Book: Denial Ain't Just a River: A Plentiful Novella by Rachel Belrose
Reviewed by Sheila Lopez
Rating: 5/5
Denial Ain’t Just a River was a funny, heartfelt and very spicy small-town romance about rebuilding a dream, finding your people and learning to accept love in all its forms.
Charlie has dreamed of restoring an abandoned Victorian and turning it into a bed and breakfast since she was a child. When that dream is almost taken away because of someone else’s prejudice, an unexpected opportunity gives her another chance.
I really enjoyed watching Charlie, Piper and Bennett work together to bring the house back to life. Their banter made me laugh and I loved the care, respect and communication between them. Charlie definitely took denial to another level at times but after everything she had been through, I could understand why accepting happiness was so difficult for her. And that trio was super spicy!
The found family moments were some of my favorites, especially seeing how everyone supported Charlie when she needed them most. The story also touches on grief, anxiety, discrimination and homophobia, so I recommend checking the content warnings. But it also has plenty of humor, healing, romance and spice.
If you enjoy queer small-town romances, best friends to lovers, unconventional relationships, renovation projects, plenty of banter and a wonderful found family, I definitely recommend checking this one out.