Caged

The Defiant Kings, Book 1

By: Bella Matthews

Narrated by: Gabriel Spires, Heather Firth

Why are the cocky ones always the hardest to resist?

This man is temptation personified. He’s six feet four inches of rock-solid, golden muscles that are inked to perfection and proudly displayed every time he steps into the cage. I’m the idiot who agreed to stay with him for the next few days.

Hudson “The King” Kingston knew he had a fight coming up when he risked himself to save me. How could I say no when he needed a friend to help him out?

Because that’s exactly what we’ve always been—friends. Friends who flirt. Friends who tease. Friends who never cross that line. Ever.

The problem is the more time we spend together, the more things shift between us. But no matter how much I wish he could be my first, he’s never been a relationship guy, and I refuse to settle for anything less.

I know I can trust him with my life, but can I trust him with my heart?

©2023 Bella Matthews (P)2023 Podium Audio

My Favorite

The narration was perfect. I truly felt like this was Hudson talking. Hudson and Maddy have always. Even my favorite and listening to their story made it that much better!

Hudson and Maddie

An emotional, sincere and heartwarming journey to go on with Hudson and Maddie. I enjoyed and adored this story.

🔥The Take Down!🔥

An amazing love story between Maddie and Hudson! AHHH!

FInally a perfect romance with two willing adults - minimal angst and drama! YESS!

I really loved this story! They basically got right to it!
More than a romance but a thriller...ekkk bonus!

I was drawn into this story and adored both characters, both likeable!
Maddie is a STRONG female - borderline Alpha! AHHH! Finally a strong female! Thank you Bella!
Hudson is a likable Alpha with a sweet gentleman edge. Puurrr-fect!

Overall its a very SEXY story - It really held my interest!

5 Starz! Namaste romance lovers! 🔥

Hudson the King Meets His Queen

*Audiobook Review* Defiant Kings: Caged
Bella Matthews kicks off this series with Hudson “The King” and Maddie, and whew… buckle up.
We’ve got: forced proximity, alpha male energy, possessive vibes, MMA fighter, and a friends‑to‑lovers slow burn. Hudson is charming, cocky, flirty, and a total player who doesn’t do relationships. Maddie? Sweet, skittish, never had a boyfriend, and carrying a traumatic past. But Hudson doesn’t push, he goes at her pace, and their chemistry is fire.

Narrators Gabriel Spires and Heather Firth nailed it, bringing these characters to life perfectly.

Hudson gets injured protecting Maddie during a break‑in at the gym, and his pushy family ropes her into staying with him while he recovers for his big fight. Cue forced proximity, cue tension, cue feelings blossoming into something real. By the end, Hudson knows Maddie is end game, and she knows it too.

I only wish we got more of Maddie’s background, because her story deserves that depth. Still, this opener gave me drama, spice, and all the feels.

Not my favorite but worth a credit.

I’m enjoying Bella Matthews as an author for easy listening escapism. I love the Kingston family antics. I felt as though some storylines could have been explored a bit more. But, overall it was good.