Simon

by Elle James

Simon Sevier doesn’t believe in magic or Voodoo. After escaping the crazies in the bayou to join the Army and Delta Force, he’s now back in the bayou world, working for Brotherhood Protectors and drawn to Holly Hazard, the mysterious new waitress at the Crawdad Hole Bar & Grill.

Holly left her bayou home after a string of curses claimed the lives of her parents and boyfriend. A few months later, she’s back in Bayou Mambaloa seeking answers after a new curse finds her in her home in Atlanta. With the help of the handsome former Delta Force operative, Simon, and the local Voodoo Queen, she struggles to uncover the secrets of the bayou—where curses may be real, and love might be the strongest magic of all.

Genres: Family, Romantic Suspense

300 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 25, 2025

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simon by Elle James
Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series #8. Romantic suspense. Can be read as a stand-alone. Spinoff from the multiple Brotherhood Protector series.
Holly Hazard has returned home to the bayou believing she’s been cursed and hoping to find answers. Simon Sevier is assigned to help protect Holly even while he doesn’t believe in curses, magic or luck. Together they have to find and eliminate the danger regardless of their beliefs.

Fast adventure of danger, swaps, curses and romance. Holly and Simon give off sparks as they undercover secrets. Simon has to protect her while dealing with his own history.
Intense and sexy. Plenty of prior characters also appeases which makes this group feel like family.

[Miss Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this beautiful story. Elle James, once again, at her finest. I love everything about the Brotherhood Protectors world and I think Simon is an absolute wonderful addition to the series.

I was so in love with Simon and Holly from the first moment they met. I loved their instant connection.

Stories from Elle James bring so much happiness to us readers. The depth and emotion she puts into her books is breathtaking.

Simon is a born protector. His need to be there for others is a beautiful quality. His determination to work to help people an admirable quality.

Watching him traverse the path of protecting Holly whilst also trying to stem his growing feelings was so heart aching.

Holly is a beautiful character. I love her strength and determination. She’s such an ope and beautiful character despite what she believes is happening to her and those she loves.

Watching them come together was so beautiful and compelling. The stars finally aligning and emotions pushing through theirs walls. It was so beautiful to watch them come together, the bond they shared itching to thrive and grow.

Thank you Elle James for yet another beautiful story. A story that will, without a doubt, stay loved within my heart.

So many stars are needed to fully portray just how addictive and amazing this read is

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinclair “Sin” Savier works for Brotherhood Protectors Bayou and former Delta Force.
Holly Hazard Gautiet works as a waitress in The Crawdad Bar and Grill. She is the granddaughter of The Voodoo Queen in Bayou Mamboloa.

Simon and Holly meet where she works.
Holly came back home to Bayou Mamboloa to get her grandmother (Voodoo Queen) to break the curse
( where is lost her fiancée and parents).
Simon is assigned her protector by Brotherhood Protectors and to keep her safe.
Can Simon, Holly and The Brotherhood Protectors get to the bottom of this curse and the many secrets of the Bayou?
Can they have a Happily Ever After?

This book is brimming with edge of your seat suspense, danger, action packed with twists and turns.

Great Job. Elle James !!!!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story brimming with suspense, action, and romance. Holly returns home convinced she’s been cursed. She left once before for the same reason, but life didn’t improve—her fiancée died, and her parents vanished. Determined to protect those she loves from harm, she comes back. Simon doesn’t believe in magic or Voodoo, but he believes in Holly, and he’s willing to help however he can. When feisty Holly is kidnapped, Simon rushes after her—though she might not need his help… or maybe she does. Battling his own PTSD, Simon begins to think he can finally move forward, especially if Holly is part of his future. But can he keep her safe?

