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Erin Nicholas
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Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou): a grumpy-sunny, stuck together, small town rom com Kindle Edition

by Erin Nicholas (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,435 ratings

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 can not stop thinking about the gorgeous-and-doesn't-know-it, smart-mouthed, 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 school teacher 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.

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  1. Part of series
    Badges of the Bayou
  2. Print length
    315 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    September 13, 2022
  5. File size
    3.0 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

She's not what he's looking for...but she might be exactly what he needs
A grumpy sunny small town romance
New Series, Same Beloved World

Editorial Reviews

Review

"I love anything Erin Nicholas writes, and Gotta Be Bayou is no exception." - Queen B, Goodreads ★★★★★

"I love an opposites attract storyline and Maxine and Spencer are about as opposite as you can get! Throw in the forced proximity to this fun and sexy rom com and you have another Erin Nicholas hit." - Laurie Ann, Goodreads ★★★★★

"All the flirty, hot, satisfying joy you can handle and then some!" - Fedora, Goodreads ★★★★★

"All the classic Autre shenanigans and I will always be happy to return to the Bayou." - Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads , Goodreads ★★★★

"A little bit of suspense, a whole lot of heat, and so many laughs, Gotta Be Bayou is charmingly delightful and I devoured it." - Amy, Goodreads ★★★★★

"Max and Spencer might just have become my new favourite couple from the Bayou! This new series of the badges is gonna be ah-mazing, I am already half in love with all of them and I just saw glimpses of a few of them and I already can't wait!!."- Luisa, Goodreads ★★★★★

"entertaining, funny, sexy, but also deep and passionate." Niki Reads Romance, Goodreads ★★★★★

"What a magical start to the new series...This book is romantic comedy at its best ." Jackie, Goodreads ★★★★★

"an engaging storyline and this one is tickled with a bit of fun, sprinkled with a touch of danger and dusted with the perfect amount of romance."- Chris, Goodreads ★★★★★

"Wow, what a start to a new series!! I loved, loved it!!!"-Jeanette, Goodreads ★★★★★

"Awesome storyline, amazing chemistry had me hooked from the first page."-Evita, Goodreads ★★★★★

From the Author

He heard the sound of footsteps approaching, and the door in front of him suddenly swung open, revealing a wet, mad redhead wrapped in only a single piece of light blue terrycloth.

His body reacted immediately. It didn't care that there'd been a bomb threat, that he'd spent the past nearly two hours wondering if she was dead or alive, that she was definitely not his type, that she thought he was kind of an asshole, or that they had an audience. He immediately flashed back to the last time he'd been in this apartment when she'd been wearing much less than that towel.

She stared up at him. "I cannot believe that you're here. What do you—" In the periphery of her vision, she apparently caught sight of the three other men. She turned toward them, frowning. "What in the hell is going on?"

She either noticed their badges or figured they could be trusted if they were with him.
He'd like to think it was the latter but was pretty sure it was the former.

"Guys, we need some space."

No matter what else was going on, Spencer was very aware that the three other men were getting quite an eyeful.

Sure, she was basically covered. But the amount of skin she was showing—creamy, smooth, pale skin that he could personally attest had no freckles—was a much more significant percentage than the amount of skin she was covering.

Threat to her life or not, she looked hot as hell, and he stupidly didn't want any other guys seeing her like this.

"Ma'am, are you sure you want to deal with Agent Landry? One of us would be happy to help you instead," Moreno said with a shit-eating grin.

"We'll be in the living room." Chris grabbed each of the younger men by the collar and turned them before shoving them down the hallway.

Spencer listened to Moreno and Lance chuckle as they headed for Max's living room.

But his gaze was focused entirely on her.

She was in one piece. Alive and well. Seemingly oblivious to what had been going on that morning.

"Why aren't you at work?"

Her eyes widened. "I'm getting ready for work. I had a late night last night."

Do not ask about her late night.

She narrowed her eyes. "Do not ask me about my late night."

He sucked a breath in through his nose and let it out. "There was a bomb threat at the newsroom."

Her eyes widened again. "A bomb threat?"

"Yes. Considered credible enough to have us bring the bomb squad in. No one could find you. Hadn't heard from you. Caroline says she hasn't talked to you in over twenty-four hours. You weren't answering your phone. I was... we... were worried."

