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Bayou Magic #1

Bayou Shadow Hunter

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HOT, SULTRY, DEADLY… THESE ARE THE SECRETS THAT LURK IN THE BAYOU.

Bent on revenge, Native American Shadow Hunter Tombi Silver could turn to only one woman, the "witch" Annie Matthews, for help. Her ability to hear auras had allowed her to discover Tombi's friend mystically trapped by forces that could destroy them all. The accompanying message of a traitor in their midst meant Tombi could trust no one. Dare he bring Annie along on his quest to fight shadow spirits? Putting his faith in someone outside his tribe, especially one who pulled at his tightly controlled desires, could prove just as dangerous as his mission…

304 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2016

34 people are currently reading
206 people want to read

About the author

Debbie Herbert

76 books684 followers

Debbie Herbert, a USA Today and Publisher's Weekly bestselling writer, pens Psychological Suspense, romantic suspense and paranormal romance novels. She’s always been fascinated by magic, romance and Gothic stories.

Married and living in Alabama, she roots for the Crimson Tide football team. When not working on her upcoming books, Debbie enjoys recumbent bicycling and jet skiing with her husband.

2017 RITA® Finalist for Paranormal Romance in the national contest sponsored by the Romance Writers of America® Debbie has a degree in English (Berry College, GA) and a master’s in Library Studies (University of Alabama).

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5 stars
68 (46%)
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44 (29%)
3 stars
21 (14%)
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14 (9%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for J.A. Schneider.
Author 17 books572 followers
July 4, 2019
“…a time of enchantment.” The opening lines of this book capture its whole spellbinding world. Choctaw Shadow Hunter Tombi Silver finds himself needing the help of Annie Matthews, a reluctant “witch” who learned Hoodoo magic from her grandmother, and has a special gift that enables her to hear what ordinary people can’t. One night, her gift/curse leads her to a trapped spirit named Bo, who begs her to seek out his friend Tombi and warn him of a traitor in their group. Tombi is trying to free Bo’s spirit from an evil spirit and release it to the heavens, and for this he’ll need Annie’s help. The two, however, start out wary of each other. “Trust no one,” was Bo's message Annie herself conveyed to Tombi. Can he trust a witch, someone from outside his tribe? Annie for her part has reasons to feel wary of Tombi. Will they learn to trust each other? Survive the dangers ahead and maybe even fall in love?

Debbie Herbert is a superb author with a talent for beautiful description. I loved her accounts of Choctow mythology, Hoodoo magic, and the lush, mysterious atmosphere of the bayou. This is a wonderful, enjoyable story – five stars!
Profile Image for Sarah Mac.
1,225 reviews
July 16, 2021
Disappointing. I liked the Native American mythology, but the scenes skipped around with bad transitions while the characters were flat & uninteresting. If I had to read one more time about how Annie was so tiny yet had great breasts & a hot ass, was such a petite waif yet Tombi knew she was all woman…etc etc… 🤮 It was total overkill how Annie’s bumbling success was hiding Powerful Special Gifts(tm) & her misunderstood powers weren’t really scary, she just needed to accept that it wasn’t a bad thing to be Not Like Other Girls(tm), cuz that’ll entice some hot mimbo to get an insta-boner & reluctantly ground out his feels—cuz it’s not just sex for him, y’know?—& of course her one & only previous bf treated her like garbage so she never had good sex until said mimbo…*headdesk*

Anyway. You get the picture. This was only “adult” in terms of sex scenes. The remaining story was YA to the max, which is unfortunate; there’s not much Native American-meets-hoodoo PNR out there (if any? :P). But the MCs, their uber-boring feels, & the repetitive Scooby Doo ‘action scenes’ ruined it for me. 🙄 By the end I was amusing myself with images of Henry & Mathias (from Longmire) standing in the background, facepalming & rolling their eyes, then stomping into the foreground & dispatching the villains themselves with a wordless mic-drop exit.

…And I just realized I’m probably the only chick under 45 who actually watched Longmire, so that image is nonsense to most of y’all. But oh well. 😬

1.5 stars, rounded up for the Native American mythos & sexy cover pose. (Come to think of it, even the models look more capable than Annie & Tombi. Sad.)
Profile Image for Wendy.
Author 3 books72 followers
March 17, 2016
Choctaw legends, hoodoo mystique and unexpected passion come together in this southern tale of ancient things that go bump in the night. Herbert does it again telling a gripping story with fascinating details from various southern traditions.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2022
Annie liked to visit her witchy Grandma Tia in the Syrna Bayou in Alabama, but little did she imagine that this time she would be fighting the evil that has threatened the Choctaw Indian in the bayou for a very long time. But more importantly she would meet Tombi a Choctaw Guardian Warrior that turns out to be more than Annie had bargained for. She has always been known as Crazy Annie because of the things she hears, never really fitting in, until Tombi he doesn't think her crazy at all. All the contrary, she wants it gone, but he will teach her to harness her special gift.