[Christina Standridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the story, its suspenseful and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Simon works for Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. Though he lives in the Bayou, he doesn't believe in luck or voodoo. He friend died while carrying a lucky rabbits foot. Holly left the Bayou running from a curse that killed her boyfriend and lost her parents. When the curse follows her to Atlanta,she decided to come home and see if she can remove the curse. Simon decides he will protect her and find out what is going on and who is behind the threats. I read an arc of this book and this is my review.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! I love a lot of things about this series. Firstly it is set in one of the places where magic happens and I absolutely am enchanted by it. Secondly the characters are absolutely perfect for one another. The story is full of suspense and twists and turns. I really enjoyed reading Holly and Simon’s adventure and their courageous way of disentangling themselves from critical situations. With this story the reader won’t have a moment of boredom, it’s pure adrenaline!

[Karen Peskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the eighth installment in the Bayou Brotherhood series. Elle James has such a talent! I loved this story so much. It's a page turner! This is the story of Simon and Holly. She is the granddaughter of the Voodoo Queen...and Simon doesn't believe! This story has a lot of action, suspense, love and laughter and of course a happy ending! can't wait for the next installment!!

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was excellent and a great addition to the series. I love to read this authors works. HEA.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Holly finds herself in trouble, Simon comes to aid. Neither of them was prepared for what they find, not only love. Danger and secrets are revealed and it affects everything they ever believe.
Absolutely fabulous work, captivating, exciting and passionate.

[Lana Humphress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Bayou Brotherhood Protectors story

Guess what, y'all?! We are plunging headlong once more into the heart-pounding, soul-stirring, absolutely mesmerizing world of the **fabulous Bayou Mamboloa**! And this time, an explosion of love, hope, and fiery passion is about to ignite the very air we breathe! Prepare yourselves because another incredible, the-moon-stands-in-awe, shining member of the **Bayou Brotherhood Protectors** is about to discover the kind of love that shakes your core and sets your spirit ablaze! Meet **Simon Sevier**—a raw, fierce soul straight from our beloved Bayou—who, no, he's NOT some voodoo sorcerer or spooky, dark enchantment; he's a hero, a guardian, a protector with a heart so vast, it could swallow the world! Having just escaped the relentless grips of military life, he's back, transformed, reborn, standing tall with a brand new purpose—devoted to shielding those he loves with an unbreakable vow.

And then there’s **Holly Hazard**—a woman haunted by shadows of her past, fleeing from a curse she believed was cursed upon her by some wicked voodoo spell after losing her most precious loved ones. But oh, how cruel fate can be! That curse *followed* her across miles, invading her life even in Atlanta, tearing at her heart, whispering lies of doom! Now she’s back in the sacred Bayou, clutching at her small, flickering hope, pouring her soul into her work at the local bar & grill, desperately holding onto the belief that some malevolent spell continues to bind her.

And just when life seems to have painted her with darkness… **Simon** steps in—her protector, her savior, her destined partner—ushering in a blazing storm of feelings and sparks that threaten to ignite the very heavens! The danger intensifies, the stakes grow higher, but so does the *fire* ignited between these two souls. This is a tumultuous, wild rollercoaster of emotion—fear, longing, hope, and the unshakable belief that love might just conquer all—even the mightiest curses!

And let me shout from the rooftops—the author? A legend, a genius, smashing it out of the park AGAIN! The characters? Fierce, lovable, unbreakable—an
unstoppable force that grips your heart and refuses to let go! Are Simon and Holly destined to dodge the shadows that threaten to crush them? Will their fiery spirits finally unite in a love so powerful it defies the universe? YOU have to read, feel, LIVE this story to the very last heartbeat—because, trust me, your soul is about to be set on fire by a love story for the ages!

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle James has done it again with Simon, delivering an enthralling story that fits perfectly within the Brotherhood Protectors series, particularly the fascinating Bayou branch. As a devoted fan, I found this book to be an exceptional read from start to finish.

The two main characters are incredibly intriguing, with layers that unfold seamlessly as the story progresses. Their chemistry leaps off the pages, making it impossible not to root for them. The evolution of their love story feels natural and heartfelt, adding depth to the narrative without overshadowing the thrilling plot.

One of the standout features of Simon is the richly descriptive setting. The Bayou comes alive through Elle James's vivid imagery, immersing the reader in its mysterious and captivating atmosphere. The pacing is spot-on, keeping me engaged without feeling rushed, and the writing is smooth, making it an easy yet compelling read.

