BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - Best Laid Plans (Garnet Run #2) by Roan Parrish

 

Title: Best Laid Plans

Author: Roan Parrish

Series: Garnet Run, #2 

Imprint: Carina Press (Carina Adores)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Romantic Leads: Male/Male

On-Sale: February 23, 2021

Format: Trade Paperback

Price: $14.99 US

ISBN: 9781335924803

A man who’s been moving his whole life finally finds a reason to stay put.

Charlie Matheson has spent his life taking care of things. When his parents died two days before his eighteenth birthday, he took care of his younger brother, even though that meant putting his own dreams on hold. He took care of his father’s hardware store, building it into something known several towns over. He took care of the cat he found in the woods…so now he has a cat.

When a stranger with epic tattoos and a glare to match starts coming into Matheson’s Hardware, buying things seemingly at random and lugging them off in a car so beat-up Charlie feels bad for it, his instinct is to help. When the man comes in for the fifth time in a week, Charlie can’t resist intervening.

Rye Janssen has spent his life breaking things. Promises. His parents’ hearts. Leases. He isn’t used to people wanting to put things back together—not the crumbling house he just inherited, not his future and certainly not him. But the longer he stays in Garnet Run, the more he can see himself belonging there. And the more time he spends with Charlie, the more he can see himself falling asleep in Charlie’s arms…and waking up in them.

Is this what it feels like to have a home—and someone to share it with?

Garnet Run

Book 1: Better Than People  -  My Review

Book 2: Best Laid Plans

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Buy Best Laid Plans by Roan Parrish

Amazon * Harlequin.com

IndieBound  * Barnes & Noble 

Apple Books  * Google Play 

Kobo

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My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Best Laid Plans, the second book in the Garnet Run series, is a beautiful romance. This Roan Parrish book is easily read as a standalone. 

Rye's lost and alone in the world. He's always been a drifter, too afraid to make roots. Inheriting his grandfather's home brings him to this small town. The result? He falls in love with both the town and a man. 

Charlies owns the local hardware store. He's never had a chance to fully live. Spending his life raising his brother and growing up way too early, meeting Rye is a chance to learn how to live. 

Oh, how I adore the beginning days for these men, as Rye stumbles his way through the hardware store. He's so clueless about anything handy wise and it's adorable.

But, ever better, I love the way these two stumble their way towards love, as it isn't easy to change one's ways so drastically. 

The questions and mystery of his grandfather loom throughout, as everyone in this small town knew his grandfather, but he has yet to learn much about the reclusive man. 

This is a beautiful tale full of first times, restoring a home, and restoring one's heart. 

The writing is great, with plenty of charm, emotion, and layers to this tale. The characters easily come to life and the storyline is fluid and perfectly compelling.

Best Laid Plans is sweet and tender throughout. Roan Parrish beings plenty of emotion to this small town romance. 

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Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan Parrish

Website: https://www.roanparrish.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanParrish 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parrishorperish/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14070842.Roan_Parrish

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Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

• The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

• The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

• Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

• Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

• The Love Study by Kris Ripper (available now!)

• The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available now!)

• Just Like This by Cole McCade (available now!)

• Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (available now!)

• Knit, Purl, A Baby and a Girl by Hettie Bell (coming March 30)

• The Hate Project by Kris Ripper (coming April 27)

• Hard Sell by Hudson Lin (coming May 25)

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BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Title: Better Than People

Author: Roan Parrish

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Imprint: Carina Press (Carina Adores)

On-Sale: August 25, 2020

Format: Trade Paperback (ebook & audio also available!)

Price: $14.99 U.S.

ISBN: 9781335542823

Goodreads Link

It’s not long before their pet-centric arrangement sparks a person-centric desire…

Simon Burke has always preferred animals to people. When the countdown to adopting his own dog is unexpectedly put on hold, Simon turns to the PetShare app to find the fluffy TLC he’s been missing. Meeting a grumpy children’s book illustrator who needs a dog walker isn’t easy for the man whose persistent anxiety has colored his whole life, but Jack Matheson’s menagerie is just what Simon needs.

Four dogs, three cats and counting. Jack’s pack of rescue pets is the only company he needs. But when a bad fall leaves him with a broken leg, Jack is forced to admit he needs help. That the help comes in the form of the most beautiful man he’s ever seen is a complicated, glorious surprise.

