Hell to Pay

Portland Devils #6

by Rosalind James

You can take the princess out of the palace, but you can’t take the palace out of the princess.

Running for your life is never easy. Doing it at age 16, after losing your family, your friends, and your home, with three-quarters of a priceless emerald parure sewn into the sleeves of a battered old Army greatcoat and your beloved city in flames behind you, is harder still. Why did I do it? Because I had no choice. The Red Army was knocking at Dresden’s door, and the Jewish family hiding in our cellars had been marked for transportation to the camps. So we stripped the yellow stars from their clothing, hid our identity documents, and struck out west through the chaos with nothing to eat, nowhere to stay, and no plan at all.

I’d left Germany behind all those decades ago, so why was I back in Dresden now, at the age of 94? I was on a quest, you see. My mother’s emerald tiara might still lie hidden in those cellars, and I … wanted it back? Wanted to show my beloved granddaughter the place where I’d grown up? Wanted to remember the wounded GI I’d pulled off the street and finally married over the objections of almost everybody? Our motivations can be unclear even to ourselves. But I’d chosen to come here, so I was going to do what I’d always done.

I was going to do my best.

Note: This book can be read as a stand-alone, or as a sequel to Hell Bent: Portland Devils Book 5. Watch for the continuation of Marguerite and Joe’s story in Heaven Forbid, available January 1, 2026.

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Contemporary, Historical, Germany

578 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2025

About the author

Rosalind James writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense published both by Montlake Romance and independently. Her stories are set in New Zealand, Idaho, California, New York . . . really, anyplace that seems cool. (Research trips, especially those involving lots of rugby, are a bonus.) Her books are available in ebook, paperback, and audio formats. Rosalind is a former marketing executive who spent several years in Australia and New Zealand, where she fell in love with the people, the landscape, and the culture of both countries. She attributes her rapid success to the fact that "Lots of people would like to escape to New Zealand! I know I did!"

Reviews

[RCSue · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am in awe! This book was so good that I truly did not want to put it down. It did take us back in history to life at the very end of World War II in Germany and the inhumanity of man. It also took us through the very end of her life with her parents and then on the run to try to get to the Americans with the family friend/doctor who was a Jew and his children. It also covers the present day search of her trying to retrieve the tiara that she had to hide in the palace that she lived in and the social media influencer, who kind of met up and tagged along with the family and broadcast the story.

Along with her escape was her meeting her future husband, trying to spend a little time together and being ostracized by the village for even being friendly with the American.

This book is totally unlike any of her other books, except for the fact that the woman can weave a story and keep you glued to the page. She shows the fear, the tragedy, the things that people are capable of when it’s required of them. But she always has some humor and witty conversation included. This book was worth waiting for, I really cannot recommend it more.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Star Review Hell To Pay (Portland Devils #6) by Rosalind James

This book was a departure from what I have come to expect from Ms. James. I would suggest you read Hell Bent first before reading Hell To Pay.

This was an emotional read which goes from World War II to present day. This is a book full of history and was both heartbreaking and heartwarming. An emotional roller coaster if you will.

I felt for all the characters as the story progressed. A special read that will stay with me.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did think this was a very well written story. It was full of history and had links at the end with images and explanations for the information that was part of this story. I felt like I was on an emotional rollercoaster ride. Maybe it was just me, or maybe that was part of the purpose.

This review was really difficult for me to write. This was a difficult book for me to read. Having relatives who served in World War II in Germany and recalling stories passed down about their experiences in that particular war made it even more difficult. I was young but I remembered. On top of that, it was very easy to draw parallels between events currently being experienced in this country. I say all of that to say that I didn't find this to be a lighthearted read.

Even Joe and Daisy's love story was fraught with difficulty and fear, along with the little bursts of joy they experienced. To me, the search for the tiara ended up being a pretty small part of the overall story. The story had a very historical flavor. It flipped back and forth between World War II and current times. It was not difficult to keep up with the story as it can often be when I book is written like that. I will say that if history does not interest you, this will probably not be something you would enjoy.

This book can be read as a standalone, but it is also a continuation of the previous book focusing on Alix's grandmother. Sebastian, Ben, and Alix take this journey back in time with Daisy (Marguerite). I found some elements of a Rosalind James novel in this book, but it was much more of a historical read including some fictional aspects.

