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Butterfly Bayou #6

Bayou Beloved

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When a woman returns home to Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou, her high school crush finally notices she exists, in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father's footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad's legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he's seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He's prepared for anything the town can throw at him, until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She's gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he's met before....Except he has.

Jayna never thought she'd return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn't be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he's made it plain that he wants to get to know her.

Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

1 pages, Audio CD

First published March 28, 2023

100 people are currently reading
2880 people want to read

About the author

Lexi Blake

183 books6,384 followers
NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Lexi Blake lives in North Texas with her husband, three kids, and the laziest rescue dog in the world. She began writing at a young age, concentrating on plays and journalism. It wasn't until she started writing romance and urban fantasy that she found the stories of her heart. She likes to find humor in the strangest places and believes in happy endings no matter how odd the couple, threesome, or foursome may seem.

Her first novel, Their Virgin Captive: Masters of Ménage, Book 1, was a collaboration with New York Times bestselling author Shayla Black. There are five more books available in the series: Their Virgin's Secret, Their Virgin Concubine, Their Virgin Princess, Their Virgin Hostage, and Their Virgin Secretary. The next book in the series, Their Virgin Mistress, is releasing this April.

In addition to the Masters of Ménage series, she is the author of the Masters and Mercenaries series. There are eight full-length novels and four novellas available now, with more coming in 2015.

In 2013, Lexi also began releasing her urban fantasy series, Thieves. The first five are available now, with Ripper, a spin-off to the series, coming in 2015.

Sign up for Lexi's newsletter at http://lexiblake.net/contact.html#new....

For more information about her books, her appearances and her wacky life visit her Facebook page (http://goo.gl/q2IHnJ) or her website (http://www.lexiblake.net).

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 164 reviews
Profile Image for  Bon.
1,349 reviews201 followers
March 28, 2023
Happy release day!!! Thanks to Chelsea Pascoe at Berkley, and Netgalley, for a copy of this to review! It'll be out March 28th.

This was a cute little small-town romance showcasing a bit of rivals to lovers, a cute dog, and plenty of chemistry.

Quaid is adorable, he totally simps for Jayna and slips so easily into a domestic routine with her. They both have family drama that can't be ignored in a small town, but it's managed well. I'm not sure how well the lawyer side of things was portrayed but I appreciated some of the social messaging, like investing in educating people as workers, and revitalizing small towns that are dying off.

Overall a very fluffy, TV movie vibe to this that was nice and cozy, a good read for a sunny beach day or chilling on the patio.
Profile Image for Ang C.
759 reviews116 followers
March 31, 2023
My favorite in the series thus far ♥️
Profile Image for Wendy W..
517 reviews186 followers
April 2, 2023
Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake is the sixth book in the author's popular Butterfly Bayou series but can be read as a stand-alone.

Story Recap:
Jayna Cardet has moved back to her hometown of Papillon after her high-powered law career in New Orleans. When she left Papillon, she didn’t expect to ever return.

Quaid Havery always knew his path in life. After high school, he went to university and law school and returned to Papillon to take over his father’s law practice. As the only law practice in town, Quaid knows everyone in town and is comfortable in his hometown.

Now Jayna and Quaid are on opposite sides of the courtroom and drama ensues.

My Thoughts:
I enjoyed this story very much. I enjoyed the characters very much. Jayna was a bit difficult to like at first, but I admired her grit and determination, and eventually, I really warmed towards her and was rooting for her to get her HEA. Quaid was a terrific character all through the book. A small-town lawyer and just a nice guy.

Jayna’s and Quaid’s banter both in and out of the courtroom was fun to read and I enjoyed their arguments. I loved the setting very much. The small town of Papillon is exactly the kind of small town I love reading about. There are quirky characters and plenty of gossip and friendliness that make a small town special. This book has a definite Hallmark movie feel about it.

Recommendation:
I highly recommend Bayou Beloved to anyone who enjoys romance. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for MountainKat.
2,346 reviews106 followers
June 19, 2024
Enjoyed this one, like I've enjoyed the rest of the series! I really liked Jayna, and Quaid. Took them a little bit to get there, but it was a nice ride. Well narrated by Jessica Almasy.
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,732 reviews525 followers
March 31, 2023
Quaid Havery has always lived in his small town except for his college and law school years. He knows everyone in the quirky town and tries to do his best by them and help them out of any situation they find themselves in now that he's the only lawyer available to them since his father's passing. Well, that was until Jayna showed up and started accepting clients.

