Head Over Hooves

Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #5

by Erin Nicholas

You know in movies where the big city girl lands in a small town for the holidays and falls for the hunky guy who saves Christmas?
This isn’t that story.
But this guy does look fantastic in flannel. And out of flannel…


Finding true love with his one-and-only soul mate? Drew Ryan’s given up on that.

But a hot holiday fling in Louisiana, far from his responsibilities and good guy image back home, is now on the top of his list for Santa.

So when he’s knocked on his ass—literally—by a Christmas elf who’s stealing a sleigh full of gifts and using his reindeer to commit the crime, he definitely doesn’t expect to fall head over heels.


This holiday couldn’t get any worse for Rory Robins.

First, her hair wasn’t supposed to turn green. It’s not even Christmas green.

And the elf costume wasn’t supposed to be two sizes too small.

And her con-man father wasn’t supposed to show up and go all real-life-Grinch on her beloved new hometown.

And she definitely wasn’t supposed to run into anyone while trying to fix the problem. Especially not the hunky guy who already seems too good to be true.

But he does have a way of making her "cocoa" even hotter and a whole lot sweeter...

Still, he lives in Iowa. The only good thing her father ever gave her was a healthy distrust of men who are never around. She’s not doing a long-distance thing.

This little fling is only going to last as long as the temporary color of her hair.

Only nothing seems to be fading. And she might be asking Santa for just one more thing…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Christmas, Novella, Holiday, Contemporary, Animals

184 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 16, 2021

About the author

Erin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.

She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).


You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...

Reviews

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Autre Christmas you didn’t even know you’d been waiting for!

Rory Robins is looking for someone exactly not like Drew Ryan. Visiting Iowa farm boy? Not really checking off her boxes, even if he is easy on the eyes and kisses like a dream.

And in his defense, Drew’s looking for someone pretty much the opposite of Rory. Warm and funny Autre girl with permanent written all over? No, thanks!

But that bayou magic is mighty strong, and topped with a Landry Christmas? These two never had a chance ;)

A holiday must read!

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Erin Nicholas brings all the crazy, all the fun, all the Christmas joy, all the sexy, and a bit of drama in Head Over Hooves and I loved it! It was finally time for Drew “F*cking” Ryan to find his own woman and I was so ready!

Drew was happy to make a trip to Autre, Louisiana to bring reindeers for their Santa’s Village at the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild Animal Park and refuge. Bringing the animals, reconnecting with friends, and finding a hot bayou girl for some short term fun was on his list, but finding a gorgeous elf in a skimpy dress and thigh high boots was not what he expected or to find chasing eight goats dressed as reindeer or that he would have an immediate reaction to her.

Rory Robbins didn’t expect Drew to be young, hot and fun but he was and that’s a problem because he’s not local and that’s top on her list of what she wants in the man. But he’s hard to ignore and when he kissed her to keep her from having to deal with her father told her he was a good man, but he was leaving soon.

I loved these two together, Drew trying to bust of out his good guy image because there was more to him than that and he needed a partner who understood his needs and Rory who wants a sense of home, family, and community something that’s been missing from her life when her father broke up their family and tainted them with his con-man ways. The complimented each other well, Drew made her feel cherished and safe and Rory accepted all the parts of Drew.

I loved spending time in Autre during the holidays even with the crazy Santa stories, goats dressed as reindeer, missing Santa packages, gumbo in jail, and two people finding each other to love.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.

[J Lundsten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Autre with Drew Ryan?!? Yes, please!

When Drew heads to Louisana to deliver some reindeer to the Boys of the Bayou he's hoping for a hot fling. He didn't count on meeting a sweet, green-haired elf five minutes after arriving and immediately being smitten. But Drew's never been to Autre before!

