grey cowboy tied to danger, a high-stakes situation hanging over his head, and a woman who walks straight into his world like she owns it had me hooked instantly. What starts as a messy, accidental connection turns into something way more intense when they’re forced into each other’s orbit, and neither of them can really step away.

Hunter is all control and danger on the outside, but underneath he is soft in a way that really hits, especially when it comes to his son 🥺. Lola brings light, chaos, and just enough boldness to match him without ever backing down. Their chemistry is instant and intense, the tension never lets up, and the emotional moments land so well. Add in the suspense, the found family, and those little hints of what is coming next, and I was completely locked in

This book just delivers on every level. It is emotional, fun, and a little unhinged in the best way, and so easy to get lost in. The author has me fully hooked because how does she keep doing this every single time? Five stars, no hesitation.

This book owns me at this point 💋

~~~~

Huge thank you to Luna Mason and Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[Morgan | bookish_morgano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hunter might be one of my newest top 5 book boyfriends from Luna Masons universe!

Right from the beginning Daddy Hunter energy was off the charts! The chemistry between him and Lola was so electric I could not stop reading! Plus seeing him interact with his son had me swooning immediately.

I really enjoyed the small town cowboy aspect to this mafia mix but found it was still exciting with the mafia pacing but a touch slower during the first half (more small town vibes).

It was also so fun to see Drago, Enzo, and Conan in this book! I love them all so much and cannot wait for book 2! I called Ace being next up and I’m so so excited!!! 😏

Add to your TBR if you like:
- mafia cowboy x city girl
- betrayal & satisfying revenge
- he falls first
- single dad vibes
- mafia shenanigans
- BD$M (snowballing, ropes, yes sir, good girl)
- grumpy x sunshine

I am so grateful for the opportunity to ARC read this book and am forever grateful to Luna and her team!

[Kait · Rating 1 out of 5]

No way they fuck one time and now they are married???

[Courteney · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just don’t have the strength to persevere with this

[Ally · Rating 1 out of 5]

You're welcome for the sacrifice I just made so you don't have to read this book.

[lara]

do yourself a favour and don’t pick this up :)
the writing is bland and it’s insta everything, what the frick do you need 85 chapters for?

[Hannah Cowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved so much

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Untamed by Luna Mason 🐴🩸⛓️

⭐️⭐️⭐️/ 3 stars
🌶️🌶️🌶️/ spice rating

The first like 90 pages of this book had me hooked in and I couldn’t put my kindle down. However, these two came together WAYYYY too soon for my liking. Now hear me out, I don’t mind the instant attraction trope, but these two felt such big emotions without actually knowing anything about each other. And whilst I did actually like Hunter & Lola as characters I couldn’t really enjoy their relationship together because it felt so surface level, they came together at around 38% percent into the book and from there on out the book felt off. I am very curious about the rest of the characters in this series and can see why this book is going to appeal to many but it was rushed in my opinion. The characters should have got to know each other more and I would have felt more confident in their love for one another. This is just a personal preference I have when I want to become invested in the main couples romance. Now I’m really intrigued about Harper & Ace’s story for sure as I can sense a second chance romance coming and I need Violets book too because my girl did make me cackle quite a few times 🤭

What to Expect/ Tropes:
~ insta love/ insta attraction 🫦
~ morally grey cowboy x city girl ❤️‍🔥
~ touch her & you die 💀
~ single dad
~ murder mystery
~ marriage for “protection”
~ ranchers that work with the mafia
~ lots of sizzling spicy scenes with; rope play, mirrors, a fuck in his truck, primal play, spanking, bath tub fucking, lots of blow jobs and Hunter loves to eat Lola out 🥵💦🍆😺

[Paperback Princess]

Instant DNF when there’s too much dialogue about social media.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because Lola isn’t the kind of woman you sit around talking about with your friends. No. She’s the kind of woman who crawls under your skin. The kind that shows up in your dreams. And I already know one thing for certain. I’m going to chase my firefly.”

So, instead of reading the books I most definitely should be reading... I download a completely new book by a new author and DEVOUR it with zero regrets. Did I want to download the sequel as well? YES, but I didn't because for some dumb reason I motivated myself to read a book that was already downloaded on my kindle. Ugh, book reading responsibility can sometimes be the worst. And yet, I'm still very excited to get my hands on the sequel whenever I can (which will probably be by the end of the day if I'm being completely honest here).

Hunter was aboslutely everything a girl could ask for (and then some). Honestly, cowboys probably do a lot of things better and I'm devastated I know absolutely none of them. I loved hoe things were kind of instantaneous between him and Lola but also kind of not at the same time. Did I think the marriage of convenience was way too fast? Sure, who wouldn't... but that doesn't change the fact that I absolutely did not put this book down either. It worked for them and it worked for me in the end.

Did I think two certain people should've suffered more? ABSOLUTELY! In the end, I'm just happy that they are all safe and happy. I'm also very intrigued to see how Ace will feel about his ex being in the next town over. I wonder if he already knew that or if it'll be a surprise when they get reunited. Definitely want to know why they really broke up and such. So soooo happy that I randomly came across this hot man cover and absolutely need more cowboy mafia romances in my life.

