Bayou Tonight

Badges of the Bayou #0.5

by Erin Nicholas

A prequel to Gotta Be Bayou, book one in the Badges of the Bayou series

She’s so not his type. But he’s been thinking about her for almost a year now.

He needs to figure out a way to get over her.

Though kissing her at their friends’ wedding probably isn’t it…

FBI agent Spencer Landry is looking for a sweet, bubbly sunshine at home to balance out all the darkness he sees in his work.

Investigative journalist Max Keller is anything but.

Oh, she’s gorgeous, and funny, and smart. But she’s also quirky and sarcastic, loves crime scenes, and can’t bake a brownie to save her life.

They’re never going to work out.

He really should stop kissing her.

So this will be the last time.

Maybe.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Short Stories, Rom Com, Ebooks, Amazon

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 3, 2022

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

[Darcy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one did it's job, setting up the main book for Max and Spencer. Spencer really dug himself a hole in this one, it will be interesting to see how he gets himself out and wins over Max.

[Whit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short! Sassy! Spicy!!!
FYI - Read this sequel FIRST!!!!!

WOW! FBI Agent Spencer Landry and Investigative Journalist Max Keller, have nothing in common except solving homicides and dissecting all of the reasons why they should not date!!!! This book is hilarious because Spencer is in serious denial about how he really feels about Max. The shocking and suspenseful ending of this short novella proves exactly that!

Moving on to book # 1; GOTTA BE BAYOU!

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, flirty and sexy prequel to Gotta Be Bayou. Despite being short, the story was well written, includes three dimensional characters and an engaging storyline. We get to see the overwhelming chemistry between Max and Spencer and get hints of the potential relationship issues. I snort laughed through the brownie and casserole conversation. And of course now I’m going to read their novel to see what happens next.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Spencer and Max

Romance trope: opposites attract
Series: Badges of the Bayou
Length: 71 pages

Plot: Spencer knows that Max isn't right for him, but she's the one woman he can't get out of his mind. She doesn't make casseroles or bake brownies or have pets, but for some reason, he still wants her. She doesn't understand his need for those things, but she enjoys him and his crime scene photos, so she's happy to spend more time with him until they have to part ways. He hasn't forgotten her one bit though and when he thinks she's in danger, he'll be the first one there.

Commentary: I've read something from this author before and it's the exact same feeling in both - funny, but in a quirky rather than overt one-liner sort of way. I'm here for it. The weird things about the characters make me want to come back for more. I really need to know if Max will ever make enchiladas or if Spencer will accept her crow ruby.

Next book in the series: Gotta Be Bayou

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why do I want you so much?

Max doesn't bake cookies.....
She doesn't cook enchiladas, or anything else...
She doesn't have a pet....
She doesn't have a normal job....
She is sassy and feisty, not happy, quiet and docile....

All of those things are a must on Spencer's list but he struggles to remember as he kisses....
and touches...
and kisses...
licks....
kisses....
smells.....
kisses......her again, and again and again...just to be sure!

I love befuddled and confused Spencer, he is usually so straight laced and serious but Max ruffles him with hilarious results. A great prequel to the new spin off series, I look forward to the rest of Max and Spencer's story.
I read this as a free download.

[Laci Rambo · Rating 3 out of 5]

The MMC is handing out red flags at this point. It’s not a good start when I get introduced to a drunk, horny, and possessive man who has a misogynistic view of relationships. BUT… this story has great potential. Spencer hasn’t redeemed himself yet, in my POV, but I can totally see this playing out really well. I understand this is just a short, prequel to Gotta Be Bayou. It was meant to tease you and entice you to pick up the next book. I must admit, I am intrigued. Goodreads doesn’t do half ratings, but I really want to give this book 3.5 stars.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great prequel to Spencer & Max’s story. They’ve got great chemistry & it’s a little hilarious that Spencer keeps saying she’s not his type but he can’t stop thinking about her. Can’t wait to read their story.

[aryanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

i'm confused on the need for this prequel, especially because max and spencer have already met in this, but i'm guessing it'll get cleared up in the book

anyways i looove max, but 3 stars for me bc spencer is annoying

[Paula Garstang · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a good book. Really glad I read it and it definitely sets you up for the first book in the series. Love the characters, even though the main male character seems to be obsessed with brownies and baking 😂. Would definitely recommend reading before you head into the series.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (9/7/2022)! 🎁

[Jenn Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! It's a great start to Spencer and Max's story. The back and forth is fantastic, along with the fire between them I'm ready to dig in to the rest of their story!

[Sammy Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

18+

The first quarter of the book was a bit difficult for me to get into, but by the end of it, I ended up loving it and wanting more. The ending was a good mystery leading to the full-length, stand-alone, HEA (Happily Ever After) Gotta be Bayou though.

