This was one of the most endearing, small-town romance I have read in a very longtime.
Single Dad Adam live a fairly chaotic at times life but his priority always is his daughter August, aka Gus. Adam is back to Garnet Run, after moving away over a decade ago and never wanting to go back there again. But a messy divorce and having to look out for his daughter made him move back to where his sibling River is still living. Since the end of his last relationship, Gus basically loses her other father and both characters are still figuring life out without that jackhole Mason. Fatherhood wasn't for Mason. He tried for a while but eventually realized it wasn't for him. This understandably has a huge impact into how protective Adam is of both himself and Gus.

Holy Adorable Meet Cute Batman! A freaking Breaks in! Wes is the neighbor across the street who according to the townspeople, is rumored to be a vampire. Gus is eight years old and really into science and…unusual pets. So, when finding out about their new weird vampire neighbors collection of extremely unusual pets she breaks into his house only to get immediately caught.
It was so sweet to see Wes’ walls slowly come down the more and more time he spends with Adam and Gus.

I loved to meet River and the other two Garnet Run couples again briefly too.

This was a happy, cheerful, Christmas romance through and through. It might actually be my favorite Holiday romance! The pure joy and happiness of this romance was so wonderfully done. But it also explores some very important themes.

Roan Parrish for the win again. Such a sweet (and a little steamy) holiday story. Loved all the characters, especially Gus, and this might be my favorite Garnet Run book yet.

This is an adorable, small town romance between single Dad Adam and scientist across the street Wes. Adam’s daughter August aka Gus was such a fun character, totally sweet and the romance was incredible.
We have these two very different characters connect thanks to a nosey kid who really likes animals other kids are usually scared of.
Adam is a single dad of an 8yo super adorable girl called Gus. She's the real MVP of this book! I loved her so much!

After splitting with his long time partner, Adam Mills finds himself back in his home town to raise his daughter, a curious, scientifically minded young girl. What he wasn’t expecting was a reclusive neighbor with a house of what he considers to be horrors but which enthralls his young daughter.

Wes has been avoiding people since he was a teenager, and while he may not be the vampire the neighborhood believes him to be, it is true he doesn’t usually come out of the house to interact with anyone. That is, until his young new neighbor, with a taste for science, barges her way into his house and his life. Together, the three of them may just make the perfect family.

This book has a lot going for it. Hot scientist. A young girl who love science. LGBTQ+ representation. If I were to base the review on those aspects, the book would be a solid 4 star book. However, the science in the book, of which there is a large emphasis, is rot. Based on the horrible science, I would try to give this zero stars. If you can look past that or absolutely nothing about science, you can probably enjoy the light-hearted romance.

When this book was first announce I was excited that we were getting a M/M holiday romance because we all know that we are lacking in that regard. I was even more excited to get the chance to get an early copy of it so I could read it because by the time I did I was in need of some holiday feel goods.

This story hit the ground running in terms of bringing the two men together which, given that it is a category romance, makes sense. But it didn't feel really contrived ,even though it was Gus, Adam's daughter, that served as the catalyst for their introduction. They kept running into each other because Gus was fascinated with Wes's house and his science experiments and Adam didn't want to silence that voice and so the men found themselves running into each other more often and eventually falling in love.

Both these men came from difficult backgrounds and then Adam had the extra hardship of having the man he loved suddenly decide he didn't want to be a dad after so many years. While it is true that Adam admits that he forced it on his ex, I also agree that Mason should have spoken up sooner if for no other reason for Gus. Because Adam totally would have left at the beginning when Gus came in their lives. Wes also had a difficult childhood but I won't go too much into that for spoiler reasons.

They both had to learn to take chances and try again with each other so that they could allow themselves to fall in love. Reading about this journey in a holiday background was also nice for me because I enjoyed reading about the lights and how they brought them together. Yes, there is a third-act break up but I will say this is probably one of the more believable ones that I've read in a long time and it was quickly resolved so it didn't linger too much.

The only thing that was slightly annoying to me was Gus and more accurately the parenting of her. I normally don't have an issue with kids in romance novels, since I know there is a division there, but apparently in holiday stories my tolerance is very low since I couldn't stand the kids in "The Happiest Season" either. And a lot of this had to do with Adam not settling appropriate boundaries for her or, when he did, not following through with an equally appropriate punishment. I understand that kids are gonna be kids and test their boundaries and Adam grew up in such a restrictive household that he didn't want to repeat that with Gus. That being said, you can still be a firm parent without being a tyrannical one and Adam did not walk that line.

I don't want to give spoilers on this, but for it to make sense I kinda of have to. Adam gave Gus a directive about not speaking about a certain holiday figure around other kids because, while he didn't perpetuate the myth with her, he also told her she didn't get to ruin that magic for other kids. And she did; a few times the last of which caused a huge issue at school. And while I somewhat agree with how he handled the principal, I don't agree with how he handled Gus. There should have been more of a consequence for that because, as he said, what you choose to do for you and your family in any regard is exactly that; your choice. You do not have the right to tell other people what they should and should not believe or how they should run their lives which is essentially what Gus did with her classmates. And again this was after Adam had told her to not bring it up. I'm not saying he should have canceled Christmas but there should have at least been a couple of days of being grounded because she did go against a directive she was given by her Daddy.

Other than that though I really enjoyed it. And I didn't Gus because I generally try to not hate children. I loved that she was way into science because more girls need to be in the STEM fields. However, that one situation really bothered me because, again, she was given a directive by her dad that she ignored and basically got off with no repercussions for it.

I received an early eARC of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review.

Roan Parrish takes readers on a third trip to the quirky and eclectic town of Garnet Run. You can read this book as a stand-alone, but I would encourage you to read the rest of the series. Characters from the previous books pop up in each installment and that's a lot of fun.

Adam is rebuilding a life for himself and his daughter, Gus (August). It turned out that Adam's partner couldn't deal with the impromptu parenting situation. Adam had always wanted children, so he adores Gus - she's his life. She's his daughter through and through.

Adam promises Gus the most lights ever on their new home because he just wants her to be happy and have something to look forward to. Realizing this could cost him a small fortune, Adam puts out a plea for assistance to his handful of social media followers.

Gus' passion for science and insatiable curiosity results in her, basically, breaking into the home of the neighbor across the stress.

Wes lives a very solitary life, and the introduction of Gus and Adam isn't all that welcome at first. The problem with some people is that they just wiggle their way into your life, one tarantula at a time.

This is a lovely story about two people who fit into each other's lives almost immediately. There is a solid friendship at the beginning of the book… but there are things in Wes' past that come back to haunt him when the light project gets a lot of attention.

Gus is a wonderful character and was a pleasure to read. I really enjoyed her relationship with her father and the way that he encouraged all of her interests even if they were completely different to his own. There are a few funny scenes with a rather large and friendly tarantula.

Wes was also an interesting character. I really liked the way the author developed his character. He was really molded by his past, and I connected with him immediately.

Roan Parrish is a great author, and you won't be disappointed with this series!

I get excited whenever I see the Harlequin logo, cause when I think of romance, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels and satisfies every romance junkies' heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day.

The sweetest Christmas story!

I've always been wanting to read a book from Roan Parrish, and I finally got the chance! I read the first two books in the series first before starting this one, but it can also be read as a standalone! This is one of my favourites in the series so far, I loved the story, the characters, and just everything about it. Wes and Adam are soo sweet and who doesn't love to read about an exuberant girl that gets excited over snakes and lizards??

This is the perfect book for some holiday cheer and some romance, I highly recommend it!

Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for the earc in return for an honest review.

I’M SO SAD. I adored the first 2 books in the Garnet Run series and I’ve been looking forward to the latest addition of the series. It’s even the first gay book in the Harlequin series and I so want to support this, but I really can’t keep reading this one.

I know there’s a lesson to be learned here since I did look ahead and see where this was going, but it’s still a no for me. We have two MCs - Adam and Wes. Adam recently moved back to Garnet Run, Wyoming with his daughter Gus (short for August) after his divorce. Adam is River’s brother (River is from book 2). Wes lives at the end of their street and is a bit of a recluse.

Wes has any number of pets in his home, but the one that makes me pause is that he lets his pet tarantula (Bettie) crawl around all over his house. And, I’m sorry, but I cannot be convinced that a HEA is feasible between a guy who is scared of spiders with a guy who lets his spider roam freely all around his home. I’m scared of bugs and insects and just imagining this play out??? It’s a hard no for me.

I just wish I knew about all this ahead of time because I wouldn’t have requested this book. And I’m super sad about it!! This book sounds SO good, but reading about creepy crawly spiders isn’t for me.

DNF @ 9%.

***Thanks to the publisher for giving me an e-ARC for review.***

I think it’s just impossible for me to not like a Garnet Run book (or a Roan Parrish one in general).
They’re just absolutely cute, super wholesome and have the best meet cutes.
I really loved this one as well. Adam is new in Garnet Run, after moving back with his daughter after a messy divorce.
Gus is eight years old and really into science and…unusual pets. So when finding out about their new weird vampire neighbours collection of extremely unusual pets she breaks into his house.

Wes and Adam were so so cute together. I also loved the way they both acted with August. It’s good to have queer romance books including single parents!
Adam is super emotional and sensitive and does not hide it. Wes with his trauma and anxiety and the way he was coming out of his shell for Adam and Gus were so adorable to read.
I loved to meet River and the other two Garnet Run couples again briefly too.

This was very low on drama and more like a Christmas-feel good book, a super short and quick read and I will definitely do a reread when it’s actually wintertime!

I am beyond happy that Roan Parrish was the author chosen to be the debut of Harlequin’s first male/male romance. As a fan of Parrish, they bring much needed exposure, and honestly to the romance genre. Love is love, and her books brightly shine that everyone deserves a happily ever after.

Though it is not yet the Christmas season, this book was chock full of holiday traditions and adjustments as families navigate new homes, relationships, and baggage.

We got to visit some of our favorite characters from the previous Garnet Run series, which is always a treat for a reader.

This book is the third book in the series, but could absolutely be read as a standalone. This was a sweet single dad romance, of finding someone that makes you feel safe in who you are, that wonderful feeling of home, and second chances.

As someone who grew up in a conservative house riddled with Hallmark Christmas movies that favored white, straight relationships, I very much appreciate what this story means for the genre. This felt at home for me in ways that give me goosebumps and warm my heart. The fact that me, someone who is grew up never seeing himself in these movies, reading a book that FEELS like these movies, that IS very much the same genre as these movies, it means the world to me.

Thank you for the e-arc. For the warm heart, the wet eyes, and a mind filled with visions of a very promising future.

I'm not a big fan of Christmas romances, or romances that feature kids, but I'll follow Roan Parrish anywhere, especially when she is the author of the first gay Harlequin category romance. Although the plot veers dangerously close to corny (Adam wants to make his 8 year old daughter happy so he promises that their house will have The Most Christmas Lights Ever), the romance between Adam and Wes is just quirky enough to balance the scales.

Wes is reclusive, shy, and overly fond of animals that most people run from. Watching him gradually come out of his shell as Adam and Gus demonstrate how much they appreciate him (weirdness and all) is just lovely. Also the presence of a tarantula named Bettie and various other creepy critters, provides some counterpoint to the treacle. Plus what is the last romance novel you read that includes a scientific explanation of bioluminescence? Gus is a little too precocious to be real, but I'll let that slide because Adam's amazing parenting skills are one of the factors that make him so attractive, along with his lack of shame about his tendency to cry whenever he feels strongly about something.

Adam and Wes both have some family issues to work through, but the angst is low-key, as befitting a holiday romance, and even the inevitable third-act crisis is resolved quickly. I hope this won't be the only Harlequin M/M romance to be published; at the very least they need to get on board for the next book that Parrish is obviously planning for Adam's nonbinary sibling, River.

Roan Parrish's third entry in the Garnet Run series is absolutely charming. This is a Christmas story with a precocious 8-year old daughter whose father unhappily moves them back to his hometown after a divorce where his husband also opts out of their family. Their neighbor Wes is a quirky misunderstood scientist who slowly finds himself getting more and more involved with Adam and Gus, especially when she turns out to love his collection of unusual pets: lizards, a snake, and a tarantula spider named Bettie. This new family faces real obstacles to overcome, but the happy ending is never in doubt. This book can definitely be read as a standalone. Recommended.

This story was an absolute delight!! Christmas in July should be a thing. Give me all the festive books when I'm melting outside!
We have these two very different characters connect thanks to a nosey kid who really likes animals other kids are usually scared of.
Adam is a single dad of an 8yo super adorable girl called Gus. She's the real MVP of this book! I loved her so much!
Gus is obsessed with unusual animals and, when she sees their neighbour is the owner of not one but many of them, she casually very innocently enters his house to explore. This leads to Gus' dad and grumpy maybe vampire sorcerer neighbour Wes to get to know each other. It was the sweetest thing ever. So natural and slow and so very authentic. Wes owns a tarantula called Bettie! And two raccoons called Janice and Banana. And more!!
I just adore how thus series is full of men and their usual and unusual pets with very peculiar names! I love it so much!!
There was so much heart in this story. So wholesome! I will definitely reread it when the weather gets colder, maybe with a cup of hot chocolate and surrounded by Christmas lights.

What an absolute gem of a book -- this is my first Roan Parrish, and it will certainly not be my last. I fell in love with Adam, Gus, and Wes immediately, as Parrish beautifully captures each character's personality and unique charm. Though Wes and Adam fall for each other quickly, there's never a hint of "I just can't commit to an instant family," which was such a relief. Genuinely heartwarming, with plenty of lights, lizards, and laughs. I've already asked the library to purchase this and am strongly considering it for a "Christmas in July" book club pick in 2022!

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!

Roan Parrish is an author I’ve only recently become familiar with this year. When I read his novel “Better Than People” I fell instantly in love with the story and it’s characters. There is a 2nd book in this series I haven’t read yet, but thankfully the book are connected but not direct sequels, so I could read and enjoy this without any confusion.
Adam Mills and his daughter Gus have returned to Adam’s hometown of Garret Run after separating from his ex. Upon arrival, the rumors of the mysterious neighbor Wes take no time in reaching The Mills…a vampire, a werewolf, a witch…and all around creepy dude. As Gus’ curiosity grows, Wes reveals himself to be nothing more then a scientific recluse, someone who is very uncomfortable being looked at by others. With Adam recovering from a broken heart, while trying to be a single dad, the two men grow closer. Wes faces his past and fears, and Adam must learn how to trust again.
This was ok…nothing at all groundbreaking or life changing. No real stakes. No anything particularly new or innovating about the story. That said: it’s adorable as all hell and a fantastic book of you’re just looking for a cheesy everything-is-great-love-heals-all kinda story. I will say, the single gay dad character is not one explored very often, so the character of Adam was intriguing. Wes was adorable, if not predictable. The star of the novel is the cute as hell daughter Gus, who steals every single scene she’s in. A cute, lighthearted read.

I received a digital arc for an honest review]

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane is the third stand alone in Roan Parrish's Garnet Run series. This one follows single dad Adam and his 8-year-old daughter Gus who both fall in love with their reclusive of a neighbor Wes.

This was a charming holiday romance. Adam is a fantastic parent whose patient, honest and i touch with his emotions. Wes is a brilliant mind who loves non-traditional pets and before Adam and Gus barreled into his world he lived a solitary nocturnal life. Wes and Gus bond over their love of science and animals of the creepy crawly variety. Both Adam and Gus make him feel loved in a way he never has before, and their unique little family unit is adorable. Aside from all the family moments, the one on one moments between Adam and Wes are electric, emotional, and high steam.

The Lights on Knockbridge Lane is a holiday romance filled with passionate kisses, holiday lights, spiders and lizards, inedible pies, glowing plants and monster Christmas cookies. Another great addition to the Garnet Run series by Roan Parrish!

4.5 stars. Wow-a completely charming and delightful story. All of the characters won over my heart, especially Gus, which is rare for me to feel towards kids in romances. Wes’s quirks are so cute and adorable and Adam loves him for it. It helps Wes relate so well to Gus, after her Papa basically left her. Beautiful how everything fit together.

Thank you Harlequin and NetGalley for the ARC!

Thanks to Harlequin and NetGalley for this eARC!

I love Roan Parrish and this Garnet Run series. Setting a Garnet Run book at Christmas was a great idea (though I will say the cover for this one isn't doing it for me and isn't very Roan?). This was very cozy and sweet, and we do briefly see the other residents of Garnet Run. Fans of Christmas romance, will like this one, I think, Come on Netflix, make it a movie!