Paying the Price

Royal Bastards MC: Durango, CO #6

by Nicole James

From Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes a standalone, slow burn, age gap, boss love, steamy MC romance Lizzy—

When did my life come to this?

Everything was going so right. I had a job I liked, a cute little house and a great marriage to my high school sweetheart. Matt was my everything—my firefighting hero—until tragedy struck. Now suddenly I'm a widow drowning in grief and about to lose everything.

One terrible day sent my whole world spinning.

If it wasn't for my good friend, Kate I would have gone under. She pulled me out of my deep depression and found me a new job to take my mind off everything.


I'm thankful to her until I find out my new boss is the VP of the Royal Bastards MC.

Has she lost her frigging mind?


Darko—

When a son I didn't know I had, is abruptly dropped in my lap, my whole world is upended. He’s a teenager, pissed at the world, and dealing with crushing grief. Suddenly I’m struggling to deal with him and my busy auto restoration business.

When I tell Utah I need someone to answer the phones and keep up with the paperwork, his ol' lady delivers me her best friend.

I remember Lizzie. She was always the bubbly girlie-girl, so full of life. But that's not the devastated, barely speaking woman who walks in my shop. Lizzie had the life she deserved. Now she’s destroyed. And on top of that, what does she know about working in a garage or dealing with a man like me—a member of the Royal Bastards MC?

Not to mention the fact that she’s half my age and distracting as hell.

How in the world does Kate expect us to help each other?

260 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2025

About the author

Nicole James is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author who loves writing about hot alpha men who'll do anything for the women they love!
Her stories are filled with struggle, conflict and real human emotion.
She is the author of the Evil Dead MC series, the Brothers Ink Tattoo series and more.

Reviews

[Doris · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read Heart Gripper

There is so much at play in this book from a widow, to a new found son, to the VP of a biker club. Darko just found out he has a twelve-year-old son who just lost his mom. He is juggling so much in his life right now.

Darko needs someone at his shop for office work and one of his brother’s wives suggests her friend, Lizzy. That is the beginning of something special. Their connection was fantastic even with them dealing with so much in their lives.

This was a gripping MC romance that has a well-earned five-star rating from me.

[Shannon Godwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well Darko gets a surprise of a life time. Watching him navigate with what’s been thrown at him was something I really enjoyed reading about. I love how he stepped up to the plate and became the wonderful parent that he did. I felt connected to these characters and what they went through. A great book!!

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzy has just lost her husband . He was a firefighter and he died while on duty fighting a fire. It’s been about 9 months since his death, she’s is still in bed, not doing much of anything. She’s let the depression get the best of her.

One of her friends sets her up with a new job as she was just fired from her dental assistant position. This new job is at Darko’s auto shop. He needs help with the admin side of the house. He can’t keep up with the billing / what’s coming in / what’s going out. He is hoping that Lizzy will be able to help.

Darko seems to be very protective of his business and his MC club. He loves both. For a big scary biker guy Darko is a complete softy once you get to know him.

When Lizzy walks into his shop he knows something is off. She’s not the same happy girl he’s met in the past. Now she’s off - sad - not sure of herself. Completely not like her at all.

Will Lizzy be able to let the light back into her life? Will Darko be able to help her realize what she’s missing?

I did receive a free ARC book copy of this book. I am leaving an honest review.

[Rina | booksofthemuggleborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating: 4.5 stars!

**ARC was generously provided in exchange for my honest review.**

Mmm. All kinds of dreamy, warm-hearted, giddy goodness compiled in a 250+ page MC romance book for your enjoyment! 😊 Oh man, do I wish it was longer. It was just THAT addictive of a read.

This being the sixth book in James’ Royal Bastards MC series, it’s going strong. Every single book from this series has been exceptional, and Darko and Lizzie’s story was an amazing addition.

It’s a relatively quick read, but it’s such an immersive world. Whilst you can read this and the previous books in the series in any order, as they’re all standalone reads, I would still recommend reading in publishing order. The world-building gradually expands with each book, introducing you to the MC brothers, and the women who’ve caught their attention. Familial-like bonds grow amongst the cast of characters, and you’ll get a fuller reading experience if you’re already familiar with their connections and lighthearted ribbing.

Darko and Lizzie both go through some life-altering changes in their lives. You may not necessarily relate to what they go through, but I guarantee you will at least sympathise with these characters as they navigate through these adjustments. Their story is attention-grabbing from the very first page, and I, for one was instantly hooked.

Darko is an amazing MMC. I was amazed by how well he managed to juggle so many concerns with such thoughtfulness, and made it look effortless. He’s the type of person if you ever find yourself in a pickle, he is THE person to call! I couldn’t fault him as a character. Yes, he has a dark side, but there’s also no denying he has a heart. He’s caring, protective, loving, and respectful. He’s easily one of my top favourite MMC’s from this series.

Lizzie trudges through a longer and more complexed journey. I wasn’t always a fan of her actions and thought-process, but I could understand the reasoning behind her impulsiveness. She’s an emotionally-driven character, whilst Darko is more logically-driven who considers all options first. Not only did they balance each other out, but they also brought out the best in one another too.

Although, it’s a story of second chances, of found-family, and of new beginnings, it does contain sensitive subject matters. It broaches on certain topics that some may find difficult or triggering to read about, such as, loss of a loved one—resulting in depression and behavioural changes, and fertility issues. Please take into consideration before reading. But in saying that, I think it was a beautiful, heartwarming story, written with care and sensitivity.

I love the backdrop— it’s vivid and totally compelling. It added another layer to the overall reading experience. James isn’t unpractised when it comes to placing her characters and their story in scenic locations, and this one is no different. A small, yet bustling town that you can feast your eyes on.

If you enjoy slow burn romances, add this one to your TBR. It’s an MC romance, but the MC elements are more secondary to the developing romantic relationship, which I think is great for readers looking to dip their toes in MC romance books but not quite ready for full-blown grittiness and suspense. Due to the slow-burn, spicy content is minimal, but worth the wait. The constant heated desires between Darko and Lizzie helped tamper the anticipation. There’s a good amount of comic relief throughout, keeping the overall atmosphere lighter than your usual dark MC romance. Bonus if you also like the single dad trope, workplace romance, opposites attract, and/or an age-gap between its MCs. But honestly, reading about a super sweet, hot biker is enough incentive, if you ask me! 😉

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

PAYING THE PRICE is the sixth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO erotic, MC romance series, a part of the multi-authored RBMC. This is RBMC: Durango VP John ‘ Darko’ Taylor, and thirty-two year old, Lizzy Collins’ story line. PAYING THE PRICE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be triggers for more sensitive readers.

Told from dual first person perspectives (Darko and Lizzie) PAYING THE PRICE follows the building romance and relationship between Durango VP John ‘ Darko’ Taylor, and thirty-two year old, Lizzy Collins. Several month earlier Lizzy Collins’ life imploded when her fire-fighter husband was killed on the job. Fast forward to present day, Lizzy’s life is spiraling out of control but the with help of her best friend Kate (Enforcing the Rules #4) Lizzie finds herself on the road to recovery, working as the office manager for the RBMC owned Royal Restorations where she will meet RBMC: Durango VP John ‘Darko’ Taylor. Darko’s life has changed in recent weeks when he discovered he has a twelve year old son he knew nothing about. The death of his son’s mother finds Darko a single father, but a father who is determined to take back what he lost years before . Falling for Lizzie was never in the cards but Darko finds himself pulled into the aura that is our story line heroine, a woman who continues to struggle with the grief and heartbreak of loss.

The world building focuses on Darko’s building relationship with both Lizzie and his son Eli, a young man who has lost his mother, and is trying to settle into a new life and town. As Darko is pulled in several directions, Durango is beset with a series of break-ins, break-ins that will place our heroine in the direct line of fire.

The relationship between Darko and Lizzie begins as employee and employer but Darko struggles to keep his distance from our story line heroine. Not only is Lizzie a widow but the death of her husband has placed a financial burden she never expected. With Lizzie and the RBMC as a support system, Darko’s family expands brining Eli and Lizzie into the fold. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and intense.

There is another large ensemble cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including club president Rock and Evelyn, Rock’s son Trez and his old lady Isabella, Memphis and Lola, Utah and Kate, Baja and Elaina, as well as the introduction of Darko’s son Eli, his grandparents, and Lizzie’s former mother in law Beverly.

