The Pride of Garnet Run

Garnet Run #2.5

by Roan Parrish

Restoring his hometown’s historic art deco theater is a dream come true for Henry, while musician-turned-barista Cameron gave up on his own dreams a long time ago. A chance meeting that goes perfectly wrong might just be the beginning of something neither of them had dared to hope for.

A novella set between the events of Best Laid Plans and The Lights on Knockbridge Lane, The Pride of Garnet Run can be enjoyed as a standalone romance, but will be richer when experienced as part of the wider Garnet Run universe.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Novella, Contemporary, LGBT, Short Stories, Contemporary Romance

66 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 24, 2022

About the author

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.

She is represented by Courtney Miller-Callihan of Handspun Literary Agency.

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Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Pride of Garnet Run is book #2.5 in the Garnet Run series by Roan Parrish. This is super short and oh so sweet. Even in these few pages, the story unfolds beautifully and felt complete. The ending was so wonderful.

Cameron Autry is twenty six years old. He is a pianist and loves to play but didn’t have the proper training to play professionally in symphony orchestras the way he wanted to. So he’s accepted that working as a barista at The Crystal Bean Coffee Shop is what he’s destined to do.

Henry Finch has made a career from traveling around and restoring old, vintage theaters to their previous splendor. Now he is back in his home town of Garnet Run restoring the Odeon Theater. Being back where he lived as a child makes this particular job more important than any before.



Henry had been noticing the cute barista but his attempts at flirting might not have gone well. But Cameron saved the day and things went from there. They got to know each other and got closer while Henry worked on the theater.

I’ve come to accept that this little town comes out in droves to support their own. They are all so excited for the theater to re-open. Cameron might even have a little surprise in store for Henry. The ending was so beautiful. This is a quick read but so worth picking up.

So, I read this series out of order. I have already read books three and four, The Lights on Knockbridge Lane, and The Rivals of Casper Road. So, I’m ready for the final book, Shelter in Garnet Run, which I’m going to start as soon as I type this last word!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sampling of this author for me. It's sweet, and I liked the MCs, but it felt underdeveloped, and something about the writing didn't work for me. It felt too direct, and lumpy. Normally when I say something like "lumpy" about prose, I mean to the ear, but here it's more the content, the ideas. I feel like they're just being blurted out onto the page instead of being woven together. Instead of a tapestry, it's a trail of thread with little blobs of syrup dotted along it. And I can't tell if it's typical of the author, a result of this being rushed out as a short, or a deliberate stylistic choice for these characters. I'd be interested in trying something else by Parrish before passing judgement though.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

Free novella so I wasn't expecting to be blown away, but I still found this lackluster. The pacing here was really odd--it felt like this should have been significantly longer, and instead of doing that, the author just cut out massive chunks of development, so it felt like we were almost getting vignettes of the relationship. Characters were sweet enough, but I didn't feel like I really knew them at all, nor did I *feel* their connection. Some good potential, but I really think this needed to be a lot longer, or reworked to fit the short story concept.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really sweet addition the Garnet Run series. Henry and Cameron make a great couple and I wish they had been given a full story. Hopefully we'll get more of them in upcoming books.

(There were a couple of instances in this short where the names were mixed up but it's a free short)

[Trio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very nice! Fans of Garnet Run will want to read this short and sweet story. You can also read it as a standalone.

[Agla]

Too short to rate. This was ok, short and sweet. we got 2 storylines: the restauration of the theater and the romance. I feel it was too short to fully flesh out both but it was still nice. The last scene made me tear up so for such a short book it's a win.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely better than my last Parrish's experience.

I LOVED the sweet Henry (who just wants to restore Odeon theater) and Cameron (who at the start of the story is trying to give up caffeine, and also dreams to be part of an orchestra). They're CUTE together. I loved the idea of restoring an old Art-Deco building... we don't have much of those in Jakarta. I feel a bit teary-eyed imagining the scenes - seeing an old building restored to its old glory. So wonderful!

