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Bayou Bride #1
Bayou Bride
Forced to marry in order to keep his childhood home, Dominic Kane impulsively takes Jordan St. James, a lovely bondservant, as his bride, and unexpectedly discovers undeniable passion with his mysterious new wife. Reprint.
Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
124 people are currently reading
204 people want to read
About the author
Bobbi Smith
71 books512 followersAfter working as a department manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore, Bobbi Smith gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and several short stories. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists. When she's not working on her novels, she is frequently a guest speaker for writer's groups. Bobbi is mother of two sons and resides in St. Charles, Missouri with her husband and three dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
October 28, 2025
Read: 10/27/25
Setting: 1849 New Orleans, Cuba, England
Trope: class differences, MOC, secret identity
3.5 stars
KU
quick notes:
This was a good story with a unique concept. The MC were likable and entertaining. Jordan was a little too perfect sometimes but I loved Nick. I do wish Nick uncovered her identity sooner and they could have worked together to bring the villain down. Still, the story was sweet.
Conclusion: I liked this old school romance. There was nothing special about it but I was entertained. I'll have to try more of this author's books
Setting: 1849 New Orleans, Cuba, England
Trope: class differences, MOC, secret identity
3.5 stars
KU
quick notes:
This was a good story with a unique concept. The MC were likable and entertaining. Jordan was a little too perfect sometimes but I loved Nick. I do wish Nick uncovered her identity sooner and they could have worked together to bring the villain down. Still, the story was sweet.
Conclusion: I liked this old school romance. There was nothing special about it but I was entertained. I'll have to try more of this author's books
June 22, 2012
I couldn't deal with them not talking. He was angry at her because he was assuming he knew something and she wasn't telling the truth..so on and on and on we go of him being upset because he thinks she is having an affair, and she isn't, she is in love with him and blah, blah, blah. Instead of talking and saying what is going on, it's all secrets and guessing and being wrong.
I couldn't stand it and had to keep skipping through until they finally just told each other what was going on and why, and then there wasn't a story anymore as it was all solved and they were in love.
I couldn't stand it and had to keep skipping through until they finally just told each other what was going on and why, and then there wasn't a story anymore as it was all solved and they were in love.
May 20, 2023
Good story/plot etc..but these two pretty much played the "I hate you game" way too long.
For that I dropped a star, it was really getting on my nerves.
Suppose to be book 1, but can be read as a stand alone.
Book 2
Also can be read as a stand alone.
For that I dropped a star, it was really getting on my nerves.
Suppose to be book 1, but can be read as a stand alone.
Book 2
Also can be read as a stand alone.November 5, 2019
The ending was so lame.
May 28, 2018
I still enjoyed this book even though i have read it before. It's a love story that at times you wonder will they make it. Nick is told by a much beloved father that he has put a new clause in his will stating that Nick has to marry or he will lose his inheritance. When he learns his father is dying he desperately starts looking for a bride. Jordan a lovely English girl and her brother Philip have to flee their home and sell themselves into indentured servitude they end up in Mobile where Nick sees her and tells her he will buy their contracts if she will be his bride. There our story takes off and love grows, but jealousy and mistrust on Nicks part soon tears them apart. The story touch's on the slave trade and the horrible conditions that these people suffered. What would our story be if we did not have a truly hateful villian that you hope gets his just deserts. i really like Bobbi Smith novels and this was a keeper for me, so i recommend it to you and wish you happy reading. I know people will say they should have spoken to one another, but that would have taken the fun out of the story and made it a very short tale.
August 29, 2020
This standalone romance is an amazing journey of adventure, love and rich with history.
Loved the main characters, Nick and Jordan. Their are other wonderful characters and clever twists and turns.
This book is a wonderful journey into the past with all the splendor of a gorgeous Plantation and rich with the
gentle ways of the era. I loved all the intense and unexpected events that kept you wondering, now what's going to happen. Loved the book. Enjoy
Loved the main characters, Nick and Jordan. Their are other wonderful characters and clever twists and turns.
