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.
Jacques by Elle James Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series #11. Contemporary romantic suspense. Spin off from Brotherhood Protectors. Can be read as a stand-alone. Danny French works at the Crawford Hole in Bayou Mambaloa. She doesn’t put up with roaming hands. Most people don’t know she earned the Ranger tab in the army before she quit and walked away from the service. It’s only when a voice triggers a panic attack for Danny that Jacques Jardine of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors realizes she’s in danger. She asks the team to figure out who assaulted her and threatened her brother’s career. As the Brotherhood starts interviews and putting together statements from that night years ago, new attempts on her life occur. Someone doesn’t want to be exposed.
Danny has just been existing. Her feelings with Jacques are different. She wants to be free of the threats and stop worrying about being hurt. He’s willing to take any steps as slow as she needs. It does get steamy, and of course, feelings grow. There is very clear consent and discussion so she is comfortable. I loved the careful moves and consideration used and everyone acknowledging it’s an ongoing process.
Fast tracking the investigation ramps the suspense and threats. The action is quick as suspects are found. The passion is careful and steamy hot. Another successful mission and couple in the Bayou.
I received an early copy from the author and purchased a copy to keep.
We are back in the Bayou where the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors have not only established their offices, but where they are finding their significant others . This time the story belongs to Jacques Jardin and Danny French, former Army Ranger and currently waitress at the Crawdad Hole. Jacques has been watching her for the past year but suspects she has secrets. Danny takes no prisoners as he’s seen her face plant a rowdy customer more than once. Danny has found some peace in the Bayou. Away from the nightmare of being drugged and raped. But all she remembers is the man’s voice and warning. Determined to get her life back, Danny approaches the Brotherhood for help so she can go on with her life. Jacques assigns himself to be her protector. From the moment they start spending time together , feelings developed but first , they must find the culprit, and Jacques will do everything he can to not only protect her, but show her she can once again gain her life back, and let a man touch her as she deserves. Danger rises as they get closer to the truth. Will they get the culprit? Will this free Danny and in the end let her get her HEA with Jacques? This was another winner in the series. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Elle James has done it again with Jacques, the twelfth installment in her captivating series. Even after eleven books, this story proves the series still has plenty of charm and intrigue to offer. The setting of Bayou Mambaloa continues to be one of my absolute favorites—lush, atmospheric, and alive with mystery.
The characters are a wonderfully unique and eclectic mix, each bringing their own quirks and stories to the table, which leads to some truly memorable and entertaining scenarios. As always, Elle strikes the perfect balance between romance and suspense, keeping the reader fully engaged from the first page to the last.
Danny is struggling to escape her traumatic past, while Jacques has always felt a special connection with her. When she finally decides to face her demons, he is right there beside her, helping her find the man who hurt her and supporting her healing journey. I really appreciated how the author handled such an important and sensitive topic as PTSD. The investigation is thorough and engaging, and the fast-paced storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end.
If you’ve been following the series, this is a must-read. And if you’re new, it will make you want to go back and start from the beginning. Jacques is another shining example of why Elle James is a master of romantic suspense! A beautiful mix of romance, suspense, and healing, with a hero who stands by the woman he cares about when she needs him most. Definitely a story worth reading!
This whole series has been amazing but I think Jacques may have become my favourite!!
This story pulled me in from the very first sentence and held me a willing captive till the very last word.
I loved seeing the other guys and where they are now in their relationships. It’s like icing on the tastiest cake ever. And, of course, seeing Hank and the delicious Swede again just warms the cockles of my heart.
Jacques is a total protector, one of the many, many things I love about him. His need to protect is sky high, and while he’s a total alpha, he’s also the gentlest and most patient man. A killer combination to any woman’s heart.
Danny is such a strong and resilient character. She has overcome one of the worst atrocities a woman can experience at a man’s hand, she has picked herself up and lived day to day, the fact that she still suffers physically and mentally just adds to my belief in her strength. It makes me remember something someone said to me after my husbands death that I think goes Danny perfectly, ‘You never know how strong you are, until you have no other avenue to pursue’
Watching Jacques and Danny pursue the men responsible for her attack was so awe inspiring. Their bond strong and true, and their love story so enthralling it will hold you captivated long after the story ends.