Hot damn!

[R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

cringey at times แต่อ่านละค่ดติดมือเลย สนุกแบบละครๆ

พระเอกไปสุดทุกด้านดี จะเป็นมาเฟียที่ฆ่าคนได้หน้าตาเฉย จะคาวบอยดูแลไร่ที่ขนาดใหญ่จนแทบจะเปนจังหวัดนึง หรือจะซิงเกิ้ลแด๊ดที่ละมุนละเกินนนนน หรือเป็นผู้ชายคนนึงที่รักเธอไม่ไหวแล้ว ยอมทุกอย่าง เออเป็นให้ได้หมดนั่นแหละ

spice: 3.5

[Caitlin Kershaw · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a book club pick:

I wanna start with the positives, which is that it’s a very easy read. I am a slow reader, and I was able to read most of it in a day.

Honestly, i have two major issues with this book beyond my little issues which matter a lot less.

I would rate this book as a 1.5-2. The writing was lackluster, which was a huge reason why I feel like I didn’t connect to this book at all. I felt like the author was just telling me the story instead of an immersing me in it. And I feel like every chapter everything was so over explained that I just kept skipping large paragraphs because I can use my own context clues to figure out what the characters are feeling or thinking. The writing also added to the lack of spice to the smutty scenes. I didn’t feel heat or connection between the characters. It was just words on paper without any immersion into the scene.
(I haven’t seen anyone else talk about the writing so maybe I just don’t like this authors writing style)


The other reason I didn’t feel connected to the story or the characters was because of the instant everything. This entire book happens within the span of like a month. I can understand and get behind insta-lust but not love, marriage, moving in, the kid calling her mommy, etc.
they tried to do this back-and-forth thing where it’s like we can’t be together, but we still want to be together, but it was more annoying than anything. And don’t get me started on the “ I’ll chase you” but no chasing happens.

Overall, the instant everything and the writing killed this book for me.

[Mel's corner Angham · Rating 1 out of 5]

10 percent in and I was already not feeling it. The writing style is lacking... Something about how she describes things is too simplistic... Also how many times can you say the words "the mafia" in one chapter... It just isn't working for me

[Darkest Bellé · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars!!!

This book? Yeah… it completely sank its claws into me and refused to let go.

There’s just something dangerously addictive about the collision of small-town ranch life and mafia darkness and this story leans all the way in. Dusty boots, quiet fields, and a man with blood on his hands? It shouldn’t work this well, but it does. The tension, the danger, the way the calm of the ranch masks everything lurking underneath… it’s the kind of atmosphere that keeps you on edge in the best way.

Hunter is that morally gray cowboy you know you shouldn’t fall for but you will anyway. He’s ruthless, calculated, and absolutely unhinged when it comes to protecting what’s his. The “burn the world down for her” energy? Not just talk. He proves it. And yet, somehow, Lola softens the edges of him without ever trying to change who he is. She walks into his chaos, matches his intensity, and becomes the one thing grounding him in a life built on shadows.

And Lola? She’s not just some city girl out of her element. She’s sharp, bold, and brings this light that doesn’t weaken Hunter it challenges him. Their connection is instant, intense, and yeah, fast… but it works. It feels like inevitability. Like that kind of love that doesn’t ask permission it just is.

“Like soulmates.” And honestly? That’s exactly what they felt like.

But what really got me was Wyatt.
Hunter trying to be the best father he can be while carrying the weight of his world? That hit. And Wyatt and Lola together? Completely stole my heart. Their bond is soft, genuine, and full of those quiet emotional moments that balance out all the danger and heat. That little found-family dynamic adds so much depth to the story.

Speaking of heat… yeah, this one brings it. The chemistry is intense, the tension is constant, and the steamy moments are woven perfectly into the story without taking away from the plot. It’s that perfect mix of emotional connection and undeniable physical pull.
And then there’s the suspense.

The lurking danger, the “who can you trust” energy, the underlying threat that keeps building in the background it adds this addictive layer that makes it impossible to put down. You’re not just here for the romance, you’re in it for the unraveling chaos too.

By the end, I was fully invested not just in Hunter and Lola, but in everything being set up for what’s coming next. The hints, the connections, the lingering questions? I’m already impatient.

If you love:

🖤 Small town with a dark edge
🤠 Cowboy × City Girl
🖤 Morally gray MMC
🔥 Fast, intense romance
🖤 Single dad + found family feels
💍 Marriage of convenience vibes
🖤 Mafia suspense threaded through it all

Then yeah… this one’s going to own you too.

[Smutty Little Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Luna can write no wrong. This book consumed me and I was in love. I have a soft spot for dark cowboys and Hunter was giving everything I needed in so much more!

I don't want to spoil anything so I will just say, if you like Mafia, Single Dad, oppositive attract, immediately obsessed MMC, pick up this book. The spice was spicing, the cowboys were cowboying and I was shouting "yeehaw!" the whole way through.

