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Possum Hollow #3
Running Feral
Tobias's life has seemed like a series of terrible decisions followed by even worse consequences. He thought the move to Possum Hollow would be the right thing to do. Get his problems away from his mom and sisters, while taking care of his sick grandmother. If he was putting himself more in danger, that was his own fault. It was still for the best.
Instead, he's met a lot of surprising people and suddenly hope seems like something he could have again. After a lifetime of being trapped by the brutality of organized crime, is it really possible for him to get out?
Maybe if he could fall in love with the right person, for once, everything else could start turning around.
Instead, he's met a lot of surprising people and suddenly hope seems like something he could have again. After a lifetime of being trapped by the brutality of organized crime, is it really possible for him to get out?
Maybe if he could fall in love with the right person, for once, everything else could start turning around.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 20, 2024
219 people are currently reading
922 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 126 reviews
December 23, 2024
not for me..
In the words of Tobias “well that was anticlimactic” but really, this just wasn’t for me all around for a few reasons.
I really don’t like Other Woman/Other Man scenes and while yes, Tobias is repeatedly raped before and after getting together with Gunnar, it was too much for me that it happened after they were together.
And I do understand in those situations you sometimes allow things to happen out of fear or even habit but the plot of the book centers around Tobias’ ex?/abuser. Here’s where my real problem lies.
This WAS NOT a touch him & die story. This was Gunnar, the older of the two who gave off Dom vibes (kind of) a lot of “good boys” were coming out of his mouth and he stated he likes to be in control, but he was also a scared little kitten.
Tobias gets kidnapped by his rapist & Gunnar basically says “whelp, nothing I can do except hope he shows back up.” I’m sorry but if the man I love gets taken by the man who beat and raped him brutally, I’m burning the fictional world down.
Gunnar had the most inconsistent personality I’ve read in a long time. Tobias was consistent, but I did not feel like he loved Gunnar. It felt like he was using him for sex to get over his trauma.
Honestly I couldn’t tell you when they even fell in love at all.
Anyway, I rated book 1 & 2 both five stars. This was a solid 2.5. I’ll probably skip book 3 because Cade & Silas already got a happy ending. I don’t really care to read them going through trauma just to have another happy ending. But I would be interested in Micah & Sav.
In the words of Tobias “well that was anticlimactic” but really, this just wasn’t for me all around for a few reasons.
I really don’t like Other Woman/Other Man scenes and while yes, Tobias is repeatedly raped before and after getting together with Gunnar, it was too much for me that it happened after they were together.
And I do understand in those situations you sometimes allow things to happen out of fear or even habit but the plot of the book centers around Tobias’ ex?/abuser. Here’s where my real problem lies.
This WAS NOT a touch him & die story. This was Gunnar, the older of the two who gave off Dom vibes (kind of) a lot of “good boys” were coming out of his mouth and he stated he likes to be in control, but he was also a scared little kitten.
Tobias gets kidnapped by his rapist & Gunnar basically says “whelp, nothing I can do except hope he shows back up.” I’m sorry but if the man I love gets taken by the man who beat and raped him brutally, I’m burning the fictional world down.
Gunnar had the most inconsistent personality I’ve read in a long time. Tobias was consistent, but I did not feel like he loved Gunnar. It felt like he was using him for sex to get over his trauma.
Honestly I couldn’t tell you when they even fell in love at all.
Anyway, I rated book 1 & 2 both five stars. This was a solid 2.5. I’ll probably skip book 3 because Cade & Silas already got a happy ending. I don’t really care to read them going through trauma just to have another happy ending. But I would be interested in Micah & Sav.
July 9, 2025
Three books into the Possum Hollow universe and Erin continues to approach every topic with so much care and sensitivity that even the heaviest moments feel grounded and safe in their hands. I’ve always admired how they write about life below the poverty line, and Running Feral is no exception. Tobias and Gunnar’s story is full of heart, and even in its most specific struggles, it feels deeply relatable.
That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven this time around. With a shorter page count, I found myself wishing for more development in certain areas, especially since much of the first half is quieter and more introspective. Still, this was the first book in the series to make me cry and that emotional connection says everything about how well Erin builds character and world.
Another strong addition to a series that continues to mean a lot to me.
That said, the pacing felt a bit uneven this time around. With a shorter page count, I found myself wishing for more development in certain areas, especially since much of the first half is quieter and more introspective. Still, this was the first book in the series to make me cry and that emotional connection says everything about how well Erin builds character and world.
Another strong addition to a series that continues to mean a lot to me.
February 26, 2025
I liked the first book in the series (Silas and Cade, they're getting another book in March), I dnf'd Ford and Tristan's book and I was waiting on Tobias' story, because he's heavily mentioned in Tristan's book, so if you want to know what's going on with Tobias, you definitely have to read the previous installment.
That being said, this story was crap. Over 300 pages of two guys who are very good in bed, but it doesn't translate to everyday life.
Their dialogues, endless monologues, Gunnar just somehow rubbed me the wrong way with his hovering and politeness and Tobias didn't get the care he needed based on what he went through, so 1.75⭐ and rounding it up only for the few sex scenes that were good and portrayed the dynamic between Gunnar and Tobias that I actually really liked.
🟣 A bar owner/a minor local gang member
🔵 Both gay
🟢 Age gap 22/36
🟡 Size difference (wasn't milked enough)
🔵 A missed opportunity for a more prominent daddy vibe
🌶️ Good intimacy; a few penetrative scenes, nothing else, but it was good; comforting, cuddling; good boy; praise; smaller guy tops most of the time; both vers
❗Rape, physical violence against the MMC
What I didn't like was the storytelling. The author managed to fuck up Gunnar's masculinity. He's way too careful, polite, politically correct, he's not active or proactive enough for Tobias and that's what his situation with the Banna gang needed.
Tobias is involved with the gang because he's one of their members Eamon's fuck toy, so he's heavily used and abused for doing all kinds of things, from theft to being raped and beaten up, so it gets heavy, some of it is on-page.
Tobias has been going to Gunnar's bar for over a year, so Gunnar is aware of what's going on with the guy. He likes him, but doesn't do anything about it because he has a saviour complex, so he's staying out of it until Tobias comes knocking on his door one night all beaten up.
"Instead, I lean down and scoop one arm under his legs to pick him up bridal style, desperately hoping this isn’t too invasive."
"Normally, I would ask permission, but he hasn’t said a word yet or even been able to focus his eyes on me."
"I make yet another risky decision without waiting for permission, which I can feel guilty about later."