Being with Jack—talking, walking, making out—is a game changer for Simon. And Simon’s company certainly…eases the pain of recovery for Jack. But making a real relationship work once Jack’s cast comes off will mean compromise, understanding and lots of love.

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Buy Better Than People by Roan Parrish

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Apple Books

Google Play

Kobo

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Better Than People is a sweet romance by Roan Parrish.

Simon's a fragile man. He's not necessarily broken, but it's as if he's never been allowed to exist without fearing that he'll fall apart. His anxiety is all encompassing and often painful to read. I definitely appreciate the way the author dealt with his anxiety, with care and compassion.

When we meet Simon, he's unable to talk to strangers at all, but he feels comfortable with animals. By responding to Jack's ad to walk his dogs, Simon gets the chance to feel the love of animals, as well as meeting the man with whom he can fully come alive. I love seeing the change in Simon.

This is a story that revolves around Simon's anxiety, with Jack helping him to cope better, as well as learning how to deal with it himself. Written in alternating pov, the reader is pulled into the mindset of both men and experiences everything along with them.

Jack's thoughts sum him up wonderfully - "Sometimes Jack felt what it must be like in Simon's head with a pang of sadness."

And then there's Jack. He's an artist who's dealing with an injury. He has some major trust issues. His love of animals is awesome, and like Simon, he trusts animals more than people.

This is a story with a broken leg, severe social anxiety, and some cute dogs, including a lovable Saint Bernard named Bernie. There are some worthy side characters who add to the entertainment and there are some wonderful first times that up the spice factor. 

Better Than People is a great pick the next time you're in the mood for  major hurt/comfort read. Roan Parrish will satisfy you with this sweet, feel-good read. 

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Roan Parrish lives in Philadelphia, where she is gradually attempting to write love stories in every genre.

When not writing, she can usually be found cutting her friends’ hair, meandering through whatever city she’s in while listening to torch songs and melodic death metal, or cooking overly elaborate meals. She loves bonfires, winter beaches, minor chord harmonies, and self-tattooing. One time she may or may not have baked a six-layer chocolate cake and then thrown it out the window in a fit of pique.

Connect with Roan Parrish

Website: https://www.roanparrish.com/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RoanParrish 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roanparrish/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parrishorperish/ 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/14070842.Roan_Parrish

___________________________________________________________________________

Carina Adores is home to highly romantic contemporary love stories featuring beloved romance tropes, where LGBTQ+ characters find their happily-ever-afters.

A new Carina Adores title is available each month in trade paperback, ebook and audiobook formats.

• The Hideaway Inn by Philip William Stover (available now!)

• The Girl Next Door by Chelsea M. Cameron (available now!)

• Just Like That by Cole McCade (available now!)

• Hairpin Curves by Elia Winters (available now!)

• The Love Study by Kris Ripper (available September 29)

• The Secret Ingredient by KD Fisher (available October 27)

• Just Like This by Cole McCade (available November 24)

• Teddy Spenser Isn’t Looking for Love by Kim Fielding (December 29)

Raze (Riven #3) by Roan Parrish

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Sometimes the walls we build to save ourselves have to come tumbling down.

For the last ten years, Huey has built his life around his sobriety. If that means he doesn't give a damn about finding love or companionship for himself, well, it's probably better that way. After all, the last thing he wants is to hurt anyone else. Until Felix Rainey walks into his bar, fresh-faced, unbearably sweet—and, for some reason Huey can't fathom, interested in him.

As the eldest of five kids, Felix Rainey spent his childhood cooking dinner, checking homework, and working after-school jobs. Now in his twenties, he's still scrambling to make ends meet and wondering what the hell he's doing with his life. When he meets Huey, he's intimidated . . . and enamored. Huey's strong and confident, he owns his own business—hell, he's friends with rock stars. What could he ever see in Felix?

As Huey and Felix get closer, the spark catches and soon they can't get enough of each other. But Huey's worked hard to avoid intimacy, and Felix threatens his carefully constructed defenses. Huey realizes he needs to change if he wants to truly put his past behind him—and build a future with Felix.

Roan Parrish's pitch-perfect Riven novels can be read together or separately:
RIVEN * REND * RAZE

My Riven Review

My Rend Review

Review 

My Rating - 4 Stars!

A huge fan of the Riven series by Roan Parrish, I was excited to jump into book three, Raze. A great book, it's a complex tale of two troubled men finding a way to move forward with their lives. 

Felix's relationship with his sister is heart-warming, as well as heart-breaking as he struggles to live without her. His awkwardness is endearing, and his need is overwhelming. I could feel his hurt, anxiety, and pain jumping off the pages. And I love him as a person, the way he dresses, the makeup, and his self-acceptance. 

As for Huey, his past with drugs is well explained and lets us understand why he's both set in his ways and a slave to routine. His fear of allowing himself to feel anything after all these years is palpable. This aspect of his addiction and recovery is so damn well written, little bits here and there, and it effected me to my core. The author wonderfully captures his hesitancy to feel good instead of "fine", the pain involved with allowing anything new into his life. 

It's beautiful and sweet the way their friendship begins. The power of a hug between these two men is amazing. The reader is easily able to feel that hug, as well as the emotion behind it. This is part of what makes this author's writing so special. There's even more beauty and emotion as they start becoming important and meaningful to one other. 

One of the best things about their relationship is the way they both are struggling to move on, Felix from the comfortable life he had, and Huey with the safe life he's created. In one another, they find the strength to take chances, move forward, and truly live again. Their growth, both individually and as a couple, is exquisite.

Sexually, they're sensational together. Their moments are so damn tender and passionate. Beautifully written, you'll feel every emotion along with them. These scenes aren't just there for the reader's entertainment. They truly are important to Felix and Huey's emotional connection. 

Roan Parrish's writing is exquisite, as I've come to expect from this series. Not many authors can dive so deeply into everyday looks and touches. Everything is so damn realistic and important. The storyline is fantastic, the pace wonderful, and the feelings so perfectly described. Both riveting and compelling, I highly recommend Raze for someone looking for a sweet, heart-warming, and emotional romance. Although it's easily read as a standalone, you'd be missing out on the beauty of the other two books if you do so. In other words, read them all!

Rend (Riven #2) by Roan Parrish

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

After a whirlwind romance, a man with a painful past learns to trust the musician who makes him believe in happy endings.

Matt Argento knows what it feels like to be alone. After a childhood of abandonment, he never imagined someone might love him—much less someone like Rhys Nyland, who has the voice of an angel, the looks of a god, and the worship of his fans.

Matt and Rhys come from different worlds, but when they meet, their chemistry is incendiary. Their romance is unexpected, intense, and forever—at least, that’s what their vows promise. Suddenly, Matt finds himself living a life he never thought possible: safe and secure in the arms of a man who feels like home. But when Rhys leaves to go on tour for his new album, Matt finds himself haunted by the ghosts of his past.

When Rhys returns, he finds Matt twisted by doubt. But Rhys loves Matt fiercely, and he’ll go to hell and back to triumph over Matt’s fears. After secrets are revealed and desires are confessed, Rhys and Matt must learn to trust each other if they’re going to make it. That means they have to fall in love all over again—and this time, it really will be forever.

Roan Parrish’s pitch-perfect Riven novels can be read together or separately:
RIVEN | REND

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Wow! Rend, by Roan Parrish, is an absolute page turner. This story is romantic, powerful and absolutely amazing, as well as extremely complex.

What Matt expects to be just a hook-up with Rhys, ends up being a magical night of really getting to know one another. 

Matt and Rhys fall in love quickly, leading to what is essentially an all encompassing love story between a married couple, as they navigate Rhys' success, traveling, and family issues.

From the start, Rhys is one of the most wonderful book boyfriends ever. He's loving, deep, gentle and extremely caring. He's simply calm and confident. He is everything Matt needs.

Matt, meanwhile, is full of self-doubts and can't understand what Rhys even sees in him. Having been abandoned by his mother, Matt assumes he's unworthy of love. He expects everyone to leave him. 

After a whirlwind marriage, the two are now struggling with Matt's abandonment issues. Their connection is strong and absolutely beautiful, but Matt is still left drowning in his insecurities and loneliness while Rhys is on the road. There are many emotional moments that will leave you sobbing.

I found one of the most intense moments to be when Matt uses Rhys's weight on top of him to ground him. The fact that Matt needs Rhys' physical weight to remind him that Rhys is there, shows just how wounded Matt is.

Overall, Rend is a story full of true love and yet so full of despair. It's a tremendous tale of a broken man who feels unworthy of love trying to survive. As with Riven, the writing style is strong and captivating, and I can't recommend these books enough!