Tombi never thought he would meet the one, especially with his tendency to put the Hunt before everything else. Now he's willing to try and teach her to control her hearing.

I had forgotten how interesting and deep Ms. Herbert's stories are, thank you!
Profile Image for Heather Strand.
4 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2016
An Original, Enchanting Read

I really enjoyed this book! Debbie Herbert has crafted a refreshingly original, enchanted world. If you're a fan of Paranormal Romance, I highly recommend this book :). I loved the magical characters, the bewitching story line and the charming HEA! I look forward to more amazing stories by Debbie Herbert!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marie.
Author 23 books66 followers
June 13, 2016
A steamy page turner!
Well written and exciting, this book was hard to put down. I enjoyed the characters' journeys of self discovery and how they saved each other from loneliness and fear. Great read!
Profile Image for Lisa.
902 reviews12 followers
March 15, 2018
This was an amazing read! It has everything I love. A bit on the supernatural side with some romance thrown in. There were some really spooky suspenseful moments. I read some and also listened to the audiobook. At one point I nearly fell out of bed at the narrator making it scary lol. I loved it. I loved the characters. During one part in the middle I got really aggravated at Tomby and his sister but in the end, it really made his personality more real. These are characters I feel at a loss for now that I finished the book. Thankfully there is another one. The narrator of the audio version was amazing!
Profile Image for Rachel-RN.
2,422 reviews29 followers
October 22, 2020
1.5*
Wanted to like this more. Annie had an interesting ability (she hears auras). One night she is lured out to swamp and hears Bo. Bo was betrayed and his soul is now trapped. Tombi is a warrior/soldier of sorts and Bo was part of his group. They agree to help each other.
Was unable to get into this one. Couldn't connect to either character. Their lack of trust got annoying. Way too easy to put down.
Profile Image for lisa jung.
5,453 reviews45 followers
August 10, 2017
Great book

I enjoyed this book set in the bayou of Louisiana. When hunters are a fighting evil and Annie finds a new life and love
Profile Image for Amelia.
794 reviews19 followers
February 29, 2016
BAYOU SHADOW HUNTER fascinates with believable originality. From characters with unique capabilities to a very creative plot, the story is intriguing all the way through. There are plenty of unexpected turns that often shake up the lives of those trying to defeat evil, and I often fretted over who was going to be the victor when any battles arose. The Nocturne line regularly has innovative stories, and those written by Debbie Herbert are often some of the most imaginative. The Bayou Magic miniseries is compelling with cleverness and distinctive circumstances.

When Annie Matthews came to spend time with her grandmother who lives in southern Alabama, several of her experiences are stranger than any events during previous visits to Bayou La Siryna. One unusual episode is when she spies a colorful ball of light in the swamp and goes to investigate. Since auras can be heard by Annie, she is not shocked when a man’s voice from the orb tells her disturbing information to give his best friend. It seems the man was betrayed by someone he knew, and Tombi Silver is the only person who can set him free.

Not long afterward, Tombi arrives in the area and Annie gives him the message. Though he is doubtful about what she says at first, the Native American who hunts shadow spirits comes to understand the abilities of the witch are his only means of helping his friend escape a dire existence. Knowing there is peril from an unknown source, Tombi has little choice but to get assistance from Annie. But as he realizes the malevolent spirits in the swamp are getting stronger, worry over her safety increases when his feelings become involved.

By blending Choctaw legends into many of the situations in BAYOU SHADOW HUNTER, Debbie Herbert skillfully creates a story filled with captivating wonder. By adding her own attention-grabbing developments into the mix, I became totally engrossed in the many extraordinary occurrences taking place. It was really interesting to see Annie learn how to perform hoodoo spells plus do healings. Ms. Herbert has a talent for conceiving incidents that feature the supernatural and are also unlike anything previously read. What Tombi and Annie have to face at times had my heart racing because so many things could go wrong. Just thinking about the many unknown dangers in the swamp gives me the chills, and vivid descriptions let me live through the ordeals right along with these two characters.

Though Tombi and Annie are certainly not looking to be in a relationship at the moment, their connection is swift because of concern for others. While both actually want something from each other, the wish to stop evil from spreading unites them and brings the couple closer. The sadness Annie regularly feels because of her unwanted capabilities was easily sensed by me, and it was so good to see Tombi accept them as the truth without regarding her as crazy. With his own inherited skills, these two made a wonderful couple. While sexual desire between them may be expressed without any problems, finding the right words to convey any inner feelings is especially hard for Tombi. He has dedicated many years to fighting shadow spirits, and letting someone into his life will take almost as much courage as clashing with a horrific creature. BAYOU SHADOW HUNTER is a notable start to the Bayou Magic miniseries, where dangerous adventures and romantic desire entwine.

Copy received from author for Always Reviewing blog
Profile Image for The Magic of Books Blog.
285 reviews14 followers
March 15, 2016
Bayou Shadow Hunter by Debbie Herbert

5 stars
Reviewed by Char for Late Night Books and Reviews

Bayou Shadow Hunter is a very good romance set in the Louisiana Bayous. It has a unique story-line that features will-o’-the-wisps, Hoodoo magic and Native American lore. I’ve never read anything about those things before and I loved it.

Annie Matthews was staying with her grandmother on the edge of the woods in the bayou. Her grandmother was a well-respected witch and Hoodoo practitioner, who was teaching Annie the craft. One night she is awoken by a colorful ball of light that is calling to her through its music. Annie has a special auditory ability that allows her to hear things the average person cannot. She can hear a person’s unique musical aura. She can also hear the voice to the souls trapped in the will-o’-the-wisps. One particular soul, Bo, asked her for help.

Tombi, Native American who hunts shadow spirits and evil beings, stumbled upon Annie just after she had spoken to Bo. He is heart-broken over the loss of his best friend to the increasingly cunning evil spirits and is immediately suspicious of Annie. He learns of her hearing gift and enlists her help to find the traitor in his group of hunters by agreeing to help her learn to block the music she constantly hears.

Tombi and Annie had a turbulent relationship throughout the book. He didn’t trust her and wondered if she was secretly working for evil. She was resentful of him for her grandmother’s predicament and was mistrustful of people in general due to feeling isolated and bullied her whole life for being different. The more time they spend together, the closer they get and the more Tombi wants to deny his feelings.

This book has a great story-line and the supernatural aspects of the story were well done. I loved experiencing a different atmosphere and cultural references that are not common. Annie’s grandmother Tia and Tombi’s sister were great secondary characters. I have read a few other books by this author and they have all been very good. I am looking forward to reading more from Debbie Herbert.

Five STARS * * * * *


Late Night Books Reviewer Char
Profile Image for Brigitte .
1,611 reviews23 followers
February 6, 2017
This paranormal story takes place in the Bayou where an evil entity captures and traps spirits. It's a battle of good versus evil.

Tombi is the leader of the Shadow Hunters. His quest to free the spirits and put an end to this malignant creature is proving to be very difficult.

Annie is a witch who hasn't reached her full potentials. She can hear auras, a gift or curse that she would give anything to get rid of as the medley of noises gets in the way of leading a normal life. She is currently visiting her grandmother Tia in the Bayou.

Annie hears this enthralling music one night and is compulsed to investigate. One of the trapped spirits gives her a message to pass on to Tombi. She isn't aware that she is not alone until Tombi makes his appearance. He doesn't trust her but is intrigued by her ability to hear auras. This could be beneficial to him and his circle.

Tombi takes Annie to meet his circle but this is not very well received. His twin sister takes an instant dislike to Annie. Those in his circle don't trust her. Tombi and Annie have a hot and cold relationship. Tombi for his lack of trust and his dedication to his cause. Annie is plagued by a past relationship where she was "Crazy Annie" and she doesn't have any confidence in herself.

There is a traitor in the circle and Annie can help by listening to the auras but the lack of trust makes it rather difficult.

This is a different and new concept to the paranormal genre. There are hoodoo rituals. Herbs concoctions. Spirit guides. Spiritual healing. It's full of suspense and intrigues. Who is the traitor amongst the midst? Will Tombi ever trust Annie and reveal his true feelings? Will Annie ever find the sense of belonging which she craves?

It's very well researched and put together. I would fully recommend this novel.
Profile Image for Chelsea Moye.
Author 4 books8 followers
May 4, 2016
Bayou Shadow Hunter by Debbie Herbert is one of the best books I've read lately! While Bayou Shadow Hunter is a departure from Debbie's Dark Seas trilogy, I am already craving the next book in THIS series! Yes, Bayou Shadow Hunter is THAT good. You're wondering what makes it so good, right? Well, buckle up because it's a long list.