*Jacques* by Elle James is an upcoming title in the military romance genre, offering an opportunity to connect with readers who enjoy romance set against the distinctive world of military life.
Although the full synopsis has not yet been provided, the title and genre classification establish a starting point for introducing the book to its potential audience. Military romance readers often look for stories that combine emotional connection with the demands, responsibilities, and challenges associated with military settings.
At 314 pages, the Kindle edition offers readers a substantial reading experience to anticipate. As more details about the characters, relationship, and central conflict become available, readers will have a clearer sense of what makes Jacques' story distinctive and why it deserves a place on their reading lists.
For now, the most useful approach is to build curiosity around the title while leaving room for the book's specific storyline and romantic appeal to take center stage once the full description is released.
A full synopsis would make it possible to offer a more detailed review that explores the characters, emotional stakes, and themes without making assumptions about the story.
Danny is our favourite waitress at the Crawdad Hole, but she has secrets, PTSD that keeps her looking over her shoulder and flashbacks of a fuzzy face but a very clear voice. We LOVE Danny, she is feisty, sassy and takes no prisoners when drunks let their mouths or hands wander too much, but she also suffers because no matter how much she tries to forget the past...it reaches out when she least expects it and brings her crashing into a panic attack that cripples. Jacques sees Danny taken out by a panic attack for the second time and knows he cannot wait any longer. She needs help, she needs to know someone has her six and if that's all he can ever be to her, it will be enough. I love seeing Danny finally face her demons, but seeing her feel safe with Jacques and allow him into her "space" is everything. She has done an amazing job of rebuilding her life, but she will never be able to move on until she faces the demons from her past. And facing demons is always easier when you have someone to lean on, someone who demands nothing in return but offers you everything. I really enjoyed this visit to the Bayou and look forward to Papa Noel in December.
This is such a great series set in a small town in the bayou of Louisiana, where the community feels like family.
Danny is our heroine in this story. She works at the local pub and is well known throughout the community. But behind the familiar face, she is still dealing with the demons left by a traumatic incident a few years ago.
Jacques is a member of the Brotherhood Protectors, assigned to keep Danny safe when her past comes back to haunt her. But Danny has decided it’s time to take back her life and stop living in fear. For that to happen, someone must finally face the consequences of their actions.
Someone powerful wants Danny to disappear, and they have the means to make that happen. Can Danny and Jacques uncover the truth and bring the guilty party to justice before it’s too late?
The romance sits respectfully in the background, allowing Danny’s journey and the sensitive crime at the heart of the story to take centre stage. The difficult subject matter is handled gently, making this another wonderful addition to a series I really enjoy.
Danny has been known to take down men twice the size of her, her background and training has been honed over the years and as a waitress, her skills can come in handy with handsy customers. Jacques is a BH protector and has admired Danny from afar, he is drawn to the feisty woman but has also seen her vulnerable side, not once but twice and both times he has stood by her. Danny has her reasons for the panic attacks and when she finally decides to trust Jacques with the truth….he is all in to find the truth, to stand by Danny, to protect her and finally find justice after many years. Danny was no wilting flower, she took a life changing incident, learned to protect herself and now it’s time to face the past but she also knows that she can’t do it alone and I loved how Jacques fits into her present and future. He’s steadfast, patient, understanding and aware of what Danny needs…loved it. Suspense, some action, and great characters had me flipping the pages and I loved how Danny finally turns the tables in the end.
"Jacques" delivers exactly what I've come to expect from Elle James: danger, heart, and a hero who would walk through fire for the woman he loves. Danny's painful secret adds real emotional weight, and Jacques's immediate determination to help her find the man who hurt her made my protective, romance-loving heart melt.
What I enjoyed most was the growing trust between Danny and Jacques. Their connection feels natural, and Jacques strikes the perfect balance between a strong protector and a genuinely caring partner. As the investigation closes in on Danny's attacker, the tension ramps up beautifully and keeps the pages turning until the end.