It is a long book. A heavy with solemnity, but a well written one nonetheless. I am looking forward to reading Joe and Daisy's story once they return to the US. I am sure they will encounter additional difficulties, but I hope it is a little more lighthearted than this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Purely enjoyable

Rosalind James's foray into historical fiction is beautifully written. The use of epistlary passages is a clever way to revisit the past experiences of Joe and Daisy as they live during one of the most historically horrific periods, WWII. A young traveler's internet blog on Daisy's journey is interspersed with Daisy's narrative of her past and the hunt for the missing tiara. This provides needed light- hearted moments in which the reader can take a deep breath and release some of the tension that builds while reading about the hardships of WWII. Ms. James has a way with words that convey a message without being bombastic. This isn't so much a war story but rather a story of maturing, survival, and humanity. I'm looking forward to the next book!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic. Such a moving story, kept my interest from page 1. Even though it is fiction, it is the kind of story that makes you wish it was real. For me, it was right up there with Gone With the Wind…

[Jan · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I was going to round down, because the book felt too long and it dragged in parts. But the second half was more engaging and ending was beautiful. I cried, actually, so I had to round up to to 4 stars.

This new book is not a typical read from Ms James. I have really liked quite a few of her books, and I usually enjoy that they are over 500 hundred pages. In this case, as mentioned, it felt too long though. It was actually more like historical fiction rather than historical romance. It's basically the story of a 16/17-year-old German girl, Daisy, and her experiences in the chaos of 1945-1946 Germany. Daisy is a (fictional) descendant of Queen Victoria, and comes from an aristocratic/royal background. She has some terrible experiences, including losing her parents in the infamous Dresden firestorm, then having to hide her real identity. But she also finds love with a 19-year-old US soldier. So there is a romance thread, but it's a fairly light one, and not the main thrust of the story. And when I started the book, I wasn't really expecting to read a WWII Germany war story from the POV of a teenage girl.

I think maybe that was one of the things that made it drag a little for me. I'm not that into stories about or from the POV of teenagers. I'd much rather mature protagonists. It's a completely clean read too. The protags are so young of course, and don't marry till the end of the book. Usually the sexy bits are a strength of Ms James' books, but in this case they are missing in action. Of course, that's due to the nature of the story, but I missed them anyway.

The book has twin timelines, including the POV of Daisy in the present day, as a 92-year-old. After living in the US since the end of the war, she is now a widow who returns Dresden with her granddaughter (Alix, the MFC from the previous book Hell Bent). They are on a quest to find a valuable tiara, a family heirloom left behind in Dresden in 1945. Much of the book is built around their quest to look for the tiara. (By pure coincidence, the fictional tiara is very similar to the one that made the news around the time this book was published, when it was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. Funny coincidence that it was in the news just as I started the book.)

The book can stand alone. There are some characters who featured in the previous book, but they are very much second string here, and don't play huge roles. If you are looking for a romance read, yes the romance is nice, but it's super slow burn. The young MCs don't even meet till more than half way through the (long) book. We have already met Joe through his letters home to his parents, but yeah, slow burn. Part of the story is also told via diary entries from Daisy. The videography idea worked quite well, with Daisy's story being told to the world via an online series of short videos from Ashleigh and Ben. This was believable, and added to the story. Unfortunately the way Ashleigh became involved wasn't credible to me though. They met randomly, and nobody did any real checks on her ID or credentials? They just took her at her word and let her start recording? Yeah, right....

At the end of the book, Ms James explains some of her connections to Germany, and the historical accuracy seems to be there (to my not terribly knowledgeable eyes). So that wasn't a problem. It's just not the type of book I'd normally choose to read, and not what I'd normally look for from Ms James. Kudos to the author for stepping out and trying a new genre, but I'm not are how far I'll follow her down this path. The next book (due in the new year) continues Joe and Daisy's story in the US. I presume set in the 1940s-50s?? Guess I'll read it, as I've gotten to know these characters now, but really, for my personal preference I look forward to more CRs in Ms James' previous style, if she choses to write them at some future point.

