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Veena’s review of Bayou Beauty (Butterfly Bayou, Book 4) by Lexi Blake
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 27 Jul 21

Third time’s a charm. Rene is determined to win Sylvie at any cost. Unfortunately, he uses logic to try to convince her instead of romance. Lucky for him Sylvie’s friends do his job for him and she says, “Yes!.”  All he’s got to do new is hold on tight and never let go. Another delightful chapter in the Butterfly Bayou annals from Lexi Blake.

Rene has been raised in wealth but at the same time with an oversized sense of responsibility. Though his family doesn’t always appreciate him and now his cousin is seriously trying to undermine him to win his CEO seat, Rene uses the fact that his family wants him to be a responsible married man as a way to get Sylvie to become his wife. Knowing her love for all things designer, he tries to bribe her with a lavish wardrobe courtesy of a professional shopper.

Unfortunately it’s not the wealth or presents that seem to have an impact on Sylvie. She wants more of those drugging kisses and soon, against her better judgement, she’s given up the separate bedroom to move in with him.  She’s amazed that he remembers her childhood dreams and brings home a puppy that needs lots of love and care, but it’s a breed she’s always wanted. Impromptu picnics in the bayou and lots of kisses seem to be turning the tide in Rene’s favor, until he blows up and blows it. Can he redeem himself and find his forever love and happiness?

This series has a wonderful cast of colorful characters and Rene’s eccentric family adds to the quirky, though not necessarily, cute cast. A sweet romance that’s a great summer read.

Grade: B

Summary:

Sylvie Martine was prepared to take Washington D.C. by storm, but she put that dream on hold when her beloved hometown of Papillon, Louisiana, needed her most. Now Sylvie’s the mayor of the tiny town on the bayou that holds her heart. But for Sylvie, this can only be a pit stop on the way to bigger and better things. The last thing she needs is an old love to resurface and threaten her goals.

Rene Darois’s whole life has been about serving his family—no matter how much it hurts. He’s used to sacrificing for his large extended family and the company his grandfather created. But he can’t believe the latest demand: he needs to find a wife and quick or he could lose it all. It would be a horrible situation. But he has just the solution: his high school sweetheart. Sylvie is everything he wants in a wife—smart, funny, and caring—and he planned to woo her anyway.

Now he just has to convince Sylvie that their love is worth it all, or he and the bayou will lose her forever.

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: