Instinct

Beneath The Blaze #5

by Luna Mason

Lily

Five years ago, my life was destroyed, and my dreams of becoming a ballerina burned with it.
That night, someone pulled me out of the dark.
I never saw his face.
Never heard his voice.
I only remember his cologne.
When my father resurfaces, I’m dragged back into the mafia world.
And protected by the one man who feels dangerously familiar.

Drago Korolyov. Moy zashchitnik.

What we have isn’t just temptation. It’s a love deep enough to start wars.
The real danger isn’t just the price on my head or the cult hunting me.
It’s the truth Drago is hiding.
He can protect me from almost anything.
And loving him might be the most dangerous thing of all.

Drago

I was raised in blood.
Violence isn’t something I do. It’s what I am.
And then there was Lily Morozova.
My best friend’s daughter… the one person I was never meant to touch.
So I did my duty.
I watched from the shadows.
Killed threats before they ever reached her.

Lily became my secret obsession. My lastochka.

When her past comes back bleeding into her present, I step out of the dark and into her life.
There’s nowhere left for me to hide, and every boundary I built collapses.
They say monsters don’t get happy endings.
Fine. I’m not asking for redemption.
All I want is a lifetime of loving Lily.
And with a war fast approaching, I’ll risk everything to make sure she gets out of this alive.
I’m prepared to die for the woman I love.
But I’ll burn the world down first to try and claim the forever we were never supposed to have.

Instinct is a dark mafia romance.
Tropes include- Dad’s best friend, former ballerina, bodyguard romance, grumpy x sunshine and forbidden love.
This book is the final book in the Beneath The Blaze series, but it can be read as a standalone.

Genres: Dark Romance, Mafia Romance, Dark

579 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 18, 2026

Reviews

[Paige (wingsandsmut) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️. Daddy Drago!! This book was literally everything I wanted for Drago & Lily! Their journey was full of so many emotions and I think that it perfect for the two of them. Definitely a slower burn, but the tension and chemistry between these two was perfection. It was hard to put down and that twist definitely threw me for a loop! I love how this series wrapped up, and if you have loved the other books in Beneath the Blaze, I think you’re going to love this one too!

What to expect:
✨dark mafia romance
✨bodyguard x former ballerina
✨dad’s best friend
✨age gap
✨groveling
✨romantic suspense
✨grumpy x sunshine

Thank you to Luna Mason and Valentine PR for the chance to read/review Instinct, all opinions are my own.

[Hayley Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Advance copy Review from Author

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

Luna mason you had me in a sobbing mess as soon as this book finished

This book was beautifuly crafted together with emotion and love and protection


I should have known it would leave me like this as every single one of your books has this affect on me.
This is final book of the Beneath the Blaze series and girl you sent us out with fireworks what an ending to the series


Watching Lily and Drago grow together throughout the book was intense and emotional and heart wrenching at times but we needed this book.
This book broke me at 70% I was in a sobbing mess but in true luna style healed me through the rest of the book


I was fully invested into the story of Drago and Lily that at 50% I couldn't put it down I was hooked so much I read it till I finished it.
Luna delivered on the spice between Drago and Lily, it was hot had me blushing and a hot mess


It was lovely to see all the other characters from the universe  in this book and the banter between all of them was amazing.


Saying goodbye to this series is like cutting out a piece of me, every single book had so much meaning to them but these books all lead to Enzo and he's going to break me beautifully when the time comes


Luna thankyou for allowing me to be an arc reader for your beautiful book


This is my honest review

[Faiza BEGUM · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓, 𝒍𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒌𝒂."

I honestly sat there staring at my screen when I finished this book, completely undone. Luna has done it again—like, at this point I should know better than to expect anything less than brilliance. This was the final chapter of Beneath The Blaze series and I am not emotionally prepared to let these characters go. Not even a little. 💔📖

Drago’s story wrecked me in the best way. A man who has spent his entire life believing he’s undeserving of love, never truly belonging anywhere, living only for duty. He was supposed to be nothing more than the protector of his best friend’s daughter… except it was never just that. His need to keep Lily safe turns into something consuming, fierce, and all-encompassing. The kind of devotion that borders on obsession—but in the way that makes your chest ache. 🖤🔥 He would burn the world down for her, no hesitation.

"𝒀𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒚𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓, 𝑳𝒊𝒍𝒚," 𝒉𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒆𝒂𝒕𝒔, 𝒔𝒍𝒐𝒘𝒆𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆. "𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖'𝒓𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒉 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓."

