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From Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Nicole James, comes a standalone, enemies-to-lovers, steamy biker romance.

Utah—
I’m the Enforcer for the RBMC’s Durango Chapter, hunting down the two-bit scumbag who stole from my club.
He’s a dead man walking.

The problem is a sexy little hellcat named Kate keeps getting in my way.
She’s a bounty hunter and after the same trash as me.
Only she doesn’t want him dead.
She needs him very much alive.
She plans to take him in for the reward, but his bounty doesn’t even come close to the money he owes the club.

Now she wants to offer me a bargain so we can both get what we want.
My club comes first, but I have to admit, it’s been years since I’ve met a woman half as interesting as this one.
She’s got a body that could persuade most men to do anything she asks, but I’m no fool.
If Kate wants to make me a deal, she’ll have to be part of it.

209 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 18, 2023

204 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Nicole James

57 books2,639 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Intel Chicky Reads Romance (Kara Merideth).
2,252 reviews1,525 followers
July 18, 2023
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Trope: ONS, instalust
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥

Kate is a brand new bail bondsman that is barely scraping by when her sister's ex leaves them high on the hook for 6k with some really bad dudes. When a new job with a big payout comes into the office, she hops at the chance - especially given who it is. On the hunt, she keeps bumping into Utah, an enforcer with the RBMC who is looking for the same person. The attraction is definitely there, but with the club wanting the fugitive dead and her needing the big payout, someone has got to bend.

Absolutely loved it and walked away with a huge smile on my face ♥️. Nicole James has always been a quick one click for me and she hasn't let me down yet! The story is fast paced with lots of action, twists and turns, and tons of banter between the two MCs. It manages to be both sweet and smexy all at the same time. Definitely not a "dark" read despite some darker elements. Really loving this series and I can't wait to see what's next!

⛔️ My bookshelves can sometimes be spoilers
Profile Image for Rina | booksofthemuggleborn.
719 reviews50 followers
July 17, 2023
My Rating: 4 stars!

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

A little spicy, a little sweet, and a whole lot of reading goodness! 😉😍

I’ve always found James’ writing to be both comforting and exciting to experience. This book has swoony romance, flirty banter, a smidge of suspense, and what you can always expect from her books— tons of comradery!

It’s slightly on the shorter side for a full-length novel and certain developments weren’t as in-depth as I would’ve liked, but overall, Utah and Kate’s story was both a giddy surprise and amazing addition to the series. I honestly wasn’t expecting this book, already happily content with Lola, Trez, and Rock’s stories thinking it was a trilogy, but now with this fourth book I truly hope there are more to come.

The story contains minor dark themes with sensitive subject matters that may be triggering or disturbing for some readers involving graphic violence and death. It’s intended for readers 18+ only,

It can be read as a standalone novel however I recommend reading the series in order of the publication dates for a richer reading experience of this MC world. In my opinion it’s a great starter for romance readers wanting to get into MC romance as it’s on the lighter side, not as intense, but still has a good amount of MC elements that sets the backdrop and overall atmosphere of the book.

James’ MMCs always have a smile-inducing quality about them and Utah is no exception. If you like the grumpy/sunshine trope, I think you’ll enjoy seeing this grump try and navigate through unfamiliar territory where Kate and their developing relationship are concerned.

With the addition of Utah’s story, the world-building has expanded putting focus on other members of the MC. I adored seeing the dynamics of the club and amongst it the genuine brotherhood. Apart from the romantic elements, the friendships were an absolute highlight and at times a light-heartedness that eased some of the building tension.

It’s fast-paced storytelling. Told from dual POVs, and piques your curiosity right from the very first chapter. If you like any of the following, don’t hesitate to add this your TBR:

Opposites Attract
Grumpy/ Sunshine
Instant Attraction
One Night Stand
Enemies-To-Lovers
I did find a couple of subplots thought-provoking and had me really second-guessing the characters’ decisions. It really tests where loyalties lie, bonds of family, and the lengths one would go through if placed in a life-changing situation. Whilst I wouldn’t completely agree with how every little thing concluded, as a whole I still very much enjoyed it.

James is an auto-read author for me and one of my all-time favourite romance authors who has written dozens of unbelievably engaging MC romance books that I reread again and again whenever the mood strikes. I find her characters relatively realistic, deals with a lot of the same insecurities a lot of people have, and broaches on relatable issues. Even if I can’t relate to every single character, I still find myself easily investing in getting to know their story. But most of all they’re just straight-up satisfying reads!

If you’re looking for a quick read, I recommend this fun, page-turning MC romance along with her entire backlist of books!

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
Profile Image for Sandy S.
8,245 reviews208 followers
July 24, 2023
ENFORCING THE RULES is the fourth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO erotic, MC romance series-a part of the multi-authors RBMC world. This is club enforcer Utah, and bounty hunter Kate’s story line. ENFORCING THE RULES can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary

Told from dual first person perspectives (Utah and Kate) ENFORCING THE RULES follows in the wake of a robbery and shooting of one of the members of the RBMC: Durango. Utah is desperate to find the man that almost took the life of one of their own but in the meantime Utah will come face to face with his future in the guise of a young woman named Kate but little did he know that Kate is a bounty hunter, and is looking for the same man who robbed the RBMC. Several ‘fortuitous’ and accidental meetings places Kate and Utah in one another’s proverbial orbits, and several nights together means getting to know about one another’s lives but Utah struggles knowing that Kate’s bond runner is the same man whom the club is going to destroy, a man that Kate knows better than most. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Kate and Utah, and the potential fall-out as the sins of the father follow Kate where ever she does.

The world building follows several paths as Kate must come to terms with what is happening and why. Her sister is in trouble; her father is missing; and the new man in her life is well ensconced in the biker lifestyle. Threats against the family force Kate to keep secrets that may very well get her killed; and to Utah, the club will always come first.

The relationship between Kate and Utah begins accidentally but with their paths crossing several times, Utah and Kate begin to imagine there is something else going on to push the coupe together. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large secondary and supporting cast of colorful and familiar secondary and supporting characters including the appearance of several members of the RBMC. We are introduced to Kate’s father Ray Baker, his wife Davina, and their daughter Bethany. The requisite evil has many faces.

ENFORCING THE RULES is a story of betrayal and vengeance, power and control, family and relationships, forgiveness and love. The fast paced premise is dramatic and intense; the romance is seductive and steamy; the characters are desperate and dynamic.

www.thereadingcafe.com

copy supplied for review
Profile Image for Renee Ryan.
17 reviews1 follower
July 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book, I had a few issues with it but nothing major. One of the issues I have is that this is not an enemies to lovers romance. The MMC sees the FMC and wants to get to know her, there is no push or pull from either of them.

Spoilers:

KU: Yes, free as of 07/2023

Series: 4th out of 4

Page length: 209

Genre: Contemporary romance

Trope: Biker

Setting: Colorado

POV: Dual

Instalove: No, they get to know each other first.

Push/Pull: None. They meet and start dating, there was no push or pull from either.

H: Utah. I liked him. He doesn't trust women and after learning his background, it's understandable why. I liked that when he had a problem with Kate, he told her immediately. He didn't stew on it and let it fester.

h: Kate (25). Kate was interesting, I liked that she was a badass bail bonds woman. She kept secrets from Utah that I felt were unnecessary (see below).

Stupidity: One of the secrets that Kate keeps is that Ruiz is after her and her sister for money. There is no reason for her to keep this from Utah, she just does. It makes no sense and he has to find out on his own and it's just another secret she kept from him. It made for a little unnecessary drama.

OW/OM: No

Manwhore/womanwhore: It is indicated that Utah is a manwhore, he talks about women like they are disposable. Like how he kicks them out of bed in the morning or they are only good for one thing, the usual stuff MMC say in biker books.

Cheating: No

Love triangle: No

Separation: No.

Smut/steam: I felt the smut/spice in this book was done very well. I liked that Utah could tell when Kate was uncomfortable with something, so he would do something different.

Trigger: Murder, torture, dog gets stabbed (not killed though)

HEA: Yes

Pregnancy for h: Yes, h is pregnant, we found out about it in the last 10% of the book.

Epilogue: Yes.


Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,610 reviews43 followers
October 15, 2024
This is the fourth book in this series. This series is part of the Royal Bastards MC collection as well. These books are better read in order. Utah is on the hunt for someone who stole from the club and hurt one of their own. Kate is trying to get her life together. She just got her bounty hunter's license and works for a bail bondsman. Then she learns her sister is in trouble and her dad is the next big bounty at her work. She needs the money bringing him in will get her. Plus she holds no love for her dad. Utah and Kate keep running into each other. It doesn't take much for Utah to put two and two together. Trouble is he has fallen for her. They can work together. She can turn her dad in and get the money and the club will hopefully get their money back when they find him. They have other ways of making him anyway. It seems like there is danger everywhere coming for Kate. Utah needs to get to know her better so he can protect her better. The club has come first for so long in Utah's life now he wants Kate to come first. How can he bring her into his world and give her everything she deserves while keeping true to himself and the club? This book was a great read. I love this series more with each book. I can't wait for the next one. Great job Nicole.
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,136 reviews16 followers
October 5, 2024
Utah and Kate finds themselves running into each other quite a bit when they never have before. Her sister, Chloe, has gotten into some trouble and Kate finds herself trying to bail her out. She is also working at a Bail Bonds Office and has decided to take on a skip that has come in. The skip also happens to be her father. It turns out her father is wanted by the Royal Bastards MC and is why Utah and Memphis keep running into her. Neither one knows the truth for a bit and Kate is reluctant to let Utah in on her whole life. It was understandable and he seemed to he a hypocrite for much of this book. I didn't like his way overstepping his bounds a few times and went so far as to snoop in her private things. He didn't allow her to snoop on him, but felt justified in her having to prove herself to him. Was not a fan of that. I did like their story overall, but felt Kate gave up a lot and Utah didn't really seem to understand how bad it was. I don't know if I could have just let it go like she appeared to have done.
Profile Image for Sarah Dale.
3,164 reviews76 followers
July 23, 2023
This is the fourth book in an great interconnecting series from different authors and it was a great addition.

Utah is the Enforcer for the Royal Bastards MC and is tasked with finding the person that has been stealing money from the club. He was the eternal bachelor, never thought he would settle down or want only one woman until he meets Kate. Kate a newbie Bounty hunter and she's a feisty, independent woman, and unbeknownst to him is searching for the same money. In the end they work so well together to achieve the same goal, just with slightly different outcomes.

This was a page turning, well written story filled with action, steam, family mixed with suspense makes this quite a good must read

I was gifted a copy of this book by the Author and this is my honest opinion

https://wordpress.com/post/ilovebookr...
3,423 reviews20 followers
July 13, 2023
Enforcing the Rules by Nicole James due 7/18/23 5 stars
Utah and Kate

He's the enforcer for the club and after the person who stole from them. She's a brand-spankin' new bounty hunter. Not that she's been assigned a major case, but she's going for it anyway to earn the money she needs for her sister. Thrown together, there is something that pulls them. Will they work alone or join forces?

The story is filled with intrigue, danger, treacherous enemies, along with enough heat the warm the North Pole. Many of the amazing characters will be familiar to series fans, however, new readers will be able to enjoy it as it stands alone, too. This goes in my READ AGAIN AND AGAIN pile. Enjoy.
Reviewed for Words Turn Me On
Profile Image for Wendy Livingstone.
20k reviews257 followers
July 17, 2023
This is the fourth book in this incredible series, and this is Utah and Kate’s journey. Utah is the enforcer for his MC, and he is on the hunt for the person who has been stealing from the club. Kate is a feisty spitfire, who is a bounty hunter, and she and Utah clash, as they are after the same person. The chemistry between these two is combustible and undeniable, and they complement each other perfectly. Will they agree to work together for the same goal? This is a well written story which is dark, raw, gritty action-packed story, with emotions, enemies / lovers, intrigue, romance, danger, suspense, emotions, and love, which leads to an entertaining, unpredictable, and steamy page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Profile Image for World Of Books 65.
3,225 reviews60 followers
July 18, 2023
Nicole James never disappoints, and in Enforcing the Rules, she produces a story with a little bit of sassy, a little bit of banter, a whole lot of heat, an MC enforcer that oozes swoon and wrapped it around a really fast-paced could not put down read.

Kate has just got her bounty licence, and right away her family place her in the thick of the action and straight in the sight of the club's Enforcer Utah, as the bounty Kate is going after is also the guy the MC is hunting down, added into the mix is this couples instant connection, and when a biker sees the woman for him, nothing will stop him making her his, not the bounty and not even the growing danger.

Sit back and enjoy the ride.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews45 followers
September 18, 2023
Loved it! I can't say exactly what I did love or didn't. We have here the MFC who's a tough badass. Kate wasn't one to let a man run all over her. She stuck to her guns and they compromised. They worked through things and come up with a solution. All the first half she tried to hide things from him but he let her know he knew her tales...if she was lying or not.

Utah who was the club member totally changed his views on women. His childhood was bad as most almost always were in these types of books. He always thought women lied and cheated... they were only good for one thing and not for repeats either.

Can't wait for another
2,893 reviews3 followers
May 27, 2025
I am so impressed

I love this story and the unfolding story of the MC and its characters as I read books in this series. An independent strong minded woman tries to make a name for herself as a bail bond investigator. She crosses paths with a biker who is part of the Royal Bastards MC in Durango, CO. They both are hunting for the same individual, someone who is her family. Together they form a personal bond and a respective business relationship. They travel many ups and downs as they seek their prey and build their foundation for a long lasting relationship. Highly recommend reading this book. HEA, no cheating by the couple, no cliffhanger. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Debbie Earley.
2,913 reviews17 followers
July 20, 2023
Utah & Kate

I love Utah and Kate. The banter between them was amazing and the chemistry was off the charts. Urban Cowboys is one of my favorite movies so to see if referenced in their story, well I loved that too. Seeing them open up and share things with one another and building trust between them kept me turning the pages. I'm so happy Utah gets to experience with Kate the things he's miss out on the past 6 years. I couldn't have wished for a better outcome for him. I can't wait to see more of them in the future.
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,031 reviews23 followers
July 18, 2023
This series is a more on the dark side than the others I’ve read by this author. Don’t get me wrong I love a bad boy biker just as much as the next girl.

Utah is an enforcer for the club and doesn’t trust women at all. He meets Kate and immediately knows she’s different.

Kate is a bounty hunter. When they end up looking for the same person things get crazy.

“But it’s not your problem.” “Am I your man?” I stared at him. “Am I, Kate? Yes or no?” “Yes,” I whispered, looking into his eyes. He was my man, and it felt right. “Then it is my problem, and I’ll handle it.”

Another great read from this wonderful story teller.
Profile Image for Rita Ebert.
47 reviews1 follower
July 21, 2023
What a ride

This book was so good. Honestly, I don’t even know where to start. Groom the 1st page out sucks you in. I could not put this book down. You can feel the chemistry of Utah and Kate coming off the pages. If you haven’t started this series, you are really missing out. This is one of the best MC Series you will read, or should I say, get sucked into). If I could give this more than 5 stars, I would. Thank you, Nicole James for another winner 😊
878 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2024
Absolutely loved the book and characters , was like two people finding each other truly by accident. Kate looking for a man that the MC is looking for, Utah met Kate by accident when she was being harassed by two unsavory characters! Later in the story they find each other again and the love story begins!! There is romance, mystery, violence and of course lots of sexy scenes!!

I recommend this book to you with a 5 Stars review
Profile Image for Spunky N Sassy.
5,392 reviews119 followers
July 23, 2023
Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

~~~~~~~~~~Tracy's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

I absolutely love Nicole James and all her characters. Utah doesn't believe that women can do more than one thing, that is until he meets a sassy woman named Kate. I loved Kate and how she gives as good as she gets. Utah and Kate had me giggling and then fanning myself the next. I love how their story intermingled and how no matter what Utah will always be a Royal Bastard. Great story with characters that kept me turning the pages. Highly recommend Nicole James, she is simply put an amazing storyteller.

~~~~~~~~~~Julie's ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Review~~~~~~~~~~

Kate is totally my hero. She doesn’t back down but knows exactly when to. Utah is all man and totally her match. Their story is absolutely a great ride. ❤️❤️🔥
Profile Image for Dawn Foster.
1,321 reviews18 followers
July 20, 2023
Enforcing the Rules is the fourth book in the Royal Bastards MC Durango, CO series by Nicole James, and the perfect book for anyone who loves reading MC series. I enjoyed following Kate and Utah's enemies to lovers romance who are chasing the same person for different reasons. He's and enforcer and she's a bounty hunter, so this book has plenty of danger and intrigue and worth reading.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,905 reviews101 followers
July 21, 2023
Enforcing the Rules is the fourth book in the Royal Bastards MC Durango, CO series by Nicole James, and the perfect book for anyone who loves reading MC series. I enjoyed following Kate and Utah's enemies to lovers romance who are chasing the same person for different reasons. He's and enforcer and she's a bounty hunter, so this book has plenty of danger and intrigue and worth reading.
Profile Image for Brenda Longland OLeary.
851 reviews2 followers
July 24, 2023
Bails Bond Disaster!

She thought she had what is took to be a bondsman, but she wasn’t expecting her father to become one of her skips nor a hot biker in pursuit of her dad too! Together can they both get what they need or will it destroy what they are trying to start? Definitely recommend this book, author and series.
Profile Image for Patricia Howard.
641 reviews
July 30, 2023
Trust

Nothing takes the cake like falling in love with the enemy. For this couple though fate seems to have put them together through the plot in the story. This book really caught me by surprise. I was not expecting the couple to have very similar pasts and passion.
Another awesome story to add to this chapter of the RBMC.
1,761 reviews34 followers
September 26, 2024
Enforcing the Rules

A 5 star read. I absolutely loved Utah and Kate’s story ❤️❤️❤️ I love the men of the Durango chapter, as bad@$$ as they are they love deep and protect their own. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤
609 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2024
Love Utah and Kate, he has such trust issues and she had a boatload of secrets.
Together they navigate a relationship built on trust and love.
The bail enforcement who goes after slips and the biker whose justice had nothing to do with turning people in. Somehow they work it out and come out stronger.
2,029 reviews7 followers
July 12, 2023
I absolutely loved this book. Nicole James did an amazing job on this book. I couldn't put book down once started.

I loved Utah and Kate together, they both don't trust easily. But they learn to trust each other. They both have to overcome a lot.

I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Mimirureviewbooks.
2,198 reviews
July 18, 2023
Great characters, and a well written story line. Loved Kate & Utah!! The plot is filled with lots of action, danger, secrets, intrigue, drama, humor and romance. Nicole James never disappoints, can't wait for more...
Profile Image for Ana Armstrong.
1,608 reviews
July 24, 2023
Fantastic!!!

Oh my heart!!! What a book. Utah and Kate have an unusual meet-cute that sets them on the road to a HEA. Plenty of mystery, MC drama and alllll the good spicy stuff too. Fantastic read!!!!
4 reviews
August 6, 2023
hot biker book

Omg She did again Nicole James wrote another hot action pack book in Royal Bastards series only mature audience this book take you roller coaster having laughing cursing same time .
277 reviews
August 7, 2023
I love biker love stories!!

I loved Utah and Kate's story! Secrets are never good in a relationship as Kate finds out. This series has been very good and hoping there will be more books to come!!
Profile Image for Sue.
4,346 reviews5 followers
March 26, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. You really can't help how your family acts or behaves and that's what Kate's father is like. Utah is with the club and he has his own cross to bare. These two make a great couple. HEA.
Profile Image for Tree Schwartz.
899 reviews2 followers
March 27, 2024
I love Utah!

Utah and Kate are so special together. And Memphis is a perfect brother! Great storyline, well written and the characters were made for each other. And heat - these two have it from the start! Well done! 🖤🖤
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews

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