One thing I don't get is - Tobias shows up, he can barely walk, he's got a sprained ankle, and instead of naturally just helping the guy, Gunnar's worried about consent?
Like when Tobias is taking a bath and he's not coming out for the longest time and this guy just leaves him there and is knocking on his door and then says you know, even though he didn't consent to me coming in, I'm still going in.
Then the paramedic comes in and listen, I've had a bit of experience with paramedics and I don't know if this is a culture thing or what, is America different? But I've never seen a paramedic not telling a person to go to the hospital when it's very clear they need it. That sprained ankle didn't get resolved for the rest of the book. Tobias just didn't go to the hospital! What if it's not sprained but broken?? First he's hardly waking, the next chapter he's running over town to get to the bar!!!
Like why don't they take the guy who's all in bruises and has also been raped, his anus is apparently in really bad shape - and take him in???
“We need a statement, sir,” Sympathetic Cop says, exhaustion evident in his voice.
“Then you can talk to him respectfully. He doesn’t have to go to the hospital if he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t have to have a rape kit, and the two of you standing over him, bossing him around and asking rude questions isn’t fucking helpful.”
“He needs to go the hospital,” the dark- haired cop says, tossing his head in my direction.
I can see the way Tristan bristles at the command. “We’ll see. You have everything you need from him?” The cops both nod. “Good. You can go.”
Crazy. That's craaaaazy!!!!!!
Gunnar was potentially a good character, but instead of being this hot daddy-type, his thought process was terrible and he lost me when Tobias gets pulled into the gang again, kidnapped and Gunnar doesn't go over there to find him, but just waits around and says well, he has to come to me if he wants to be here. 🤷
"I keep going back and forth on whether I’m being mature and respectful of his autonomy as an adult, or if I’m just making fancy excuses to soothe myself because I gave in to what I wanted, even though I should have put a stop to it. Am I being a gross old man? Or is this not a big deal and I need to stop infantilizing him?"
“In my experience, the kind of guys who get into gross age- gap relationships are doing it specifically because they want someone they feel like they can control and manipulate."
"Even if my impulses aren’t garbage ones like wanting to fuck him…"
"Oh, my sweet baby gay. Sometimes I forget how inexperienced he is."
My god, he's just an idiot. What kind of a man at 36 years old thinks like this??? Fuck, maybe they exist, but I definitely don't know anyone like that. He's not someone I'd go for, that's for damn sure. What a wuss! All he can offer is this baby boy crap, well he can take it and shove it somewhere. His character needed a shot of balls.
"Of course, the rational part of me is never truly silent. It reminds me that I am not Liam Neeson, and this is not a revenge movie."
"Right now, I can’t save him. It tears me apart to admit it, but I can’t. All I can do is make sure I’m here and kind of, mostly standing for when he manages to save himself. Again."
"Where is he? Why isn’t he here?"
He's not here, because you won't go looking for him! Idiot.
The only thing I enjoyed were the sex scenes and that's about it. That's the only thing that worked. Outside of the comfort and intimacy of that, these two just weren't that digestible, I couldn't really feel that strong connection between Tobias and Gunner unless they were naked.
Tobias finally gets out of the gang with the help of Sav, the guy who's the son of the leader of the Banna gang, he's also trying to get out of it and is working part-time at Gunner's bar. Sav, even though he didn't have much page time, was more memorable than Tobias and Gunnar and apparently his book is coming out today, so I'll definitely read it.
Even though Eamon was a complete villain and a shithead, I was hoping the author wouldn't kill him off, it would be interesting to get his own story - more interesting than the last two installments in the series, that's for sure!
Did Eamon survive? Is he really dead? Can he come back? He's awful, a complete villain but he'd probably get a better book than all of these guys combined.
That being said, this story was crap. Over 300 pages of two guys who are very good in bed, but it doesn't translate to everyday life.
Their dialogues, endless monologues, Gunnar just somehow rubbed me the wrong way with his hovering and politeness and Tobias didn't get the care he needed based on what he went through, so 1.75⭐ and rounding it up only for the few sex scenes that were good and portrayed the dynamic between Gunnar and Tobias that I actually really liked.
🟣 A bar owner/a minor local gang member
🔵 Both gay
🟢 Age gap 22/36
🟡 Size difference (wasn't milked enough)
🔵 A missed opportunity for a more prominent daddy vibe
🌶️ Good intimacy; a few penetrative scenes, nothing else, but it was good; comforting, cuddling; good boy; praise; smaller guy tops most of the time; both vers
❗Rape, physical violence against the MMC
What I didn't like was the storytelling. The author managed to fuck up Gunnar's masculinity. He's way too careful, polite, politically correct, he's not active or proactive enough for Tobias and that's what his situation with the Banna gang needed.
Tobias is involved with the gang because he's one of their members Eamon's fuck toy, so he's heavily used and abused for doing all kinds of things, from theft to being raped and beaten up, so it gets heavy, some of it is on-page.
Tobias has been going to Gunnar's bar for over a year, so Gunnar is aware of what's going on with the guy. He likes him, but doesn't do anything about it because he has a saviour complex, so he's staying out of it until Tobias comes knocking on his door one night all beaten up.
"Instead, I lean down and scoop one arm under his legs to pick him up bridal style, desperately hoping this isn’t too invasive."
"Normally, I would ask permission, but he hasn’t said a word yet or even been able to focus his eyes on me."
"I make yet another risky decision without waiting for permission, which I can feel guilty about later."
One thing I don't get is - Tobias shows up, he can barely walk, he's got a sprained ankle, and instead of naturally just helping the guy, Gunnar's worried about consent?
Like when Tobias is taking a bath and he's not coming out for the longest time and this guy just leaves him there and is knocking on his door and then says you know, even though he didn't consent to me coming in, I'm still going in.
Then the paramedic comes in and listen, I've had a bit of experience with paramedics and I don't know if this is a culture thing or what, is America different? But I've never seen a paramedic not telling a person to go to the hospital when it's very clear they need it. That sprained ankle didn't get resolved for the rest of the book. Tobias just didn't go to the hospital! What if it's not sprained but broken?? First he's hardly waking, the next chapter he's running over town to get to the bar!!!
Like why don't they take the guy who's all in bruises and has also been raped, his anus is apparently in really bad shape - and take him in???
“We need a statement, sir,” Sympathetic Cop says, exhaustion evident in his voice.