And Lily… my heart. She’s carrying the weight of deep trauma while still trying to build a future for herself. All she wants is peace, warmth, safety—to feel cherished instead of broken. She’s resilient and brave, yet achingly fragile in the moments that matter most. A truly layered FMC who feels real.🌙🤍

What completely pulled me under was the bond between Lily and Drago. Their connection wasn’t rushed or flashy—it was intense, emotional, and painfully honest. Watching them grow together, confront their fears, and slowly soften around each other had me fully invested. I felt every step of their journey. This book had me crying actual tears, the kind that come from deep in your soul. It was stunning, devastating, and beautiful all at once. 😭✨

They shattered me—but somehow it felt healing. Both of them endure so much, and it hurts equally for each of them. You grieve with them, you ache for them. And yet, through all the pain, they find solace in one another. They don’t fix each other because neither of them is broken—but together, they learn how to heal. That alone destroyed me. 🫶💔

Also, can we talk about Rowan for a second ? Because every single time he calls Drago “Dragon,” I lost it. 😂 The man is never letting that go, and honestly ? I hope he never does.

Some of my favorite moments didn’t even revolve around romance. Drago’s dynamic with Charlotte and Isabella absolutely melted my heart. He’s completely powerless when it comes to those two—and Bella clinging to him like he’s her personal safe haven? I was done for. 🥹🧸 That soft side of him just hits different.

Now… the spice. 🥵🔥 Listen. I knew Luna was going to deliver. I told myself I was ready. I was not. Those scenes had me breathless, clutching my Kindle, fully forgetting how to function like a normal human. The tension, the intimacy, the way every moment felt earned—sweet mercy.

And the ending ? Don’t even get me started. I literally threw my Kindle across the room. I screamed. I’m pretty sure I traumatized anyone within a five-mile radius. 😱📚 Absolute chaos. Absolute perfection.

Saying goodbye to this story hurts more than I expected. I’m not ready to let go, and my heart is genuinely aching over it. But every ending opens the door to something new… and if that something new is Enzo’s book ? 👀❤️ I need it immediately. Like, yesterday. I am starving for it.

Luna, thank you for breaking my heart so beautifully. This story will stay with me for a very long time. 💫📖

[Mikayla Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵🩰ARC Review🩰🩵

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

Holy Hell, Luna had done it again. Not that we should be surprised; she is the Queen of Chaos!! This book destroyed me in the best of ways! This was the final book of the Beneath The Blaze series, and it was truly the perfect ending to this series. I’m not ready to say goodbye to these characters. I can’t wait to see what Luna has next. Now, Lily and Drago are everything, and their story is heartbreakingly beautiful! Drago, this man is everything. He is one of my favorite MMCs in the Luna universe. His story is heartbreaking. Reading how he has never felt good enough for love broke my heart and made me cry multiple times. But seeing how he felt that protecting Lily from a distance was going to be the only thing he had to watch him fall in love with Lily was beautiful, and I’m so glad he got his happy ending with Lily. Now, Lily, holy heck, her story is heartbreaking as well. Watching as she tries to deal with the trauma of her past as she tries to build her future. My heart broke. Lily feels so real, and I believe that a lot of us will connect with her on a deeper level because just like Lily, we just want someone that will give us peace, safety, and someone that makes us feel cherished and not broken. That their trauma isn’t a burden. The struggles this couple goes through and the way they both help each other see each other is beautiful! They fight for each other and show each other how worthy each other is. The connection these two have is quick and intense and painfully honest that you root for them, and when they go through anything, you grieve, ache, and cheer for them as well. You just want them to be happy. I love the found family that Luna creates in her world and how they will always show up and help each other out. I loved seeing the other MMCs from previous books and how they brought welcomed comic relief throughout the book. The twins and Conan had me dying laughing. Also, seeing Drago with Charlotte and her babies had my heart. I loved the relationship Drago has with the brothers and how much respect they have for him. The spicy scenes, holy hell!! Luna, ma’am, those scenes were amazing and damn!! 10 out of 10, no notes!!😂 This book has everything: it has the spice, the heartbreaking real moments, and the twists and turns that you won’t see coming. I had a few times when I threw my phone across the room because, y’all, girl, was shook!! The way this series ended with a bang was chaos, and holy hell, am I ready for Enzo because of that ending!! I can’t believe we are at the end of the Beneath The Blaze series, and I don’t know how to say goodbye to them!! They truly changed my life and showed how even through the darkness and silence, it will get better. That we aren’t a burden, and I can’t thank Luna enough for giving these amazing characters to us!! You truly broke my heart and put it back together in the most beautiful ways!! If you want a book that will make you ugly cry and show you that the light will always find you, go check out this book on Feb. 18th on Kindle Unlimited!! You won’t be disappointed, I promise!!