The story begins with FBI Special Agent Landry as a drunken mess from Leo Landry's moonshine, outside of a bar making out with Investigative Journalist Max Keller, and just making a fool out himself. During the makeout sesh, he is babbling on and on and on and on about whether or not she likes cooking, or if she has pets. It was sooo cringe-worthy and I debated whether or not to put it down. The beginning was extremely rough for me and in this drunken state, his behavior really turned me off. It seemed Special Agent Landry attempted to explain what kind of home lifestyle he wanted, but wasn't able to articulate it while being under the influence (reasonable, so totally get it), and it ended up being a shit show. There were a few moments on page 17 where he continues to babble on about wanting to find a certain type of girlfriend and here is a snip it of the conversation:

Max (investigative journalist he's currently making out with) seemed to think about what he'd said for a moment. Then she said, "But you don't cook."
"No, but my girlfriends do."
She clearly did not have a response for that.
Spencer wasn't sure what to say in the follow-up.
He was currently single. That had been true for about a month. His mom had saved him by cooking for him several times, but he'd been going out to restaurants, and he had resorted to some takeout and delivery.
But it wasn't nearly as good.
He should probably hire a housekeeper or an assistant or just someone to stop by at the end of the day and put dinner in the oven for him. He could do that, he supposed.

This is supposed to be a GROWN ADULT and an FBI agent. For me it sounds like he's a teenager who can't take care of his basic needs (like cooking), but requires his girlfriend to cook for him when can't even fend for himself. Maybe it's just a personal ick of mine, but this is supposed to be an FBI Special Agent... and this is how we are introduced to his character. So of course it turned me off in the beginning. I get what he wants or was trying to try to say but.. it was bad. And to make matters worse, this entire thing... this entire cringe conversation and inner monologue... takes place DURING THE ENTIRE make-out session with someone he hasn't even seen in almost a year!! Somehow he's obsessed with her, is constantly thinking about her, and questions whether or not she would make "the perfect girlfriend" for him basically. She clearly shows no interest in being his girlfriend and he ends up pissing her off. So she bounces. She gets a taxi to go home alone and has verbalized she did not want him to go with her. What does drunken Special Agent Landry do?

He goes back inside the bar to yell for his brother Wyatt. He convinces his brother to follow Max back to her townhouse and just sits there for a minute to make sure she is home. His mind spirals into jealousy thinking about her being with someone else, but is convinced not to do anything futher so that was kind of the end of it? There was really no point further in the story to as of why that needed to happen because literally the next day, he goes back to her townhouse to apologize to her for his behavior. Nor does he show futher stalkerish or obsessive behaviour in the story, so I'm confused to as of why it was there? Unless I'm missing something from Bayou Tonight being a shorter version and it might expand on that in the fuller length, stand-alone Gotta Be Bayou? I don't know.

So after that mess, it does gradually become more bearable. From the beginning of the story, Max clearly does not show interest in arguing if she would make a perfect girfriend for him or not, and the next day they still continue on about it. The same kind of conversation goes on for 44 entire pages. It took 44 pages just for her to answer his questions to yes, she did have a pet/go into more details. From this point, the entire conversation was based on if she cooked or if she had pets. It took 44 pages out of 71 just to have a turning point, and we finally get an insight to who, or how Max is. I feel like the entire 44 pages could be summed up into a few sentences - "Special Agent Landry is obsessed with wanting investigate journalist Max to be his girlfriend but it is not a match. He cannot get over her, she has a hidden desire for him as well, they give in to those desires, and finally fuck. - that's basically the entire half of the book.

I will admit the moment with the food kinda made me chuckle. For entertainment purposes it's funny to me, but on a realistic point, I would be a bit upset if someone did what Max did. I'm also in love with the crows, I think that is absolutely fantastic. I love the dark, sultry, mysterious, crime-loving vibe to Max. Which is the opposite end of what Landry is searching for. So I love the possibility of Max opening up more doors for Landry, and if it's done correctly, I believe good be a real good banger.

The sexual scenes were pretty good as well. I loved there was a good balance between dialogue and descriptive imagery of what was going on. When I found out what they were fucking on, I was like - op. Maybe.. Meh. Is this kinda hot? I think I kinda like this. - so that was interesting. One part of their encounter that I found hot was on page 75.

"Fuck, woman. You're going to kill me."
She arched a brow. "What am I doing?"
"Rushing. I'm not even getting a good look. Not to mention a good taste."

