Maurice

Bayou Brotherhood Protectors #9

by Elle James

A priceless secret, a dash of danger, a recipe for trouble...

Pastry chef Amelie Aubert never imagined her time in Paris would follow her home. Years ago, she worked under a legendary chef whose family was rumored to know the fate of priceless artwork hidden during World War II. After his sudden death, dangerous people believe she now holds those secrets — and they’re willing to kill for them.

A protector with scars as deep as his secrets.

Maurice Boucher, a former Navy SEAL medically discharged after injuries ended his career and left him scarred inside and out, is determined to protect her. But as the hunt closes in and desire ignites, Maurice and Amelie must confront the shadows of their pasts — and outwit enemies who will stop at nothing to claim a fortune lost to history.

Genres: Romantic Suspense

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2026

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]

Maurice by Elle James
Bayou Brotherhood Protector series #9. Romantic suspense. Spin off from other Brotherhood Protector series. Can be read as a standalone.
When her house is trashed, Amelie Aubert gets a bodyguard from Brotherhood Protectors. Maurice Boucher has been feeling restless, and like he should move on. Protecting Amelie and investigating an old mystery helps him realize that he will always have scars and memories, but he needs to live today. Amelie is just the cure he needs.

Fast moving action and romance as Amelie and Maurice work together and grow close.
Passion and paintings.
I wondered where that book was hidden!

I received an early copy of this from the author.

[Miss Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s nothing that I don’t love about the Brotherhood Protector world but I do have a major soft spot for the Bayou guys, and Maurice is no exception.

I love how these guys are a found family. Their unconditional love and support for each other is boundless. Seeing how the guys are with their lives and ladies is like their stories never end, which is beautiful because then we never have to say goodbye to them.

Watching Maurice and Amelie come together was so beautiful. So simple and easy and watching them cha and dance together was just the perfect opening to keep you addicted and enthralled.

I love how Maurice stepped up immediately for Amelie. His protective instincts coming out full force is a sight to see. My heart bled for the pain and grief he’s lived with. Grief is a path I wouldn’t wish on anyone and I think Elle James portrayed this with care and empathy.

Amelie is a beautiful soul. She emits a warmth and light around her that draws people to her. I love how easily she fits in among the women. It is such a pleasure to see how they support each other and have their collective backs.

Having a front row seat to their journey was a true honour. I feel as though I have been a part of something extra special. Watching them work together to find who has targeted Amelie was riveting. I loved that they had a puzzle to solve and how they worked together to find the treasure. I even tried to solve it myself, but alas I failed!!

Thankyou Elle James for a wonderful story full of intrigue, action, found family and a chemistry that is strong enough to light up the night sky.

Thank you Elle James❤️

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story breaks your heart in the first chapter The way Maurice loses his fiancée is absolutely devastating which makes you understand why he has no intention of ever risking his heart again That is until he meets Amelia

Maurice is everything a romantic lead should be. When danger blindsides Amelie, he doesn’t hesitate for a single second—he plants himself firmly between her and the threat, proving exactly what kind of man he is. His protective streak is fierce, but it never overshadows the sweet, flirty, and deeply emotional attraction they share.

I found myself aching for their love to mend the wounds of the past. Watching them lean into each other feels both hopeful and incredibly hard-earned. The author does a fantastic job of stirring the pot with historical secrets and present-day danger, making the tension rise deliciously with every chapter.

When things finally explode, the brotherhood storms in! Their loyalty, strength, and laugh-out-loud banter provide the perfect balance to the story's darker moments.

If you love a story that is exciting, emotional, and fiercely protective in all the best ways, buy this book. You won't regret it!

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maurice is book 9 in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series by Elle James and another well written book!

Amelie is back home from Paris and now owns the town bakery. Out for the evening with friends she meets Maurice, her car breaks down, he takes her home and they discover the bakery and her apartment have been trashed…what happens next is clues from her deceased Paris chef mentor, his son Luis, and the possible discovery of the treasured arts hidden since World War II. Suspense, figuring out codes from a watch and a recipe book, steamy, twist, turns, letting go of the past and he becomes her protector and her future.

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

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Nothing says love like the gift of body armour and bubble wrap"

Maurice is terrified of risking his heart again, but with Amelie he doesn't get a choice, it's not a conscious decision...he falls hard and fast. It may not have been planned, but she is every complication he needs to keep his head too busy to interfere and allow his heart to take control. Dark and dangerous, full of mystery and secrets Maurice and Amelie find themselves fighting for their lives, their love and their future. This is a fast paced case that has your head spinning and your heart flying.