The hand clutching the towel against her breasts tightened slightly. "I... Thank you. I'm sorry I wasn't answering the phone. I woke up, went to work out—which makes it hard to hear my phone—and then came home and got in the shower. I wasn't expected at work until later today. I wasn't expecting anyone to call or text, so I wasn't looking."

"No one knew that you weren't coming in until late."

She frowned. "My editor, Paul, knew that."

"Paul wasn't in either. We haven't talked to him."

"Yeah, he's in Baton Rouge covering a story. But generally, the reporters don't report to one another. We don't worry about one another coming and going."

Spencer scrubbed a hand over his face. "Yeah, that's what they said. Doesn't make it easy for law enforcement when things like this happen, though."

"Sorry. I'm okay, though."

He studied her. She was okay. F*cking gorgeous, too. "You need to get dressed."

"Yeah. Okay."

"We have some questions. And... some more information."

She frowned. "Something else I need to know?"

"Yes. I assume you want more details about the threat." Of course she would want more details. She was a reporter and one of the most curious women he knew. But there was more she needed to know as well.

"What are you not telling me?"

"I'm gonna tell you everything. Just put some clothes on."

"Spencer, tell me now. You're freaking me out."

"And you're standing in front of me dripping wet, in a towel. I'm having a little trouble being professional."

That seemed to stun her for a moment. She sucked in a little breath and just stared at him for three heartbeats. "That's a you problem. Tell me what you have to tell me."

She was so difficult. Why did the sex with her have to be so good? He was a professional. He was damned good at his job. He took what he did seriously. He could not be distracted by the fact that the sight of her bare skin, the smell of her, and the memories of her in this apartment were clawing through his brain and making his entire body tight and hard.

"The threat was directed at you specifically."

She didn't react to that. She just stared at him.

"Max? Did you hear me?"

He wasn't sure she had.

She didn't say anything or even move.

Yeah, he didn't want to deal with her going into shock or having some kind of emotional reaction when she was wrapped in a towel. He wanted to be able to touch her, help her, and do whatever she needed him to do. But he really needed her to not be naked for that.

He took her by the upper arms. "Time to get dressed," he said firmly.

He turned her and nudged her down the hall. She took one hesitant step. Then stopped. He sighed. He nudged her again. She took two steps that time. Then stopped. And, with a deep breath, Spencer accepted his fate. He walked her into her bedroom and sat her on the edge of her bed.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09S8GF4W8
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ EN Fiction, Inc. (September 13, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 13, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.0 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 315 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 1,435 ratings

About the author

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Erin Nicholas

Erin Nicholas

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Erin Nicholas is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances and rom coms. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy, and fun. She loves to write about reluctant heroes, imperfect heroines and happily ever afters. She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
1,435 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this book for its suspenseful story featuring Max and Spencer's romance, with one review noting its interesting childhood backgrounds. The book features well-developed characters who grow throughout the narrative, and customers appreciate its witty dialogue and steamy scenes. Customers find it a great start to a new series on the bayou, with one review highlighting how it touches on mental health issues.

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37 customers mention "Story quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, particularly Max and Spencer's narrative and its suspenseful elements, with one customer noting it has enough sass to keep it interesting.

"...The witty dialog, flirting and sometimes crazy situations was often hilarious, as was their interactions with their friends, family, and the animals..." Read more

"This story has great characters, flaws and all. Hot scenes, funny happenings and a lot of comfort food...." Read more

"...The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, family support, dysfunctional family dynamics, painful pasts, bad actors, light..." Read more

"...There is a lot of humor, heartwarming, loving and some steamy moments in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed the book...." Read more

24 customers mention "Book enjoyment"24 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book, with one mentioning it's a satisfying read and another noting it's a return to the Autre series.

"...Max and Spencer are wonderful, rich characters with interesting childhoods, molding them into the adults they are...." Read more

"...Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Erin Nicholas always pulls me into the story and loving the characters. Highly recommend the read!" Read more

"A fun read with a lots of steam, romance, and some suspense...." Read more

"...This was such a good book! Max realizes that she does have family and friends that care about her. The ending was so good!" Read more

19 customers mention "Character development"19 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting how the characters grow throughout the story.

"...Max and Spencer are wonderful, rich characters with interesting childhoods, molding them into the adults they are...." Read more

"This story has great characters, flaws and all. Hot scenes, funny happenings and a lot of comfort food...." Read more

"...family support, dysfunctional family dynamics, painful pasts, bad actors, light danger, protectors, and small town goodness with a small bit of..." Read more

"...Erin Nicholas always pulls me into the story and loving the characters. Highly recommend the read!" Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, particularly its witty dialogue and snort-inducing moments.

"...The witty dialog, flirting and sometimes crazy situations was often hilarious, as was their interactions with their friends, family, and the animals..." Read more

"This story has great characters, flaws and all. Hot scenes, funny happenings and a lot of comfort food...." Read more

"...The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, family support, dysfunctional family dynamics, painful pasts, bad actors, light..." Read more

"...There is a lot of humor, heartwarming, loving and some steamy moments in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed the book...." Read more

10 customers mention "Start to series"10 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this book as a great start to a new series on the bayou.

"I love this new series spinoff...." Read more

"Loved Spencer and Max!! The beginning is great when you realize that Spencer overreacted to a bomb threat against Max, a woman that doesn't meet..." Read more

"...This time we get Spencer and Max and they were the perfect couple to start this new series off...." Read more

"...This is a wonderful addition and start to a new offshoot series that fits right in with the rest...." Read more

6 customers mention "Advice"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's approach to mental health issues, with one customer noting how it provides little nuggets of wisdom throughout the story.

"...The wonderful Ellie and her great advice, Leo with his stories that give life lessons, appearances from other bayou boys and ladies, and of course..." Read more

"...There were growth in the characters and I enjoyed the little nuggets of wisdom within the book...." Read more

"...It also touches on mental health issues and wellness in a sensitive and realistic way...." Read more

"I loved that this book faced mental health and the ability of people to change...." Read more

6 customers mention "Steamy content"6 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the steamy scenes in the book.

"...; plus it’s another “can’t put down,” “laugh out loud” tale, with wit, heat, heart, love, and the unexpected; everything I've come to love about her..." Read more

"...The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, family support, dysfunctional family dynamics, painful pasts, bad actors, light..." Read more

"...There is a lot of humor, heartwarming, loving and some steamy moments in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed the book...." Read more

"...And did I mention the heat? These two are scorching together! Pro tip: always listen to Ellie’s advice and pay attention to Leo’s stories." Read more

5 customers mention "Chemistry"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the chemistry in the book, with one noting that the connection between the characters felt authentic.

"...Chemistry between H & h felt real. There were growth in the characters and I enjoyed the little nuggets of wisdom within the book...." Read more

"...do everything to deny their feelings for one another, their chemistry was off the charts!..." Read more

"...Max and Spencer have amazing chemistry but they are all wrong for each other, or so they think...." Read more

"...While they may be all wrong for each other, their chemistry gives off different vibes. And being back in the bayou is always a good time...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Eileen Wells
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love in Autre and a New Series
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Gotta Be Bayou, by Erin Nicholas, is a wonderful story to start to her new series, Badges of the Bayou; plus it’s another “can’t put down,” “laugh out loud” tale, with wit, heat, heart, love, and the unexpected; everything I've come to love about her books and Autre, Louisiana. This is Max and Spencer's story; an opposites attract romance with a forced proximity, a touch of mystery, and unrealistic expectations. These two connected at a Landry wedding in Autre, after getting drunk on a bit of moonshine drinking. There was definitely a strong attraction between them despite wanting different things out of life. Spencer’s girlfriend list is a wonderful example of his unrealistic expectations. Spencer is a Landry and a FBI agent, who protects all, but especially those that matter to him. He is all grumpy and snarly on the outside but inside he is a soft, cinnamon roll. Max is an investigator report, out to expose the bad happening out there and righting the wrongs of the world. Surprisingly, Max can meet Spencer grump for grump, if not out-grump him. When a death threat is made against Max, Spencer goes into protective mode, even if he isn’t assigned the role, wanting, or rather needing, to make sure she is kept safe and alive. Hiding her in Autre is the safest place he can think of, but keeping it a secret will be a challenge.

