DRIVEN: Inferno Unleashed

by Maya K.

Fast cars. Fierce passion. A dangerous game of survival.

Dominic “Dom” Rios is NASCAR’s golden boy – fast, fearless, impossible to ignore.
Confidence is his armour. Charm his weapon. The track his kingdom.

But while the spotlight burns bright, the shadows grow darker.

Someone is watching him.
Studying his every move.
Waiting to strike – driven by an obsession he can’t escape.

The last person Dom expects to see in his world again is Faye Donovan – the sharp, self-assured private investigator his mentor hires to uncover the truth.

She was his best friend’s little sister.
The one person who knew him before the fame.
The one he left behind without a word nine years ago.

He disappeared to chase his dream.
She rebuilt her life without him.

Now she’s back – not for closure, not for forgiveness – but to protect him from a threat he refuses to take seriously.

Dom doesn’t want her there.
Faye doesn’t plan to let history distract her from the job.

But as the stalker moves closer and old tension resurfaces, the line between protection and desire begins to blur.

Because some races demand more than speed –
they demand heart, trust, and the courage to risk everything.

A high-octane NASCAR romance set in the heart of the sport, with danger closing in and a love worth risking everything for.

Book One in the Rios Legacy Racing series. A complete romance that can be read as a standalone.

470 pages, Paperback

Published January 27, 2026

About the author

I write romance with its heart firmly in the spotlight — but I need a plot to race alongside it. Love might be the focus, yet it’s the momentum, the choices, and the emotional reckoning that keep everything moving forward.

My debut novel, DRIVEN, is the first story in a larger racing universe called Rios Legacy Racing. I’m drawn to character-driven romance with strong female leads, dual first-person points of view, and stories that allow space for growth, healing, and becoming. I don’t plot my characters into neat little boxes — I let them grow as I write, follow where they want to go, and accept that I’ll probably end up somewhere very different from where I first planned. Honestly, I love it when they take charge. (They usually do.)

When I’m not writing, I’m usually creating in some other form: sketching, drawing, digital art, or listening to music while daydreaming my way into the next scene. I’m also an enthusiastic audiobook listener — preferably at double speed or more — because stories, like life, are sometimes best enjoyed with a little extra momentum.

Reviews

[Kristie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven is the debut novel in this series, and I was genuinely impressed by how much I enjoyed it. I grew up around NASCAR, but I haven’t read many romances set in that world, Maya K absolutely did it justice. The racing backdrop felt authentic and added an exciting, high-stakes layer to the story.

I’m a huge fan of second-chance romance, and the tension between Rio and Faye was intense from the very beginning. The reason Rio reenters Faye’s life makes it clear right away that this isn’t going to be a smooth ride. The emotional push and pull between them had me hooked, especially knowing there was so much unresolved history still simmering beneath the surface.

The suspense element truly elevated the story. Having a stalker is terrifying, but knowing it’s someone close and not knowing who to trust? Even worse. I was convinced I had figured out who it was, but the twists completely threw me. When the secret was finally revealed, I was shocked. My jaw literally dropped.

Rio’s instinct to push Faye away to protect her added another layer of angst, but Faye’s strength and stubbornness made her such a compelling heroine. She loved him too much to walk away and understood exactly why he was trying to shut her out. Once she realized the full scope of what was happening, she refused to back down. She was determined to uncover the truth and put an end to the threat once and for all.

Overall, this was a strong debut filled with romance, tension, suspense, and heart. If you love second-chance romance with high stakes and plenty of emotional intensity, this one is definitely worth the ride.

[sweetest_escape_bookshop · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Maya K and I couldn’t put it down. I was trying to figure out who the stalker was the whole time I was reading. This story deserve 10+ ⭐️

Dominick Rios is a NASCAR driver who is cocky in his own right. He always loved the fast lane. His parents thought he was trouble. Falling for his best-friend’s sister wasn’t part of the plan. He knew he shouldn’t engage her but he did and his best-friend saw Dom kiss her. This tore their friendship apart. Dom moved away to pursue his racing career with Mac. Dom went on to become a NASCAR sensation. Dom got threatening letters from someone. He had a stalker and the notes were getting worse. Among other things were being left for him. He was starting to freak out because they were so close to his personal belongings. Mac hired a private investigator from one of his good friends. None other than Faye Donavon, Doms one love.

Faye is sent to find out who is stalking Dom. Not only does she rekindle her old feelings she puts herself in danger. Now the stalker is coming for her. To eliminate her. To keep her safe, he sends her home. Makes her think his playboy ways are what he wants.

So many secrets are unfolded during the process. People in his inner circle know him more than he knows about. Is it someone close it him, in his inner circle? Or is it a crazy fan who is slick?

[Abbie O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I devoured this book in under 24 hours. From the beginning, the writing style just flows. It’s so easy to get pulled in, and before you know it you’re completely hooked, needing to know what happens next. And let me tell you… this plot does NOT sit still.
I’ll admit, I was a little worried when I realised it wasn’t a slow burn, but I had no reason to doubt it. The constant twists and turns kept everything feeling fresh, unpredictable, and seriously addictive. Just when I thought I had things figured out… nope. Think again.
It’s one of those books that keeps you guessing the whole way through, and I loved every second of the ride.
If you’re looking for something fast paced, gripping, and full of surprises then this one is definitely worth picking up

[Jocelyn Masson · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow. this one gave me a run for my money. if you think the adrenaline from Racing is insane, you need to read this one because this one is 383038383x that and more. I felt more twists and turns in this book than the only left turns in NASCAR. I thought I had this pegged from the beginning and boy was I wrong! highly recommend this one!!!
triggers include assault (on page), stalking (on page)

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first racing romance read and Maya you did not disappoint. This book was so good! Dom is targeted by a stalker which brings the suspenseful aspect to the book. It keeps you hooked from start to finish. This was the first book I've read where the MMC is being stalked so it put a whole new twist to the book.

