Navy SEAL, Rafael Romero, left the military to marry his high school sweetheart. When he was stood up at the altar, he was left with a deep distrust of women. After a stint as a mercenary, he joins his merc team when they sign on with Bayou Brotherhood Protectors landing in a small town in Louisiana. Cursed with extreme good looks, he dates, but never commits. Rejecting a particularly persistent female ignites the wrath of her family of Voodoo practitioners. Romeo doesn’t believe in magic any more than he believes in love. He’s about to be schooled in both.
Granddaughter of Bayou Mambaloa’s resident Voodoo queen, Gisele Gautier runs a gift shop with natural remedies and voodoo souvenirs. After her cousin is shamed in public, Gisele sets out to teach the heartless bastard, Rafael, a lesson by making him fall in love with her so that she can reject him and show him how it feels. When her business and her home are targeted, she's forced to turn to Rafael for help. Together, they search for answers. In the process, they fall victim to a passion neither expected or wanted and learn to believe in the magic of Voodoo and love.
Award-winning author Elle James grew up as an air force military brat. She received her work ethic from her rock-solid father, her creative streak from her artistic mother and inspiration from her writing partner and sister, Delilah Devlin. As a former member of the army reserves and a current member of the air force reserves, she's traveled across the United States and to Germany, managed a full-time job, and raised three wonderful children. She and her husband have even tried their hands at ranching exotic birds (ostriches, emus and rheas) in the Texas hill country. Ask her, and she'll tell you what it's like to go toe-to-toe with an angry three-hundred-and-fifty-pound bird and live to tell about it!
Her adventures in the army and air force reserves, and the wild antics of her life on a small ranch in Texas give her fodder for mystery, suspense and humor in her writing. Elle writes gothic, paranormal mystery for the Harlequin Intrigue line and paranormal romantic comedy for Dorchester Publishing. A former manager of computer programming and project management professionals, Elle is happy she now has the opportunity to pursue her writing full time.
Rafael by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series #5. Romantic suspense. Spinoff of the main Brotherhood Protector series. Can be read as a stand-alone. Former Navy SEAL, Rafael Romero has joined the Bayou division of Brotherhood Protectors. Untrusting of women in general because his fiancé left him at the alter, Rafael makes it clear to women that he’s not looking for strings or commitments in the small Louisiana town where he works. When a break-in occurs at a local voodoo gift shop, Rafael helps restore order and lift the huge bird cage back onto its stand with the un-injured, bright blue Macaw inside. Gisele Gautier is surprised by the intruder because she doesn’t carry anything of high value but she’s grateful for the help of Rafael even though she doesn’t really trust him. When a second incident occurs, it’s clear the shop is the target and with the help of the computer guru of the Brotherhood Protectors, they soon know the reason. Rafael and Gisele grow closer as the investigation and danger continues.
Fast moving adventure with the addition of a talking Macaw adding a bit of levity. Rafael and Gisele both learn that trust is easier when falling in love. LP#9 twist was amusing.
Gisele is my kind of Women and Rafael finally meets his match! Those two need some serious help in a lot of Areas. And they get it from known and unknown sources. And my favorite character in this story is Johnny!
Rafael Romero works for The Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. Gisele is the granddaughter of The voodoo Queen in town. Roland Chaney is a thief and in jail.
Gisele and Rafael meet and their is an attraction and chemistry w, which is slow burn to explosive ( a love /hate relationship). Rafael is protecting Gisele after th break in at her shop. As a favorite character and surprise is Johnny Gisele’s pet parrot and his verbal one liners.
This book has action, suspense, humor and sparks of humor.
Love that the "bad" guy is brought into the story at the very beginning in a sort of prologue. We have him hiding his gambling money winnings from his loan sharks and the mob (to whom he owes money) in a small town antique store that he finds- which just happens to be in Bayou Mambaloa. Fast forward several years and the Brotherhood aspect pops up. We meet our hero Rafael, an aspiring Brotherhood Protector who is moving in next to a woman he is lusting after, a.k.a. our heroine Gisele, "granddaughter to Bayou Mambaloa's infamous voodoo queen". Due to his lov'em and leave'em reputation and an unfortunate run in with an over emotional infatuated lady, his first meeting with Gisele doesn't paint him in a good light:) In fact, the whole encounter makes him want to "decide whether he would stay in Bayou Mambaloa with the Bayou Brotherhood or move on to someplace where the residents weren't crazy." But Rafael's second chance to make a better impression arrives when Gisele's voodoo store is broken into. He decides to protect her and solve the break-in mystery all the while trying to woo her. Now add meddling friends, the above mentioned bad guy (mobster goons included) and a potty mouthed, man hating bird and what do you get? An easy to read, fast paced, fun story (and I just cannot stress how much I love the aforementioned foul mouthed fowl:) Elle James' whole Brotherhood Protectors series is so much fun to get lost in for a few hours! I had no problem reading and reviewing this book.