[Susan Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good, riveting story! Marguerite had a small part in the previous book, but she seemed like the grandmother everyone would want, despite being 94 years old. In that book we learned that if Germany had not decided against having a monarchy her father would have been King. So by birth she was a princess, related to the Russian royal family, Queen Victoria and indeed, most ruling families of Europe. They lived quietly in a palace in Dresden. At the age of 94 she is very determined to go back to Dresden and find the tiara so that her grand-daughter Alix can wear it at her wedding. The family is not prepared to let her go alone, so Alix, her fiancé Sebastian, and his nephew Ben all go with her to make sure she takes it easy. As they travel she starts telling them her life story, most of which Alix has never heard before. It is a gentle blend of the present and the story-telling about her escape from Germany when she was sixteen.stories like this are often disjointed but Rosalind has blended them beautifully.

Marguerite begins with her father being nervous about the order to appear before the Gestapo he has received. He is very concerned about the war, and he takes Marguerite to show her a secret passage through which she will be able to escape the palace if it becomes necessary. He shows her the secret hiding place of her mother’s set of grand, priceless matching jewellery, a stunning tiara, necklace and ring, and tells her to take it with her if she has to flee, she will be able to sell it to pay for her journey. The bombing begins in earnest, and the palace is hit. Marguerite finds her parents have died, lack of oxygen in the palace cellars has allowed them to die in each others arms. She must flee, at the tender age of 16 she is alone in the world. She must go west, the Russians are coming from the east and they would surely kill her. She puts on very old clothes, taking a ragged coat off of one of the dead servants so that she doesn’t attract attention.

She goes to the tunnel that takes her underneath the cellars, and discovers their doctor and his two children hidden down there, her father had hidden them because as Jews they were going to be rounded up and sent to the prison camps, of which dark rumours were spreading. She finds her mother’s jewellery and sews the ring and the necklace into the lining of her coat. The tiara is too big for that, so she leaves it in the hiding place, thinking she will collect it one day. Then the four of them set off to the west, where the Americans are. And so their travels begin. They mostly stay close to somewhere they can hide, but very occasionally there are trains heading the right way. Sometimes kind people help them, but mostly they struggle to find food and shelter. They arrive in a small village close to the American base, where the baker has a damaged arm and cannot knead the bread, but is trying to keep the place going until her husband comes home from the war. Marguerite has learned how to make bread, the palace cook found it a chore, and Marguerite had enjoyed learning how. So the baker grudgingly allows them to stay there. While there she rescues an American soldier named Joe, a crucial point for her story.

When they get to Dresden the past and the present join back together when Marguerite eventually gets permission to search for the tiara, it takes gaining approval from several people in different government departments, it could have gone either way! There is a lovely ending, but Marguerite has a lot more of her story to tell them, about getting to America and her long life there. I cannot wait!

[Esther · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another page-turner by Rosalind James! This is not her typical style of novel – it is quite different, but if you are a fan of Ms.James’ work, be prepared for a magical journey – exploring some very serious themes. This historical fiction book is the in Portland Devils book series by Rosalind James, but is not really about Portland – or sports. It is based in a small town in Germany in present day – with flashbacks to mid-WWII Nazi Germany toward the end of the war. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but probably enjoyed best when followed by the first of the series, Hell Bent, as it begins with elderly Marguerite and her granddaughter, her fiancé and his brother visiting Germany in present day. This is Ms.James’ first historical based work, and she has knocked it out of the park, with her vivid descriptions and well-researched details of Nuremburg, the areas surrounding it, and the characterization of local politics, the terror of Nazi Germany through the eyes of someone who lived through it. I think she honors the memory and the lived-experiences of the holocaust very well, and though I am no historian or have ever been there, this book brought me into her world and led me to believe the stories as if I were speaking with my own family member.
My own grandparents had lived through the war in northern England and contributed to the Allied resistance in their own ways and married right after the war ended. My mother became one of the first baby-boomers in that generation. Through their stories shared with me and through Ms.James writing.. I could relate and empathize with these characters, and though this book is not a history lesson, it does pull you into the realities of war, human connection, human loss, family loyalty and tradition, and of course the atrocities of the holocaust, which should never be forgotten or ignored.
It is incredibly poignant and thought provoking, so deeply sad and serious at times, and heart-warming and funny too. The story is told from an old lady’s POV as she is recounting her wartime experiences and reliving the tough times through readings of her journals and her husband's letters home from the war.
I love the engagement of these characters, how they ultimately solved a great mystery of a lost family heirloom, and how two characters’ lives interconnected and joined in love. This was a sort-of-romance/historical fiction/mystery novel with a huge heart and I loved every minute of the journey I was taken on. This book is a page-turner. I couldn't put it down! I want to hear more about Marguerite and Joe. I can't wait to read the next one in the series!

