This is the third installment in the Butterfly Bayou series and tells the story of Zep Guidry and Roxanne King. While most of Lexi’s books are about finding-or making-a family, this one is about finding your place in the world. When Roxanne King first came to Papillion, La, she intended it to be a temporary stop until she could go back to her rightful place on the New York City Police Department-or some other big city department. But soon the people of the Parish begin to grow on her, especially Zep Guidry. On the surface, Zep is the town bad boy, not holding a full-time job, but doing all kinds of odd jobs to keep afloat. He still lives with his mother, and dates the single women in town without discrimination. That all changes when he meets Roxy, but he doesn’t believe he’s good enough for the sexy cop.

What Roxy comes to realize is that Zep’s laid-back manner covers up a soul that is dedicated to helping others. He doesn’t have a steady job because he’s been helping raise his sister’s little boy. His love of animals comes through when he deals with a stray puppy, and Roxy finds herself falling for him. But when the opportunity arises to go back to her old job comes up, will she chose to leave Zep or has he gained enough hold on her heart to keep her in Papillion?

This is a fun, sexy read, with a hero who only needs to recognize his own worth and a heroine who acknowledges that her ambition may not be the path to happiness. A delight as are all the Butterfly Bayou books.

A wonderful return to Butterfly Bayou. We have Zep's story and he is not what the town paints him as. A lovely romcom with an adorable puppy and her slightly overbearing family.

I am so in love with this town. It just keeps getting better and better. As always Lexi Blake gives us a town and people full of quirks that only she manages to write so well. She creates a place we long to visit or live in. 

I admit that I wasn't too sure about Zep because he was just so bland in the previous book to me. However, getting to know him was much better than I thought he would be. I mean there really couldn't be a better character to get arrested as much by the woman who has feelings for him.

Only in the town of Papillon (Butterfly Bayou) Louisiana could deputy Roxanne King get away with arresting someone as much as she does Zep. After a one night stand she realizes just how much she has feelings for him so she does what she can to kill those feelings.

This is one of those series that no matter how much I tell you it is great you have to read it for yourself to grasp all of the joy and greatness that is Lexi Blake.

This was a cute story. Loved the setting and I really loved Zep. I really felt for him and his life choices. He was such a great guy, Very devoted to his family but I felt bad that he was kinda overlooked and not really appreciated by them. Roxanne too. I felt like she judged him too quickly without giving him a proper chance. It took awhile but she finally saw Zep and realized he was so much more than the carefree image he portrays.

I cannot stress this enough, Zep is book husband material. That man has won a spot in my heart and he is so much more than I thought. Usually, I begin my review by giving out some basic info for the book, and in this case, I feel that the reader should know that Zep is gold and must be protected at all costs. That man is swoon-worthy.

From the previous books in the series, I had the impression that Zep is a lazy, not very intelligent man who is not good enough for many things besides a night between the sheets. That is the impression most people seem to have about him too in his town. Getting to know his point of view though changed my view about him. He is the kind of person who gives and doesn't make a big deal out of it or ask for anything in return. The prologue made that obvious when he let go of his dreams to support his pregnant sister. He has quite a reputation, but it doesn't reflect the person he is now. When he mentioned that he had dated other women after Roxie I was ready to kill him, but he mentioned that he hadn't slept with any of them so it was comforting. The moment he won me over though was when he talked to Roxie about Caroline's view of the world. He is a kind soul.

I honestly could go on and on and on about him, but Roxie deserves some recognition too. That woman can be stubborn and set on her views, but I actually liked her too. She wasn't treated well in her life in New York and that explained her walls. I was frustrated with her for a little over half the book because her views about Zep were only based on what other people had told her and not on the evidence she was seeing every day about the man he is. She did grow as a character and had great development. Her two best moments were a) the one in the town meeting where she solved a case and managed to secure a job for Zep among other things and b) when she arrested Zep for the last time (in this book because I bet that there will be many more arrests). There is nothing I love more than a woman who is strong and can get what she wants.