OP!!! Got me blushing and all kinds of shit over here. So, the spicyness is definitely a hit for me. Once upon giving in to their desires, I feel that is when the book started to take off. It was a messy beginning, but it felt like it matured in the better half. Seeing the story progress was a win for me. Transitioning into the ending was a perfect balance and the mystery goes unsolved. Until the next book.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a prequel to a book I have a physical copy of so I read this one first on kindle to be fully informed for the actual book I have and honestly if I didn’t have the actual book I probably wouldn’t bother continuing this series. I don’t like the weird third person narrative that’s it’s written in it was confusing to me because sometimes it’s written in first person and other times not but it’s also hard to tell if it’s the female or male character in the first person narration. Idk. But I will read the next one. Honestly so far Spencer seems like a huge asshole with his beliefs about wanting to be with a woman who cooks and loves dogs and all the weirdo shit he said to Max. If I was Max no way would I have slept with him or kept hanging around him he was being so obnoxious and his views on women are so lame it doesn’t matter that you acknowledge their misogynistic they still are weird and offensive. Also this prequel is super confusing because there’s an opening part where they meet for the first time then it cuts off super abruptly then you’re thrown way into the future and don’t really know the history between these two characters and then once again you’re left on a cliffhanger for the actual book.

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

BAYOU TONIGHT is the prequel short story to Erin Nicholas’ contemporary, adult GOTTA BE BAYOU erotic, romance story line focusing on journalist Maxine ‘ Max’ Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Landry, the first instalment in the author’s new BADGES OF THE BAYOU-a spin off from the author’s BOYS OF THE BAYOU GONE WILD. Max was first introduced in book five SAY IT LIKE YOU MANE IT

NOTE: BAYOU TONIGHT was first released in the multi-authored anthology TEN FIRST DATES.

Told from third person perspectives BAYOU TONIGHT focuses on journalist Maxine ‘Max‘ Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Landry. One year earlier, Max Keller and FBI Agent Spencer Max met when Max began investigating a case of importing exotic animals.Max and Spencer would reconnect at a mutual friend’s wedding where Spencer would discover he had nothing in common with our story line heroine but a hungover Spencer will eventually offer an apology in the form of a cold case where our couple would begin to investigate anew.

BAYOU TONIGHT sets the back story and foundation for Spencer Landry and Maxine Keller’s love story. The premise is fast and furious; the $ex scenes are intimate and seductive.

Www.thereadingcafe.com

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This quick read gave me a fun little taste of what’s to come with Max and Spencer’s story. The writing was sharp and entertaining, and I actually found myself laughing out loud at a few moments, especially Spencer’s hilarious list of what he wants in a woman. Of course, Max is the complete opposite of everything on that list… which only makes their chemistry that much more irresistible.

For me personally, the spice was a bit more graphic than I prefer, and I ended up skimming through some of those scenes. It also just happened way too fast for me, especially when they aren't even sure they like each other yet. With that said, the storyline itself was a strong start, and I really enjoyed the banter and dynamic between the characters.

If you’re looking for a fun, well-written read with plenty of steam and laugh-out-loud moments, Bayou Tonight definitely delivers. I may still pick up the next book in the series because I loved the concept and want to see where their journey goes!

[JJ Cornette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spencer is an idiot. And now he knows it. Bayou Tonight is a prequel to the first book in the Badges of the Bayou series. We've first met Max and Spencer in their appearance in the Boys of the Bayou Gone Wild series. While they were just introduced and secondary characters then, their chemistry leapt off the page. Well now we get to see just how hot these two are, and boy do we!! But since this is a prequel obviously it doesn't end with a HEA. Nope. Spencer is an idiot. He thinks he knows exactly what he wants in a partner and Max doesn't hit any of those boxes. That doesn't stop their chemistry, thank goodness!! So be prepared to read just how hot these two are. And then make sure you pick up "Gotta Be Bayou" so you can continue and watch Spencer realize just what an idiot he is and how Max is perfect just as she is for him.

[Pat Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An undomesticated woman

Max laughs when her colleague Spencer claims to long for a woman just like his mother, cooking divine meals which fill the house with the aroma of delicious food.
She simply orders in, while discussing crime scenes in graphic detail. He claims she is completely wrong for him, and she agrees. She does not bake cookies, then orders heavenly chocolate chip cookies.
I did not like his sexist attitude. Their mind-blowing fornication might be socially acceptable but its still morally wrong. Soul-ties are very real, so why is he surprised that he can't get her out if his mind?

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and sexy introduction to Spencer and Max. Although we met these two in 'Kiss My Giraffe' I absolutely loved this flirty, hot, and short "first date". While Spencer is adorable in the realization that he may be an alpha-hole with his list of girlfriend requirements, he at least has the understanding that he should apologize. Even though Max doesn't fit even one of his criteria, he just can't stop thinking about her... what happens when he apologizes... well, read and find out!!!! This short story is continued to their HEA in 'Gotta Be Bayou'!

