Hood River Rat by K Webster is a captivating read for fans of emotional and suspenseful high school romances, particularly those who enjoy complex characters, enemies-to-lovers tropes, and stories that explore themes of bullying, self-discovery, and the struggles of navigating one's identity in a challenging environment.

This story left me with a mix of sadness and happiness. And definitely intrigued with what happens next. The turn of events are surprising and scary at times. But the book was easy to read and enjoyable because you see these characters mature and show their true nature. All they needed was a bit of love and care. There's a lot of pent up anger in Roan. But it's because he needs a break. Something to go right for him. Actually, all the kids in this story do. Even Hollis. And I really like Hollis' bravery, his sense of right and wrong and his ability to look pass Roan's bully persona and recognize a scared hurt guy in need of help. This story is much more than a very sexy M/M. It is so good!

This is not the typical age group of romance I read, but it was an emotional story and one I am glad I gave a chance. It was very easy to connect with the MCs and experience the emotions portrayed. Both of these are must have for me as a reader, K. Webster does an amazing job.

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.

First I want to thank The author for giving me an advanced copy of the book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Hood river rat is about Hollis a boy who move out of his town with his family because when he came out of the closet as gay his father didn’t take it too good, so now he has a brand new fresh start in this new school Hood River.

Why does this book not have a trigger warning?? I came thinking this book was all about the romance, and some 2 enemies become lovers, so I thought this was all about love and was not going to have a sex scene, but I was so wrong, the author was so descriptive about it, it literally became erotic, what if a young boy decides to read this book for the same reason I did and ends up reading the erotic parts… not good.

Talking about the characters, Roan has the worst start, being a jerk just because the boy got a good car and you think it’s rich, couldn’t he be a little humble?? And he just acted like a child, to be honest I didn’t like Roan a lot, he's just one of the worst characters and the author didn’t even hesitate to find a solution about it, just the power of love changed everything in him.

I gotta admit this book is fast paced and I don’t know why the author just take the time to make something good and explain more details in some of the chapters just to it doesn't feel so suddenly and so fast, but it feels that the author preferred to put more details into the sex rather than some other good things that should have more detailing.

Finally I’ll say that the book was entertaining, I didn’t bother a lot, I was intrigued, excited and a lot of things were going through my mind while I was reading the book, I am going to give it a 3.5 rating just because it kept me captivated. It was not that bad.

This book contains a lot of of sex scenes that are so descriptive, attempt of raping, bullying, eating disorders, drug use, and murdering.

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.

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 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.

This book is not for me. Not at all. The only reason I stuck it out and finish it was because I was given this advanced copy and felt as though I should. Firstly, I couldn’t get past the author’s choice to make these two “boys” high school students. Making them 18 did nothing to help make this story feel any less gross or uncomfortable. I get that teenagers have sexual relationships, but adults certainly shouldn’t be fantasizing about them. That said, realistically, the choice to make them students was clearly superficial and only existed to justify the central premise. These two never actually acted or sounded like teenagers. In fact, I kept forgetting they were in high school because they acted and interacted like two 30 year old men. I didn’t believe any of these characters could exist, I didn’t believe any of these situations could happen. I didn’t care about them. And I’d have no interest in seeing where the story goes from here.

TW: Homophobia, bully, attempted rape


I don't know how I feel about it, I have read things from this author and usually I am okay with what she writes but this case I feel that she went for the darkest side possible and she couldn't finished correctly, because there was a part when it felt rushed, it ended positive but it still felt like it was lacking from something.

I’m not usually one for bully romances but I love queer enemies to lovers books so I gave this one a read. I went in without a lot of expectations and was pleasantly surprised. This is a “new adult” romance so the characters are in high school which made some of the macho-ness of some of the characters absolutely laughable, but I knew that would be the case going in. While I liked both Roan and Hollis, their relationship proceeded very quickly. It wasn’t my favorite book and was a lot darker than I’m used to reading, but I’ll probably read the upcoming books in the series when they come out.

Content Warnings: bullying, child abandonment, child abuse, disordered eating, attempted murder, murder, drug use referenced, overdosing referenced, child molestation on page, and attempted rape of a child on page.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

K Webster never fails to bring the dirty, gritty, heart wrenching, tragedy to life! This book was so real I could feel Roan sitting next to me! Great M/M book for those that love them and those that are considering them!! Can’t wait for the next one!!

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.

tw / homophobia, murder, attempted rape

Thank you to the publisher for providing me with a copy of this book through netgalley.

This was a ride but while I thought it was okay I also just was left a bit? Like I get why Roan was an asshole and everything but still him being awul and yet in a week he's suddenly liking Hollis. It just doesn't make sense to me. Logically I don't think I would continue this series but the end kind of had me surprised and now I want to known what will happen with the characters.

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.

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.