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cala_p's review
5.0
ARC received from author
I debated not reading this due to it being MM and this typically isn’t my thing. But it’s K. Webster and she always surprises me. Plus being the first of a series. I’m so happy I did give this a shot. I’m thinking I now need to look for future MM books.
Take the typical enemies to lovers romance you’d see in a MF and replace an F with a M. It’s hot and intense. Roan is the bad boy of the school who’s only care in life is his little sister, Roux. Hollis is the new kid, a bit shy and quiet, who for no reason at all is hated by Roan instantly. No matter what he does Roan dislikes him. Once they spend a bit of time together, Roan realizes he’s not so bad. Add some attraction from both sides into that relationship and BOOM there’s something there.
They both also have their own side stories. Hollis is dealing with his gay-hating father and eating issues, while Roan is trying to keep his sister away from their mother and her druggie boyfriend. The only thing I disliked about this book is that it all came to a conclusion at the same time. Roan’s troubles were bigger and this took away from Hollis’ hospital visit.
Overall, it’s a cute story. Really hot. And I so look forward to the rest of this series!
Even before the epilogue, I suspected that Roux and Jordy would be an upcoming couple. The result of this book makes sense. It’ll give the years in order for Roux to age a bit more before they get together. Can’t wait for their story! I suspect it’ll be the last of the four.
I debated not reading this due to it being MM and this typically isn’t my thing. But it’s K. Webster and she always surprises me. Plus being the first of a series. I’m so happy I did give this a shot. I’m thinking I now need to look for future MM books.
Take the typical enemies to lovers romance you’d see in a MF and replace an F with a M. It’s hot and intense. Roan is the bad boy of the school who’s only care in life is his little sister, Roux. Hollis is the new kid, a bit shy and quiet, who for no reason at all is hated by Roan instantly. No matter what he does Roan dislikes him. Once they spend a bit of time together, Roan realizes he’s not so bad. Add some attraction from both sides into that relationship and BOOM there’s something there.
They both also have their own side stories. Hollis is dealing with his gay-hating father and eating issues, while Roan is trying to keep his sister away from their mother and her druggie boyfriend. The only thing I disliked about this book is that it all came to a conclusion at the same time. Roan’s troubles were bigger and this took away from Hollis’ hospital visit.
Overall, it’s a cute story. Really hot. And I so look forward to the rest of this series!
Even before the epilogue, I suspected that Roux and Jordy would be an upcoming couple. The result of this book makes sense. It’ll give the years in order for Roux to age a bit more before they get together. Can’t wait for their story! I suspect it’ll be the last of the four.
1bookobsessionconfessions's review
5.0
This is High School Bully romance done right.
I’m not a huge fan of the sub-genre/trope. But, this was fantastic!
I adored the characters so much!
Roan and Hollis are HOT, HOT and really just simply amazing!
Together they are dynamite! Perfect MM romance with the bully twist.
I was fully invested in their journey.
I love the secondary characters.
I look forward to more in this amazing start to the series.
Loved it!
I’m not a huge fan of the sub-genre/trope. But, this was fantastic!
I adored the characters so much!
Roan and Hollis are HOT, HOT and really just simply amazing!
Together they are dynamite! Perfect MM romance with the bully twist.
I was fully invested in their journey.
I love the secondary characters.
I look forward to more in this amazing start to the series.
Loved it!
kendallkels14's review
5.0
I got an ARC of this book from the author and it was AWESOME! Roan and Hollis are everything. Hollis is struggling with life after his dad basically told him he was worthless because he came out as gay. Roan is struggling with raising his sister while his dad is in prison and his mom is addicted to drugs. The struggles they both have are heavy for a teenager but they fight through them. Roan hates Hollis on sight and Hollis just wants to get through high school so he can go to college and help support his family. The tension and the chemistry these two have was HOT and I’m so glad I got to read their story. 10/10 recommend!
kaydanielsromance's review
5.0
Swooney, Swooney, Swooney!! I am feeling all the Swoon!! Hollis and Roan have swept me off my feet and I'm floating in their cloud.
Hood River Rat is filled with angst, emotions, heat, passion, tension, longing, and two boys from very different walks of life just trying to figure out how to survive it all.
Mid-senior year of high school, Hollis English has moved across the country with his mother and two sisters when his less than caring father discovered he was gay. The normally optimistic, happy Hollis didn't get off the best start at his new school when he has a first run in was with the Hoodlums at school. Everyday only gets worse and his stomach is constantly in knots. If only their leader wasn't so good looking perhaps that wouldn't make it worse and he could hate him, but Roan is different when he's alone. It's confusing and Hollis isn't normally confused when it comes to guys.
Roan Hirsch, part of the Hoodlums, doesn't have the best home life. With a drugged out mother and a father in prison, his primary focus is on him and his sister making it out of Hood River one day alive. What he doesn't need is a preppy kid getting in his way and messing up his life, unfortunately that is exactly what it feels like at every turn when Hollis shows up at his school. If he could ignore the new kid he would, but he's shoved himself into every aspect of his life. At school, after school, basketball, even his dreams. He can't seem to escape him and lately he's not sure if he wants to and that confuses him too.
