steph15's review
3.0
I know I said I wasn't reading this author anymore. But, my husband didn't know that. He said, "I was looking at books at Walmart and saw a romance with two dudes on the cover so I bought it for you." Who am I to turn down a book I didn't ask for?
lgbtrepinbooks's review
5.0
Trigger Warnings: Cursing, blood, missing sibling, sex, past cheating, trauma, grief
Representation: Jewish, Gay
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth installment in the Garnet Run series. Bram in new to town and has moved in across the street from Zachary Glass. Zachary is the six-time winner of the block’s Halloween decorating contest and does not plan to miss out on year seven. Zachary accidentally sparks a prank war with Bram but soon enough these rivals become friends and possibly more?
This finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is amazing! It’s an easy read and can be read as a standalone. The story is perfect for a cozy fall day after doing some pumpkin picking!
I really loved both of these characters! I loved how the author normalized Zachary having some social issues without it become the center of his story. I thought his backstory was interesting though. I liked the nuance and trauma that his sister brought but it was also a little weird and felt kind of out of place at times. I thought Bram was a lot of fun and I loved his supportive family! I also loved how friendly he is and I loved the warm welcome he received from the town! Their love story is so quaint and the book has some great steam!
Representation: Jewish, Gay
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth installment in the Garnet Run series. Bram in new to town and has moved in across the street from Zachary Glass. Zachary is the six-time winner of the block’s Halloween decorating contest and does not plan to miss out on year seven. Zachary accidentally sparks a prank war with Bram but soon enough these rivals become friends and possibly more?
This finished copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book is amazing! It’s an easy read and can be read as a standalone. The story is perfect for a cozy fall day after doing some pumpkin picking!
I really loved both of these characters! I loved how the author normalized Zachary having some social issues without it become the center of his story. I thought his backstory was interesting though. I liked the nuance and trauma that his sister brought but it was also a little weird and felt kind of out of place at times. I thought Bram was a lot of fun and I loved his supportive family! I also loved how friendly he is and I loved the warm welcome he received from the town! Their love story is so quaint and the book has some great steam!
annarella's review
5.0
Garnet Run series and Roan Parrish characters are amongst my favorite in the mm romance world as the stories are always heartwarming and sweet.
When I see a new book in Garnet Run I know I will read it as it's always a treat.
This one was excellent: sweet but never too sweet, well plotted, and compelling.
It's a sort of fairy tale but there's always some very realistic details.
I consider this series a sign of times and a hope that dark times will never be back as there's inclusivity and people accept the differences.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
When I see a new book in Garnet Run I know I will read it as it's always a treat.
This one was excellent: sweet but never too sweet, well plotted, and compelling.
It's a sort of fairy tale but there's always some very realistic details.
I consider this series a sign of times and a hope that dark times will never be back as there's inclusivity and people accept the differences.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Harlequin for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
jessmsamuels's review
4.0
Roan Parrish will likely never write something I don't like. I just love Roan's style. As usual, Roan brings together two very distinct personalities and finds a reason for them to share their vulnerability - which eventually turns to trusting, which then turns to love.
This book combines two things I love most - Romance and Halloween, so it was bound to be a winner.
I do wish I had read the previous Garnet Run closer in timing to this one as many of the characters show up in this story. Makes me want to go back and read them all over again!
This book combines two things I love most - Romance and Halloween, so it was bound to be a winner.
I do wish I had read the previous Garnet Run closer in timing to this one as many of the characters show up in this story. Makes me want to go back and read them all over again!
kle105's review
4.0
Roan Parrish is fast becoming a MM romance favorite. Weaving brilliant small town romances, with characters that feel like they could live right next door.
In the most recent Garnet Run story we have Zachary the reigning six time champion of the neighborhood Halloween decorating contest. Zachary finds comfort in his routines, working from home as an architect and designing building that don’t inspire him but will get him a coveted promotion.
Bram is new to town, licking his wounds from a devastating betrayal and breakup. He is not a fan of anything scary but when the cute neighbor starts a prank war he knows he has to play along.
Bram’s fun, loud and overly involved family was a fun addition to the story but also made me sympathize with Zachary who is quieter, and is a little estranged from his family after his sister went missing years ago.
I love that Bram brought Zachary out of his shell and more a part of the neighborhood. They perfectly complimented each other!
With Halloween being my favorite holiday I loved the backdrop of the decorating contest to the story.
I received an arc for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
In the most recent Garnet Run story we have Zachary the reigning six time champion of the neighborhood Halloween decorating contest. Zachary finds comfort in his routines, working from home as an architect and designing building that don’t inspire him but will get him a coveted promotion.
Bram is new to town, licking his wounds from a devastating betrayal and breakup. He is not a fan of anything scary but when the cute neighbor starts a prank war he knows he has to play along.
Bram’s fun, loud and overly involved family was a fun addition to the story but also made me sympathize with Zachary who is quieter, and is a little estranged from his family after his sister went missing years ago.
I love that Bram brought Zachary out of his shell and more a part of the neighborhood. They perfectly complimented each other!
With Halloween being my favorite holiday I loved the backdrop of the decorating contest to the story.
I received an arc for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
witandsin's review
4.0
3.75 stars - Reviewed for Wit and Sin
A prank war between two neighbors turns out to be something special The Rivals of Casper Road. Roan Parrish returns to Garnet Run in this sweet Halloween-time romance of finding your heart and home.
Bram is a sweetheart who sees the best in people. After having his heart broken, he made his way far from everything and everyone he ever knew and finds himself in Garnet Run. He quickly fits into his new neighborhood, but the one person who isn’t immediately won over is his neighbor, Zachary Glass. Zachary is a man who likes routine, order, and everything as he thinks it should be. He’s the six-time winner of the Casper Road Halloween decorating contest and there’s no way this newcomer is going to break his streak. Though Parrish never explicitly states it, Zachary appears to be neurodivergent and is stressed when things don’t go how he plans. He’s also a man who is very alone and convinced no one will stay with him. His wounds broke my heart and even though he makes mistakes with Bram, I was looking forward to seeing him get his happily ever after. Bram’s gentleness and understanding help Zachary branch out and Zachary’s straightforward honesty makes Bram feel safe. Their romance is engaging and the happily ever after heartwarming.
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth book in Parrish’s Garnet Run series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of the first three books will delight in revisiting their favorite characters and seeing what they’ve been up to since their happily ever afters. I liked the friendly residents of Garnet Run and how they filled out the world Parrish created. There are some campy moments in this story (and some flaws in the more adorable moments of creating shelters for feral cats), but overall I found it a comfortable read with imperfect characters whose flaws make them all the more interesting. I finished Zachary and Bram’s story a satisfied reader and I’m looking forward to catching up on the Garnet Run books I’ve missed.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
A prank war between two neighbors turns out to be something special The Rivals of Casper Road. Roan Parrish returns to Garnet Run in this sweet Halloween-time romance of finding your heart and home.
Bram is a sweetheart who sees the best in people. After having his heart broken, he made his way far from everything and everyone he ever knew and finds himself in Garnet Run. He quickly fits into his new neighborhood, but the one person who isn’t immediately won over is his neighbor, Zachary Glass. Zachary is a man who likes routine, order, and everything as he thinks it should be. He’s the six-time winner of the Casper Road Halloween decorating contest and there’s no way this newcomer is going to break his streak. Though Parrish never explicitly states it, Zachary appears to be neurodivergent and is stressed when things don’t go how he plans. He’s also a man who is very alone and convinced no one will stay with him. His wounds broke my heart and even though he makes mistakes with Bram, I was looking forward to seeing him get his happily ever after. Bram’s gentleness and understanding help Zachary branch out and Zachary’s straightforward honesty makes Bram feel safe. Their romance is engaging and the happily ever after heartwarming.
The Rivals of Casper Road is the fourth book in Parrish’s Garnet Run series but it can easily be read as a standalone. Fans of the first three books will delight in revisiting their favorite characters and seeing what they’ve been up to since their happily ever afters. I liked the friendly residents of Garnet Run and how they filled out the world Parrish created. There are some campy moments in this story (and some flaws in the more adorable moments of creating shelters for feral cats), but overall I found it a comfortable read with imperfect characters whose flaws make them all the more interesting. I finished Zachary and Bram’s story a satisfied reader and I’m looking forward to catching up on the Garnet Run books I’ve missed.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
relin's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
It was so sweet to read the latest installment in the Garnet Run series. This time following Bram (short for Bramble) and Zachary as they explore their relationship, passions and pranks. It was so neat to see them come together and see the cast of previous books too. I would reread this series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Abandonment, and Sexual content
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Child death and Kidnapping
For Kidnapping / Death of Child, refers toSpoiler
Zachary's sister disappearing at 17. She isn't found and unclear what happened to her.notguilty's review
4.0
If Hallmark made a MM Halloween movie, it would be this one. Perfect for pumpkin spice season, along with some sugar cookies and a cozy blanket.
Bram moves to Garnet Run to escape a bad breakup and ends up moving to Casper Road, a street with a love of Halloween. But no one loves it as much as Zachary, Bram’s neighbour.
Zachary is a buttoned-up architect who likes things neat, tidy and straight to the point. But then carefree, easy-going Bram moves in, shakes things up and makes him question what’s important.