If I had to sum up the book in one sentence it would be "Everything is not what it seems". As cliche as it sounds, it fits perfectly with what is going on in this story. For example, Roxie's family seemed over the top and filled with not so good people, but later on, we saw many of their layers. If there isn't one already, I would love to read the story of Roxie's brother and his wife. And that is only one example, there are plenty more in this boo, for you to find out on your own.

Bayou Dreaming is the best book in the series so far and to be honest, I don't see how another book can top this one. It was one of the most heartwarming books of 2020 and I will definitely add it to my list of the best books of this year. Zep is one of the best male characters I have ever read and Roxie is not far off, but she was outshined.

Just as I was about to say that I was done writing this review, I remembered that I forgot to mention another beloved character, Daisy. She is a puppy Roxie and Zep found that was left to die and decided to adopt. She is certainly a scene-stealer and you will also love her!

Review: BAYOU DREAMING (Butterfly Bayou Book 3) by Lexi Blake https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bE1
Publication Date: December 1, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4.5 Stars 

This is a lovely romance between Zep, the town’s supposed playboy, and Roxanne, the standoffish new deputy. Their relationship may have started out with a physical encounter, but the slow burning romance brought out their true selves. Not only to each other, but town and family as well. I loved watching them take a chance on being open and honest about their feelings, hopes and dreams. It was heartfelt and romantic.

One of the best parts to this series is the side characters. Papillon is the perfect place for a small-town romance. It is full of colorful characters, nosy neighbors, and just enough normal to round it all out. Wait until you read the town hall meeting. I’m still giggling. This combined with a sweet romantic story makes this a great book to curl up with.

*Review copy provided by Penguin in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/36gH21A

I reviewed Bayou Dreaming for BookPage as part of a roundup of contemporary romance. 
Read: Love and Liberation at https://bookpage.com/features/25824-love-liberation-romance#.X91Rf2RKjJ8

Here's the opening:
Though it’s a more conventional novel, sexual politics also inform Lexi Blake’s small-town romance, Bayou Dreaming. Former military sniper Roxanne King’s divorce and her subsequent move to Louisiana were precipitated by the sexual harassment she suffered in the New York Police Department and the lack of support she received from her family. After filing a complaint that didn’t go anywhere and getting ostracized for it, Roxie starts over in rural Louisiana and finds herself inexplicably attracted to a local bad boy with a heart of gold.

Starting over as a deputy in a very small town suits Roxie fine. She likes her neighbors and she’s good at her job, even if it’s less challenging than she’s used to. One year after the big move, though, Roxanne’s family turns up in what they call a visit but looks a lot like an intervention. Their unexpected, unsolicited and frankly unwelcome invasion threatens to overturn Roxie’s hard-earned peace of mind and independence, so she lies and says she has a boyfriend to keep her mother from interfering in her life.

I’ve been looking forward to Zep and Roxie’s story as their interactions had been quite fun during the first two books in the series, but I really disliked Roxie in the first little bit. She was superficial and careless, which didn’t fit with her supposedly being such a great cop. I worried it would go on like that for most of the book until the Big Black Moment, but luckily she caught on and realised Zep was not what she expected him to be.
Once I got over Roxie’s attitude and she started to pay attention to what Zep said and how he acted, I really enjoyed the story. It was heartbreaking to see how much Zep gave up for his family and being at his side when he realises that it’s nearly impossible to change people’s perception, especially if they’ve known you from a young age.
I loved seeing him come into his own and when Roxie stands up for him I wanted to clap. Roxie is on quite the journey herself. She learns that Papillion is far more her home than New York has ever been and being the only female officer has real impact. It was wonderful to see her take down the walls she’d built up around her heart and lean into who she wanted to be.
And the chemistry between Roxie and Zep burns hot throughout the story.
Overall, BAYOU DREAMING was a delightful, heartfelt romance with great chemistry and banter, cute animals, and a happy ending that leaves you smiling. Solid 3.5

Roxanne and Zep we know from the books before and couldn't wait to see what these two were up too. Zep is the bad boy but in truth not at all, he helps his family over himself all the time. Roxanne moved down to Louisiana for a break from NYC after her ex-husband and father don't help her out. They had a one-night stand but there is still something between them they are both fighting. That is until her parents come and she has to think quick. 

This is my favorite book so far in this series. Loved having the family members and side characters we had from the previous books. 

4 stars

4.5 stars — I feel like this series is just getting better and better…or maybe it’s that I was really excited about Zep and Roxie’s story, and while it took me on a wild ride, it definitely lived up to my expectations.

Zep was a COMPLETE surprise for me.  I mean, I knew there would be more to him, b/c duh…but I guess I didn’t anticipate the depths, or the reasons behind his carefree façade.  He honestly broke my heart and made me want to hug him over and over and over again.  He was so sweet and kind and caring, mixed in with super sexy charm and humour.  He’s basically book boyfriend material for me.  He’s not without flaws, and he makes a doozy of an error at the end, but I loved that he listened to the people smacking him upside the head, b/c they had some fabulous wisdom to impart.

I was worried I wasn’t going to love Roxie as much, but I did.  I hurt for her too, and at the same time she frustrated the SHIT out of me on MULTIPLE occasions.  But I kind of loved that while she would make these boneheaded errors, she ended up having her eyes open to SO MUCH around her when she was confronted by it.  She was strong, sassy, and passionate about her job.  I loved having this female deputy be so admired and appreciated in her town, even if she didn’t always know it.

There were so many moments with the two of them together that made me want to stand up and cheer.  It made up for all the moments where they totally did what I thought they were going to do and made me roll my eyes.  I loved that those bad decisions weren’t dragged out, but that they would make little inroads with each other at each step, and obviously at the end.  Plus, they were super steamy.  😉

This town just amuses the crap out of me.  They are SO ODD and QUIRKY and yet have great intentions, and you just love them anyways.

And as an animal lover, I adore the dog character’s in each one, and Daisy was no exception.

I can definitely see wanting to reread this series whenever I need a pick me up.  I’m so glad there is still more coming, because I am here for that.

BAYOU DREAMING is the third instalment in Lexi Blake’s contemporary, adult BUTTERFLY BAYOU erotic, romance series. This is former NYPD police officer Roxanne King, and Zephirin ‘ Zep’ Guidry’s story line. BAYOU DREAMING can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information for the previous instalments is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Roxanne and Zep) BAYOU DREAMING follows the building romance and relationship between former NYPD police officer Roxanne King, and Zephirin ‘ Zep’ Guidry.  Four years earlier police officer Roxanne King’s life imploded when she discovered complaints about sexual harassment had been ignored and dismissed by the old boys club in the department, a department where her now ex-husband and father worked. Walking away from a job that she loved, and a marriage that was quickly grinding to a halt, Roxanne King landed a job as a deputy in Papillon, Louisiana. But a one night stand with local bad boy Zep Guidry never amounted to fruition until several reports of strange incidences with a mythological creature found Roxanne and Zep working together following an accident that left our heroine with a mild concussion. The appearance of Roxanne’s family added to fuel to Roxanne’s already crazy life, an appearance that pulled Zep into a pretend romantic relationship with Roxanne King. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Roxanne and Zep, and the potential fall-out when Roxanne is offered a job she cannot refuse.

The Louisiana Parish of Papillon has its’ fair share of mythologies but the most recent ‘sighting’ of a werewolf type rougarou, has Roxanne shaking her head at the stories and phone calls to the local PD but Roxanne’s problems only escalate when her family visits Papillon Louisiana, a visit meant to encourage our heroine to finally come home.

The relationship between Roxanne and Zep is one of immediate attraction but Zep’s bad boy reputation precedes his introduction to our story line heroine, a reputation predicated on history, rumors, gossip and lies. Meeting Roxanne King gave Zep a hope for a future but Roxanne had no plans to remain in Papillon long term, and with it went the hopes of a man who was quickly falling in love. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

There is a large ensemble cast of colorful secondary and supporting characters including  Sheriff Armie La Vigne, and practical nurse Lila Daley  (Butterfly Bayou 1), Lisa and Remy Guidry, deputy Major, Harry and Seraphins ( Bayou Baby 2), Sera and Zep’s mother Delphine Guidry. We are introduced to Roxanne’s parents who area infuriating, stubborn and disappointing , her brother Brian and his fiancé Shawna, and her ex-husband Joel Nelson, as well as several townsfolk in Papillon Louisiana.