[Jessie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always look forward to a new release from this author!

I’m back in Louisiana with a big smile on my face.
Max, an investigative reporter and Spencer, an FBI special agent are not meant to be together. She’s not the type of woman he wants a relationship with once she answers his questions after having a little too much moonshine. But they are attracted to each other and he just can’t stop thinking about her, even when she drives him crazy. Loved this novella because it gave me a hint that things are going to be very hot in the bayou with these two!!

[Gazelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how I didn’t review this book when I read it. I absolutely love Max and Spencer! This prequel got me excited to see what happened next with two of my favorite side characters finally getting their own story! When you have an idea of what you want in the “perfect relationship/partner” only to realize that when you find that perfect person your must have list changes. Since I’m reviewing this late their book is out and I’ve already read it too so you won’t have to wait, you can jump right into to the series!

[Anna-Marie Buchner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bayou Tonight is the Prequel to Gotta be Bayou

Okay wasn't sure what to expect but it sure wasn't Spencer acting like a jerk. OMG you have to laugh at him. He certainly shouldn't get drunk and make out with a girl. What came out of his mouth I didn't know whether I wanted to slap him or laugh my butt off. Max didn't help much. Okay I'm seriously curious how this will play out. Max according to Spencer is so not his type. If you ask me he thinks he wants a Momma. But Max is probably what he really needs. LOL

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back to read this after seeing that the author noted in the beginning of Book 1 that the prequel should be read first. Honestly, this was boring and I wasn't a fan of Spencer. I've already started the next book and still not a fan of him (meaning that book will probably be a DNF). He was too much of a male chauvinist, even if he didn't want to label himself as that. The dialogue between them was stilted and again, boring. Maybe this is just a 'it's me, not you' situation since I'm obviously in the minority.

[Marybeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! A new Erin Nicholas series set in the Bayou. Love it! This teaser sets the stage for Gotta Be Bayou which comes out September 13th. Love the dynamic and banter between Spencer and Max. Max is such a spitfire and so not Spencer's type in any way but physical attraction. Spencer wants a woman who is in no way like Max. But can they somehow work through their differences? It's going to be interesting to see what happens next for them.

[Janeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opposites attract
Enemies to lovers

They couldn’t be more wrong for each other, but for some reason Max & Spencer have enough chemistry to set a high rise on fire. And they can’t seem to get enough of each other.

Such a great introduction to this new Badges of the Bayou series. Ms. Nicholas does an amazing job of giving you just enough banter, snark and drama to make you chomp at the bit for more.

[Serenechaosnyc · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a short and adorable prequel to Gotta Be Bayou. It sets the stage as to the wonderful chemistry between Spencer Landry and Max Keller and I was so excited to finally get Spencer's story! and what a wonderful one (Gotta Be Bayou is a must read!!) The list that Spencer has detailing the specs for his perfect woman is hilarious, made even more so by how badly Max fits in. But they are truly perfectly imperfect for each other!

[Susanne M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Weird yet satisfying

Check list, 1. Bake, 2 cook 3.....ummm let's try, pets? Kissing not on the list yet when they do..... fireworks. Spencer thinks she's weird but oh so satisfying and unforgettable. A short prelude to introduce Max and Spencer where you get some back info on them and the action yet to come. No cheating and definitely worth reading before Gotta Be Bayou. Enjoy 🤓

[Jennie Fortna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bayou Tonight is book .5 in the Badges of the Bayou by Erin Nicholas. 4.5 stars

This prequel is about Spencer and Max’s first meeting and how it leads into the book Gotta Be Bayou! You really don’t want to miss this book filled with hot chemistry, snark and all the underlying current between them…

[Shelly Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such A Tease! Bus OH so goo!

I have discovered Erin Nicholas in the last few months and her books NEVER disappoint! This was just a prologue but dang it was good! I am heading back to Amazon now to purchase the rest of Max and Spencer’s story! This is definitely a MUST READ, friends. Go grab your copy now!

[Whispers From · Rating 5 out of 5]

short but very good

A short introduction to Gotta be Bayou. Spencer is a FBI agent and has very specific ideas to what kind of girlfriend he wants. Max is a reporter and doesn’t cook or bake. These are important to Spencer but still goes back to Max.

Will definitely have to read Gotta be Bayou. Sex. A cold case.

[Donna Rutledge · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this short book about Spencer and Max. Spencer is looking for someone to make a life with. He wants her to bake brownies, Lasagna, and cookies to take away his dark edges from work but Max can do none of those things. Still Spencer can't stay away from Max.

At the wedding Spencer ends up kissing Max and more. But he still can't see her in his life.