This isn't just a suspense story. It's also about healing, courage, and finding someone who believes you when it matters most. Fast-paced, emotional, and packed with danger, Jacques is another solid addition to the Bayou Brotherhood Protector series.
I enjoyed this book. But, because of all of the editing errors I could not give it 5 stars. Just a few of those errors would be brother's graduation. Should have been retirement, not graduation. Jacques was making omelets but served scrambled eggs. A conversation was attributed to Major Beaumont, but was actually Remy. Major Beaumont was not part of the conversation. Caleb said he would make a dinner reservation for 7. There were 6 of them, not 7. The bad guy said "easy soldier." No, he did not. The errors went on and on.
The story for the book was really good. I bounced back and forth as to who the bad guy was. I wish there was more information at the end as to what happened to the bad guy.
Jacques is a story of strength that grows even stronger with love. Jacques steals your heart with his gentleness, steady presence, and the support he gives Danny as she reclaims her life. Danny shines as she bravely works through her trauma.
Together with the camaraderie and loyalty we never fail to enjoy from the brotherhood protectors, we get to dive into the search for pieces of Danny’s past to help her fight her unseen enemy.
Along the way, we enjoy a slow burn romance that is sweet, gentle, and steamy.
Romance and a satisfying search for the truth fill these pages, delivering a story bound to entertain.
Elle James has done it again with Jacques, the twelfth installment in her captivating series. Even after eleven books, this story proves the series still has plenty of charm and intrigue to offer. The setting of Bayou Mambaloa continues to be one of my absolute favorites—lush, atmospheric, and alive with mystery.
The characters are a wonderfully unique and eclectic mix, each bringing their own quirks and stories to the table, which leads to some truly memorable and entertaining scenarios. As always, James strikes the perfect balance between romance and suspense, keeping the reader fully engaged from the first page to the last.
If you’ve been following the series, this is a must-read. And if you’re new, it will make you want to go back and start from the beginning. Jacques is another shining example of why Elle James is a master of romantic suspense!
Danny is struggling to escape her traumatic past, while Jacques has always felt a special connection with her. When she finally decides to face her demons, he is right there beside her, helping her find the man who hurt her and supporting her healing journey.
I really appreciated how the author handled such an important and sensitive topic as PTSD. The investigation is thorough and engaging, and the fast-paced storyline kept me hooked from beginning to end.
A beautiful mix of romance, suspense, and healing, with a hero who stands by the woman he cares about when she needs him most. Definitely a story worth reading! ❤️
Danny fought her way to earning Wenger tag and being a team member only to be assaulted and having her dreams ended. No longer feeling safe, she left the army and returned to her home state but a different town. She found a job, met people but kept everyone at arms length until she had a panic attack.Jacques found her and befriended her understanding that she was fighting demons from her past. He watched from a distance and did not hesitate to lend a hand when Danny had problems. She confided in him and troubles found her again. I read this one in a day. It's good.
Rene DeRoch owner of The Crawdad Hole Bar and Grill. Jacques Jardin Works For ThemBayou Brotherhood Protectors. Danny French former Army Ranger and now a waitress at The Crawdad . Caleb French is Danny’s brother. Colonel Jefferies is not a nice man.
Jacques and Danny meet at The Crawdad Hole Bar and Grill. Danny has made it through Being an Army Ranger training earning her patch to be dealt a blow. She returns home , and is confronted with an incident from her past. Can Jacques help her deal with her past? Can Jacques and Danny have a Happily Ever After?
This book has suspense, danger, intrigue and lots of emotions.
I love all of the Brotherhood Protector series, but the Bayou division in Mambaloa, Louisiana is my favorite. This time, we get Jacques and Danny’s story. Jacques is a former Army Ranger and Danny is a former Army Ranger, but she quit right after she finished her Ranger training because of being drugged and raped. The only thing that she could remember about the rapist was his voice. Jacques is very patient with Danny and gives her the help and time that she needs. I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review, and I loved it! It has lots of action, suspense, romance, friendships and angst. I recommend this book to everyone.