[IAM · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been of fan of Rosalind James for nearly ten years, during which time I have read around thirty of her books. Hell To Pay, however, was a complete surprise; I wasn’t expecting a historical fiction novel - I tend not to read synopses because they often contain spoilers. I read in the author’s note that this is Ms James’ first historical novel project. As a lover of historical fiction, my favorite genre, I believe she nailed it. I think I often take the research in this author’s books for granted, perhaps because of the modern settings, but there is no doubt that the research in this book is meticulous. Thorough research is essential when writing historical fiction; the characters may be fictitious, but the themes and events need to be authentic. If not, any history buffs out there are going to call you on it. One of my favorite things about reading historical fiction is not just reading a great story, but learning things I didn’t know before. I have read many novels set during WWII, but even though I knew about the bombing of Dresden, I knew little about the details or the aftermath of the destruction. I think the technique chosen to tell this story is perfect. I always enjoy multiple timelines, and Ms. James uses this technique very effectively. In the modern timeline, Marguerite is in her 90s and has returned to her native Germany with her granddaughter and several other individuals, including a videographer, Ashleigh, who is recording her story. I loved the way the author gradually revealed Marguerite’s story in such a compelling way by using a combination of Marguerite’s diary entries from the 1940s, her recounting of the events to her party and others, and the description of the historical situation from an American soldier’s perspective in his letters to his father. The story is revealed in short episodes that mirror the video bites that Ashleigh uploads to social media. The bites were meant to draw in the growing online audience, making them want to return for more. I felt the storytelling technique had a similar effect on me as a reader. The characters are very well-developed. Some, like Doctor Becker and his children, made me sad, while others, like teenage Ben, made me smile more than once. A main theme in the book is the love story of Marguerite and Joe, but there is so much more - survival, resilience, moral dilemma, honor, mystery, suspense … In other words, it is a book of substance, one that I thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend without hesitation.

[Anne Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Hell to Pay is a well-written story that immediately pulls the reader in. It is set in the unconventional backdrop of late WWII and post-war Germany. I'm fascinated by history, and I love reading historical fiction and historical romance. I also enjoy reading fiction that informs me, especially when it leads me to do additional research on a topic.

Hell to Pay is told from the point of view of a wealthy German princess who we met in Hell Bent - Alix's grandmother Marguerite. Marguerite was the daughter of the former Royal family of Saxony, and her father refused to show any support for Hitler. Her family's standing and wealth protected her from the worst effects of the war until the Soviets were approaching. The princess must run from the Soviets, and she must blend in with the German people. This story shows us first hand the suffering that most Germans experienced at the end of the war - a view point that I have rarely shown in fiction.

Joe is an American Jew, fighting in the US Army in Europe. He is multilingual, having learned both German and some Yiddish from his parents. He becomes very useful to the US Army as he can communicate with Jews that were found in the concentration camps, as well as the Germans who were captured and arrested. Joe is asked to help translate at the Nuremberg trials after the war.

We learn this story as Marguerite returns to Germany with her granddaughter Alix, Sebastian, and his nephew Ben (who we meet in Hell Bent, Portland Devils 35). Marguerite tells them the story of her life in Germany, and meeting her husband Joe through journal entries and letters Joe wrote his family back in the US. The author skillfully interwove the story of their trip to Germany with Marguerite's flashbacks to her life in Germany as a girl and young woman, and her early relationship with Joe.

This story is masterfully written, and highly entertaining. Even the people that Marguerite spent time with in Germany are very well-developed - her family and servants, those that provided aid as she escaped with other refugees from Saxony, and even the German civilians who often snubbed her because of her relationship with an American.