Jayna Cardet has just returned to Papillon, Louisiana, after her life turned upside down, it's the one place she never wanted to go back to, but life threw her a curve ball. Jayna couldn't wait to get out of the trailer park she lived in as a kid and knew the only way out was to go to college, so she did everything she could to ensure she would get a scholarship to make that happen. Her time here is only temporary, though; she is determined to get herself a job with a different law firm and move to wherever the job takes her.

Quaid and Jayna have great chemistry both inside and outside of the courtroom. They also have family issues, so there is a bit of drama there, especially with Quaid's brother. There is a courtroom case that will have you laughing out loud; the people of Papillon are fascinating.

Lexi Blake has gifted readers with a childhood crush that comes to fruition and a small-town romance with lots of steam and heart. BAYOU BELOVED is the sixth book in the BUTTERFLY BAYOU SERIES, but each of the books can be read as a standalone

I recommend this to those who enjoy Steamy Contemporary Romances, Small Town Romances, or Opposite Side of Tracks Romance.

Happy Reading!!!
Profile Image for Nadine Bookaholic.
3,732 reviews525 followers
March 31, 2023
Lexi Blake has gifted readers with a childhood crush that comes to fruition and a small-town romance with lots of steam and heart. BAYOU BELOVED is the sixth book in the BUTTERFLY BAYOU SERIES, but each of the books can be read as a standalone.

Read my full review here ➡ https://bit.ly/NBReviewBB6

Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake

Nadine's Obsessed with Books **I have voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book for my Blog, Nadine's Obsessed with Books
You can find me here:  https://linktr.ee/NadineBookaholic
Profile Image for Robin Loves Reading.
2,909 reviews425 followers
March 29, 2023
Quaid Havery back home in his small town of Papillon, and he has a duty to fulfill. He has taken over his father’s legal practice, and is about to discover that meeting Jayna Cardet is about to change the course of his life.

As Jayna is now an attorney, the last place that she thought she would practice law was in Papillon, where she was born and raised. Finding herself facing a handsome lawyer in the laidback courtroom catches her by surprise. But the lawyer is not just any handsome fellow, he is none other than her high school crush. However, although he does not seem to recognize her from school, he definitely likes what he sees and angles to get to know her better.

Will the couple get on now? Also, how will the small town have room for two lawyers? With text messaging and well meaning neighbors, there is no doubt that Jayna and Quaid are destined to be together. With delightful banter and likable characters, this sixth book in a warm and engaging series was a pleasure to read.

Many thanks to Berkley Books and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,389 reviews64 followers
January 24, 2023
https://celebrityreaders.com/2023/01/...

I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

4 stars — I really love this quirky little town and it’s lovable crazy characters.

I will admit that I had an entirely different expectation of who Jayna was going to be, and I think it took me a little bit to warm up to her. She’s very forthright and ambitious and I was expecting more shy or something! She it NOT SHY!! ROFL. And while we have nothing in common, and I think she was a bit of a jerk as a child, she really grew on me and I felt like I got to know what shaped her and made her who she was…back then and now. She was definitely damaged, and had a lot to work through, but I was rooting for her to see her place in Papillon.

Quaid was such a strange hero for me. He could be absolutely adorable, and I loved the way he cared for his town. But wow, he was damaged when it came to his family. I was truly worried that he wouldn’t see his way forward with them and with Jayna, he kept making missteps, but it made his eye opening that much more satisfying.

Obviously I loved the two together, they had chemistry right from their first courtroom battle. It made for a very fun dynamic between the two, and I appreciated how they respected one another as lawyers, and how that just added a little something extra to their courtship.

I will admit that the pacing felt a bit unpolished at times…I don’t know if it was me, but it just felt a bit fast at times. Not necessarily the plot, but just the writing…something. Obviously I am not a writer, something just didn’t feel as smooth to me.