    Max and Spencer are wonderful, rich characters with interesting childhoods, molding them into the adults they are. Their sharing and understanding of each other was heartwarming as was seeing them open up and explain their drive and behavior. The witty dialog, flirting and sometimes crazy situations was often hilarious, as was their interactions with their friends, family, and the animals in Autre. The sparks and chemistry between them were off the charts, enough to set anything near them aflame. The magic, love and support of the Landrys as well as spending time in close quarters helped their feelings grow into a relationship and the possibility of a future together for Max and Spencer. I highly recommend Gotta Be Bayou to other readers and look forward to the next book in this series.

    I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book prior to purchasing it.
    5 people found this helpful
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  • Sara Pranskunas
    4.0 out of 5 stars It’s Hot in the Bayou
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This story has great characters, flaws and all. Hot scenes, funny happenings and a lot of comfort food.
    There were a bit too many characters with Max meeting all of Spencer’s family in Autre. So it was a little confusing at times. Together Max and Spencer set the place on fire, literally. Make sure you eat before reading this book or you will be reaching for the sweets.
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  • Tammy Moldovan
    5.0 out of 5 stars All the swoony feels but all the other deep emotions too
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    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. I willingly reviewed an early copy of this book.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Jersey Girl
    5.0 out of 5 stars Still loving the Bayou men...
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I love this new series spinoff. We still see a glimpse of the previous Landry family members and updates on their happily ever afters but now we have Max and Nick - We have a lot in common and nothing in common. Max is the best friend of Caroline who is madly in love with Nick's cousin Zander. There is a threat to investigative reporter Max that sends Nick into overprotective mode. He takes her to Autre to insure her safety and the Landry family pixie dust is sprinkled on Max. Despite Nick's vision of what he believes he wants in a life partner, it is Max who wins his heart even though she can't and wont bake brownies. There is a lot of humor, heartwarming, loving and some steamy moments in the book. Thoroughly enjoyed the book. Erin Nicholas always pulls me into the story and loving the characters. Highly recommend the read!
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Winnie Robinson
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read!
    Reviewed in Canada on May 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    My first read by this author and it did have lots of emotion and was an amazing love story, but it was not a rom-com! From the blurb, I was expecting it to be more of a chick lit kind of story but it was definitely not that.
    However, it was a really good love story. Both main characaters had a lot of depth to them and had issues and baggage which they ended up working through in the story - so there was lots of character growth. Max didn't have a great childhood and was left mostly on her own, and Spencer has a father with depression so his childhood, while great, also left it's mark. Plus Spencer's job is stressful enough on it's own. It was great how these characters, while seeming totally different on the surface, each understood the other in a way that was unique and so understandably brought them closer together. Ms. Nichol's did an amazing job getting to the heart of these two characters and writing such an emotional read.
    I did find, though, that I was inundated with peoples names and had trouble keeping everyone straight. I assume since Max and Spencer met at Caroline and Zander's wedding, that this was not the first book in the series. So, if I had started at the beginning I probably wouldn't have felt so confused by all the names. Still, it was an enjoyable read and I'd read more in the series for sure.
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  • Karen Bee
    5.0 out of 5 stars Back to the Bayou
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 11, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Spencer Landry is an FBI agent who has already been more than personal with journalist Maxine Keller when she receives a threat on her life. What follows is a close proximity story with both lead characters having to reassess the sort of life partner they actually want rather than their fixed ideas. Plenty of Landry characters pop up too.
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  • Javdan
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as expected
    Reviewed in Germany on June 17, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The book has a good start . But then it gets very boring long the way . More excitement would bee good.Less bla bla and more happening.
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  • Hanbarn
    3.0 out of 5 stars okay read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 19, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    An okay read and good to be back in the bayou. Felt there was a bit of a drag in the story but I loved the premise of it and was good to see everyone pulling together to protect max. Liked the journey with the relationship and acknowledging the need for counselling. Loved the epilogue.
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  • Wendy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta be Bayou
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    OMG Erin, how are you ever able to finish these books? Max and Spencer's story could go on forever and we would never get to know everything about their life together and their hot and intense love for each other.
    I'm convinced Autre is the place to live and the Landry family and their friends are my kind of people. Thank you!!
    Report

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