“Then you can talk to him respectfully. He doesn’t have to go to the hospital if he doesn’t want to, he doesn’t have to have a rape kit, and the two of you standing over him, bossing him around and asking rude questions isn’t fucking helpful.”
“He needs to go the hospital,” the dark- haired cop says, tossing his head in my direction.
I can see the way Tristan bristles at the command. “We’ll see. You have everything you need from him?” The cops both nod. “Good. You can go.”
Crazy. That's craaaaazy!!!!!!
Gunnar was potentially a good character, but instead of being this hot daddy-type, his thought process was terrible and he lost me when Tobias gets pulled into the gang again, kidnapped and Gunnar doesn't go over there to find him, but just waits around and says well, he has to come to me if he wants to be here. 🤷
"I keep going back and forth on whether I’m being mature and respectful of his autonomy as an adult, or if I’m just making fancy excuses to soothe myself because I gave in to what I wanted, even though I should have put a stop to it. Am I being a gross old man? Or is this not a big deal and I need to stop infantilizing him?"
“In my experience, the kind of guys who get into gross age- gap relationships are doing it specifically because they want someone they feel like they can control and manipulate."
"Even if my impulses aren’t garbage ones like wanting to fuck him…"
"Oh, my sweet baby gay. Sometimes I forget how inexperienced he is."
My god, he's just an idiot. What kind of a man at 36 years old thinks like this??? Fuck, maybe they exist, but I definitely don't know anyone like that. He's not someone I'd go for, that's for damn sure. What a wuss! All he can offer is this baby boy crap, well he can take it and shove it somewhere. His character needed a shot of balls.
"Of course, the rational part of me is never truly silent. It reminds me that I am not Liam Neeson, and this is not a revenge movie."
"Right now, I can’t save him. It tears me apart to admit it, but I can’t. All I can do is make sure I’m here and kind of, mostly standing for when he manages to save himself. Again."
"Where is he? Why isn’t he here?"
He's not here, because you won't go looking for him! Idiot.
The only thing I enjoyed were the sex scenes and that's about it. That's the only thing that worked. Outside of the comfort and intimacy of that, these two just weren't that digestible, I couldn't really feel that strong connection between Tobias and Gunner unless they were naked.
Tobias finally gets out of the gang with the help of Sav, the guy who's the son of the leader of the Banna gang, he's also trying to get out of it and is working part-time at Gunner's bar. Sav, even though he didn't have much page time, was more memorable than Tobias and Gunnar and apparently his book is coming out today, so I'll definitely read it.
Even though Eamon was a complete villain and a shithead, I was hoping the author wouldn't kill him off, it would be interesting to get his own story - more interesting than the last two installments in the series, that's for sure!
Did Eamon survive? Is he really dead? Can he come back? He's awful, a complete villain but he'd probably get a better book than all of these guys combined.
January 5, 2025
My favorite thing about this series is how vastly different each book is while still keep the Possum Hollow connections; each book has it's own unique story. I would say this is the darkest/heaviest of the series so far. This book focuses heavily on domestic violence & sexual assault & Erin provides a detailed content warning list in the beginning of the book. While nothing happens on page we do experience the aftermath of some gruesome events. As someone who has personally experienced violence & sexual assault at the hands of a partner for years, this is my favorite & in my opinion the best representation of a survivor that I have read so far. Erin handles Tobias' story with so much grace & focuses more on his recovery & re-entry into the world after being trapped in an abusive situation than the act itself. They show us the very real response our minds & bodies have after living in survival mode for so long. Gunnar is the person I wish we all could have in our corner after going through something so drastic. He isn't the MC that is going to go after your abuser but rather the one that is there for you in whatever way you can handle. His respect & understanding of Tobias' boundaries is beautiful. He finds a way to give Tobias everything he needs even when he can't articulate it himself. Their story is beautiful & am so grateful to Erin for giving us this book.
December 22, 2024
I just love Erin Russell’s writing; they write broken, damaged yet feisty characters so well. Tobias and Gunnar both embody that; both having been through absolute hell and come out swinging. I was rooting for them the whole way through and despite the agony of their situations, their hard-earned HEA was perfect!
Tobias belongs to Eamon, a thug in the Banna gang. Abused and treated like an unloved pet, Eamon controls him through fear and hurt. After a particularly violent assault, Tobias snaps and runs away to Gunnar, the owner of an inclusive bar where Tobias feels safe.
Gunnar has spent his life looking after broken people, atoning for a traumatic event in his childhood. So when the bruised, nervous young man who he has been watching for months arrives bloody and broken on his doorstep, he knows he’s got to help him. Even if that makes him a target to the gang that won’t let Tobias go.
This book is dark and deals with domestic abuse including rap3, physical assault and unhealthy coping mechanisms. That being said, it is written with compassion and doesn’t glorify the DV in any way. Tobias is a wonderful character and watching him recover and grow was amazing.
Read Running Feral for:
✨ Hurt/Comfort
✨ Running from domestic violence
✨ Caretaking, healing from trauma
✨ Cuddling and physical comfort
✨ Age gap (22 & 36)
✨ Only one couch
✨ Emotional support horror movies
Tobias belongs to Eamon, a thug in the Banna gang. Abused and treated like an unloved pet, Eamon controls him through fear and hurt. After a particularly violent assault, Tobias snaps and runs away to Gunnar, the owner of an inclusive bar where Tobias feels safe.
Gunnar has spent his life looking after broken people, atoning for a traumatic event in his childhood. So when the bruised, nervous young man who he has been watching for months arrives bloody and broken on his doorstep, he knows he’s got to help him. Even if that makes him a target to the gang that won’t let Tobias go.
This book is dark and deals with domestic abuse including rap3, physical assault and unhealthy coping mechanisms. That being said, it is written with compassion and doesn’t glorify the DV in any way. Tobias is a wonderful character and watching him recover and grow was amazing.
Read Running Feral for:
✨ Hurt/Comfort
✨ Running from domestic violence
✨ Caretaking, healing from trauma
✨ Cuddling and physical comfort
✨ Age gap (22 & 36)
✨ Only one couch
✨ Emotional support horror movies
December 19, 2024
Tobias and Gunnar are two broken souls healing each other in ways they never thought were possible. 🖤
Tobias is in an abusive “relationship” and is basically a hostage. Gunnar is the bar owner and the collector of other broken people. He’s the fixer of all fixers. The savior of the damned. And he’s determined to save Tobias.
I love their dynamic so much. I love that Tobias is so stubborn and stands up for himself even if it’s to his own detriment. He doesn’t let Gunnar get away with the knight in shining armor act if he doesn’t have to.