PAYING THE PRICE is a story of grief and loss, struggle and acceptance, friendships and love. The character driven premise is dramatic and inspiring but not as dark as some MC story lines; the romance is spicy and seductive; the characters are charismatic and determined.


copy supplied for review

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports..

I have to first say that I am a sucker for anything written in the Royal Bastards world. This book is about the club in Durango, CO. It is the story of Darko and Lizzy. Lizzy's life was going along as great as a girl could hope for. She was married to her high school sweetheart who fought fire. A house that anyone would be happy to own and a job that she loves. However, like has this way of kicking you when you least expect it and her world comes crashing down. My heart broke so hard for her. But she has a best friend Kate that would do anything to get her out of the depression she is in. She finds Lizzy a job that just so happens to be with Darko at his very busy auto body shop. He too is the president of the Royal Bastards MC. He too has had his life drastically change when a son he didn't know he had is suddenly left at his door step angry at the world. But he needs help in his shop with the phones and paperwork. These two are total opposites but just might be able to give each other things they desperately need. You have to read to find that out. This is a slow burn of a romance that is so well written you feel like y ou are living this life with these characters. You do not want to miss it.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nicole James… what did you go and do? You completely broke my heart with Lizzy. The raw grief, the unbearable loss, and the agonising climb out of the dark hole of despair—it was all so vividly written that the tears wouldn’t stop. You didn’t just tell a story, you painted an emotional masterpiece that felt all too real.

Paying the Price is a slow-burn, age-gap, boss romance wrapped in the gritty, addictive world of the Royal Bastards MC. When Lizzy’s best friend gets her a job at the club’s VP’s garage, she never expects the sparks—or the storm—that comes with working for Darko. Their chemistry is combustible, their banter sharp, but it’s the way they challenge each other that starts to slowly pull Lizzy back to life.

Just as things begin to shift, Darko discovers he’s a father to a pre-teen son, throwing a whole new kind of chaos into the mix. Now he’s juggling club life, unexpected fatherhood, and a growing attraction to the woman who’s fast becoming his anchor. Lizzy, in turn, finds more than just healing—she finds a found family among the club’s Old Ladies, and a connection with Darko and his son that’s impossible to ignore.

This story is deeply emotional, wildly steamy, and unapologetically real. Nicole James delivers another standout in the RBMC: Durango series—a journey of love, loss, and the beautiful, messy road to second chances.

[Michele A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lizzie is at her low point after losing her husband, Matt, and reeling from the depression that set in. She decides her old life is over and she needs to find the new her. When Kate realizes that Darko needs someone to help in his office and Lizzie would be able to help, things start out a little rough for them. She has preconceived notions of what Darko is like and she is wrong. He just found out he has a teenage son, Eli, who has come to live with him for at least the next 6 months. He realizes that Kate helps them buffer their getting to know each other. She helps Eli with his loss since she just lost someone important to her too. Darko was pretty patient and let both of them figure out their way. I liked how he didn't put pressure on either of them. He knew he had to put his wants aside for both his son and Lizzie to get on the same page as him. Lizzie was kind of snappish and liked to hide from her problems. It was somewhat understandable, but she wasn't a young woman. She was in her 30's and didn't seem to know how to handle her feelings.

[Ashante Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Darko & Lizzie: triggers- grief, loss, depression, cancer. this is listed as a slow burn, age gap romance but throughout the entire book there was nothing that would even address the age gap. no mention of their ages or issues with the ages. it's definitely a slow burn. what I had an issue with is that for a Royal Bastards MC book, there's not much with the MC. just little moments with the members together but no actual drama with the MC, no discord with the law enforcement or rival MCs. I felt that Darko was very understanding and sweet but not extremely alpha in this book. Lizzie was hard to like. understandably she was grieving but I felt the book focused more on her previous relationship rather than building a new relationship with Darko. I also wish that their were more father/son moments where Darko and Eli could bond and build their relationship. these were so missed moments. spelling and grammatical errors found as well. book is okay.

[United Indie Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darko the VP of the Royal Bastards. He is living his best life. he owns his own business restoring old cars. One day he gets a call that he has a son. A son he had no clue that existed. His son lost his mother. Now Darko has to raise him and they have to get to know each other. Things are tuff, but they are trying. Darko needs a secretary to help at his business. Lizzie needs a job and her friend Kate tells her about Darko. She goes and gives it a try. Lizzie is having a hard time. Her life is in shambles. Her heart is broken. She doesn’t know which way is up at this point. Does Lizzie stay working for Darko? Does Eli Darko’s son stay with him? What happens to all three of them? If you want to find out, then get this book. It will not disappoint you. I couldn’t put it down.

review by MARIBEL

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in this phenomenal series, and this is Lizzie and Darko’s story.
Lizzie has the perfect life until her whole life falls apart and she finds herself a widow, drowning in grief. Darko is the VP of his MC and is content with his life and his auto restoration business. Darko’s life is upended when he finds out he has a teenage son who is grieving the loss of his mom. Lizzie’s best friend Kate is trying to help her and finds her a job working in Darko’s shop to do paperwork.
This is a well written story which is a slow burn, emotional roller coaster, with found family, friendships, suspense, intrigue, loss, grief, an age gap, new beginnings, humor, witty banter, palpable chemistry, healing, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming, addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything is wonderful in her life, until it isn't. With one tragedy, her life has fallen apart and she's in a dark hole. Her best friend is trying everything she can think of to bring her back, but until she's ready, that hole will protect her.

He's just found out that a one night stand created a life. Now he's floundering trying to find his footing with a son he didn't know he had and running his garage. His garage is struggling because he's trying to focus more on his son and be the father he knows his son deserves, even if it his son is now a teenager, he can show him how special he is.

I enjoyed Darko and Lizzy's story. It is full of tragedy, finding one's way after life altering tragedy, and found family. These two were great together and the Durango, CO RBMC members are great to catch up with. I look forward to more in this chapter to come.

[Lorraine Pelletier - Dwyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lizzy & Darko i seriously wish this book didn’t end. The way Lizzy stands up for herself even in her darkest times shows how strong she is and how she’s going to make a great VP ol’lady. in the beginning your heart breaks for her as she’s grieving & trying hard to move forward with her life. Which is how she starts helping Darkos kid at first to. They bond and over time Darko sees her for who she is becoming outside of the grieving. She changes from the happy go lucky woman to someone much darker. But she moves her life from the bottom of the dark hole and runs straight into Darko with open arms. He learns to help her in some ways & listens to what she needs to say in order to help her. Oh i love this so much i can’t wait to see how they continue their journey :) Love it!!

[Noemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 read!

Darko's life is about to shift big time. He finds out he has a 12 year old son, and he meets the one. A lot of changes are about to happen in his once controlled existence.

Lizzie has recently become a widow. Life isn't what she expected. She loses her job, but thanks to her BFF, Kate, she gets hired by Darko at his auto renovation shop.

They meet, and the sparks fly. They both tell each other that they must remain professional until they figure out that they can't. Their journey to love has it's sad moments, as well as a sense of discovery for both of them!

I truly enjoyed this read 📚!

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about finding love after a devasting loss. Darko finds out he has as on he never knew about who is 12 and just lost his mother. Lizzie is battling her own grief, she takes a job working for Darko in his auto shop. She is changing and finding her way. She knows exactly what Eli is feeling and they form a bond. She also forms one with Darko.
Their losses are both life changing, to feel their sorrow and take their journey to finding love again was very moving. I liked how Darko was patient most of the time and caring with his son and Lizzie.
Their MC shows them how much family comes in all forms.

[Mimirureviewbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paying The Price is book 6 in the Royal Bastards MC Durango, CO written by the amazing author Nicole James This is Lizzy and Darko, a slow burn, age gap, employee/boss love and steamy MC second chance romance. I could not put this book down. It was too good. Honestly what’s there not to love about this; lot of action, sexy bikers, brotherhood banter, amazing characters, grief and new beginnings, second chances, surprises, hot chemistry and romance, leaving me wanting more and more. Highly recommend.

[Patricia Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new chapter

Sometimes we all need to start a new chapter in our lives. When we go through something in life it has a habit of throwing us for a loop and that is what is going on with Lizzie and Darko.

