Gotta Be Bayou

Badges of the Bayou, Book 1

By: Erin Nicholas

Narrated by: Stephen Dexter, Eva Glade

How do you get over a woman you never should have been, ahem, under in the first place?

Just when FBI special agent Spencer Landry had decided to forget about investigative journalist Maxine "Max" Keller and their one hot night together, there's a threat made against her, and Spencer's protective instincts get all riled up. Again.

So now they're shacking up on the Louisiana bayou and pretending to be in love so he can keep Max safe until the guy is apprehended.

Considering their chemistry and that he cannot stop thinking about the gorgeous-and-doesn't-know-it, smart-mouthed, and bold-and-yet-vulnerable redhead, this could be a fun few days, right?

Nope. She's all wrong for him.

And she hasn't forgotten he can be kind of a jerk.

Sure, the naked times are great, but he told her exactly what he wants—a bubbly, sweet schoolteacher who bakes him brownies and loves to cuddle—and Max ain't it.

Max not only doesn't bake, no one has ever called her sweet. And cuddling? Shudder.

Plus his bossiness is super annoying for someone who's been taking care of herself all her life. But now they're stuck together and dammit, besides being hot and very good with his mouth, Spencer is pretty irresistible with baby goats, little kids, and attempts at baking. And don't forget alpha-protective. All of which makes her stomach feel very swoop-y. No wonder her clothes keep falling off.

But this is a temporary situation, and they're only faking it. So falling for the guy is a terrible idea.

She really should have kept that in mind.

©2022 Erin Nicholas (P)2022 Erin Nicholas

3.5 stars

I enjoyed the audiobook but I felt like there wasn't enough plot. I read and enjoyed many books by Erin Nicholas but sadly this wasn't a favourite.

All the swoony feels but all the other deep emotions too

Phew this book. It’s not a run of the mill light hearted rom com. It has some grit to it. This is a deep emotional book wrapped in the guise of a romcom. It’s one of those stories that you dive in head first and stay completely absorbed in until the very end. While reading this one, expect to feel all the really big, big feelings in between the snort laughing. Spencer is an FBI agent who has some very specific ideas of what he’s looking for in a girlfriend/wife. Max is an investigative reporter who does not check any of Spencer’s boxes. They worked together on a case a year ago so they’re sort of friends and they had a sizzling night together after a wedding but are both sure it can go no farther. Then there’s a direct threat against Max’s life, cue forced proximity in small town Autre surrounded by Spencer’s extended family, more chemistry, deep emotional sharing and the HEA journey begins in earnest. The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, family support, dysfunctional family dynamics, painful pasts, bad actors, light danger, protectors, and small town goodness with a small bit of angst. The conflict is mostly external. Since it’s a spin off to the other bayou books based in Autre, it is of course filled with loud, larger than life bayou characters and situations, simmering and overwhelming feelings, and cute animals. The story included witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. It’s only the first book but I love this badge series already. I mean what’s not to love - hot sexy bayou protectors falling in love with strong sassy women.

Stephen Dexter and Eva Glade did a phenomenal job narrating the story and characters into life with enough change of inflection, tone and cadence to voice multiple characters quite convincingly.

I love the bayou!

I am a longtime fan of Erin Nicholas and her amazing stories. I am pretty sure I’ve read every single one! I recently started listening to the stories and I am so glad I did! The narration adds so much depth to the stories. The narrators did such a great job of really conveying the emotions behind the words. I will definitely be listening again!

The moonshine will get you everytime.

I enjoyed a trip back to Autre and New Orleans with this book. This story is Spencer Landry and Maxine ‘Max’ Keller. Enjoyed how this started out and right away we find out exactly who Spencer wants to be with in a girlfriend maybe potential wife. While he’s making out with Max and drunk on the moonshine he gives her his ‘list’ from someone who bakes brownies and casseroles and a dog is also on that list. He’s definitely fixated on his criteria and Max doesn’t check any of those boxes for him but he’s enjoying being with her in the moment. Her phone rings and breaks the mood and she has to head back home. He in his drunken state demands Wyatt take him home as well, since he definitely can’t drive and then Wyatt gets more information about what went on between these two. Spencer then shows up at Max’s house the next night with a cold case to get her input on and they end up in bed together. He leaves the next morning and you think that is that. Two weeks later and he’s back with his fellow officers looking for her and no one has seen her and there has been a threat specifically against her. In order to keep her safe they head to Autre and this is where things get interesting. We learn a lot more about both of their backgrounds and exactly why Spencer is fixated on the ‘perfect’ woman and why Max will never be able to be that person for him. Who knew that in the end with a little compromise that they both could have what they ultimately wanted. I have to say that I loved Max but Spencer exasperated me a lot during the story. I’m glad he seemed to be a little better at the end, I just hope he continues to stay that way going forward. I LOVED the ending of this book. I listened to this book as an audiobook narrated by Stephen Dexter and Eva Glade. I’ve never listened to them as narrators before but they both did a great job. I enjoyed how they alternated between the two and I thought Eva did a wonderful job narrating Max. I will definitely listen to more audiobooks narrated by these two.

Insightful

Another sweet romance but I enjoyed how the main characters looked inwards and held each other to better standards. The plot plays out nicely and one can never have enough Leo. Or crows.

Fun Series Starter

I have been looking forward to this new series by Erin Nicholas and it’s off to a sweet start! Erin laid out Max & Spencer’s foundation perfectly in the last few books of the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series. Their sniping, reluctant attraction, and witty banter set them up as an intriguing pair. I enjoyed their love story. Given their professions and the premise, I thought the suspense would be a little heavier. But it was a charming series starter.

Stephen Dexter is one of my favorite narrators, whenever I press play and hear his voice I know I’m in for a treat. His Southern accent for Spencer was smooth and seggsy. Eva Glade is a new-to-me narrator and I loved her performance as the unapologetically independent, fearless, sultry Max. If you’re looking for a lighthearted romp that takes you back to Autre, Gotta Be Bayou is a terrific title to add to your TBL!

Sweet

It’s so sweet. And no stupid missunderstanding 2/3 in to the book. Thank you for that!
I thought it would be more suspense. And I haven’t read the other Bayou series. So I got a bit lost. I thought this was a new series.

Make voice is not Cajun!

Worst Cajun voice ever. Otherwise loved the book. Story could be true, good taste and easy to follow