Taking What's Ours

Royal Bastards MC: Durango, CO #5

by Nicole James

ELAINA— When my groom makes a fool of me at our reception, the only man to come to my defense is Dylan, his brother and best man—a man I’d only just met at our rehearsal dinner. Standing in the midst of embarrassment and humiliation, with my hours-old marriage in shambles, Dylan swept into my life and made it his mission to show me the way I deserve to be treated. I’m beginning to see he really is the best man.

BAJA— I have no clue what this beauty ever saw in my brother, but when I see how he treats her, I plan to make sure she escapes a certain life of cruelty with that bastard. I know my brother, and apparently he’s fooled her with his good guy act. But I know better. He’s a wolf is sheep’s clothing. Elaina knows nothing about me, other than I’m Elliott’s brother. She certainly has no clue I’m a member of the Royal Bastards MC or that my club brothers call me Baja. But when my brother tries to take her things in the separation, she’s about to learn about my role in the club. My job is to collect what's owed. She's got my oath that no one, especially my prick of a brother, even thinks about… Taking what’s ours.

✔︎ MC Romance✔︎ Runaway Bride✔︎ Forced Proximity✔︎ Possessive, Protective Biker✔︎ Touch Her & Die✔︎ My Brother’s Girl

Genres: Romance

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

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

[Reading by Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dylan's only wish as he stood as his brother's best man was to ruin Elliot's wedding for everything he had put him through during his childhood. If his mother hadn't begged him he wouldn't have even attended.

But the moment he saw the gorgeous woman walking down the aisle he knew he couldn't take away her special day even as much as he hated his brother who didn't deserve her. He was just about to leave the reception when the cake-cutting was announced. By the glint in his brother's eyes, he knew what was going to happen and was unable to get there in time to keep Elliot from smashing his new wife's face head-first into the wedding cake.

As he watched her run off in tears he grabbed his brother so he could make sure he apologized for embarrassing her at her own wedding. His apology... wasn't an apology. He thought she was being oversensitive to a joke.

When Elliot returned to the party Dylan asked Elaina who had possession of the wedding license. After telling her who the true Elliot was she told her she had a choice - file the license and stay married or get out while she had the chance.

I loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is the first book in the series that I have read and although the characters are recurring the book can be read as a standalone. I look forward to catching up on the other books in the series.

Dylan left home for the Marines right out of high school and never looked back. Now his brothers are the other members of the Royal Bastards MC and he would do anything for them. Elaina had overlooked the red flags about Elliot because she felt her time clock running out and thought she was overreacting. Until she could no longer ignore the signs.

This book is action-packed and full of danger and suspense as Elaina decides to take Choice B and rethink being married. But is being a part of an MC family a better choice?

If you love MC romance you will love this story! Highly recommend!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

TAKING WHAT’S OURS is the fifth instalment in Nicole James’ contemporary, adult RBMC: DURANGO CO dark, erotic, MC romance series. This is thirty-five year old, Dylan ‘Baja’ Whitmore, and Elaina’s story line. TAKING WHAT’S OURS 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 (Elaina and Baja) TAKING WHAT’S OURS follows in the aftermath of Elaina’s marriage to Dylan’s brother Elliott but betrayal, humiliation and embarrassment pull Elaina out of Elliott’s life, when she finds herself on the run with Elliott’s brother Dylan. Settling in Durango CO, Elaina discovers there is more to family than blood, more to life than a controlling fiancé. Living with Dylan, Elaina finds herself a family with the RBMC: Durango but the past refuses to let go for our story line couple, forcing both Dylan and Elaina to acknowledge the truth.

The world building focuses on Elaina’s struggle to see beyond the veil. From a controlling fiancé to a jealous rival, Elaina must come to terms with her life going forward. Baja continues to struggle with the ghosts from his past, and in this, he believes he is not worthy of love or a second chance.

The relationship between Baja and Elaina begins as a ‘rescue’ of a sorts. From friends to lovers, Baja and Elaina find themselves quickly falling but enemies and close, closer than they could have ever imagined. The $ex scenes are limited but seductive and provocative.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful, fun and energetic secondary and supporting characters including most of the previous story line couples, and several members of the RBMC: Durango. We are introduced to Baja’s brother Elliott, as well as his parents.

