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Bayou Redemption
The woman he never forgot, the daughter he never knew. A ready-made family comes with ready-made challenges.
After a disastrous marriage, widow Jacqueline Jolivette and her angsty fourteen-year-old daughter reluctantly move back to Louisiana. The small town might have intimidated her before, but now she knows there are worse things than the threat of sideways glances in the grocery store - like a fourteen-year-old daughter who can’t stand her, for example. As if she doesn’t have enough to worry about, Jacqueline almost runs into her daughter’s once elusive biological father at a local festival. Of all the festivals, in all the towns, in all of Louisiana …
Lawyer to the Cajun Stars, Kevin Babineaux, loves his life, but he knows something’s missing. Every woman he’s dated falls short of the one who got away fifteen years ago. Then his new client, Mrs. Jolivette, arrives with a picture of her fourteen-year-old daughter. Math was never Kevin’s weak area, and when he sees the child’s eyes, he knows he’s her father.
Their second chance is rife with pitfalls as Kevin trips into fatherhood and Jackie struggles to reconnect with her daughter. That same daughter who is currently sneaking out of the house, while someone watches from the shadows.
This heartwarming small-town romance features an exhausted but fierce single mom, a hot but touchy lawyer, and a second chance for the love that got away. Mix in a secret child, and you have yourself a party. This dual first-person POV novel is a stand-alone in the Babineaux Brothers series and contains mildly spicy moments with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating.
After a disastrous marriage, widow Jacqueline Jolivette and her angsty fourteen-year-old daughter reluctantly move back to Louisiana. The small town might have intimidated her before, but now she knows there are worse things than the threat of sideways glances in the grocery store - like a fourteen-year-old daughter who can’t stand her, for example. As if she doesn’t have enough to worry about, Jacqueline almost runs into her daughter’s once elusive biological father at a local festival. Of all the festivals, in all the towns, in all of Louisiana …
Lawyer to the Cajun Stars, Kevin Babineaux, loves his life, but he knows something’s missing. Every woman he’s dated falls short of the one who got away fifteen years ago. Then his new client, Mrs. Jolivette, arrives with a picture of her fourteen-year-old daughter. Math was never Kevin’s weak area, and when he sees the child’s eyes, he knows he’s her father.
Their second chance is rife with pitfalls as Kevin trips into fatherhood and Jackie struggles to reconnect with her daughter. That same daughter who is currently sneaking out of the house, while someone watches from the shadows.
This heartwarming small-town romance features an exhausted but fierce single mom, a hot but touchy lawyer, and a second chance for the love that got away. Mix in a secret child, and you have yourself a party. This dual first-person POV novel is a stand-alone in the Babineaux Brothers series and contains mildly spicy moments with a guaranteed HEA and no cheating.
232 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 21, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 17, 2025
✨ Book Review – 3.5⭐️ ✨
Bayou Redemption by Gigi Hodge is a Southern-soaked romance with heart, secrets, and second chances—set against the slow, steamy backdrop of bayou life.
This one’s about redemption in every sense: the pull of the past, broken relationships, and whether two people damaged by their history can forge something new together. The characters feel lived-in, their struggles real, and the bayou setting adds a haunting, quiet weight to everything they are working through.
Here’s what stands out:
💔 Emotional, character-driven arc with themes of forgiveness and growth
🔥 Tension between legacy and love—past mistakes really shape the present
🌾 Lush, moody setting that feels like a character in its own right
⚠️ Pacing drifts in parts, and some of the “redemption” beats feel familiar
I enjoyed this book — it’s thoughtful, passionate, and quietly powerful. Recommend it if you like slow-burn romance, rich character development, and stories about healing in a place that holds its own secrets.
Bayou Redemption by Gigi Hodge is a Southern-soaked romance with heart, secrets, and second chances—set against the slow, steamy backdrop of bayou life.
This one’s about redemption in every sense: the pull of the past, broken relationships, and whether two people damaged by their history can forge something new together. The characters feel lived-in, their struggles real, and the bayou setting adds a haunting, quiet weight to everything they are working through.
Here’s what stands out:
💔 Emotional, character-driven arc with themes of forgiveness and growth
🔥 Tension between legacy and love—past mistakes really shape the present
🌾 Lush, moody setting that feels like a character in its own right
⚠️ Pacing drifts in parts, and some of the “redemption” beats feel familiar
I enjoyed this book — it’s thoughtful, passionate, and quietly powerful. Recommend it if you like slow-burn romance, rich character development, and stories about healing in a place that holds its own secrets.
