Bayou Baby

BAYOU BABY is the second instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series set in the Butterfly Bayou of Papillon, Louisiana. This is former US soldier and licensed contractor Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys, and single mother/hair stylist Seraphina ‘Sera’ Guidry’s story line. BAYOU BABY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from several third person perspectives BAYOU BABY follows the building relationship between former US soldier and licensed contractor Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys, and single mother/hair stylist Seraphina ‘Sera’ Guidry. Sera Guidry is a single mother whose reputation in the small town of Butterfly Bayou is tainted by her lack of a husband and the narrow minded attitudes of the small minded community, but adding fuel to the proverbial fire is Celeste Beaumont, whose son Wes was once in love with Sera Guidry until rejection sent him off to war. In town for a couple of jobs including attending his cousin’s wedding, Harrison ‘Harry’ Jefferys is drawn to the aura that is Seraphina Guidry but while Seraphina is from a local family, Harry’s well connected, rich and powerful aunt Celeste despises our heroine, and intends to destroy what’s left of her life. When Sera inherits her late great aunt Irene’s mansion, Celeste makes it known she wants the mansion and the land for her personal use. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Sera and Harry, and the potential fall-out when Sera’s secret is exposed further alienating the Guidry and Beaumont families.

The relationship between Sera and Harry is one of immediate attraction but Sera struggles with Harry’s connections to the Beaumont family, and the potential ramifications if and when Celeste discovers their clandestine affair. Already a target of the Beaumont family, Sera battles between head and heart knowing when her secret is revealed, more trouble will follow. Harry is a bit of a wanderer; a nomad who has yet to settle down since his return from Afghanistan and the loss of his leg but meeting Sera Guidry gives Harry a hope for a future but a future that is marred by his aunt’s obsession with the woman he loves. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Lila and Lisa Guidry; Zep and Remy Guidry, Hallie Rayburn, attorney Quaid Havery; Calvin, Angela and Celeste Beaumont, and Sera’s mother Delphine Guidry.

BAYOU BABY is a heart breaking story of secrets and lies; power and control; discrimination and alienation; friendships, relationships, family and love. The premise is captivating; the romance is seductive; the characters are energetic and colorful.

Harry has come to Papillion to help his aunt prepare for his cousin's wedding and reconnect with his family. Seraphina has just inherited her great-aunts' house and has been tasked to renovate it. As a single mother, she believes this is a way for her and her son to start a new life. Harry is intrigued by the sassy Sera and wants to get to know her even though his aunt told him to stay away from her. Seraphina is keeping a secret that will tear everything they have come to know and love apart. Bayou Baby is the second book in the Butterfly Bayou series.

Bayou Baby had me experiencing every emotion from anger to tears to ear to ear grinning. I loved the banter between Harry and Seraphina when they first met and Harry's subtle determination to convince Seraphina that they should give each other a chance. Aunt Celeste really got on my nerves throughout most of the book and I still do not like her but have learned to tolerate her. I fell more in love with Seraphina's brother Zep in this book and can not wait for his story. This series is on my highly recommended list.

*ARC generously provided in exchange for my honest review*