Always There Bayou: Cory & Denny’s Story(The BR Bayou Series Book 3)
Cory and Denny's story was beautiful. I like the buildup of their backstory and the way it leads to a developing relationship. Cory and Denny have been friends since they were eleven and haven’t been separable since. Cory has been through a lot. She watched her mother choose a man and dr*gs over her and her siblings over the years. She developed PTSD and a whole bunch of bottled-up anxiety and regrets. Denny lost her mother, and her father is in prison. Her uncle and aunt raised her. Denny knows what it’s like to feel helpless. Denny knows what it’s like to love someone who doesn’t feel the same for her, or at least that’s what she thinks.
I liked Cory at first; I was side-eyeing her cause of how she did Chey and the first book, but I'm glad they developed a friendship and moved past the issues they had. Cory and Denny, I love their relationship; it's no Cory without Denny, and likewise. Denny was amazing, sweet, and bubbly. Cory “Bunny” is the nickname she gave Denny. They both aggravated me, though they both were scared to tell each other how they felt. They both irk me badly, lol, especially Denny, who expected Cory to read her mind instead of just telling Cory, but I can understand them being afraid they didn't want to ruin the friendship. Cory's father is a good man who took in Cory's siblings even though they are not his biological children. Cory's mom smh that lady neglected her kids. She chose this man, Trevor, and dr*gs over her own kids. Trevor was a disgusting, pathetic man who was also a bully towards Cory. At 18, when Cory went to her mother's house to try one last time to get her mom the help she needed, Trevor pissed me off. It was sad that it was the last time she saw her mom. Cory always carries that regret she felt like she didn't do enough to help her mom. Talking about her mother is a touchy subject for Corey. Corey was very emotional, and I get it; she's been through a lot. I like how Denny was there for Cory; she was the only one who could calm Cory down when she got overwhelmed. Like how Corey took care of Denny as well, she was so soft and loving with her, it was too cute. I was glad when Cory got the closer she needed, and I'm glad Trevor gave her the latter, which he should have given to her years ago 🙄. I'm glad she went in and got help for her mental health. I’m glad they touch on this subject. Corey and Denny's family was close. I like how supportive they are. Cory ex Christie was a hot mess. She cheated on Cory more than once. She talked about doing it cause she couldn't compete with Denny GIRL!! Just leave the relationship, then she told lies to the blogs, trying to make Cory look bad. I was so happy when Denny had enough of her and whooped that azz. Denny snapped when Christie brought up Cory's mom, and it looked like Cory was about to cry. Denny said, " F ck it I go to jail for my baby. Christie got the nerves to call Cory weak like at the end of the day Cory still a women so like..The proposal was to cute Cory did that. It’s one more book I can’t wait until it’s released.
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Reading "Always There Bayou: Cory & Denny's Story" truly made me reflect on the powerful themes of friendship, trauma, and emotional healing portrayed in the book. Cory and Denny have been inseparable since they were eleven, and their long-standing friendship evolving into love is something many can relate to, especially in stories focusing on LGBTQ+ relationships. What stood out to me was the honest depiction of Cory's struggle with PTSD stemming from her mother’s addiction and neglect, as well as Denny’s experience of loss and growing up without her biological parents. Mental health is often a sensitive subject, yet the story handles it with empathy and depth, showing how support from loved ones can play a crucial role in healing. Cory’s pursuit of closure and professional help speaks to the importance of facing past trauma rather than burying it. The dynamics between Cory and Denny felt real, especially their unspoken fears of ruining their friendship by confessing feelings. Many readers might find themselves connecting with that hesitation—the fear of vulnerability and risking something cherished. Their nicknames and tender moments add a warmth to their relationship that is heartwarming. Also, the family backdrop surrounding them—with Cory’s father stepping up to care for her siblings and Denny’s aunt and uncle raising her—reflects the significance of chosen and biological families in providing support. This aspect really enriches the story, making it more than just a romance but a multi-layered narrative about resilience. The inclusion of conflict with Cory’s ex, Christie, introduces real-world complications and jealousy that add tension but ultimately reinforce the bond between Cory and Denny. Personally, I appreciate stories that don’t shy away from tough subjects like dr*gs, bullying, grief, and cheating, while still offering hope and affirming love. "Always There Bayou" is a reminder that love is not just passion but also caring and standing by each other through hard times. For anyone who enjoys heartfelt, realistic LGBTQ+ romances with depth, this book is a must-read.
