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Stay With Me Forever
- GenresAudiobook
232 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2026
About the author
Farrah Rochon
84 books2,705 followersA native of south Louisiana, Farrah Rochon officially began her writing career while waiting in between classes in the student lounge at Xavier University of Louisiana. After earning her Bachelors of Science degree and a Masters of Arts from Southeastern Louisiana University, Farrah decided to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a published novelist. She was named Shades of Romance Magazine's Best New Author of 2007. Her debut novel, Deliver Me, the first in her Holmes Brothers series, garnered rave reviews, earning Farrah several SORMAG Readers' Choice Awards.
In September 2010, Farrah joined the Kimani Romance family with the launch of her new series that follows the life of the fictional New York Sabers football team.
When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading her favorite romance novels, hanging around on Twitter, and trying to attend as many Broadway shows as her budget will allow. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.
In September 2010, Farrah joined the Kimani Romance family with the launch of her new series that follows the life of the fictional New York Sabers football team.
When she is not writing in her favorite coffee shop, Farrah spends most of her time reading her favorite romance novels, hanging around on Twitter, and trying to attend as many Broadway shows as her budget will allow. An admitted sports fanatic, Farrah feeds her addiction to football by watching New Orleans Saints games on Sunday afternoons.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
June 3, 2026
4⭐️ for sure, but it could have been five stars if it were longer. 😭
I don't know why, but there is something about a good wrong-side-of-the-tracks second chance kind of romance that gets me every single time. Maybe I just love seeing the underdogs succeed. Especially if the underdog is female.😅
You see, Paxton grew up watching her mother struggle after being abandoned by a wealthy man, so she's spent her entire life believing rich boys come with an expiration date. Sawyer, meanwhile, has always been the rich golden boy who never quite managed to stop looking at her. Family expectations, small-town noise, old insecurities, classicism, prejudices, and a lot of pride kept them apart for years until one passionate night changed everything. And then Paxton disappeared.....
Now she's back in Gauthier, and the two of them are forced to work together on a flood-prevention project designed to protect the town from another disaster like Tropical Storm Luci. How can you not love this already??? But please be aware, this is not an ANGSTY romance even if the premise might make it sound like one (and that's not a bad thing either).
One thing I genuinely appreciated about this book is that the flood-protection project isn't just wallpaper. Sawyer being a civil engineer and Paxton being a project manager gives the romance a concrete external stake. The project mirrors the emotional story beautifully: both of them are trying to prevent another disaster, whether that's another flood or another heartbreak.
And honestly, the premise itself was already fascinating. The urgency surrounding the flood-prevention system is grounded in real-life concerns rather than existing solely to push two characters together. It read less like a made-up romance backdrop and more like Farrah Rochon taking very real regional issues and weaving them into a fictional setting that makes you want to dig deeper. I actually learned a few things while listening, which is not something I often say about a contemporary romance.🙈
What also worked for me was that the conflict felt rooted in something real. Paxton isn't always easy. She's defensive, stubborn, and frustrating at times, but considering the childhood scars she's carrying, I understood why she kept expecting disappointment. Growing up poor in a town where class lines were impossible to ignore left marks that didn't simply disappear because she became successful. And I need readers to stop punishing women for choosing their career over love just because it's maybe not your personal ideal of a romance or just because you might have chosen differently when facing something similar. I understood where she was coming from, and even though I wish the book had been longer to give this very particular inner turmoil to breath and the potential consequences to develop fully, I think the conflict felt not melodramatic just for the sake of it.
Also, it made us see Sawyer work for it.😅
I mean, yes, he does bulldoze his way through her defences, but he does not expect her to magically get over years of hurt. And he is hurt too. I loved that he tried, failed, showed up again, tried even harder, and helped her to see him and her own past a little different from what she perceived from her very traumatised and dismissive teenage-angst viewpoint so that she could start trusting him and a shared future together.
The banter was great, the tension was strong, the plot was solid, and I loved how their shared history kept bleeding into every interaction. You can feel the attraction, but you can also feel the resentment, and all the years they lost because of pride and assumptions and decisions made because it might have made sense back then.
My only real complaints are the ending and the pacing. Yes, this is short, but I still turned the last page expecting at least a little glimpse into their future, an epilogue, something. Also, that conflict surrounding Paxton needed more room to fully develop and show her growth. In the end, the emotional payoff is there, but it builds up far too quickly so that I was left wanting a few extra chapters for them too just breath and be more than just risk-and project management tired people who have fantastic smutty scenes and some issues they still have to work on...
A special mention also goes to Marissa Hampton's narration because she absolutely sold this audiobook for me. Both Paxton and Sawyer felt like fully distinct characters every time they were on page (no matter if dialogue or monologue). She captured his warmth, patience, and emotional steadiness without making him feel over the top. The banter landed, the emotional moments landed, and yes….the steam landed too. Contemporary romance can live or die by whether the narrator can make chemistry feel natural, and Hampton absolutely pulled that off.
Overall, this felt like a mature second-chance romance about class differences, old wounds, community, and learning to trust someone despite every reason not to. Add in a genuinely interesting flood-prevention storyline, strong banter, a MMC who was genuinely swoon-worthy, and this was an easy 4-star listen for me.
*I received an ALC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don't know why, but there is something about a good wrong-side-of-the-tracks second chance kind of romance that gets me every single time. Maybe I just love seeing the underdogs succeed. Especially if the underdog is female.😅
You see, Paxton grew up watching her mother struggle after being abandoned by a wealthy man, so she's spent her entire life believing rich boys come with an expiration date. Sawyer, meanwhile, has always been the rich golden boy who never quite managed to stop looking at her. Family expectations, small-town noise, old insecurities, classicism, prejudices, and a lot of pride kept them apart for years until one passionate night changed everything. And then Paxton disappeared.....
Now she's back in Gauthier, and the two of them are forced to work together on a flood-prevention project designed to protect the town from another disaster like Tropical Storm Luci. How can you not love this already??? But please be aware, this is not an ANGSTY romance even if the premise might make it sound like one (and that's not a bad thing either).
One thing I genuinely appreciated about this book is that the flood-protection project isn't just wallpaper. Sawyer being a civil engineer and Paxton being a project manager gives the romance a concrete external stake. The project mirrors the emotional story beautifully: both of them are trying to prevent another disaster, whether that's another flood or another heartbreak.
And honestly, the premise itself was already fascinating. The urgency surrounding the flood-prevention system is grounded in real-life concerns rather than existing solely to push two characters together. It read less like a made-up romance backdrop and more like Farrah Rochon taking very real regional issues and weaving them into a fictional setting that makes you want to dig deeper. I actually learned a few things while listening, which is not something I often say about a contemporary romance.🙈
What also worked for me was that the conflict felt rooted in something real. Paxton isn't always easy. She's defensive, stubborn, and frustrating at times, but considering the childhood scars she's carrying, I understood why she kept expecting disappointment. Growing up poor in a town where class lines were impossible to ignore left marks that didn't simply disappear because she became successful. And I need readers to stop punishing women for choosing their career over love just because it's maybe not your personal ideal of a romance or just because you might have chosen differently when facing something similar. I understood where she was coming from, and even though I wish the book had been longer to give this very particular inner turmoil to breath and the potential consequences to develop fully, I think the conflict felt not melodramatic just for the sake of it.
Also, it made us see Sawyer work for it.😅
I mean, yes, he does bulldoze his way through her defences, but he does not expect her to magically get over years of hurt. And he is hurt too. I loved that he tried, failed, showed up again, tried even harder, and helped her to see him and her own past a little different from what she perceived from her very traumatised and dismissive teenage-angst viewpoint so that she could start trusting him and a shared future together.
The banter was great, the tension was strong, the plot was solid, and I loved how their shared history kept bleeding into every interaction. You can feel the attraction, but you can also feel the resentment, and all the years they lost because of pride and assumptions and decisions made because it might have made sense back then.
My only real complaints are the ending and the pacing. Yes, this is short, but I still turned the last page expecting at least a little glimpse into their future, an epilogue, something. Also, that conflict surrounding Paxton needed more room to fully develop and show her growth. In the end, the emotional payoff is there, but it builds up far too quickly so that I was left wanting a few extra chapters for them too just breath and be more than just risk-and project management tired people who have fantastic smutty scenes and some issues they still have to work on...
A special mention also goes to Marissa Hampton's narration because she absolutely sold this audiobook for me. Both Paxton and Sawyer felt like fully distinct characters every time they were on page (no matter if dialogue or monologue). She captured his warmth, patience, and emotional steadiness without making him feel over the top. The banter landed, the emotional moments landed, and yes….the steam landed too. Contemporary romance can live or die by whether the narrator can make chemistry feel natural, and Hampton absolutely pulled that off.
Overall, this felt like a mature second-chance romance about class differences, old wounds, community, and learning to trust someone despite every reason not to. Add in a genuinely interesting flood-prevention storyline, strong banter, a MMC who was genuinely swoon-worthy, and this was an easy 4-star listen for me.
*I received an ALC through NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 9, 2026
Review of advanced Listening Copy from LibroFM
I didn't enjoy this read as I was expecting. The MFC drove me beyond insane with being insecure about how she grew up, it was too much of an overkill. Mentioning a couple of times is fine but beyond that is insane. However, the narration is what helped me get through it.
I didn't enjoy this read as I was expecting. The MFC drove me beyond insane with being insecure about how she grew up, it was too much of an overkill. Mentioning a couple of times is fine but beyond that is insane. However, the narration is what helped me get through it.
June 17, 2026
2.5 stars*
I love a Farrah Rochon romance. They’re usually sweet, feel-good, and relatively uncomplicated. This one had all the ingredients of a typical Farrah Rochon romance, but it felt extremely fast-paced and jumped right into the story, leaving little time to really get to know the characters.
Stay With Me Forever is a workplace romance that follows Paxton, a project manager, and Sawyer, the civil engineer recently assigned to her project. They clash over how to approach their work, but there’s also lingering tension from a brief night they shared in the past.
Sawyer has had a crush on Paxton since high school, but Paxton struggles to see why someone like Sawyer would want to be with her. Growing up poor, she’s always viewed their backgrounds as a major difference, while Sawyer seemed to have the world at his fingertips.
As a reader, it’s clear that Paxton isn’t giving Sawyer enough credit and is projecting her own assumptions onto him.
Unfortunately, everything happens so quickly that the relationship never felt like it developed at a natural pace.
This was an okay read, just not one of my favourite Farrah Rochon romances.
I love a Farrah Rochon romance. They’re usually sweet, feel-good, and relatively uncomplicated. This one had all the ingredients of a typical Farrah Rochon romance, but it felt extremely fast-paced and jumped right into the story, leaving little time to really get to know the characters.
Stay With Me Forever is a workplace romance that follows Paxton, a project manager, and Sawyer, the civil engineer recently assigned to her project. They clash over how to approach their work, but there’s also lingering tension from a brief night they shared in the past.
Sawyer has had a crush on Paxton since high school, but Paxton struggles to see why someone like Sawyer would want to be with her. Growing up poor, she’s always viewed their backgrounds as a major difference, while Sawyer seemed to have the world at his fingertips.
As a reader, it’s clear that Paxton isn’t giving Sawyer enough credit and is projecting her own assumptions onto him.
Unfortunately, everything happens so quickly that the relationship never felt like it developed at a natural pace.