I love, love, love Jacques (Bayou Brotherhood Protectors Book 11). It’s like watching a soap opera episode-old friends, new friends, new adventures, new plotlines in a beloved familiar town universe. We finally find out our heroine Danny’s backstory is. And as heartbreaking as it is, don’t worry, she gets her revenge and a HEA. Of course she has a hunky hero -Jacques- to not only stand by her, but to show her the possibility of having a happy future. Unknown danger, an old horrible mystery, satisfying revenge, and love are on the table in this book. Well worth it to read and review!
Jacques is book 11 in the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series by Elle James and can’t get enough of this series!
Danny works as a bartender at the Crawdad bar and knows how to protect herself, she a former Ranger which no one suspects. When her past comes back to haunt her, Jacques wants to be by her side but will she let him and the protectors figure out who assaulted her in the Army … read on for this suspense, action, mystery, getting her revenge, chemistry and so much more…
I voluntarily read a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own, can’t wait for more of these amazing protectors!
Mystery, danger, healing and romance so good. This one is about being back in the Bayou and it's Jacques and Danny's story. Who would have known that Danny was a former Army and before she deployed her life changed dramatically She returned to her home state and is now a waitress at the Crawdad Hole. Her past has showed up and she is in danger, enter Jacques to protect her. Highly enjoyable and recommend reading. The whole series is really good.
Jacques is one of the Brotherhood protectors in Bayou Mambaloa. He's been attracted to Danny since the first time he saw her working at the Crawdad Hole. When Danny's past comes to the Bayou, Jacques knows he needs to be the one to protect her. There's plenty of action and suspense as the Brotherhood Protectors investigate to keep you reading, and as a strong bond develops between Danny and Jacques, the romance gets steamy. Great story!
Jacques: WOW! Danny always took good care of all the customers that came into the pub but if they tried anything she would put them in their place. Jacques was always there if she needed him even if she didn't. She heard a Voice that she hadn't heard in 4 years. She was having a break out and went outside and Jacques followed her to make sure she was okay because he worried about her. It was a fantastic story!
Elle James continues to captivate us with her new romantic suspense Jacques in her latest Bayou Protector series.
Crawdad bartender Danny, suffering from PTSD has come to the beautiful small bayou town of Mambaloa to heal from her tragic past that is now beginning to catch up with her. Discovering she is in trouble, Jacques is determined to keep her safe but protecting this independent woman from her demons can be a challenge in itself.
This is a well written story with awesome characters. For me this was an easy read because I couldn't put it down. I loved seeing old friends from previous books. I look forward to next book. Elle James always gives me great stories, and this one did not disappoint. I think you will enjoy this one I know I did. This one is worth your time.
I received a free copy of this book, and I voluntarily chose to review it.
Back in Bayou and it's Jacques and Danny's story. Danny a former ranger who suffered a trauma and left the rangers is now a waitress at the Crawdad Hole. Someone wants to make sure she doesn't tell anyone about what happened that night. Jacques is now her protector as someone is trying to kill her. As they go after the men responsible, they grow closer. Mystery, danger, healing and romance.
When her lived turned upside down she went to the Bayou. Only to be confronted by that very past. With the help of Jacques and Brotherhood Protecters. They face threads and uncover the case piece by piece. Action packed, covers Rape, the aftermath of rape and the dangers facing women.
This is the 11th installment of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors series. Loved this story! Each book in this series is better than the last. This is Jacques and Danny's story. And it's a good one. Don't miss this one!
I love Danny and Jacques. Danny’s story is heartbreaking but with Jacques, her gentle protector by her side she found her courage and her voice to face her demons. This one definitely kept me guessing until the very end. "Thank you for writing this story.”
Arc review for a honest review in my own words on a book I read. Danny French when through a horrible situation 4 years ago and the past is back . this story was awesome I always love the brotherhood protectors.
I loved this story. It's more realistic than people realize. Danny is searching for answers and justice. Jacques is assigned her protector when events start happening. Hang onto your seats with this story. Great job Elle. HEA.
Another great book featuring the men of the Bayou Brotherhood Protectors. This is a book of protectors and one woman who has been assaulted and can't trust anyone. Jacques is going to convince her that she can trust him.