🩵🩰Thank you so much for the ARC! This review is my opinion🩰🩵

[Raindrops.and.Books (Scarlett J) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

“𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭, 𝐈 𝐡𝐮𝐫𝐭. 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭, 𝐈’𝐦 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮. 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨. 𝐁𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐈 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨. 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐞𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮, 𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐮𝐬, 𝐧𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭.”

“𝐀𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬 𝐦𝐞, 𝐦𝐨𝐲 𝐳𝐚𝐬𝐡𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐭𝐧𝐢𝐤, 𝐦𝐲 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫?”


𝐅𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐦𝐮𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. “𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐩𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐢𝐬𝐧’𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫. 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐝 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐥. 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐨𝐰 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐛𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥.” 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐦𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐛𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐧𝐨 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐞. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐬𝐞𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮—𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐠𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠. 𝐒𝐨 𝐢𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤, 𝐥𝐞𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞. 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐚 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐧. 𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤

𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒:
💙 Dad’s best friend
💙 Forced proximity
💙 Secret identity
💙 Mafia romance
💙 Mental health rep
💙 Obsessed MMC (Burn the world level)
💙 Former ballerina
💙 Bodyguard


Luna has truly outdone herself with this one. The Beneath world has been an unforgettable journey layered with mafia, sin, secrets, loyalty, and above all, love and family. Knowing the series is almost over already hurts, and Enzo’s story is going to emotionally destroy me, I just know it. I finished this book staring into space, completely wrecked. Without question, this is her BEST work yet.

Drago is officially my favorite MMC. Jax held the crown for a long time, but Drago absolutely owns it now. His devotion is all-consuming; the burn-the-world-down kind paired with being her quiet, steadfast hero when she needs him most. *Chef’s kiss* His story broke my heart in the best way. A man who’s spent his entire life believing he’s unworthy of love, existing only for duty, never belonging anywhere; he was meant to be nothing more than his best friend’s daughter’s protector…except it was never just that. His need to keep Lily safe becomes fierce, obsessive, and unconditional (the kind of devotion that makes your chest ache). From the moment he was introduced, Drago was a protector first and always, willing to sacrifice his own happiness for the people he loves. Lily is the one who finally shows him the future he deserves…one filled with love, warmth, and belonging.

And Lily…she shattered me. As someone who lives with PTSD and panic attacks, I felt every shaky breath, every spiral, every moment of fear. Seeing her pain on the page was heartbreaking, but watching Drago ground her, hold her, and remind her she’s safe healed something deep inside me. She carries immense trauma while still fighting for a future filled with peace, safety, and love. She’s resilient, brave, and achingly real, a beautifully layered FMC.

The tension, banter, and chemistry between Lily and Drago are undeniable. They fit together so naturally, like something inevitable. When they finally choose each other, it’s a do-or-die, all-in kind of love that perfectly suits their histories and hearts. The spice!? Absolute perfection!! And the groveling? Immaculate. Luna somehow makes every book hotter than the last.

That plot twist with The Preacher? I screamed. Five books of buildup, breadcrumbs, and tension—and the payoff was mind-blowing and flawless.
This book wrecked me, healed me, and solidified why this series owns my heart.

[Bethany Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩵INSTINCT🩵
~ARC review~

This was honestly probably the most beautiful, emotional rollercoaster of a book that I honestly could not put it down! The Queen of chaos has 100% outdone herself yet again with this one that I’m just sat staring at my kindle because I’m so sad that this journey has ended, but I’m so excited for where we are heading with the further releases from Luna herself!

Both the fmc and mmc need to be utterly cherished because both of them have overcome so so much and I am beyond glad that they finally have a future they both deserve! They didn’t take it upon themselves to heal the other they just offered their hand to pick eachother up when they got knocked back down and it was honestly so beautiful watching them grow both separately and together. Luna made both these characters seem so real and so believable, the story wasn’t rushed or flowed beautifully. Their connection was pure instinct, emotional and raw but so beautiful to watch.