November 22, 2025
We all need a Tante Clothilde and PawPaw Travis in our lives! 🥰 They had some zingers! 🤣🤣
I adore a good book that draws you in like a good hug from a safe person. And Bayou Redemption hit all the feels! It was a sweet romance filled with love, laughter, music and great food. I definitely feel the urge to go to New Orleans real soon just to try some of the dishes mentioned.
The FMC, Jackie, was so sweet and you feel her protective nature for her heart and her daughter with each chapter.
The MMC, Kevin, was too cute his akwardness, yet southern charm practically had me sighing! 🥰🥰 I adored how trigged he was at being called stupid and I wished Jackie took an opportunity to stand up for him and ease some of his self confidence.
I really enjoyed this quick read and can't wait to dive into the other books in the series. ❤️
What to expect:
💜He fell first
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth teen… not a baby)
🤦🏾♀️Small town shenanigans
🫠 Just enough of spice
I adore a good book that draws you in like a good hug from a safe person. And Bayou Redemption hit all the feels! It was a sweet romance filled with love, laughter, music and great food. I definitely feel the urge to go to New Orleans real soon just to try some of the dishes mentioned.
The FMC, Jackie, was so sweet and you feel her protective nature for her heart and her daughter with each chapter.
The MMC, Kevin, was too cute his akwardness, yet southern charm practically had me sighing! 🥰🥰 I adored how trigged he was at being called stupid and I wished Jackie took an opportunity to stand up for him and ease some of his self confidence.
I really enjoyed this quick read and can't wait to dive into the other books in the series. ❤️
What to expect:
💜He fell first
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth teen… not a baby)
🤦🏾♀️Small town shenanigans
🫠 Just enough of spice
November 18, 2025
I will admit I signed up for this ARC because I liked a lot of the tropes but I wasn't quite sure about the book as a whole. I am glad I took a chance on this book. It was so good! I loved that it wasn't a typical secret child and the two get together right away or at about halfway through the book. This was a slow burn second chance secret child romance.
I am not normally a fan of more than two points of view in a story but it worked for this story. I don't want to spoil whose point of view the third person is but it added a lot to the story.
I loved Jaqueline and Kevin. I love that Jaqueline was taking back her life and she wasn't going to let anyone define her or tell her what to do. She had been through a lot and needed to heal. Her family that she had left, Kevin, his family, and the town they live in helped her to do just that. Kevin wanted the woman he met 15 years earlier he got that and a child he never knew he needed.
I am not normally a fan of more than two points of view in a story but it worked for this story. I don't want to spoil whose point of view the third person is but it added a lot to the story.
I loved Jaqueline and Kevin. I love that Jaqueline was taking back her life and she wasn't going to let anyone define her or tell her what to do. She had been through a lot and needed to heal. Her family that she had left, Kevin, his family, and the town they live in helped her to do just that. Kevin wanted the woman he met 15 years earlier he got that and a child he never knew he needed.
November 21, 2025
Rating:⭐⭐⭐.5 rounded up
Spice:🌶️
Bayou Redemption is a second chance romance, with a surprise baby twist. Jackie and Kevin meet joung, and after a night of passion, meet again after 15 years. Their road to happiness is slow and full of healing, with a lot of weight given to what happened in those years.
While the secret pregnancy is a 50/50 trope for me, I liked how it was treated here, without the usual cloak and dagger. I liked how the characters were forthcoming and there was little to no misunderstanding.
The story is multi POV, including the child's, which was a nice touch. The pacing felt a bit uneven at times, and some parts were a bit dry and not especially emotional.
There isn't much spice, it really is a very slow burn, but it worked well with the plot overall.
Full of southern charm and small town vibes, this was a nice and quick read. I didn't read the other books in this series, but this one worked great as a standalone.
Spice:🌶️
Bayou Redemption is a second chance romance, with a surprise baby twist. Jackie and Kevin meet joung, and after a night of passion, meet again after 15 years. Their road to happiness is slow and full of healing, with a lot of weight given to what happened in those years.
While the secret pregnancy is a 50/50 trope for me, I liked how it was treated here, without the usual cloak and dagger. I liked how the characters were forthcoming and there was little to no misunderstanding.
The story is multi POV, including the child's, which was a nice touch. The pacing felt a bit uneven at times, and some parts were a bit dry and not especially emotional.
There isn't much spice, it really is a very slow burn, but it worked well with the plot overall.
Full of southern charm and small town vibes, this was a nice and quick read. I didn't read the other books in this series, but this one worked great as a standalone.
November 29, 2025
I’m at odds what to rate this book. It’s more of a 3.5 than a 3. I was invested in the story and was interested enough to keep reading, but I felt let down by the romance.
All the parts featuring Louise and her new family were well thought out and I really enjoyed that part of the book. As for Kevin and Jackie I didn’t feel the connection between them and a lot of that could have to do with the arguing. Which seemed to come out of nowhere and be about nothing. Little misunderstandings flared up to where they had to ignore each other. I didn’t understand it. Their arguments felt pointless.