If you're a fan of romance, action, and strong character development within an intriguing setting, Simon is a must-read. Elle James continues to excel with her storytelling, and I can't wait to see what she brings us next in the Brotherhood Protectors series.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon doesn’t believe in curses, magic or good luck not after his best friend dies in his arms and now he’s part of the BH. Holly has returned home after a scare, her boyfriend is dead, her parents are missing and presumed dead and now she’s getting messages believing in a curse. She comes home to ask her grandma the Voodoo Queen of the bayou for help and gets Simon instead. Simon is assigned as her bodyguard while they figure out if the messages she is getting are cursed or if there is something more behind the scenes. Spending 24/7 with each other has their attraction grow and with more than one attempt to get to Holly, Simon has to figure who is behind the threats and why before it’s too late.
A great read with suspense, steam, surprises, twists and turns that will keep you guessing and amazing characters. I kept flipping the pages and loved Simon and Holly, no drama and no denying their feelings….LOVED IT! The story flowed and descriptions were spot on.
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy and expressed my honest opinion*

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in the Bayou Mamboloa, where another member of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors finds love.
Simon Sevier originally from the Bayou, is not a fan of voodoo or anything related to it.
Now out of the military, he’s back and has found new job as a protector.
Holly Hazard left town when she believed she’d been cursed by voodoo as she lost people close to her. But now she’s back after those voodoo curses followed to Atlanta. Nowadays, she’s back to the Bayou working at the local bar & grill. She believes she’s been cursed by all the voodoo magic .
With the curses/danger following Holly, Simon becomes her protector. As the danger escalates, so does the attraction.
But can they overcome the bad to finally find the good and each other?
The author delivers another engaging story in the series with once again strong and likable male and female characters.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Returning to the Bayou convinced she was cursed, Holly sought out Simon, a skeptical security operative with the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors whose belief system was shattered when a friend died clutching a 'lucky' rabbit's foot; though Simon dismissed her fears as superstition, he agreed to protect her and investigate the threats that had followed her from Atlanta, killing her fiancée and causing her parents to vanish. Simon may not believe that she is danger from Voodoo but he definitely thinks she is danger as it escalates he and his team will work hard to protect her bringing corruption to this surface and in the process Simon may learn to rethink his beliefs and realise that there is more than one kind of luck

This is a great read that keeps you on the edge of your set as it twists and turns another great example of Elle's work

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Believe.....

Good things happen to those who believe in magic...

but Simon will never believe in magic....

Or luck.

Holly has grown up surrounded by magic and voodoo, so she definitely believes. After the last six months and the losses she has endured she is now convinced she has a curse laid on her...she thinks her grandmother is her only hope. But her grandmother knows Simon is the man she needs to get to the bottom of her 'curse' and in return she helps him find the magic he no longer believes in.
Another great addition to the Brotherhood Protectors world and the "quirks" and threats of the Bayou.

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prepare for a mix of brawls, voodoo, and suspense as Simon and Holly are thrown together. A curse binds Simon to protect Holly, and watching their attraction grow is a delight. Their wild string of mishaps will boggle your mind in the best way. Simon’s emotional turmoil hits hard, and you find yourself crossing your fingers, hoping he listens to the sage advice thrown his way. A twist will leave you gasping, and danger soon sends everything spiraling into chaos. Exciting and absolutely thrilling!

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first few pages, I knew this was going to be a good book. This story has it all, with some twists and turns that keep the suspense high. The romance that develops between Simon Sevier of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors and Holly Hazard, granddaughter of the Voodoo Queen in Bayou Mambalo, will bring the heat. But can a man who hasn't settled down and a woman running from a curse find the answers and love they both need in the bayou? If you've been reading the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series, this is one book you don't want to miss.

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon is book 8 in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series by Elle James and another well written read!