This book was everything to me, the family bonds and ties blood or not, the way every character in this book spanning from the Quinn’s right back to Grayson, with not a single character even hesitating to help the other families, to protect those they love. They may be mafia men, and they may have some rather grey morals but they will all stand together for the true evil within the world.

Drago is a character who from the moment he was introduced in Declan and charlottes book, you could tell he was a protected. And that character trait of his is what makes him my absolute favourite, he will put everyone he loves before himself regardless of consequences and at the risk of his own happiness. But I am so beyond grateful that Lilly is the girl who showed him a future he deserves. Where he can be happy and loved like he should be!

Luna this book was utterly beautiful, you had me laughing crying and smiling throughout like I was truly there being able to feel what the characters were feeling. And the spice in this book? Girl you absolutely delivered some of the BEST spice scenes ever without it overshadowing or taking away from the story itself! You truly balanced this entire book out so well that I have loved every single minute spent reading this!
I’m so sad to be closing the door on this chapter and wow did this go out with a bang with so many twists and turns. But I’m truly excited to start the next chapter with Hunter and Enzo’s books coming 🩵

[Gabby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Luna literally said you wanted Drago’s HEA, here you go and dropped it like a five star banger that it truly was. It starts with the dedications and just goes up from there. This book was mafia romance, with a man who is soft for the ones he loves and a woman who would also protect him. It was everything I needed it to be and more.

Lily has been floating for the last five years, just trying to keep her head above water after a traumatic incident happens. What she doesn’t know is there has always been a man in the shadows, watching her and making sure she is always protected. Drago has been watching from afar, knowing if he got too close to Lily, he would never be able to stop the inevitable: making her his.

I cannot tell how many emotions Luna brought out for this one. The way that its wrote is so beautiful and you can feel Drago’s yearning for Lily in this book simply by the way she describes how he looks at her, beautiful and tormented. And Lily, she was just trying to be strong, the way she was brought up to be but there are cracks. These two needed each other so much and I am so happy they got their HEA.

The tension building was on another level for a Luna book. I would say this is one of her slower burns but it was well worth the wait because Daddy Drago can get. And the spice was just right in this one. We get a man who knows how to take care of what’s his inside and outside the bedroom. The aftercare in this, the big mafia man brushing her hair, I melted. And let’s just say this man knows how to grovel. Luna knows how to write strong women in her books for sure but Lily sticking up for her man and protecting him was simply the best in this book.

The plot in this and the twist was so good, didn’t see it coming at all. The build up over five books was so good and well thought out. I wished this book was longer. It could have been 1000 pages and I would have wanted more.

Thank you to Luna Mason for this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Tropes:
🩵Dark mafia
🩵Former ballerina
🩵Bodyguard
🩵Dads best friend
🩵Age gap
🩵Romantic suspense
🩵He secretly paints portraits of her
🩵He protects her for five years before meeting

[Read with J · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review Instinct

Releasing: Febuary 18th

Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐4.5

""

Tropes:
Mafia romance
Age gap (She's 28/He's 38)
Bodyguard
Dad's bestfriend
Forced proximity

When I heard this book was coming, I was beyond exited!. I am always up for a good mafia age gap romance and this book this not dissapoint.

I liked Drago from the first book we met him (inferno), I just knew he was gonna get a book and it was gonna be my favorite of all the book Luna has read so far. Drago is a complicated but very emotional man deep down, and secretly he really wanted the normal life but only the right person could make him really take that.

After that one awful night, something changed and Drago knew he would protect Lily with everything that he is. God I, completely and totally fell for Drago and the amazing man that he is. I truthy believe that Lily and Drago are soulmates and I was so very sad to have finished the book, like I could've read about these two for so much longer.

Reading about their very much deserved happy ending and the bonus chapter made me very emotional. Daddy Drago was something I did not know I needed in my life, but was very welcome :). This book was one packed with emotion, an amazing story and characters, I would not have wanted to miss this for the world. I hope we will get a little glimpse of them in one off the coming books, even if just the smallest.

Thank you so much to Luna and Valentine pr for letting me read this book in advance, and for letting me be a part of your amazing arc team!. Instinct releases Febuary 18th.

If you love a good mafia, age gap romance packed with emotion and amazing characters, than Instinct is the book for you and if you like me can't get enough then Luna has this amazing world of books that you can submerge completely in!.

[❤️Tina❤️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here we are at the final book in the Beneath the Blaze series but hold on tight as Luna takes us on one hell of a ride!

