Book Review: Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake

Author: Lexi Blake

Title: Bayou Beauty

Series: Butterfly Bayou #4

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: paperbook

Pages: 336

Published: July 27, 2021

Where I Got It: My shelf (WalMart)

Summary: 

Sylvie Martine was prepared to take Washington D.C. by storm, but she put that dream on hold when her beloved hometown of Papillon, Louisiana, needed her most. Now Sylvie's the mayor of the tiny town on the bayou that holds her heart. But for Sylvie, this can only be a pit stop on the way to bigger and better things. The last thing she needs is an old love to resurface and threaten her goals.

Rene Darois's whole life has been about serving his family--no matter how much it hurts. He's used to sacrificing for his large extended family and the company his grandfather created. But he can't believe the latest demand: he needs to find a wife and quick or he could lose it all. It would be a horrible situation. But he has just the solution: his high school sweetheart. Sylvie is everything he wants in a wife--smart, funny, and caring--and he planned to woo her anyway.

Now he just has to convince Sylvie that their love is worth it all, or he and the bayou will lose her forever.

Review:

Been wanting to read this one for a bit but it wasn't at my library. Randomly found it at WalMart a few months ago so I grabbed it. Why not?

Here we follow Sylvie and Rene. Sylvie was ready to take DV by storm, but she put that dream on hold to come back home to Papillon. They needed a mayor and she stepped into the role. This is just a pitstop though and she doesn't plan to stick around long. Rene has spent his whole life serving his family especially after his father passed away. He is used to sacrificing for his family and the company his grandfather created. The last demand, though, may push him over the edge...they want him to marry or he may not get the votes he needs to keep his seat as CEO and head of the family. Lucky for him Sylvie is back. She is everything he wants in a wife, but he'll have to convince her of that. 

I loved Rene and Sylvie from the previous books. But this does well as a standalone. You really don't have to read the others. I encourage you to do though...they are good. 

Sylvie and Rene grew up together. Rene is friends with her brother. Rene and Sylvie did have a mini fling, but Rene let her go so she could finish college and go live her dreams in the big world while he was stuck in Papillon to take over the company. Poor guy always feels like he has to put what he wants to the side for the "greater good". Dang that family of his!!!!

This was a blended trope....second chance-fake relationship hybrid. I am all about it! Made me cheer harder when they decided they loved each other. I awwwed so much during the scene when they realized it is love and didn't care what the world thought. 

I also cheered when two other characters finally could be honest! Yayy!

This was good. Probably the best one of the series. We had a jerk baddie who is trying to take Rene down. We have some drama. A splash of comedy. Love and a happily ever after. Can't ask for more. This series needs to be made into Hallmark movies FOR sure. Love that town. 

In the end, I really enjoyed this one. It is my favorite of the series so far. Love Rene and Sylvie. They deserve all the happiness and love the world can offer. Can't wait to start the next one! 5 stars from me.