Welcome, fellow book revelers!😉😉
I am back with an all-new book review! 😊✨ This time, we are taking on a journey through the intricate world of “Distance,” the first installment of the Beneath The Mask Series and the Debut novel of Luna Mason. In this dark mafia romance, where the worlds of organized crime and sports (NOT REALLY) collide, we traverse a landscape rich in spice and suspense. As we delve into the review, remember that honesty will be my guide, and I aim to paint a comprehensive picture of the narrative.
Caution:
Before reading ‘Distance’ by Luna Mason, check out the trigger warnings, as this book follows themes that are unsuitable for everyone.
Blurb
Keller
From a poor, underground street fighter, I rose to fame as the world heavyweight boxing champion.
No one knew I was also a monster who hunted in the shadows.
Trapped in the mafia until my debts were paid.
A simple deal held my freedom- unify my belts.
It seemed simple until an enchanting British firecracker landed on my lap, knocking me sideways.
Wanting her was dangerous for us both, but I took her anyway.
Leaving me with the choice, fight for my freedom or hers.
When the truth is unmasked, could she still love me?
Would love be enough to battle our demons and come out on top?
Sienna
Newly single and focusing on building my life in New York, I’ve sworn off men for the foreseeable.
No one had ever stuck around long enough to let me believe in fairytales anyway.
That was until him.
He tried to hide himself from me but I couldn’t stay away.
When the mask shattered and the truth was revealed, could I still stay?
Even if it meant my life was at stake.
Could we get past our fear of love and fight for our Happily Ever After?
My Rating:
Overall: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
Plot: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Writing style: 3 ⭐⭐⭐
Hero: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Heroine: 4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Romance: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 3.5 ⭐⭐⭐
My Review:
Picture this: the boxing ring’s raw, physical intensity colliding with organized crime’s murky complexities. Now, meet Keller, our inked-up enforcer, a character brimming with potential. His brooding exterior, peppered with unexpected moments of sweetness, crafts a complex persona that piques the reader’s interest. But, like any well-drawn character, Keller isn’t flawless. On the flip side of this tumultuous romance, we encounter Sienna, a character with a solid foundation of admirable qualities. Weathering storms of infidelity and stalking, Sienna embodies resilience. Yet, the narrative leaves us craving a deeper exploration of her strength. Post-betrayal, Sienna’s character could have been elevated with more empowering moments. The spark in her character is there, but the narrative falls short in allowing Sienna to flex the strength she inherently possesses truly.
The narrative hurtles us into a whirlwind of passion between Sienna and Keller at breakneck speed. The instant connection sparks a fiery intensity, but it raises doubts about the depth of their bond. As readers, we’re left questioning whether a more gradual development could have allowed us to savor the evolution of their relationship. While the infusion of mafia elements into the boxing world should have injected an undeniable thrill into “Distance,” it, unfortunately, felt unbalanced and lacking. Despite the narrative’s promise, it was distracting, and grammatical errors and cringe-worthy dialogue hampered its potential.
Final Thoughts:
This plot had a ton of potential, you know? Mixing sports and the mafia—sounds like a killer combo. But man, it fell short in so many ways. I hate to say it, but it could’ve been way better. And seriously, did it have to be that long? The book could’ve used some serious trimming. It’s an okay start for a series, and there’s potential buried somewhere. Give it a shot if you’re into those dark, spicy, insta-love kinds of books. I’m curious to see what the author cooks up next, though. I can’t say I’m on the edge of my seat, but maybe the second book will redeem the whole thing. I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with those side characters—they were more interesting than the main story, to be honest.
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See you guys next time!
Luna Mason is an Amazon top #20 bestselling dark romance author. If she isn’t writing, you’ll find her with her head in a spicy book.