Butterfly Bayou: Volume 1

4 Star Review of Butterfly Bayou (Butterfly Bayou#1) by Lexi Blake Lexi Blake is off to a good start with her latest series based in Papillon, Louisiana also known as Butterfly Bayou. Her writing was descriptive and I could easily imagine myself in the Bayou particularly since it is an area that I would love to visit. I had a hard time warming to nurse practitioner Lila Daley initially. I know she had just been through a traumatic event which had almost cost her everything, but it wasn’t just that. She appeared standoffish and judgmental and I couldn’t picture her living successfully in the little town on the bayou. Single dad and Sheriff Armie LaVigne was easier to relate too. Fitting into the quirky community without ruffling feathers is going to be difficult, but her sister Lisa is there to lend a hand and if only she would let him, so would Armie and his adorable and sassy daughter Noelle. There were times that my heart just about broke for all that Lila, Armie and Noelle have been through .The relationship between Armie and Noelle was heartwarming and I loved their interaction and obvious love for one another. I found myself frustrated by both Lila and Armie’s behaviour on numerous occasion and wanted to yell at them both. However although it was a very rocky road, I was cheering when they finally got the happily ever after that they both deserved. Of course the appearance of Otis the alligator led to some humorous moments throughout the story, the quirkiness of Papillon and the people who call it home added to my overall enjoyment of Butterfly Bayou and I can’t wait to learn more about Zep Guidry in particular. Although this is not my most favourite book from Lexi Blake, it has certainly whetted my appetite for what’s to come on the bayou and I am excited to read the next book in the series .

First off, I have spent less for better books. I know it has been a while since I have read anything from this author, but didn't expect this. I didn't love the characters. they were wishy washy. The conflict in their relationship was a sad attempt. The writing was ok, but the overall story didn't draw me in or keep my attention.

3.75 stars--BUTTERFLY BAYOU is the first instalment in the contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series focusing on the people who live and work in Papillon Bayou Louisiana. This is forty year old, single father and Sheriff Armie La Vigne, and practical nurse Lila Daley’s story line. NOTE: Due to the nature of the story line premise, there may be some triggers for more sensitive readers. Told from dual third person perspectives (Armie and Lila) BUTTERFLY BAYOU follows three distinct paths: the building relationship between forty year old, single father and Sheriff Armie La Vigne, and practical nurse Lila Daley; a couple of cases of domestic abuse that place Lila in the direct line of fire; and the relationship between Lila, Armie and Armie’s sixteen year old daughter Noelle, a young woman confined to a wheelchair since the accident that claimed the life of her mother. Eight months earlier Lila Daley’s life imploded when a gunman killed her co-worker taking Lila hostage in the process. Fast forward to present day wherein our heroine, struggling to move on from the past accepts a position as a practical nurse, moving from Dallas Texas to Papillon Bayou, Louisiana, a town that is unwilling to accept Lila as one of their own. Having to deal with the small-town mentality and discrimination that comes with the inability to change, Lila finds herself on the outside looking in when Papillon Bayou, Louisiana refuses to accept Lila into their arms. Enter Sheriff Armie LaVigne, the man with whom Lila will fall in love. What ensues is the building but acrimonious relationship between Lila and Armie, and the potential fall-out when Lila finds herself on the receiving end of death threats, anger and Armie’s inability to accept Lila’s methods and means of tough love towards his only daughter. Lila Daley is a strong, independent, intelligent, practical nurse with attitude to spare; who gives as good as she gets, and who isn’t afraid to speak her mind but speaking her mind in Papillon Bayou, Louisiana means alienating the townies who struggle to accept Lila as their new primary care personnel. Used to the ways of the old doctor, the residents of Papillon Bayou begin to make Lila’s life miserable until an accident threatens the life of one of their own. Armie LaVigne is a single father who cares for his daughter, a young woman whose carefree attitude hides a darker fear but it is Armie’s personal battle with Lila’s stance that threatens his relationship with our story line heroine. The relationship between Lila and Armie begins when Armie pulls over Lila Daley in an effort to get to know Papillon’s newest resident but everything backfires when Lila’s ego, demeanor, mindset and temperament continues to annoy the townsfolk, including the man with whom she will fall in love. Lila believes she is better than the people of Papillon Bayou, and it’s this philosophy and perspective that begins to push away any future relationships. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text. There is large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including Armie’s daughter Noelle, Lila’s sister Lisa Guidry and her husband Remy, her brother Will and his wife Laurel, nurse Mabel; townies Rene Daron, Zep Guidry, Quaid Havery; town deputies Major and Roxie; real-estate agent Miranda Jossart; Carrie Petrie, her husband Bobby, his brother Donny , and their mother Lorna, as well as several other town folks who push in and out of our heroine’s life. BUTTERFLY BAYOU is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love; of struggle and betrayal; vengeance and drama. The premise is edgy and intense; the characters are spirited, sassy, judgemental and snobs; the romance is seductive and moving but struggles in the face of preconceived notions, issues of trust, misunderstanding, and spurious reactions to events and outcomes. BUTTERFLY BAYOU is a wonderful introduction to the people and town of Papillon Bayou, Louisiana