Lexi Blake always delivers an excellent story. She is truly an awesome writer. She can convey emotions and images that you become invested in. I love the Butterfly Bayou series. Small town romances have such a unique flavor with all of the characters in town. Bayou Baby is a sweet story with lots of twists and turns. Don't miss this awesome book!

I inhaled this book, I loved Sera and Harry, the small town of Papillon, and the transformation of a bitter woman.

Seraphina has lived in Papillon her entire life and as a young single mother who refuses to name the father of her child the people in the small town think the worst of her. This makes things difficult for her but when her great-aunt passes and leaves her her beloved home Sera believes she can fix it up and sell it so she is able to move and make a fresh start for her and her son.

Harrison Jerfferys is in town to help his Aunt Celeste with his cousins wedding. He spent years in the Army and now that both of his parents have passed he is looking forward to reconnecting with his mothers side of the family in the beautiful small town. Harry

When Harry and Sera meet for the first time you can tell there were sparks but it took a while for the flame to build, which I loved watching. This story was one of secrets, patience, friendship, love, growth, and forgiveness. I loved that this story had much more of the small town feel than the first book did and Otis is always a fun addition. In addition to the Romance between Sera and Harry we have the feud between Celeste and Sera which in all honesty is a major point of this story. Celeste detests Sera and considers her beneath her which is why she hated when her son Wes was friends with Sera and blamed Sera for Wes joining the Army, which is where he was killed by an IED.

If you enjoy Small Town Romances, Military Romances, Single Mom Romances, or are just looking for a good read I would definitely recommend this book to you.

Happy Reading!!!

**I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books**

This is the second in the series and it is Seraphina's story. Like the first book I really enjoyed this book also. I love strong family ties and small towns. I liked learning some background on how Sera became a single mom. The love story between Sera and Harry is amazing. I'm looking forward to book 3 which is Zep's story.

4.6 stars
This is the second book in the Butterfly Bayou series and it can be read as a standalone. Ms. Blake really knows how to pen a storyline that has that authentic feel as the setting itself, The Big Easy, but it is anything but. Aunt Celeste kept reminding me of the mother in The Thornbirds as she was a strong matriarch who wanted to do what she could for her family and would not let anyone take what she felt was hers. Harrison is Celeste’s nephew who comes to town and becomes impressed with Seraphina, aka Sera. Sera is a single mother and is somewhat shunned by her community for having a child. Not one to take things to heart, Sera goes about living her best life for herself and her son. Watching the weaving of Celeste’s dysfunctional family is nothing less than riveting and seeing her get hers will leave readers enthralled even more. The chemistry between Harrison and Sera is beautifully illustrated and observing their growth forged the bonds that will keep them strong together. I cannot wait for the next book to see where this talented author takes readers next with these characters that could be real friends. I volunteered to read a copy of this book provided by Netgalley.

4.5 Stars
I've been waiting for this second book in the series since I finished the first book. I just love this series. The characters are just great in this small bayou town. They suck you right into the story and don't let you come up for air. I loved Sera and Harry. You're going to fall for Harry right off the bat. His description is yummy, but his caring protective side is what truly puts him over the edge. Harry's dog Shep and Sera's son together are just too adorable for words. One of the highlights of this book for me. There is one character that I wasn't too wild about, but I must say they surprised me and redeemed themselves. Everything is happy and fun for Harry and Sera. but secrets are being kept that could change everything. This book made me laugh, smile, and cry. There is plenty heart and feels. There is also the right amount of humor. I mean a book with Zep in it is definitely a guarantee for humor and laughs. I can't wait for his story. This is a must read book and is the first book in the series!

BAYOU BABY is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series set in the Butterfly Bayou of Papillon, Louisiana. This is former US soldier and licensed contractor Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys, and single mother/hair stylist Seraphina ‘Sera’ Guidry’s story line. BAYOU BABY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives BAYOU BABY follows the building relationship between former US soldier and licensed contractor Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys, and single mother/hair stylist Seraphina ‘Sera’ Guidry. Sera Guidry is a single mother whose reputation in the small town of Butterfly Bayou is tainted by her lack of a husband and the narrow minded attitudes of the small minded community, but adding fuel to the proverbial fire is Celeste Beaumont, whose son Wes was once in love with Sera Guidry until rejection sent him off to war. In town for a couple of jobs including attending his cousin’s wedding, Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys is drawn to the aura that is Seraphina Guidry but while Seraphina is from a local family, Harry’s well connected, rich and powerful aunt Celeste despises our heroine, and intends to destroy what’s left of her life. When Sera inherits her late great aunt Irene’s mansion, Celeste makes it known she wants the mansion and the land for her personal use. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sera and Harry, and the potential fall-out when Sera’s secret is exposed further alienating the Guidry and Beaumont families.

The relationship between Sera and Harry is one of immediate attraction but Sera struggles with Harry’s connections to the Beaumont family, and the potential ramifications if and when Celeste discovers their clandestine affair. Already a target of the Beaumont family, Sera battles between head and heart knowing when her secret is revealed, more trouble will follow. Harry is a bit of a wanderer; a nomad who has yet to settle down since his return from Afghanistan and the loss of his leg but meeting Sera Guidry gives Harry a hope for a future but a future that is marred by his aunt’s obsession with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Lila and Lisa Guidry; Zep and Remy Guidry, Hallie Rayburn, attorney Quaid Havery; Calvin, Angela and Celeste Beaumont, and Sera’s mother Delphine Guidry.

BAYOU BABY is a heart breaking story of secrets and lies; power and control; discrimination and alienation; friendships, relationships, family and love. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and colorful.


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This was a good read. I enjoyed the characters, many of whom we had already met in previous books (I absolutely adore Zed) Seraphina is the young single mom who is just trying to find a place in the world and what she is supposed to do while a Harrison is a retired military vet looking to connect with the only family he has left. The two have amazing chemistry but secrets from the past definitely try to come between them, secreted and and Harry’s aunt Celeste, who is less than likable when we first meet her although she does redeem herself.

So like I said good read, good characters, I love the world that is being built in this series but i didn’t enjoy it as much as I enjoyed Butterfly Bayou that may just be that I felt more personally connected to the characters.

**I was generously provided with an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review**

After a career ending injury Harrison has exchanged his military career and is now runs his own construction company. He finds himself in town to help out his family by undertaking on a project for his cousin’s wedding, but he had no intention of staying until Sera came into his life.

Certain people in town already have two strikes against Sera which are that her past actions have caught the ire of one of the town’s most powerful people, who also happens to be Harrison’s aunt and that she is a single mother. She is still trying to find her niche in life but now that she has inherited her aunt’s house she is hoping that this will allow her to give her son the best life that she can.

She needs to renovate the home and who better than Harrison for the job. They are drawn to each other despite the fact that Harrison’s aunt would not only disapprove but that she would go to any lengths to keep them apart.

This is an emotional story about healing from the past as when secrets are exposed Sera and Harrison have to decide if the reward of being together is worth the risk and if their love is strong enough to overcome all the obstacles they must face.

Harry has come to Papillion to help his aunt prepare for his cousin's wedding and reconnect with his family. Seraphina has just inherited her great-aunts' house and has been tasked to renovate it. As a single mother, she believes this is a way for her and her son to start a new life. Harry is intrigued by the sassy Sera and wants to get to know her even though his aunt told him to stay away from her. Seraphina is keeping a secret that will tear everything they have come to know and love apart. Bayou Baby is the second book in the Butterfly Bayou series.

Bayou Baby had me experiencing every emotion from anger to tears to ear to ear grinning. I loved the banter between Harry and Seraphina when they first met and Harry's subtle determination to convince Seraphina that they should give each other a chance. Aunt Celeste really got on my nerves throughout most of the book and I still do not like her but have learned to tolerate her. I fell more in love with Seraphina's brother Zep in this book and can not wait for his story. This series is on my highly recommended list.