[Karen Peskin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome story! This is the Ninth installment of Elle's Brotherhood Protector Bayou series and it's a good one! This is Maurice and Amelie's story. She owns the town bakery. Someone has trashed the bakery and her place above the bakery, but nothing is taken. Maurice steps in to protect Amelie from someone who is targeting her. Together with the Brotherhood Protectors Maurice and Amelie uncover the clues and find the answers and get a happily ever after! Don't miss this one. I'm already looking forward to the next installment, Xavier! Can't wait for it!

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, love the strong men and women in this series. Maurice and Amelie have both lost someone close to them. They are still grieving in their own way. Maurice asks Amelie to dance because she was looking somewhat sad and then he offered to escort her home. When they get there, Amelie discovers that her bakery has been broken into and so has her apartment. Who would do that? All they did was destroy things, they took nothing. Maurice's protective instincts come out, and he stays to help her. They bond while cleaning up and Amelie tells Maurice about her mentor that died and then Amelie receives a call from her mentor's son. Coincidence? There is a German man asking questions about the mentor's family, could he be the one doing all this? Then a French man shows up and seems to know a lot about Amelie and her mentor. Is he the one? They find clues to a treasure and go on the hunt. Will they find it before anyone is murdered?

[A. H. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast paced but somewhat short adventure story. The opening prologue broke my heart a little bit. It was so abruptly dramatic and heart wrenching-and so well written. It gave a great intro to the main character Maurice and the heartbreak and loss he suffered. Then the story jumped into the future and the book -Maurice Bayou Brotherhood Bk 9- is born. Here is where our Brotherhood Protector hero and town baker heroine join forces to solve a puzzle that started during WWII and continued with a possible murder of our heroine’s mentor and father figure and ends with the search for a possible lost treasure.
Overall the story satisfies my fix for adventure and romance while taking place in the beloved Bayou Mambaloa world of Elle James and the Brotherhood Protectors. I guess my only “complaint” is how abruptly the prologue transitioned to the main story. The hero (other than us getting that glimpse into his traumatic past) didn’t really give off any sense of trauma or remnants of his heartbreak. Not that I want him to be a suffering character, but it would have more meaningful to have him show some healing and tied the prologue to the story better.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in the Bayou Mamboloa, where another member of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors finds love.
This time it belongs to former Navy SEAL Maurice Boucher and pastry chef extraordinaire and local bakery owner, Amelie Aubert.
The Bayou has given these two a second chance. After meeting at the local bar & grill and offering Amelie a ride, they discovered Amelie’s bakery and apartment have been turned upside down.
Protector to the bitter end, Maurice becomes Amelie’s shadow. Why is someone after her and for what? Could it be because of her former boss and mentor?
As Maurice takes the roll of protector, these two develop feelings. This makes Maurice more determined than ever to keep Amelie safe.
In the end , will they not only take care of the problem but also be each other’s redemption and hope of
a future?
Not only was the plot engaging, but most importantly , these two main characters were sweet and caring.
Another winner in the series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Lana Humphress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelie’s is back home after her fabulous Paris education and, she’s now the proud owner of the "Baked with love"⁰ bakery! One evening, she’s out having a blast with friends at the Crawdad Hole when she bumps into Maurice—such a sweetheart! He kindly offers to walk her to her car, and when—surprise!—it refuses to start, he gently insists on taking her home. But wait, things get wild—turns out, her bakery and apartment have been totally trashed!

From there, it’s a rollercoaster of mystery as she uncovers clues from her late Parisian chef mentor—who’s left behind hints in a secret code on a watch he gifted his beloved son. Luis, and in his family recipe book that she treasures. All of this leads to a mind-blowing discovery of hidden arts from World War II! Think suspense, twists, hot steam, and tangled secrets. Through it all, Amelie learns to let go of the past, with Maurice stepping up as her protector, and suddenly they realize—They are not just finding the way home, they are finding their future, too!

[Paula Kozak · Rating 3 out of 5]

Protector Energy, Bayou Style

Maurice is book 9 in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors, and it hits every single reason I love Elle James’ books. It’s not just the military aspect—it’s the settings she creates, the strong sense of family and camaraderie, the danger, and the mystery woven throughout. And most of all, the love stories… because I love love.

Maurice and Amelie’s story delivers all of that. Their connection is easy, natural, and right—one of those when you know, you know romances. Add in protective, touch-her-and-die energy, an “I’ll do anything to keep her safe” hero, and a gentle dash of spice, and you’ve got a story that pulls you in and keeps you hooked.

The Brotherhood Protectors world has held me captive for a long time, and I’m still happily its prisoner. This is a perfect weeknight read—entertaining, engaging, and guaranteed to give you that happily-ever-after hit you’re looking for. 💙📖

[BecReadReview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maurice begins like a gentle slow dance, that sweeps you straight into a breathtaking ballroom spin before you can catch your breath. When danger blindsides Amelie, Maurice doesn’t hesitate for a second—he plants himself firmly between her and the threat, proving exactly the kind of man he is.
Their attraction is sweet, flirty, and layered with deeper emotion, making it impossible not to root for them. You ache for love to mend the wounds of the past, and watching them lean into each other feels both hopeful and hard-earned. As history stirs the pot—mixing old secrets with present danger—the tension rises deliciously.
And when things explode? The brotherhood storms in with loyalty, strength, laughter, and banter that lightens even the darkest moments. It’s exciting, emotional, romantic, and fiercely protective in all the best ways.

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

Bayou Protectors meet Indiana Jones...ok not quiet but there was a treasure hunt which stemmed from Nazi War time.
Amelie trained as a chef with the best in France, now living in Louisianna she runs her own bakery.
Maurice is a former Navy SEAL, medically retired and working with the Protectors.
Amelie arrives home to a trashed store and apartment and Maurice is assigned protect her.
What is happening and how is it connected to her former mentor and friend in Paris.
Along with hidden clues the hunt is on for a missing item worth a small fortune, only someone else is on the hunt too. I loved where the clues were hidden.
The story ends with a bang, will they all survive?
I can't wait for the next story now.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elle James once again delivers a captivating story in Maurice, continuing her series with another fantastic couple that draws you in from the very first page. The Bayou setting is as immersive as ever, inviting readers to explore its mysterious and atmospheric charm, making it almost feel like another character in the book.

The plot moves at a swift and engaging pace, balancing romantic tension and suspense beautifully. Each twist kept me turning the pages, and the story came to a perfectly satisfying resolution that left me both content and eager for more from this series.

A must-read for fans of romantic suspense and anyone who loves a vivid, atmospheric setting combined with heart-pounding storytelling!

[Donna Hatridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maurice Boucher volunteers to escort Mambola's favorite, beloved baker Amelie, home one night, neither of them has a clue what they will be walking into. A hidden art piece's journey from World War II to modern-day New Orleans. They will need all the help they can get as they race against time to stop more murders and loss. The suspense is there, along with the heat and spicy interludes between Maurice and Amelie. Some of the story was a little predictable to me, but it was still a good read. I mean, who doesn't enjoy getting to know these Bayou Brotherhood Protectors and the women who bring them to their knees?

[bookishWife · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t a big fan of the MMC, mainly because he’s still hung up on his deceased fiancée, which made it hard for me to fully enjoy the story. As a result, this book didn’t really become a favorite of mine.

The plot itself is fairly straightforward: Maurice has had a small crush on Amelie and gets the chance to spend a bit of time with her. When he discovers her place has been ransacked, he steps in and takes on a protective, bodyguard-like role.

Amelie is only interested in a no-strings-attached relationship, but by the end, Maurice realizes his feelings run much deeper. That said, considering he’s still not over his late fiancée, I found that emotional shift a bit unconvincing.

[VR · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book and a great series. I loved Maurice and Amelie. Maurice is a former Navy Seal, now a Bayou Brotherhood Protector and Amalie is a pastry chef. Their story begins when he asks her to dance at the Crawdad Hole and then, her car won’t start, so he takes her home to find her bakery and apartment trashed. I like getting to see characters from other books in the series so that I can keep up with them and see how they’re doing. There’s lots of action, suspense, mystery, and romance. I received an ARC for an honest review. and I loved it. I highly recommend this book.