I hope Ms. Blake continues with this series forever, because I love this town and it’s crazy inhabitants.
Profile Image for Grace.
1,389 reviews46 followers
April 5, 2023
Yeah, that's it for me with this series. I have a theory that Blake needs the suspense plots to help ground the relationships because she's great at that, while this series has been a real mess of bad family nonsense with deeply unearned resolutions. I even liked both leads here, and I generally liked their relationship. But there was a lot of toxic family stuff between her mother and his brother and mother, and too much of it was dealt with by having the other romantic partner explain away why the family member behaved that way. Just... not handled well for me at all.

And that's before we get to the weird scene where I think I was being told I was supposed to feel like Jayna's ex-husband wasn't that shitty of a person. Which, no. He didn't believe her when she did the right thing, he filed a frivolous bar complaint against her that he only dropped when he and his father realized her actions actually made their firm look good, he divorced her juuuuust in time to be sure she didn't get anything, and he spent their entire relationship cheating on her. (I understand there are often two sides to every failed relationship, but like... come on. This is not a person I want to be told by the text isn't actually that bad because he came by at like the 90% mark to say hey, sorry about the frivolous bar complaint, we decided to drop that, and btw here's the name of a new law firm who might hire you! AND SPEAKING OF THAT. Why the hell was the ex-husband coming into town to refer Jayna to Mitch for a job when Mitch's sister-in-law lives in the town?????)

Anyway, this book was bad before you get into all the many, many things it ignored and got wrong about professional ethics for lawyers. I might be able to handwave some of that if I'd liked the book. I didn't.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.5k reviews543 followers
April 1, 2023
This one started out a bit slow for me. I liked Jayna, could empathize with her situation. I wasn't sure about Quaid. As things went on, I liked how these two seemed to have an antagonistic relationship, with smoking chemistry. The way that they would argue their cases on one level, while arguing things between them on another level was great!

Both of them had family issues, sort of the opposite of the others, but it allowed them to understand things. I was glad with how this one ended, it was perfect for them and the town, who got a show when they ended up on opposite sides of a case.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,597 reviews113 followers
April 4, 2023
***ARC Provided by the Publisher via NetGalley***

3.5 Stars

All of these books are just fun. The characters, the town, the tone in which they are written...just fun. And, this one was no different. Reading it is a lighthearted pleasure, and the depth of the story, the characters and the story sort of sneak up on you while you are reading a story about a small town.

Quaid and Jayna are rival attorneys in a small town in which there really isn't enough work to go around, well, at least it seems like there isn't, but maybe one of the attorneys has other ideas about the life he wants to live. Add in their chemistry, her desire to not be back in town, and the rest of the town and you have an enemies to lovers story that is funny, and charming, and really sexy.

I enjoyed and recommend this title.
Profile Image for Nancy.
2,602 reviews63 followers
May 2, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
Sexy parts too explicit for this reader so lost half a star.
Lawyers Quaid (not the best nom) and Jayna kept the story lively with quirky Papillon folk and animals adding zest.
This character driven novel is very entertaining, lots of laughs.
Excellent addition to the series.
Profile Image for Deanna.
3,703 reviews55 followers
January 19, 2023
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.

3.5 Stars
I was excited to read more from Lexi Blake's Butterfly Bayou series after having read and loved the fifth book in the series, Bayou Sweetheart. Bayou Beloved wasn't the instant hit with me that the fifth book was. While I enjoyed a large part of it, there were some things that didn't work as well for me.

I had a little bit of trouble connecting with the story from the beginning. My first impression of Jayna wasn't exactly positive. Until I got to know her background and her motives better, I didn't care for her. Quaid, on the other hand, I loved right away. I ended up loving their banter, their courtroom battles, and how their connection through work brought them closer together. I also loved how everything came together for them in the end.

What I didn't love was harder to pinpoint. There were lots of pieces to this romance. Maybe too many? Both Jayna and Quaid had family issues. Quaid's brother brought trouble around. There was the drama with Jayna's past and her work. It was all interesting, but it made the pacing of the story feel off to me. Sometimes it was fast, and I was pulled in. Other times it was slow, and I struggled to keep reading. That had an effect on my enjoyment of the book. 

Overall, this was a good small-town romance. The small town really shined. I'm interested to see where the series goes next. I hope Jayna's sister and Quaid's friend will get a sweet romance. 

You can find this review and others like it at A Novel Glimpse .
Profile Image for Margie.
1,714 reviews26 followers
March 31, 2023
Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake is book #6 in the Butterfly Bayou series. Attorney Jayna Cardet returned to Papillon looking like a big loser. When Jayna left Papillon to attend college and law school she planned to never return. One divorce later there she was back in Papillon. Jayda couldn't wait to resolve her problems and escape Papillon once again. But then there was Quaid Havery, Jayna's high school crush and, up to now, Papillon's only lawyer. I really enjoyed following along as these two bickered in and out of court, their hot love-making scenes and how both managed to solve family relationship problems. I love their "battles" in court and it made me laugh when the judge commented on those "arguments." The poor judge isn't getting enough fishing time with these two battling in court. It was fun reading along as Quaid fumbled along to repair his relationship with Jayna after his screw up. Reading about the dynamics of both families made this storyline feel so real for me. Made me imagine families acting the same. This is a great addition to the series.

I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,384 reviews39 followers
April 5, 2023


Check out our full post for BAYOU BELOVED on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series, and I would definitely recommend that you read them all and in order, because they are all a lot of fun, but should you choose to start here, do consider reading back.

If you are a fan, then you will really enjoy catching up with all the previous couples and also reacquainting yourself with the unique inhabitants of Papillon. Quaid is the town's lawyer, and he lives with his widowed mother, running his father's practice. And whilst he always knew he would work there, his father's early demise has forced him to be his mother's carer far too young.

Jayna escaped Papillon after high school, and never intended to return. She became a lawyer and married well to further her career. That has all fallen apart, and she has to come home to her mother's trailer to regroup. She is inevitably resentful of this, and frustrated that the power wielded by her ex's family is closing doors to other jobs she wants. So, as much as to pass the time as anything she finds herself working in her hometown, with her long-time, high school crush as opposition.

As these two take to the ring in a fight to be seen and heard, to straighten out misunderstandings, and to cope with the intense chemistry, we have front row seats. Jayna is a wounded animal, and likely to lash out, and Quaid is unaware of some of her pressure points, but we know that they will fight it out and come out of it together.

I love the side stories, the crazy and the deep feelings, which are completely believable – that is the real talent of this author, to make me care.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

This book is part of a series, but you don't necessarily have to read the books in order. Each book describes the quirky town that everyone loves.

Papillon is a town where everyone knows everyone and even when they fight, they still care and love each other.

Jayna has found herself somewhere she never thought she'd be. On the wrong end of a lawsuit, in trouble with the bar association, and back home in Papillon. Jayna's life has been knocked out from under her, and while she's happy to see her sister and her family, Jayna never wanted to settle in Papillon. Jayna had dreams that stretched beyond Papillon.

Quaid is the resident attorney of Papillon. He has stayed even though he could have gone. His family life is a wreck and despite his amazing friends, Quaid knows that a lot has passed him by. When he finds himself in court against Jayna, he can't help but be intrigued.

Jayna and Quaid have a great respect for their abilities as attorneys. It's nice to see their mutual respect. Because both characters have family trauma, both make missteps while trying to figure out what they want out of their temporary relationship.

Jayna believes that she needs to leave again as soon as possible and Quaid doesn't know if he can give more of himself than he already is.

While I really enjoyed the "drama" of the story – especially between neighbors – this book had some strange stops and goes; it felt rushed in some areas and dragged in others. The flow was somehow interrupted when it felt that it should have been smoother.

That being said, I still really enjoyed the book.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews153 followers
March 23, 2023
⚖️ Bayou Beloved ⚔️
Butterfly Bayou Book 6
✒️ Lexi Blake
https://www.facebook.com/authorlexiblake
Release Date 03/28/2023
Publisher Berkley
https://a.co/d/edc6U1z

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

When a woman returns home to Louisiana's Butterfly Bayou, her high school crush finally notices she exists, in a small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.

Quaid Havery always planned to follow in his father’s footsteps. He went to law school and then came home to take over his dad’s legal practice. Being the only lawyer in small-town Papillon, Quaid is pretty sure he’s seen everything. After all, he was once asked to sue an alligator for defamation of character. He’s prepared for anything the town can throw at him until he encounters Jayna Cardet. She’s gorgeous, smart, funny, and unlike any woman he’s met before....Except he has.

Jayna never thought she’d return to Papillon, but when her life gets turned around she must learn to live in the close-knit community again. She certainly never dreamed she would practice law in her little town, but she finds herself in the courtroom, and the opposing counsel is her former high school crush, Quaid. It wouldn’t be so bad if the man had developed a beer belly, but Quaid is more handsome than ever. And instead of ignoring her like he did in high school, he’s made it plain that he wants to get to know her.
 
Thus begins a courtship destined to end in a wedding or a war. Either way, the locals are popping some corn and eagerly awaiting the outcome.

𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

So I have, finally, found the opportunity to read this author.
While reading the blurb, I expected more an office romance sets in the countryside, but it was very much not this trope.

Quaid and Jayna come from two opposite backgrounds, each with its own struggles and hardships.
The golden boy and the trash girl.
And while they are flawed and reject being affected because of someone's inability to choose their place of birth, they let past wounds dictate their every step.
Jayna could not run fast enough to leave Papillon, with only her brain and will she managed to dig her way to the top, but one personal decision and everything spiraled down, bringing her back to where everything began.
Nonetheless, she will bounce back and rebuild herself once more.
Quaid never left, he followed the path dictated by his father, and while he has other aspirations, he does what he must for his community. Why he is running in circles.
Until a competitor who makes his blood boil enters the scene. She is everything he would want as a colleague, and for more if she is willing to give him a chance to seduce her.

Yet while sparks fly, quips ans banters are exchanged, and barbs are traded in the courtroom, they have to face their past, old and more recent wounds, and new truths to navigate the murky roads of their two different upbringing and present circumstances. Quaid is a bit a control freak, but for Janna he will have to learn to trust others to make the right choice.

I loved Jayna’s sister and Quaid’s brother, they are great supportive characters, owning their errors and learning from them. The cases are hilarious and even the heroes’ mothers while needing some bashing come out as wounded people.

A 5 stars tale with no real villain but their ill-advised pride, ingrained prejudices, uncertainties and damaged ego.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen light lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CqGD2y...

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Profile Image for Avid Reader.
1,752 reviews
March 17, 2023
Bayou Beloved (Butterfly Bayou, #6) by Lexi Blake
4 stars
M/F Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.

This book is part of a series, but you don't necessarily have to read the books in order. Each book describes the quirky town that everyone loves.

Papillon is a town where everyone knows everyone and even when they fight, they still care and love each other.

Jayna has found herself somewhere she never thought she'd be. On the wrong end of a lawsuit, in trouble with the bar association and back home in Papillon. Jayna's life has been knocked out from under her and while she's happy to see her sister and her family, Jayna never wanted to settle in Papillon. Jayna had dreams that stretched beyond Papillon.

Quaid is the resident attorney of Papillon. He has stayed even though he could have gone. His family life is a wreck and despite his amazing friends, Quaid knows that a lot has passed him by. When he finds himself in court against Jayna, he can't help but be intrigued.

Jayna and Quaid have a great respect for their abilities as attorneys. It's nice to see their mutual respect. Because both characters have family trauma, both make missteps while trying to figure out what they want out of their temporary relationship.

Jayna believes that she needs to leave again as soon as possible and Quaid doesn't know if he can give more of himself than he already is.

While I really enjoyed the "drama" of the story - especially between neighbors, this book had some strange stops and goes - it felt rushed in some areas and dragged in others. The flow was somehow interrupted when it felt that it should have been more smooth.

That being said, I still really enjoyed the book.
Profile Image for Leah.
703 reviews34 followers
March 29, 2023
I have loved this series from book one and the small town Papillon is a character in itself. Quaid is someone that has been on the periphery of the series, a part of it, but not at the same time. His family is one of the wealthiest of the town, and that has given him a reputation. Some of it earned, some of it not.

Jayna returns to Papillon after ten years with her tail between her legs. Her world has fallen apart after she stood up for herself on a case, and also her divorce has been finalized.

This story is about so much more than just Quaid and Jayna. It is about Jayna’s sister and Quaid’s brother and mother. Yes, we get the romance, but it is almost second fiddle to the meat of the story. I enjoyed this book; it gave me what I wanted and needed. But at the same time, I felt like there wasn’t as much a focus on the relationship of these two.

The siblings and Jayna deal with a lot of healing, growth, and self-discovery. Quaid’s mother has some realizations about her life and belief systems. What I wanted though, and why I gave the 3.5 stars was more of the town itself. I needed an Otis sitting not just a mention. I wanted more interaction between the main characters and the townspeople. This is a strong story, but it didn’t tie into the community in the way in which some of the previous books did, and I wanted more of Jayna and Quaid.
It is a great read though, and I definitely will continue to recommend this story and series to anyone who will listen.

PoP: 50%
Rate: 3.5/5 Stars


Profile Image for TinaNoir.
1,892 reviews339 followers
October 25, 2023
The formula is familiar -- a young woman from a small town can't wait to leave it in her rear view to make it big elsewhere. She does but crashes and burns (in this case it was for doing the right thing) and has to come crawling back home to her more humble roots.

Jayna was a lot prickly but her prickliness is well deserved. Her mother is a piece of work and well, she is a lawyer after all. I really liked her relationship with her sister.

The hero Quaid was a lot more laid back and a bit more affable than Jayna. But his family dynamic was just as messed up as Jayna's in a different way. Instead of leaving town to pursue his law career, he chose to stay and follow in his father's footsteps, taking over his father's law practice and running herd on his family. His relationship with his brother is a warped mirror image of Jayna's with her sister.

But overall, even with some of the family dysfunction our two main have, the tone of this book is very light and the humor is well done. The quirks of the populace of the small town are on full display to great affect. Throughout the book, there is one court case where Jayna and Quaid are opposing counsel which accounts for 90% of the comedy in this rom-com. The rest of the story is them dealing with their various family members, Quaid revealing what his real passion is, and the romance which is quite well done.

And even some of the more bothersome characters get a nice redemption.

I listened on audio and the narrator was great.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,257 reviews123 followers
March 16, 2023
The sixth installment of Lexi Blake's Butterfly Bayou series, Bayou Beloved, is a delightful read that transports readers back to the charming Papillon, Louisiana. The author's writing is so immersive that it's easy to feel like you're right there in the Bayou with the quirky and entertaining cast of characters who are always ready to offer their unsolicited opinions.
The story revolves around the romance between Quaid Havery and Jayna Cardet, and it's a great addition to the series. As Jayna finds herself on the opposite side of a case from her high school crush, Quaid, they must navigate their newfound connection while also figuring out if it could lead to a lifetime of happiness or end in tears.
Overall, Bayou Beloved is a must-read for fans of the series and those who enjoy small-town romance novels. So, click that button and lose yourself in the magic of Butterfly Bayou once again!
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.3k reviews92 followers
April 3, 2023
Jayna finds herself at a crossroads in her life, both personally and professionally, which leads her back to the hometown she couldn’t leave fast enough. Due to her past, she has had no choice to stand up for herself which makes her a good lawyer however she never expected that her first client would have her battling against the boy who claimed her teenage heart.

Quaid’s upbringing couldn’t have been different from Jayna’s as he follows the path that his father chose for him. He may have left town to attend college but he always knew that he would return and take over his father’s legal practice, but Jayna makes him feel more alive than he has felt in a while.

This is a heartwarming story about family and love as despite all the challenges they faced they proved they make the perfect partners both in life and love.
Profile Image for Eileen.
2,698 reviews
March 19, 2023
Jayna and Quaid’s love story in Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake, book six in her Butterfly Bayou series, is a story of second chances, finding love, healing, and taking chances. The story follows Quaid Havery and Jayna Cardet, their reconnection, their baggage, their romance; in addition to the shenanigans of the people of Papillon. As Jayna finds herself on the opposite side of a case from her high school crush, Quaid, who didn’t remember her, they must navigate this new connection while also figuring out if it could lead to a lifetime of happiness or end in tears.

Ms. Blake wrote a wonderful story that should definitely not be missed. She provided a fun tale filled with the magic of Butterfly Bayou; that was also sweet and sassy, fun and flirty, with love, laughter, magnetic attraction, sparks, chemistry, and difficult decisions to be made. I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Bayou Beloved to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,136 reviews105 followers
March 30, 2023
4.5 stars

Starting anew and second chances

Jayna never thought she would return to Papillon, but life has other plans for her. Quaid loves to care for the people of Papillon, but has he set his expectations a little too high?

Jayna and Quaid have to find happiness within themselves, and can they do it within the quirky small town? Settle in for fun and laughs these characters and their neighbors bring to the story.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Abby.
2,024 reviews68 followers
March 30, 2023
Quaid is the town hero, if you will. Being the only lawyer, he looks out for the residents. Jayna had no plans to return to Papillon, but life hadn’t gone as planned. She finds herself back and taking clients. Soon, she and Quaid are adversaries. This story was fun to get lost in! I enjoyed the banter between Quaid and Jayna. The chemistry between them was just right and undeniable. They may have had to face each other in court, but that didn’t stop them from seeing what was between them. They had each other’s back. I really enjoyed going back to Papillon and seeing what everyone was up to!
Profile Image for Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance).
2,175 reviews75 followers
March 16, 2023
Bayou Beloved is hot, funny, and full of small town shenanigans. The smile never left my face the whole time I was reading this lovely small town romance.

When Jayna Cardet returns to her hometown of Papillon,LA with her tail between her legs, she doesn't stay down for long before finding clients of her own. The residents of Papillon may not be the high paying clients she was used to back in New Orleans, since she's now getting paid in gas, chips, and jumbalyla, but beggars really can't be choosers, especially when Jayna isn't the only lawyer in town. She is fully prepared to take on the long standing, and smooth talking lawyer, Quaid Harvey. The man who doesn't remember she existed, which is bad news for him especially when Jayna is the most exciting thing to happen in Papillon in a very long time. Watch out Quaid, Jayna takes no prisoners, she's feisty and I loved her fire.

This book is full of so much small-town charm and quick witted banter I couldn't get enough. While I did want to toss a few mom's out of town, the rest of Papillon is a pure joy to visit. I loved all of the courtroom; Jayna vs. Quaid fisticuffs and even the out of courtroom battles. This couple sizzled and made the return to the Bayou a joyful reading occasion.
Profile Image for Larissa Rye.
1,397 reviews18 followers
March 29, 2023
Another great book in this series! I loved Jayna & how she worked for what she wanted even when everyone else doubted her. Quaid was quite different than I was expecting in a good way! These two were meant to be, I loved the fire they inspired in each other. This book also made me really think about how you may have a great plan for your life but sometimes it surprises you & you end up where/doing what you were meant to be/doing all along. A great read!
Profile Image for Ryan - Sweet Red Reader .
1,425 reviews96 followers
June 30, 2023
I loved Jayna and Quaid’s story so much - though it wasn’t my favorite from the series. It was sort of insta lovey in a way I wasn’t expecting and I wish the issues each main character had with their individual mothers could have used more page time and resolution. Other than that, I was happy to be in Papillon again and can’t wait to go back
Profile Image for Heather.
697 reviews
March 12, 2023
Loved this book! I love Papillon and all of the quirks that come with the small town. This includes what happens when there are now two lawyers in town. Life brings Jayna back to the town she grew up in and also vowed to never return to. Quaid took over the business from his father and now not only does he have to be a lawyer he has to take care of his brother's issues. These two are thrown together and while they battle each other in the courtroom, out side of it they are battling their attraction to each other. Jayna is divorced and doesn't plan to stay in town, Quaid wants her to stay. The push and pull between these two puts a strain on the neck from all the back and forth. They are both good for each other if they can just get out of their own heads. There are also others who do not want them to get together and oh lets not forget family drama that pops up. This book had so much going on in it that there was not a slow point! I read way past my bedtime and did not want this book to end.
Profile Image for Becky.
3,444 reviews142 followers
March 30, 2023
I'm just going to drop this here with zero context:
Judge, all we're asking is for a stop to the relentless nudity that is costing my client money.
You're welcome. ;)

Jayna and Quaid's story was so much fun! The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts hot, making their antagonism-to-friends-to-so-much-more storyline absolutely delicious--and the courtroom scenes? LOL funny.

But it's not all steamy sex scenes and revege via nudity--Jayna and Quaid have some real obstacles to overcome before they get to HEA, and not a few of them involve getting the heck out of their own way. As much as they drove me crazy with their individual issues, Ms Blake 100% had me believing that they, at least, thought those obstacles were real and valid. Watching them--with help from some pretty unexpected places!--figure out their sh!t was beyond satisfying.

Bayou Beloved is the 6th book in the series, but it should work just fine as a standalone. But since I fully intend to read every book in this series, can I please request a Sienna and Landon book ASAP, please?

Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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