About the Book:
Title: Bayou Sweetheart
Author: Lexi Blake
Series: Butterfly Bayou #5
Page Length: 226
Publication Date: July 26, 2022
Publisher: Forever Pub.
Synopsis: Sparks fly in Louisiana’s Butterfly Bayou when a Hollywood starlet falls for a local deputy in a new small-town contemporary romance from New York Times bestselling author Lexi Blake.
After leaving the military, Major Blanchard moved to Papillon, Louisiana, to be with his aging father, where he’s taken a deputy position with the sheriff’s department. Now that he’s settling into life on the bayou, he’s trying out the dating scene. Every single woman in town seems to be pining after the handsome newcomer. But so far, nothing’s worked out, and he’s had some spectacularly bad dates. Major’s getting ready to give up on love when a new lady roars into town to film a movie and turns his world upside down.
Actress Brynn Pearson is trying to make a successful transition from child star to leading lady. Now that she’s landed her first lead in a major film, nothing can stop her. She’s committed to focusing solely on her work, so romance is the last thing she needs—too bad she can’t get her mind off the dreamy deputy who’s working security for the film. He’s gorgeous, and something about him makes her feel safe. As Brynn’s feelings for Major deepen, she starts to wonder if maybe there’s more to life than her career.
When a family crisis throws Major’s life into a tailspin, he turns to Brynn for support, and hopes the relationship growing between them will shine brighter than Hollywood lights.
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My Review:
Bayou Sweetheart follows actress Brynn Pearson and Major Blanchard, two very different people who find love when they least expect it. Brynn is a layered and endearing character, and I liked her journey over the course of the story. At a crossroads in her professional life, Brynn is not sure she wants to continue acting. But with many people relying on her, a domineering and meddlesome mother/manager, and self-doubt, Brynn doesn’t know what her future holds. Being in this small and charming town, Brynn begins to find herself and understand that her wants and needs should be a priority.
Major is also dynamically developed, and I loved his growth throughout the story. He is one of the only people who sees Brynn for who she is. Not the actor, not the wealth, just her. And I love when he explains his feelings toward her. He often compares her to light and the sun, which is so powerful considering he feels a lot of darkness in his life. With a deteriorating father, many pressures on his shoulders, and much loss in his life, Major finds peace with Brynn despite her chaotic life in front of the camera.
Brynn and Major have a swoon-worthy romance that begins with a comical meet-cute that goes viral. While trying to do damage control, Brynn begins to spend more and more time with Major. This couple had an instant connection, and the gradual development of their love story, though not without some major obstacles, is my favorite part of the book.
I also love the town and the strong sense of community. From nosy and opinionated neighbors to word friends to characters from the first four books in the series, the people of Papillon add so much charm, as well as a sense of kinship and comraderie to the story. It sounds like a wonderful place to live, with the exception of the gator and army of terrorizing raccoons. Lol. Brynn’s mother, sister, and father figure are other interesting secondary characters and explain so much about why Brynn struggles with her life changing decision.
A lovely contemporary romance about family, friendship, finding oneself, and more, Bayou Sweetheart is a charming story, and since I haven’t read the other books in the series, I fully intend to go back and read them all. Special thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The small town charm.
Favorite Lines:
Love is the important thing. Love is everything. Don’t be afraid of it. Don’t think it’s a weak thing that can’t handle adversity.
If you never ask for help, you never give the people who love you the opportunity to show you how they feel.
Recommendations:
This is a great book for readers who like contemporary romance.
I have read the previous books in this series and I enjoyed them. I am hoping to get to this one soon, as soon as my library gets it. I love the quotes you highlighted, Julie, they are wonderful.
I haven’t read the others in the series but definitely want to now. I really enjoyed this one. Thanks, Carla!