These two guys are from very different backgrounds, however they are both thrown together through some similar situations. Roan doesn't like Hollis on principal alone. Period. On the flipside, Hollis is the type of guy who gives everyone a chance before passing judgement, so he tries to like Roan before disliking him. Neither initially have "feelings" for the other because neither are even thinking along those lines.
Roan has never been with a guy before, so he's confused by his body's reaction to Hollis at first. Hollis is just trying to survive school and because Roan has only been with girls he doesn't pick up the vibe of interest. This makes for an an intense longing and angsty, burning build-up between them. When they do finally ignite...holy hotness!!
Get ready to swoon hard for Roan. Here is a guy who has never been in a relationship ever, but when he falls...dang. Hood River Rat is so intense not only for their love story, but for the other storylines too. It's a real page turner to find out what happens to everyone.
Hood River Rat is filled with angst, emotions, heat, passion, tension, longing, and two boys from very different walks of life just trying to figure out how to survive it all.
Mid-senior year of high school, Hollis English has moved across the country with his mother and two sisters when his less than caring father discovered he was gay. The normally optimistic, happy Hollis didn't get off the best start at his new school when he has a first run in was with the Hoodlums at school. Everyday only gets worse and his stomach is constantly in knots. If only their leader wasn't so good looking perhaps that wouldn't make it worse and he could hate him, but Roan is different when he's alone. It's confusing and Hollis isn't normally confused when it comes to guys.
Roan Hirsch, part of the Hoodlums, doesn't have the best home life. With a drugged out mother and a father in prison, his primary focus is on him and his sister making it out of Hood River one day alive. What he doesn't need is a preppy kid getting in his way and messing up his life, unfortunately that is exactly what it feels like at every turn when Hollis shows up at his school. If he could ignore the new kid he would, but he's shoved himself into every aspect of his life. At school, after school, basketball, even his dreams. He can't seem to escape him and lately he's not sure if he wants to and that confuses him too.
These two guys are from very different backgrounds, however they are both thrown together through some similar situations. Roan doesn't like Hollis on principal alone. Period. On the flipside, Hollis is the type of guy who gives everyone a chance before passing judgement, so he tries to like Roan before disliking him. Neither initially have "feelings" for the other because neither are even thinking along those lines.
Roan has never been with a guy before, so he's confused by his body's reaction to Hollis at first. Hollis is just trying to survive school and because Roan has only been with girls he doesn't pick up the vibe of interest. This makes for an an intense longing and angsty, burning build-up between them. When they do finally ignite...holy hotness!!
Get ready to swoon hard for Roan. Here is a guy who has never been in a relationship ever, but when he falls...dang. Hood River Rat is so intense not only for their love story, but for the other storylines too. It's a real page turner to find out what happens to everyone.
bklvr08's review
1.0
If I could give this a zero I would but since I can’t a one would have to suffice.
This is a WHITE woman naming a book hood rat with a black man on the cover. If that doesn’t scream racist or racially offensive idk what then.
Racial micro-aggression, racial discrimination.
This is a WHITE woman naming a book hood rat with a black man on the cover. If that doesn’t scream racist or racially offensive idk what then.
Racial micro-aggression, racial discrimination.
beckyrendon's review
5.0
Oh my, oh my, oh my!!!!
I will say I'm so glad I bought but haven't yet read Bully Me. I found out the cliffhanger in it would have killed me. For those that are confused, Hood River Rat was a part of the Bully Me: Class of 2020 anthology. In Bully Me, it ended in what would have been a devastating, nerve wracking, heart palpitations inducing cliffhanger. Thankfully, I have the copy unopened 5 ft from me.
Hood River Rat is K Webster gold. I was close to tears too many times to count. These boys are in a world of hurt. They live very different lives. It's both a tragedy and also the reason they work. Their connection is tangible. The emotions, longing, need, lust, and other "l" words are visceral. It's bone deep.
Ahhhh! I just want to hug them, hold them, and keep them safe. I'm also wickedly intrigued by the rest of the Hoodlums. I will say that my favorite Hoodlum may be busy but when he is free he better claim what's his!
I will say I'm so glad I bought but haven't yet read Bully Me. I found out the cliffhanger in it would have killed me. For those that are confused, Hood River Rat was a part of the Bully Me: Class of 2020 anthology. In Bully Me, it ended in what would have been a devastating, nerve wracking, heart palpitations inducing cliffhanger. Thankfully, I have the copy unopened 5 ft from me.
Hood River Rat is K Webster gold. I was close to tears too many times to count. These boys are in a world of hurt. They live very different lives. It's both a tragedy and also the reason they work. Their connection is tangible. The emotions, longing, need, lust, and other "l" words are visceral. It's bone deep.
