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Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild #8

Better Safe Than Safari

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He'll protect her from anything...except falling for her bodyguard.


Ex-bodyguard and moody Irishman Colin Daly needs three things:

To figure out how to have a real job after his longtime client no longer needs him.

To find some really good Irish whiskey in the land of homemade moonshine.

To stop having dirty dreams every time he hears young, beautiful, recently-discovered-thanks-to-social-media music sensation, Hayden Ross, sing. Which seems to be every time he freaking turns around lately.

But now, the new-to-the-spotlight sweetheart is being harassed, and needs someone to have her back. And Colin will be damned if he’s going to let anyone else take this job.

No matter how much being her temporary, very protective pretend boyfriend/roommate/whatever is going to rock his world.



*** This title was previously published as Rocked Bayou. The title is the only change. The story, characters, and timeline inside the larger world all stay the same***

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 7, 2023

422 people are currently reading
1031 people want to read

About the author

Erin Nicholas

151 books3,799 followers
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-...

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5 stars
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157 (12%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 192 reviews
Profile Image for Tammy Moldovan.
1,960 reviews25 followers
February 1, 2023
Colin and Hayden- heartwarming and steamy

I loved, loved Colin and Hayden’s bodyguard fake relationship romance with a side of light danger from a stalker. This heartwarming steamy tale will give you all the swoony swoons while also pulling at your heartstrings with all the emotions. The book and this couple are my favorite in this series. The story drew me in from the very first sentence. It was definitely a stay up too late, cannot put it down, it should get more than 5 stars kind of book. Colin has spent his life guarding the young princess of a small country. Now at loose ends, he is looking for a similar high profile client for his new security firm. Hayden is a music therapist who is on the cusp of getting a solo music contract but in the process, she has picked up a stalker. As Colin and his friends begin to guard Hayden, their feelings for each other explode and quickly deepen to far more than simple attraction. Colin is a caretaker and a protector and being in love with Hayden only ramps that up. “He wanted to wrap her up and take care of her while cheering her on.” The journey to their HEA included sweet moments, steamy scenes, snort worthy laughs, supportive friends, messy families, a quirky town, light danger, Ellie advice, and all heart squeezing love. As always Erin Nicholas makes a romcom so much deeper than simply laughs and she got us there with witty dialogue, three dimensional characters who grow, and an engaging storyline. I need the rest of the Badges series but I’m here for the series about the Royals too.
Profile Image for Reading  In the  Red Room .
3,134 reviews73 followers
February 7, 2023
Nothing like visiting your favorite small town, where almost everyone is family…or they want to be and the hot spot to hang out is at Ellie’s bar. Where she is either your mother, aunt or grandmother and she gives the best dang unsolicited advice you never knew you needed. This family is loud, nosy and intrusive but we wouldn’t want it any other way! Colin is a bodyguard it is who he is…it is his identity. For 10 years he helped Fiona and her daughter Saoirse, he literally did everything for them and now she is happily married and he isn’t needed anymore. What will fill that hole for him he enjoys watching out for other people and keeping them safe. In comes Hayden she is an up and coming singing sensation and has a heart of gold. She loves taking care of people and cooking for them. She is struggling a lot on what her dreams really are and what she wants those dreams to look like. When she has a stalker Colin and his team will stop at nothing to keep her safe and away from danger. Colin decides to play the boyfriend part….it doesn’t take long before all the faking is over and this is a real relationship. They share a strong connect and undeniable connection. They have some hot steamy scenes that were burning up the pages. These two are a lot alike and they understand each other and why they have the need to please everyone all the time. These two are pretty perfect together. As always the story was well layered and gave us a extremely entertaining story, of course I love when former characters pop in and out of the book to say hello or save the day. We always love to see what this crazy family is up to. This series always gives you the best of both worlds when it comes to feelings…we had the emotional, touching moments and we had the laugh out loud banter….we had all the feels. Erin hasn’t disappointed me yet! Each fast paced book has exactly what your looking for! Try this series now. I’m really excited and ready for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Erin Nicholas.
Author 151 books3,799 followers
Read
January 15, 2023
Colin and Hayden are sooooooo... sigh...I'm just so in love with them, you guys! This book was so much fun to write, and I'm thrilled that you're all going to get to know this new side of Colin and get to know the sweet and sassy Hayden!