[Leigh Kramer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really sweet novella with a moving grand gesture. It was interesting to learn more about old theaters and what goes into restoring them. There’s not much of an emotional arc so I don’t feel like I know Henry or Cameron as well as I’d like but this was still a really enjoyable read. I love the Garnet Run world and getting to see all the other characters. I’m not sure I’ve read closed door from Roan before. This was originally published on Harlequin’s website so perhaps that’s why.


Characters: Henry is a white redhead who restores theaters and is in his 30s. Cameron is a 26 year old white barista and piano player. No sexuality identified for either. This is set in Garnet Run, WY.

Content notes: alcohol, reference to past death of secondary character’s husband

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cameron and Henry were precious

[Nadia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute and sweet.

[Cody James · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a quick, fun, light hearted read and a great addition to the Garnet Run series. I wish Henry and Cameron were given a full book to thrive because I adored them in the short time I was able to spend with them. Because of the length, I found it hard to really find a groove with the story and connect with the characters, but overall it was a sweet and endearing experience to read

[Shawna S · Rating 4 out of 5]

i have really enjoyed reading the whole Garnet Run series and was excited to discover this little gem. cameron works at the local coffee shop and is still wishing for the dream of performing with an orchestra. henry is restoring the local theater and is a bit of an introvert. after a coffee shop not so meet cute they start spending more time together and become inseparable. they become closer and discover things about themselves that change their lives for the better. Such sweet likeable characters in the familiar Garnet Run setting. My only though is I wish it was longer but its a rich short story you will love.

[LGO · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 estrella

⚪ M/M Romance

Me gusta mucho la serie de Garnet Run y me encanta cómo escribe Roan Parrish. Sin embargo, este libro me ha dejado bastante fría. A pesar de ser consciente que era una novela corta, no he sentido ningún tipo de conexión con los personajes ni con la trama y no me ha gustado. Lo he terminado porque quiero seguir con la serie pero por nada más.
Henry llega a Garnet Run porque quiere restaurar un cine antiguo y se enamora de Cameron, un malhumorado barista que está intentando dejar la cafeína por una apuesta y cuyo verdadero sueño es la música.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, sweet, and cute.

[Marge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though it was a novella, I got to know and like both of the guys. A sweet story of Henry, who is restoring the Odeon Theatre to it's glory days, and Cameron, who gave up on being happy several years ago. I loved seeing how they fit into each other's lives and hearts. It was also great to see other characters from Garnet Run who we've met before, secondary characters as well as the main couples. A lovely, satisfying story, where things work out nicely for all involved. I hope we see some of these folks in future stories.

[LauraSt · Rating 4 out of 5]

loved it!

This was such an adorable and sweet short story. Henry and Cameron were perfect for one another. And we got to revisit friends from Garnet Run. Wonderful!

[Cheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not know about this novella until I was almost done reading book four. Looking back I vaguely remembered Harlequin doing a serial-type thing with this series. That would explain the publication dates. It was released as a serial (I can’t remember if it was monthly or weekly) between Best Laid Plans and The Lights on Knockbridge Lane.

This is a super short read that still packs in all of the emotions and chemistry I’ve come to expect from Roan Parrish. The way Henry and Cameron meet is adorable. I love that shy Henry goes outside of his comfort zone with Cameron, and once he does he realizes that Cameron is a safe space that doesn’t make him uncomfortable at all. It’s very sweet.

I’ve probably said it before, but I adore this town. This book spotlights the unknown residents of Garnet Run in many ways and it made me love them all the more.

You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

More Garnet Run goodness!

Henry loves restorations: he loves to see old buildings reawakened, reimagined, and rebuilt as part of their communities. It’s a dream come true when he has the chance to bring back the old movie theater in Garnet Run. Cameron, working as a barista, has reluctantly accepted the fact that he’s just not good enough to live his dream of being a musician - but when he meets Henry, he’s suddenly awakened to the possibility that maybe there’s more to life than making coffee. As Henry and Cameron fall for each other, Henry discovers friendship and community, and Cameron realizes that his dream may be within reach.

It’s a sweet romance, but rather short, so you don’t get a whole lot of character development: neither Henry nor Cameron have much depth, but it’s great to read along as they both fall in love while pursuing their dreams.

And…it’s nice to meet other Garnet Run characters, and see how they’re doing.

[Glenn]

The Garnet Run universe pleases me and the intercession of this novella between two of the books previously read did not disappoint this cozy world created by Roan Parrish. I feel I could move to Garnet Run and survive (except all that snow). The story was so sweet, so predictable, and yet so rewarding with Easter eggs that were connected after I had read their consequences in the remainder of the book series.

Our author has a special talent for expansive prose and I would welcome yet another adventure in the universe of Garnet Run.

[Antoinette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Revival

This story has a rather old-fashioned feel. There's no angst, and no sex scenes, just the warmth that comes from being surrounded by good people and love. Both Henry and Cameron find their person and the fulfillment that comes from doing what they love and doing it well. So, if you want a cozy read, get your cuppa or hot chocolate and settle in for an hour with this lovely story.

[Barb ~rede-2-read~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet short story set in Garnet Run, Wyoming, which completes the series by Roan Parrish. In this one, Cameron, an aspiring pianist falls for Henry, the young man who has taken on the restoration of Garnet Run's old movie theater. One the course of the restoration the two fall in love and Cameron finds where he really needs to be. Roan Parrish is a great storyteller, no matter the length of the story.

[Indie-Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a few meh novellas recently, but THIS is how you write a novella! The characters both have their own hopes and dreams and quirks, there's a large supporting cast that don't detract from the story, and there's a plot outside of the romance! And yes this is part of a series, but I read the rest of this series SO long ago that I barely remembered who those other characters were - they get mentioned, but it's still a good story even if you haven't read the other books in the series.

[Dane CC · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adorable and sweet

A great little mini-entry in the Garnet Run series! I loved the homey vibe and that it was sweet and low-angst. Just where everyone loved each other and wanted to uplift each other. It's idealic and lovely and Parrish does such a great job endearing you to even the little side characters!

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

My problem with these novellas that are part of a series is that the pacing always feels off and it's too fast for me to get invested in the characters. The story we got was cute and I will always love the writing style, but it's just too short and too fast for me. Would've loved an actuall novel about the couple.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novella was so worth picking up. It's an excellent addition to the Garnet Run series. Henry's career restoring historical theatres brings him home to Garnet Run and into Cameron's path. I liked that they didn't hide their attraction. I loved the way they treated each other and how the entire community came together. Cameron's surprise was wonderful. I hope that they make an appearance in future books.

[Jeana Cheque · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book isn't on audio. I checked it out anyway, but decided it's not worth my time to finish. It's about Cameron, a barista, and Henry. Henry is in town to restore an old movie theater. He's the shy guy in this book. He and Cameron hit it off. I assume that Cameron, along with Simon's g-ma, Jean, and a few others, take up their instruments and play in the orchestra pit.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was cute. I think it would've been better had we been introduced to these characters previously or even the setting. This could've been a full length novel very easily and it would've been great, but as it stands, it feels a little choppy and with weird time jumps.

I still liked it though and love seeing all the Garnet Run characters.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another charming couple surfaces and developed in the small place of Garnet Run. This time one of the men is renovating an aging theatre as a passion project. As a reader, I cannot help but be charmed by the growing gay population of small town gay couples and friends. A dream of a place but such a nice dream, complete with loving hip grandmothers and nice guy brothers.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an undeveloped short story that didn't match the storytelling abilities of the first two books. It was more like a vaguely fleshed outline, and i would have assumed it was fanfic by a different author since it was so lacking. Unlike books one and two, we were told everything and never given the opportunity to experience.

[Marianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Pride of Garnet Run was a nice light read. My rating is hovering between two and three stars, and I might upgrade later for the music scene in the penultimate chapter. The small town vibe is quite sweet and the townsfolk seem quite genuine, which has been true for the whole series.