Always There Bayou: Cory & Denny's Story

by Aricka Alexander

When you spend your whole life being a protector, it’s hard to let others be one for you.

From the young age of nine, Cory Tate has always had to be the strong one. She constantly had to protect and care for her younger siblings because their mom was busy living a life that no child should ever be exposed to. But even after they moved in with her dad, that didn’t stop her from continuing to worry about her mom, constantly visiting to convince her to do better. However, it all seemed to be for nothing when she eventually lost her to the pull of temptation a few days before her high school graduation.

Now, years later, Cory is an adult full of regrets, PTSD, and a whole bunch of bottled-up anxiety and depression. She’s standoffish and feels weak, constantly blaming herself for things out of her control and taking it out on those who don’t deserve it. She believes that showing emotion is weakness, and she refuses to be seen as anything other than the strong, older sister.

But there is one person who gets to see every side of her…her childhood best friend, Denny.

Denali “Denny” Houston is every bit bubbly, lovely, and patient. Having been friends with Cory since they were eleven, and over the years, they’re the one person she truly feels comfortable around. Denny knows what it's like to lose a mom. 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 you…or at least you don’t think they do.

Follow best friends Cory and Denny as they navigate the ups and downs of adulthood in this emotional rollercoaster of a friends-to-lovers romance. Through drama, trauma, laughs, and love, they realize that their happily ever after had been within reach all along.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2025

About the author

Just a Black sapphic indie author who loves Black sapphic stories. All of my books are set mostly in Southern Louisiana. I also write YA.

Reviews

[J-maa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the best one from the series.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Well done book in the BR Bayou series! I had been following along on Patreon and was loving the chapter peeks! Well, they had nothing on the full story! Cory’s character arc from the first two stories to this has been dramatic and interesting. She has so many layers and I very much enjoyed following along as she peeled each layer back and opened up and let peace, love and happiness in. Denny was amazing and sweet and bubbly from the start and she deserved the world (Cory ;)). The beginning chapters from their childhood added backstory and depth to the characters and to the developing relationship. Very much recommend!!

[Etinni · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

[Brianna M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was in my feelings about Cory from the last book, but she more than redeemed herself in this story. I absolutely loved reading about Corey and Denny’s friendship that blossoms into love and their other friendships that continued to grow and bloom into family. This story was everything!!!

[Karmen Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars All Around
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

When Cory was first introduced into this universe, I absolutely could not stand her. And I remember telling Arii that I was completely uncertain about her redemption. But every character has their stories that shaped them into who they are written to be. And once again, Aricka has made me a believer.

I fell so deeply in love with Cory and just loved seeing how tender and patient she is with Denny. Denny is another character of Arii's that I fell in love with. I always love an artsy character who embraces their unique personality. And seeing how Cory embraced them from childhood just for being themself really makes you fall in love with them as a couple. It was really sweet to see their moments of intimacy together as friends, too. I definitely think the foundation they had as best friends really set the tone for how they learned to care for each other when they finally took the leap together.

This story was deep with lighthearted moments full of love and tenderness. And when the spice came, it was beautifully written. I loved this story so much, and I'm so glad I gave Cory a chance (lol!).

I'm looking forward to the next one because this series so far is amazing!

[Jackie D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series!

I’ve loved this series so far! They are quick reads but so many emotions spill out from the pages. I was shocked at the page count being around 270 it felt like I read 600 pages with how much detail and feeling the author put into this! Deep diving Cory’s trauma and moving on with help from her friends and family. Representing Denny consistently with correct pronouns was fantastic! Not one time did the author mistakenly misgender Denny they are probably my favorite nonbinary representation to date! If you love the series you should find the authors IG page for new book announcements and cute freebies with preorders/ special editions!

[Summer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved hearing this story! I was sucked in from book one and love seeing these characters evolve! Aricka Alexander took us to the playground where they first met eachother and guided us through their lives. it was beautiful I love that this book reads like im talking to my friends and that I also feel like a character in the book like I was there with them. I really enjoyed the mental health representation it was relatable and healing at the same time.

[T. W. · Rating 5 out of 5]

an early birthday gift!

I woke up early the day this book dropped on Kindle because I just couldn’t wait—and getting it the day before my birthday made it feel extra special.

I laughed, I cried, and I felt everything reading this one. I am sooooo happy Cory and Denny finally got their sh!t together! OMG—there were moments I was literally yelling, “Come on now, just say how you feel!” I loved that Denny never gave up or walked away, even though she easily could have before they got their chance.

I also adored the way their families became so interconnected—it added such a rich, heartfelt layer to their love story. And honestly, as we all know, what’s meant to be will always find a way.

Oh, and I have to say… I was so glad Denny beat Christie’s ass—LOL!

[Kenya Sykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great sapphic love story!

I smiled all the way through this book. Such a deliciously, exciting story of pure friendship and unconditional love leading to a combustible romance. This is the stuff of fairy tales and I loved seeing this story unfurl from the playground to altar. I thoroughly enjoyed The BR Bayou Series.

[Bri · Rating 5 out of 5]

A prefect ending to this amazing series! Cory and Denny’s friendship was authentic and refreshing. The dynamic between Cory and her mother was heartbreaking but full of redemption in the end. Their love story was beautiful and I loved the background story on both of them. Aricka truly writes some of the best wlw stories I have ever read!

[Jala · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was my favorite in the series, but it was still very rushed. There are so many subplots/characters that dealt with some heavy topics, but didn’t get the attention they deserved.

I thought there would eventually be some variation in the love stories across the series, but that was not the case… Why is there a fight scene with an ex in every book?

[taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Cory got a redemption from the previous book. Loved watching Denny and Cory’s friendship evolve into a beautiful romantic relationship

[LaNee Tay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good. I understand not wanting to not cross that line with a friend. Oh the letter from the mom at the end had me in tears!! 😭 Great book!!