I do love this series of Bayou Brotherhood Protectors and Rafael’s story may be my favourite one yet. Elle James just goes from strength to strength each time she brings us a new story.
I know that first appearances don’t do Rafael justice but there was just something about him that I loved. I totally understood his need to protect his heart based in his past, but I also yearned for him to let the past go and embrace the present.
You can feel the bond between Rafael and Gisele from the very beginning. Their chemistry is palpable and their bond undeniable.
Gisele is a strong and independent woman who allows no one to walk all over her. She knows her worth and will not allow anyone to treat her as less than she is. I absolutely loved this about her.
I loved catching up with old friends and finding out how their lives are progressing. I think it adds an extra dimension to a story that is already full of depth and emotion.
Well done Elle James. Yet another fantastic and compelling read. Can’t recommend highly enough. So many more than 5 stars are need to fully do this wonderful read justice.
I really enjoyed the different style of opening to this story. The ill-gotten gains being hidden away - what has that to do with our story??
Welcome back to Bayou Mambaloa. The cutest, quirkiest and, it would seem, most dangerous small town in Louisiana! Rafael aka Romeo, has been burned in love. He gave up the career he loved for his sweetheart and she jilted him. Now he loves the ladies but leaves them wanting more. Gisele however, she doesn't hate men exactly -s she just doesn't trust them a whole lot! Wither her ful mouthed, men hating parrot, she rules over her little Voodoo and potion shop. But it seems that someone has it out for Gisele.
Rafael can't have that. He's now on protector mode, whether feisty Gisele thinks she needs it or not. The chemistry between these two is palpable and soon can't be contained. Gisele wants to hate Rafael for his treatment of her cousin but she soon learns that situation is not all it's been painted.
Wooing a wary woman whilst trying to fend off cougars, biting parrots and a determined bad guy means Rafael has his work cut out for him! Interfering friends/neighbours really needs to become a standard trope!
I'm 12% in and done. So far, we've had a young woman with extreme stalker tendencies physically assault an unwilling man who's clearly and repeatedly said he wasn't interested in her. Had the tables been turned, every review of this book would be outraged beyond belief. Then we have her cousin, who's response to his straight-forward declaration is to head towards her "voodoo" shop to concoct a "potion" to make him fall in love with HER so she can then dump him, thereby giving him a taste of his own medicine.
Holy guacamole, did I make a wrong turn somewhere? Did I fall into YA World? Is this actually a high school? When did it become OK for a woman to put her hands and mouth all over a clearly unwilling man in public? A man who is saying NO loud enough to draw a crowd? A man who has never done anything remotely familiar other than to buy her a nondescript drink. Again, had the sexes been opposite, readers would be up in arms. And his friends are laughing before they desert him? JHC, there's nothing funny, cute, or entertaining about any part of this contrived situation.
The author takes us back to , Mambaloa, one of Louisiana’s small towns. This is where the new Brotherhood Protectors have been building their business. It’s also the home of Gisele Gautier, former Wall Street financier. There she lives and owns a voodoo souvenir and potion store. Her grand-mere is considered the queen of voodoo. Rafael Romero/Romeo, is one of the members of the Brotherhood. He has been badly hurt by love, and has no interest in any long time commitment. Hard to stick to that idea , when the lovely Gisele temps him. When her shop is broken into and Gisele’s life might be in danger, he takes it upon himself to be her protector. As the danger intensifies, so do feelings. Can both let go of the past hurts? Who is causing all the trouble to Gisele, and most importantly why? As always, the author delivers an entertaining story, filled with some action, bad guys, hunky good ones and of course, romance. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Rafael has a great distrust of women caused by the way his fiance broke up with him at their wedding and then betrayed him. However, his great looks draws women to him and he doesn't hesitate to let women know he is their only for a few dates, then he is gone. Coming to Louisiana to work with the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors, he finds himself in a part of the country who believes in voodoo and magic. He makes no attempt to hide his own disbelief in black magic. He does believe in the fascination of one of the women in town who owns a gift store. She is the granddaughter of a famous voodoo queen in the area. Gisele's cousin believes herself in love with Rafael and shows up to claim him. He denies having any feelings for her and the "breakup" is messy and loud. Gisele decides to teach Rafael a lesson in love. She plans to make him fall in love with her and then publicly reject him to show him what. it feels like. However, when Gisele's home and business come under attack from an unknown person, her life and livelihood lie in the hands of Rafael.