What I will say is that the author kept my attention throughout with other things happening in the plot line. I’d definitely give another book a try because the writing itself was good and grabbed my interest.
I did receive an arc from Happily Booked PR and this is my honest, albeit late review.
All the parts featuring Louise and her new family were well thought out and I really enjoyed that part of the book. As for Kevin and Jackie I didn’t feel the connection between them and a lot of that could have to do with the arguing. Which seemed to come out of nowhere and be about nothing. Little misunderstandings flared up to where they had to ignore each other. I didn’t understand it. Their arguments felt pointless.
What I will say is that the author kept my attention throughout with other things happening in the plot line. I’d definitely give another book a try because the writing itself was good and grabbed my interest.
I did receive an arc from Happily Booked PR and this is my honest, albeit late review.
November 21, 2025
Bayou Redemption
By Gigi Hodge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What to expect:
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth
teen… not a baby)
I absolutely devoured Bayou Redemption! Gigi Hodge has a way of writing small-town romance that just pulls you right in.
If you are a fan of second-chance romanceand the secret child trope, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. The chemistry between the main characters was fantastic, and I loved the added layer of the angsty goth teenager – she brought so much personality to the story!
It's emotional, angsty, and delivers that perfect, heartwarming happily ever after we all read romance novels for. While it's part of a series (Les Frères Babineaux), it works perfectly as a standalone.
Highly recommend checking this one out!
10/10 Would recommend this book to family and friends
By Gigi Hodge
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What to expect:
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth
teen… not a baby)
I absolutely devoured Bayou Redemption! Gigi Hodge has a way of writing small-town romance that just pulls you right in.
If you are a fan of second-chance romanceand the secret child trope, you need to add this to your TBR immediately. The chemistry between the main characters was fantastic, and I loved the added layer of the angsty goth teenager – she brought so much personality to the story!
It's emotional, angsty, and delivers that perfect, heartwarming happily ever after we all read romance novels for. While it's part of a series (Les Frères Babineaux), it works perfectly as a standalone.
Highly recommend checking this one out!
10/10 Would recommend this book to family and friends
November 20, 2025
Secret baby with a twist.
After 15 years, Jacqueline returns to town with her daughter Louise. Imagine her surprise when she comes across Kevin, her one-night stand, and Louise’s father…
Mild angst, AFTER the discovery… and I didn’t really gel with them. I didn’t get their connection as much, perhaps because of what she had gone through with her husband… not sure. I do know that they both managed to act more immature than Louise at times, which did piss me off.
I liked the overall family, interfering, supportive, and at times funny. This was a majorly slow burn… tension throughout the book, immature back and forth, before finally deciding to ‘be a family’…
Thanks Gigi, for the opportunity to read in advancce
After 15 years, Jacqueline returns to town with her daughter Louise. Imagine her surprise when she comes across Kevin, her one-night stand, and Louise’s father…
Mild angst, AFTER the discovery… and I didn’t really gel with them. I didn’t get their connection as much, perhaps because of what she had gone through with her husband… not sure. I do know that they both managed to act more immature than Louise at times, which did piss me off.
I liked the overall family, interfering, supportive, and at times funny. This was a majorly slow burn… tension throughout the book, immature back and forth, before finally deciding to ‘be a family’…
Thanks Gigi, for the opportunity to read in advancce
November 7, 2025
Jackie and her daughter have just returned home to Louisiana after her husband’s death. She moved into the home left to herby her grandfather. Her marriage was not a happy one and her daughter had been sent to boarding schools. She wants more than anything to make a happy home for them. She is surprised when attending a local festival to see Kevin playing in the band. He was her only one night stand from fifteen years ago. She looked for him at the time but didn’t know his last name. Can they rekindle that night? What about the time between?
November 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐
A story of redemption and second chances set against a sultry, evocative Southern backdrop. Two people (plus a teenage girl) scarred by the past must learn to trust, and love, again.
Gigi Hodge delivers lush atmosphere, gritty emotion, and raw vulnerability. The setting feels alive; the characters’ pain and longing are palpable. Pacing allows for slow healing and growing intimacy. Tone is evocative, tender, and deeply moving.
Bayou Redemption is a soulful, powerful romance that lingers. Hopeful, romantic, and filled with emotional depth.
A story of redemption and second chances set against a sultry, evocative Southern backdrop. Two people (plus a teenage girl) scarred by the past must learn to trust, and love, again.
Gigi Hodge delivers lush atmosphere, gritty emotion, and raw vulnerability. The setting feels alive; the characters’ pain and longing are palpable. Pacing allows for slow healing and growing intimacy. Tone is evocative, tender, and deeply moving.