This was an okay read, just not one of my favourite Farrah Rochon romances.
May 27, 2026
Thank you Dreamscape Media for this ARC.
Southern Second chance at love.
Paxton & Sawyer were highschool crushes who were both too shy to try their hand at love.
12 years later , the love for their small town brings them together again.
Insecurities and lifestyle differences plaguing them, but Goiter was still able to win another couple!
I love how the effects of Hurricane Katrina were brought to light and showed how other cities were impacted as well, not just NOLA.
This is book #6 in this series.
Southern Second chance at love.
Paxton & Sawyer were highschool crushes who were both too shy to try their hand at love.
12 years later , the love for their small town brings them together again.
Insecurities and lifestyle differences plaguing them, but Goiter was still able to win another couple!
I love how the effects of Hurricane Katrina were brought to light and showed how other cities were impacted as well, not just NOLA.
This is book #6 in this series.
May 28, 2026
If it’s a Farrah Rochon romance it’s an auto buy and going right into my face. Or ears. This is a re read so won’t bore you but I LOOOOVE the Bayou Dreams series. Wondering if we might get Maplesville in audio as well????
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️ I love Farrah's writing and this was my first entree into this small town in Louisiana. I loved the small town setting, the banter, and the character development. Thank you Netgalley for the ARC!
June 2, 2026
I requested this one purely because I have listened to all the others in the series. Sadly, this one was just okay for me. I liked seeing how Paxton and Sawyer rekindled their relationship though found their work situation a little dragging. I look forward to the next book in the series.
July 17, 2026
3.5 rounded up
This was cute, but I do feel like it suffered by cutting itself short a little bit.
This was cute, but I do feel like it suffered by cutting itself short a little bit.
May 29, 2026
🎧 Audiobook Review: Stay With Me Forever by Farrah Rochon
Narrator: Marissa Hampton
Tropes: forced proximity • second chance • slow burn.
🎤 Narration First, Because Marissa Hampton Deserves Her Flowers
Let me start where the magic really happens: the narration.
Marissa Hampton? She showed up. She clocked in. She gave range.
This is a single‑narrator audiobook, but the way she handles character shifts, emotional beats, and tension? Baby, it feels like a whole cast is in the booth with her. Every voice is distinct, every moment lands exactly where it should, and she brings that warm, Southern‑adjacent energy that makes this story feel lived‑in.
The slow burn hits because of her pacing.
The tension hits because of her delivery.
The emotions hit because she knows exactly when to soften, when to sharpen, and when to let a moment breathe.
My only tiny gripe ... and this is truly a “Southern girl problems” situation is the pronunciation of Gautier. It’s actually go‑shay, but it’s one of those words that looks wild on the page, so if you’re not from the Gulf Coast, you’d never know. Most listeners won’t even blink. I just happen to know these little towns like the back of my hand.
But overall? She ate. This is an audiobook‑first experience through and through.
❤️ The Story (Paxton + Sawyer Finally Get Their Moment)
This is book five in the Bayou Dreams series, and we’re finally getting Paxton and Sawyer, who have been circling each other for YEARS. If you love a romance where two people have been stubbornly avoiding the obvious, this one scratches that itch.
Paxton has been soft on Sawyer since high school, but she wrote him off as the stuck‑up rich kid and never gave him a real chance. Fast‑forward: they share one unforgettable night years later… and then go right back to pretending it didn’t shake them both.
Now they’re forced to work together on a city planning project to prevent flooding in Gautier, Mississippi , Sawyer as the project manager, Paxton as part of the building/planning team ,which means forced proximity, shared office space, and all that delicious unresolved tension simmering under the surface.
Paxton is still very much in love with her.
Sawyer is still very much in denial.
And watching them finally stop playing around? Extremely satisfying.
The setting feels real, too, flooding is a genuine issue in that region, and Rochon grounds the romance in something that feels familiar and true. It felt like riding through those little coastal towns again.
📣 Shout‑Outs
Huge thank you to McGalley and Honey Blossom Press for the Advanced Listener Copy. The audiobook drops June 2nd, and the ebook/print are available now if you want to jump in early.
Narrator: Marissa Hampton
Tropes: forced proximity • second chance • slow burn.
🎤 Narration First, Because Marissa Hampton Deserves Her Flowers
Let me start where the magic really happens: the narration.
Marissa Hampton? She showed up. She clocked in. She gave range.
This is a single‑narrator audiobook, but the way she handles character shifts, emotional beats, and tension? Baby, it feels like a whole cast is in the booth with her. Every voice is distinct, every moment lands exactly where it should, and she brings that warm, Southern‑adjacent energy that makes this story feel lived‑in.
The slow burn hits because of her pacing.
The tension hits because of her delivery.
The emotions hit because she knows exactly when to soften, when to sharpen, and when to let a moment breathe.
My only tiny gripe ... and this is truly a “Southern girl problems” situation is the pronunciation of Gautier. It’s actually go‑shay, but it’s one of those words that looks wild on the page, so if you’re not from the Gulf Coast, you’d never know. Most listeners won’t even blink. I just happen to know these little towns like the back of my hand.
But overall? She ate. This is an audiobook‑first experience through and through.
❤️ The Story (Paxton + Sawyer Finally Get Their Moment)
This is book five in the Bayou Dreams series, and we’re finally getting Paxton and Sawyer, who have been circling each other for YEARS. If you love a romance where two people have been stubbornly avoiding the obvious, this one scratches that itch.
Paxton has been soft on Sawyer since high school, but she wrote him off as the stuck‑up rich kid and never gave him a real chance. Fast‑forward: they share one unforgettable night years later… and then go right back to pretending it didn’t shake them both.
Now they’re forced to work together on a city planning project to prevent flooding in Gautier, Mississippi , Sawyer as the project manager, Paxton as part of the building/planning team ,which means forced proximity, shared office space, and all that delicious unresolved tension simmering under the surface.
Paxton is still very much in love with her.
Sawyer is still very much in denial.
And watching them finally stop playing around? Extremely satisfying.
The setting feels real, too, flooding is a genuine issue in that region, and Rochon grounds the romance in something that feels familiar and true. It felt like riding through those little coastal towns again.
📣 Shout‑Outs
Huge thank you to McGalley and Honey Blossom Press for the Advanced Listener Copy. The audiobook drops June 2nd, and the ebook/print are available now if you want to jump in early.
June 12, 2026
Quick Summary: A second chance with the one who got away romance
My Review: Stay With Me Forever by Farrah Rochon is book #6 in the Bayou Dreams series. It was originally released in 2015. The audiobook via Dreamscape Media was released on 6/2/26.
About the Book: In Gauthier, love isn't just found. It's forever.
Paxton Jones returned to her Louisiana hometown for one reason . . .
Sawyer came back to Gauthier to rebuild his life and start fresh...
Paxton and Sawyer must figure out if some connections are worth the wait."
In My Own Words: A once upon a time ONS gets a second wind, as two lovers with a history of quiet longing work together on a project.
What I Liked:
🏡 - I love Gauthier. This small town community is cozy but popping. (I have enjoyed every book in the series.)
🔥⏳ - I liked the tension between Paxton and Sawyer. The whole secret mutual longing certainly stood the test of time.
👯♀️ - The girlfriend sass was fun. I appreciated the fact that Pax got to experience a special friendship like that, especially considering how she felt growing up and being on the outs.
😅 - Sawyer was very sure of himself, in regard to his pursuit. I was like...whew!
💼 - I loved seeing a female lead who had an authoritative role in the work force. She was intelligent, accomplished, and had strong convictions. She could hold her own. Total boss energy!
💬 - I liked that they eventually got to the place where they could talk about things and make moves toward real.
🎤 - (Sorry not sorry) -> I loved that in-your-face-shutdown that Paxton displayed toward Sawyer.
What I Did Not Care For:
🤨 - I did not understand Paxton's mother's attitude regarding Sawyer. Also, she shifted her position so quickly. I just didn't get it.
📴 - The ending was pretty abrupt. It cut with a quickness that I was not ready for.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Marissa Hampton. I loved her tones. The way she was able to voice Paxton and Sawyer was amazing. It was a rich listening experience.
My Final Say: In my opinion, this was a realistic, low-drama romance. It was all about the characters, their shared history, and their relationship development. It was nice to see how they both grew towards each other.
Other: Readers who enjoy small town settings, close proximity/work relationships, second chance love stories, and what's next scenarios should like this.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Level: 🌶️
Format: 🎧
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
My Review: Stay With Me Forever by Farrah Rochon is book #6 in the Bayou Dreams series. It was originally released in 2015. The audiobook via Dreamscape Media was released on 6/2/26.
About the Book: In Gauthier, love isn't just found. It's forever.
Paxton Jones returned to her Louisiana hometown for one reason . . .
Sawyer came back to Gauthier to rebuild his life and start fresh...
Paxton and Sawyer must figure out if some connections are worth the wait."
In My Own Words: A once upon a time ONS gets a second wind, as two lovers with a history of quiet longing work together on a project.
What I Liked:
🏡 - I love Gauthier. This small town community is cozy but popping. (I have enjoyed every book in the series.)
🔥⏳ - I liked the tension between Paxton and Sawyer. The whole secret mutual longing certainly stood the test of time.
👯♀️ - The girlfriend sass was fun. I appreciated the fact that Pax got to experience a special friendship like that, especially considering how she felt growing up and being on the outs.
😅 - Sawyer was very sure of himself, in regard to his pursuit. I was like...whew!
💼 - I loved seeing a female lead who had an authoritative role in the work force. She was intelligent, accomplished, and had strong convictions. She could hold her own. Total boss energy!
💬 - I liked that they eventually got to the place where they could talk about things and make moves toward real.
🎤 - (Sorry not sorry) -> I loved that in-your-face-shutdown that Paxton displayed toward Sawyer.
What I Did Not Care For:
🤨 - I did not understand Paxton's mother's attitude regarding Sawyer. Also, she shifted her position so quickly. I just didn't get it.
📴 - The ending was pretty abrupt. It cut with a quickness that I was not ready for.
About the Audiobook: This novel was narrated by Marissa Hampton. I loved her tones. The way she was able to voice Paxton and Sawyer was amazing. It was a rich listening experience.
My Final Say: In my opinion, this was a realistic, low-drama romance. It was all about the characters, their shared history, and their relationship development. It was nice to see how they both grew towards each other.
Other: Readers who enjoy small town settings, close proximity/work relationships, second chance love stories, and what's next scenarios should like this.
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Status: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Level: 🌶️
Format: 🎧
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Dreamscape Media), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for granting access to an ALC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review.
June 7, 2026
Stay With Me Forever by Farrah Rochon is A heartfelt, swoon worthy romance that reminds us that love is worth believing in and that, in the end, love will always find a way to win.
Wih that said, It is no secret that Farrah Rochon is one of my favorite romance authors, and with every visit to Bayou Dreams, she reminds me exactly why.
Stay With Me Forever beautifully continues the legacy of this beloved series by giving us characters who don't simply fall in love with one another, they become people we, as readers, fall in love with too.
From the moment Sawyer stepped onto the page, I knew he was about to steal my heart. And baybeee, he did just that. There was something so quietly powerful about him. He wasn't loud in his love. He wasn't performative in his affection. Instead, he showed up with a steady, beautiful passion that made me swoon one page at a time.
One of the things I adore most about Farrah's writing is her ability to create characters who feel less like fictional people and more like friends I've known for years. By the time I reached the final page, it felt like I had know the characrers for a lifetimen because I see them in the beautiful friendships I have today!
This entire Bayou Dreams series has been a love letter to romance readers, but this book in particular nestled itself deep inside my Lover Girl heart. It reminded me that love doesn't have to be chaotic to be powerful. It doesn't have to be loud to be life changing. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories are built through consistency, trust, friendship, and showing up for one another day after day.
And isn't that what so many of us are looking for?
Thank you, Farrah, for continuing to write stories that stay with us long after the final page. Thank you for creating characters who love each other well and, in turn, leave readers feeling loved too.
Huge thank you to Libro.fm for this amazing selection
Wih that said, It is no secret that Farrah Rochon is one of my favorite romance authors, and with every visit to Bayou Dreams, she reminds me exactly why.
Stay With Me Forever beautifully continues the legacy of this beloved series by giving us characters who don't simply fall in love with one another, they become people we, as readers, fall in love with too.
From the moment Sawyer stepped onto the page, I knew he was about to steal my heart. And baybeee, he did just that. There was something so quietly powerful about him. He wasn't loud in his love. He wasn't performative in his affection. Instead, he showed up with a steady, beautiful passion that made me swoon one page at a time.
One of the things I adore most about Farrah's writing is her ability to create characters who feel less like fictional people and more like friends I've known for years. By the time I reached the final page, it felt like I had know the characrers for a lifetimen because I see them in the beautiful friendships I have today!
This entire Bayou Dreams series has been a love letter to romance readers, but this book in particular nestled itself deep inside my Lover Girl heart. It reminded me that love doesn't have to be chaotic to be powerful. It doesn't have to be loud to be life changing. Sometimes the most beautiful love stories are built through consistency, trust, friendship, and showing up for one another day after day.
And isn't that what so many of us are looking for?
Thank you, Farrah, for continuing to write stories that stay with us long after the final page. Thank you for creating characters who love each other well and, in turn, leave readers feeling loved too.
Huge thank you to Libro.fm for this amazing selection
May 28, 2026
2.5
I wasn’t aware that this is book 6 of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Originally published in 2015, it is now being released on audio.
This is a second-chance romance centered on Paxton and Sawyer. They had mutual crushes in high school, though neither ever acted on it. Three years prior to the story, they shared a one-night stand that ended abruptly when Paxton left without explanation. Now she’s returned to her hometown as a project manager overseeing a flood protection initiative, only to find that Sawyer is the engineer assigned to work alongside her.
Unfortunately, I disliked Paxton as a character. At 37, she is portrayed as a capable, confident professional, but much of her internal conflict revolves around insecurities tied to her upbringing. While those feelings are valid, they felt repetitive and overly emphasized, especially given the passage of time. Her decision to leave Sawyer in the past also came across as contrived, and her continued resentment, particularly regarding their differences in socioeconomic backgrounds, made it difficult to connect with her character. At times, she seemed to harbor a lingering grudge toward both Sawyer and the town, despite her own success.
The audiobook is pretty short (around five hours), and I think that might have worked against it. There’s definitely chemistry and some steamy moments, but I didn’t feel like I got enough time to really see their relationship grow. Because of that, the emotional payoff just didn’t land and the ending was abrupt. I think with a bit more development, this could have been a much more engaging story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my review.
I wasn’t aware that this is book 6 of a series, but it can be read as a standalone. Originally published in 2015, it is now being released on audio.
This is a second-chance romance centered on Paxton and Sawyer. They had mutual crushes in high school, though neither ever acted on it. Three years prior to the story, they shared a one-night stand that ended abruptly when Paxton left without explanation. Now she’s returned to her hometown as a project manager overseeing a flood protection initiative, only to find that Sawyer is the engineer assigned to work alongside her.
Unfortunately, I disliked Paxton as a character. At 37, she is portrayed as a capable, confident professional, but much of her internal conflict revolves around insecurities tied to her upbringing. While those feelings are valid, they felt repetitive and overly emphasized, especially given the passage of time. Her decision to leave Sawyer in the past also came across as contrived, and her continued resentment, particularly regarding their differences in socioeconomic backgrounds, made it difficult to connect with her character. At times, she seemed to harbor a lingering grudge toward both Sawyer and the town, despite her own success.
The audiobook is pretty short (around five hours), and I think that might have worked against it. There’s definitely chemistry and some steamy moments, but I didn’t feel like I got enough time to really see their relationship grow. Because of that, the emotional payoff just didn’t land and the ending was abrupt. I think with a bit more development, this could have been a much more engaging story.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC in exchange for my review.
June 6, 2026
The Series Finale That Reminded Me Why Farrah Rochon Is That Girl
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 109
Dates read: 06.01.2026 – 06.02.2026
Title: Stay With Me Forever
Author: Farrah Rochon
Format: digital/audio
#caseysbookshelf
Thanks to Libro.fm’s ALC program I started this on release eve, then purchased it the next day so I could switch to Kindle. That’s how you know.
This is book six and the finale of the Bayou Dreams series. I had no idea there were this many books and finding out this was the last one genuinely hurt my feelings. Now I’m going through Farrah’s backlist to cope.
One of my favorite things in romance is when authors assign careers that actually mean something. Paxton is a project manager and Sawyer is a civil engineer working on a flood protection initiative. Those careers matter. Urban planning and civil engineering directly shape our communities. Environmental racism, redlining, gentrification, none of that happens without decisions being made in rooms where Black people aren’t present. Seeing Black professionals in those roles on the page matters because books expand what we believe is possible.
And Farrah doesn’t just give them impressive titles. Their work is woven into the romance itself. Both of them are trying to protect something from future damage. The parallel works beautifully.
Paxton’s walls made sense. Sawyer’s patience made sense. And that man was WORKING for his second chance.
My only note is that I wanted more at the end. An epilogue would have wrecked me in the best way.
Farrah closed this series with intention. I am grateful for every book in it.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
📚 On Casey’s Bookshelf
Book: 109
Dates read: 06.01.2026 – 06.02.2026
Title: Stay With Me Forever
Author: Farrah Rochon
Format: digital/audio
#caseysbookshelf
Thanks to Libro.fm’s ALC program I started this on release eve, then purchased it the next day so I could switch to Kindle. That’s how you know.
This is book six and the finale of the Bayou Dreams series. I had no idea there were this many books and finding out this was the last one genuinely hurt my feelings. Now I’m going through Farrah’s backlist to cope.
One of my favorite things in romance is when authors assign careers that actually mean something. Paxton is a project manager and Sawyer is a civil engineer working on a flood protection initiative. Those careers matter. Urban planning and civil engineering directly shape our communities. Environmental racism, redlining, gentrification, none of that happens without decisions being made in rooms where Black people aren’t present. Seeing Black professionals in those roles on the page matters because books expand what we believe is possible.
And Farrah doesn’t just give them impressive titles. Their work is woven into the romance itself. Both of them are trying to protect something from future damage. The parallel works beautifully.
Paxton’s walls made sense. Sawyer’s patience made sense. And that man was WORKING for his second chance.
My only note is that I wanted more at the end. An epilogue would have wrecked me in the best way.
Farrah closed this series with intention. I am grateful for every book in it.
Another book off the shelf. We keep reading with intention. 📚
June 2, 2026
Farrah Rochon delivers a heartfelt romance that beautifully balances emotional depth, personal growth, and undeniable chemistry.
Paxton Jones is fiercely independent and deeply committed to her community, but her determination to shoulder every burden on her own has left little room for vulnerability. I found her incredibly relatable and appreciated the way her character grappled with the pressure of always being the one others depend on.
Sawyer Robertson was an absolute standout. His patience, steadiness, and unwavering support for Paxton made him impossible not to love. The tension between them was engaging from the start, and their slow-burn romance developed at a pace that felt authentic and rewarding. Watching their relationship evolve amid professional challenges and personal obstacles was one of the highlights of the story.
While I enjoyed the novel immensely, the ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of the rest of the story. I would have loved a little more time with the resolution and the characters as they settled into their happily-ever-after.
Overall, this is a warm, emotionally satisfying romance filled with memorable characters, meaningful themes, and a strong sense of community. Fans of character-driven contemporary romance will find plenty to love here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advance listening copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Paxton Jones is fiercely independent and deeply committed to her community, but her determination to shoulder every burden on her own has left little room for vulnerability. I found her incredibly relatable and appreciated the way her character grappled with the pressure of always being the one others depend on.
Sawyer Robertson was an absolute standout. His patience, steadiness, and unwavering support for Paxton made him impossible not to love. The tension between them was engaging from the start, and their slow-burn romance developed at a pace that felt authentic and rewarding. Watching their relationship evolve amid professional challenges and personal obstacles was one of the highlights of the story.
While I enjoyed the novel immensely, the ending felt somewhat rushed compared to the careful development of the rest of the story. I would have loved a little more time with the resolution and the characters as they settled into their happily-ever-after.
Overall, this is a warm, emotionally satisfying romance filled with memorable characters, meaningful themes, and a strong sense of community. Fans of character-driven contemporary romance will find plenty to love here.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing an advance listening copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
June 3, 2026
Stay With Me Forever is the sixth and final book in the Bayou Dreams series by Farrah Rochon. I had the pleasure of listening to the audiobook of this book, narrated by Marissa Hampton. I love Gauthier and have enjoyed every book in this series, and Stay With Me Forever is my favorite. One of my favorite tropes is a slow burn love from high school to adulthood. Paxton and Sawyer have both been interested in each other since they were teenagers, without realizing that the other had feelings.
As adults, Paxton and Sawyer ran into each other at a local bar three years prior, and spent a steamy night together. In the present, they meet again when they work together (and clash) on a town levee construction project. Neither can forget their attraction nor their feelings for each other. I loved how hard Paxton fought her feelings while Sawyer steadily convinced her of his sincerity and love for her. They have great physical chemistry and are an excellent match in many ways.
This book was a great end to the Bayou Dreams series. Once again, Marissa Hampton did an amazing job as the narrator. She expresses the emotions of each character so well, and is very convincing as she voices multiple characters in the book.
Thank you to Farrah Rochon, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance listener’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
As adults, Paxton and Sawyer ran into each other at a local bar three years prior, and spent a steamy night together. In the present, they meet again when they work together (and clash) on a town levee construction project. Neither can forget their attraction nor their feelings for each other. I loved how hard Paxton fought her feelings while Sawyer steadily convinced her of his sincerity and love for her. They have great physical chemistry and are an excellent match in many ways.
This book was a great end to the Bayou Dreams series. Once again, Marissa Hampton did an amazing job as the narrator. She expresses the emotions of each character so well, and is very convincing as she voices multiple characters in the book.
Thank you to Farrah Rochon, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for an advance listener’s copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
June 6, 2026
This description had me hitting that request button so fast. Even the description had me giddy. Paxton has over come her lot in life and made a name for herself and is proud of who she has become. Sawyer, the it man, the football star and most attractive man in school has everything. Working as an engineer he is hired to work along side Paxton the team lead to organize the building of the flood protections after devastating floods.