TAKING WHAT’S OURS is a story of betrayal, seduction, acceptance and love. The premise is edgy and dramatic; the characters are animated ; the romance is passionate.


copy supplied for review

[One Loves Reading · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have some catching up to do on this series !! You can read these books as standalones. But you will be missing out on soooo many amazing characters. After reading Taking What's Our I want to learn more about the Brothers and the ol'ladies that made Elaina feel welcomed to the club life. I love that they did nothing but encourage her and cheer her on !! Them group of ladies are friendship goals ✊️

We start with a wedding and our hero shines and Elaina's best friend Maggie (I hope she gets a story). Both went to comfort Elaina after a incident...no spoilers. Only 2 people went to see her and 300 plus just left her. This just shows Elaina who truely cares about her wellbeing and they agree with that the incident was no joke

“He made me out to be the black sheep, so I became one. Now I’m the goddamn wolf.” “You and Maggie are the only ones who came to check on me. You’re not a wolf.”

Elaina is in her 30s and she is very relatable. Every women wants to find their prince and happy ending. She just had the wrong prince. She starts to fall for Baja (he fell for her at the wedding) and he shows her what a true man does for the women he loves

"I walk toward him, I know that today, after a long line of Mr. Wrongs, Mr. Right is waiting for me at the altar. And this time I have no doubts about it."

Baja has a past that haunts him to fall in love again then he sees Elaina. I just love how his brothers are just encouraging him to go for it like the ol' ladies. The Brothers & Ladies did a few set ups...no spoilers

Steamy love story and learn to accept yourself & the ones you love. Do not mess with the MC !!

☆MUST READ &FAV☆

📚 FREE on Kindle Unlimited

[Heather Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in this series, but each book is a standalone.

Elaina - was walking down the aisle to marry someone the first time Dylan (Baja) saw her. He knew right away she should be marrying his brother. 

Elaina during the reception knew something was going on, she couldn't put her finger on it. But, she knew something was about to happen. When Dylan sees Elliott going for the cake he sees that same smirk Elliott used on him all those years ago when he smashed the cake into his face. Oh he is going to do that to Elaine. By the time Dylan gets to Elaina and Elliott all he can do is pull his brother off of her and shove him and threaten him. Elaina rushes off to the bathroom sobbing.  
Dylan is nothing but kind and sweet to Elaina after Elliott has treated her so horribly.  Dylan offers to take her down to Durango a few hours from Denver. So she can get away from him and see what she may want to do for her future.  

Elaina is now a runaway bride, but she doesn't feel guilty in the least. Being with Dylan is very different from his brother, Elliott. He actually cares for her, and seems to love her even after knowing her for such a short time. Elaina is surprised to realize she has feelings for Dylan and she's conflicted because she's only known him a few weeks but he's treated her so much better than his brother ever had or ever would. 

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest 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.

This is the story of Baja and Elaina. This is also a book in the RBMC and an MC read. In the beginning of this book Elaina is getting married. Little does she know what is in store for her. But it isn't long until she finds out when he humiliates her at their reception. However, his brother Dylan is there to pick up the pieces. He might be known as Dylan to her but he is Baja to his MC brothers. HE is only at this wedding because his mama made him come. He and his brother could really care less about each other. His brother is really a con man that he has no doubt has fooled Elaina into thinking he is the best man to ever walk the earth. I don't know that I have read a book, where the bride runs away with the grooms brother. However she has not a clue what a dangerous decision she is making. But sometimes in life you have to put it all on the line to find out what life really means for you to have. I loved reading this book. It had me hooked from the beginning to the end. These two characters have some amazing chemistry between them and I will always and forever love a great MC read. This is a book that will have you one the edge of your seat and I love when that is where I end up while reading.

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elaina is a sweet girl who has just gotten married to who she thought was the man of her dreams who would give her the babies & family she wanted so badly. Poor girl never realized that he wasn't what he seemed to be until he humiliated her at the reception and the only person to stick up for her was his brother who she never even met to this point. Baja is the black sheep of his family, however he doesn't care since he found a better family in his MC, but Elaina doesn't know this fact before she goes with him to get her head together after all the drama of her wedding. He's worried that she won't deal with his life well so he does hide it for a tad bit as he shows her what she's actually worth while his brother is falling apart & showing his true colors. I LOVED these two together as Baja was everything Elaina wanted but never thought she could have, and the ladies of the MC definitely helped out a bit with all their humorous moments. These two also sizzle together but at the end of the day, will Elaina be able to handle the MC life? You know what to do to find out as I HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Lora Cimino · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking What's Ours

