Audiobook Review: Bayou Sweetheart by Lexi Blake

Author: Lexi Blake

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Title: Bayou Sweetheart

Series: Butterfly Bayou #5

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: July 26, 2022

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he's taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.

Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She's committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy she keeps running into. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.

When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes their budding relationship will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.

Review:

Yayyy! Back to Papillon! I love this town. I love these people. 

Here we have the sheriff and the actress. They find love but is it really meant to be? Major (yes that is his first name) returned home to take care of his aging father and he accepted the deputy position. He's dabbled in the dating scene but no one seems to stick. He's about to give up on love when Brynn comes to town in her first lead in a major film. She is trying to transition from a child star to a leading lady. Romance is the last thing she wants but she can't get her mind off of Major after she saves him. 

Major and Brynn are sooo sooo sweet. I loved, loved, LOVED their meet-cute. Adoraaaablllleeee.

But yesss, they both love their families so much. This made me so sad especially with Major's papa. Dementia/Alzheimer's is tragic. I felt so bad for Brynn especially when we learn the backstory of why/how she was put into the limelight as a kid. Like I get it, but man.....being a kid in that industry isn't great. 

Loved seeing old couples make appearances but I do think this would do okay as a standalone. You won't know the backstory but it does fine. The author gives you enough. 

There is a big fight between Brynn and Major but it made sense and it was resolved easily enough. I do wish we would've seen a touch more of their rekindling or more of the epilogue. Sure there is one more book so we might get to see these guys and the aftermath. We shall see. 

I did the narration this time around...but tbf....reading the text is just as enjoyable. The narrator is great. Her voices are perfect for everyone. 

All-in-all, I did really enjoy this. Loved our H/h and their meet-cute. This was funny and heartwarming and made me tear up. All the feels. The narrator was good. I do wish there was a touch more at the end. I'll give this 4 stars. 

 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #38

- Library Love #21

- Romance Reading Challenge #22 (Small town)

Audiobook Review: Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake

Author: Lexi Blake

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Title: Bayou Dreaming

Series: Butterfly Bayou #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 1, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Roxanne King left the big city looking for a simpler life, but after years of proving herself on a SWAT team in New York City, being deputy in a sleepy Louisiana parish is something of an adjustment. She's settling in, but she knows she made some mistakes in the beginning--Zep Guidry being the worst of them. Zep drifts through life on his looks and Cajun charm. Roxie learned the hard way he's not for her.

Zep is a man who knows what he wants, and what he wants is Roxie. He's just not sure how to get her. They spent one hot night together a year before and now all the lovely deputy seems interested in doing to him is arresting him. He's not used to a woman he can't charm, but Roxie seems immune. He's determined to win her back by any means necessary. Including becoming the kind of man she desires.

And when Roxie's past comes calling, it might be the opportunity Zep needs to show Roxie that the town bad boy might just be the man of her dreams.

Review:

Whoops. I realized I read in the wrong order. I read book 4 before this one. Luckily, I didn't even notice. Heck, I didn't even notice when I was reading this one. Yayy there. 

Here we follow Roxie and Zep. Roxie was once a big-time NYC cop who left the city to become a deputy in this small Louisiana town. It's been a huge adjustment. She has made some mistakes in the beginning like sleeping with Zep...the town's charmer. Zep drifts through life on his looks and charms. However, Zep is much more than that. He had put his life on hold for his family. Zep has had feelings for Roxie for a while...even well after their one-night stand. He's determined to win her back and an opportunity pops up unexpectedly and he's going to jump on it. 

Awww they are the perfect couple and you can tell right away. It takes some time. Zep has a reputation and Roxie can't afford to trust her heart again. They fall into a fake relationship when her parents pop up unexpectedly and she had lied saying she has a BF to avoid her mother's scrutiny. Eee. 

I loved the blend of tropes fake relationships with second chances and a splash of bad boy as a cherry on top. It was nicely done! They both caught the feels but it took a lot of time and it felt natural. 

Spoiler, but not spoiler, I'm glad we got to see Roxie start working on her relationship with her family. They aren't bad people and they do love her, but they have treated her badly. Ugh that mother. I GET that her heart is in the right place, but...what? Sighs. 

Ooo! And that puppy!? Oh stop my heart so cute. 

I did enjoy the fact that we really didn't have any baddies running around. Just some people that are sort of shitty like Roxie's ex, but they aren't evil (minus Roxie's ex-boss but we didn't get to see him...just heard stories). It was refreshing. Everyone just wants what they think is good for Roxie. 

The narrator was fantastic. I had missed doing the narration! I have a physical copy of book 4. Yes, I enjoyed it quite a bit but this narrator is great. Sooo reading or doing audio works which is always a plus. 

Overall, this was really good. Nice character....a cute puppy....romance....splash of comedy....and a not crazy drama-filled romance. Def one of my faves of the series. 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook Challenge - #7

- Romance Reading Challenge - #4 (Animal on cover)

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. 

Audiobook Review: Bayou Baby by Lexi Blake

Author: Lexi Blake

Narrator: Jessica Almasy

Title: Bayou Baby

(Butterfly Bayou #2)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 319

Published: August 25th 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Seraphina Guidry loves Butterfly Bayou. A young, single mom, she’s trying to find a place for herself in the town she cherishes, but past mistakes have made her wary. She adores her son but has sworn off men. She's dedicated herself to restoring a historic house and building her own business. A quiet life is all she wants.

Harrison Jefferys never expected to find himself in small-town Louisiana, but he has a job to do and a family to reconnect with. After years in the Army, he’s happy to spend time with his Aunt Celeste and his cousins in such an idyllic spot. When he meets Seraphina, he starts to think Papillion might be a great place to call home. But a secret from Sera’s past rears its head and threatens to tear the community apart.

 

Caught between the woman he’s coming to love and the only family he has left, Harry knows he has to follow his heart and with the help of the crazy, loving, meddling locals find a way to keep them both.

Review:

I want that puppy! And I want that porch! I am in love with the cover and this book. 

In book 2, we are back in Butterfly Bayou. We follow Seraphina who is a single mom who is trying to find her way in this small town. However, things are not easy with her past mistakes still getting in the way. She adores her son and doesn't have time for dating. After her aunt dies, she's dedicated herself to restoring the historic house and maybe building her own business. When Harrison comes to town Sera finds herself having issues staying away from him. Harrison never expected to find himself in this small town, but he wants to reconnect with the only family he has left. He's happy to spend time with his Aunt Celeste and his cousins but he is drawn to Sera who has secrets and Aunt Celeste hates her because of what she did.

I liked book 1 but I LOVED this one. This had the perfect blend of small town, drama, love, and comedy. This would be the perfect Hallmark movie ;) 

Harrison was adorable and I loved him. I loved Sera too. They were perfect for each other and it was beautiful to see them fall in love. 

What I loved was that we have our two lovebirds, but there is a third character that we get to see grow and fix her broken heart. Aunt Celeste could be labeled as the antagonist and she does wear that hat here and there, but she is much more than that and she wears many hats. I really loved the ending scene on the porch between Aunt Celeste and Sera. It brought tears to my eyes. Tears of sadness and joy. Such a beautiful scene!!

Can I just say it melted my cold heart seeing the dog and baby interact? It was adorable!!!

The narrator was fantastic and fit perfect. 

In the end, I really LOVED THIS BOOK. I adored book 1, but this one was even better. Not only do we have a love story between two great characters but we also get to watch a heart-broken woman find her way to peace. The dog and the baby were cute cherries on top! You could get away with reading this as a standalone, but I do recommend book 1 as well.

I shall stamp this with 5 stars. 

Challenge(s):
- #28 for Audiobook challenge

Audiobook Review: Butterfly Bayou by Lexi Blake

Author:  Lexi Blake

Narrator:  Jessica Almasy

Title: Butterfly Bayou

(Butterfly Bayou #1)

Genre: Chick Lit, Contemporary Romance, Suspense

Format: Audiobook

Pages: 320

Published: May 5, 2020

Where I got It: Borrowed from the library

Summary: 

Life in Dallas took a tragic turn for nurse practitioner Lila Daley. In need of a fresh start, she retreats to Papillon, Louisiana, a tiny town on the bayou. Sure she's greeted by a gator, finds herself in the middle of golf cart wars, and unwittingly adopts a scruffy dog, but Lila remains undaunted. She's focused on running the town's medical clinic, but fitting into the quirky community is harder than she imagined.

As a single dad, Sheriff Armie LaVigne embraces routine. But there is nothing routine about the town's newest resident. Lila is a gorgeous fish out of water and he’s ready to catch her. In fact, in no time at all, Armie knows Lila is the woman for him and he plans to win her heart. But when the past threatens their happiness, Armie will have to decide if he has the courage to trust Lila enough to find a true happily ever after.

Review:

Beautiful cover. Beautiful butterflies. A cute-ass puppy. AND two broken characters? Small town? Yes please. 

We follow Lila and Armie. Lila is a nurse practitioner whose life was flipped upside down after things took a tragic turn. She decides to move Papillon, Louisiana to be near her sister. On the other side of the small town is single dad, Sheriff Armie, who wants a routine and no changes but change is heading his way when he meets Lila. 

OooooOOOooOOOooOO holy symbolism! Papillon...butterflies....two characters who need a change in their life....a town scared of changes......I write an entire essay on this alone. Love it!

Lila was a hard cookie. She has lived her life with a rough and prickly exterior. But she needed it to survive her childhood and her line of work as a nurse in the ER. I liked her a lot. 

Armie is adorable even though he made me SOOOOOOO mad near the end. OOOO boy did he need a kick in the butt. Good on you Lila not caving. Change is hard and having a stubborn kid is hard. Honestly... I felt this was a left-field reaction for him. 

This was a little darker in some parts than I thought. It was light and fluffy in some parts and not in others. I liked it. It felt right. 

The townsfolk were fun BUT they sucked and were sooo mean to Lila at first. Yes, yes they do not like change and having their Doc retire and this "stranger" comes in and takes his place. But 1) she is not a complete stranger....her sis and BIL live in town and are BELOVED. 2)the Sheriff trusts her....and 3) It is 2000s. GET over it. 

The narrator was good. I liked her voices. She had a huge variety for the women, but the men's voices she had only a small pocket. This works in the end, but you have to focus when there are multiple men in the convo.

All-in-all, I really liked this book. The characters. The town. The story. It was good. I highly recommend it. I'll give this 4 stars.  

Challenge(s):
- #25 for Audiobook challenge

- #17 for Romance Bingo - Doctor/Nurse