I was given an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Jan Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind James has written another stunning novel. Her first historical novel is set in Nazi Germany toward the end of WWII and is a profound look into the political environment that allowed Hitler to rise to power, the atrocities of the German regime, the suffering of the German people during and after the war, the horrific destruction of the German cities, the experiences of the American forces as they battled through Germany and liberated the concentration camps, and the Nuremberg trials. It is written in modern day as Marguerite visits her childhood home in Dresden and recounts in flashbacks her desperate flight from the city following its destruction by American bombers and the deaths of her family. We follow her courageous journey to find safety and to save a Jewish family during the war as well as her courage to finally return to Germany at the age of 94 to find a treasured heirloom hidden when she fled. But it is also the love story of Marguerite and Joe, an American soldier, whom we meet through his letters to his father during the war and through Marguerite’s memories of their meeting and courtship.

Although this is book six in the Portland Devil’s series, the sequel to Hell Bent, and contains many of the characters from the previous book, it can definitely be read and enjoyed as a stand alone book. But Hell Bent is also a wonderfully written book that I would highly recommend as well as the first four books in the series. The love story of Marguerite and Joe continues in Heaven Forbid but Hell to Pay feels like a complete book with a completed story rather than a cliffhanger.

As usual, Ms. James has created a story with excellent character development, emotional depth, humor and romance. Another marvelous story that grips you from the first page and keeps you enthralled until the last.

[Jeanie Mackinder · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was fortunate enough to receive an Early Readers’ copy of Rosalind James’ Hell to Pay.

Hell to Pay is book 6 in the Portland Devils series, and a sequel to Hell Bent but definitely stands alone.

In Hell Bent, female protagonist, Alix, introduced us to her grandmother, Marguerite. Hell to Pay allows ersatz princess, Marguerite, to tell her story as she, Alix, Sebastian, Ben (Sebastian’s nephew) and a new friend, videographer, Ashleigh, pursue the fate of the emerald parure left behind in Dresden when Marguerite escaped from the city during World War II.

The story flows between the past and current day with Marguerite returning to Dresden in her nineties and reading diary entries and letters reflecting her experiences - and those of her future husband, Joe - in WWII Germany. As such, it has a different tempo to the current-day books in the Portland Devils series. The Amazon Portland Devils page describes the series as containing “… some (absolutely and explicitly consensual) steam”. As Marguerite doesn’t even meet Joe until chapter 33, the story has a historical, rather than ‘steamy’, flavour. It is a great story, with a strong and courageous female protagonist recounting her life in fascist Germany.

It is definitely worth reading - but have the tissues at hand!

[Tina (A Novel Time With Tina) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marguerite had a small part in the previous book, Hell Bent, as a seemingly normal grandmother to Alix. In Hell to Pay we get her back story, learning that if Germany had decided to have a monarchy, her father would have been King, and she would have been a Princess. Instead we learn that she had to flee Germany at 16, leaving a valuable tiara that she now wants to go retrieve from its hiding place so that Alix can wear it in her wedding. Alix and her fiancé Sebastian go with her, along with his nephew Ben and a videographer (influencer) tag-a-long Ashleigh, and along the way they get her back story, including her time in WWII Germany and her relationship with her American GI and future husband Joe. This book was a departure from what I have come to expect from Ms. James, much more historical fiction with its only tie to the Portland Devils being shared characters. Marguerite doesn’t meet Joe until chapter 33, so the typical steam we come to expect from a Rosalind James book is more tempered. It is a great story, with a strong and courageous female protagonist recounting her life in fascist Germany, which has a lot of similarities to present day USA. While this is a different setting than Ms James previous books, what hasn’t changed is her incredible storytelling, emotional depth, and talent for creating characters that feel real and unforgettable. I am excited to read the next book as Marguerite and Joe’s story continues in the States. I would suggest you read Hell Bent before reading Hell To Pay.

[B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a different sort of novel from Rosalind James. She continues the story of Alix’s family from her previous novel, Hell Bent, by telling the tale of Alix’s grandmother, Marguerite. The story goes back and forth between her grandmother’s history during WWII in Dresden, Germany and the modern quest of Daisy, Alix, and Alix’s fiance, Sebastian and his nephew to travel to Dresden to find a tiara that Daisy had to leave behind when she fled Dresden. Interspersed in this story is the romance between Daisy and an American soldier, Joe, whom she meets. We know how this comes out since we know that she got to the U.S. and married Joe and had a daughter whose daughter is Alix.