This book has:
✨️Dad's Best Friend
✨️Found Family
✨️Age Gap
✨️Bodyguard

This story broke me into pieces but put me back together again. I think they may just be my favourite couple of the series.

Drago, who has been there for so many people throughout this whole series. He's the badass protector who thinks he doesn't deserve love like everyone else. Instead his life is consumed with protecting his best friend's Daughter from the shadows.

Lily is dealing with the trauma of her past, hiding it from those closest and suffering badly with panic attacks. There's some truly heartbreaking scenes but she's so strong and resilient.

There may have been heartbreak and trauma throughout their story, but also healing, the way Luna blended all the different aspects together was beautiful!

What about the spice?? Well their chemistry was setting a blaze of it's own! I will be Daddy Drago's good girl anytime 🥵

“𝙒𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙢𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙢𝙚, 𝙗𝙖𝙗𝙮?” 𝙄 𝙖𝙨𝙠, 𝙣𝙪𝙙𝙜𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙨𝙞𝙙𝙚.
𝙎𝙝𝙚 𝙣𝙤𝙙𝙨 𝙚𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙡𝙮.
“𝙐𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙨.”
“𝙔-𝙮𝙚𝙨, 𝘿𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙤.”
“𝙎𝙞𝙧,” 𝙄 𝙘𝙤𝙧𝙧𝙚𝙘𝙩.
“𝙔-𝙮𝙚𝙨, 𝙨𝙞𝙧.”
“𝙂𝙤𝙤𝙙 𝙜𝙞𝙧𝙡.”

Alongside their story was so much action as the series comes to a close. The story that has been going on in the background throughout the series comes to a head!
I had a sneaky suspicion about the preacher and who they may be 👀

It was like the avengers endgame of the Luna universe with so many characters popping up for their final showdown against the Preacher and I ate it up!!

Well Luna you did it, another amazing series in the Beneath universe, I've loved being part of your arc team and I am so excited for Enzo's story, I can just feel it's going to be explosive! I also can't wait to venture into cowboy territory with you 🔥

[Bailey Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well holy sh*t Luna has gone and done it again what a way to say goodbye to the Beneath the Blaze chapter.

Instinct is a complete emotional rollercoaster of a book that will have you hooked from start to finish.

Lily and Drago are beyond perfection and the emotional rollercoaster that the book takes you on is something else, the ups and downs and the plot twists are 🤯 blowing.
The emotional and physical healing journey that these two characters go on will leave you sobbing.

Luna makes it so hard to have a favourite MMC because each one is written to such high standards and loves their woman so fiercely because honestly who doesn’t want a man morally grey man who will burn the world to the ground to make sure his love is safe and happy.

Lily is an FMC that I have a feeling a lot of people are going to relate to because not only is she strong and independent she hides her pain and anxiety not wanting to seem weak.
She’s just been trying to survive each day and not truly living.

Turns out that all it takes for her to show her true self is a man who was hiding in the shadow finally stepping into the light and showing her it’s okay not to be okay.
Drago not only becomes her safe space to show her vulnerable side, she becomes his reason for surviving the mafia life.

Two lost souls finally finding each other.

Also the spice in this book will have you sweating it is hot and one scene definitely stands out from the others 🥵

Honestly this book is absolutely incredible and I hope everyone loves Daddy Drago and Lily💙

[Kerry-Anne Nabb · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ ∞

When Luna Mason says it will break your heart. IT WILL BREAK YOUR HEART!!
It’s wise to listen to the Queen.

For a good 60%, I had tears rolling down my face while telling myself “don’t cry, don’t cry”.

Every single book from Luna has it all. Action, heart break, spice with a lot of smut, and more. Then there is the heart breaking story behind the mc, which just breaks you.
And Lily’s hit too close to home, my heart broke for her knowing what she is going through.

Is Lily forbidden fruit to Drago? We all know it. But that doesn’t stop him. But nothing stops him from his obsession, staying in the shadows.

The preacher! WHATTTTT… I had to read who it is it a few times, I thought I was misreading it. I couldn’t believe it. Now that’s a spanner thrown in.

Start to finish, could not put it down. I was glued. Hooked doesn’t come close to how I feel.

Daddy Drago has just squeezed himself towards the top of the list of Luna’s men. It’s hard to just pick one when there is so many fantastic mmc.

Liv, Lily’s father, I was a little salty about him at first. But once he came back into her life and everything he did for her. I came around.
Shed a few tears over him. Screamed with the conversation he has with Drago. But when Lily spoke to him and put him in his place. I knew I liked him.

