Hood River Rat

I wasn't expecting much from this but I was plesantly surprised- a well-written and engaging plot with genuinely likeable yet flawed characters. The central romance was developed nicely and the whole thing was very well paced so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.

I loved this so much! I was there for the enemies to lovers, antagonistic, fully of chemistry banter. I immediately bought the rest of the series, because I *need* it. This was my first K Webster book and now I'm hooked!

This book completely blew away my expectation of what it would be out of the water. It is far beyond the stereotypical gay bully and victim get together like the description sort of alludes to. This is a love story about characters who are dealing with extremely traumatic events (and who need therapy) and who happen to find love in the midst of some of the hardest of circumstances they'll ever have to get through. It is a story of how miscommunications and prejudgement can spiral to horrible choices. If you're a fan of enemies to lovers, this is a must read for you. The unresolved sexual tension was balanced well by the more explicit scenes, resulting in a steamy, satisfying read. This book grabbed hold of my attention and kept it- I read the whole thing in one day and was feeling all the emotions possible: range, frustration, hope and happiness. I even was reading through my tears in some parts, this book definitely hits on some very tough, heart wrenching subjects.

3.5 "rat" and "rat lover" stars

this is not just a bully romance, it's much darker for those of you going in blind. i did and it hit me so hard.
there are many graphic scenes :<u> rape attempt, over dose, child abuse, violence and eating disorder obviously bullying.</u>

Hollis is the new guy in school and on his first day he runs into the school mean guy/misfit, Roan. he then gets on the gangs ""bad side" and is soon targeted on. BUUUTT Roan also works for Hollis' aunt, so they're forced to get along or atleast try to be civil while Roan is working.

<i>I want him to wreck me some more.
I want him to decimate me.</i>

Roan is the perfect example of an asshole. He was cruel and downright childish with Hollis. His home life made him project his angry at everyone at school. But soon they find refuge in each other and it was just so satisfying watching the big and tough mean boy become putty and needy with Hollis.

<i><b>“I have like two really good things in my life, Hollis, and you’re one of them. Please don’t take that away from me.”</b></i>

Hollis had his own problems. one being his asshole dad and the other being his eating problem that become a major plotline towards the end of the book.

But i think my favorite FAVORITE part of this was a found family aspect. The hoodlums and Hollis' family including sisters and mother and aunt and random guardians. it was just heartwarming to watch them come together. they were all so protective. Would totally recommend this if you're looking for something darker and emotional.

This was different from what I thought it would be, but in a good way! I read this whole thing in once sitting because I just couldn't bring myself to put it down.

I love a good enemies to lovers trope, and this hit all the things I love about it. The moments where they were fighting in the beginning made me positively giddy with anticipation for what was to come between Roan and Hollis, and I wasn't disappointed. They're relationship progressed rather quickly for my taste, but there was a lot of dangerous external factors all around them that I kind of can't blame them for it.

I like that while this was about Roan and Hollis, it wasn't about Roan and Hollis . Roan had his own storyline of problems while Hollis also had his own storyline of problems, and that's really what propelled this book forward for me. There were so many things going on, that it's hard to believe this is less than 300 pages.

I can't wait to keep reading this series and see how things turn out for the other characters we got to know in this book. I'm really worried about what's going to happen to Roux, and I hope there's still s decent amount of Roan and Hollis even though it won't be their story

This review has been posted to Goodreads

Wow! 😳 Just wow! HOOD RIVER RAT is the SEXIEST SPICY MM ROMANCE of 2021! I loved this book so much!! Hood River was supposed to be the change for Hollis. He goes to a new school thinking he’ll make some friends. Yet his first day proves to be anything but easy. The Hood River Hoodlums, the school's most notorious group of bad boys, have put a target on his back. The leader, Roan, hates him. He calls him “RAT”. To Roan and his friends, Hollis is a loser who doesn't belong at their school. If only Roan wasn't so hot. He's mean, cruel, and sexy as hell. Hollis’ nemesis is impossible to ignore, and a secret part of him doesn't want to. He thought being gay was the worst of his problems. Turns out, him being gay and crushing on Roan takes the cake. This is a fantastic Enemies to Lovers trope, but MM. The spicy scenes are just so good to be to be true! A MUST READ for those who love MM Romance!

I am so very happy that I discovered this book and author!

This book has quickly become one of my favourite MM romance books because of how much passion, love, character, and emotion this book had. I finished it in one day because I couldn't put it down, it was that addicting. One of those books that you have to continue until you lose track of time.

This book had me laughing and smiling at one point then at another I was crying my eyes out! But I loved every second of it, I can't stop thinking about it as I just finished reading it last night, I deeply love the characters and their story, and I think everyone should read this book!

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

There are some trigger warnings to be aware of so be aware before starting!

TW: Drugs, attempted rape, gangs, death, violence, OD

Please take in mind it’s my opinion, and everyone is allowed to have one.

I absolutely liked this book, it was such a great book. Really easy to get into it, well written and such a great plot. There was enough drama and romance.

The characters were all so amazing, I felt really connected with them.

I am curious to read about the rest of the boys.

I love me some of this author she never disappoints, this is no exception. Fast moving and utterly decadent. Characters you want to live and root for. I need more.

Can this book have any more angst and trepidation? Geez... Webster killed it with the raging emotions between two enemies. Hood River Rat has it all!

Right off the first page, you are one of the Hoodlums. Webster embraces the reader to float in between the lines of her words.

”Roan has stuck his hand inside my chest and plucked my heart from its cage.”

This quote says it all... my heart was plucked vigorously within this whole story. There are moments you don’t see coming, tears are shed and welled-up through the very difficult journey that Roan and Hollis go through. This story is not just about enemies to lovers, it’s about trust, compassion for one another and pure love from the heart.

Can’t wait to keeping reading more from the Hoodlums...

10/10 would recommend this book

I know I'm about a year late to the party but this book was really good. I was unsure of the bully dynamic because I've never read one of these books before but I was pleasantly surprised how much I loved it. I really enjoyed the two main characters and ended up staying up late a few nights to finish it.

couldnt put it down at all, really enjoyed it!

this was unexpected, it's not just fluff, but drugs and violence, and almost sexual assault, and really terrible laws and cops not doing their jobs properly!! the word "evidence" does not exist! (gosh i'm so pissed)

poor Hollis and poor Roan, both who loves to take the full blames over things that aren't their fault. i like the built up between Hollis and Roan. they were so sweet together and always there for each other.

i wanna smack Roan's group of friends though! they were horrible towards Hollis, i was hoping for an apology!

but at the end, i like Jordy. it broke my heart so much, it was so emotional for me and i cried, this boy just wanted to protect Roan and Roux! (i will not be reading the other book in this series, but i hope Jordy gets his happy ending, please)

Cal and Terrence kinda disappear and unhelpful (i hope they arent still chasing after alenjandro's car to nowhere). Sid and Gio too? and Lucas? where?

on a side note, i don't get why these four boys are badass and people fear them, i wish we got to see them being badass and picking fights, a proper reason (other than just vandalising a vending machine or not wanting to answer a math qn). and Hollis' mum and Mike, that was uh sudden.

wait did they graduate?

I've dabbled a bit in MM Romance but, this book made me dive into the Hoodlum world. I loved both main characters for me it broke down the stereo typical MM relationship. It had enough grittiness and enough swoon to make me want more. The supporting characters are great to and got excited when I saw the author had expanded this series, If you're looking for something different with spice this is your next book be warned once you start you'll go down the K Webster rabbit hole you won't regret it.