This book is a wonderful journey into the past with all the splendor of a gorgeous Plantation and rich with the
gentle ways of the era. I loved all the intense and unexpected events that kept you wondering, now what's going to happen. Loved the book. Enjoy
February 22, 2023
Powerful Characters
This story kept me interested all the way through. The characters were strong and all consuming. I shared there emotions. Nick was stubborn. Luther the devil. Not just the hero and heroine romance. But all of the character friendships and family relationships were strong!
This story kept me interested all the way through. The characters were strong and all consuming. I shared there emotions. Nick was stubborn. Luther the devil. Not just the hero and heroine romance. But all of the character friendships and family relationships were strong!
March 1, 2017
Great story, horrible editing
I enjoyed this story, but found myself distracted by the glaring typos the downloadable version contained. The mistakes were numerous, occurring every few pages. There is much to be said for good editing, and this book was sadly lacking in that area.
I enjoyed this story, but found myself distracted by the glaring typos the downloadable version contained. The mistakes were numerous, occurring every few pages. There is much to be said for good editing, and this book was sadly lacking in that area.
June 27, 2020
Loved It!
I really liked this story. The only issue was in the editing. I know people rate the Kindle versions based on that, but it wasn't unbearable, and I wanted my review to reflect the content of the plot. Like I said, I really enjoyed it.
I really liked this story. The only issue was in the editing. I know people rate the Kindle versions based on that, but it wasn't unbearable, and I wanted my review to reflect the content of the plot. Like I said, I really enjoyed it.
February 11, 2023
This book had one of the lamest endings.
So many misunderstandings and no communication at all between the leads.
One of my peeves in a book is the H/h being intimate with others after they meet which was the case here. H goes to a brothel.
So many misunderstandings and no communication at all between the leads.
One of my peeves in a book is the H/h being intimate with others after they meet which was the case here. H goes to a brothel.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2017
It reminds me of an older - better book- that I cannot recall right now .
January 1, 2018
love it!!
I've read this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it! I love the characters both leading and supporting! can't wait for the next book
I've read this twice and thoroughly enjoyed it! I love the characters both leading and supporting! can't wait for the next book
January 5, 2020
Shelley
I loved this book. I could hardly put it down. You have to read it. Full of family honor and much love.
I loved this book. I could hardly put it down. You have to read it. Full of family honor and much love.
November 17, 2022
Loved it
I love it so much, I have read before years ago and still the same awesome feeling when I read it..
I love it so much, I have read before years ago and still the same awesome feeling when I read it..
March 24, 2025
A very good book
This is my first time with this author, I was totally engrossed from the start I am looking at her other books
This is my first time with this author, I was totally engrossed from the start I am looking at her other books
November 28, 2025
Bayou Bride
I've read so many of Bobbi Smith's b
ooks. She is an excellent writer and she out did herself with Bayou Bride. Wonderful spellbinding story.
I've read so many of Bobbi Smith's b
ooks. She is an excellent writer and she out did herself with Bayou Bride. Wonderful spellbinding story.
August 6, 2016
This was a re-read for me. I read this book several years ago and rated it on Amazon but re-rated it because I felt it was 5 star and the rating on Amazon was only 3. Tapping those stars was always difficult.
This story takes place pre-civil war during the Antebellum time of the South. Dominic Kane receives an ultimatum from his father who has only few months to live that he must marry in 6 months or loose everything. Nick tries to find a local woman but fails. He is in Mobile with his friend Slater when they hear talk about a beautiful woman with the people who have offered themselves as indentured servants to pay for their cost to come to America. She calls herself Jordan Douglas and she is traveling with her brother, Phillip. Who pretends to be her lover to protect her from other men during their travels. Nick sees a way out he purchases Jorden's papers for 3 years and Phillip's for 3 years also thinking Phillip is her lover also. There are so many lies it is a mess that will take the rest of the book to find the truth.