Ahhhh! I just want to hug them, hold them, and keep them safe. I'm also wickedly intrigued by the rest of the Hoodlums. I will say that my favorite Hoodlum may be busy but when he is free he better claim what's his!
cierra_mccauley_cierrascorner's review
5.0
Oh, my freaking heart! This book was Amazing! This was a tough one! It gets you with all the feels! I read the first 14 chapters of this book in the Bully Me anthology and I had to have more! I loved Hollis so hard! Everything he’s going through, the same for Roan and Roux, they break me! This story is Everything! It's incredibly intoxicating and sensual, it's hella sexy! I was completely captivated, lost in the pages as Hollis and Roan deal with everything on their plate. This book was new and sexy, I cannot stress just how Incredibly Sexy it was and it’s hella angsty! Webster keeps pulling me in with her amazing talent! This may be a different read for some because it's MM. This isn't my first MM book, but it's the most intoxicating one I have ever read! It's easily one my favorite reads all year! Please don't pass this book up because it's different, go in with an open mind, and fall in love with these characters! It's so real and gripping! You root for the characters and want to fight for them! I loved Kelsey and Mike and Roux and Jordy! Oh my heart, Webster really pulls at those heartstrings! I got super emotional and teary! I'm so in love with these characters, and I'm dying for Little Hoodlum! I cannot wait for the next book in this series! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
aldarakamey's review against another edition
3.0
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 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.
divapitbull's review
3.0
I have very mixed feelings about Hood River Rat. It started out with a somewhat contrived premise. 18-year-old Hollis English’s father lost his shit when he found out his son was gay and threatened to disown him. His mother then left a twenty-year marriage and “her cushy life as a surgeon’s wife”; to move her and Hollis and his 2 younger sisters from Vermont to Oregon, to live with her sister. Hollis feels guilty because his mom has to work as a bank teller now and she’s exhausted all the time. His mom Kelsey is a really nice lady; but also, apparently not that bright. On what planet does a stay-at-home mom, in a twenty-year marriage, not get to remain in the home with her children; with child support AND alimony and ½ the 401K; AND icing on the cake, the reason for the divorce being that her husband was being a ginormous dick – in the state of Vermont, no less. Anyway, Hollis finds himself finishing off the last 4 months of his senior year in a new school and he plans to coast through being invisible. So of course, he decides to make a good impression the first day in his new PUBLIC school, by wearing slacks, dress shoes, a button-down shirt and a tie that matches his purple Mustang. Oh yeah. He’ll totally blend. Clearly, he got his brains from his mother.
So, this is where I got annoyed with myself for being such a stickler for plausibility; and made a conscious decision to just go with it and enjoy the story. And I did!! I really liked Hollis and his bad boy Roan. They were both well developed and likable characters. Roan and his 3 friends, the Hood River Hoodlums are the bad boys who run the school; except that Roan is really more of a sad boy with a tough life and a good heart. He hadn’t realized he could be attracted to guys until he met Hollis; but with minimal confusion, he’s open to following the attraction. Hollis is a genuinely nice guy; although tormented by his father’s rejection more than he realizes. Roan isn’t so much of a bully towards Hollis, as he is grumpy and antagonistic and keeping him at arm’s length. The other Hoodlums; Roan’s friend Jordy in particular; are a different story – but Hollis holds his own.
Around the 50% mark I was finding it hard to put HRR down. I wasn’t even complaining about the cliched plot device used to move their relationship along. I was thinking I was going to stick with the series, chalk it all up as guilty reading pleasures and enjoy some glimpses of Roan and Hollis while reading the exploits of the other Hoodlums. Then I hit the 75% mark and all hell broke loose. The plot sailed into General Hospital meets West Side Story, and it all feels very over the top and unrealistic. Ridiculously so. Hollis and Roan do get a happily ever after. The last chapter sets up the next installment and from what I’ve gleaned the OTT soap opera plots are continuing with gusto and I I just don’t know if getting a glimpse of Hollis and Roan will be worth it. We’ll see….
So, this is where I got annoyed with myself for being such a stickler for plausibility; and made a conscious decision to just go with it and enjoy the story. And I did!! I really liked Hollis and his bad boy Roan. They were both well developed and likable characters. Roan and his 3 friends, the Hood River Hoodlums are the bad boys who run the school; except that Roan is really more of a sad boy with a tough life and a good heart. He hadn’t realized he could be attracted to guys until he met Hollis; but with minimal confusion, he’s open to following the attraction. Hollis is a genuinely nice guy; although tormented by his father’s rejection more than he realizes. Roan isn’t so much of a bully towards Hollis, as he is grumpy and antagonistic and keeping him at arm’s length. The other Hoodlums; Roan’s friend Jordy in particular; are a different story – but Hollis holds his own.
Around the 50% mark I was finding it hard to put HRR down. I wasn’t even complaining about the cliched plot device used to move their relationship along. I was thinking I was going to stick with the series, chalk it all up as guilty reading pleasures and enjoy some glimpses of Roan and Hollis while reading the exploits of the other Hoodlums. Then I hit the 75% mark and all hell broke loose. The plot sailed into General Hospital meets West Side Story, and it all feels very over the top and unrealistic. Ridiculously so. Hollis and Roan do get a happily ever after. The last chapter sets up the next installment and from what I’ve gleaned the OTT soap opera plots are continuing with gusto and I I just don’t know if getting a glimpse of Hollis and Roan will be worth it. We’ll see….