The Gladiator: Realms of the Underworld - A Monster Paranormal Romance

by K. Wish

When Rosie dreamed of a new life, never in a million years did she think she would find it in the Sixth Realm of Hell.

But one night, when seeking sanctuary in a nearby church, she becomes unexpectedly locked in.

Faced with only one path forward, she ventures into darkness, only to find the dream she once wished for, placed right in front of her.

Steve always hoped he would find the other part to his soul, but never thought he would be blessed to receive her, until a radiant human woman fell through a Gate to the Sixth Realm of Hell.

He’s there to check on his brother. Commander to the Emperor's Army, Bellator, the most decorated soldier in all Imperia. But something is amiss, the once lush landscape now lies barren. Steve must decide whether to find his brother or care for the human woman who brings a new beat to his heart.

Could she really be his fated mate? Or will the monster who has taken over the city destroy them all?

284 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 3, 2026

About the author

A lover of all things romance, K. Wish is a mum by day and a romance writer by night. She enjoys writing small town settings with protector males; but where the female lead ultimately becomes her own hero. Living in majestic New Zealand she has the perfect inspiration for the fictional world she creates and the many characters she wants to share.

Reviews

[Elle Hawley · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars this absolutely lived up to my expectations following how much I enjoyed the first book. The banter was great, it was fast paced (literally smashed through it in a night) and honestly an orc names Steve whats not to love.

[Mel Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars (rounded up)! The only reason this wasn’t a full five-star read for me is that it falls outside my usual preferred genre, however, I thoroughly enjoyed it!!! Will be acquiring a paperback asap as well because seriously that coverrrr, I want it framed on my wall

I finished this in under 24 hours and found it genuinely difficult to put down.

The story follows Rosie who leaves behind her miserable controlling life on Earth by stepping through a gate to Hell where she encounters a group of orcs fighting to save their realm.

One of the first scenes of Rosie escaping to ‘Hell’ is especially vivid! K. Wish’s descriptive writing creates a strong sense of immersion, making the setting feel both visually rich and emotionally engaging.

As the story progresses, we are introduced to the orc brothers 🤤 yes brothers 👀 Unexpectedly, I found them incredibly compelling characters. (I’d let them take me to the Eiffel Tower anyday🤣) Their innocence and naivety, particularly in their interactions with Rosie adds both charm and a unique dynamic to the narrative, making their relationships feel engaging and, at times, surprisingly tender and had me cackling.
I appreciated the contrast between their nature as warriors and how they behave in more intimate moments with Rosie, which added depth to their characterisation and oh so romantic ❤️‍🔥

For anyone curious about exploring monster or paranormal romance, this is an excellent entry point. It’s a quick, entertaining read that is both engaging and memorable🔥🔥🔥 also I’m not sure how K Wish did it but this felt like a surprisingly cosy story! It was just a great, gripping story and a swoon worthy romance! I can’t wait for what’s to come 👀 🐺

[Abi Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had so much fun reading this one

Ever wished to escape your trauma and life on earth by running through a gate to the 6th realm of hell only to find your true love, the place you finally belong and a special menu of revenge spells to send the dickheads back on earth? Me neither. UNTIL NOW. I'll take a lifetime of stubbed toes for all my exes please.

Think gladiator inspired but with orcs, fictional creatures and a whole lot of spicy fun for our FMC. Colosseum fights, an uprising from the starving people and a whole lot of orgasms.

I love how Rosie comes into her own in this realm and finally gets to have a say in her life. She bravely stands up for herself & others and her Orcs are right there to support her and bolster her confidence.

Steve and Bellator are the definition of touch her and die devotion and compliment each other perfectly so that our Rosie gets the best of both worlds and together they save the land ❤️

A quick & easy to read story that makes you smile, laugh and provides a perfect escape from the dumpster fire of real life. Banter and hilarious lines galore and just the right side of ridiculous that makes it also cozy and sweet. K's writing is addictive and captivating in every genre but there is something so uniquely feel good fun and bingeable about this series.

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚔️The Gladiator by K. Wish⚔️

Book #7 for my ANZ April Readathon Challenge (@aussie_indie_hub).

This was such a fun, addictive & spicy read. While I’m no stranger to monster romance, this was my read with not one but two orcs 🔥

Rosie’s journey starts with something so human, wanting a different life and spirals into something completely unexpected when she lands in the Sixth Realm of Hell.

And the twin brothers??

Let’s talk about them.

Steve — the loyal one & completely gone for Rosie.

Bellator — the warrior & powerful commander… and every bit as intense as you’d expect.

Both brothers absolutely radiate touch her and die energy.

Perfect for readers who enjoy a monster romance filled with protective MMCs, powerful warrior dynamics, great banter & spice.

🏷 Bookstagram • The Gladiator • K Wish • Monster Romance • Touch Her And Die @kwishauthor

#bookstagram #thegladiator #kwish #monsterromance

[Dahné "anotherbookchick" · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm her PA so take it with a grain of salt I guess but..

This is my favourite of her books so far I think. The utter possesive, touch her and die, devotion these two orcs have for their bonded is just 💦💦💦

Speaking of slodging there is a lot of fluids in this so be warned but honestly I'm here for it!

There are several great comedic lines in this book and even heart pulling tear jerking moments. All this plus hot orc X human spice in a less than 300 page book, what more could you want 👏👏👏

Her writing continues to improve with every book she writes and I'm VERY excited for the next book in this series !

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhhh K.Wish, you smut loving fiend, you’ve done it again.

This is for sure my favourite Wishy book to date, I just love seeing the development in her writing since her debut novel.
It was well balanced between the smut and plot and I loved the sprinkle of hints throughout the story.
A classic quick, fun, spicy read

[Lara-Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Gladiator - K. Wish

Woosh.......into Hell we go!
This was so much fun. So many hints in the gorgeous cover...

* Short and sexy
* Hilarious banter
* Gladiator trials
*Interconnected standalone

I'm not giving anymore away but I LOVED IT!

[Tricia Poots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really well written and funny banter.

[Melita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LOVE STEVE!!!! I will fight everyone on this lol

I have absolutely devoured both the books in this series so far.
It was so freaking funny and I laughed hard and often enough that my brother asked if I was OK because "Mmmmm teats" will forever be a staple to random snorting giggles for me.
I love the trope where the FMC teaches the naive MMC about Earthly phrases and words, my heart can not handle the cuteness overload... God damn you for being so cute Steve.
We have two Orc brothers, Bellator; a warrior gladiator and local hero and Steve; a Realm seven tavern owner (love you so much Steve)

[Sarah_A6210 · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

I loved the first book of this series. It caught me so off guard because I didn't really know what I was getting in to and I hadn't read from this author before.

I loved the first book and was fairly confident with this one, but you never know.

I downloaded this mid afternoon and by bedtime I had finished it so that speaks for itself.

I love the aspect and world building of Hell and the realms. I love the attraction and the bonding. I love that the FMC's come from a crappy Earth and they dont put their nose up to new opportunities, a new world and men who worships the ground they walk on!!!

Then there is two!!!! I loved the teaser at the end of this book and I genuinely can't wait to see what comes next!!!

5⭐️2.5🌶