REVIEW: Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake

Bayou Beloved by Lexi Blake finds Jayna Cardet back in her hometown of Papillon, the one place she swore she’d never go. After a difficult divorce and facing an ethics hearing where she may lose her law license, she returns to her mother’s trailer in the small town. Not only does she not get along with her mother, but she needs to work. What she finds is that instead of money, she can barter with the townspeople for things she needs.

Quaid Havery has been the only lawyer in town after his father’s death. When Jayna returns to town, he’s happy to have someone take some of the cases off of his plate. They soon find themselves facing each other in the courtroom, and the whole town wants to see the outcome because the sparks are flying both inside and outside of the courtroom. Jayna never had plans of staying in Papillon, but will Quaid be able to convince her there’s more to the small town than she remembered growing up?

This is the sixth book in the Butterfly Bayou series, but it can be read as a standalone. I’ve only previously read the very first book in the series, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything by jumping back into the series here.

It took me a little bit to warm up to Jayna. She’s outspoken, determined, and, at times, comes across a bit rude. She feels she’s too good to be in Papillon. She did, however, end up growing on me as her attitude towards the town starts to thaw. Her and Quaid are both similar in the fact that they have issues with their families, which is something they are able to bond over. Quaid comes across as a great guy, although he can be a bit hard and unbending when it comes to his family.

The book has some angst, but it also has plenty of humor. The townspeople are entertaining, as are the cases that Quaid and Jayna have to handle. It makes for a fun read. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy small-town romances that feature quirky characters.

Book Info:

Publication: March 28, 2023 | Berkley Books | Butterfly Bayou #6

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.