Can the Underground Kings books be read as standalones?

Yes, each book in the series features a different couple and a self-contained romance with a happy ending. However, because characters crossover and recurring plotlines develop in the background, they are best enjoyed in order starting with Assumption .

How is Underground Kings related to the Until series?

Underground Kings is a spin-off. Kenton Mayson, the hero of the first book, is the cousin of the Mayson brothers from the Until series, allowing for fun crossovers and cameos.

Do I need to read the Until series first?

It is not strictly necessary, but reading the first four books of the Until series (November, Trevor, Lilly, Nico) first will give you the best understanding of the Mayson family dynamics and references.

Who co-authored the final book, Infatuation?

The final novella, Infatuation , was co-authored by Aurora Rose Reynolds and Rochelle Paige , focusing on the hacker Justin.

What is the primary setting of the Underground Kings series?

The series is set primarily in the gritty, high-stakes underworld of Las Vegas, Nevada , adding elements of danger and suspense to the romances.

Underground Kings Books in Order

The Recommended Reading Order

The Underground Kings series by Aurora Rose Reynolds is a contemporary romantic suspense series that is best read in its publication order. The books follow a chronological timeline where events and characters carry over, particularly with recurring side characters who eventually get their own stories. Here is the recommended reading path:

Assumption (2014) – Follows Kenton Mayson and Autumn Freeman.
Obligation (2015) – Follows Kai Kauwe and Myla.
Distraction (2016) – Follows Sven and Maggie.
Infatuation (2019) – A novella co-authored with Rochelle Paige, following Justin and Aubrey.

How Underground Kings Connects to the Until Series

One of the most common questions readers have is how Underground Kings fits into the massive, beloved Until universe. Aurora Rose Reynolds designed this series as a direct spin-off. Specifically, Kenton Mayson, the hero of the first book Assumption, is the cousin of the original Mayson brothers (Nico, Asher, Trevor, and Cash Mayson) from the core Until series. His mother is Nancy Mayson.

Because of this familial connection, characters from the Until books cross over and make appearances in the Underground Kings series. To get the absolute most out of these cameos and understand the complex family tree, it is highly recommended to read the first four books of the Until series before starting Assumption. The recommended crossover order looks like this:

Read the original Mayson family arc first: Until November, Until Trevor, Until Lilly, and Until Nico.
Transition directly into Underground Kings Book 1: Assumption.
Continue with the rest of the Underground Kings series (Obligation, Distraction, and Infatuation).
Proceed to the next-generation series, starting with Until July (Until Him/Her series).

Underground Kings: A Closer Look at the Books

Assumption (Book 1)

Published in August 2014, the series kicks off with Kenton Mayson and Autumn Freeman. Kenton is a former sniper and protective security expert who makes a bad first impression on Autumn, assuming she is a stripper due to a misunderstanding. Autumn, a nurse trying to escape a dangerous past, finds herself in the crosshairs of a crime she witnessed. When danger catches up with her, Kenton steps in as her ultimate protector, forcing both of them to confront their assumptions and their undeniable chemistry.

Obligation (Book 2)

Released in 2015, this book shifts focus to Kai Kauwe and Myla. Kai is a brooding, protective alpha male who runs his family's business and has watched over Myla from afar since they were children. When Myla's safety is threatened by her traumatic living situation and shady external forces, Kai steps in to claim her, initiating a marriage of convenience to keep her safe. The story features high stakes, intense insta-love, and a gritty Las Vegas backdrop.

Distraction (Book 3)

Published in 2016, Distraction follows Sven, a guarded Las Vegas nightclub owner, and Maggie, a former plus-sized model. Maggie visits Sven's club to investigate who drugged her sister. To keep her out of trouble, Sven hires her as his personal assistant. The forced proximity sparks an intense attraction, but their path to love is complicated by Maggie's dangerous investigation and Sven's deep-seated fear of vulnerability.

Infatuation (Book 4)

Released in October 2019, this novella concludes the series and is unique because it was co-written with Rochelle Paige. The story centers on Justin—a brilliant hacker first introduced in Assumption—and his neighbor Aubrey. Aubrey is a pregnant woman working in a strip club to make ends meet. Justin, who has been quietly infatuated with her from afar, seizes the opportunity to protect and care for her when her car breaks down, leading to a fast-paced romance where he steps up to be the protector she and her baby need.

Practical Reader Advice and Tropes

If you are planning to read the Underground Kings series, here is what you need to know before starting:

Insta-love: Aurora Rose Reynolds is famous for the "boom"—a concept where her alpha heroes fall instantly and irrevocably in love. This trope is heavily present throughout all four books.
Standalone Nature: While the overarching plotlines of the Las Vegas criminal element and Mayson family cameos connect the books, each story functions as a standalone romance with a resolved happily ever after. You will not find cliffhangers between the main couples.
Tone: The series blends steamy, sweet contemporary romance with romantic suspense. Expect high-stakes action, protective heroes, and sassy, resilient heroines.