Bayou Beauty is a sweet, fun Brother's Best Friend Romance.

The story is delightful and amazing that you can't put down.

This is a fun romance novel. I recommend it to all readers of romance. It is a good YA book as well.

Hello,

Apologies for the late notice, but I have decided not to review this title.

While I am certain it's obvious by now, I wanted to also clear this off NetGalley, so it's not showing as open for either of us.

I look forward to continuing to work with you in 2023 and beyond.

Laura

This is a lovely story. It really is.

The sort of book that you pick up and can't put down til you're done.

I loved everything about it. Even down to the pesky family issues. It all came together to make for a perfectly engaging romance.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book

I love visiting Lexi Blake's Butterfly Bayou world. The characters are richly diverse, charming and quirky. Love strikes again in Papillion and no one is surprised by who's been struck. There's also betrayal, corporate espionage, lies, half truths, innuendoes and a sinister plot to wreak havoc on a family member. Add in a couple of revelations that may surprise you and will definitely keep you turning the pages.

Rene Darois and Sylvie Martine have a chance to rekindle their feelings for one another after ten years, feelings that never truly went away. A surprise proposal finally gives them the opportunity to turn those old feelings into something deep, special and abiding. Working together as partners they deal with his family. A family so imbued with drama, in-fighting, greed and entitlement that they're toxic.

Thank you @berkleyromance for a copy of this book. This was a great small town second chance romance with heavy hand of family business drama.

This was a story of marriage of convenience between Sylvie and Rene. I wanted to see more romance between the two rather than planning on how to save Rene's company and the drama with the family.

There is a lot going on in the story and I felt Sylvie and Rene's story took a back seat.

I absolutely adored Sylvie and Rene's story. Their history made their falling all the sweeter and Sylvie's brother added a fun aspect to the story. This quirky town is fun to read about and we got to see most of the other couples from previous books. This book is a standalone, but once you read it you'll want to go back and see what happened in this town previously. I can't wait for the next book in this series and I definitely recommend reading this book.

Absolutely love this series!! With each book Lexi writes , I fall in love with the characters! Each story is original and you can’t help but want to visit this charming place!! I can’t wait for more in the series!

I enjoyed this book! This is the first time that I've read this author but now want to go back to read the others in this series. I found this book fun and charming. The characters were great and the setting was too. I would recommend!

I had some mixed feelings about Lexi Blake’s Bayou Baby, but I liked it overall. I appreciated that it’s a single sitting read. Even though it’s the second in the Butterfly Bayou series, it can absolutely stand on its own. Bayou Baby has full cast of quirky characters and fun peripheral people that fill out the tapestry of the main story. The main characters should have been Seraphina Guidry and Harrison Jefferys, nephew of community powerhouse Celeste Beaumont, but after reading the book, I think that’s up for debate.

What first appears to be a book about the love story between Sera and Harry, I believe, is really the story between Seraphina and Celeste. They have history and their families have history. They’re both scrappy, the Beaumonts just do it with scads more money. Since money equals power, the Beaumonts always come out on top. Celeste has been protecting the Beaumont name and reputation for decades, but she has sacrificed a lot, especially relationships, to do that. Celeste has a journey to go on after her husband passed away that reminded me of Emily Gilmore after she lost Richard. Sera is going to play a significant role in that journey.

Blake writes emotions well. They felt genuine even if her characters sometimes fell into southern stereotypes. Add a musical number and it could be Hart of Dixie. I wish it had some of the fun of Hart of Dixie.

The female characters are strong and resilient. They don’t need a man to rescue them, it’s contemporary in that sense, but there are some good guys around ready to rush in if necessary. I won’t stick it with the dreaded women’s fiction label, but it is missing the fun and flintiness of Blake’s other works.

My Rating: B, Liked It

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Bayou Beauty is the fourth book in the Butterfly Bayou series by Lexi Blake. I must say right at the beginning, I really enjoy reading this series. Contemporary romance at its best with this title being the best so far in this series. I have waited throughout this series to see if Sylvie Martine would get her HEA and I am happy to report that all will be answered by reading Bayou Beauty. Of note – while part of the Butterfly Bayou series, Bayou Beauty can most definitely be read as a stand alone. Any back story information needed is provided as needed.

Rene Darois is in a business conundrum and then a solution hits him (as indicated between a talk Rene was having with Mayor Sylvie Martine:

“Let me get this straight. You want me to marry you to save your company from your evil cousin.”

Well that could create all kinds of interesting challenges – least of which is the knowledge that when they were younger, Sylvie had a huge crush on Rene, and unbeknownst to her – it was reciprocated. But given that Rene was older, he felt he had to let Sylvie explore life on her own before he acted upon his feelings (especially since his post graduating university job prospects would take him away from Papillion).

As one surmises, Rene and Sylvie do marry, but only to save Rene’s position within the company and the family home, Darois House – which is owned by the company for the CEO and family, so that Cricket Darois (Rene’s mother) could continue living in her home of many, many years.

The ensuing fight for control of the company between Rene and his cousin Charles takes many interesting twists and turns throughout the story. I must admit – some of the twists were rather surprising – especially coming from Madame Mayor! We also get to experience this “marriage of convenience” blossom as a result of time together and shenanigans planned and executed to assist in Rene’s ability to win over the votes for the upcoming shareholders (family) meeting. He so wants to remain as CEO.

We also get to know more about Sylvie as mayor and her passions. I really liked how Rene came to demonstrate how he knows Sylvie better than anyone else. We also got a mention of Otis the alligator (and town mascot) yet again ☺. And don’t get me started on the dog that Sylvie and Rene adopt. AWE!!

Being from a bilingual country (Canada) – I love how Rene whispered in French to Sylvie – so romantic:

“Ta place est ici” – meaning your place is here. Referring to Sylvie suddenly sitting on Rene’s lap.

Or

“Tue s la plus belle chose que j’ai jamais vue.” Meaning “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

The cover art is good. I have enjoyed that each book in the series has a different dog on the cover.As has been in the past with this series, I am happy to say that if you like contemporary romance reads, then by all means pick up Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake and enjoy the ride. I will patiently wait and see if another installment of the Butterfly Bayou series will be written ☺.

When it’s meant to be!!!
Reviewed in the United States on July 28, 2021
When it’s meant to be!!!

Beautifully written romance!

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review. This book was pure 5 star perfection!

I absolutely LOVED the story line! A beautifully written Love story!

Martine and Sylvie’s story is intriguing and moving! I loved the character development! This is an unforgettable connection that shines!

No spoilers with my review! This is a must read duet for 2021!

Well done!

Thanks to Berkley Pub for the arc of this title!

Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake is a satisfying addition to the Butterfly Bayou series. The main characters, Sylvie and Rene, have been favorite side characters of mine throughout the series so I was really happy to see them get together.

My thoughts:
- I love that both characters are highly successful in their own rights.
- I enjoy the small town atmosphere in these books. I love the closeness amongst the characters and how they have life long memories of each other.

If you are looking for small town romance with a Cajun flair, I highly recommend this whole series.

They say you never forget that first love of your childhood. For Sylvie Martine, nothing rings more true when she thinks back to her life in Papillon. Rene Darois is everything that Sylvie encompasses with her heart. The intelligence, thoughtfulness, and kindness that Rene has shown Sylvie has led to a longing that failed to come to fruition.

Years have passed since Sylvie crossed paths with Rene, but the two are about to cross paths thanks to a very unexpected set of circumstances. Rene is the CEO of his family’s legacy. The one that has stood through the ups and downs that have garnered the family fortune. Now – Rene finds his life’s work in jeopardy. A strange ultimatum delivered by his family has left Rene knocking on Sylvie’s door for help.

As the town mayor, Sylvie is experienced with negotiations. Yet – nothing could prepare her for the surprised that awaited her when Rene came through her office doors. An arrangement that benefited Rene and his legacy was surprising to say the least. Sylvie would do anything for Rene. This unusual set of circumstances seemed to ignite that fire that never quite burned out for Sylvie. What would the risk be to her own heart if Sylvie committed to Rene’s unusual proposition?

Bayou Beauty is the latest release in the Butterfly Bayou series by Lexi Blake. This is definitely my favorite book in the series. I loved the sweet memories between Rene and Sylvie. There are moments where I found myself laughing at the wonderful characters that Blake has written into this tale of second chances at love. While Bayou Beauty is part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone. Take a dive into the wonders of the Mississippi bayou. Discover what is waiting within the town of Papillon.

LB does it again. Does anybody want to go to Louisiana and visit a little swamp town with me?! Yeah?! Let’s go. Okay so this is the latest installment of this series and i and think Sylvie and Rene are simply lovely together. The family and friends are just kooky enough to make this one funny as hell sometimes. I hope there are more books from this group and really enjoyed this one.

This is part of series of which I have not read any of the books. It is the fourth Butterfly Bayou story that takes place in Papillon, Louisiana. It is a small-town, brother’s best friend, second-chance, fake-relationship, marriage of convenience romance and it was very well written and also can stand alone. Even though I have not read this series before, I did not feel lost and I loved this charming story. Sylvie and Rene were wonderful characters and I loved them together. Sylvie is the town mayor and Rene's ex, when he needs a fake relatonship she is his top choice as he had planned to win her heart again. This was a rmantic and fun story and I really enjoyed it.

I loved the story behind Bayou Beauty. Mayor Sylvie Martine and rich citizen Rene Darois have a history. They were good friends growing up, but when Rene moved to Chicago after college, he made it clear that there could be nothing between them.

Now they are back in Papillion, Louisiana, and Rene is under attack by his cousin who is trying to take over the family business-and house, where his mother has lived all her life. He is under pressure to get married, and comes up with the idea of marrying Sylvie. At first, she turns him down flat, but when she realizes the pressure he’s under, she agrees. But can these two friends actually become lovers as well and develop a true relationship?

I’ve liked both Sylvie and Rene in the earlier books, and we get to see their motivations more clearly. I loved how Rene proved that he understands Sylvie better than anyone else. We also get to see the other characters of the town, including Otis the alligator. Cousin Charles makes a perfectly good villain, and I wanted to slap the other members of Rene’s family, even his mother, who basically leaves him hanging far too long before bestowing a trust on him.

This was a feel-good book, with lovely characters, a complex plot, and wonderful secondary characters.

I have been provided with a copy of Bayou Beauty by the author via NetGalley for an impartial review. This is the fourth book in The Butterfly Bayou series and I just had so much fun getting to reenter this amazing world. I just had so much fun being able to go back in to this world with its great characters. I just can’t get enough of them. I just had so much fun and I just didn’t want it to end. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

Four and a half stars

Bayou Beauty is the fourth in Lexi Blake’s Butterfly Bayou series set in Papillon, Louisiana. A small-town, brother’s best friend, second-chance, fake-relationship, marriage of convenience story, Bayou Beauty is charming and warm and lovely.

Rene Darois carries the weight of the world on his shoulders, or at least the family business and his mom, while his needs have always taken a backseat to his numerous other responsibilities. Sylvie Martine is his best friend’s younger sister, and he’s always loved her, but determined not to hold her back from living her best life, he steps away from her as she’s coming into her own.

Lexi Blake’s writing is engaging and her characters sympathetic and three-dimensional. Bayou Beauty is a page turner in all the best ways, and stands alone well. It's a wonderful small-town story, heavy on the family ties. I jumped in not having read the previous books in the series, and enjoyed it thoroughly, although I’m looking forward to catching up now!

Third time's a charm. Rene is determined to win Sylvie at any cost. Unfortunately he uses logic to try to convince her instead of romance. Lucky for him Sylvie's friends do his job for him and she says Yes!. All he's got to do new is hold on tight and never let go. Another delightful chapter in the Butterfly Bayou annals from this author. 
Rene has been raised in wealth but at the same with an outsized sense of responsibility. Though his family doesn't always appreciate him and now his cousin is seriously trying to undermine him to win his CEO seat.  Rene uses the fact that his family wants him to be a responsible married man as a way to get Sylvie to become his wife. Knowing her love for all things designer he tries to bribe her with lavish wardrobe courtesy of a professional shopper.
Unfortunately it's not the wealth or presents that seem to have an impact on Sylvie. She wants more of those drugging kisses and soon against her better judgement she's given up the separate bedroom to move in with him.  She's amazed that he remembers her childhood dreams and brings home a puppy that needs lots of love and care but a breed she's always wanted. Impromptu picnics in the bayou and lots of kisses seem to be turning the tide in Rene's favor until he blows up and blows it. Can he redeem himself and find his forever love and happiness?
This series has a wonderful cast of colorful characters and Rene's eccentric family adds to quirky though not necessarily cute cast. A sweet romance that's a great summer read.