BAYOU DREAMING is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and loss. The premise is entertaining and engaging; the romance is captivating and decadent; the characters are colorful, dynamic, and spirited.



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Given all the time recently spent in the kitchen following recipes I must say that the author combines the right amounts of emotion, romance, conflict with a pinch of this and that to create a beautiful love story.  I have been reading Ms. Blake for some time but i feel that this series showcases her as a romance writer full of depth and sensitivity.
Zep Guidry has been portrayed as the good time guy chasing the next beer and beautiful girls with the hard hitting deputy Roxanne hauling him to jail every few days to sober up. Even as the town really doesn't see beneath the surface to the man beneath, they do enjoy the foreplay between the deputy and the town drunk.  Poor Zeb how is he to shed his skin and show Roxanne whom he loves madly the deeply sensitive caring man he truly is.
Roxanne has her share of baggage, she left a high profile precinct and a bad marriage to settle in this quiet backwater always planning to return when the time is right but she certainly did not expect an opportunity in the form of a surprise visit from her family with her ex-husband in tow to ostensibly celebrate her birthday. Surprisingly it's Zeb who seizes the opportunity to demonstrate not just his true feeling for her but also a little bit of the person he truly is.
This is best book in the series given that both characters have a fair amount of baggage they have to overcome. The emotional intensity of the story will grip your heart and like the rest of the town particularly his family you'll find yourself rooting for Zeb.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra  

The third book in the Butterfly Bayou series, Bayou Dreaming, is by far the best of the three in the series by Lexi Blake that I have read to date (at least in my humble opinion).

We were introduced to Zéphirin Guidry (Zep) in book two, Bayou Baby, where he put his dreams on hold to help his baby sister and her young son, Luc.  Roxanne King (Roxie) also was introduced in book 2 – arresting Zep whenever possible. They also had a one night stand in Bayou Baby.  Luckily for this reader – book 3 is the love story of Zep and Roxie. And what a story it is.

Zep is the town bad boy who has not grown up – and the following left me with anticipation to see what Zep was going to do to change that image:

“There was a joke around town that the only thing Zep Guidry knew how to finish was a beer. He was tired of being that guy.”

Most of the towns folk do not see him for who he truly is. But his family does know that Zep has the biggest heart and would do anything for you….and I mean anything. One year prior – just as Zep was going to tell his family he would be off to LSU to finish his associate’s degree – his sister springs it on the family that she is pregnant. So Zep forgoes his dreams to help his family.

Roxie is finally settling in as a town deputy. She used to be a hard working police officer in New York married to another police officer. Unfortunately – due to (in my mind) gender inequitable thinking on the part of her husband – she realizes that she has settled in all of her life goals so she divorces her husband, quits the NYPD and takes a job in Papillon. Her original goal when she moved to Papillon, Louisiana was to stay in town and heal her wounds and eventually move back to the big city where the excitement and opportunities of a big city police force abounded. Little did she know that her one night stand last year would have such a lasting effect on her (or Zep for that matter).

Now every love story has twists and turns – and this story is no different. At the beginning of the story both Roxie and Zep are still sparing – he does “stuff” to irritate Roxie and she must “arrest” him.  It is like their dating ritual – or so it seems. Then an actual case where Jeb’s expertise with animals is needed…and the rest is history J. I loved the evolution of Roxie and her ownership of her feelings. Learning to express them was difficult for her – but she persevered. And finally, Jeb stood up for himself and let the world (or rather Roxie) know what he wanted. The growth of these two characters was interesting and definitely kept my attention.

I also loved (and I won’t say too much about this…but…) the ruse the whole town was in on. And the town hall scene – perfect. I loved how good Roxie and Jeb worked together.

The seduction scenes were well written with just the right amount of hotness for me. I really like that my imagination was left to fill in some of the blanks. There were also many chuckle worthy moments throughout the story. And any time a story involves dogs and cats – you have my attention.

Loved the cover page with the dog on the pier looking forlorn – like he is waiting to be rescued!

Bayou Dreaming was an easy, entertaining, emotional love story and a great addition to the Butterfly Bayou series. I can hardly wait to see if there will be a book 4.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing for the digital arc of this title.

Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake is another fun installment of life and loves in Papillon, Louisiana. This is the third book in the Butterfly Bayou series but it would easily stand alone. 

This book centers around Roxanne King, a former NYPD Swat Team member, who relocates to Papillon after divorcing her husband and escaping a bad work situation. As a sheriff's deputy she slowly learns everything there is to know about the small town of Papillon, which as you'd expect in a small town romance, has more than its fair share of eccentrics. Zep Guidry was born and raised in Papillon and has a reputation as a shameless flirt who haphazardly works odds and ends jobs. What people take for granted is a gem of a guy who will do anything for his family and community.

Lexi Blake is a master at small town romances with characters that you just can't help but love. And I absolutely adored Zep. This man with a heart of gold hiding behind a wall of slacker won me over big time. And Roxie was another great character. A NYC transplant trying to make sense of life in a southern town where a crocodile blocking the road is just a normal part of everyday life.

If you are a fan of steamy small town romance this is a good one, as is the whole series.

Roxanne King left New York a mess.  Divorced and jobless.  Blackballed from big city police departments.  She landed in Papillon due to a connection with the sheriff, but never intended for her stay to be permanent.  

Zep Guidry.  Around Papillon,  he’s the bad boy, the pretty boy,   the guy with no ambition that gets by on his looks and charms.  But it's all an act.  He is a caregiver and would do anything and give up everything for those he cares about.

One night together wasn't enough . . .  But can Zep convince Roxie to give him more?  

This story was absolutely perfect!  Zep was everything.  He just needed to understand his self worth so others could as well.   And, Roxie was a study in  figuring out what you really want out of life and learning what makes you happy.  I adored when she realized that her impact in a sleepy little town was much greater than she ever could have imagined.  

I love them as a couple.  Roxie standing up for Zep.  Zep helping Roxie see just how well she does fit in.  Arrests as flirting and foreplay.  Real emotions.  Mythical creatures and investigations.  Bayou Dreaming had everything you didn’t expect and I loved every minute of it!  5 stars!

4.5 Stars

Lexi Blake knows how to make you fall in love.

Bayou Dreaming is a fun small town romance with all the bells and whistles. Towns folks in everyone’s business, gossip is almost like news, a few folks have lost more than a few marbles, yet everything is not as it seems.

Zep has given the town the perception that he has one way when he is really so much more than what he lets people see. One of those people you truly don’t judge a book by the cover. With a heart as big as a Bayou itself and caring kindness that will hit you from left field. The man has more passion and compassion that you could ever imagine. I was intrigued with him from the first book of the series and now I think I might actually be in love with Zep.

Roxie is new to small town life but she is making it her new home. The newest deputy to the Butterfly Bayou has a story that comes with her. It’s smart and courageous. A woman willing to stand up for herself but has a hard time giving into what she wants.

I loved Bayou Dreaming. Zep’s bad boy reputation has left a lasting impression on Deputy Roxie. I loved their playful banter. One night together changes them both. Roxie soon learns there is way more Zep than she realizes. Roxie’s use of her authority with Zep is as cute as it is funny. The two are a great match, their chemistry is incredible and their passion is pure. Bayou Dreaming is a captivating read with amazing romance, some colorful characters. Lexi Blake captures readers once again with an entertaining and intriguing story with a crazy little town that just about anything could happen, and sometimes does.

Bayou Dreaming (Book three in the Butterfly Bayou series) will once again take you on a journey into the charming, small Louisiana town of Papillon where everyone is in everybody’s business and they always look out for those who are part of this quirky little town. 
This time around it is Zep and Roxies story. They are characters that are easy to like and make you want to root for them to find their happily ever after. They have depth, big hearts and are both trying to find their way. Zep is everybody’s friend and easy going but there is so much more to him that he keeps hidden and until he is willing to open up and go after what he really wants, he will be stuck. Roxie is also trying to find her place. Moving from a big city cop to a small town police woman is definitely an adjustment and is only supposed to be temporary. Zep and Roxie have an ease about their relationship. They both seem to want more from it but they will have to be honest with themselves and each other in order for that to happen. Will they have the courage to take the next step toward happiness?