This story takes place pre-civil war during the Antebellum time of the South. Dominic Kane receives an ultimatum from his father who has only few months to live that he must marry in 6 months or loose everything. Nick tries to find a local woman but fails. He is in Mobile with his friend Slater when they hear talk about a beautiful woman with the people who have offered themselves as indentured servants to pay for their cost to come to America. She calls herself Jordan Douglas and she is traveling with her brother, Phillip. Who pretends to be her lover to protect her from other men during their travels. Nick sees a way out he purchases Jorden's papers for 3 years and Phillip's for 3 years also thinking Phillip is her lover also. There are so many lies it is a mess that will take the rest of the book to find the truth.
September 2, 2013
It is good till half the book, the wa he presumes based on her appearance without knowing Jordan. Though she is bought as slave she is well mannered, educated which takes Nick by suprise.It also has good family twist of father son love.
It was little bit stretched towards the end and the reason for Jordan not telling Philip is her brother and the whole story spinned based based on it is little far stretched.Otherwise enjoyed reading the book without questioning the logic behind the plot.
It was little bit stretched towards the end and the reason for Jordan not telling Philip is her brother and the whole story spinned based based on it is little far stretched.Otherwise enjoyed reading the book without questioning the logic behind the plot.
August 22, 2016
Run of the mill
This is a rather mundane story with way too many misunderstandings, lies, drama...etc.!
It's a written historical romance soap opera with the lusty bad guy and Macho male who's never going to fall on love and his faithful sidekick versus the drama queen virgin! Tired plot!
I wouldn't recommend it because I'm certain it's been read many times over with just a couple plot tweaks and new names! There is an overabundance of angst here!
This is a rather mundane story with way too many misunderstandings, lies, drama...etc.!
It's a written historical romance soap opera with the lusty bad guy and Macho male who's never going to fall on love and his faithful sidekick versus the drama queen virgin! Tired plot!
I wouldn't recommend it because I'm certain it's been read many times over with just a couple plot tweaks and new names! There is an overabundance of angst here!
May 14, 2016
Loved this story
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I lost several hours of sleep trying to stay up to read! This was a great love story. Although you have a good idea WHAT is going to happen in the book, you don't know HOW and WHEN! Good suspense within the love story. My only complaint-way too many typos! The editor owes a much better job to the author.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I lost several hours of sleep trying to stay up to read! This was a great love story. Although you have a good idea WHAT is going to happen in the book, you don't know HOW and WHEN! Good suspense within the love story. My only complaint-way too many typos! The editor owes a much better job to the author.
November 20, 2025
The book wasn’t interesting me.
H visiting a brothel women just after meeting the h was kinda unattractive. I know it’s not like they have acquainted or anything but it was just a turnoff. Also he was flirting and meeting many women to find someone for marriage until he finds the h.
I found the H boring and whorish.
Dnf.
H visiting a brothel women just after meeting the h was kinda unattractive. I know it’s not like they have acquainted or anything but it was just a turnoff. Also he was flirting and meeting many women to find someone for marriage until he finds the h.
I found the H boring and whorish.
Dnf.
February 21, 2015
Good Book Must Read
I like this book. I read it 2 times so far. It keep you interested. Can't wait to read her other books . Jordan and Nick story was good. Love to read stories about Louisiana.
I like this book. I read it 2 times so far. It keep you interested. Can't wait to read her other books . Jordan and Nick story was good. Love to read stories about Louisiana.
July 13, 2012
Excellent
May 21, 2012
This was a wonderful book that I read years ago when it was first published. I definitely wouldn't mind re-reading it again.
May 16, 2015
Wonderful story
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Story lines developed quite well as I kept reading. What the store ended I was sad.
I enjoyed this book from start to finish. Story lines developed quite well as I kept reading. What the store ended I was sad.
April 22, 2019
Bride
I loved this story, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books . KATTIE.
I loved this story, I recommend every one to read her books, I look forward to reading more of her books . KATTIE.
October 3, 2011
Not all books can make me cry, this one did.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews