Title: Bayou Beauty

Series: Butterfly Bayou

By:  Lexi Blake

ISBN: 0593335465 (ISBN13: 9780593335468)

Website: http://www.LexiBlake.net

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra                   

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. (Goodreads)

Review:

Bayou Beauty is the fourth book in the Butterfly Bayou series by Lexi Blake. I must say right at the beginning, I really enjoy reading this series. Contemporary romance at its best with this title being the best so far in this series. I have waited throughout this series to see if Sylvie Martine would get her HEA and I am happy to report that all will be answered by reading Bayou Beauty. Of note – while part of the Butterfly Bayou series, Bayou Beauty can most definitely be read as a stand alone. Any back story information needed is provided as needed. 

Rene Darois is in a business conundrum and then a solution hits him (as indicated between a talk Rene was having with Mayor Sylvie Martine: 

“Let me get this straight. You want me to marry you to save your company from your evil cousin.”

Well that could create all kinds of interesting challenges – least of which is the knowledge that when they were younger, Sylvie had a huge crush on Rene, and unbeknownst to her – it was reciprocated. But given that Rene was older, he felt he had to let Sylvie explore life on her own before he acted upon his feelings (especially since his post graduating university job prospects would take him away from Papillion). 

As one surmises, Rene and Sylvie do marry, but only to save Rene’s position within the company and the family home, Darois House – which is owned by the company for the CEO and family, so that Cricket Darois (Rene’s mother) could continue living in her home of many, many years.

The ensuing fight for control of the company between Rene and his cousin Charles takes many interesting twists and turns throughout the story. I must admit – some of the twists were rather surprising – especially coming from Madame Mayor! We also get to experience this “marriage of convenience” blossom as a result of time together and shenanigans planned and executed to assist in Rene’s ability to win over the votes for the upcoming shareholders (family) meeting. He so wants to remain as CEO.

We also get to know more about Sylvie as mayor and her passions. I really liked how Rene came to demonstrate how he knows Sylvie better than anyone else. We also got a mention of Otis the alligator (and town mascot) yet again ☺. And don’t get me started on the dog that Sylvie and Rene adopt. AWE!!

Being from a bilingual country (Canada) – I love how Rene whispered in French to Sylvie – so romantic:

“Ta place est ici” – meaning your place is here. Referring to Sylvie suddenly sitting on Rene’s lap.

Or

“Tue s la plus belle chose que j’ai jamais vue.” Meaning “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

The cover art is good. I have enjoyed that each book in the series has a different dog on the cover.As has been in the past with this series, I am happy to say that if you like contemporary romance reads, then by all means pick up Bayou Beauty by Lexi Blake and enjoy the ride. I will patiently wait and see if another installment of the Butterfly Bayou series will be written ☺.