I’m a runaway bride. Well, I left before the wedding could even begin. I knew my life would be over if I stayed with him. So, I ran.
New Life. New Name. New Everything. I never thought my new life would lead me to fall in love with the King.
His sworn enemy.
FIRE is Book One in The Underground Kingdom Series. A Dark Mafia Romance that takes you on a journey of a second chance at love. FIRE is a story full of spice, action and suspense that will wanting more until the very end.
Please refer to content warnings before listening.
I received an advance listener copy of Fire, and this was my first experience with Arya Banx. Let me start by saying: I always get excited when an AWSP audiobook is published, because I already know the production and narration are going to be an experience. Fire did not disappoint.
This is the first book in the Underground Kingdom series, and we meet Sainte, a woman who chooses herself and RUNS before marrying a man she knows will destroy the life she wants. New name. New life. New beginning. Except that fresh start eventually puts her directly in the path of Kash—and from there, things get interesting.
Sainte was one of my favorite parts of the story. Life and family have put her THROUGH IT, but she refuses to let those experiences define what happens next. There were definitely moments when I was worried about my girl, but when it was time to stand on business, Sainte stood on it.
And Kash? Listen. 😂
This was definitely a slow burn, but once Kash decided it was time to stop playing around, the spice was SPICING! 🌶️ He meant what he said to Sainte, and I loved seeing a man whose actions eventually backed up his words. Their relationship had its hiccups, but the chemistry made the buildup worth it.
Now let’s talk about this AUDIOBOOK.
Trei Taylor and Myles Washington brought these characters to LIFE. Their performances added personality, tension, emotion and heat to the story in a way that made me feel like I wasn’t simply listening—I was inside the world with these characters. The distinction in their voices and the energy they brought to the dialogue made the listening experience incredibly immersive. This is one of those books where the narration genuinely elevated my experience with the story.
For my first Arya Banx book, this was a great introduction. Between the romance, danger, suspense, mafia world and spice, there was plenty here to keep me invested. But what really got me is knowing we’re just getting started with the Underground Kingdom.
I enjoyed the narration for this book. Sainte is a runaway bride and Kash is the one who ended up catching her. Sainte is running away from an abuse man and secrets that she didn’t know existed until the very end. Kash is dealing with his own trauma but pursuing Sainte is at the top of his list. I love a mafia romance book and I’ll give this new to me author a 3.5🌟I’ll definitely jump into the brothers book.
I was ready to DNF at 50% mark. Didn't see many reviews about this book. Audio came out and after about 10 minutes I couldn't grasp the age of the FMC since the narrator gave me very young vibes, but I kept going.
1st of all the storyline for the FMC was interesting but she and her friend weren't the smartest in regards to staying alive as a woman. You know your sister friend's trauma and instead of suggesting she gets therapy you encourage her to turn up with a girls party and introduce her to another not so "crazy" man. There were too many moving parts in this story. It was giving come back next week to see if the FMC tells the MMC about her past.
But wait, let's throw in BDSM talk after sharing the story about your trauma. Also now it appears the MMC has trauma as well. Yet there is never any talk of therapy. They just move on to dirty talk. I skimmed through to see when the villain is caught and they get married and have a baby. I ended up DNFing at the 70% mark as the book bounced around from smut to action.
I'm sure there will be an outcome setting the stage for the crazy friend connecting to the other MC for the next book. That's how romance books turn to questionable series. If ppl enjoy chaotic urban fiction then this is for you. But if you're over romance novels posing as smut trauma series I would not recommend you read or definitely listen to this book.
4.75 stars "That same fire burns within me for myself and I will never let anyone dim my fire again." "I told you I would burn the whole world down for you."
Okay I enjoyed the audio so so much, the listening experience was extremely hot and entertaining! I did not want this story to end!! Sainte and Kash attraction and connection was such a hot and intense read. This story is fast paced and truly takes off in a way that captures the reader's attention and keeps it there until the very last page. There are twists and turns / action packed scenes, and you will not want to put this down! The banter between Sainte and Kash is hot and intense, and I love the slight bdsm element to their relationship as well. Sainte is such a sweetheart and I love her friendship with Shye, their closeness and support for one another always made me laugh and smile! The author did an amazing job incorporating intense famililal relationships and its effect on the characters in their adult lives and how that transitioned into the plot. The way everything was interconnected and added to the pieces of the puzzle was very clever on the author's part!!
Arya is a new-to-me author, and Fire: Underground Kingdom did not disappoint. It’s was so good to see Sainte find her voice and stand up for herself. Kash was a good match for her. The banter between Sainte’s BFF and Kane was something, because clearly they wanted each other. Her ex- and parents all got what they deserved in the end and I was not mad at all about their fate. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
A great story where the plot flowed easily. Kash and Sainte where magical together. I loved how naturally they could confide in and lift each other up. They were able to show each other that there is safeness in love. The supporting characters were funny, witty and caring, and made the book more enjoyable. I loved the action, the heartfelt moments and slight suspense. I can’t wait for the next book. As always, I loved the narration from Myles and Trei. They always make the story feel alive.
FANTASTIC! One of my best reads for the year so far! As soon as I learned this was a Wesleigh Siobhan production, I said ahh.. make sense! This felt like a sexiest mafia movie. The writing was perfect. NTMA! I look forward to the rest of the series because this one took off with a bang! Definitely grab the audio book for the full experience!
New to me author: I enjoyed listening to this crazy love story of Kash & Saints. The situation her father and step mom put her in was 🗑️but I am glad Kash & brother Kane was able to bring this story to a HEA. Excited for book 2 to be able to read/ listen to what will become of Kane & Shaye. Definitely a recommendation.
I chose this book based off of Trei Taylor and it did not disappoint! This is my first read by this author and I cannot wait to read the second in the series.
A runaway bride. A rich king. Two cane corsos. Angst. Chaos. Fire.
This was a great read! But the nicknames were a little goofy at times. Truly compelling.
Long but well detailed. Of course I love Myles Washington. If I hadn’t read the reviews and seen that this was this authors first book, I truly wouldn’t have known. It was that good
the nickname little fire was so cute. kash and sainte were a really good match, kash was everything sainte needed in a partner after escaping from brinxx