I absolutely loved the story of Elaina and Baja (aka Dylan). When I read about their happily ever after I had a smile on my face. When they first meet it is at her wedding to his brother, Elliot, who does something stupid during the reception and drives her to take off with Baja. He spends some time telling her exactly what type of man his brother is and what she can expect from a life with Elliot. She ends up taking her marriage license so it can't be filed and leaves town with Baja. He offers her friendship and a safe n place to crash while she decides what her next step will be. Getting to know one another better leads to a mutual attraction that they are both too afraid to act upon.
There are sexy steamy scenes between the couple and some angst and trouble from various sources. There is other woman drama and a dangerous threat that could take everything from not only them but the entire motorcycle club. This book can be read as a standalone but is better when the series is read from the beginning.
I cannot wait for the next chapter in this series.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

He never thought he'd find anyone to love or want to spend the rest of his life with, but fate had other plans for Dylan "Baja" only showed up to his brother's wedding because his mother called him. There's no love lost between brothers, but he still tries to please his mother. He may not tell her the truth about himself, but he will certainly tell her about the man she just married.

Eliana was fooled by the man she married. Now that he's shown his true colors at their reception, she's humiliated and upset. There were only two people that cared enough to check on her and make sure she was okay, and one of them she just met.

I loved this run away bride story and the characters in the Durango, CO chapter. It is a story that shows no matter who you are or what your status in life is you should never judge a book by it's cover. Elaina had to learn that the hard way, but she's better off for it now.

I can't wait for more of the RBMC and especially the Durango, CO chapter books to come.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding. I loved everything about this book. Ms. James gave us a well written storyline with characters that I almost instantly fell in love with. It’s full of suspense, action, romance, laughs, brotherhood and so much more. Dylan, aka Baja of the RBMC, has returned home for his brother Elliott’s wedding at the request of his mother, if it wasn’t for her, he wouldn’t have attended. At the reception, his brother shows his true colors and embarrasses his new bride, Elaina. Sadly everyone just laughs as she runs off. But not Baja - he sees red. He goes after her to see if can help in any way, something no one ever did when he was a kid taking Elliott’s abuse. Elaina is reluctant but something inside her says she can trust him, so she agrees to take a few days to think about things. From here the storyline takes us on a wide ride that will melt your heart, tickle your funny bone and have you hoping for any type of HEA.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars

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

Nicole James delivers a scorching, emotional, and adrenaline-packed ride in ‘TAKING WHAT'S OURS’, the fifth installment in the ‘Royal Bastards MC: Durango, CO*’series. This time, the story revolves around Baja, a man who never wanted to attend his brother’s wedding—until Elaina walks down the aisle and changes everything.

From the moment Elaina gets a glimpse of the man she’s about to marry, the tension skyrockets, but running away with the groom’s brother, Baja, turns out to be the most dangerous decision of her life. Is it a reckless move, the best thing she’s ever done, or maybe both?

Ms James masterfully blends danger, desire, and destiny, making this a fast-paced, heart-pounding romance that keeps readers glued to every page. The chemistry between Baja and Elaina sizzles, and the stakes are as high as they come. With its perfect balance of passion, suspense, and a sizzling HEA (Happily Ever After), this book is one wild ride you won’t want to miss.

Hold on tight—*TAKING WHAT'S OURS* is a thrilling, intense journey that will leave you breathless!

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

TAKING WHAT'S OURS by Nicole Kames 5 stars due 9/24/24
Elaina & Baja

FIVE GIANT STARS for this one. I loved it!

Against his better judgment, Baja came to his brother's wedding. One look and he pitied the sweet woman in white. His feelings came true at the reception as she ran out in tears. Should he go to her or punch his brother? His decision changed his life.

This is an amazing story, RBMC Colorado. I love the MC brothers and their Ol' Ladies. The ladies are strong and the brothers adore them. Baja was one of the single guys--at least for now. His experience with his family led him to feel protective of Elaina.

There is MC action, great characters, steam, humor, loving pets, and a great story. This one is going at the top of my TBR list again. Thank you, Ms. James, for a wonderful reading experience.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 5th book in this impressive series, and this is Dylan “Baja” and Elaina’s story.
On her wedding day Elaina is embarrassed and humiliated by her groom, who show his true colours, and the only person to stand up for her is Dylan, her groom’s brother, and best man, whom she has just met. Dylan only attended the wedding for his mom, and he is part of the RBMC, and he is a possessive and protective biker, who give off touch her and die vibes.
This is a well written action packed , emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, drama, forced proximity, danger, intrigue, undeniable chemistry, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to an entertaining, haunting, tragic, and unpredictable addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Michele A. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Elaina meets Dylan (Baja) at her wedding to his brother, Elliott. She quickly gets helped by Baja when her groom isn't what he is supposed to be. Baja gives her some advice and even goes so far as to invite her to go back to Durango with him so she can think. Baja does keep his real life private from her and doesn't seem interested in telling her about himself. He does stand by her but keeps her in the dark for too long. I felt like she deserved more truth from him and less shadiness. I also felt like he should have not subjected her to all she had to take at the Clubhouse. He could have easily shut down someone getting in her face constantly and spewing lies. Their story was a quick, easy read and I did enjoy their epilogue. I just wanted a bit more of them without all of the drama.

[Spunky N Sassy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spunky N Sassy Rating: 5.0

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

I couldn't put this book down, this story kept me enthralled and I just couldn't stop reading it, sleep loss be damned. Elaina is about to marry Elliott and start their lives together until the unthinkable happens. Now Elaina is trying to piece together her life and what her next step is. Dylan "Baja" is willing to do anything to help Elaina after what he saw his brother do, but what will he do about how she makes him feel. This story was so amazing and it is one that I couldn't stop reading. Nicole James does it again. I love this series and I can't wait for Darko's story next. This is one series that you will love because I know I do.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you do when the day of your wedding shortly after you exchange vows you learn who your husband really is? You take off with his brother. I am positive that was not the plan when she woke up that morning. But that is exactly what happens to Elaina. Her life is thrown for quite the loop and she find safety in the arms of the one person she never expected she would.
I absolutely loved this storyline. Baja and Elaina have such amazing chemistry and a deep understanding of what their lives are. Baja is dealing with a very tragic past and doesnt want to put anyone through what he went through. But Elaina burns her way into his heart and soul and wont let go no matter what happens.
This was a great addition to the Royal Bastards MC series.

[Debbie Earley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baja & Elaina

Baja has a piece of my heart. After everything he has been through as a child, the loss he suffered as a man, to learn some hard truths, if anyone deserves to get a happily ever after its this man.
Elaina learns some hard truths of her own when her husband does the one thing he promises not to do at their reception. Her new brother in law steps in and delivers alot of those truths while offering her a way out.
When these two hook up its hot as haze. Baja is caring, understanding and slowly falling. Elaina isn't sure if she's fit for his lifestyle, but seems to hold her own and is falling to.
If you want to know how it all ends I highly recommend you read this book. From beginning to end I couldn't put it down.
I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good, slow burn, friends to lovers romance, with an MCC backdrop. I say that as although it is an essential part of the story, the main focus is on Elaina and Baja. Baja/Dylan is knocked out by the beauty walking down the aisle to marry his good for very little, maniand immature brother, Elliot. In a twist of fate, Baja becomes a knight in shining armour, helping Elaina make a break for a chance at a much better future.
I couldn't resist looking up Durango on Google, and what a beautiful place it is! I would run away there!! This book has a lot of different elements, but one of the strong plotlines is Elaina finding her feet in a bee way of life which offers her so much more than ger previous options. She meets some fabulous people and a family she chooses in the process. Baja is a sweetheart. Just the man she needs, though they both have hurdles to overcome to find their HEA. 💖💖💖💖

[Noemi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaina and Dylan aka Baja meet

Elaina and Dylan aka Baja meet as she's recovering from her groom smashing her face into their wedding cake.

Dylan is the best man at his horrible brother. He tracks down Elaina and convinces her to rethink her next step. She had no idea what a piece of @@it her fiancé was.

Elaina accepts Dylan's offer to stay at his place while she's sorting out her future. Will Elaina open her eyes and see the truth? Will Dylan get over his past to reach his and Elaina's HEA?

I REALLY loved Dylan. He was patient, caring, and understanding.

I enjoyed this 📚 read!

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baja has been determined not to have a long term relationship again. He us at his brother's wedding and wants to warn the bride that the groom is a really bad person. He takes one look at her and he can't ruin her day. She is too beautiful. Elaina figures out she married the wrong guy when he smashes her face into the cake ruining her dress and makeup.
Baja comforts her and offers a solution, don't file the license it won't be official. She goes with him to think and of course things turn to romance.
These two truly deserve to have a chance at true love. They have both been through stuff and need to be happy. Baja is such a good guy with Elaina, he makes her feel special. Love these two.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elaina is humiliated at her wedding reception by her new husband and his brother Dylan "Baja" steps up to help her. Baja is part of the Royal Bastards MC and he is responsible for keeping what is theirs for the club. He will protect Elaina at all costs, even from his deadbeat brother. Elaina is realizing she picked the wrong brother and Baja treats her as a woman should be treated by her man. The two end up together even as her ex tries to take her possessions and Baja is forced to take action against his brother.

[Patricia Anne Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's making a big mistake!!

This is one crazy book, Baja or Dylan goes to his brothers wedding and takes one look at the bride and decides then she needs to.know a little about the idiot she is marrying!! When something terrible happens at the reception its then knows what he gas to do, when its all said and done he falls in love with ger. Lots of ups and downs but in the end she is his!! Fantastic story and the characters are wonderful!! Please read this book and discover how great it is!!😍😍

Recommend it with a 5 Stars review

[Rhonda Cave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good one by Nicole James

Baja and Elaina are made for each other. They just don't know it. Baja is the best man standing up for his a$$ of a brother. Elaina is his brother's bride to be. The groom embarrasses Elaina and she runs out of the reception and the rest is history. She heads out of town with Baja which she thinks will be till she can figure out what she wants to do next. Baja is hiding that he is a Royal Bast@rd. Will she still accept him when she finds out will be the real question.

[Charlotte Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What a book. This had me hooked from the first page. I couldn't put the book down once I started.

I loved Baja and Elaina together, they met by chance because of who Elaina is. Baja never thought he'd find love again after what happened years ago. Elaina always dates Mr wrong, and nearly gave up a life with who she thought was Mr Right when he was really Mr wrong. Baja helps Elaina in her hour of need.

I can't wait for more.

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Dylan/Baja had one thing in mind at his brother's wedding to ruin it. Until he sees the bride, Elaina. Then he decides not to do anything to ruin her special day too bad his brother didn't think to do the same.
This was a cute story but a bit slow for me. There also wasn't a lot of action with the MC. It was there, but off page, we didn't get to read about it, something I would have preferred.
I hope the next book has more action and drama that we get to read about.

[georgia king · Rating 5 out of 5]

O m g

Yes what one won't do another will treasure. He truly saved her and she saved him.right back. But the brother would still be getting g his ass beat. And Desiree I would.have slapped her again for good measures before I left. Cause she got what she deserves running her mouth. And if it was the other way around baja would tucked somebody saying what she said to her to him about her.

[Patricia Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving the way fate changes a life

These couldn't have been better for each other. Out of tragedy comes the embers of an unbridled love. I love the way that the guys rally around Baja and the way that they have taken him to go find Elaina. Each day that the two spends together is another beautiful day. I loved the advice that Rock gave him before they left to go get her.
Everything was well rounded from the story goes on to have awesome characters

[Jessica Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Baja and Elaine story

Baja and Elaine story
Runaway bride, brother finance. Good deal of spice

Elaine is a runaway bride. After her future husband embrassed her and sleep with her cousin she leave with his brother.
Baja see her walking down the aisle to his no good brother he know he has to save her and know then she belong with him not his brother.
But his past is haunting him and he not sure he can breaks his walls down

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book & the series

This is an excellent reading choice if you are wanting an MC experience filled with characters that will win your heart . The plot was intriguing. It has rivals creating havoc, siblings that are less than pigs, old ladies that are spunky and tough with gentle hearts, a wedding disaster and another that was perfection. Exciting journey as this couple finds their HEA. No cheating, no cliffhanger. Love this series and this book. Highly recommend.

[Joy Whiteside · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down once I started reading. It moves along at a really great pace perfect for the story which made for an enjoyable read. These characters, you will fall in love with, you feel as though you have known them forever and you want to be there for them. This book is a must read, no doubt about it.

[Wendy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking What’s Ours

Excellent read. I absolutely loved Baja and Elaina’s story ❤️❤️❤️ What a sweet guy Baja is, saving Elaina from his brother and introducing her to a new sweet life. A definite page turner and very entertaining. 100% recommend this book to everyone ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ you will not be disappointed 😎🖤