I've known Colin for a long time now! He first showed up in Kiss My Giraffe (no, you definitely don't have to read that book to enjoy this one) and made appearances in Gotta Be Bayou and Bayou With Benefits. But I didn't even know just how much fun spending an entire book with him would be!

And Hayden?? Oh my gosh... I love her. She's sweet and sassy and wraps not only Colin but also his best friends and fellow bodyguards (Henry and Jonah and Cian (who isn't a bodyguard but is a roommate and...you'll see!) around her little finger!

Yes, there are also a lot of fun cameos (Ellie, of course, Saoirse, Knox, Fiona, Kennedy, Bennett...) but this story is all about Colin and Hayden, and they are not just funny and hot (very, very hot!), but they are heartwarming and just...swoony. Yep, that word.

Here's what you're going to get on February 7th!
✓Bodyguard romance
✓Grumpy-sunshine
✓Broody dirty-talking Irishman
✓Forced proximity
✓Curvy heroine
✓Age-gap (7 years)
✓Super fun bromances

I can't wait you guys!
xo
Erin
Profile Image for J Lundsten.
965 reviews39 followers
January 24, 2023
We are heading back to Autre and all the Bayou shenanigans we've come to adore from Erin Nicholas!!

Colin Daley is a bodyguard with....no one to guard. He's looking for a new client and when Hayden, up and coming superstar singer, needs help he jumps at the chance. Because this is a great professional opportunity. Not because he can't stop thinking of her. Or because he wants to kiss her all the time. Or because he can't let anyone else take care of her. Ok, so for all those reasons too.

I absolutely love this couple. Hayden is sassy and strong. Colin is bossy and protective. He can guard me anytime!! I love the dynamic between these two! Plus lots of Landry cameos, Elly advice and more bodyguards!! Five stars just isn't enough!!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
737 reviews9 followers
January 30, 2023
Rocked Bayou
By Erin Nicholas

Rocked Bayou grabbed me by the gumbo and didn’t let go! I loved Colin Daley when we first met him in Kiss My Giraffe (Boys of the Bayou Gon Wild series), and I’m so excited for him to get his HEA. He’s smart, grumpy, sexy, kind, and a bit dirty in all the right ways. Hayden Ross is sunshine. She brings light into any room she enters. They both are protectors and want to take care of those they love.

On the brink of being a newly discovered musician, Hayden is excited to finally be doing something big like her other siblings. The trouble is, someone is taking notice of her and not in a healthy way. Colin and his newly formed security company will look after her. Made up of the former bodyguards of the Cara royal family, Colin, Jonah, and Henry will make sure Hayden is safe. Colin and Hayden discover right away there is a spark between them and their chemistry heats up quickly. How will he be able to stay professional and keep himself from falling for the most wonderful woman he’s ever known? In Erin Nicholas’ world, he won’t, we know it, and it will be a delightful journey as we watch it happen.

I was captivated from the beginning with Colin and Hayden; they have become one of my all-time favorite couples in Erin’s realm. This story will steal your heart, make you tear up, and keep you riveted to the end. Plus, there are several cameo appearances by some of your favorite Autre citizens, and some good old-fashioned Ellie advice and gumbo too! I received an arc of this book, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Payton Box.
1,443 reviews22 followers
February 7, 2023
At this point I shouldn't be shocked at how much I love Erin Nicholas' books, but here we are shocked and so emotional after finishing Rocked Bayou. Hayden and Colin are absolutely perfect and I loved everything about them.

Getting Colin's perspective about his relationship with Fiona and Saoirse was the best thing but also the most heartbreaking. Colin is Saoirse's father in everything but blood and title after being her bodyguard from birth and man their relationship is fantastic. His fears about being slowly removed from her life now that Knox and Fiona are together was heartbreaking but I love that he loved her that much.