We also meet Savage in this book (my bb) and get to see some of his life before his book comes out in February 🖤
I loved beta reading this book and watching it evolve. Erin has really grown this whole world into something spectacular 🥹
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
Tobias is in an abusive “relationship” and is basically a hostage. Gunnar is the bar owner and the collector of other broken people. He’s the fixer of all fixers. The savior of the damned. And he’s determined to save Tobias.
I love their dynamic so much. I love that Tobias is so stubborn and stands up for himself even if it’s to his own detriment. He doesn’t let Gunnar get away with the knight in shining armor act if he doesn’t have to.
We also meet Savage in this book (my bb) and get to see some of his life before his book comes out in February 🖤
I loved beta reading this book and watching it evolve. Erin has really grown this whole world into something spectacular 🥹
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review!
December 21, 2024
It was just meh
I was skimming the last 20% and wasn’t very engaged so 3 stars
I was skimming the last 20% and wasn’t very engaged so 3 stars
January 31, 2025
Running Feral is book three in the Possum Hollow series. This age gap, hurt/comfort MM romance story is about Tobias and Gunnar.
We first meet Tobias in book two, 68 Whiskey. He is the young twenty-two year old taking care of his grandmother, but he also is involved in some illegal activities. Tobias is part of the Banna, an Irish mafia, and he is being used and abused by Eamon, one of the members. Gunnar is the thirty-six year old bartender that works at The Feral Possum. He’s the type that is always helping people out of crappy situations. Tobias does frequent The Feral Possum and might have a little crush on Gunnar, and Gunnar might be slightly fixated on Tobias.
After one horrific night, Tobias turns up on Gunnar’s doorstep seeking his help. This was a tough story to read, and I appreciated the way this author handled the sensitive topic of Intimate Partner Violence. The trauma and struggles Tobias endured broke my heart. I loved that Tobias felt safe with Gunnar. Gunnar wanted to help Tobias no matter what, even if it brought up issues from his own past. Gunnar might have made a few mistakes, but he was just trying to protect and care for Tobias the best way he knew how.
Tobias and Gunnar’s journey was not an easy one. I will say I did feel like their love felt a bit rushed, especially given their circumstances. Also, I wish things would have played out a little differently with Eamon, but I am hoping we will get more of it in the new Banna series. I enjoyed the little bit we got of Sav and Micah, so I definitely can’t wait to read their story.
I really have enjoyed all of the characters we have met in Possum Hollow. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you start it now. Running Feral was a great addition to an amazing series.
We first meet Tobias in book two, 68 Whiskey. He is the young twenty-two year old taking care of his grandmother, but he also is involved in some illegal activities. Tobias is part of the Banna, an Irish mafia, and he is being used and abused by Eamon, one of the members. Gunnar is the thirty-six year old bartender that works at The Feral Possum. He’s the type that is always helping people out of crappy situations. Tobias does frequent The Feral Possum and might have a little crush on Gunnar, and Gunnar might be slightly fixated on Tobias.
After one horrific night, Tobias turns up on Gunnar’s doorstep seeking his help. This was a tough story to read, and I appreciated the way this author handled the sensitive topic of Intimate Partner Violence. The trauma and struggles Tobias endured broke my heart. I loved that Tobias felt safe with Gunnar. Gunnar wanted to help Tobias no matter what, even if it brought up issues from his own past. Gunnar might have made a few mistakes, but he was just trying to protect and care for Tobias the best way he knew how.
Tobias and Gunnar’s journey was not an easy one. I will say I did feel like their love felt a bit rushed, especially given their circumstances. Also, I wish things would have played out a little differently with Eamon, but I am hoping we will get more of it in the new Banna series. I enjoyed the little bit we got of Sav and Micah, so I definitely can’t wait to read their story.
I really have enjoyed all of the characters we have met in Possum Hollow. If you haven’t started this series, I highly recommend you start it now. Running Feral was a great addition to an amazing series.
December 23, 2024
These men stole my whole heart!
Tobias, an unenthusiastic gangster just trying to make ends meet, was snatched up early in his career with the Banna gang by the unhinged and abusive Eamon. Gunnar, owner of a local bar and patron saint of the lost and abused, has had his eye on Tobias for some time. When the young man turns up on his doorstep in a terrible state, he’s confronted with how deeply his feelings toward Tobias may run.
The care with which Erin handles the topic of Tobias’ abuse is unmatched. The writing doesn’t shy away from the horror of what he’s experienced, but almost nothing is on page, avoiding any “shock value” displays. The disregard the system shows for victims of DV, especially if they’re male, queer, and POC, was also difficult to read but so on point. This is a type of story that needs to be told more often!
The romance is so incredibly sweet. Gunnar is such a precious bean, trying to walk the line between his fear of taking advantage of Tobias and his desire to respect the younger man’s will. Erin’s characters are all beautifully flawed, real people, and the storylines follow that reality. Consent and intimacy are handled with as much care as the rest, and I loved seeing those moments blossom between our MCs.
There are plenty of cameos from the previous Possum Hollow books, as well as some setup for the upcoming Sins of the Banna series, which I am VERY excited for! If you enjoyed the series thus far, you won’t be disappointed, and I highly recommend this for all readers of hurt/comfort and survivor MCs. Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review*
Tobias, an unenthusiastic gangster just trying to make ends meet, was snatched up early in his career with the Banna gang by the unhinged and abusive Eamon. Gunnar, owner of a local bar and patron saint of the lost and abused, has had his eye on Tobias for some time. When the young man turns up on his doorstep in a terrible state, he’s confronted with how deeply his feelings toward Tobias may run.
The care with which Erin handles the topic of Tobias’ abuse is unmatched. The writing doesn’t shy away from the horror of what he’s experienced, but almost nothing is on page, avoiding any “shock value” displays. The disregard the system shows for victims of DV, especially if they’re male, queer, and POC, was also difficult to read but so on point. This is a type of story that needs to be told more often!
The romance is so incredibly sweet. Gunnar is such a precious bean, trying to walk the line between his fear of taking advantage of Tobias and his desire to respect the younger man’s will. Erin’s characters are all beautifully flawed, real people, and the storylines follow that reality. Consent and intimacy are handled with as much care as the rest, and I loved seeing those moments blossom between our MCs.
There are plenty of cameos from the previous Possum Hollow books, as well as some setup for the upcoming Sins of the Banna series, which I am VERY excited for! If you enjoyed the series thus far, you won’t be disappointed, and I highly recommend this for all readers of hurt/comfort and survivor MCs. Check CWs as needed.
*I received an advanced reader copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review*
December 25, 2024
4.5/5. Wow. This one blew me away. It was wonderful! I love Tobia so much. He's a sweet soul stuck in a horrible situation. I love Gunnar, too. He's a genuinely good guy who sees a problem and tries to help, no matter what. I love the Feral Possum crew with Kasia and Sav, too.
I loved how real this story felt. Tobias was stuck and he felt stuck until he absolutely had to go for help. Gunnar had been dancing around his feelings for Tobias, just like Tobias was doing the same for him, for so long that their love felt real despite the rush. I enjoyed seeing Gunnar try, and sometimes fail, to care for, protect, and love Tobias through his struggles. I enjoyed seeing Cade, Micah, and Tristan again, too.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down. The hurt/comfort was top tier and the love was so sweet. It also had an element of suspense that kept me intrigued and wanting more.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, age gap, hurt/comfort, bar owner/gang member, intimate partner violence, caretaking, forced proximity, good boy
I loved how real this story felt. Tobias was stuck and he felt stuck until he absolutely had to go for help. Gunnar had been dancing around his feelings for Tobias, just like Tobias was doing the same for him, for so long that their love felt real despite the rush. I enjoyed seeing Gunnar try, and sometimes fail, to care for, protect, and love Tobias through his struggles. I enjoyed seeing Cade, Micah, and Tristan again, too.
Overall, I couldn't put this book down. The hurt/comfort was top tier and the love was so sweet. It also had an element of suspense that kept me intrigued and wanting more.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, age gap, hurt/comfort, bar owner/gang member, intimate partner violence, caretaking, forced proximity, good boy
December 27, 2024
This was a miss for me. With the way this story is written, to be “believable” and respect the aspect of IPDV as the author states- the book should have been at least a 100 pages longer. I am personally not triggered by IPDV, but with how it’s written here it should have also been given the respect of a little more drawn out story. And sorry, but in what world of fiction is it “okay” for a SA victim to not at least get check ups from the nurse introduced at the minimum? I know its fiction but still you cannot have it both ways, either you write it realistic as you say or you acknowledge that it’s fiction and you can make it okay to get medically check out and followed up with for any SA victim. Sorry just not for me.
Sensing the abrupt finish and crammed storylines is a pattern with this author. And plot holes.
Sensing the abrupt finish and crammed storylines is a pattern with this author. And plot holes.
December 19, 2024
If you are looking for a book that will break your heart and put it back together again you are coming to the right place.
This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Tobias and Gunner’s story is not an easy one but they never once doubted each other. They helped each other heal from their tragic pasts and push for a brighter future.
I loved their story and how much they truly needed each other.
The story was great and the build up spice was fantastic.
Overall I gave this book 4.25⭐️ and 2.5🌶️
This is the third book in the series but can be read as a standalone.
Tobias and Gunner’s story is not an easy one but they never once doubted each other. They helped each other heal from their tragic pasts and push for a brighter future.
I loved their story and how much they truly needed each other.
The story was great and the build up spice was fantastic.
Overall I gave this book 4.25⭐️ and 2.5🌶️
March 2, 2025
I cant believe it took me so long to finally pick this up!! I’m so glad I did, and especially now too since it gave good lead up for Savage
I think I just didn’t love the last 25%-30%. Some things felt quickly glossed over and I would’ve liked to read more about Tobias and his healing process after everything got handled
But anyways very excited to move on to Micah and Sav
I think I just didn’t love the last 25%-30%. Some things felt quickly glossed over and I would’ve liked to read more about Tobias and his healing process after everything got handled
But anyways very excited to move on to Micah and Sav
December 23, 2024
I don't like age gaps and I realise more and more that I don't really care about mafia so it wasn't my thing from the start but it was an easy read! Not sure I'll continue with the mafia part of the series, though I'll stay tuned for more Cade and Silas!
dnf
September 19, 2025I wanted to like this so badly, but Tobias was just too prickly and independent. Even when the relationship was pretty established, I didn’t really feel a spark between them.
December 29, 2024
I LOVED the first two books in this series, and was so excited about this one. However, it was just okay and wasn't what I was expecting. I appreciated the trigger warnings provided by the author in the beginning and I was interested to see how this topic would be approached.
My main concerns with the book...
- The lack of medical attention provided to Tobias
I understand why he didn't feel safe going to the hospital. However, Gunnar knew both an ER nurse (who was also a SANE nurse) and an EMT and they only saw Tobias ONCE throughout the whole book. There was a mention of PReP (but, lets be honest, when did he have time to take PReP, and regularly, while he was with Eamon? They mentioned he was intoxicated most of the time so?), STD testing, and r*pe kits, but nothing was ever done. Micah being a SANE nurse made him literally the PERFECT person for Gunnar to turn to for help, and to provide Tobias with the care that he needed. But he never checked in or followed up with Tobias (boo to that). And he seemed to have some serious injuries from the s*xual assault so could we do something about that? Why set up the characters to help the MC and have them NOT help him? 💁♀️
As a side note, I'm just gonna need authors to start normalizing STD testing in books before the characters have s*x because, yes, they used condoms, but, like, they still need to get tested.
- The plot holes
The MCs went on a whole side quest to help Kasia with her custody issues, including them randomly breaking into this man's trailer, finding the necessary evidence, and then leaving and calling the cops. I was INVESTED, and wanted to see some more of Tobias' confidence and criminal skills put to good use. However, we never get the conclusion to that- only a small paragraph that Jordan had been arrested. I wanted to see more of her backstory to really understand this plot point. It just seemed so random.
And not to mention Tobias' ankle- was it broken? Sprained? How did it magically heal without any elevation, braces, etc and why do we never see it mentioned after the beginning of the book? It seemed like a serious injury but Tobias was out here running from Eamon, hiding in bushes, to get to his mans and it's like the sprained ankle never happened.
-The lack of an actual plot
This book was mainly just Tobias recovering from IPV, getting kidnapped AGAIN, getting more 'punishment' from Eamon, Gunnar worrying about his new boo while ignoring his whole actual job and employees, and Eamon randomly and mysteriously 'dying'. (My money is on Sav k*lling him but idk 🤷♀️) There was no world burning rage from Gunner that his mans had been kidnapped, just defeat. What's the purpose of having a boyfriend who won't burn down the world to save you? There's none. He was actually quite useless.
- HOW DID THEY LET TOBIAS GET KIDNAPPED? I'm gonna need Gunnar to step it up and not leave his man's side because that was the DUMBEST and most easiest way I've read an MC get kidnapped. Do better Gunnar.
Overall, I appreciated the inclusion of IPV but there was no plot, no starting a journey of recovery from the IPV, no connection between the characters and no plot points that kept me motivated to keep reading.
My main concerns with the book...
- The lack of medical attention provided to Tobias
I understand why he didn't feel safe going to the hospital. However, Gunnar knew both an ER nurse (who was also a SANE nurse) and an EMT and they only saw Tobias ONCE throughout the whole book. There was a mention of PReP (but, lets be honest, when did he have time to take PReP, and regularly, while he was with Eamon? They mentioned he was intoxicated most of the time so?), STD testing, and r*pe kits, but nothing was ever done. Micah being a SANE nurse made him literally the PERFECT person for Gunnar to turn to for help, and to provide Tobias with the care that he needed. But he never checked in or followed up with Tobias (boo to that). And he seemed to have some serious injuries from the s*xual assault so could we do something about that? Why set up the characters to help the MC and have them NOT help him? 💁♀️
As a side note, I'm just gonna need authors to start normalizing STD testing in books before the characters have s*x because, yes, they used condoms, but, like, they still need to get tested.
- The plot holes
The MCs went on a whole side quest to help Kasia with her custody issues, including them randomly breaking into this man's trailer, finding the necessary evidence, and then leaving and calling the cops. I was INVESTED, and wanted to see some more of Tobias' confidence and criminal skills put to good use. However, we never get the conclusion to that- only a small paragraph that Jordan had been arrested. I wanted to see more of her backstory to really understand this plot point. It just seemed so random.
And not to mention Tobias' ankle- was it broken? Sprained? How did it magically heal without any elevation, braces, etc and why do we never see it mentioned after the beginning of the book? It seemed like a serious injury but Tobias was out here running from Eamon, hiding in bushes, to get to his mans and it's like the sprained ankle never happened.
-The lack of an actual plot
This book was mainly just Tobias recovering from IPV, getting kidnapped AGAIN, getting more 'punishment' from Eamon, Gunnar worrying about his new boo while ignoring his whole actual job and employees, and Eamon randomly and mysteriously 'dying'. (My money is on Sav k*lling him but idk 🤷♀️) There was no world burning rage from Gunner that his mans had been kidnapped, just defeat. What's the purpose of having a boyfriend who won't burn down the world to save you? There's none. He was actually quite useless.
- HOW DID THEY LET TOBIAS GET KIDNAPPED? I'm gonna need Gunnar to step it up and not leave his man's side because that was the DUMBEST and most easiest way I've read an MC get kidnapped. Do better Gunnar.
Overall, I appreciated the inclusion of IPV but there was no plot, no starting a journey of recovery from the IPV, no connection between the characters and no plot points that kept me motivated to keep reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2025
Tobias is completely trapped, he’s made a decision he was forced to make and he’s come to regret a million times over and Gunnar is witnessing his pain over and over again. I love this book and it was intensely intimate and heartbreaking making parts of it hard to read, it starts off with melancholy running through its pages, a helplessness saturating their interactions only growing to accommodate Tobias’s pain and trauma.
Despite the horrific circumstances, Tobias and Gunnar have been pulled towards each other for a while now. When things escalate and Tobias finds himself needing safe haven, Gunnar is there for him. I loved the way the author chose to evolve their relationship during this time, making space for healing but also not disregarding autonomy. Tobias is so resilient, sparks of humour shining through even in the most dismal of circumstances. But through it all there is the spectre of Eamon (who is just pure evil) hanging, and while this pocket out of time they have hidden away in together holds for now, it eventually has to give way.
When the other shoe drops and the worst happens it’s utterly devastating. The author lays out the emotions of this viscerally, pushing you completely to the edge, making you experience that fight flight freeze terror. But Tobias resilient and brave through it all as Gunnar holds out hope. And when Gunnar’s story comes out it makes you cry and makes you want to punch something (someone). Good lord this book rang every emotional bell I have, all tied in with these two at the centre of the storm raging. Highly recommend reading this book and series!
I love the way Sav and Micah are introduced to us (the stepbrother comment hehehe), I cannot wait to start that book! I loved seeing Tristan and Cade again and I liked Gunnar’s found family or as he says his team!
Expect:
* The Irish mafia
* Size difference
* Hurt comfort
* Protective MC
* So much emotion
* Pining
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* Found Family
* Praise
* Dirty talk
* Dark themes
* Trauma and healing
* Morally grey characters and situations
Despite the horrific circumstances, Tobias and Gunnar have been pulled towards each other for a while now. When things escalate and Tobias finds himself needing safe haven, Gunnar is there for him. I loved the way the author chose to evolve their relationship during this time, making space for healing but also not disregarding autonomy. Tobias is so resilient, sparks of humour shining through even in the most dismal of circumstances. But through it all there is the spectre of Eamon (who is just pure evil) hanging, and while this pocket out of time they have hidden away in together holds for now, it eventually has to give way.
When the other shoe drops and the worst happens it’s utterly devastating. The author lays out the emotions of this viscerally, pushing you completely to the edge, making you experience that fight flight freeze terror. But Tobias resilient and brave through it all as Gunnar holds out hope. And when Gunnar’s story comes out it makes you cry and makes you want to punch something (someone). Good lord this book rang every emotional bell I have, all tied in with these two at the centre of the storm raging. Highly recommend reading this book and series!
I love the way Sav and Micah are introduced to us (the stepbrother comment hehehe), I cannot wait to start that book! I loved seeing Tristan and Cade again and I liked Gunnar’s found family or as he says his team!
Expect:
* The Irish mafia
* Size difference
* Hurt comfort
* Protective MC
* So much emotion
* Pining
* Age gap
* Forced proximity
* Found Family
* Praise
* Dirty talk
* Dark themes
* Trauma and healing
* Morally grey characters and situations
December 19, 2024
This is book three in the Possum Hollow series and it was Tobias and Gunnar’s story. While technically a standalone I personally think for the best reading experience the books should be read in order as there is character crossover and overlapping timelines. This book was a little less spicy than the others in the series but far more emotional. It is MM romance with hurt/comfort, age gap, black cat lost boy vs cinnamon roll caretaker and this whole series has become one of my favourites! It might be more accurate to say anything that comes from this author is no doubt going to find its way to the top of my favourites lists when their books aren’t throwing me violently into a reading slump!
•
•
•
Making the wrong choices for the right reasons is how Tobias landed himself in the grips of the Banna mafia. As the sole caregiver to his ailing grandmother without a lot of other options, Tobias has resigned himself to his fate. The only light amongst a slew of dark days is the time he spends ogling the owner/bartender of the Feral Possum. Gunnar has a habit of picking up strays, activating his saviour complex in full force. As much as he tells himself not to get involved with the Banna and their “property”, he can’t help the soft spot forming for the lost boy taking up residence in his bar. Especially when he shows up one night bruised and broken on his doorstep.
•
•
•
Making the wrong choices for the right reasons is how Tobias landed himself in the grips of the Banna mafia. As the sole caregiver to his ailing grandmother without a lot of other options, Tobias has resigned himself to his fate. The only light amongst a slew of dark days is the time he spends ogling the owner/bartender of the Feral Possum. Gunnar has a habit of picking up strays, activating his saviour complex in full force. As much as he tells himself not to get involved with the Banna and their “property”, he can’t help the soft spot forming for the lost boy taking up residence in his bar. Especially when he shows up one night bruised and broken on his doorstep.
May 25, 2025
5 stars
RTC
Possum Hollow:
1. Stupid Dirty - Silas & Cade's Story
2. 68 Whiskey - Tristan & Ford's Story
3.Running Feral -
Gunnar & Tobias's Story
- 5 Stars
TBD
4. Hollow Point - Silas & Cade's Story
Sins Of The Banna Spin-Off Series:
1.
Savage
-
Micah & Savage's Story
- 4 Stars
RTC
Possum Hollow:
1. Stupid Dirty - Silas & Cade's Story
2. 68 Whiskey - Tristan & Ford's Story
3.
TBD
4. Hollow Point - Silas & Cade's Story
Sins Of The Banna Spin-Off Series:
1.
August 10, 2025
Running Feral had all the makings of a story I’d adore: a vulnerable, abused protagonist and a protective Daddy dynamic, but it ultimately left me frustrated. Tobias’s character was heartbreakingly well-drawn, his trauma and resilience making him impossible not to root for. However, Gunnar fell painfully short as a love interest; his passivity and emotional immaturity (especially during critical moments like Tobias’s kidnapping) undermined the nurturing dominance the romance promised. Their relationship leaned more toward unhealthy trauma-bonding than genuine connection, making intimate scenes feel unearned. While the premise held promise, the rushed second half and inconsistent writing kept this from being the powerful hurt/comfort story it could’ve been. A disappointing read despite its potential.
January 2, 2025
I was really disappointed by this storyline. It felt like nothing made any sense, it was just messy. Gunnar at first seems to give of this dom vibes, jelous touch him and die tipe of guy but in the end he just sits there and cries waiting for something to happen. The bond between him and Tobias it was hard to comprehend since there was not such thing as actual connection. I honestly don’t know what that was. They’ve known each other for like three weeks and they’re saying I love you, even though they’ve had like four full conversations and never actually confronted the trauma that brought them together. Honestly it was really hard to believe that they could actually be in love and in a happy relationship, I just didn’t buy it.
December 23, 2024
Oh man, I just loved this.
Definitely a difficult read at times, and though the author didn’t glorify any of the abuse and made it as off-page as possible, it still ramped up my heart rate and put me on edge.
Tobias and Gunnar were complex and real, their romance was realistic and beautiful despite the circumstances. I loved that raw honesty that both of them expressed, the mistakes they occasionally made with each other and the way they forged on.
A really solid story, such a good series!
Definitely a difficult read at times, and though the author didn’t glorify any of the abuse and made it as off-page as possible, it still ramped up my heart rate and put me on edge.
Tobias and Gunnar were complex and real, their romance was realistic and beautiful despite the circumstances. I loved that raw honesty that both of them expressed, the mistakes they occasionally made with each other and the way they forged on.
A really solid story, such a good series!
December 23, 2024
I really really liked this. It was better than the first two books, I think! Yes the resolution with Eamon was tidy, but I honestly think that was for the best, and apparently for the upcoming serial to cover. I think the intimate moments were just so so so well done. I didn't have the issue like in the previous books where the sex was too spicy for the characters. In this one it was such a beautiful part of the recovery for both of them. I loved the treatment of Tobias' autonomy and Gunnar's savior complex. Just fabulous work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2024
Tobias + Gunnar
-mm romance
-age gap
-hurt/comfort
-forced proximity
-golden retriever mc
-praise kink
ooofff, this was such a hard journey for our baby boy tobias! but wow i felt it was handled sooo delicately with the hard topics! its worthy of all the praise!!
-mm romance
-age gap
-hurt/comfort
-forced proximity
-golden retriever mc
-praise kink
ooofff, this was such a hard journey for our baby boy tobias! but wow i felt it was handled sooo delicately with the hard topics! its worthy of all the praise!!
January 1, 2025
I was really looking forward to the third book in the Possum Hollow series having loved the first two and both being in some of my favourites of 2024, but this one fell really flat for me.
The theme had so much potential, but then it felt like nothing really happened…
The medical issues that Tobias faced after the first time he turned up at Gunnars were almost brushed over, especially the sexual trauma he suffered. Even with his refused to go to a hospital, there were others that had contact with him but only once and then never again. It could have dived into that a lot more.
And when he was kidnapped from the hospital? It seemed so silly, after everything, why did Gunnar and Tristan let him just leave with a nurse with zero argument?
The theme had so much potential, but then it felt like nothing really happened…
The medical issues that Tobias faced after the first time he turned up at Gunnars were almost brushed over, especially the sexual trauma he suffered. Even with his refused to go to a hospital, there were others that had contact with him but only once and then never again. It could have dived into that a lot more.
And when he was kidnapped from the hospital? It seemed so silly, after everything, why did Gunnar and Tristan let him just leave with a nurse with zero argument?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 7, 2025
This emotional read is truly one of a kind!! Gunnar is a different type of hero than you usually read in darker romance books and I loved it! He’s not out to aggressively slay Tobias’ demons but more into helping Tobias heal for the future & cope in the now. The character development was yet again fabulous as all of Erin’s MCs character arcs are. The plot was enticing and I cannot wait for the next book in the series and the spin off series!!
October 23, 2025
This was torture.
No chemistry between the MCs.
Gunnar is....boring
Tobias is... something.
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
No chemistry between the MCs.
Gunnar is....boring
Tobias is... something.
😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴😴
September 13, 2025
4.5 Such an emotional and tense journey, but so sweet at the same time
Also, this author's smutgame is filthy and I'm so here for it
in the previous books it felt a little detrimental to the stories, like the sex scenes were too much for the context in which they existed yet here it felt appropriately balanced
I do however wish we got a bit more from the Eamon resolution, but this story moved me regardless
Also, this author's smutgame is filthy and I'm so here for it
in the previous books it felt a little detrimental to the stories, like the sex scenes were too much for the context in which they existed yet here it felt appropriately balanced
I do however wish we got a bit more from the Eamon resolution, but this story moved me regardless
January 2, 2025
Added to the growing traumance collection, this installment of the Possum Hollow series does a better job with character development than 68 Whiskey. The handling of abuse and trauma is pretty suspect, but this is unabashedly plugging into a caregiver/protector kink that renders sensitivity a little bit moot. It’s the literary equivalent of tucking your face into your partner’s neck to have a good cry/snuggle.
Tobias, whose age I never quite figured out and maybe was being retconned, has been a servant of the Banna gang since he was a teenager. To support his diabetic grandmother (his dad left, his mom has a new family on a reservation and has to stay there for money reasons, so Tobias is all grandma has), Tobias does some B&E for Eamon, a chaotic higher-up in the organization. Unfortunately, Eamon uses Tobias for a lot of other things, too.
Watching Tobias slowly shrink into himself is Gunnar, the 36-year-old proprietor of the Feral Possum, an inclusive bar in Possum Hollow. Gunnar has a habit of helping the town’s misfit toys, as a kind of unreasonable self-imposed penance for not saving his own family from his younger brother’s self-destruction years earlier. But unlike Kasia and Sav, his employees escaping their own troubled pasts, Tobias elicits more than protectiveness; Gunnar feels like a lovestruck teenager whenever the baby-faced criminal visits his bar. The attraction, of course, is mutual. Gunnar's polished good looks catch Tobias's eye, but his quiet attention makes Tobias feel seen and safe. Which is why, after a particularly brutal night with Eamon, Tobias turns up bruised and bleeding at Gunnar’s door.
The dynamic between the gangster with a heart of gold and the somewhat-older protector really did it for me. As a couple, they are really sweet together, despite the extreme horror show of their situation. There's mutual healing going on, and a balancing of softness and strength.
However, there are a lot of really weird choices being made in the telling of their story. For example, Gunnar (a literal bartender) pushes Tobias to admit to being an alcoholic after he self-medicates one night immediately following a three-day imprisonment by his abuser--and then wants Tobias to sit soberly at his bar all day. And then helps him get a job as a bartender. Another example: when Tobias's fears of being re-kidnapped are labeled "irrational" (why would they be if it keeps happening?). Or the old classic: sex your trauma away--which I guess is handled with self-awareness, since the story takes pains to note that not all victims need to be curled up in the shower to start the healing process. But this is 100% not the space for a nuanced representation of mental health, I guess.
Still, there's the offscreen drama that really burns my toast with romance series. While I was very glad that Gunnar didn't suddenly start blasting away at gang members in his dapper dress pants, it was frustrating that Eamon's comeuppance happens off-page, with the added kick in the ribs with this smug moment: "'This seems kind of anticlimactic, I'm not going to lie.' Another snort from Sav. 'Trust me. It was very climactic, you just weren't there for it.'" Well, eff you, too, Erin Russell.
Much like Plum Valley, Texas, the fictional community of Possum Hollow, Missouri, is fast becoming a queer capital. I'm not sure how many more of these I will read, but clearly I'm not hating all of its melodramatic nonsense. I don't know what that means, nor will I be reflecting on it at this time.
Tobias, whose age I never quite figured out and maybe was being retconned, has been a servant of the Banna gang since he was a teenager. To support his diabetic grandmother (his dad left, his mom has a new family on a reservation and has to stay there for money reasons, so Tobias is all grandma has), Tobias does some B&E for Eamon, a chaotic higher-up in the organization. Unfortunately, Eamon uses Tobias for a lot of other things, too.
Watching Tobias slowly shrink into himself is Gunnar, the 36-year-old proprietor of the Feral Possum, an inclusive bar in Possum Hollow. Gunnar has a habit of helping the town’s misfit toys, as a kind of unreasonable self-imposed penance for not saving his own family from his younger brother’s self-destruction years earlier. But unlike Kasia and Sav, his employees escaping their own troubled pasts, Tobias elicits more than protectiveness; Gunnar feels like a lovestruck teenager whenever the baby-faced criminal visits his bar. The attraction, of course, is mutual. Gunnar's polished good looks catch Tobias's eye, but his quiet attention makes Tobias feel seen and safe. Which is why, after a particularly brutal night with Eamon, Tobias turns up bruised and bleeding at Gunnar’s door.
The dynamic between the gangster with a heart of gold and the somewhat-older protector really did it for me. As a couple, they are really sweet together, despite the extreme horror show of their situation. There's mutual healing going on, and a balancing of softness and strength.
However, there are a lot of really weird choices being made in the telling of their story. For example, Gunnar (a literal bartender) pushes Tobias to admit to being an alcoholic after he self-medicates one night immediately following a three-day imprisonment by his abuser--and then wants Tobias to sit soberly at his bar all day. And then helps him get a job as a bartender. Another example: when Tobias's fears of being re-kidnapped are labeled "irrational" (why would they be if it keeps happening?). Or the old classic: sex your trauma away--which I guess is handled with self-awareness, since the story takes pains to note that not all victims need to be curled up in the shower to start the healing process. But this is 100% not the space for a nuanced representation of mental health, I guess.
Still, there's the offscreen drama that really burns my toast with romance series. While I was very glad that Gunnar didn't suddenly start blasting away at gang members in his dapper dress pants, it was frustrating that Eamon's comeuppance happens off-page, with the added kick in the ribs with this smug moment: "'This seems kind of anticlimactic, I'm not going to lie.' Another snort from Sav. 'Trust me. It was very climactic, you just weren't there for it.'" Well, eff you, too, Erin Russell.
Much like Plum Valley, Texas, the fictional community of Possum Hollow, Missouri, is fast becoming a queer capital. I'm not sure how many more of these I will read, but clearly I'm not hating all of its melodramatic nonsense. I don't know what that means, nor will I be reflecting on it at this time.
"It only takes a second to realize that he’s holding onto me; trembling hands digging into the soft fabric of my sweater and refusing to let go. Some piece of my heart breaks off and floats away right there and then, and I know I’ll never really get it back."
"I think you might be the only good choice I’ve ever made."
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