If you’re looking for one of James’ usual romances where a plucky young woman meets a sexy guy who’s either a hunky athlete or a wealthy entrepreneur, this is not what that is. But I still enjoyed the history about the terrible conditions in Germany in the last years of the War. I could have done without the search for the tiara as the group visits museums and bureaucracies and just have focused on the historical tale which was quite interesting. But then I’m a history teacher so that’s what I enjoy reading about.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from the author; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

[Kimberly Battenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, unexpected, and beautifully written story

I’ve been a longtime fan of Rosalind James, and Hell to Pay completely blew me away. It’s such a departure from her usual stories—but in the best possible way. What hasn’t changed is her incredible storytelling, emotional depth, and talent for creating characters that feel real and unforgettable.

This book moves between 1940s Germany and the present day, weaving those timelines together so seamlessly that I couldn’t stop turning the pages. It’s a story filled with courage, resilience, intrigue, family, and love. It also made me think about my own values—how I’d react if faced with the same kinds of challenges the characters do.

Rosalind’s writing is as vivid as ever. I could practically hear and feel what Joe and Daisy (Marguerite) were going through. Their relationship felt authentic and full of heart, set against a backdrop of danger and uncertainty.

While this book stands completely on its own, I’m so glad there’s more to come—I can’t wait to see where their story goes next. Hell to Pay is one of those books that stays with you long after you finish it. A must-read for both longtime fans and anyone discovering Rosalind James for the first time.

(I received an ARC of the book and voluntarily read the book. Review and thoughts are my own and I have not been compensated.)

[Penny Dellarocco · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s a given that Rosalind James is a talented writer, but this book exceeded expectations. The amount of research and the way she dives between time periods is just masterful. I’ve been reading and reviewing her books since the very first series. This current Portland Devils series is a favorite and each story is quite different, this one being the most unusual being a historical romance that goes back to World War II, which is a time period that I have always been very interested in. Even more unusual is that the point of view is not from an American, but a young German princess. We met Marguerite in the prior book in the series, Hell Bent, as the heroine’s 94 year old grandmother. The story travels from current time where Alix, Sebastian and Ben (Sebastian’s teenage son who is very cool) travel to Dresden, Germany to search for the tiara that she hid in the palace before she escaped with her life. This piece is part the parure (added that word to my vocabulary 😊) that she gave to her granddaughter, Alix, and is featured in Hell Bent. As they travel, she tells her story of survival and love story with the American soldier, Joe, who becomes her husband. Rosalind’s writing is just stellar as she weaves this story through time. I can’t wait for the continuation of the story in the next book, Heaven Forbid, scheduled for release 1/1/26.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy and learn so much from Rosalind’s books and this one is truly no exception.
I typically wouldn’t choose a historical book that took place at the end of WWII, but since Rosalind wrote it, I knew that I had to give it go.
This story is told by Marguerite, the 94yo grandmother of our heroine Alix from Hell Bent. She is on a quest to find the emerald tiara, part of the royal parure, that she hid in the bowels of the Residenzschloss, which was her home as ersatz royalty in Dresden, Germany.
Marguerite tells this fascinating, informative story to her granddaughter Alix , her fiance Sebastian and his nephew Ben, through letters, diary entries and present day conversations. It starts with her escape from the relentless bombing of Dresden in 1945 along with her family’s Jewish doctor and his two children and follows their trials of survival with the unexpected friendship of her future husband, an American soldier, Joe. This novel follows the horrific and harrowing journey of our cast of characters through the past and ties it into the present with social media inspired recognition with the help of a tagalong influencer, Ashleigh.
So very well written. I highly recommend this book!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW, just WOW! I could NOT put this book down! Ms. James takes us back in history to WWII. We follow the tragedies and triumphs of Princess Marguerite aka Daisy as she visits Germany for the first time since she left after WWII. I adored how the author guided Marguerite, her granddaughter Alix, her partner Sebastian, his nephew Ben and a videographer (influencer) tag-a-long Ashleigh on a mission to find the missing family heirloom tiara Marguerite hid during WWII. We meet Marguerite's husband Joe, an American soldier for the first time. As a WWII history buff, I was intrigued to follow the story as it was woven into true history of the atrocities, hate, hardships and forged friendships of this terrible time. Ms. James attention to details were spot on and as always, her descriptions of beautiful items such as jewelry make them jump off the pages. In this book her descriptions of the ravages of war on humans, infrastructure and the world equally bring them to life for the reader to experience through her writing. I am excited to read the next book as Marguerite and Joe’s story continues in the States.

