#garnet run

Hi, so…..I totally forgot to post my December TBR 😅. I’m already deep into some of my books and loving them. And I kind of maybe already threw part of this TBR out the window…🤦‍♀️. But that’s okay! Here’s what I planned and some of the other books that have snuck onto the TBR:

The Circle Of Magic book 1 -finished

The Circle Of Magic book 2 -currently reading

The Rivals of Casper Road -currently reading (almost done, still counting this as a November read)

Shelter In Garnet Run (snuck up on me)

Let Your Hearts Be Light

Victor & Nora A Gotham Love Story

Santa’s Favorite

The Circle of Magic book 3 (snuck up on me)

The Circle of Magic book 4 (snuck up on me)

A Reluctant Santa

Captive Prince

Us

Is today the day I catch up with my list? Maybe. 

Anyway, here’s day 27, and continuing the romance novel section of my recommendations: Roan Parrish. 

I am a big sucker for angsty characters being angsty, and Parrish brings lots of that. She writes contemporary queer romance stories, mostly MM. Her characters always have some kind of neurospicy going on, which I enjoy, and it’s romance, so there’s always a happily ever after after the emotional turmoil of whatever is going on. Also, there’s lot of hot sex. 

The Middle of Somewhere trilogy (which leads into the Small Change series), is the most angsty of my recommendations, but I really enjoyed it, in a tortured, emotional way. The characters are realistic and complex, and don’t do that third act magical thing where they suddenly have way more emotional intelligence than they’ve shown for the first 2/3s of the novel. Also, look at that cover. Doesn’t it look deliciously trashy? 

The Garnet Run series is way more soft, like halmark movies except everyone is gay and there’s lot of sex. But it’s small town sweetness, and people who communicate better with their pets than their neighbors. 

The Remaking of Corbin Wake is actually a stand-alone, and has some magical realism vibes that were different from the other books, but well executed. 

This was such a lovely read! It was cozy and sweet and fun. Can this book be my new home? Because it’s an absolutely adorable world and I just love this little fictional town so much. 😊

Honestly, Rye and Charlie are the sweetest grumpy and grumpier couple ever. I loved Rye for being so open about any and everything.and the fact that he would talk your ear off about music at the drop of a hat. He’s definitely got that Seattle vibe about him. And Charlie, for being so hesitant and shy about asking for the things that he wants. I really liked that he had such a gruff caretaker vibe and would do literally anything for anyone at the expense of himself. I also really liked that this book dealt with some self discovery and kink discovery. It was all wrapped up so nicely together in the best way possible.

We can’t forget about the cats! They absolutely stole the show at every opportunity and we’re just the cutest. I also loved what Rye did with the house he inherited!

I think it’s pretty obvious that I loved this book. It has everything I needed in a romance: a cute couple, some adorable cats, and a great small town to set it all in. This is getting a solid five stars and I can’t wait to read the next book!

Reading Challenge Prompt Fills:

#bookedging: small town

This was such a lovely read! I loved that we finally got to see River’s romance. And Cassidy was such a sweetheart. I loved that they had this kind of awkward meet cute while being vendors at a holiday market. I also loved that the cats played such a huge part in this! And of course, we can’t forget the rest of the queer Garnet Run community making their appearances and being sweetly awkward older sibling figures about giving River opportunities to see Cassidy more. I also really appreciated the on page nonbinary rep. I loved that River and Cassidy got to have conversations about being nonbinary and pronouns and all the things. Another thing that I really appreciated was the migraine and ADHD rep. It was all just so good and it was wrapped up in a nice little holiday novella! Shelter In Garnet Run is getting a solid five stars!

Reading Challenge Prompt Fills:

This was so much fun to read! I wish I had finished it up in time for Halloween. But better late than never, right? I really loved getting to see Garnet Run again. Especially with Bram and Zachary! I loved their Halloween themed prank war, I loved that they worked together on their Halloween decorations, and I just loved that they found something in each other. Also? I loved that Bram was able to bring Zachary out of his shell and actually interact with people. And I loved that Bram was able to find a group of really supportive friends.

Honestly, if you love the vibe of Hallmark movies but have wanted something queer and a little bit steamy, this is the book for you! This is getting four stars. And I can’t wait to get my hands on River’s book!!

The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish

THE RIVALS OF CASPER ROAD    ROAN PARRISH WELCOMES READERS BACK TO GARNET RUN   The Rivals of Casper Road by Roan Parrish is the fourth book in the author’s Garnet Run series with Carina Press and Harlequin Special Edition. The first two books in this series were published with Carina Press and the latter two are with Harlequin Special Edition.     BOOK INFORMATION             BOOK REVIEW   The…

*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Cover image and summary from Goodreads*

He’s in it to win it until he falls under his neighbor’s spell.

Bram Larkspur’s rugged, sexy looks belie his fear of all things horrifying. But as Casper Road’s newest resident, he’s excited to join the annual Halloween decorating contest. The competition is keen, especially from six-time champion, architect Zachary Glass. But when enigmatic Zachary sparks a prank war, it’s game on – until one sizzling kiss turns these rivals into allies. Now only one thing scares Bram: how quickly he’s losing his heart to Zachary.

The Rivals of Casper Road is a light, mostly fluffy read that's perfect for a cozy autumn day (or for when it's the middle of summer and you wish it was autumn!). It's full of Halloween decorating, friendly rivalry and pranks, outings in the idyllic town of Garnet Run, and reuniting with well-loved characters from the other books in the series. While I did enjoy reading it, I thought it lacked the depth I've come to expect from the author. Both Bram and Zachary have been through some pretty intense experiences, and even as they deal with the aftermath of what happened, it felt like the narrative didn't dig much deeper than the superficial. I felt the same about the more steamy scenes between them, like they were kept short and didn't delve into all the feels. Overall, I was left wanting more. It's still a sweet romance with Roan Parrish's classic love of the holidays and unique characters (I love you, Bramble Larkspur!). I also liked getting a peek into how things are going for the other queer characters in the Garnet Run world. If you want autumnal vibes and an opposites attract, next door neighbors story, take a stroll down Casper Road with Bram and Zachary.

[Side note: Idk if the change in the storytelling reflects the stories coming from Harlequin? Is it to fit with the brand?? At any rate, the cover is cute but doesn't match up with either dude's personality! Tho the models are pretty close to looking like Zachary and Bram]