Bayou Stix Series: Bayou Stix Limited Edition Box Set (2 page)

Thank you to
Nicole Deese
for inspiring me to write. Reading your work was the push I needed to take my own ideas out of my head and onto paper (the laptop).

Thank you to
Kari
at
Cover to Cover Designs
for the amazing cover and swag. You went above and beyond my expectations. It’s as if you went into my head and took my visions and made them reality!

And finally, thank you to all of my
“fans”
who were always there with kind words and excitement. May you all fall as in love with my characters as I have.

“Okay ladies. If you loved Kellan Kyle you are going to love Jude Delecroix. OMG, I took on this book as a beta reader and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.”

~
5 STARS
from
Book Fanatics Blog

“I really liked this story for so many reasons. There was a super sexy rock star, how can you not love that!? There was passion, love, friendships, sex, heartbreak, and second chances. You are in store for a roller coaster of emotions with Skye’s story, but in the end you won’t be disappointed.”

~
4 STARS
from
Sweets by Steph

“You are not simply a reader with Alluring Turmoil. You become part of the book. It feels as if you are there in the story. You feel everything the characters feel. Alluring Turmoil, Book 1 of the Bayou Stix Series, takes you on a ride. You will feel pain, betrayal, heartache, joy, humor, second chances, understanding, and above all, you feel love.”

~
5 STARS
by
Stacee Reads A Lot Book Blog

“This fiery beginning in the Bayou Stix series delivers promise of what will surely become a wet and wild adventure.”

~
5 STARS from
Thomas

“This isn’t just the same old same old story. It isn’t predictable. It’s a page turner until the very end!”

~
5 STARS
from
Author LL Collins

Lexi

“C
ome on, Lexi. Why are you being difficult? It’s front row at Bayou Stix.
BAYOU STIX
! Do you not understand this? Micah pulled some serious strings to get us these. Come on!” is what I hear from my old college roommate, now best friend Bradi.

“Bradi, I just don’t know. Things are so busy here, I have inventory to do, and I really need to get started on the Masons’ wedding cake. Besides, I’m not a big fan of Bayou Stix. You know that.” I answer, as I look around at my coffee shop/bakery.

Java and Sweeties is my baby. It was always my dream to own and run a coffee shop/bakery. I’m living my dream and I’m very proud of what we’ve put together here over the past few years. I take in the autumn sunset colored walls with the back wall being a built in bookshelf. The black leather couches and recliners spaced intermittently with the bistro sets and warm mocha throw rugs on the polished hardwood floor give the space a warm and welcoming feel.

Over the past two years, business has really taken off and Java and Sweeties has become the go-to place for LSU students and professionals alike to come to study, or work on presentations. My cakes and baked confections have also been on more than one highly respected person’s table over the past year.

“Oh, don’t give me that bullshit, Lexi! This place can spare you for one night.
One
night! I get it. It’s your baby, but you still need a life. You
are
coming with me to the concert. It’s Jude… fucking… Delecroix! Sex on a stick! Don’t make me break out the big guns, because you know I will!”

“That doesn’t work on me Bradi. I’m immune to your wiles,” I say with a chuckle. “But you’re right… ok. I’ll come with you. But I am
not
going backstage. I mean it. I’m serious!”

“Ok fine. We’ll see.
Yay
!” Bradi exclaims as she jumps around doing some sort of happy dance. “Sheesh, I don’t want to have to browbeat you. And I know it isn’t your thing, but it’ll be fun. You’ll see!”

“Yo Erik, she said
yes
!” Bradi yells out to my lifelong best friend, as he’s making an espresso behind the counter.

“Oh great. That’s awesome. It’s going to be an interesting night. One that we’ll certainly never forget!” Erik calls back, giving me a small wink and a sheepish smile, before turning back to the customer.

“Sooo, what should I wear? I’m thinking my purple skinny jeans with my black stilettos and my black sequined halter top. You know the one that makes my boobs look fabulous? Or should I wear my leather miniskirt with the red tube top and my thigh high leather boots? I want to be sure the band notices me!” Bradi asks me with a twinkle in her eye.

“Come on Bradi, seriously? Aren’t you back on with Micah? You know, hence the front row tickets to the sold out concert. And you being noticed is never a problem!” Bradi is gorgeous. As in supermodel gorgeous. She’s what guys call “stacked”. At 5’8 with wavy blond hair accented with dark chocolate lowlights, moss green eyes, a perfect heart shaped mouth, breasts that women pay for, a narrow waist, and curvy hips with legs for days, yeah, she has no trouble being noticed.

Now, I’m not unattractive, but next to her, I feel like a wallflower.

Bradi gives me a devious grin and says, “Yes, we’re back on. We’re always on. Even when we’re off. I love that man! And was he on last night… Ahhhhhhh! However, there is nothing wrong with trying to catch a sexy rock star’s attention. Besides, I’ve already told you, if Jude Delecroix motions my way, I’m dropping my panties before he can blink and change his mind. I would
so
have his rock-star babies.”

My heart starts racing and my head feels strange as I say, “Ok, you do that. Rock stars are overrated. In my opinion, you should stick with Micah and have
his
babies. He’s crazy hot, he’s in love with you, and he puts up with your insanity.”

Bradi gives me a serious look and says, “Lexi, you know I’m joking, right? Are you ok? I would never do that to Micah. Jude is a fantasy… you know,
most
women have a guy they fantasize about. Sometimes, I wonder about you chick. Are you feeling ok though? I mean really, you look a little off. I think you’ve been working too much. You really do need a break, even if it’s just for one night!”

I wipe my hands down my jeans and cover her hand with mine. “I know, babe. You’re you and that’s why I love you. And yeah, I have been working a lot. This place just takes a lot out of me, but I love it.”

“And
that’s
why you’re coming with us Friday night! You need to remember that you’re only twenty-six. You might be a crazy successful business owner, but you’re also a fabulously sexy chick who needs to get out, have some fun, and shit,
get laid
!” she says with a smirk. “Now what are we going to dress you in?”

I roll my eyes and can’t help but laugh at her. I love this crazy woman so much. Besides, she’s right. I need to have some fun. It’s time to let loose again and be a regular, twenty-six year old, single woman. “You pick. Just make sure all my womanly bits are covered!”

“Well, you’re no fun,” Bradi says with a smile. As she reaches over to kiss my cheek and I give her a hug, I don’t hear the door to the shop open.