Deeply Loved Bayou: Simone & Nala's Story

The Baton Rouge Bayou #2

by Aricka Alexander

Everyone knows Simone "Simi" Teagues not only as one of the top-ranked WNBA players in the league but also as the Baton Rouge Bayou’s resident pretty girl, and she leans into it. She’s flirty, outgoing and has no problem attracting the attention of others…both good and bad. Even though she’s constantly being labeled as a player in the media and mocked for how her last relationship turned out, those around her know how kind and loving she really is. When she’s not busy being a superstar, she’s busy being a third parent to her younger brother, Bash and has no time for much else. That is until she lays eyes on the new private chef, Nala Haney. She’s instantly drawn to Nala and knows from the first time they kiss that this is the woman she wants to spend the rest of her life with.

Anala “Nala” Haney has always been soft-spoken and introverted, but when it comes to cooking, she’s a totally different person. She worked hard for years to get to the top of her profession and all of that hard work finally seems worth it when she lands a position as the private chef for her favorite WNBA team, the Baton Rouge Bayou. She’s excited to be able to spend more time around her favorite team, but more importantly, this opportunity gives her a chance to meet her favorite player, Simone Teagues. She doesn’t expect much, maybe just friend conversations here and there. Little does she know, Simone is interested in just more than a few conversations.

This story is a fast-paced one. It’s instantly steamy and passionate, full of love, family drama, and jealous exes and friends. However, Simone and Nala know what they want, and there is nothing and no one that can stand in the way of their happy ending.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, Celebrity, Queer, LGBT

216 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 14, 2025

About the author

Just a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.

Reviews

[Lindsey G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had 28392 crashouts while reading this and they were all because I’ve never wanted to be a FMC so bad NALA GIRL CONGRATULATIONS 😭😭😭😭😭😭

[Alana Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Aricka for the early copy! Aricka knows how to write a sapphic romance boy lemme tell you. Simone and Nala’s love story has to be my favorite out of this series so far. There was a lot more plot development and equal amount of spice which I love. I was def nervous because it is instalove but it didn’t feel like the story was rushed. I love how vulnerable this story got between Simone, her brother and family. It was sad watching him go through what he went through in this story. My heart broke from him. The connection between Simone’s younger brother and Nala as well was absolutely adorable! I knew he would bond with her and get along. Nala was extremely understanding and gentle with his feelings which I loved. Overall, it was a great read and I think this is definitely a book you should add to your TBR.

I absolutely enjoy this read and want to tell the entire world to read it on 2/14 once it comes out.

[Etinni · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of went out of order reading Harley and Cheyenne and then Cory and Denny’s stories. All three follow the same timeline but you do get nice little tidbits in each one and I was only more ready to finally read Simone and Nala’s story. I wasn’t disappointed in the least and just enjoyed having some secret knowledge of Cory and Denny ;).

[earthyhoochie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’m usually a huge fan of all books I read by this author but this book felt rushed , in the worst ways. I wish it would’ve been more flushed out —- it felt like I was reading a puzzle that was meshed with another puzzle- trying to make sense of these characters was rough! The timelines didn’t match up well with Chey’s and Harley’s story and that was really upsetting to me. What would’ve took me 3 days to read, took 2 months. I was gonna Put it on my DNF but I enjoyed it. Very confusing and mixed feelings about this one.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a huge fan of the writing but did I read the whole thing in a day? Sure did lmao

[Stefanie Livingston · Rating 3 out of 5]

she’s okay, nothing to write home about. i just wish there was real conflict to over come. gave very trope-y u-haul lesbian

[T. W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting to know more about Nala and even Simone in this one. But I can’t lie… every time Chey and Harley were mentioned, I found myself wanting to revisit their story all over again. That love still lives rent-free in my mind.

Now, I’m always here for a happy ending and a "meant to be" moment — but I have to be honest: I was ready for Simone to go ahead and propose. She kept bringing it up so much that it started to feel drawn out. I just wanted her to do it already and let us enjoy the moment.

And while I appreciated the intention behind her affirmations, some of them felt a bit forced or overly dramatic. They didn’t always land as naturally as I think they were meant to.

Also… planning the engagement while Chey was out of town with Harley? That didn’t sit right with me. With both families there and it being Christmas — and knowing how close everyone is — it felt like the timing could’ve been more thoughtful. Everyone lives in Louisiana, so there were definitely other opportunities that wouldn’t have excluded someone so important.

Still, I enjoyed the ride — and I’ll keep showing up for Aricka’s stories every time. Can’t wait for book 3.

[Amina Ruhotina]

As a queer basketball player, this book felt like a deep exhale I didn’t know I needed. Deeply Loved Bayou isn’t just a love story — it’s a story about rest, healing, and finding someone who meets your fire with calm.

Aricka Alexander has this incredible way of writing intimacy that feels both tender and alive. The chemistry between the main characters isn’t just about attraction — it’s about recognition. The kind of connection that says, “I see you, even when the world refuses to.”

What really hit me was how the story carried strength without performance. As an athlete, I’m used to stories where resilience is loud — but this book reminds you that sometimes resilience is quiet. It’s choosing softness after years of guarding yourself.

The setting — humid, slow, full of soul — mirrors the emotional pace perfectly. It gives the romance space to grow the way love actually does: steady, complicated, and beautifully human.

📌 If you’ve ever balanced ambition with the ache for real love — if you’ve ever wanted someone who loves you in all your versions — this book will hit straight to your chest. 🏀💜

[Charlynda Propst · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶️🌶️🌶️

I am so thankful I got to BETA read this book, thank you Aricka for trusting with this master piece!!

I have been waiting for this story since Down South Bayou!! She never disappoints with the amazing sapphic reads I absolutely was living for the friendships, drama and of course a little sass! The pacing of the book was perfect everything seemed to fit just right! The instalove was so cute with a little sprinkle of drama! Nala is absolutely one of my favorite character in the series and seeing Simone peel back those layers had me kicking my feet! All of The strong relationships that are forged especially with Bash, this book will definitely hit you in your feels! We all have little baggage but finding that person to help you unpack it is all we really need!

Pick this one up 2.14.25 for your next Perfect Valentines Sapphic read!

[Karmen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hate that I'm just now getting around to writing this review, but I had to hop on here and give my thoughts. I was blessed to be able to be a beta reader and eat up this book before it came out... And man! I loved this book so much. Simone and Nala were literally perfect for each other. But like I told Aricka when I was sending my commentary as I read it, Bash stole my heart. I just... sigh... I wanted to reach through the screen and give him the biggest hug. I'm so glad he had Simone who loved him and took care of him.
This insta-love story was paced perfectly, it was as spicy as it needed to be, and it hit all the feels.

I can't wait to read more from Ari!

[Tee SW · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, dare I say more than the first. I appreciated the spice and drama this time around. It was refreshing to have two characters that were both into each other from the start without all the slow burn or back and forth. From the beginning they expressed their attraction to each other.

Simone's mom needed to be cussed out a bit more if you ask me. And her Dad!?!? Omg he was the worst.

Looking forward to reading book 3 and 4!!!!

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gave me all the feels! I loved it more than Harley and Chey’s story. The way Simone and Nala love on each other is beautiful! It was just so romantic and heartwarming. Even the heartbreaking parts were done with so much care. If you are looking for a sapphic romance, this series is hands down a must read! I literally read both books in the span of 48 hours.

[Terri Ronald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the privilege of getting an eARC of Deeply Loved Bayou, and it was absolutely amazing! Simone and Nala's story is probably one of my favorites by Aricka. I cannot wait to see where else this series goes.

[Brianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ari does it again. Bringing another beautiful love story that has me cheesing and kicking my feet the entire time. Each character brings something special to the story and I love continuing to read about the different couples. I can’t wait for the next book!

[Miss Jayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

We love a cute, black love moment and we live for the drama the drama kept the book interesting and I think elevated from the first book, will I wear the third book probably not or if I do, I use it as something in between my horror books to keep it light, but all in all I did like it.

[Shernise Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Story

I really love how the characters in the book are just appreciating and living on one another. Hope to get a book based on Cory POV. Great book and series.

[Tasmyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, I can’t wait to read Cory’s story. Aricka is quickly becoming my favourite author of sapphic stories. Excited to start the Sunflower series 😁

[India · Rating 5 out of 5]

Refreshing

Nala and Simone’s love story was refreshing. I didn’t like how their love story was almost the same as Chey & Harley but it was still enjoyable.

[Michelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF, trying to expand my reading horizons, gave it a chance, not for me.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awww cutie babies!!! With a sprinkle of drama.

Love women loving women!

[lile · Rating 3 out of 5]

uhhh i’m looking forward to cory & denny’s book- i love a lil slow burn.

[Jessica White · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️

[J-maa · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️