One thing to note: When I say immediately obsessed, I mean it. These two move FAST so in some ways, you have to check logic out the door. If you are someone who struggles with storylines like that, this may not be the book for you. As for everyone else though... read the damn book!

Some top tier quotes:

"Something about this place feels like the beginning of a story I haven’t read yet. And I want to turn the page."

“If that were the case, you wouldn’t have got in the truck. Your panties wouldn’t be soaking. And you wouldn’t be blushing the second I called you good girl, now would you?”

[Kiki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story...

Single dad cowboyw x city girl
Found family
Betrayals
Mysterie enemies at play

And swoony romance with the edge of revenge

Fav quotes:

• "...I’d watched fireflies flicker through the grass, thinking how the prettiest things wait for dark to show themselves. How beauty hides until night falls. And now, watching that woman glowunder neon lights in the middle of my bar, every instinct I have settles into one dangerous thought..."

• "...the firefly that just walked through the door is about to burn a whole lot brighter than anything I’m ready for."

• You walked into my life like a light in a place I thought was dark. My firefly.”

[Christie Hardin · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 plus Stars
Spice: 3/5

Reread 8/11/26 -

I just could not forget this book/couple. So I did a reread prior to jumping into Ace & Harper’s story.

First read date 4/28/26

Hunter (age 34 - aka Cowboy) & Lola (age 27 - aka city girl, aka Firefly) were everything and more. Wyatt, most of the Sterling siblings, Violet and Gary were icing on the cake. Excited to read Ace & Harper’s story.

I figured out the plot twist before it was revealed but it still stung. Wow.

This book is so good. I highly recommend.

Don’t miss out on the bonus epilogue. There’s a new cowgirl on the ranch.

This was my first book by Luna Mason. I will be exploring all of her backlog. Definite “auto buy” moving forward.

🤞Viloet gets her own book

[Ashley Miller · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay, I really tried to see this one through since I got the ALC for it, but I just couldn’t do it. The insta-love and insta “you’re mine” dynamic gave me major ick right from the start. And the sex scenes that were supposed to be “life changing” 🤢 Lola girl… if that’s life-changing, I’m concerned. 😅
And the landlord… it felt so obvious that at some point he’s going to assault Lola and Hunter will swoop in to “save her.” Maybe I’m wrong since I won’t be continuing, but instead of the mystery feeling suspenseful or shocking, it just felt way too predictable to me.

I was so excited for the single dad / “bad cowboy” vibes this book was marketed with. Unfortunately, this one just wasn’t for me.

[Readwithmelis · Rating 5 out of 5]

My very first cowboy romance review! 🤠❤️ I’ve had so many cowboy books on my TBR, but I finally picked this one up and OH MY GOD, best decision ever!!! This is officially my absolute favorite book If I could give it infinite stars, I would. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐♾️

The story follows Hunter, a single dad cowboy, and Lola, a city girl. It was literal love at first sight, and the tension is absolutely unmatched. 🔥 They are such a fiery couple, but what I loved most was their communication and how much they trusted each other. And Hunter’s son, Wyatt... He is the sweetest little baby! 🥺 When he called Lola "mommy" for the first time, I lost it. I started crying like he was talking to me. The book made me so emotional, I couldn't stop tearing up. And when I turned the final page? I literally cried because it was over!😭😭

If you love Single Dad, Cowboy, and Mafia tropes, you NEED to read this immediately!

I am SO excited for book two. I already fell in love with Ace in this book and I need his story right now or I'm gonna scream! 🥹Need to devour it ASAP!

[Buffy・❥・ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay so this was a cowboy/mafia romance which I feel like is very uncommon in the mafia romance world so I was very intrigued going into it and honestly it didn’t disappoint. I was sucked in since the start with this one.. I loved the relationship development b/t the MMC and FMC, the side stories and the spice 🥵 was really good also. Usually I don’t like the single dad storyline but this one wasn’t too bad and I feel like overall the story was very beautifully written. The only harp I’ll give it is the pet names b/t the main characters gotta a little cringy at moments but overall still very cute and enjoyed it

[Kaitlin Dice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Luna Mason has entered her cowboy era and I’m here for it. It wouldn’t be a Luna Mason story without a mafia twist to it though! Untamed is book one in her all new series Beneath The Reign. Make it a single dad story and I’m sold even more. Being a darker themed book Luna still manages to pack all the insta love, swoon worthy moments and banter into it. One thing this author always does that I love is she always finds a way to bring all of her worlds together. Characters from her past series that you love will always pop up for little glimpses.

[Cassandra ☀️🌊☕️📚 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m normally not big on mafia romances, but Luna had me with mafia boss cowboy. I’ve been in my cowboy era since last year. The chemistry between Hunter and Lola did not disappoint. I love how they met. The reason why it wasn’t a five star read for me is because of the insta love and how fast they were moving in their relationship. I also had a problem with how predictable part of the story was with what happened to Hunter. I’m a sucker for second chance romances, so I can’t wait to read Ace’s and Harper’s story next.