Rafael aka Romeo ends up in the crosshairs of Gisele when he rejects her cousin, Bianca. Romeo has been eyeing Gisele for awhile and will be living across the street from her Voodoo gift shop but now after that scene with Bianca it may be harder to get her. Wanting to get back at Romeo, she decides to put a spell on him and being the granddaughter to the Voodoo Queen, she has the means but a break in derails her plans and when Romeo is assigned to be her bodyguard, she can’t resist the pull. Her friends warn her, his friends warn her and him that he is a heartbreaker and too stay away…..but it might not even matter as the threats escalate and it may be too late for them. A good read with suspense, surprises and great characters. I liked the little to no drama between them and Johnny, with his limited vocabulary that had me laughing. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*
This is book five in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. The Brotherhood are dropping like flies. Rafael has had his eye on Gisele for awhile. He even found an apartment literally across an alley from Gisele’s that he is moving into. We meet the two when Gisele’s cousin is hanging all over Rafael giving him her undying love. Rafael and the cousin met once and he danced with her once. Gisele of course, think he is a player, heartbreaker and a cad all rolled up in one. She is going to keep her eye on him.
One night Gisele’s store is broken into. I admit when an attempt was made to break in a second time I remembered the prologue. Neither Gisele nor Rafael want to fall in love. Seems they didn’t have a real choice.
Nice to see Shelby from book one now eight months pregnant. Cute story, no drama, fast paced. Good series.
I enjoyed Rafael and Gisele's story. Even with the warnings from friends, their hesitation about being together, and the break in's, it was still an enjoyable read. I have to admit that I didn't appreciate the way Rafael's friends or significant others defined him at the beginning of the book. If his friends could change their nehavior, why couldn't he?
I liked the banter between them and also when Johnny added his inappropriate two cents to the conversation. There wasn't as much action or suspense as I expected yet I felt like this was a good more lighthearted read.
No worries, the action and suspense was there in a much more concentrated manner. I would give this 3.75 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Rafael and Gisele. Voodoo takes its turn and so does the Cajun mafia. The premise of stashing the money was not new, but the story was a fun take on that idea as the store is no longer antiques, the furniture is gone, and it led to the store owner having a personal bodyguard. Giseles grand mere is fierce and I loved how she had such a role in this book and the others via mention more than actual active time. Both characters have romantic baggage, and this time meddling friends to keep them apart. The connection is quick and the story fast paced. An easy read with a sweet ending. Jonny’s one liners were amazing and his new one definitely stole the show at the end!
Rafael Romero is a Navy Seal, now working for the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. He’s known as some what of a player by his teammates. Good looks and charm that women can’t resist. He was burned by love once and vows to never get attached again. Until he meets Giselle Gautier, known as the voodoo queen. When her souvenir/potion shop is broken into and her life is threatened Rafael is all in. He vows to protect the beautiful woman that occupies his thoughts and makes him think that maybe he can give love a chance again.
This a fun place to visit through the eyes of someone else. I live in Louisiana and Elle James has done a great job with this series. "Thank you for writing this story.”
Love this series. Best series yet. Has a great HEA ending and you will not be disappointed. I had a hunch who the bad guy was who was trying to break into her shop, but not sure until it until the very end. But the scene that made me giggle was all of the women early in the morning signing up for yoga classes just because Rafael runs by all of these businesses every morning. Just so they can get a good look at a shirtless man. LOL. Anyway, It's a great read, enjoyable and you'll be finished with it before you know it. Then you'll anxiously waiting for the next one in the series to come out.
Rafael is a former Navy SEAL who is now working for the Brotherhood Protectors. After being hurt in the past he doesn’t believe in love and has quite the reputation with women which makes his relationship with Gisele, his neighbor, less than cordial.
When Gisele’s business and life is in danger the last person, she wants help from is Rafael. The plans she had for him were for payback not for him to come to assistance especially when it comes to the feelings between them that neither is comfortable with.
Rafael and Gisele take us on an action-packed adventure as they find love when and with whom they least expect.
Poor Rafael. Due to his past he doesn't trust in relationships, but he's upfront and honest with the women. Gisele is the granddaughter of the great Vodoo Queen. There is humor, angst, suspense and I loved the twist at the end with Grand'Mere. Elle is always fantastic by bringing us up to date interacting with previous characters from Bayou Brotherhood and Rafael is no different. Entertainment that takes the ugly away. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely volunteer my honest thoughts and opinions. #Rafael #BayouBrotherhoodProtectors #ElleJames #TwistedPagePress #Bookfunnel
One of my fave series is The Brotherhood Protectors, it's many teams in places over the States. The Bayou is a fun team. The sounds, the food and atmosphere come to life by this author. Rafael has trust issues so has the reputation of a player until he meets Gisele. She's the owner of the local shop next door to his apartment. Someone has broken in and he comes to her rescue. Why is her business targeted and is she is danger? These two along with a mouthy parrot were a great match. I highly recommend this series.