I loved Paxtons personality, her determination and her drive and work ethic. But I loved her passion. Her inner fire. I felt that Sawyer underwent a lot of growth in his character, between his younger self and who he was at the beginning of the project and the end. Sawyer brings out the best in Paxton by bringing out her fierce side and helper her break through her doubts and fears and change. I loved their chemistry and their connection both physically and emotionally. I got to listen to this as an audiobook that was narrated by Marissa Rochon who did an amazing job. Her voices for the characters were great, that sassy flirty side came across so well with Paxton and the slightly deeper gruff voice for Sawyer was perfection. Such an amazing production. I loved the crisp sound and pacing. The pauses between chapters was perfection. Really loved this book, I now need to go listen to Farrah’s other audiobooks.
I loved Paxtons personality, her determination and her drive and work ethic. But I loved her passion. Her inner fire. I felt that Sawyer underwent a lot of growth in his character, between his younger self and who he was at the beginning of the project and the end. Sawyer brings out the best in Paxton by bringing out her fierce side and helper her break through her doubts and fears and change. I loved their chemistry and their connection both physically and emotionally. I got to listen to this as an audiobook that was narrated by Marissa Rochon who did an amazing job. Her voices for the characters were great, that sassy flirty side came across so well with Paxton and the slightly deeper gruff voice for Sawyer was perfection. Such an amazing production. I loved the crisp sound and pacing. The pauses between chapters was perfection. Really loved this book, I now need to go listen to Farrah’s other audiobooks.
June 28, 2026
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was my very first time reading Farrah Rochon, and sadly, I don't think I'll be picking up more of her books in the future. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
To be completely honest, the story felt super slow and a bit boring. I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, which is a major dealbreaker for me in a romance. If I'm not obsessing over the couple or feeling their chemistry, it’s hard to stay invested in their journey, and the spark just wasn't there.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and no shade to the narrator at all, but the voice delivery could have been way more exciting. The narration felt a bit flat, which didn't help with the pacing issues the story already had. A bit more energy probably would have kept me hooked, but instead, it just felt like a struggle to get through.
Overall, a bit of a letdown. It has a cute premise, but the execution and the lack of connection to the characters made it a miss for me.
This was my very first time reading Farrah Rochon, and sadly, I don't think I'll be picking up more of her books in the future. I really wanted to love this one, but it just didn’t hit the mark for me.
To be completely honest, the story felt super slow and a bit boring. I had a really hard time connecting with the characters, which is a major dealbreaker for me in a romance. If I'm not obsessing over the couple or feeling their chemistry, it’s hard to stay invested in their journey, and the spark just wasn't there.
I listened to this as an audiobook, and no shade to the narrator at all, but the voice delivery could have been way more exciting. The narration felt a bit flat, which didn't help with the pacing issues the story already had. A bit more energy probably would have kept me hooked, but instead, it just felt like a struggle to get through.
Overall, a bit of a letdown. It has a cute premise, but the execution and the lack of connection to the characters made it a miss for me.
June 11, 2026
Stay with me forever
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Paxton and Sawyer are assigned to an engineering project to upgrade their hometown’s flood protection system. Somewhere between reviewing plans and budget meetings, they built a romance. I found the civil construction project really interesting and it was explained simply too.
The characters and I got off to a shaky start but we worked through our differences. There are times both MC’s immaturity became a roadblock to their own happiness which was unexpected for MCs in their mid 30s. To have a second chance at the one that got away was a novel approach and I enjoyed the cute high-school-sweetheart style moments woven into the story. I would have however liked a prologue. Some of the dialogue and stylistic choices just weren’t for me but I enjoyed the book and the narration overall.
🚧 Small Town Romance
🧱 Women in Construction (YES!)
🏗️ Interconnected Standalone
📊 Workplace Romance
⚙️ Second Chance
🧯 Sweet & Spicy
📐 Third Person POV
📋 Pub Date : 2 June 2026
🦺 Thank you Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Paxton and Sawyer are assigned to an engineering project to upgrade their hometown’s flood protection system. Somewhere between reviewing plans and budget meetings, they built a romance. I found the civil construction project really interesting and it was explained simply too.
The characters and I got off to a shaky start but we worked through our differences. There are times both MC’s immaturity became a roadblock to their own happiness which was unexpected for MCs in their mid 30s. To have a second chance at the one that got away was a novel approach and I enjoyed the cute high-school-sweetheart style moments woven into the story. I would have however liked a prologue. Some of the dialogue and stylistic choices just weren’t for me but I enjoyed the book and the narration overall.
🚧 Small Town Romance
🧱 Women in Construction (YES!)
🏗️ Interconnected Standalone
📊 Workplace Romance
⚙️ Second Chance
🧯 Sweet & Spicy
📐 Third Person POV
📋 Pub Date : 2 June 2026
🦺 Thank you Dreamscape Media & NetGalley for the advanced listening copy. All thoughts are my own.
June 2, 2026
Baby, Farrah Rochon ( the queen) knew exactly what she was doing with this one. Paxton Jones is that classic, stubborn Black woman trying to be a superwoman, building a fortress around her heart while saving her small town. I have never felt so seen and called out by a character.But honey, enter Sawyer Robertson. This man patiently loved on Pax, stood his ground, and had me completely weak. Their professional clashing on the bayou was juicy, but that slow-burn chemistry? Hotter than a July afternoon in New Orleans.The ending felt a little quick, but watching Sawyer break down her walls made my heart so full. It’s a beautiful, comforting romance that just feels like home. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this ALC. All opinions are my own.
May 27, 2026
I received a free ARC of this book. These thoughts and opinions are completely my own.
Paxton, a successful professional woman her late 30's, returns to her hometown in Louisiana to help her mom open a business while also working on a job that can help the community and boost her career. Her work brings her face to face with her past crush and former one night stand, Sawyer. While working together on flood control systems they fight their growing attraction.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but if you like simple romances and main character's that are both poc, it was a cute story.