Hayden is a caretaker at heart and that made for some heartbreaking inner thoughts but also a strong wonderful character who is sunshine and happiness personified. Just as it says in the book, you can't help but fall in love with her. She is an amazing character and I wish this book could have been much longer for many reasons.

Colin and Hayden had spectacular chemistry from the beginning. Their build up was so good and so hot and it didn't fade as their relationship developed! I loved this book and can't wait for Fiona's brothers books!
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,670 reviews3,282 followers
February 7, 2023
5 Loving More And More Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free And Full Of Gushing
Just when I think I can't Love Erin Nicholas anymore, SHE DOES THIS BOOK! Ms. Nicholas has been making me swoon for YEARS, and with each of the tales she tells, she gives amazing love stories but also informs us about all sorts of life experiences that happen in the Real World, too.

It is this layering of extra that impacts the swoon and the making of these characters.
We experience and learn what heart-tugging challenges each person is dealing with. These hurdles impact who they are and give us an understanding of how these people have been dealing with all of them. It also works as a way for readers to possibly see themselves in these situations and learn more information to assist in their own lives. Not a small feat.

As to this relationship between Colin Daily and Hayden Ross, O.M.G. and Yum, Yum. Each brings so much to this tale. They are strong, giving, caring and sexy. We get to see from the very beginning how the attraction starts and how Colin is extremely good for Hayden and Hayden is amazing for Colin. We also get to enjoy all that is Bayou. Trust me, you can never have too much Bayou.

I cannot encourage you enough to take the time, to get to know these people, and enjoy your time falling in love.

Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou, #1) by Erin Nicholas Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bayou With Benefits (Badges of the Bayou #2) by Erin Nicholas Bayou With Benefits (Badges of the Bayou #2): a firefighter, nanny, friends to lovers stand-alone small-town rom-com
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rocked Bayou (Badges of the Bayou, #3) by Erin Nicholas Rocked Bayou (Badges of the Bayou #3): a bodyguard, rockstar, stuck together, small town rom com
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


SO EXCITED...This is SOOOOOOOO GOOOD, LOVING IT
June 24, 2022- Oowwweee, We Have A Blurb!!!
Ex-Bodyguard Colin Daly Needs To Find A New Job...
Landing In The Bayou Wasn't Part Of His Plan...

But Somehow He Is Here...
And A New Discovered Talent Needs His Talents...

Oh, He Has Many...
But When Social-Media Music Sensation, Hayden Ross...
Acquires A Stalker...
Spencer Decides 24/7 Protection Is Key...

Max and Spencer Have No Idea...
This Will Cause Them To Be Part Of The...


Rocked Bayou (Badges of the Bayou #3)-January 10, 2023

Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou, #1) by Erin Nicholas Gotta Be Bayou (Badges of the Bayou #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bayou With Benefits (Badges of the Bayou #2) by Erin Nicholas Bayou With Benefits (Badges of the Bayou #2): a firefighter, nanny, friends to lovers stand-alone small-town rom-com
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rocked Bayou (Badges of the Bayou, #3) by Erin Nicholas Rocked Bayou (Badges of the Bayou #3): a bodyguard, rockstar, stuck together, small town rom com
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