[Helen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love history and, even though I am completely anti-war and very much aware of the atrocities committed during wars, I have always been fascinated by the politics and tactics of the two World Wars. Nothing I knew about WW2, however, could have prepared me for Rosalind James writing about it.
As always, she weaves a story that stays with you long after you have finished the book. The seeming normality of the present day story, even though it features some ersatz princesses on a quest to find a priceless family heirloom, stands in poignant contrast to the other story told through a series of flashbacks, Daisy's diary, and letters between Joe and his family.
The usual brilliant writing and dialogue amplifies the horrors of the historical setting, while somehow keeping hope alive at the same time. Even though I read a large part of this book with a lump in my throat, it was still a beautiful, uplifting read. It was filled with courage and resilience and empathy. In a way, it felt almost prophetic - the world is currently a terrible place, with fascism and authoritarianism seemingly ever rising, but in the end goodness will prevail and evil will be conquered.

[Cristina Menchu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“It’s difficult when so many are determined to close their eyes to what’s happening around them.”

Oh how I didn’t want this book to end. My heart breaks whenever I learn how evil humans can be to each other. Marguerite’s story is one of humanity triumphing over evil. A sixteen year old girl who lost it all in one night and had to grow up immediately to survive. She, along with a jewish father, Dr. Becker and his two children who lost so much throughout the years and are alive thanks to someone doing the right thing and standing against fascism, start their journey of survival together.

Their story of hope and strength even when they have nothing left was amazing to read.
We also get Marguerite and Joe’s story. This is one of growth, survival and love. I don’t want to spoil anything because the whole story is just amazingly well written and executed. Interweaving the current events and their personal ones in a way that keeps you enthralled. I sobbed so many times!
I didn’t want it to end and am so happy to learn we will get Marguerite and Joe’s story after the war.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind James has written an amazing historical based novel intertwined with the current day. I absolutely loved this well written book. This story is told from the perspective of a grandmother returning to her roots In Germany with her granddaughter searching for a long lost family heirloom. It is so much more - it is about love - romance, family, and friends. It is about reflecting on life, ethics, questioning authority and what you’re told. The historical components helped me understand what it was like to live in Nazi Germany during the war; bombings, being a refugee, trying to keep secrets and then the trials and tribulations of the Americans liberating Germany.

The Descriptions are so clear you feel like you are experiencing the situations and you relate to characters immediately .

Hell-to-Pay is a difficult topic to read, extremely well researched and a wonderful story. I can’t wait to read it again. It is book #6 in The Portland Devils series, a standalone, but of course I love Rosalind James writing so I have to read everything she’s ever written.

This book does not disappoint!

[Chloe Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalind James has definitely delivered in this new genre! I was intrigued how James would tackle historical fiction (I am a fan of both) and she has written such an amazing story. Marguerite’s very different adventure still carries James' signature strengths of well researched storylines and developed characters. It was a delight to see a continuation of Alix and Sebastian's story and glimpse where they are now, but Hell to Pay stands entirely on its own.

Marguerite's journey back to Germany to revisit her past was an incredibly interesting and an emotion packed read. The story skillfully switches between modern day and the stark, harrowing realities of WW2 Germany. James avoids the common pitfall of confusing time jumps by weaving in the past naturally with recollections, retellings, and the intimacy of diary entries and letters. This novel a testament to Rosalind James’ range as a truly gifted storyteller and I cannot wait to see how the story continues!

[Sue L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Rosalind's novels but this is unlike anything else she has ever written (and I've read everything I'm aware of that she has written, several times). Many reviews here have done a great job summarizing the plot, so I will not repeat.

What is so unique, as compared to her usual writings, is the historical nature of the novel. While she never writes the average romance novel, this transcends that. This is a far deeper look at a tragic time in human history. Rarely does a novel switch between time frames and not confuse the reader.

While it can be read as a stand alone, I appreciate that the character development and backstory is easier to understand if one reads Hell Bent first.