Back in the bayou, Simon is assigned to protect Holly after she left to protect her family but now she’s back to stop running from the curse that’s been following her. He doesn’t believe in voodoo or curses but he’s determined to find the culprit behind the threats…what happens next is suspense, secrets, danger, chemistry, twists, turns and so much more…

I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[VR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! I felt like I was in a bayou town in South Louisiana. The descriptions of the town and landscape make you feel like you are there. The people in this book are my friends now. I have been right with them in every emotion that they have had. Simon doesn’t believe in magic, good luck charms, curses or Voodoo but Holly believes in all of it. Her grandmother is the Voodoo Queen. I received an ARC for an honest review, and I loved it. There’s lots of action, suspense, mystery, romance and magic. I recommend this book!

[Leanne ~ Tales From The Heart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon is part of the Brotherhood Protectors in the Bayou full of voodoo and magic. Though he's not having part of that.
Holly has returned home after fleeing for a new life. Her parents went missing and her boyfriend killed, she was convinced of a curse. Simon is on bodyguard duty and little did he know it would become so much more.
Someone is after her, do they want her dead and why?
This story was a fast paced read filled with danger and love. Loved the twist.
I highly recommend this series.

[Mary Lawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

SIMON
BAYOU BROTHERHOOD PROTECTORS
BOOK EIGHT
ELLE JAMES
Once again magic fills this romantic suspense as you are drawn back to the Bayou and mysterious happenings. Why are these happening to Holly? Simon and the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors plus others jump into help protect her. A fast paced story that has you unable to put it down. This is a great addition to the series. Another definite must read that shouldn’t be missed.

[sharon e hochstetler · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good Bayou adventure!!!

Fist of all thank you, Elle James for writing strong female characters like Shelby, Lisette, Holly,and Lashanda and the other strong ladies as well. None of them sat a round waiting for help. Holly tends off Cody very well. She needed some assistance but she was handling it. When she was being held hostage, Holly took action to save herself and the others. Loved it!!!

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for Magic!

Simon: After he got out of the military he came home to the Bayou. He jointed the brotherhood protection team in the Bayou. He still has dream about the last mission and where he lost his best friend Johnny. Simon has Johnny's lucky rabbits foot. He does believe in magic but it was something of his friends that always carries around. It was a wonderful story!

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simon works for Brotherhood Protectors and has lived in the Bayou he doesn't believe in luck or voodoo not since he lost his best friend on a mission. Holly has returned and trouble has followed her. Simon becomes her bodyguard, and they have quite the chemistry. Action, secrets uncovered suspense, romance and a HEA.

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the books in this Bayou Brotherhood Protector series have been fantastic and Simon does not disappoint! The men are strong and protective and the women are no damsels in distress and go after what they want. Simon may be the her protector but Holly definitely holds her own! A great series! I received an ARC from the author, the review is my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suspense, romance, a curse - or is it? Add in some twists and a HEA for a fast paced entertaining read. I loved the family dynamics, the chaos that ensues and the resolutions. I adore a minor character and hope we get to see him more. Thank you for the advanced copy. I freely share my honest thoughts and opinions. #Simon #BayouBrotherhoodProtectors #ElleJames #TwistedPage #Bookfunnell

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

This awesome romantic suspense read was simply incredible. I loved Simon and Holly's story. The attraction and chemistry between this couple was steamy and it was seamlessly meshed with the potent mixture of drama, action, emotions and twists to deliver optimum pulse-racing, edge of your seat moments, big Feels and epic swoon.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Action, danger, and love

I purchased a copy of Simon: Bayou Brotherhood Protectors Book 8 by Elle James and this review is given freely. Action
, danger, and love. Soon after her parent's tragic disappearance, fate brings Holly love and protection in the form of PTSD suffering Simon.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review For a honest review in my own words on a book I read. This story has brotherhood protector Sinclaire Simon savier (sin) on a case to catch the bad guys and also Holly the women who caught his heart . I love these characters and found this book was a fantastic read.

[Country Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

The bayou holds many secrets and this one might be the biggest one of all. Simon is tasked with protecting Holly from a curse. But as the mystery deepens can they stay alive to uncover it and stop the danger that plagues them.

"Thank you for writing this story.”