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Profile Image for Jennifer.
34 reviews6 followers
January 30, 2023
First, I want to say thank you to Erin Nicholas for writing about a plus size heroine as a main character. We need more plus size females in books. Hayden is a strong, caring, and compassionate woman who just wants to take care of those that she loves. It also doesn’t hurt that she can sing and is going to be the next big pop star! Hayden got her love of music from her grandfather. He has Alzheimers and doesn’t recognize the music therapist adult Hayden, but remembers her as a child. Hayden’s vulnerability is showcased with the scenes with her grandfather. It is just one more way that Hayden cares her family. But who cares for Hayden? Hayden falls in love with her bodyguard, Collin, from the first moment she gets tangled up with him. I fell for Collin when he was introduced in a previous book as a strong alpha male bodyguard who will also do anything to protect those he loves. We saw his sensitive side in this story as he goes through the heartbreak of being a “single father”. No one thought (at least I didn’t) of what he would go through when the little girl, Saoirse, he raised as his own now lives with her mom and her husband next door. He is missing his sunshine. He has his friends to keep him busy! I look forward to the next part in this series that showcases the other bodyguards and the princes!
Profile Image for Gazelle.
811 reviews10 followers
January 30, 2023
I definitely recommend this book. I enjoyed the character and how they evolve throughout the story. The fact is I would sign up for a bodyguard like Colin! I think as we have met some of these characters in other series briefly, we finally get a better look at their full story and I didn’t want the book to end. This book touches on someone dealing with a family member with Alzheimer’s which definitely hit close to home for me as my grandmother dealt with Alzheimer’s before she died. I thought this was realistic and flowed well. It took me back to some of the things our family dealt with. I also read a couple comments that were on the release blurb about this being a curvy romance which made pay closer attention to that as I read. I don’t know that I have read many curvy romances but the comments made me really reflect about that aspect of the story. I think it was well written attribute of the character and realistic to something most woman go through. Hayden was a very beautiful person inside and out and the she was finally seen in every aspect of the word by Colin. The only way this book would have been more enjoyable would have been if it’d been an audiobook and someone could do the voices for me because the voices in my head do not do Colin (Irish) or the other men justice. I’ll be looking forward to seeing if it makes it to audiobook! If you’re looking for your next read this one will surely check one of your boxes as: bodyguard romance, forced proximity, grumpy-sunshine, curvy heroine, age-gap and so much more.
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,142 reviews74 followers
January 30, 2023
Sweetness, steaminess, and that wonderful wrap me up in ooooieee gooooieee feelings. That is what reading Erin Nicholas brings everytime I open one of her books and I love it!!

This book kept hitting me in all the different feels and throwing me for a loop on which feeling it was going to wring out of me next. Oh my heart, it was sooooo good.

Colin Daly works in security and used to be the bodyguard to Saoirse, the daughter of Fiona and a real little princess, but with a change in circumstances Colin is looking for another long term security position and it might just be Hayden Ross, an up and coming singer who might be the next big thing. However, Colin's desire for her could put a kink in that plan and not the kinky kind of kink.

Hayden Ross is the sweetest, kindest, and openly honest woman living on the planet. I adored her character and loved her not only with Colin but also with his entire crew. The brotherly bond between Colin, Henry, Jonah, and Cian was so sweet and fun, I loved how they all interacted with each other and more importantly with Hayden. It was the family bond she needed in her life.

There was some danger and mystery woven throughout this story...I mean Hayden does need a bodyguard to guard her body after all...but my favorite parts of the story always revolve around the deep emotions and the crying I constantly do right after fanning myself from the super steamy naked times. 
Profile Image for Heather Nobbs.
380 reviews
January 30, 2023
I seriously get a new book boyfriend every time I read an Erin Nicholas book and Colin is definitely in my top 3 of EN book boyfriends. But I am also loving Hayden(she is second behind Charlie,lol). From the first page I loved everything about Colin and also Hayden but holy cow these two together was perfection. I love how protective of Hayden Colin was but also how Hayden was so confident in herself and never second guessed herself. And can I just say the mouth on Colin!! Take that however you want ;).
I enjoyed having more of Henry, Cian, and Jonah and can not wait for their books. This is a found family and Ellie took all of them in as her own. And a trip to the bayou is not a trip until Ellie shows up. Loved this book so much and Colin(seriously that mouth!). Another fantastic book!!
Profile Image for Read All About It.
2,026 reviews23 followers
February 7, 2023
I’ve been waiting for Colin’s story. Love me a sexy Irishman. This one is a little more serious still full of humor and characters you just can’t get enough of. Same wonderful writing and story.

Colin Daly is kind of at a loss after his long time charges no longer need him.

“You are…incredible.” She swallowed hard. “I’m glad you think so.” “I don’t just think it. I feel it. In my soul.”

Hayden Ross has a stalker and when things escalate she call on her friends to help.

“She’s like sunshine. She's warm and bright. You just want to be near her. She makes the people around her open up and bloom.

There attraction is to strong to deny. He’s older and wiser. She’s sweet and a giver.

This small bayou town is my favorite place to visit with all its quirky residents, animals out the wazoo and Landry’s everywhere.

