The Rivals of Casper Road

3.5 stars. I don't think I'll ever dislike a Roan Parrish book, but The Rivals of Casper Road is not one of her best. I wonder if she has been asked to polish down any rough edges now that she is published by Harlequin; the rivalry between the MCs is pretty tame, and the romance is sweet but not memorable.Like all of the other books in this series, Rivals pairs an outgoing, “normie” MC with one who is introverted and possibly neuro-divergent (Simon from [b:Better Than People 52739474 Better Than People (Garnet Run, #1) Roan Parrish https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1588946672l/52739474.SY75.jpg 77716051] was too shy to speak, Rye from [b:Best Laid Plans 55161818 Best Laid Plans (Garnet Run, #2) Roan Parrish https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1607643484l/55161818.SY75.jpg 85995644] was prickly/mistrustful, and Wes from [b:The Lights on Knockbridge Lane 57542258 The Lights on Knockbridge Lane (Garnet Run #3) Roan Parrish https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1624002371l/57542258.SY75.jpg 90107891] rarely left his house). This time we have neighbors Bram (easygoing and chill) and Zachary (rule-bound, socially awkward, probably on the Spectrum). Zachary is horrified that newcomer Bram thinks he has a chance to win the annual neighborhood Halloween house decorating contest. After all, as an architect and horror movie fan, Zachary has been an annual shoo-in for first place. So he embarks on a series of pranks to warn Bram off, and Bram reciprocates in kind. But then the two impulsively join forces to pull a harmless prank on another neighbor, which leads to a friendship and then romance. Zachary has more than his share of insecurities, but Bram demonstrates that he finds him physically and emotionally appealing , while Zachary brings his share of surprises to Bram's content but quiet life. Their relationship has the requisite Dark Moment, but it is resolved fairly quickly and without undue angst. That leaves the last quarter of the book for cameos from other series MCs, Bram and Zachary using their woodworking and design skills on a project to help the town's feral cats, a visit to meet Bram's New Age crunchy granola family, and of course the results of the decorating contest.This appears to be the last book in the series, although I'm still holding out hope that one day we will get nonbinary River's story. I'm glad that Parrish was the breakthrough M/M romance author for Harlequin, but I hope the grit and quirk from her self-published days will reappear as her success continues to grow. ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for honest review.

liked it more than book 2, but less than book 1. tbh i haven't really vibed with this series on the same level as this author's other books (aside from book 3), but if you're looking for a casual holiday read, don't be afraid to give it a shot!