*ARC generously provided in exchange for my honest review*

Once again Lexi Blake gives a story readers can’t help but to enjoy and get lost in. The Butterfly Bayou series continues with the emotional and charming Bayou Baby!

Seraphina is a single mom and the focal point of one of the biggest pieces of gossip in town. Who is her son's father? Sera is a strong woman with a determination like no other. She always puts her little one first and as willing to sacrifice anything of herself for him. She doesn’t allow the town gossip to stand in the way of her life.

Harry is a man of strength, patience and determination. He served for his country and even gave a part of himself while doing it. Reconnecting with family he’s truly still getting to know is a blessing and a curse all in one. Harry is full of determination as well yet he is focused in a different way. His mind is as open as his heart. A rare thing! He’s a wounded warrior who will melt your heart.

Bayou Baby is an emotional, family drama, small town romance with those few crazy people you can’t help but to love. Sera is a Perfect example to not judge a book by its cover. This girl had her stuff together even if it didn’t look like that at times. Harry knew she was the one. He set his goal and proved in so many ways what a good man is and should be to a woman. Sera and Harry had some ups and downs but in the end they showed each other that family is what matters. I love their getting to know you squabbles and how Sera fought against their attraction. I enjoyed Harry slowing breaking her walls down. The two were a good match. Some family you’re born to and some family you choose but family makes it all better. Bayou Baby is Lexi Blake at her best.

I was excited to get back to Lexi's bayou! These people and town are definitely unique. Sera lives with her family and has the support she needs to raise her son. He's her world and she would do anything for him. When she inherits her aunt's house, Sera has a big task in front of her. But she's bound and determined to make it happen. What she wasn't expecting was help from the sexy guy next door. I enjoyed the way Harry took his time with Sera. He could read her body language and gave her what she needed. I liked the way they got to know each other and I liked that he truly wanted to help her. The rest was just icing on the cake! The chemistry between them was palpable through the pages! And with another crazy aunt in the picture, the reader didn't know what was going to happen next. I couldn't put this book down and highly recommend!

Lexi Blake takes us back to Butterfly Bayou with Bayou Baby, the second instalment of her enchanting contemporary romance series.

Seraphina Guidry cannot imagine living anywhere other than Papillon. She loves her life in the charming little town and although past memories and old mistakes still haunt her, Seraphina has never even contemplated the thought of looking for greener pastures elsewhere. Seraphina has got a lot on her plate. As she struggles to find her place in the world, she has to juggle the demands and challenges of single motherhood. The one thing she is adamant about is that romance is strictly off the cards for her. Everyone in town might have an opinion on her non-existent love life, but the dating world holds no appeal for Seraphina. She is perfectly happy being single – but could handsome newcomer Harrison Jeffreys end up changing her mind?

Former Army Vet Harrison never imagined he would find himself living in small town Louisiana with his snobbish Aunt Celeste, but much to his surprise, he feels like he has found a place where he can actually belong. Although his Beaumont cousins might be the closest Papillon has to royalty, Harrison’s parents had not been as well-heeled. Still, Harry is enjoying finding his feet in the charming town – even if every single woman under the age of eighty seems keen to throw themselves – or their daughters – at him. Harry is enjoying being single – until he claps eyes on beautiful single mum Seraphina! While his aunt is keen to put as much distance between him and Seraphina, the more time Harry spends in her company, the more he finds himself attracted to her and wondering whether Papillon might be the place he could end up calling home for good.

As Seraphina and Harry find themselves getting closer and closer, their feelings for one another soon intensify. Yet, when a secret from Seraphina’s past rears its head, could this end up spelling disaster for their fledgling relationship? Will Seraphina and Harry manage to find a way to be together? Or are there simply too many obstacles standing in their way for the two of them to ever have a future together?

Lexi Blake strikes gold once again with Bayou Baby. Witty, adorable and so addictive I simply couldn’t stop turning the pages, it’s absolutely impossible not to fall in love with Bayou Baby. Seraphina and Harry are two wonderful characters I fell head over heels in love with. Seraphina is spirited, kind-hearted and intelligent and Harry is so swoon-worthy he will have readers reaching for their smelling salts.

Heart-warming, emotional, hilarious and a joy from beginning to end, Lexi Blake’s Bayou Baby is another one of her books heading straight for my keeper shelf!

5 So Much More Than I Was Expecting Stars!!!

I love small town romances and Lexi Blake is one of my go-to authors for these types of stories. And in this second book of her Butterfly Bayou story, not only do we get a second chance love story, but we also get to experience family dynamics that are fraught with tension and mistrust, most of which in my opinion is misdirected.

Sera and Harrison are two people you wouldn’t think would work well as a couple but for me they were totally meant to be. Harry is “passing through” town until he can find a new permanent home. Well, things begin to change when Sera inherited her Aunt’s Guidry House that needs a total overhaul and wouldn’t you know Harry is the man to help her with this because Sera is definitely not a construction expert. And so begins two working together to bring this house back to life and hopefully create a business she can make prosper!

There’s not only Sera’s heart on the line though. Her little boy plays a pivotal role in every decision Sera makes and I loved how Harry connected with him too! Their relationship is something this little boy needed based on the family dynamics taking place in this town… and to say they’re complicated would be putting it lightly!

There’s so many layers to this story which just makes it that much of a more engaging read. There’s Sera and Harry and their budding love, Sera and Celeste and their texting back and forth and when you mix in all the other family that’s living Butterfly Bayou it’s a big ole’ melting pot!!

This book is a definite must read thanks to Ms. Blake’s storytelling. I fell in love not only with our H/h but all the secondary characters that add their own personal touch to this story and the lives of this town and I can’t wait for the next book!!

Very emotional, I was sobbing by the end. I loved this new addition to the Bayou series!

While this is a love story between Sera and Harry, this is also a story between the women in the family of Guidry and Beaumont. Celeste Beaumont is the matriarch of the Beaumont family and is a southern lady who lets her name, money, and status guide her morales, just as it has the family name for generations. Why am I mentioning Celeste when this is a love story about Sera and Harry? Celeste is the aunt of Harry and was also the mother of Wes the boy who was best friends of Sera before he passed away. This is something that Celeste blames Sera for even though she had nothing to do with his actual death, but the animosity of her lifelong friendship are just deeply harbored and her grief lashes out to anyone close.

But...once again...back to the story of Sera and Harry. Harry is in town for his cousin's wedding (Wes' sister, Angie). He didn't grow up in Louisiana and has rarely seen his cousins, so he doesn't exactly understand the dynamic of the small town or why anyone wouldn't like Sera Guidry. Anytime he's been around her, she is sweet, a hard worker, and a wonderful single mother. That last fact alone won't keep him away, no matter what the rumors are or what his family says.  He won't let his Aunt stand in his way of getting to know Sera better because something tells him she could be more and perhaps this small town could finally be home.

Sera struggles with letting Harry get close. She knows exactly how Celeste will react when she learns about Harry's feelings for her and she also knows how important family is. Sera doesn't want Harry choosing a life between her and his family. As much as Sera keeps trying to push him away, it's also difficult because Harry is amazing and pushing him away becomes basically impossible.

I love how this story isn't just about Harry and Seraphina, but also about Celeste and how she has had to overcome a lot of obstacles in her life.  I found myself going back and forth with Celeste where I didn't like her and then where I was sobbing for her. Her story is so powerful it really hit home with how women have had "deal" with social norms throughout time and I connected with her struggles so many times throughout the story. I appreciated how Lexi wove it in and how it made the overall story even more emotional and an intrical part of Seraphina's story

Bayou Baby was so emotional, but such a great addition to Lexi's books I absolutely loved it

If you follow me then you know that I really enjoyed the first book in the #ButterflyBayou series. I couldn't wait for this one and when I started it I was all in. Then I met Celeste and she was enough to make me not want to go on. I really can't stand the women.

I really loved both Sera and Harry. They are so perfect together right from the start. Most often I go with love at first sight in a book because who am I to judge, but I don't often believe it. With these two I did. They just seemed to work. You heard wedding bells as these two first meet.

I felt for Harry that he couldn't see what his aunt was like until it was almost too late. But sometimes we have to have it shoved in our faces before we believe. In the end, he did.

Celeste's hatred for Sera is out of this world. She never had a reason to dislike her but couldn't see that. Sera is so sweet and caring about everyone and lived for so long with the fear that Celeste could ruin her life.

I loved how her family and Wesley's brother and sister tried to stand for her too. Thankfully she had people at her back.

These two might have had a hard road to travel to be able to show their love openly but when it all came down to it and they got their heads on straight they found the perfect medium and worked through their issues.

I might have almost put this story down because I couldn't deal with the nastiness but I'm so happy I pushed on. I ended up crying at the end and was so happy. Now I can't wait for Zep's story. Talk about a character. His book will be something.

Thank you for letting me read and review this book. Unfortunately this book was not for me. I think I have a case of pandemic reading.

4.5/5 - Bayou Baby by Lexi Blake, book two in Butterfly Bayou series is a wonderful and enjoyable story, depicting the good and bad of small town life. Seraphina Guidry is a young, single mom, trying to make a life for herself and her son in the town of Papillion, Louisiana. Learning from past mistakes, Sera has sworn off men. Inheriting a historic house has given her a purpose as she dedicates herself to restoring it and turning it into a badly needed Bed and Breakfast. Harrison Jeffreys has been a bit of a nomad, moving around from job to job, since coming home injured while in the Army. He never expected to land in Papillion but he has family to reconnect with and a job to complete. Harry enjoyed spending time with his Aunt Celeste and his cousin, but once he met Sera he was a goner. He was head over heart in “like” with her, finding ways to spend time with her and help with repairing her inherited house; making it habitable. A secret from Sera’s past accidently gets revealed, resulting in the community getting all up in arms. Harry is torn; having to choose between the woman he’s falling in love with and the only family he has left. What’s a man to do but follow his heart? With the help of a couple of crazy, loving, meddling locals, he just might find a way to keep both.

I enjoyed watching Seraphina growth throughout the story. Her confidence was building and she was no longer allowing herself to behave or be treated as a victim. Harry was one of the best heroes I’ve read in a while. He was talented, caring, and passionate in connecting with Sera. Aunt Celeste was the one character who changed the most; and for the best. Witnessing her insightfulness as she recognized that she no longer needed to conduct herself and follow the rules established by her rude and snobbish mother-in-law and her chauvinistic husband. She could do as she pleased; even become CEO of the family company.

Ms. Blake wrote an emotional, sexy, and wonderful story that should definitely not be missed. She provided a tale that sizzled with magnetism, scorch the sheets chemistry, witty banter, and memorable characters keeping me flipping the pages of this intense and emotional romance. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Bayou Baby to other readers and look forward to reading the next book in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I enjoyed this one more than the first book of this series. We get more of this small town and the crazy gator! Seraphina is a single mom who can't hold down a job that to the town's rich lady out to get her but her great aunt gives her the house and land to redo. Harry comes into town to help his aunt- aka rich lady for his cousin's wedding and falls for Sera right away. The growing pains of family and small town drama still let there be a HEA.

This book is a little light on the romance and more of the relationship of Sera and Celeste.

Overall, 3.5 stars and 3 steam- almost all closed door

Thanks to the PR firm, Berkley, and Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Another incredible story by Miss Blake! it was simply charming, I couldn't put it down, I read it in one sitting

Good book! This book had a little bit of everything! It had intrigue, light suspense, funny, and definitely had some steam to it! The storyline flowed smoothly all and all it was a decent read! Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!