Equal parts sweet and sexy with a good dose of Landry family fun thrown in, Head Over Hooves is the perfect present from Erin Nicholas!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 star review Head Over Hooves (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #5) by Erin Nicholas
Book five in Erin Nicholas’s latest series. One of the things I love about my visits to Autre, is the familiar faces that make an appearance and I couldn’t wait to dive in Head Over Hooves.
I was hooked on Drew Ryan and Rory Robins’s story from the first chapter. Drew has given up on finding a forever love but he isn’t opposed to a steamy fling whilst in Louisiana. He just didn’t count on the woman who captured his attention would be dressed as an elf.
I really liked both Drew and Rory, but will her conman father ruin their relationship before it gets a chance to blossom? What will happen when Drew heads back to Iowa? Will they attempt a long distance relationship?
These two really were perfect for one another a the push and pull of their relationship made for an entertaining read. It was also fun to see the crazy Landry family make an appearance. Head Over Hooves was a witty and steamy book and was a great addition to the series.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting for Drew Ryan’s HEA since he was first introduced in the Hot Cakes series and this story did not disappoint. Drew and Rory’s crazy unexpected whirlwind romance was as sweet and yummy as frosted Christmas cookies. Drew lives in Appleby, Iowa where he runs an alpaca farm with his brother and cousin. He’s a good guy and has been waiting to find the “one” but has started to give up hope. He decides to take a Christmas vacation in small town Autre, Louisiana and have a hot fling with a bayou girl. Rory wants a family and community more than anything and she chose to live in Autre for that reason. She also is looking for the “one” but definitely not a fling with a guy who lives thousand of miles away. But fate, the magic of small towns, the craziness of the bayou, and the beautiful words of the author have other plans. The story has plenty of hilarity (I mean crazy goats and voting on Santa), steamy scenes, sweet moments, family support, and small town goodness with a small bit of angst. Like all the books in this series, it is filled with loud, larger than life bayou characters and situations, simmering and overwhelming feelings, and so many cute animals. Plus who doesn’t love a good swoony Christmas romance.

[Shannon Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. Em. Gee. We've been waiting for Drew F*cking Ryan's book what seems like FOREVER, and Erin Nicholas did not disappoint. There were laughs. There were tears. And of course, we can't forget all the feels that come with our favorite Bayou crew. Not many authors would make you grab a fan to cool off after the hero and heroine rounding first base, but DAMN. Drew Ryan is everything we had hoped for, and Rory was the PERFECT match for him. I LOVED Rory. She didn't seem to have the drama that some heroines seem to drag out. She had baggage (hello, don't we all) but she wasn't one to hide her feelings or happenings in her life when Drew was around. An absolutely amazing Christmas story that will bring much joy (and a short term need to throat punch someone) to your holiday season!!!

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story right here, is what the holiday's are all about! 5 stars for this one!
When Rory meets, or should I say, plows into Drew, she's sure he's exactly not what she's looking for in a man, or is he? Drew is in town to bring reindeer from his farm for the kids to see at the Christmas Village that Autre is having. Rory is in charge of it and is falling behind. He's attracted to her, not his type at all, but there is just something about her that draws him to her.
Rory has taken this holiday show on to prove herself to everyone, something she feels she needs to do. When Drew steps in to help her, she finds he's very easy to open up to, but she's got to remember he's only here temporarily.
Watch as these two try to fight the attraction they have, and try to make the best of the situation that's been handed to them!
I really enjoyed this story, it's perfect for the holidays that are coming upon us to get you into the spirit! Grab this and enjoy!

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, funny and with the right splash of naughty sprinkled in for holiday perfection! 

Erin, Erin, Erin...will I ever think of chocolate sauce, candy cane stockings, and a santa hat without blushing? Drew F-ing Ryan is the quenticental nice guy with a scrumptious naughty side and I'm adding him to my wish list this Christmas!!

Drew has finally found his perfect match (big, happy sigh from Oliver), but what does that mean when she lives in Louisiana and his life is in Iowa? 

Drew Ryan is from the tiny town of Appleby, IA and he is known to everyone as the nice guy. The guy to lend a helping hand. The guy who repeatedly gets friendzoned, even by Ollie's Piper (Okay, I'll let that go).

Drew is visiting his friends in Louisiana with a couple of his reindeer for the Christmas petting zoo and what happens to catch his eye barely moments when he steps into town?  A gorgeous elf, in a body hugging dress with a head of green hair and a potty mouth to boot. Drew is intrigued more than he cares to admit, especially when they share a kiss barely moments after meeting Rory.

Rory is a bit of a hot mess, a magnet for a man like Drew who always finds himself lending a helping hand, but Rory is a woman who likes to take care of things herself. While Drew's not there to find love, or add to his list of friendzoned ladies. He's there for a vacation, deliver his reindeer, and perhaps have a hot fling. He doesn't need to engage with a girl like Rory, but something definitely draws him back over and over again. Will she allow Drew to help or just scratch that holiday itch? Don't start packing his bags quite yet, Ollie, LOL!

All of the Laundry family gather round for this adorable holiday treat, with the perfect naughty moments. Once again Erin Nicholas gave readers what we needed to connect with family and enjoy a bit of holiday magic.

[Jacob Proffitt · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is fifth in a series and lots of town events and characters spill over into this one. I recommend reading them in order.

I didn't quite make it halfway before I just couldn't continue any more. Rory is an idiot and a little bit pathetic. I don't get why she doesn't turn her dad over to the cops and be done with it. Her neighbors are the least judgmental people in creation; deliberately, consistently, even joyously so. So her scheming schemes and plotting plots just to avoid turning him in is stupid and she should know better. Also, her dad is a creepy douche bucket who needs to be incinerated with fire. Giving that guy any headspace is wasted neuron juice.

So yeah, one star and hinging a plot on someone worrying what the folks of Autre are going to think of you or how they're going to judge you is just silly.

[BookAddict · Rating 4 out of 5]

We can’t all be born into the perfect family, but hopefully, with a little luck and a lot of grace we can find our way into a family borne of friendship and love. That's the kind of family the Landrys are. Sure, a lot are related by blood, but they open their arms and welcome in anyone who is lacking in and longing for their kind of unconditional love and support.

Drew Ryan is no stranger to small towns, coming from Appleby, Iowa, but Autre, Louisiana, is its own breed of small town, and it seems everyone has some kind of ties to the Landry family. He's only in town for a week or so to loan a few of his reindeer to the petting zoo for their Santa's village, but in less than 24 hours it already feels like home to him. And if he can find an adventurous bayou girl who appreciates the bad boy side of this good guy, he might add a little extracurricular activity to his Autre visit.

For most of her life, it’s been just Rory Robins and her single mother, with a deadbeat dad who shows up only to make trouble in Rory's life. Rory has settled in to small-town life, opened her own business and been welcomed by the Landrys, but she keeps a lot of herself under lock and key, including her father's checkered past. She may not trust easily, but Drew happens to be in the right place at the right time, and Rory finds herself opening up to him.

It wouldn’t be a BOTBGW story without hilarious goat hijinks and the boisterous, messy, outrageous Landrys. It may be Christmas time, but the crackling chemistry between Rory and Drew make it feel like a hot, humid summer day in the sweltering bayou sun. And just when you think it's all fun and games, Nicholas sucker punches the reader with the sweetest, most tender moments, like Ellie Landry sharing her wisdom and her extra-special Ellie love with Rory, making sure Rory knows with absolute certainty that she's one of the Landrys. Oh, my heart!

Aside from the fact that it was way too short and I always want more of these charming, quirky, endearing characters, I completely adored every bit of this holiday visit to Autre. This is, quite possibly, my favorite series of all time, and this is the perfect book to dip your toes into this big, beautiful bayou world. I try not to make bold claims about books, but I promise you this: once you visit Autre, LA, you'll fall in love with the whole Landry clan and never want to leave!

[Luisa Baudino · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just the perfect warm blanket under which you can stay with a hot cocoa and enjoy the holidays spirit! And don't listen to those who say it's too early, it's never early enough for Christmas. Or the Landrys. Or Erin Nicholas' books! There's never enough of those :)

Drew F***ing Ryan finally finds a girl for which he can be both a good boy and a dirty boy, it took a bayou girl like Rory Robins for it! Both of them are so full of love it's incredible and I would definitely want to see Rory dressed as an elf lol.

Also I DEMAND at least a jail scene for each new bayou book, they are always hilarious! And I don't think we'll have to wait too much cause Say It Like You Mane It is next and it's Zander's story!!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It doesn't get better than this, but that can be said about all the books Erin Nicholas writes. Head Over Hooves, which is the fifth book in this author's Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series, is just the latest addition to this excellent series. The two main characters, Rory and Drew experience an instant attraction and I totally enjoyed reading along as their relationship progressed. I loved how Rory thought of Drew as her "accidental knight in faded blue jeans." This story is steamy, fun and full of Christmas spirit. I find Ms. Nicholas' writing to be exactly what I like to read; full of love, great characters and lots of humor.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Princess Thuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ahhhh! I have been waiting for Drew Ryan's story since he made an appearance in the Hot Cakes Series. Yes, this is another Hot Cakes/Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild crossover. Drew Ryan is visiting from Appleby, Iowa and who does he meet when he first steps foot in Autre, Louisiana? Rory Robins, who he finds undeniably sexy but she's not what he's looking for, or so he thinks.

Rory is looking to put down some roots and find her forever guy. Drew has given up on finding his forever woman. So he's looking to shed his good guy image by trying to unleash his dirty and sexy side with a holiday fling while in Autre. But he is so adorably cute trying to turn down his good guy, always wanting to help others side.

Rory and Drew try hard to deny their chemistry but in the end will they both find their HEA in one another?

Let me just say that this was a wonderful holiday romance that will make you smile and swoon. Add in the lovable Landry family and you'll get some laughs and some heart warming scenes as well. I absolutely love this series and I don't think Erin Nicholas should be writing anything else unless she stays in the Bayou with the Landrys and their friends. I never want to leave this world she's created.

*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas and Drew Ryan!!!

Erin packs a LOT of feels in one novella! Drew “F’ing” Ryan (Hot Cakes series) heads to Autre, LA to deliver reindeer for a Christmas at the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild and maybe get a little naughty with a bayou girl. Of course, he meets Rory, whose sweet and beautiful and needs some help. What’s a nice Iowa farm boy to do? In a short span of time, we get to really know the main characters, Drew and Rory, while they meet, get ‘acquainted’, fall in love, resolve outstanding family issues, and head toward their HEA! If you’re like me, you’re so excited Drew finally gets his happy ending! If not, once you read Head Over Hooves, you’ll become an Erin Fan and want to go back and read EVERYTHING she’s written.

But also, in this wonderful addition to the BOTBGW series you’ll get to know (or see again) the wonderfully crazy Landry family. They work hard, love hard (and over the top), and will support each other to the end. Just the friends and family everyone loves and wants.

I love everything this author has written and can’t wait to see what comes next. Try Head Over Hooves, you’ll be an Erin Superfan before you finish!

[Comfy Couch Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome to the perfect Christmas story that has all the right elements to make it memorable. The Grinch who tried to steal Christmas, the hot and sexy elf in the striped socks, the guy who was in Autre for a good time not a long time but changed his mind once he met the elf, the reindeer who were visiting to make the petting zoo extra special for the kids and of course the crazy, loving always ready to help anyone Landry family.

Rory Robbins feels like an outsider in Autre. She has volunteered to help with the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild Christmas Party in the hope that she can will be more accepted by the townspeople. But right from the start everything has gone awry for her until her knight in shining armour, reindeer rustler Drew arrives from Iowa with a few of his furry friends in tow. In less than 24 hours Drew is completely smitten with Rory and wants to help her any way he can, including trying to right the wrongs committed by her worthless father. Rory finds herself falling for this stranger and she hopes that he will stay forever, even when he learns about her problems with her shady father.

Enjoy the usual fun and crazy frolics we have come to expect from the Landry family and their friends which will put a smile on your face and put you in the holiday mood. How can you not be when the Landry's are spreading love and Christmas cheer around and of course a dose of unexpected help and support for one of their own who is in trouble.

Another perfect Landry family story from Erin just in time for Christmas.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drew Ryan, good guy extraordinaire from Appleby, Iowa, arrives in Autre, Louisiana to bring some real reindeer to the petting zoo at Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild. Real reindeer! One look at the beauty with red and white striped tights, a too-small outfit, and green hair, and he’s captivated and wants to help solve all of her problems. To heck with his plan to spend a week with some hot Cajun women that he can have fun with and forget. So much for Drew trying to be bad!

Rory, of the green hair, has been trying to get the Landry’s to trust her and believe in her for a couple of years now, but this time she may have bitten off more than she can chew. See, she has a problem. Her dad.

I really enjoyed this trip to Autre. Drew and Rory have lots of fun and adventure in the short time they’re together. This is a fast read, but there’s a lot packed into this novella. Will the population of Autre increase? Will your perception of peppermint change? I know mine did! Have fun in Autre - Merry Christmas!

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

So cute!! Seriously an adorable and fun Christmas story. It is coming out at the perfect time to get everyone in the mood for the season. We get the craziness of the Landry gang but without the main characters being Landry’s. Rory is kind of adjacent to them but wants to prove that she is worth their friendship. And Drew is from the Hot Cakes series and comes down to spread a little bit of Christmas cheer and to visit Tori and Paige. I love that these two series just continue to be intertwined together. It makes for a fun storyline with characters that we don’t get to read about in every book. Make sure you grab this one for a little bit of southern Christmas charm.
*I received an arc for an honest review*

[Wendy'sThoughts · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Landry Holiday Stars
* * * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
So as you can tell by all the books listed below, I am a HUGE fan of everything Landry. I also am a HUGE fan of everything Erin Nicholas. So by stating all of this upfront, you have true transparency.

Head Over Hooves (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild, #5) marries two characters from two different Nicholas series. On one hand, we have Drew from Iowa, known as the Good Guy always willing to help or lend a hand. This is fine with Drew but on this trip to the Bayou...He wants to let out his hidden Bad Boy, and have some serious Bad Boy Fun.

On the other hand, we have Rory from Autre. She is the one who wants a real relationship, settle here in the Bayou, and even though the pickings of single, age-appropriate men are slim, she still holds out hope.

These two cross paths under the cutest circumstances and right off the bat, the chemistry is off the charts. The trick of their getting to know each other is complicated by Rory's con artist dad, goats, reindeer, and lots of kissing.

This Christmas novella has more depth than most with wonderful nuggets of wisdom from the one who knows, Ellie Landry. It gave us all the feels, all the fun, and all the sexy times we could want. Happy Bayou Holidays!

Otterly Irresistible (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heavy Petting (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Flipping Love You (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sealed with a Kiss (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Head Over Hooves (Boys of the Bayou #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Say It Like You Mane It (Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

The Series That Birthed This Wonderful Madness

My Best Friend's Mardi Gras Wedding (Boys of the Bayou, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sweet Home Louisiana (Boys of the Bayou, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Beauty and the Bayou (Boys of the Bayou, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Crazy Rich Cajuns, Boys of the Bayou, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Must Love Alligators (Boys of the Bayou, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
October 15, 2021
Erin Nicholas can keep writing about this Bayou Group FOREVER! I can't get enough.
Coming November 16th!

A gifted copy was provided by the author/publisher for an honest review

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

[Reading to Escape · Rating 4 out of 5]

Head Over Hooves is book five in the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series. It is a standalone, but does have characters that are from the other books and you should read the other books in the series, not because you need to in order to understand this book, but just simply because they are awesome and this setting and these characters and the Landrys are special. Nuff said!

Drew comes to Autre from Iowa bearing gifts of reindeer for use in their Santa's Village. Upon arriving he sees Rory, dressed as an elf and having a difficult time. He is smitten at first sight and his alpha protective side is in full force from the get go, which I must admit was probably my favorite part of this book. Drew and Rory work together to give the kids of Autre a Christmas they won't forget while having some fun of their own in their down time.

I really enjoyed Rory's character, but I LOVED Drew. He was protective and take charge and he knew what he wanted and did what he needed to make it happen, and he made Rory a priority from the start. What could be more swoony than that? I love all of these characters. They have seriously stolen my heart and I love every moment I get to spend at the bayou in Autre with all the wonderful animals and this amazing family I would do just about anything to be a part of. Kudos to this author for her creativity and for developing a place and family just about everyone would want to call home.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you not love the Landry Family, they are a hysterically funny, hot dysfunctional mess all rolled into an extremely loving bunch. Rory has ran the beauty salon in Autre for 3 years now and really respects the Landry Family. They are everything she wish she had growing up. When she volunteers to run the Santa’s Village for the petting zoo she doesn’t realize how over her head or hooves she might be. Drew is in town from Iowa to loan out his reindeer. One look between Rory and Drew and everything changes. He wants to be her everything and she has no problem with that. They have great chemistry and an amazing connection that happens almost instantly. This was a great fun read and I loved How easy their banter was with each other. Throw in Rory’s untrustworthy father and the amazing Landry family and you have a great story. We even had a little visit from the Fluke gang. I have said it once and I’ll say it again…Erin Nicholas has a way of not only writing amazing series but mixing the series in a way that has you begging for more! I’m already extremely excited about Zander’s story.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another visit to one of my favourite places catching up with one of my favourite families. I love everything about my visits to Autre, Louisiana and if you haven’t visit the Bayou, why not!!!!
This is Drew Ryan and Rory Robin’s captivating story and it’s a magical read that will appeal to all romance lovers. Drew is not looking for love, he has all but given up on finding the one but a holiday fling while visiting Louisiana could be just what the doctor ordered. What he didn’t expect was the woman to be dressed as an elf and this is when the fun and games begin. Everything that could possibly go wrong has gone wrong for Rory, her elf suit is two sizes to small, her hair has turned a wonderful colour of green and her conman father, a real life Grinch has turned up in town, just in time to ruin the holidays. So will the fling with Drew turn the holidays around and what will happen when he has to return to Iowa……
Head over Hooves is a fun, witty, magical read that is a wonderful addition to the Boys of Bayou Series. The characters are easy to connect with, the chemistry is sizzling and the banter is witty.

[Read All About It · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to go visit Autre, Louisiana and meet all the wacky characters at Christmas!!

Drew has just rolled into town when he spy’s a crazy sight.

And if that wasn’t enough to convince him, the elf chasing the eight tiny reindeer with the person-sized candy cane would have.

But the poem left out the gorgeous elf in the skimpy red dress, thigh-high black boots with candy cane striped stockings peeking out of the tops, and bright green hair.

Rory is new to town and feels like she has to prove herself because of the past but you know what everyone is family in Autre.

When her father comes to town to cause trouble she is to ashamed to tell anyone.

“I'm trying to save Christmas.” She sniffed. “And it’s not going to work.”

Drew and Rory are combustible.

Drew didn’t even slow down. “Sorry. I need this elf’s help getting me firmly on the naughty list tonight.” “Drew Ryan? On the naughty list? I don’t believe it!” Paige called after him. But Rory snuggled closer and grinned up at him. “I do.”

It’s always a pleasure to revisit the Landrys. You know your in for a hilarious adventure.

[JJ Cornette · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading this I want to spend my Christmas in Autre with the whole Landry clan!! For fans of Erin's Hot Cakes series get ready to be reunited with Drew Ryan. Drew Ryan is your wonderful 'good guy' willing to help you out with whatever you need, but while he may have come down to Louisiana to deliver reindeers he's hoping to shed his good guy vibes to be on someone's naughty list. Rory is a transplant to Autre who desperately wants to be a part of the Landry family and who can blame her for wanting to join the crazy loving bayou boys and girls. Rory is in need of saving and Drew is just the man for the job. He's able to be completely himself while showing her that the family she wants is already there for her. Throw in some reindeers, goats, gators, hot cocoa and frosting fun and you have a wonderfully sweet and hot Christmas on the Bayou. Can't wait for the next animal adventure on the Bayou because these Bayou boys (and Iowa boys - Hot Cakes) are sinfully delicious!

[Darlene Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love all Erin Nicholas book ,but after finishing this one I kept going back to read it again. I was so happy to see Drew finally get the love of his life. He is still the sweetest guy ever. I also love the connection between the Hot Cake Series and the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild it kept the characters alive in the last series which I was so sad to see it end. I alway hate when it’s over but then Erin makes up for it with her new series. Can’t get enough of her books.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Head Over Hooves, by Erin Nicholas, book five in her Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series, is another “can’t put down” laugh out loud, story. This is a holiday story that takes place in Autre with lots of familiar faces but crosses over with the Iowa characters, mainly Drew Ryan. Drew has given up on finding a forever love but he isn’t opposed to a steamy fling while visiting in Louisiana. He just didn’t count on the woman who captured his attention would be dressed as an elf. Rory Robins is looking for someone exactly not like Drew Ryan. Visiting Iowa farm boy? Not really checking off her boxes, even if he is easy on the eyes and kisses like a dream. And in his defense, Drew’s looking for someone pretty much the opposite of Rory; warm and funny Autre girl with permanent written all over? No, thank you. But that bayou magic is mighty strong, and topped with a Landry Christmas? These two never had a chance. I loved how Rory thought of Drew as her "accidental knight in faded blue jeans." This story is steamy, witty, fun and full of Christmas magic. Plus, it’s always fun to see the crazy Landry family make an appearance. I highly recommend Head Over Hooves and look forward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Marci Early · Rating 5 out of 5]

Swoon

Good guy. Bad boy heart. Damsel in distress. Short term fling. In the bayou- Nothing goes as planned. Love it!!!!

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drew Ryan is in Autre, Louisiana to help out one of his friend's and bring a few reindeer for their Santa's Village at Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild Animal Park and refuge. While he's there he is going to try and shed himself of the good guy image and find a woman to help him have a holiday fling. This is also the same Drew that was in the Hot Cakes series! As he's hanging around Santa's Village he sees a woman with green hair dressed as a skimpy elf chasing around eight goats and becomes instantly intrigued by her.