I rarely read historical novels but this one was the exception. I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of Heaven Forbid!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms James has stretched herself into a new direction with Hell To Pay - historical fiction- and she knocked it out of the park!
We originally met Marguerite/Daisy/Oma as we watched her granddaughter, Alix, fall in love with Sebastian. In Hell To Pay, we witness her journey back home to Dresden for the first time in 80 years.
Ms James does an excellent job of utilizing memories and flashbacks to let us see Daisy as a privileged and protected young woman who is thrust into the horrors of WWII. We see her grow up almost overnight as she navigates being a refugee in a war zone and the aftermath of the war.
As with all of Ms James’ books, this is well written and pulls the reader in. I appreciated the way Hell to Pay acknowledged the horrible history of WWII and wove messages of empathy and awareness into the story.
I am very curious to see how the story concludes!

[Nikki Bass · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a departure from Rosalind's normal style, that I wasn't sure what to expect. But wow. The detail and research that went into this book. The links and images available to showcase the world she recreated with her words, backed up with actual facts. I'm so very impressed. The love story and emotional roller-coaster that was woven seamlessly between past and present was impressive, too. Plus, having more Alix and Sebastian(and Ben) is never a bad thing.

I will say, especially in today's world, this was not an easy, light-hearted read. It struck a bit too close to home to not have a significant emotional impact on me as I read. Just be forewarned that this is not a fluffy romance.

As always, Rosalind delivered. This story wrecked me in so many ways, but it was absolutely worth it.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am blown away. This book is not what I was expecting. I am not a big historical fan, but since this was written by Rosalind James and I had already read Hell Bent, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! This story is riveting. While this book can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading Hell Bent first, then reading Hell to Pay. Hell Bent actually provides background information for this story. I absolutely loved this first-person account from a ninety-something year old woman. And while this is a work of fiction, there is so much actual history intertwined that you will feel as though you are right there. If this book doesn’t make you feel, I don’t know what will. Author Rosalind James is a master storyteller! This is a 5-star read, only because I can’t give it more.

[Judith Van Gaalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alix, Sebastian, and Ben (from book 5) take Marguerite, Alix's grandmother, to Germany to find a treasured heirloom. While listening to Marguerite's stories, Alix discovers a side of her grandparents she never imagined. Through letters, diary entries, and Marguerite's stories, we slip from present to past, and are immersed in World War 2 Germany. We see the horrors of war through the eyes of a princess, a Jewish doctor, and an American soldier. We also see the triumph of spirit, perseverance, decency, and love. While different from the other stories in this series, the historical aspect brings a new, delightful dimension to James's writing. Though part of the series, this book can stand alone as a wonderful story of strength and hope that is relevant today

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t say enough good things about this book. Spanning the present and the past, specifically the latter part of World War II it is beautifully written, emotional and thought provoking. The chaos, fear and rugged determination of Marguerite being thrown from her comfortable life into the realities of a world being torn apart by war where death and destruction are everywhere, but also the bravery, friendship and perseverance. Her first meeting with Joe, her actions and their growing friendship was wonderful. Also found the scenes in the present to be really emotional, offset with humour and fortitude as an elderly Marguerite returned to Germany for the first time since the war. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about this book since I finished it.

[Michelle Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic hit by the inestimable Rosalind James! This amazing author has a way of pulling you in and making you see every tiny detail of the incredible places her characters visit, every feeling they feel, every nuance of passion and emotion and heartache they’re feeling. The emotions throughout this whole book had me on the edge of my seat and clinging to my box of tissues all while enjoying full on belly laughs at times. An absolute joy to read from cover to cover. You won’t be disappointed! This book can be read without having read the other Portland Devils books, but if you haven’t, I’d highly recommend the whole series! Full disclosure, I received an ARC of this book, but was not compensated for this review.

[Stacy Moses · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a huge Rosalind James fan and have read all of her books. This one is her first historical fiction story. Not her regular type of story, but It is truly another great read! The story Hell to Pay starts in the present, with Marguerite's granddaughter Alix, her fiance Sebastian and his nephew Ben. But then we are taken into the wartime as it was seen through the eyes of Marguerite, a young German girl, and thru the letters written home to his dad from a Jewish American soldier in the war. Rosalind James did her research and it shows through this story. The search for the princess tiara that was hidden during the war. Read it, you will not be disappointed. Can not wait to read the final story in this trilogy, but this book can be read as a stand alone as well.