***I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.***
When a woman returns home to Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou, her high school crush finally notices she exists, in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.
Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad’s legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he’s seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He’s prepared for anything the town can throw at him, until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he’s met before....Except he has.
Jayna never thought she’d return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn’t be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he’s made it plain that he wants to get to know her.
Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.
Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake is the sixth book in the author’s popular Butterfly Bayou series but can be read as a stand-alone.
Story Recap:
Jayna Cardet has moved back to her hometown of Papillon after her high-powered law career in New Orleans. When she left Papillon, she didn’t expect to ever return.
Quaid Havery always knew his path in life. After high school, he went to university and law school and returned to Papillon to take over his father’s law practice. As the only law practice in town, Quaid knows everyone in town and is comfortable in his hometown.
Now Jayna and Quaid are on opposite sides of the courtroom and drama ensues.
My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this story very much. I enjoyed the characters very much. Jayna was a bit difficult to like at first, but I admired her grit and determination, and eventually, I really warmed towards her and was rooting for her to get her HEA. Quaid was a terrific character all through the book. A small-town lawyer and just a nice guy.
Jayna’s and Quaid’s banter both in and out of the courtroom was fun to read and I enjoyed their arguments. I loved the setting very much. The small town of Papillon is exactly the kind of small town I love reading about. There are quirky characters and plenty of gossip and friendliness that make a small town special. This book has a definite Hallmark movie feel about it.
Recommendation:
I highly recommend Bayou Beloved to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
About Lexi Blake
New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband and three kids. Since starting her publishing journey in 2010, she’s sold over three million copies of her books. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn’t until she started writing romance that she found success. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings.
You had a more positive experience than I did with this one. I liked it, but I had some issues with the pacing of it. Or maybe I just got bored in the middle? It’s hard to know sometimes if feelings are mood related. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
While this style of romance isn’t my typical first choice, the story itself sounds really fun! And of course, I’m a total sucker for a good small-town romance. Loved reading your review!
This sounds really good. I always enjoy quirky characters. Amazing review!
I love the sound of this one! Could be perfect for me. And the dog on the cover is so cute. Great review!
Love the small-town setting and the banter in and out of the courtroom. I am so glad you warmed up to the main character.
Love that cover!
This does sound like a great Hallmark movie, Wendy. I love small town settings and have read three in this series already. Great review.
The doggy on the cover is so cute! 😍
I love the cover!
The banter sounds like it gives a lot of spark to this book.
Does the story venture out into the Bayou? Those swamps fascinate me.
I love good bantering. I’m also a sucker for dogs on covers.
I love a dog on a cover! Thank you, Kami
You had a more positive experience than I did with this one. I liked it, but I had some issues with the pacing of it. Or maybe I just got bored in the middle? It’s hard to know sometimes if feelings are mood related. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
I can understand your pacing issues with this one. We’re all just a bit different in what we like!
Great review! Small town feels are great.
I agree! Thank you, Joanna
I like small town romances too, great review 😊
Thank you, Jenny
While this style of romance isn’t my typical first choice, the story itself sounds really fun! And of course, I’m a total sucker for a good small-town romance. Loved reading your review!
Thank you, Stephanie!
I love the dog and butterflies on the cover as well as the small town setting Wendy!
Thank you, Jodie
Sounds like some likeable characters. And I do love the dog on the cover! Great review, Wendy 🙂
The dog is adorable!!
This sounds like an amazing story Wendy! Excellent review!🤗📚💜
Thank you, Susuan
This sounds wonderful- quirky characters and witty banter are definitely things I love. Excellent review!
It was a lot of fun!
I always love small town settings!
Me too! Thank you, Carol