The Royals are coming next and I can’t wait.
2,732 reviews127 followers
January 25, 2023
Love and family, and the pursuit of one’s dreams.

Erin Nicholas’s Rocked Bayou, the third in her Badges of the Bayou series, reflects and expands on these long-running themes.

Colin Daly is a security specialist. Used to guarding a literal princess, he’s a bit at loose ends when said royalty is essentially demoted to regular ten-year-old. Hayden Ross is an up and coming singing sensation. She’s unfortunately acquired a bit of a stalker. And while Colin is more than happy to have his team at her disposal, he’s taking her protection very personally.

Erin Nicholas’s story is both hot and heartwarming, and full of her trademark humor and gentle wisdom. Love seeing Autre and the Landrys, living their best lives and making sure everyone else there does too!
Profile Image for Princess Thuy.
703 reviews9 followers
February 3, 2023
I absolutely loved everything about Rocked Bayou. Colin and Hayden were the cutest and hottest couple. Their chemistry was off the charts. Colin was the perfect alpha hero. Intense, broody, and take charge in a good way. I loved Hayden so much too. Her honesty and sweet nature were so great. Both Hayden and Colin were so freaking lovable. I loved them both so much. Rocked Bayou was a very great addition to Erin Nicholas' Bayou world. I always love my visits to Autre with everyone here. This story was fun, sexy, and emotional, and had a bit of action thrown in that made it so hard to put down until the very end. I highly recommend Rocked Bayou.

*I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book*
Profile Image for thespicybooknerd.
675 reviews21 followers
February 7, 2023
I could not love Colin and Hayden more! Colin is a bodyguard in search of his next job, and Hayden is an up and coming singer who finds herself in need of protection from a stalker. Colin and Hayden have spectacular chemistry right from the start, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop amongst their own self-made family. Plus, I welcome any opportunity to return to Autre, to the crazy and amazing Landry family, and, in particular, the sage wisdom of Ellie Landry. I am looking forward to what happens in the next book in the Badges of the Bayou series!

"I wasn't lying when I said that all it took was you saying my name to make me willing to do anything...for you...with you."
3,118 reviews
February 9, 2023
Colin was a bodyguard for a princess for ten years. He wants another long time job and he might get it. Hayden is a singer-songwriter and might just be his next big client and she has a stalker. Her stalker leaves some things in front of her apartment she goes to Colin. This is the first time meeting Colin but she knows his other employees, Henry and Jonah. She stays with them so they can protect her better and try and find this stalker. They start a relationship and when she meets with the music executives. His team is hired to be the security for a senator-to-be and he messes up but can he fix it with Hayden?

Excellent. I believe this might be my favorite. For those who cry...keep Kleenex nearby. I teared up several times. Both are sort of caregivers. Especially Hayden, she loves taking care of others. Both are beautiful and Colin is loyal and possessive. Hayden is curvy and sweet.

* Received a copy from Bookfunnel and voluntarily read and reviewed *
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.3k reviews537 followers
February 15, 2023
It was fun to see Colin smitten with Hayden right from the start. While I hated the trouble that Hayden ran into, I loved that she ended up in the bodyguard house for safety. Not only did it cement a relationship between Colin and Hayden, it gave Hayden something she was looking for...a home. She just jumped in and started taking care of everyone there and not in a bad way. It was just her nature, her love language and they all ate it up!

I loved that Ellie came to see Hayden to chat with her. As always Ellie manages to get a person to think about things they never did and that was the case with Hayden. I think that helped later on when Hayden had a really big choice to make. It was tough, but it was the right one for her. You just know she will excel in it!

On a side note, how cute was the talk that Colin had with Saoirse, about why she was troubled to learn what Fiona and Knox had planned. What a great girl to think like this!
Profile Image for Lynn Brooks.
3,502 reviews42 followers
February 1, 2023
Just when you thought Erin Nicholas couldn't possibly create a better book boyfriend for you than she already has ... the Queen Tantalizer is delivering a grumpy Irish hunk to steal your heart! The characters are addictive and the plot is heavy with drama, heart and attraction. I loved every single page!

Colin is divine and I adored him the minute he stepped on the pages with precocious Saoirse in Fiona and Knox's story. I loved seeing him find love and success.

Hayden is a sweetheart and such a great match for Colin. Her turmoil was an interesting aspect of the book ... both the unwanted attention as well as her need to be needed vs her newfound career.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a cast of characters that soon feel like old friends that always bring a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Fun filled, passionate and always addictive!
Profile Image for Kristy.
1,574 reviews18 followers
January 29, 2023
Colin, bodyguard extraordinaire, falls for Hayden, newly discovered singer/songwriter, in this steamy book on the bayou. The friendships that bloom between the security guys and Hayden are wonderful! Then there’s the fast developing romance between Colin and Hayden which burns fast and hot. They are both caregivers and find it hard to let the other pamper them. The suspense is minor, but well done. Glimpses into the future of the Landry clan and friends.
Profile Image for Amy.
1,468 reviews30 followers
May 3, 2023
“We’re alike. We do the same things for the people in our lives. We keep it all together.”

Rocked Bayou was full of the small town charm, delightful characters, intense chemistry and heartstopping emotions with a dash of suspense that I’ve come to expect from this author. I’ve been anxiously awaiting Colin’s story and he was worth the wait. Colin and Hayden were absolutely adorable and their story had so much heart.

“If someone was going to make her feel safe, calm her, soothe her, put himself between her and danger, it was going to be Colin.”

Hayden was pure sunshine. After being content to be on the sidelines in her family for her entire life, she’s finally stepping into the spotlight with her own career, but she’s drawn the attention of a stalker so she needs the help of Colin’s security agency to keep her safe. I loved Hayden and how she wasn’t afraid to speak her truth. She made herself vulnerable time and time again and wore her heart on her sleeve. She brought joy into everyone’s life, but she still felt that she wasn’t enough. Colin and her new friends help her realize what is truly important in her life.

“You make me feel...like having you around would be easier, not harder. That you would take care of me too. That you would make everything feel better.”

Colin was protective and growly and just yum. I absolutely loved Colin’s heart. He would go to any lengths to protect those he loves and nothing will get in his way. He’s possessive yet so tender and caring. We get some insight into how he’s feeling now that he’s no longer guarding Saoirse and it’s heartbreaking. He had essentially been her father and now he’s struggling with not being in her everyday life.

“No matter how good and happy I feel around the other guys, no matter how safe and supported they make me feel, I always would rather be with you.”

Both Colin and Hayden are caretakers. They like to make sure that their people are provided for and taken care of in any way that they can and are so perfectly matched. They understand one another and their blossoming relationship was so much fun to watch. The banter and chemistry that they had was electric and I loved how they supported one another.

I also listened to the audio of this title and it was FIRE!! Connor Crais is perfection as Colin. His accent is yummy and he does the growly protector character so, so well. Angelina Rocca narrates Hayden and I loved her. She really brings all of the emotions that Hayden feels to life. This is a duet narration which I absolutely love and I fell in love with this book all over again while listening to it.

“She seemed sweet, but she also seemed to give her whole heart to what she cared about. That's what he needed. Someone who could take him and his life on. Completely.”

Full of humor, heat, and so much heart with a bit of angst, Rocked Bayou is another great addition to this series. We get another fantastic couple in Hayden and Colin and get to revisit the Landrys and all their craziness once again. I’m so excited to see what’s in store for our favorite bodyguards and Royals next.
Profile Image for Queen B.
1,639 reviews33 followers
February 6, 2023
Oh Erin Nicholas, is there anything you write that I don’t love? Haven’t discovered it yet.

Rocked Bayou really hit me a lot harder than I anticipated. Somehow—and I should expect this by now—but Erin Nicholas always finds a way to take an easy, lighthearted story and add something deep and real.

What I thought would be a sexy bodyguard trope storyline, instead gave me all the feels and made me cry in a good way. There were so many good things about Rocked Bayou, I’m just going to make a list.