Returning to Papillon aka Butterfly Bayou, we are treated to the youngest Guidry's story.  Zep comes across like a carefree playboy.  He is so much more.  I'm not sure if I'm more sad or mad that he let himself be portrayed in this manner.  It seems as if small towns that know everyone's business still only cares about surface level fluff.  It takes outsiders like Zep's brother-in-law, Harry,  and the new nurse practitioner, Lila, to point this out to people.  And even then, they seem to discount what Harry and Lila bring up.

Roxanne is an outsider and whilst she may physically lust after Zep, she too believes what the gossips say about Zep.  Roxanne aka Roxie is a mix for me.  I am not sure if I like her or not.  The way she treats Zep and continuously puts her foot in her mouth with him begs the question of if this will be how it is in the future.  It is not that Roxie is cruel or intentionally degrading, she is thoughtless and more like her father than she believes.  I am always a bit leery of female characters with Daddy Issues.  And boy does Roxie have Daddy issues.  Ms. Blake does balance this out even more with Roxie's Mommy Issues.  Roxie is a whole bunch of issues.  

Roxie and Zep's romance may have started out as fake, but they were able to find the real "them" when they got to know each other.  I liked how their relationship developed and also how their characters became more honest with themselves as well as each other.  This is the power of Ms. Blake's character building.  Her characters are never perfect.  They are human and struggle with common day issues.  Witnessing the change and growth is a reassuring sentiment which generates warm fuzzies.  Also, watching a community rally around one of its own always makes me feel good.  Makes me wish there are more communities like this and that maybe one day, I will find one like this too.  

This contemporary romance is recommended to readers who like small towns with big hearts and endearing characters who find themselves and their passion.

Bayou Dreaming by Lexi Blake, book three in her Butterfly Bayou series is a wonderful, emotional, and enjoyable story. Roxanne King left New York City and its police force for a simpler life but being a deputy in a small, sleepy Louisiana parish was definitely a bit of an adjustment. She believes she’s settled in, but hasn’t really made friends or become part of the community. She has one foot out the door, hoping to join the force in a larger city. She knows she made mistakes since her in her arrival in town, the biggest, and possibly worst being Zep Guidry; especially as they spent a hot night together a year ago. Roxie believes that Zep drifts through life on his good looks and Cajun charm; not the man for her. Zep knows what he wants, and he wants Roxie; he just isn’t sure how to get her. He’s not used to a woman he can’t charm and Roxie acts as if she’s immune. It seems like the only time he spends any time with her is when she’s arresting him. Zep is determined to win her over by any means necessary; even if he has to become the kind of man she desires. When Roxie’s parents surprise her with a visit Zep takes advantage of the chance to show her that the town bad boy just might be the man of her dreams.  Spending quality time together and burning up the sheets, these two have off the charts electricity and chemistry. Following his heart, Zep is determined to prove to Roxie that there is more to him than he lets on.  With the help of some crazy, loving, meddling, locals, Zep just might be able to convince Roxie he’s the perfect man for her.

Ms. Blake wrote an emotional and wonderful story that should definitely not be missed. She provided a tale that sizzled with magnetism, scorch the sheets chemistry, witty banter, and memorable characters keeping me flipping the pages of this intense and emotional romance.  I totally enjoyed and highly recommend Bayou Dreaming to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

I've been waiting for Zep's book since the first book in the series. I knew I was going to love Zep and Roxie and I was proved right. As soon as I started this book I couldn't put it down. It had me right off the bat and I was already laughing. I enjoy the humor in this one. Roxie's family has a little growing up to do because at first I wasn't a huge fan. Then you see them put the effort in. I so loved Zep and Roxie together. They may be opposites on paper, but they fit like puzzle pieces. There is a lot more to Zep than meets the eye and what his reputation leads you to believe. That man has so much heart and truly cares for the people that live in his hometown. I mean you can't go wrong with a guy who treats animals like family. Animals are a good judge of character. This book makes you root for Zep to finally get to live out his dreams for a change. He definitely deserves it. Roxie may have ran to the Bayou to get away from life, but the Bayou is going to work it's magic. This is a must read!!