Bayou Redemption is a soulful, powerful romance that lingers. Hopeful, romantic, and filled with emotional depth.
November 9, 2025
Bayou Redemption is everything I want in a second chance romance. A strong fiesty FMC, a swoon worthy Cajun lawyer, and a daughter caught in the middle of secrets and healing. Jackie and Kevin’s reunion is messy, emotional, and totally addictive. I laughed, I cried, and I couldn’t put it down. Bonus points for the angsty tension and some mystery that kept me guessing. Highly recommend to add to your always growing TBR
November 13, 2025
Good, fast read.
🌶️🌶️ not super spicy at all; 2 peppers might be pushing it. It’s a slow burn 2nd chance romance. Jackie is a newly single mom that has a teenaged daughter from a one night stand with Kevin. They reunite after she moves back to her home town after becoming a widow.
This book is about the angst and growing pains of navigating that minefield. They both struggle with the whole communication thing. There’s some drama involving another person.
Short, sweet, and a to the point.
🌶️🌶️ not super spicy at all; 2 peppers might be pushing it. It’s a slow burn 2nd chance romance. Jackie is a newly single mom that has a teenaged daughter from a one night stand with Kevin. They reunite after she moves back to her home town after becoming a widow.
This book is about the angst and growing pains of navigating that minefield. They both struggle with the whole communication thing. There’s some drama involving another person.
Short, sweet, and a to the point.
November 19, 2025
ARC Reader Review 😊
I thoroughly enjoyed this Second Chance romance by Gigi Hodge. This was my first by this author, even though this was Book 3 of the series. I’ve learned recently that I enjoy books with multiple POVs, this being the 2nd time I’ve experienced that. I loved the sass and all the emotion that was involved. Not the spiciest but had a nice slow burn with this quick read. I will for sure be adding the first two books to my TBR.
I thoroughly enjoyed this Second Chance romance by Gigi Hodge. This was my first by this author, even though this was Book 3 of the series. I’ve learned recently that I enjoy books with multiple POVs, this being the 2nd time I’ve experienced that. I loved the sass and all the emotion that was involved. Not the spiciest but had a nice slow burn with this quick read. I will for sure be adding the first two books to my TBR.
November 21, 2025
What to expect:
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth teen… not a baby)
My view
Another great read from Gigi Hodge I really liked that the secret child was older brother n this second chance romance, a book that gives all the feels without losing its strength.
Lots of humour and loved the different views given in n this book.
💜 The one that got away
🌳 Second chance
💜 Secret child (angsty goth teen… not a baby)
My view
Another great read from Gigi Hodge I really liked that the secret child was older brother n this second chance romance, a book that gives all the feels without losing its strength.
Lots of humour and loved the different views given in n this book.
November 22, 2025
This was a great and fast read and I loved every second of it. Jackie is a single mom and Kevin was a fling from 15 years ago that resulted in Jackie’s daughter.
Jackie returns home after her husband death . Jackie sees Kevin at a festive and he’s playing in the band. The chemistry is so good and this is a must read!
Thank you Gigi and Happy Booked PR for letting me be part of the ARC team.
Jackie returns home after her husband death . Jackie sees Kevin at a festive and he’s playing in the band. The chemistry is so good and this is a must read!
Thank you Gigi and Happy Booked PR for letting me be part of the ARC team.
November 12, 2025
I went into this book blind by only reading the troupes and was pleasantly surprised. I will say it was hard to get past the French names and language a little in some parts of the book. I did love the instant connection between Jackie and Kevin, Louise is by far the best character. I loved getting to watch these 2 people reconnect and learn to open up and accept each other.
November 29, 2025
The book is in the title. A second chance at something good, while trying to heal from the past. Past experiences are the heart of this read and you feel everything these characters have been through. An easy read with southern charm.
December 30, 2025
Bayou Redemption is the third and final book in Gigi Hodge’s Babineaux Brothers series. This time following eldest son Kevin as he reconnects with his long-lost fling Jackie—and discovers he has a “secret” daughter.
I absolutely loved the first book, but this one didn’t capture my heart in quite the same way. I was hoping for a bit more spark and emotional connection between Kevin and Jackie. That said, the family drama and overall plot kept me interested, and there were definitely moments that pulled me in.
This one just wasn’t quite for me, but it might be the perfect fit for you!
I absolutely loved the first book, but this one didn’t capture my heart in quite the same way. I was hoping for a bit more spark and emotional connection between Kevin and Jackie. That said, the family drama and overall plot kept me interested, and there were definitely moments that pulled me in.
This one just wasn’t quite for me, but it might be the perfect fit for you!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews