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I'm in the middle of a gun deal when a sexy siren whispers secrets of betrayal in my ear. She wants to make me a deal. Do I dare accept?" -Trez

"No knight in shining armor is coming to rescue me. If I want to get out of this awful place, I'll have to save myself. He was supposed to be my escape, but now he has my heart under lock and key." -Isabella

TREZ-
I've climbed my way back from the bottom rungs of the hell I once lived. I've treated the symptoms, my drug addiction, but have yet to forgive myself for the cause. I've buried it six feet under, but I know it's there haunting me. I killed my mom, even if it was an accident.
Now it's time to prove myself to my father and my club, the Royal Bastards MC. He put me in charge of a deal with the Hell's Bandits MC. Now I must prove I can handle the responsibility. I must convince them I can do it. But can I convince myself that I deserve it?
That won't matter, if I can't even manage the deal. A sexy little vixen whispers secrets of betrayal and suddenly the problems keep piling up. She'll give me the information I need in exchange for her escape. She has me questioning everything and wondering if I'll be willing to free her from my grasp when the time comes. Is she the thing I so desperately need to finally be rid of my demons?

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 26, 2021

208 people are currently reading
208 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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5 stars
474 (61%)
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202 (26%)
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77 (10%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
Profile Image for Dennis.
939 reviews27 followers
March 28, 2022
terrific MC romance

I like MC stories a lot and this is really excellent, the h is in captivity and is being held by a nasty 🤮 biker and she is rescued by the H. There is a lot of action and some fine 🔥 scenes as well. I look forward to reading more by this writer.
Profile Image for Debra Taylor.
884 reviews24 followers
October 27, 2021
Deeply Compelling Story !

Nicole James delivered another amazing story with Climbing the Ranks.

This book was so wonderful ! I loved Trez and Isabella. The path they had traveled separately wasn't an easy one, that's for sure, but then they found each other and the strength to put the past in their rear view. Their journey was deeply compelling. Their bond was inspiring.

I couldn't put this book down until the end. It was written so well. I absolutely adored the main characters, Trez and Isabella. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Shirl.
1,024 reviews45 followers
November 23, 2021
Love this authors books and her part of the Royal Bastards MC is spot on. Couldn't have asked for a better writer to be part of this group.

In the last book Trez was a royal screw up. A thief, druggie and a total loser. He has fought tooth and nail to overcome his addiction and be the man he was meant to be. I understand now what sent him spiraling out of control. He is finally getting a chance to prove to the club, his brothers and his president who is also his Dad.

Trez is put in charge of a pick up and he has to prove he can get the job done and earn his way to be an officer in the club. While doing this he meets a beautiful woman who he feels a connection to but she belongs to another club....or does she?

Isabella is stuck and I mean stuck in the middle of nowhere at a fifthy MC club that she never wanted part of. She was a stripper and made great money at it. She met a man who she was kinda into and figured it wouldn't hurt to fool around with him a few times. No strings. He had something different in mind. Kidnapped her and took her to his clubhouse with no way out. He turned into a mean asshole and both physically and mentally abused her.

She heard plans for them and a pick up by the Royal Bastards. When they got there she was able to tell them what was really going to happen if they took her out of there she would tell them what they planned to do to them. Can she convince them to trust her and help her or are they going to walk into a trap.

This book was so, so good and can't wait until the next one.
Profile Image for Ashante Williams.
2,054 reviews3 followers
October 26, 2022
Trez's redemption!

Trez & Isabella: TRIGGERS: assault, attempted rape, drugs, gun trade. Oh wow, this book starts out with some serious trauma and explains how Lola's older brother ended up on the terrible path he was on in "Club Princess". Now a patched member, their father, Rock gives Trez an opportunity to move up the ranks. Only nothing is ever that easy. Held hostage by a member of a rival club Isabella sees a way out when she sees Trez. This book is insta romance and extremely hot. There's a lot of violence however the ending was a bit anti climatic for me. Still a very good book.
Profile Image for Rina | booksofthemuggleborn.
719 reviews50 followers
October 26, 2021
My Rating: 4.5 stars!

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

Nicole James just keeps on surprising me with how effortless she changes up not only her storylines but her bikers as well. Trez is the epitome of a badass biker who is a true-blue gentleman! Chivalry isn’t dead, folks! What sets him apart from all other bikers from other MC romance stories is how forthcoming and accepting he is of his feelings when the right woman comes along. There’s no game-playing… no ifs, buts, or maybes. He makes it so easy to fall head over heels for him! 😍

Although a relatively quick read, the storytelling itself was well-paced and immediately had a sense of danger lurking right from the very start. It set the atmosphere for the entirety of the story. There may have been plenty of lighthearted moments throughout, but the feeling of uneasiness and waiting for the other shoe to drop was always lingering in the background. I loved it— it’s a meaty romance story with an angsty, suspenseful vibe.

I initially had a different perception of Trez in Club Princess (book one) but he has grown so much as person since, and this book is a definite redemption story filled with healing, acceptance, and new beginnings.

There’s a nice balance of romance, friendship, and MC elements that made this story so in-depth. It’s action-packed, never a dull moment, and just like the first book in the series, the story is told through multiple POVs, which is a refreshing change from the usual dual perspectives you see in a lot of romance books.

Both Trez and Isabella are such likable characters who haven’t had it easy in life. I was emotionally invested in their stories and my heart went out to both of them the second their backstories were shared. The slight slow-burn development of their relationship was one of the sweetest things about this book and made their connection all the more genuine.

This story is gritty at times and broaches on subject matters that maybe triggering for some readers. Please note it contains matters such as drug abuse/ addiction, attempted suicide, sexual assault, kidnapping, graphic violence and abuse— all causing physical, emotional, and mental scarring. Intended for readers 18+ only.

Nicole James is so consistent with her writing— it’s always effortless to follow, she always manages to lure you in by the first chapter with her intriguing characters, and by the end of the book with the little teaser she provides you’re itching to get your hands on the next one. 😱 Climbing The Ranks is an exceptional second book in Nicole’s RBMC Durango, CO Chapter. I enjoyed reading it! The world-building has certainly become more complex as more characters are introduced and we get to see more and more of the club. It can be read as a standalone novel but I highly recommend reading Club Princess first will show Trez’s history in detail and give you a better insight of how far Trez’s relationship with his family has progressed since.

🚨 Full review on my blog: https://booksofthemuggleborn.wordpres...
Profile Image for Barbara.
2,640 reviews61 followers
October 24, 2021
Thrilling MC Ride. Ms. James has given us a fantastic book 2 in the Durango, CO chapter of the RBMC Series. It’s very well written with a suspenseful, action packed storyline that kept me flipping pages to the wee hours of the morning. Trez is the club’s prez’s son. He hit rock bottom years ago when he killed his mother. While his family has forgiven him, afterall it was an accident, but Trez has yet to forgive himself. But he has started to climb back into the world of the living and the club. But do his brothers respect and trust him? He doubts it. So when given the chance to become a club officer he jumps at the chance. But to get the spot he has to take the lead on a club deal and prove himself. The trouble is the deal could go wrong a million ways and right in the middle of it is a woman who needs Trez’s help. A woman that could end up getting him or his men killed or possibly lead him to his own personal salvation.

Awesome read. In fact, if you haven’t grabbed book 1 from this chapter, Club Princess, I highly recommend grabbing them both up and enjoying the rides. You won’t regret it.

2 Thumbs Up and 5+ Stars
Profile Image for Michele A..
3,135 reviews16 followers
September 2, 2022
Trez sees Isabella when he goes to a Clubhouse in Utah to finalize a gun deal. She is there against her will and is used to distract Trez and his brothers from realizing that they were being set up. She was a stripper who got involved with Bonner. He was not a nice person and decided that she belonged to him. She endured quite a few things in the 3+ months she was held by him. Trez is unaware of all of that. He then proceeds to think Isabella enters his room to sleep with him, instead of listening to what she was trying to say at first. She bargains for her freedom and Trez realizes he has no choice but to agree. He then has to come up with a plan to keep all of them safe. His father, Rock, decides on sight that he doesn't like Isabella. He says some things to her that he had no business saying. Trez's sister didn't help matters by flashing Trez's credit card around and insisting on buying Isabella new things. I did like how Trez kept Isabella safe and told her countless times he would keep her safe. Their story was entertaining and did leave me wanting a bit more at the end.
Profile Image for Kathy Wideman.
2,610 reviews43 followers
September 24, 2024
This book is part of the Royal Bastards MC collection. This is the second book in the Durango, CO series. Trez is finally getting his chance is his father's club. Many years ago there was an incident that lead him down a dark path after losing his mother. Now he is finally on the right track. He needs to make a run for the club and he will be in charge. Isabella finds herself in a crazy situation. She was a stripper and is being held against her will by a biker. When Trez and his guys come to her the club is being held at she knows this is her best chance at getting away. She knows something that they don't and she can help them as long as they promise to take her with when they leave. Trez feels a connection is Isabella right away. He wants to help this woman and complete his task for the club. Can he do both? What will happen after he brings her with him? This book was a great read. I felt for both Trez and Isabella. Trez carries a lot of guilt around. Isabella helps him move forward. They share an instant connection. This book is kind of fast paced. There is romance, danger, and more. Great job Nicole.
2,888 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2025
I needed this one

I have been looking for a good MC book to read. So glad I found this one. These 1% bikers Royal Bastards were going for a gun pickup from another MC club that was supposed to be the RB’s connection to get guns. Instead they were planning a double cross by shooting the Royal Bastards. One of their more abusive members kidnapped a young woman and he and his Prez discussed a double cross in front of her. Trez from Royal Bastards was nice to the young woman and she made a deal with him…take her with him when he left and she told him about the double cross planned. It was an exciting read as the young woman and Trez worked their way towards an HEA. Highly recommend this one. Going to read more in this series.
Profile Image for Mandy.
197 reviews
October 24, 2021
Trez is a rbmc has been for years but... he has to prove himself. Isabella was a woman being held against her will at a rival mc . He was entrusted to do a run, in out striaght forward, When they arrive the dancer entertaining us is gorgeous and he wants her. As time goes by somethings are not right.. When he tries to crash for a few hours Isabella comes to him for help, she heard a few things and bargains for her freedom, can he trust her? Can he keep her ? Will she want to stay or leave him once it's safe she has been kept lock up too long.Can he give her freedom and peace . Great read another hit for the RBMC......
605 reviews5 followers
September 14, 2024
Trez had overcome the drugs and scheming to make himself get an officer spot in the MC.
Isabella was being held against her will by another MC, who wants to eliminate the Royal Bastards.
When Isabella spots Trez she knows he is her way out. She lets him know about the plan to kill them but he must help her escape.
Once the get back hone Tres and Isabella can't fight the attraction to each other.
Of course his father who us the president and the guy who abducted her are problems that need to be resolved.
These two both need to have good in their lives, they are so good together. Really liked this story
Profile Image for Elsie Pitt.
1,753 reviews13 followers
October 27, 2021
This was a big deal! It was a beautiful love story that has stick with long after I read the last word! It is one of those that people who have not found this series yet I really feel for because you are so totally missing out on a series that is the only one providing stratospheric winds reaching supernova speed. Miss James glides us through this RBMC Chapter weaving a tale of love, suspense and justly sweet with just a hint of bitter. It was inspiring and so worth my time and yours. I highly recommend this series and ANYTHING by this author!
Profile Image for Ann L.
4,790 reviews39 followers
October 27, 2021
Ever since the accident he was in that killed his mum he suffers from guilt. She was on the back of his bike. He had a drug addiction, he got clean with help, but he still has nightmares. He's determined to prove himself and wants nothing more than to make his family proud. He has the opportunity and is in charge of a deal.

Isabella is kept against her will at the Bandits clubhouse and hears of a double cross, when she sees Trez, she offers a deal, help her get away and she'll tell all.

Loved this, it's action packed, has wonderful characters and I couldn’t put it down.
878 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2021
Trez

Climbing the Ranks is what you do when you devote your life to the MC. Being the Presidents son has little meaning when you WA t to be more than just a regular member, Trez was doing just that till one unexpected turn in his life killed his mom and set him on a downward spiral. Now clean he sets out to be a better son and member of the MC. This book shows us just what he will do to protect and help people in need. I recommend you read this book, its a 5 Stars type of story.
Profile Image for Rhonda Cave.
663 reviews2 followers
November 12, 2021
Phenomenal

Nicole James does an excellent job with MC books. Trez goes through hell and back and hits rock bottom before he meets Isabella. He thinks he and his brothers are going in and making a deal for guns. Little does he know he is going to save the girl that he will later end up with. Luckily for Isabella she makes a deal with Trez to get her out of there and she will tell him how his deal is going to go south and they aren't expected to make it out of there alive. They essentially save each other's life.
Profile Image for Noemi.
2,174 reviews8 followers
March 13, 2022
Izzy is a power house

Trez' past defined him for a while but now he's got his life back on track. His father, the prez has decided to send him on a run where Trez can prove he's officer ready. During this run he meets Isabella, the soon to be love of his life. They set eyes on each other and they're off to discover their journey.

I gave book a 5* star because I felt deep emotions, I LOVED the characters and the writing style. I also LOVED how Izzy dealt with the enemy! I can't wait for the next book.

I truly enjoyed this read!
Profile Image for Angela.
3,372 reviews33 followers
September 22, 2022
A fantastic story

This was an intense, suspenseful, and intriguing story that will have you hooked from the start. He's been through unimaginable tragedies, some of his own making, but is finally getting his life back to a good place. She got caught up with someone that has changed everything in her life, in the worst ways possible. A chance meeting could change both of their lives, but is it something that they're ready for? You'll have to read this to find out!
I would definitely recommend this book, series, and exceptional author.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,926 reviews65 followers
October 5, 2022
Pleasantly surprised!

I'll be honest after reading book one and reading Trez character I wasn't sold on him as a main character who could hold my attention or who I would find intriguing! But I was wrong!!! I love a good underdog story and he definitely fit the bill! He hit rock bottom and pulled himself out of the ashes to be awesome! Loved Izzy and her story, made me want to hunt Bonner down myself and chop off his *!©k and shove it down his throat! I just wish the drama/angst wasn't an after thought and wrapped up in a few pages/ chapter! Free with k.u. ✌
Profile Image for Joy Whiteside.
4,837 reviews111 followers
October 24, 2021
Wow, wow, wow. This book blew me away. There was no stopping once I started reading. This book will grab you and keep you reading until you finish the last page, and then you are needing more. It moves along at a pace which is perfect for the story. The characters are so real that you feel as though you have known them forever and you cant help but love them. This story is a must read, and it needs to be on your list of books to read. No doubt at all about it.
Profile Image for Andrea  Floyd.
906 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2021
Great book

Not your typical Royal Bastards book, this one shows not only the highs but also the lows that happen to one man and a girl he meets along the way. Once upon a time he had the world by the tail until an unfortunate accident, she was once a sought after exotic dancer then her choices were taken from her. Both of them knew the highs and both fell so low at one point thinking to end it all. This is the story of how they met and redemption for both of them.
Profile Image for Pamela.
4,155 reviews36 followers
October 30, 2021
Trez is the President of the RBMC Durango chapter's son. He has earned forgiveness for killing his mother in an accident. Isabella is a woman being held captive by a rival mc. Trez was sent to get things done and get out. He is attracted to Isabella the moment he sees her. Isabella comes to him to see if he can help her get away from this mc. The two have an intense chemistry and connection. Can they stay together or will things go sideways? A good read.
Profile Image for Stephanie Barnes.
456 reviews11 followers
June 9, 2022
I really enjoyed this story.
We met Trez in the first book. Climbing the ranks is his story.
Rock wants his son by his side & Tres wants an officer patch. So when the Sgt of Arms takes a step back, a vote is out to give the position to Trez. The feel that he has to prove himself, so Rock puts him in charge of a deal.
This is also when Tres last eyes on his love.
Book 3 will be out this August, you can pre-order it now.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
558 reviews5 followers
November 18, 2022
Climbing the ranks: Royal bastards MC-Durango, Colorado (royal bastards MC Durango,CO book 2)

Thez and Isabella are a heartbreaking couple. Isabella was raped and physically abuse by her MC boyfriend. Thez is able to free Isabella from this abusive environment. The storyline was excellent and entertaining. I enjoyed reading about the other MC members,especially Rock the president.
337 reviews
January 10, 2023
Royal

I have loved the Royal Bastards series from coast to coast, they keep getting better and better with each book and series. I reallynlove the Tanopah series, love me a reaper! This one has my heart though, its based in my home state of Colorado. Durango is a beautiful town, its been many years since I've been there. I think its time for a road trip to the west side of the state.
Profile Image for Judy Robertson.
543 reviews4 followers
January 28, 2023
HOT AND STEAMY

warning make sure when you read about Trez and Isabella you need to have a fan blowing on you cause their story guarantee to make you over heat. I loved Trez and Isabella story. As you read about their story of finding love in the most dire situations. And how they help each other get rid of past nightmares and how they build a life of love. This book has to be read.
Profile Image for Denise Knox.
156 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2023
conflicted

This could’ve been such a great story. The story summary is catchy. The hero is flawed, but seeking redemption, the heroine, is in need of a strong alpha to help her out of a mess however, after the rescue, the story falls flat. It’s almost as if the author was tired of the story and moving on quickly even the ending and abruptly I would’ve liked to seen the storyline pushed out a little more and not rushed.
Author 1 book5 followers
February 6, 2024
Trez story

Trez story
We first meet Trez in his sister book. He then a troubled soul on drug due to a bike accident that injury him hook on pain killers and killed his mother.
Haunt by his past he gets better and want to earn his patch and come stg arms.
He give the opportunity to earn it goes on run that turns bad.
Isabella is held against her will at other mc clubhouse and being abused.
She saved Trez and his brothers and he saves her

696 reviews2 followers
April 29, 2025
Trez & Izzy meet when Izzy is trying to get away from a bad Biker and his worse MC Club brothers. Trez is there to conclude a deal with Club they've never worked with before. Izzy saves Trez and his club from being robbed and as payment Izy get Trez to rescue her from the club she has been kidnapped into.
Their chemistry is instant and the fun is just beginning.
Read this vis Kindle Unlimited and consider it well worth my time and $$
Profile Image for Sue.
4,343 reviews5 followers
October 24, 2021
Glad Trez is getting his life straightened out. He's worked hard to get his drug habit under control, now if he can only forgive himself for his mother's death. He meets Isabella when they go on a run to collect guns. What he finds and hears was not was he was expecting. There's plenty of action, heat and new beginnings. HEA.
Profile Image for Lynne Garlick.
2,468 reviews27 followers
October 29, 2021
Great read!

Another fantastic read from the Royal Bastards MC!
Trez gets more than he bargains for when he embarks on a job for his Prez. Being double crossed by another MC and woman literally falling into his lap, he didn't see coming. But when the woman has news that will save him and his brothers he takes her along with them.
What a story, what a ride!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews

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