Rafael is always upfront with the women he sees, but upfront or not, the reality can be hurtful. Gisele turns the tables and leaves him reeling, because despite everything he said before...she matters. Having been hurt by their ex's, both Rafael and Gisele are wary and gun shy, they aren't looking for love, but neither can they ignore the chemistry and magic that flows between them. This one is an intriguing puzzle that takes a dangerous turn, threatening to steal their new found love from them. Johnny is a hilarious addition, he is definitely a keeper!
This is a great book. I loved Rafael and Gisele. Gisele's grandmother is a Voodoo queen. Gisele has a shop and sells potions, lotions, voodoo dolls and other stuff. She tries to help everyone and has a bright blue Macaw named Johnny, who has a bad potty mouth. I loved when he said stuff that scared people. Rafael is a former Navy Seal and is the most handsome member of the Brotherhood Protectors. I received an ARC for an honest review, and I loved it. There's lots of suspense, mystery, action, humor and romance. I recommend it to everyone.
I enjoyed the story. Rafael is in Louisiana working for the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. He doesn't believe in magic and is attracted to the Voodoo Queen's granddaughter. Gisele owns a herbal and voodoo shop. Someone breaks in to her shop and she is knocked down. When she call the police, Rafael, his team and her friends respond to the call. He is determined to keep her safe and get to know her better. She is determined to put space between them. Both has trust issues. Who will win? Some suspense and action. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.
4 Stars I received a free copy of the steamy romantic suspense Rafael: Bayou Brotherhood Protectors: Book Five by Elle James and this review was given freely. Suspense, irony, and humor, in the form of a particular disinhibited parrot, can be found between the pages of this steamy story where a felon tries to outsmart the New Orleans Mafia, and with a few twists and turns, Brotherhood Protector operative Rafael Romero and Voodoo queen granddaughter Gisele, who find themselves unable to resist breaking their vows of singlehood. 18+ for intimate scenes.
The series of Bayou Brotherhood Protectors now has Rafael’s story. He was stood up at the altar when younger and has sworn off all commits to a long lasting relationship. When he meets Gisele, she is warned off of him by well meaning friends. But, a break in at her store brings them together long enough that they each begin to see the other as someone special. Ella does it again with her newest book.
Rafael is book 5 in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series by Elle James.
What happens when you are burned by love…Rafael vows to never give in to love and remain unattached for all time. That is until Giselle…when her store is broken into he is determined to keep her safe and protected..action, danger, suspense, chemistry and finding that one true soulmate…
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The characters are lifelike as is the storyline. Rafael is new to the area and is working for Bayou Protectors. Gisele owns a gift shop where she makes her own lotions and potions. They have similar friends but they warn her that Rafael won’t stay with any woman. I enjoyed how characters from other books within the Protectors world come together. It has action, suspense, mystery, intrigue and romance. I look forward to reading future books by Ms James.
This easy to read entry has womanizing Rafael Romero gently pushing back store owner Gisele Gauthier’s cousin trying to convince her a dance a couple of weeks ago doesn’t mean they’re in love. Hearing about Rafael’s reputation, Gisele planned to make a voodoo potion, make Rafael fall for her then leave him… that would teach him a lesson. But a break-in at her gift shop changes everything. Though this was a nice outing, this reader was disappointed in the rushed ending. Rating: 3.75stars
Rafael was a player not willing to commit since he was left at the altar. Giselle was the granddaughter of the VooDoo Queen who came back home after she realized her boyfriend ethics didn’t match hers. They are both attracted to each other. When Giselle store is broken into Rafael takes it upon himself to become her protector. Action, mystery and a growing love throughout the book. Enjoyed the read
Poor Rafael,known as the Casanova, but really the lady's know the score, it's not like he cheats. He just had not met the one yet to want more. But when he moved to the bayou with his team and saw the lady in the gift shop she turned his head. But everyone gives him a hard time before he even sees the more. I did think we could have had allot of funny moment with her gran.sadly missed moments.
Rafael is known as a player but, he meets his match with Gisele she's independent and takes nothing from anyone including him. When her store is broken into Rafael takes on the job as her protector. This book is filled with danger, action, and finding your one true love. I also loved Johnny and all his saying.