I enjoyed both the characters. I liked that they had unexpected depths. Big & strong Bram is a tender soul and easily scared. Zachary is stoic and straightlaced but has a hidden prankster side and a love for all things horror.
Together they are lovely and pretty sweet. If you are looking for a light-hearted, small town, romance you’ll enjoy this.
Bram moves to Garnet Run to escape a bad breakup and ends up moving to Casper Road, a street with a love of Halloween. But no one loves it as much as Zachary, Bram’s neighbour.
Zachary is a buttoned-up architect who likes things neat, tidy and straight to the point. But then carefree, easy-going Bram moves in, shakes things up and makes him question what’s important.
I enjoyed both the characters. I liked that they had unexpected depths. Big & strong Bram is a tender soul and easily scared. Zachary is stoic and straightlaced but has a hidden prankster side and a love for all things horror.
Together they are lovely and pretty sweet. If you are looking for a light-hearted, small town, romance you’ll enjoy this.
ccreadsbooks_'s review against another edition
3.0
I found the characters interesting and well thought of. Not as good as Roan's usual work but still very enjoyable.
whatjanereads's review
3.0
I absolutely loved the idea of this!!!
A whole street famous for its Halloween decorations, just like Christmas, but spooky.
An uptight architect who’s sole fun in life seems to be winning the competition for “best Halloween decoration” every year, over and over again. Until a new guy moves in across the street. A huge guy who can make beautiful statues and other things out of wood with a chainsaw and his bare hands. A guy who seems to be competition!!!
And guy Zachery must hate and wipe out immediately!
Only for this books title, there wasn’t much of a rivalry or a hate to love romance at all.
There was only one action, which was actually extremely shocking and childish. If I was Bram I would have killed Zach.
I loved the beginning of this, Bram is a huge cinnamon roll with a dog, a gentle giant. I always love characters like this and he was no exception.
I also immediately loved Zachery with his tight schedules and his tight suits he wears in homeoffice.
Roan Parrishes characters are always special and they will steal your heart in no time.
This was a complete opposite’s attract and I am a sucker for that as well.
This should have worked out perfectly, but it just didn’t. The beautiful autumn setting and the rivalry should have made for a perfect story, but it fell flat.
There wasn’t a real rivalry, Bram and Zach really had absolutely nothing in common and (he didn’t even like dogs???) most of their actions seemed super childish (Bram running away on a spooky hayride made for children??? When Zach is all about horror movies?).
Bram has just recently left a long term relationship and was horribly deceived by the two most important people in his life. But he falls in love and trusts Zachery in no time at all. It didn’t make much sense to me.
The first two books in this series are one of my favourite books of all time, but I feel like with the switch to a new publisher these books get very mainstream and also extremely tame (what is it with the rubbing against each other fully clothed sex in the last two books?! These men are mid 20s to 40!).
I still loved the characters, the idea and of course the style of writing. But this just didn’t live up to its potential at all and it makes me super sad.
A whole street famous for its Halloween decorations, just like Christmas, but spooky.
An uptight architect who’s sole fun in life seems to be winning the competition for “best Halloween decoration” every year, over and over again. Until a new guy moves in across the street. A huge guy who can make beautiful statues and other things out of wood with a chainsaw and his bare hands. A guy who seems to be competition!!!
And guy Zachery must hate and wipe out immediately!
Only for this books title, there wasn’t much of a rivalry or a hate to love romance at all.
There was only one action, which was actually extremely shocking and childish. If I was Bram I would have killed Zach.
I loved the beginning of this, Bram is a huge cinnamon roll with a dog, a gentle giant. I always love characters like this and he was no exception.
I also immediately loved Zachery with his tight schedules and his tight suits he wears in homeoffice.
Roan Parrishes characters are always special and they will steal your heart in no time.
This was a complete opposite’s attract and I am a sucker for that as well.
This should have worked out perfectly, but it just didn’t. The beautiful autumn setting and the rivalry should have made for a perfect story, but it fell flat.
There wasn’t a real rivalry, Bram and Zach really had absolutely nothing in common and (he didn’t even like dogs???) most of their actions seemed super childish (Bram running away on a spooky hayride made for children??? When Zach is all about horror movies?).
Bram has just recently left a long term relationship and was horribly deceived by the two most important people in his life. But he falls in love and trusts Zachery in no time at all. It didn’t make much sense to me.
The first two books in this series are one of my favourite books of all time, but I feel like with the switch to a new publisher these books get very mainstream and also extremely tame (what is it with the rubbing against each other fully clothed sex in the last two books?! These men are mid 20s to 40!).
I still loved the characters, the idea and of course the style of writing. But this just didn’t live up to its potential at all and it makes me super sad.