~plus-size representation with body positivity
~bossy and protective hero
~found family trope
~really hot sex scenes
~third act break-up that makes the couple stronger

I just adored Colin and Hayden, in different ways. Colin is protective, yet floundering in his new life, while Hayden is nurturing but looking for her musical dream. Their coming together felt a little quick, but that didn’t make it feel any less real.

I’m becoming more and more invested in these bodyguards and I’m ready for all of them to find their HEA. Erin Nicholas, take all my money.
Profile Image for Melenareads .
3,289 reviews78 followers
February 7, 2023
If Erin Nicholas writes it, I'm going to read it. Her books are always the perfect mix of fun, humor, sweet/swoony, and steamy. Rocked Bayou, Colin and Hayden's story, was all that and more!

From the moment when they literally run into each other there's major chemistry between them. I love the mix of tropes here with bodyguard and fake relationship. All that time together gave them the chance to really connect and get to know one another. It was easy to see the fake part of the relationship wouldn't last too long.

The writing is easy to read and engaging, and I love all the Bayou series that Erin has written. You could jump in with this book as a standalone, but I highly recommend all of her Bayou books. The world is so much fun with a great cast of characters you will love.

Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,071 reviews52 followers
February 8, 2023
'Wanna play Snow White and the Four Not Dwarves'

The bigger they are the harder they fall and Colin falls from one breath to the next, our favourite Irish giant is brought to his knees by a gorgeous, curvy goddess with a huge heart. I love that whilst Hayden may sing like an angel, what really fills her soul is caring for others. All the 'little' details that others miss are the ones that Hayden supplies, the little details create the bigger picture and complete Hayden.
Every visit to Autre is a little crazy and Colin's crazy includes Cian, Jonah and Henry, they are like mischievous, rambunctious children but they steal your heart as they welcome you into their family.
746 reviews
February 1, 2023
I have been waiting for Colin’s book since we meet him in Kiss My Giraffe. First, who can resist an Irish accent, in addition to a bodyguard. When Hayden shows up looking for Henry after receiving a gift from a stalker, Colin knows he won’t be able to keep his distance. I love how both Colin and Hayden are both caretakers. This is a great story with lots of steamy parts in addition we get an update on things happening in Autre.
Profile Image for Gladys.
13.9k reviews162 followers
January 29, 2023
You are going to love Colin and Hayden so much. Sweet, funny, cute, emotional, heart melting, steamy, a bit suspenseful, a little dramatic, and endlessly swoon worthy, this couple had me falling hard as I basked in The Feels they inspired. These characters were so genuine and honest. I could deeply relate to both of them on a very personal level and that made me powerfully invested in them and their HEA. So much so that I feel they have become my favorite couple of this series and trust me, that is really saying something because the Autre world is chock full of steal your heart, make you swoon super couples. this is my freely posted, frank review.
Profile Image for Jezabel Nightingale.
Author 8 books43 followers
February 23, 2023
When you need a 'pick-me-up' read, Erin Nicholas will never disappoint! Colin was so swoon-worthy and Hayden was a delight. But Bill stole the show. The portrayal of Alzheimers was beautifully done and used to show such wonderful traits of our two main characters.

Five easy stars!
511 reviews17 followers
January 29, 2023
I loved this story. I laughed out loud, cried a few tears, and just loved it. Colin and Hayden have so much chemistry, and they can read each other so well. Tough topics and tough choices are handled so well by author Erin Nicholas, and oh, the future looks bright - and full of more great stories!
Profile Image for Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog).
5,866 reviews210 followers
February 7, 2023


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Colin's been a bit adrift since his long tenure as Princess Saoirse's bodyguard came to an end. Now he's started his own security company with a few friends/colleagues, and is just looking for that big client to get their business rolling. Then Harley comes along and Colin's long held attraction to her simply cannot be contained. She's going to be living in his house, and they're pretending they're a couple, to keep her stalker at bay. Forced confines and fake is about to combine into a very hot situation!



Hayden's stalker has scared her one too many times, so she's seeking help from Henry. She gets his roommate/friend/colleague, Colin, instead, and it's a good thing. She feels instantly safe with the bossy Irish hottie, moving into his home and just hoping he can protect her and find her stalker at the same time. She didn't have any way of knowing that their fake relationship would become very real and that she'd hand her heart over to him. Will he keep it safe along with her life?

Small town shenanigans, a seriously bossy, protective Irishman, a sunshiney sweetheart who keeps her man on his toes and on his knees, and hot chemistry. I've been loving this spinoff series set in Autre, all the protective men, and the sassy women who keep these men in check. Hayden is absolutely the star of this story, the perfect foil for grumpy but tender inside Colin, and the over arching storyline of her stalker just sets them up to fall in love. I love this couple, and am dying with impatience for more of this series.



ARC provided by author for an honest review.
Ebook also purchased through Amazon.


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Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews869 followers
February 8, 2023
Rocked Bayou is the third installment in Erin Nicholas’s Badges of the Bayou series and features Colin, a bodyguard with no body to guard anymore and Hayden, an up and coming singer/songwriter headed to greatness. This is an age-gap (He is 30 she is 23), close proximity, insta-lust/love romance filled with fun, food, and found family and it absolutely rocked.

Colin is at a crossroads in his life; after spending 10 years guarding Saoirse, from the moment she was born, and helping her mother Fiona raise her, Fiona is married and no longer in direct line to the throne of Cara and Colin’s job is no more. He’s out of sorts, he misses all the time he spent with Saoirse and Fiona and while he has the group of men that are both related to Fiona and those that also spent time guarding them in his life his purpose is no more. So when he gets a call late one night on his colleague’s phone and it is Hayden, a singer they provided temporary security for, Colin is ready to jump into action and in doing so he winds up injuring Hayden and being way closer to her than he ever dreamed possible. I loved their unusual meet cute and the immediate reaction they had to each other being in such close proximity.

The last thing Hayden expects when she’s sitting on the steps of her friend Henry’s house is to be tumbling down the stairs after being slammed into and landing on top of a man. Scared out of her mind from finding gifts and a note from the guy who has been stalking her, she does the only thing she can think of and screams. Once she realizes it’s Colin she’s a bit embarrassed and a whole lot interested.

I enjoyed this couple, they had a lot in common in that they are genuine caretakers of those they love but they had very different personalities which kept things interested. I appreciated the background development on both of them as I felt this allowed the reader to understand where they were coming from and what was important in their lives.

This story was multi faceted and there was never a dull moment; there was laughter, teasing, tears, words of wisdom, and a whole lot of love. Things are changing for some of the people we’ve grown to love and I’m pretty excited to see where Ms. Nicholas takes them.

Entertaining, fun, with a bit of suspense thrown in for good measure; Rocked Bayou was a delight to read.

Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,541 reviews52 followers
February 7, 2023
Autre, Louisiana is now on my bucket list! Between the Landry Men, The O'Grady's and assorted friends there are more than enough hotties for one small town!

Colin has spent his entire career looking after Fiona and Siorcha. Now that they are in the very grumpy but capable hands of Knox, he's feeling almost like a spare part. He knows they still love him but they don't need him. So time to concerntrate on his new security business. But a late night phone call from a female looking for Henry gets all his protective buttons pushed.

Hayden has always been the invisible glue that held her sporty family together. She just gets things done and now its time for her. She's been spotted by a music manager but sadly that comes with a side of stalker! Cian and Henry have been like brothers to her and she knows she can rely on them to keep her safe. But Colin? He has all the signs that he can not only keep her safe but also break her heart!

Colin feels like a dirty old man when he has feelings for Hayden but he's really only 7 years older! Hayden certainly doesn't think he's taking advantage of her and neither do any of their scheming friends. I loved the layers to the book as we not only get the romance but also get a hint at the future Royals books and also get to see a lot of the Autre extended Landry clan.

Colin and Hayden both have a need to nurture and protect. Similarly they both have been taken for granted by their nearest and dearest. Always there to help out, administer their needs and as the occasion rises bake cookies!

Colin is perfect as the grumpy, protective, possessive, dirty talking hero and Hayden is the shining light of happiness. Don't let her domestic goddess fool you though - she's a task master and won't be walked over by anyone.

Sweet, supersmexy and snarky.

PS Cian is possibly the biggest toddler in the world LOL
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