There is so much I wanna shout about but I will not spoil the ride for anyone.
But I will say, buckle in because it’s one hell of a ride, and don’t forget them tissues, you will need them.
I will NEVER be over this series.

🖤Arc Review🖤

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instinct wow.
This book was the PERFECT conclusion to this series. My goodness. Luna! I swear you put drugs in these pages because I EAT IT TF UP.

Lily. My precious Lily. I have never felt so connected to an FMC before. As someone who deals with panic attacks this book was written with such grace & care while still allowing the reader to feel the full spectrum of Lily's pain. The way she has always carried herself and tried to do things alone when she has experienced a life is loneliness... wow. And in the end she finds herself, her peace & is able to come back stronger than ever. She might just be my new favorite FMC.

Drago Drago Drago. My Russian Daddy Drago. He is the perfect 'stalker' for lack of a better word. The way he is so fierce to protect her to the ends of the earth despite the potential repercussions. The way he is able to read her and be there however she needs. But not only is Daddy Drago a daddy dom, fierce protector, bad ass hacker mafia man but he is a man. The way he lets himself be vulnerable in this story is so healing. It was truly beautiful especially seeing how entirely closed off he is when in the other stories.

Luna did a magnificent job bring this story full circle! Don't be surprised if you see some familiar names in there 😏!

Without a doubt one of my favorite books now and will likely be a top favorite for 2026.

As always check your triggers! And the spice be spicing 😏

[Jessica Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Because I love you, Lily.”
“Not just the easy parts, not the days when you smile and pretend you’re fine. All of you.”
“No. You don’t get to tell me you’re broken like it’s a reason I should walk away. You don’t get to decide you’re too much or not enough or unworthy of being loved.” ~ Drago! Drago! Drago! 🔥 🥵

We have been waiting for this man’s book and lit does NOT disappoint! Drago has been always in the shadows, watching Lily and keeping her safe. He realizes that his obsession with Lily goes beyond the duty of a “bodyguard”. But he also doesn’t believe by e had anything to offer Lily and that she’d be better off without him. But he cannot let her go. He notices when no one else does when her smile does reach her eyes, when she has anxiety, when she truly is sad but covers it.
Lily’s life changed one night year ago after a traumatic event. Since then she only feels centered and grounded by the scent of the ma who saved her. She has no idea who he was or what he looks like. What she has is a scent she’s recreated from memory, one that isn’t exact but close enough to center her when she feels her world crumbling. Then she meets Drago and something about him feels so familiar. She feels safe, protected and cherished with him. And who doesn’t want that? Drago is beyond perfect and Lily is beyond strong!

[Sky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessed doesn’t even begin to describe how I feel about this book. I am in love with these characters and their story and I couldn’t think of a better couple to round out this series with. Lily is such a tough character who goes through so much and also faces so many obstacles that are out to destroy her, but the determination and strength she shows is a true testament to her character. But making her go through that there at the end was absolute torture, she deserved so much better and I did not need that emotional torment. Drago.... our daddy Drago.... where to begin with him, he is such a complex character that has so many layers and getting to watch them all slowly unravel and to see these other sides to him, to watch him finally allow himself to open up, was so awe-inspiring, especially when you take into account everything he has been through. They had the perfect ending for them, which made up for the absolute hell they went through there at the end, but it also allowed us to see all our characters from across the universe come together and have that semblance of peace, if only for awhile. Luna Mason’s writing is just beautiful and it hooks you straight in and makes you feel like you are right there with the characters, and has feeling all sorts of emotions along the way.

[Traci_reads_ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured this. Inhaled and swallowed it whole. Drago and Lily's love story was everything, and when I say everything, I mean everything. The sadness, the trauma, the secrets, the openness and the love. Tough as nails Drago has a precious heart. He protects Lily from afar, at first for her dad, his best friend, then it becomes more. When things beyond his control find him face to face with Lily, instead of in the shadows like he normally is, he knows he's done for. What he didn't expect was that she'd feel the same electric chemistry. They were literal magnets, the push and pull were undeniable and truly, soulmates who finally find each other.

These two made my heart pitter patter, to watch them grow, become stronger for each other and fall in love was explosive. Seeing his bond with Charlotte and Isabella made me all warm and fuzzy. The girls becoming Lily's girl family is just what she needed. All the guys of course making appearances to fight in the battle against the Preacher. These tough men and they're back and forth banter is always hilarious. The battle scene played out like an action movie. So good. The ending is a big chefs kiss.