Rory is doing her best to show the Landry's that she can pull off taking care of Santa's Village. She wasn't expecting her green hair or the elf outfit that was two sizes too small, but she has a job to do and she will do it well. She wasn't expecting Drew to be young, hot and charming when he dropped off the reindeers but she won't let herself go after him because he isn't a local and she wants to stay in the small town of Autre. Afterall, it's on her list to stay here and try to become part of the Landry crew. The only problem is that sparks appear whenever she looks at Drew. Add in the fact that her conman father is trying to ruin Christmas, she just doesn't have time to deal with any other complications.

I enjoyed both Drew and Rory's characters in this book. I fell hard for Drew in Gimme S'more and while you don't have to read that book to understand Drew's character, I would highly recommend it because I love that book so much! I felt bad for Rory and how hard she worked just to try and fit in without realizing she had friends in the Bayou and how much her dad was a jerk. You also get to see more of our favorite Bayou characters in this story. If you loved any of Erin's books, you will love this one. I love the quirky stories from the Landry's, crazy animals, a bad santa story, and just the craziness that usually follows the Landry family around.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun entry in Erin NicholasErin Nicholas's Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series--this time, set at Christmas!

This time the MCs are (technically) non-Landrys--Rory's the hairdresser in town, and Drew is an Iowa friend of Paige's ( Four Weddings and a Swamp Boat Tour )--but if you've read any of the books in this series or the one it's spun off of (Boys of the Bayou) you know that won't hold for long. If there's anything the Landrys are good at (besides causing chaos and making delicious food) it's making strangers feel like family, so...

Drew and Rory's story made me LOL, fan myself, and tear up (just a little)--if you're looking for a feel-good found family story set at Christmas, look no further! If you've read any/all of the other Boys books you'll see plenty of characters you know here; if you haven't, this one works fine as a standalone too. But don't blame me when you find out that now you need to know everyone else's stories too...you have been warned. ;)

Rating: 4 stars / A-

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Kayla C · Rating 5 out of 5]

All I want for Christmas this year is a Drew Ryan! This is the first of the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild books to not have a Landry (or Landry relative) as one of the main two characters, but it is just as good as the rest of the series. Rory and Drew are so adorable in this cute holiday story!

Rory Robins hasn’t been in Autre for long but she wants to make her mark on the community - and the Landry family. Her chance to prove herself comes with the Santa’s Village for the Boys of the Bayou petting zoo. But it’s a lot of work for one girl to do alone, not matter how determined she is. Enter Drew Ryan, visiting Autre from Appleby, Iowa. He is hoping to have a fun weekend in Louisiana, ditching his “nice guy” reputation for once, but doing so means fighting his instinct to help Rory.

Rory has a set of rules for her next relationship, and Drew breaks Rule 1: Must Live in Autre. She’s not looking for temporary or long-distance, and that’s all Drew has to offer. These two and their goals seem to clash at every instance, but the clash always leads to sparks. I love their chemistry and willingness to give each other a chance, despite continually telling themselves how much they won’t work. I also love how Drew works not only to help Rory with her problems but also to get her connected to the Landry’s - a Boys of the Bayou book without that crazy family just wouldn’t be the same!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I want you to feel connected with somebody and I want that somebody to be me.”

Christmas in Autre AND Drew Ryan finally finding love? This was the story I never knew I needed.

Drew is in Autre to help deliver some reindeer to the Boys of the Bayou Santa display and to have a fling with a hot bayou girl. He doesn’t plan on falling for a sweet girl living in Autre, but he’s unable to stop himself after their first encounter. This involves goats pretending to be reindeer…pretty much par for the course in Autre.

“It seemed that Drew Ryan was potentially an exception to a number of rules.”

Rory has a checklist of what she’s looking for in a guy and number one is that he lives in Autre. Drew Ryan does not check off her boxes, but she finds herself drawn to this good guy with an unexpected dirty side.

“Not only was he thinking of the woman at random moments when he didn’t meant to, but he actually cared that all of this came together as planned.”

Drew is trying so hard to NOT be a good guy, but he just can’t help himself. Within minutes of meeting Rory, all he wants to do is help her.

I think I had a smile on my face the entire time I was reading Head Over Hooves. It’s sweet and funny and full of the bayou charm we have come to expect from the residents of Autre.