[Judy Coates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maurice was the best Bayou Brotherhood Protectors book so far.
I loved every minute.
Amelie and Maurice's story starts off with how Maurice got injured and haw he lost his fiancé at the same time and then fast forward a few years to the bayou where Amelie's bakery shop gets trashed for no clear reason. Maurice steps into protect her till they find the person that did it and why. and ends with a kind of treasure hunt in a cathedral in New Orleans and of course the mandatory tussle with the bad guys and a lot of sparks flying in-between.
A really great book

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Amelie’s bakery and apartment are broken into, Maurice happens to be with her and vows to stay close until they are caught. In the meantime, he helps her with the clean up, reorganizing and running errands as they try to figure out why she was targeted. Her late mentor seems to be the reason which leads them into a treasure hunt and while they try to figure out the clues, the two grow closer.
A great read with suspense, surprises, and great characters. I loved the no drama between them, how easily they connected and the HEA they both deserved.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The author created such a convincing story that I felt being a part of it as well. Initially the plot seemed very simple and straightforward but as the story evolved I noticed that something really unique was going on. The characters are perfectly paired and the set is just as beautiful as the previous books. I didn’t spoil anything because I want the reader to feel the same emotions I felt while reading the book, I definitely recommend this book.

[Arlene M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maurice “MO” Boucher works for Brotherhood Protectors Bayou.
Amelie Albert owns the town bakery.


Maurice and Amelie meet at the Crawdad Hole Bar and Grill, when he drives her home to find her apartment and bakery broken into.
Can the Brother Protectors keep Amelie safe ?
Can they solve the mystery? Can they have a Happily Ever After?

This book has suspense, danger , intrigue twists and turns.

Great Job. Elle James !!!!!

[janelle beaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amelie has come to the Bayou when her mentor died in Paris and now owns the town bakery. After her car dies and Maurice offers to give her a lift home. When they get there, her bakery is trashed and her apartment is too. Who would do that and why? Maurice steps in to help her clean up and protect her till they can find out what's going on. Suspense, danger, clues to WW2 artifats with twists and turns make for a great read.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The prologue had me reaching for the tissue! Wow. Love the introduction of Maurice (ex military, Bayou Brotherhood) and Ameile (Pastry Chef/own Bakery). I think I fell in love with Maurice right there. I received an advanced copy and am sharing my honest thoughts and opinions. This was a beautiful romantic suspense with a few twists and the whole awesome Bayou Brotherhood gang and of course Swede helped :) #Maurice #BayouBrotherhoodProtectors #ElleJames #BookFunnel

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved every second of Maurice and Amelie’s HEA tale.

Maurice (Bayou Brotherhood Protectors Book 9) is a fun, action-packed, standalone, romantic suspense tale.
Amelie and Maurice’s happily-ever-after has it all; witty dialog, plenty of steamy chemistry, relatable characters, the finest of friends who always have your back, and a suspenseful story to carry the story.
I loved every second!
“That woman has rage.” “Tell me about it.” “ I should be all right with her.”

[Just Read and Imagine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Maurice loses his forever love, he becomes a broken man who never expects to find love again. Amelie, the local small town baker becomes the target of art collectors looking into her mentor. As the feisty Amelie and Maurice search for answers about her former chef and friend, they find their forever love in this romantic suspense written by Elle James in this mysterious Bayou Mambaloa.

You don’t have to love me, if you don’t want to.

[Patty Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!

Bayou Beotneehood Protectors has been one of my favorite series. One being because in Louisiana for 20 years. I think Maurices and Amelia's story is one of
my favorites in the series; reason because they didn't fight there feelings and their personalities were loveable. Though my heart hurts for Maurices lost love, I am glad Amelia's could show him the heart lives and can love again. His first love would have wanted that for him.

[Country Girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Navy Seal Maurice Boucher has a new mission to protect the pretty pastry chef Amelie Aubert when her bakery gets trashed. The mystery to find the culprit begins and so does the slow dance between them. As their feelings deepen so does the danger.
Can they solve the mystery before it’s too late?
"Thank you for writing this story.”

[Mary McCormick · Rating 5 out of 5]

this story is about Navy Seal Maurice Boucher his new mission to protect the pretty pastry chef Amelie Aubert when her bakery gets trashed. The mystery begins and wow it is really hard to put down til the end. It is full of interesting facts, and people, who are not so good and others who are there forever beside you. Totally great book.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book, and I voluntarily chose to review it This is a well written book with great characters. I expected no less from Elle James. I love this series one reason is because I do live in Louisiana and Elle makes the people ordinary people not some backwoods hicks. I would encourage everyone to go get this one it is worth your time.

[Ela La1978 · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Maurice gets closer to Audrey by chance he never expected to end up in the hunt for history and love. Its more than one surprise. This story is not only about the passion of food, its about passion of love and history in more ways than one.
Love it!