Dominic Rios is a NASCAR driver. But being in the spotlight has turned to something much darker. Dom finds himself being targeted by a stalker. Dom least expects Faye Donovan to show back up again but he needs help and hires her as a private investigator.

Thank you Maya for the review copy 🧡🥰

[leslie mayorga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great sports romance! NASCAR driver who is half Mexican 😏. Loved that representation. Dom is trying to win the championship again but while he’s racing he has been facing some threats. The threats start to get more crazy each time so his manager/ father figure says we need to get help. But Dom doesn’t want anyone to know to keep it on the Dow low. They decide to hire a more private investigator to help find out who it is. Enters Faye, she knows Dom from before but he left without ever saying goodbye. She hates him but has to do her job. I really enjoyed their banter, the hate love relationship. The fake dating ! It was interesting in seeing some of the NASCAR aspects to it. I wish there was a bit more of it because it was really good. Also, the way he would speak some words in Spanish had me giggling! 🤭absolutely loved that. This book grabbed my attention from the start all the way to the end. I was invested! I needed to know who the stalker was and why they were doing that. I think the story was well balanced, I really enjoyed the characters too. Overall, a fast paced romance, you’ll definitely feel the adrenaline. There was just the right amount of romance not overly spicy which I don’t think it was needed. I appreciate Maya for reaching out to me and I loved that I was able to share my thoughts while I was reading the book with her. I think a really well job for her debut novel. I can’t wait to read more into this series and see more of the NASCAR aspects.

Would I recommend?
Yes!

[Skye Watt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Driven had my attention from the start - fast cars, second chance at love, stalking, and banter between the characters really brought this story to life.

I thoroughly enjoyed how much of the story line was built in the NASCAR scene, it showed all aspects of racing, the rolls each person had while also showcasing that it wasn’t just a male driven sport was fantastic.

Reading Dom had a stalker and this is how Faye walks back in his life was exciting, but also scary - I enjoyed how this story is filled with twist and turns, earning trust and rebuilding relationships, watching the characters growth is fascinating.

The story between Faye and Dom was truly one that will pull your heart strings a lot, from young love and broken hearts to a positive outcome, don’t get me wrong there story is far from easy but I don’t want to give things away.

Driven touches on bedroom scenes but there is no spice in this book incase you were looking for it but honestly I don’t feel it was needed as Maya has written these scenes fabulous and you feel the love through how they were written.

I love the found family, the friendships and the way this story grows throughout the book.

Thank you for a wonderful book that was hard to put down, you have done a fabulous job and I can’t want for book 2.

Quote: F!$k, she owns me. And I gladly surrender to her.

[Serena Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐2🌶
Driven is a captivating, suspenseful, thrilling, and heartwarming brother's best friend, second chance story! I love Dom and Faye's story! I love the 'it's always been you' vibes! This story is beautifully written, grabs your attention from beginning to end, and has a heartwarming happily ever after! The suspense keeps you entertained throughout the whole story! I love this story!

[Jen’s Book Village · Rating 3 out of 5]

(This is a 3.5 star read for me)
This review is for an advanced copy of DRIVEN: INFERNO UNLEASHED by author, Maya K. I was happy to be asked to review this book by the author and the story is different from my normal reading. DRIVEN focuses on a NASCAR driver who is winning and at the top of his game. A big problem arises when he becomes the target of a stalker. He and potentially the whole supporting team around him are in danger. A private investigator is called in, but it turns out they already know one another from when they were teens. Dom, the driver, and Faye, the investigator were close and shared some feelings, but Dom, already having issues with his family, just up and left town. Faye and her brother, Dom’s best friend, didn’t hear from him again even though the family had practically taken Dom in.
I enjoyed the story and the writing for the most part, but some tweaks would improve the book. I did bring these up to the author and these tweaks were already being considered. This book takes place in the United States, mainly in the South and on the NASCAR circuit. The book is written using British spelling and grammar. So, words like, “tyres” and “petrol” are used rather than tires and gas/gasoline. For me, this took me out of the story. It just didn’t fit especially for the dialogue. Words were being used and said that would not be said by an American, so that was tricky for me. Additionally, I think the book went on a little longer than necessary and could’ve been edited down a touch. The book is told in alternating narration and many parts started with a recap of what had just happened. The repetition was not necessary for the storyline. Overall, this was a good story and with some minor changes, the book would be improved.

[Serena Buss · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐2🌶
Driven is a captivating, suspenseful, thrilling, and heartwarming brother's best friend, second chance story! I love Dom and Faye's story! I love the 'it's always been you' vibes! This story is beautifully written, grabs your attention from beginning to end, and has a heartwarming happily ever after! The suspense keeps you entertained throughout the whole story! I love this story!

[Tiffany Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

dark, mysterious, thrilling, with a sweet HEA. If you like F1 racing and a little stalker drama, this is a great read to satisfy your craving. it's sweet yet intense.