First and foremost, I ADORE the setting--Bayou la Siryna. It strongly resembles the area where I grew up. Being a native of the Alabama Gulf Coast and married to an avid fisherman, I can vividly see and feel the bayou setting. Actually, every bit of the setting feels real to me.

Next on my list of loves about this book is the heroine, the Hoodoo practicing "witch" Annie Matthews. I feel deeply connected to her on so many levels, and I can identify with every single one of her struggles. I don't want to detail too much and risk spoilers, but she's one of the most real and well-rounded romance novel heroines I've ever read.

Naturally, the hero--Tombi Silver--comes next! This strong, sexy, brooding Choctaw Shadow Hunter is mouthwateringly robust​ and far beyond hot!

I love how the plot is shrouded in suspense, Hoodoo, and Choctaw legends, all inexorably entwined. The spiritual framework for this novel perfectly matches the internal belief system I developed growing up in an area similar to Bayou la Siryna.

As for the shadows that Tombi hunts, I have had my own struggles with similar evils, and that part of the novel felt so REAL to me.

That's what I love about all of Debbie's novels, though. She has a fantastic way of making magic feel real.
Profile Image for Yaritza.
751 reviews133 followers
March 15, 2016
Let our shadow hunters guide us to safety from what is evil and let the sun shine bright . Loved how book took place on the Bayou. Gave it a little creepiness since it's dark and swampy. I truly loved the plot of this story. This was the first book I have read that brought Native American beliefs with a little magic. Made this book very interesting. To have Annie who to most is considered a witch with abilities to hear others thinking and sounds from afar, be the savor of Tombi and his shadow hunters. If you love paranormal romance you won't want to miss this invigorated, heart pumping, revenge seeking with a little spice of magic and Native American beliefs and traditions. The romance between Annie and Tombi will have everyone making them there favorite characters. They both are strong willed and protective. Loved the little dramas that Annie had with Tallullah who is Tombi's twin sister. Made the book very entertaining. Love and family can over come all that is evil. Cheer's to the Shadow Hunter's.
Profile Image for Jessica Mitchell.
2,051 reviews20 followers
March 2, 2016
A woman who is always referred to as crazy Annie, a shadow hunter who wants revenge and a dark evil presence who wants to destroy them all.
Annie Matthews throughout her life was always called crazy Annie. She can hear music from people's auras. Where ever she was, even in school, work and everyday normal life. But when she is called to the Alabama bayou by her grandmother Tia. She comes to help. But she doesn't realize she has a greater purpose for being there and it's not just to help her grandmother. It's in the form of a handsome dark brooding man. Who is bent on revenge to save his people and the land.
Tombi Silver is a Native American Shadow Hunter bent on revenge for what Nalusa has done to his people and the land. He did not realize he needed the help from a slip of a woman till he happened upon the beauty in the woods talking to a willow of the wisp in the middle of the night in the dark bayou. Is she working with the evil Nalusa and put a spell over his heart? Or is she really what she says a person who can hear auras and is a good witch, like her grandma Tia?
Profile Image for Brian.
327 reviews19 followers
March 7, 2016
First, I came across this book thru a review request; I did not know what book I would read.

This is an engaging and quite enjoyable paranormal romance story set in the Bayous of Alabama with some of the characters being of Native American descent which brings in some fascinating elements of Native American magic, folklore, and danger.

In this story we are acquainted with Tombi Silver, who is a Shadow Hunter, and is very moody, dark, but handsome. We also meet Annie Mathews, who is a type of "seer" who can hear the auras from people alive or not. These two people come together is an unlikely alliance that is not easy and leads to some rather interesting romantic inclinations. There are many secondary characters who add depth to this story so keep up with them.

This author has written a fresh story with new ideas and some rather nifty twists. I do not do spoilers, so it makes for a short review.

I can say that I recommend this book for all types of readers because it has mystery, romance, paranormal activities, and it's a fun read
Author 18 books127 followers
March 24, 2016
I was lucky enough to receive a sighed copy of this book from the author. Oh, man! The only reason I didn't devour it was because of work and illness. I fell for Herbert's writing in her mermaid series, and this new series promises the same kind of enchanting writing the author is known for. She crafts dynamic characters and unique paranormal worlds you want to live in.

Meet Annie, a young woman that can hear auras. Super cool ability. The story kicks off when she goes to a swamp to investigate a strange ball of light. Trapped within that light is a man who was betrayed and Tombi Silver is the one that can set him free.

I was hooked.

And, oh, Tombi. Yummy. He happens to hunt shadow spirits. Soon, he hooks up with Annie (in more ways than one) to take on the evil spirits that are increasingly growing stronger.

My favorite part, other than the romance of course, was the incorporation of Choctaw legends. Very well researched and who doesn't love a smoking hot native american.

You're going to love this one.
Profile Image for Angie.
16 reviews
April 14, 2017
I've really enjoyed everything that I've read by Debbie Herbert, but this one is by far my favorite!

Ms. Herbert put a lot of care in making believable and spirited characters who are so easy to connect with. I liked them so much that I wish they were real and that I could get to know them in real life!

This is a story about trust, family, passion, and learning to be happy with who you are.

Just a fantastic read, nothing else to say! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves magic, mystery, and stories based on legends and folklore.

A free copy of Bayou Shadow Hunter was provided for me by the talented Debbie Herbert in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for The Loopy Librarian.
382 reviews38 followers
May 2, 2016
The mysterious bayou pulled me in to the story immediately. By exploring the folklore and legends of the Choctaw tribe, this romance novel offers more meat for the reader. The relationship between Tombi and Annie offered no surprises, but the reader still gets a good love story. I would have liked it to have been a longer story, so it could have dug deeper into the legends that the author only had time to touch upon.

In accordance with FTC guidelines, please note that I received a free advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Michelle Dobbins.
Author 4 books162 followers
March 15, 2016
I'm a fan of all of Debbie Herbert's books. I love her suspenseful, paranormal romances and Bayou Shadow Hunter did not disappoint. The Love story between Annie and Tombi was truly magical and I enjoyed the Native American and Hoodoo aspects of the story. As always, I loved the mix of suspense, mystery, paranormal and romance. Debbie always creates the perfect blend to keep me turning pages until I reach the end. I can't stop reading her books once I start them.
Profile Image for Cecilia Dominic.
Author 34 books394 followers
May 16, 2016
This was a departure from Herbert's previous Bayou La Sirena books in that it was more tightly focused on the hero and heroine with none of the villain's POV. That's what lost the fifth star for me - Ms. Herbert does villains so very well, and I really missed it, but I can see how the plotline needed the villain POV to not be included. Beyond that, the setting and the romance are sultry, and I enjoyed the inclusion of both Native American and Voodoo lore. Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Krista Ricchi.
826 reviews14 followers
March 7, 2016
Being a huge paranormal fan it takes a lot for me to get into a book, so many plots have been over done. That being said I instantly fell in love with this book from the original plot to the incredible characters, I couldn't put this book down. I don't want to give to much away because it would take away from the enjoyment of the book. I suggest you pickup a copy and enjoy this magical adventure.
Profile Image for Tina.
41 reviews4 followers
March 17, 2016
Debbie Herbert's use of words will captivate you. Every detail is thought provoking and so vivid. Your imagination will run wild and this story will enchant you. Tombi and Annie's bond is one for fairytales. It's undeniable and so special. This book has so many layers and it will suck you in.
Profile Image for Harlequin Books.
18.4k reviews2,804 followers
Read
March 23, 2016
"Nice sexual tension between Tombi and Annie and well-drawn characters make for an engaging read. There’s also a nice bait-and-switch in the plotline that readers won’t see coming" (4 stars, RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Bayou Magic
Profile Image for Tameka.
2,368 reviews3 followers
September 23, 2025
Annie believed the gift she had was a bad thing. sometimes you have to just accept what you have because there is a reason.
Her grandmother was a sly one. She knew more than what she was saying.
The wisps that started appearing with that voice assured her she was doing the right thing.
Tombi's sister, although she got under my skin in the worst way, I would have put out of the group the way she was acting. That best friend was sneaky, and I wouldn't trust him either.
In the end, Annie trusted herself and her gift to get her, but out of more than one pickle.
Profile Image for Lori .
171 reviews
April 21, 2023
Fabulous

I had been meaning to start this series forever ago and now I am so glad I did. I couldn't stop once I did. The story drew me in and I couldn't believe it was over ! I wanted more so I'm on to the next immediately!
645 reviews
January 1, 2019
Fun fantasy book! It has a little romance, a few hunters and witches trying to fight evil.
Profile Image for Hannah Prince.
353 reviews3 followers
Read
July 7, 2019
Do not understand the rating of this book at all. The writing felt very slapdash to me. Dnf
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