Each has found their lives turned upside down with the events. However, both of find ways to cope with the events. As the events go on both find that there is an attraction between the two. Both have to realize that its okay to move on with life.

I lived this story, Miss James has given us another wonderful addition to the Durango RBMC Chapter.

[Debbie Earley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darko & Lizzie

What a great read. Its a slow burn due to everything Lizzy has been through, but once they get past that point the steam in scorching. Darko doesn't rush her and I loved how he supported her as she navigated her way through grief and building a new way of life for herself. The way he was with Eli and understanding he needed time made my heart happy. The advice and journals he gave to them was perfect. I love the 3 of them and after the way this book ended I can't wait to see how the navigate the happy changes that are coming for them.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional

I have been trying to find a really good MC book and although some were ok, I had to sort of force myself to finish them. This is outstanding and just what I have been looking to find. It has all the drama of a club and it has all the zany loving characters to learn about as the couple reach towards their HEA. Highly recommend this story. It is the first book i read in the series and now I am going to start with book 1 and then read all the others. Enjoy this one!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Darko and Lizzie's story. With a side of Eli, Darko's son that he didn't know about. Lizzie goes through a heartbreaking loss. Kate, her best friend, is trying to help her and gets her a job working for Darko. Eli also goes through a heartbreaking loss and found father. I look at this book as kind of a second chance at love, at least for Lizzie. This is a slow burn romance. There is no real MC drama or action. It's a sweet love story between Darko and Lizzie. Again with a side of Eli. I wish there would have been more interaction with Eli.

[GKP2460 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paying The Price is an emotional, intense and consuming story. It's Darko and Lizzy steamy, age gap journey and is such a heartbreaking read in so many ways yet beautiful and all about healing and finding a new path after such huge loss. I love that Lizzy is fierce and independent and as it's a slow burn I love that they take time and don't just jump in right away. Needless to say the chemistry between them is off the charts HOT and they are perfect for one another. An absolute must read!

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing. It grabbed me from the very first page and there was no putting it down. This book moves along at a really great pace that works for the story perfectly. The characters, wow. No matter what happens you want to see them overcome everything in their way. By the end you feel as though you know them and you want to be there with them. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Teresa R.Fieck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book !!

I could not put this book down . Lizzie and Darko story was great. There were a few rough starts but in the end everything turn out great. And the ending OMG now I feel a Royal Bastards marathon of rereading all the book in this series. Thank you Ms James loved ,loved this book. Can’t wait to read the next book!

[Kurtins R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this was an intense story.
My heart broke for Lizzy, the way she pulled herself out of the grief she was in.
This was a really good book. An eternal bachelor getting a 12 year old son and meeting the woman that would change his lie all within weeks of each other makes for great story.
Very intense and Nicole James handles the intensity well.

Great story.

[Lynne Garlick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Chapter!

I love this Chapter of the Royal Bastards MC and I absolutely loved Darko’s story. Lizzie has been through terrible heartache and Darko has just had a huge surprise left with him.
Are they able to navigate it all and support each other. Well, Darko is the epitome of loyalty and the support he shows Lizzie and Eli is just beautiful!
My heart!!

[Ana Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it so much!!!

Darko and Lizzie’s tale is wonderfully written. It’s a beautiful testament to how the spirit endures when you think it can’t possibly survive.
A crucial part of the story is another character, Eli, whom I can’t wait to see grow up.
This little family unit is so perfect for each other. I just loved this one so very much.

[Julie Jackson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for SNS

This book is fabulous. The storyline is full of emotional grief and new beginnings. Eli stole my heart. Lizzy is in such a state of mind that she doesn’t know what to do. Darko with his MC family will do their best to mend them both.

[Cat1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darko and Lizzie

Dark and Lizzie's story is heartwarming. It's good seeing how a tragedy can get turned around to a new way of life and hope for the future. It's an uplifting story, that's a must read.

[michelle Shelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

So so good

This book has a little bit of everything. Great characters and a story that pulls at your heart strings. A widow, a newly discovered Dad and a wonderful story line.
Darko will bring you to your knees and your heart will break for Lizzie. A wonderful read!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really loved Lizzy and Darko's story. It was deeply emotional and I love a story where the friendship comes first. Not heavy on the MC but just enough along with the found family aspect.