Suggestive language, moderate frequent spice.
Paxton, a successful professional woman her late 30's, returns to her hometown in Louisiana to help her mom open a business while also working on a job that can help the community and boost her career. Her work brings her face to face with her past crush and former one night stand, Sawyer. While working together on flood control systems they fight their growing attraction.
The ending felt a bit rushed, but if you like simple romances and main character's that are both poc, it was a cute story.
Suggestive language, moderate frequent spice.
May 28, 2026
3.75 🌟 I received an ALC for this book from NetGalley for an honest review. I was interested in this book because it is based in Louisiana where I was born and raised. The plot and storyline was good. I really liked the uniqueness of the story about building levees to protect the town. Paxton honestly for the first quarter of the book irritated me and came across as a know it all with control issues. Sawyer was so sweet and was really trying with her. Shayla was a real one & set her straight real quick. After that, she was much better & enjoyable. This book only has a single narrator for all voices. She did a good job with the story inserting emotion & personality into it.
July 15, 2026
Paxton!
I am 3 for 3 with the stubborn FMC who just insists that the whole world is against her when, in all reality, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Especially when it comes to the beautiful, Black man just trying to love her properly.
I don't know what it is about my romance choices lately, but they are all full of hurt women pushing loving men away. I might need to evaluate that at some point.
Now Sawyer deserves a medal for his patience with Paxton. He had the patience of Job because there were a few times throughout this story where I was shocked he didn't lash out based solely on her intentionally trying to hurt him. A lesser man would have gone for the jugular, messing with Paxton. But Sawyer played the long game, and I had to admire him for it.
As for the ending, it kind of lost me. It felt rushed, and I wanted more of a discussion about the change in their relationship. This story could have used an extra 50 to 100 pages just to show us what happens between Paxton and Sawyer and the flood project in Gauthier.
Still a solid read and a good end to the Bayou Dreams series.
I am 3 for 3 with the stubborn FMC who just insists that the whole world is against her when, in all reality, that is the furthest thing from the truth. Especially when it comes to the beautiful, Black man just trying to love her properly.
I don't know what it is about my romance choices lately, but they are all full of hurt women pushing loving men away. I might need to evaluate that at some point.
Now Sawyer deserves a medal for his patience with Paxton. He had the patience of Job because there were a few times throughout this story where I was shocked he didn't lash out based solely on her intentionally trying to hurt him. A lesser man would have gone for the jugular, messing with Paxton. But Sawyer played the long game, and I had to admire him for it.
As for the ending, it kind of lost me. It felt rushed, and I wanted more of a discussion about the change in their relationship. This story could have used an extra 50 to 100 pages just to show us what happens between Paxton and Sawyer and the flood project in Gauthier.
Still a solid read and a good end to the Bayou Dreams series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2026
Stay With Me Forever is my first Farrah Rochon novel and now I want more. It’s giving Black Hallmark with smedium spice. You have Paxton and Sawyer working on a project together to restructure the levees in Louisiana. The thing is they have history. They went to high school together and later in life, after one night at the bar, there may have been an unfinished spark reignited. The book moves fast and kept me locked in.
It also left me wondering: how often do people talk themselves out of relationships and reduce interactions to “just sex” because they’re scared they’re not enough?
It also left me wondering: how often do people talk themselves out of relationships and reduce interactions to “just sex” because they’re scared they’re not enough?
June 7, 2026
Farrah Rochon knows exactly how to write a romance that hooks you from page one! If you are a fan of the second-chance romance trope, this one delivers on that pining and history immediately. Farrah always gives us just enough spice to get giddy with excitement, and the chemistry between the leads was definitely there.
That being said, it was a solid romance read, but I wanted more out of the ending. It felt a bit rushed compared to the beautiful buildup of the rest of the book. Still a super fun, emotional ride for contemporary romance lovers!
That being said, it was a solid romance read, but I wanted more out of the ending. It felt a bit rushed compared to the beautiful buildup of the rest of the book. Still a super fun, emotional ride for contemporary romance lovers!
May 28, 2026
This was a very fun story. My only wish is that it had been a little longer to flush out the characters individual stories a bit and maybe continue to follow along with them. I loved the narrators and I continue to love Farrah's writing style even in novella form though. The characters were very loveable and the plot existed beyond the love story which is always a plus in my book.
3.75 stars
Thank you netgalley for an advanced listening copy of this book.
3.75 stars
Thank you netgalley for an advanced listening copy of this book.
May 31, 2026
I was enjoying the first half of the book rekindling a one night stand between the popular and not so popular kid (by her words) but the harboring of feelings of why Paxton believe she wasnt worth Sawyers time.
Throughout the story it didnt give that Sawyer ever thought he was better than Paxton but it made it seem to try to make him out to be the bad guy.
Audiobook Narrator Marissa Hampton is very monotone and does not bring enjoyment to the story so that also may have influenced my rating as well.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for the ALC
Throughout the story it didnt give that Sawyer ever thought he was better than Paxton but it made it seem to try to make him out to be the bad guy.
Audiobook Narrator Marissa Hampton is very monotone and does not bring enjoyment to the story so that also may have influenced my rating as well.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media via NetGalley for the ALC
June 4, 2026
This is my first time Farrah Rochon’s book and honestly saying it was quite good. I enjoyed listening to this book. The way narration was done is perfect. Every single word and emotions were captured so well. Paxton and Sawyer are perfect for each other.
June 8, 2026
I would land at 3.5 rating on this one; I had a good time. I enjoyed both characters and the witty banter. The narration was fantastic, I thought she did a great job with all characters and voices. It was a quick, easy listen and I would recommend it.
June 9, 2026
love this series
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