Fantastic end to the Beneath the Blaze Series. Can't wait to see what's next.

[Catherine M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
🌶️🌶️🌶️

Highly emotional, intense and filled with chaos, Luna Mason delivers an epic conclusion to the Beneath the Blaze series with Instinct.

Right from page one, Drago and Lily’s story hooked me in and it had me in a chokehold until the last page. Because after meeting Drago in the first book in this series, I just couldn’t wait for him to finally get his happy ending because this man has been through it. What I didn’t expect were the deep emotions his story pulled out of me. The deep connection, indeniable chemistry and even the blurred lines between them made this a deeply beautiful love story betwen two strong and resilient characters.

And let’s not start with the twist. I was expecting something from that character but definitely not that!!! It completely caught me by suprise! I won’t say more because I don’t want to spoil anything. I also couldn’t get enough of the crumbs Luna left us and I can’t wait to see what comes next for her.

All in all, be ready for an emotional roller coaster ride with this one! This is a ride that I absolutely recommend!

I would like to thank Luna Mason and VPR for the opportunity to read and review Instinct.

[Giorgia - whatgiorgiaisreading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read so many mafia books that I tend to steer clear of them nowadays - until Luna Mason releases a new masterpiece. She is the one exception I make because she writes this genre like no other. Drago & Lily were no exception, pulling me in right from the beginning. I really related to Lily's anxiety issues and appreciated the care with which they were weaved into the story. Drago was a new favourite MMC for sure - the control and discipline he exercises over every aspect of his life was very admirable, but seeing how soft we was when it came to Lily was lovely. I loved how he started to see a life for himself with her outside of being a weapon because she "saw him as a human being" and I loved how we saw a softer side of him, one that we don't really see with these hardened mafia men. Drago having emotions and tears in the hard times made him even more loveable and relatable.
Also, the preacher is who now?! I feel like I had an inkling this person would be involved somehow but I did not guess they were the preacher. It was very well executed and overall this book was a knockout as usual. I'm looking forward to our cowboy coming next!

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did we just top 2026, in February?!

I remember back in Inferno thinking Daddy Drago was someone to watch, that level of devotion and care? Dangerous. I knew if/when he got his own book, we'd be ruined.

Then Con, Finn, and the twins happened, and I was happily living my life as Mrs. Finn Quinn...
But listen. These men are next level possessive & do not share (only the twins), so I'm now officially divorced and going by Mrs. Daddy Drago (sorry Finn) because fuck me sideways in front of a mirror, this man ended me.

I'm not ashamed to admit I sobbed through at least half of this book. Not all sad tears though. Luna absolutely came for my heart. This story is gut wrenching, powerful, and intensely emotional.
No spoilers-this needs to be experienced (and yes, it can be read as a standalone). Just know this: any Luna man before Drago? They were your past. She did not fuck around here.

The mental health rep.
The restraint.
The desire.
The devotion.
The obsession.
This is IT. The title makes so much sense.

No notes. ∞ stars.

Releasing Feb 18th. This is a MUST READ.

[Penguin Reads :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Instinct by Luna Mason absolutely destroyed me in the best way. I was hooked from page one and by the end I was just sitting there like… wow. What do I do with my life now? 😭

Drago and Lily’s story is EVERYTHING. Drago’s story? Wrecked me. A man who’s spent his whole life believing he’s unworthy of love, living only for duty, protecting from the shadows and then Lily happens 🥹🔥 Their connection is deep, emotional, and feels so real. Drago is the definition of obsessed, protective, and soft for her, and Lily is strong, vulnerable, and so easy to root for.

If you love dark romance with big feelings, big devotion, and a man who would burn the world for his girl… this is it. 🔥🖤📖 Daddy Drago supremacy forever. 🖤 This was an honest ARC review and I couldn’t be more happy one of my top reviews of the year !! 🖤

[Katja | BookedByKatja · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️ 4,75

OMG. I can’t. I AM EMOTIONALLY RUINED 😭 Drago finally getting his happily ever after?? I’ve been rooting for that man since book one!!

Lily, once a ballerina with dreams and a bright future, had her life ripped apart five years ago. She’s trying to survive, deal with all the trauma she’s carried alone, and just… live. But she can’t escape the one man who’s been in the shadows of her life this whole time… her dad’s best friend, Drago. The secret protector. The perfect badass. THE STALKER I LOVE 🖤

This book is full of trauma, perfectly written panic attacks, obsession, heartbreak, and forbidden feelings… they literally burn the world down for their love and I am here. I am screaming. I AM LIVING FOR IT 🖤🔥

🖤 Dark Mafia Romance
🖤 Dad's Best Friend
🖤 Bodyguard Romance
🖤 Forbidden Love

💌 Huge thanks for the ARC!

[Amy Carr · Rating 4 out of 5]

The finale to Beneath the Blaze series and we finally get Daddy Drago!! I have loved him since Inferno and now that his story is here, I feel complete! He was the perfect protector for Lily, and to see her character come so far after her past trauma was so so good!

Drago and Lily were so intertwined, and when Drago could finally step out of the shadows with her, it was like they could both start living. Despite this being a bit lighter on the spice for a Luna book, it still hit.

I loved that throughout this series, the world has grown, more characters have been introduced, but there was still an air of mystery as to who the ultimate villain was, and to see all of our MCs finally dismantle the evil was amazing!

I am so looking forward to Enzo's story, because if there was ever a down bad mmc, it's him, and I feel like we have pined enough for him throughout this journey too!

[Ellie Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

God damn Luna said hold my beer as she absolutely destroyed me and put me back together with daddy Drago. This book was everything.

I was SCREAMING at my kindle at like 10:30 at night and my husband was looking at me like wtf is happening 🤣.

This book was everything and the perfect way to close out this series. I loved every second of this beautiful, insane, wild ride.

I related to the FMC on so many levels and felt so seen through her story. These two were perfect for each other and perfect together! I was on the edge of my seat for a lot of the last part of the book and couldn’t put this book down. I absolutely devoured this book after struggling to read for months. Luna you are one of my go too authors I know will always write something I can devour.

I cannot wait to see what’s next because this book as always we absolute perfection.

[Megan Moser · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet ending to the series! In true Luna fashion the book was packed with action, plot twists, and thrills that have you on the edge of your seat. This was such a romantic and super sweet story of a man who fell in love with his boss’s daughter in the worst of circumstances yet tried to keep his distance to protect everyone. Of all the MMCs he was probably the most in tune with his emotions and lived with that unashamed. That didn’t take away from his brutal intensity and his “burn the world for her” energy though. He was just this tall, gruff, but oddly romantic and creative soul who knew what he wanted and wasn’t afraid to claim it. I really enjoyed this story and was so happy we finally uncover answers we have been looking for throughout this whole series!

[Kendra’s Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a finish to this series!

Daddy Drago and Lily had a hot and heavy relationship with all the emotions. I was up, down, sad, then happy with this book. It was fun watching the story of The Preacher finally play out (not to brag but I guessed it right) and how everyone dealt with it.

Drago was so protective of Lily and I loved that he was in love with her for so long and was always looking after her. Drago was Lily’s comfort before she knew who he was, and I loved all their invisible strings pulling them together.

The ONLY thing I did not like about this book is how long it was. It felt very drug out and I struggled to keep reading through some slower parts of the book.

Thank you to Luna for the ARC!

Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so good! I devoured it! Drago was everything and more and is on my list of favorite MMCs of all time! This was my first Luna Mason book and now I’m obsessed. Love her writing! This was intense and easy to follow since I haven’t read the other books in the series except this one. Lilly came into her own and I loved how her character was developed and how she overcame her trauma. Drago literally was everything to her and his love was fierce! The spice was good and it had a twist I didn’t see coming! Loved it!!

[Chelsea Umberger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Decadence will always be one of my favorite places..
And this one brings us home for a huge mind blowing moment, with more action... to me. Then all the others..
All leading to one thing, Lily.
Drago was everything we wanted. and more that we didn't know we needed.
Always in the shadows, but never to far from Lily, doing the one thing he knew how to do.. protect her at all costs.
The action scene in this one, is something I'd love to watch in a movie... Luna - we need a movie deal for this Series... better yet.. All the Beneath Series..

[Shenelle Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It perfectly combines elements of spice, groveling, and plot twists. He is her bodyguard, silently watching over her and ensuring her safety. When they finally fall in love, she is completely unaware of all the sacrifices he has made for her. Their love story is intense and passionate, and you’ll be on the edge of your seat with an emotional rollercoaster ride.

Bodyguard
Father’s best friend
Age gap
Touch her and die

[Molly]

18th Feb 2026

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daddy Drago is so hawt!

Thank you Luna for an advanced copy.