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You can check out of Freak Camp, but can you ever leave?
Jake and Tobias hit the open road together and are determined to live out of the shadows of the prison Tobias once called home. But when Jake’s past beckons, they’re ready to embrace their destiny as hunters, pursuing the grisly supernatural threats lurking in America’s dark alleys and dusty roads.
Every hunt deepens Jake and Tobias’s bond, transforming their friendship into something neither knows how to name. In a world where supernatural threats intertwine with human struggles, they face new challenges every day, but the path to love is winding.
Amidst echoes of pain and the promise of a future, Jake and Tobias must confront their deepest fears, fighting not only for their love but for their freedom. As shadows close in, their love becomes a beacon of hope in the heart of the abyss.
FREEDOM is the third book in the A MONSTER BY ANY OTHER NAMES series, an m/m paranormal romance. Readers are recommended to start with either book 1, FREAK CAMP, or book 2, FEAR. Please take note that FREEDOM includes references to past sexual and physical abuse, torture, and neglect of children. This series is the slowest of burns, but each book comes with a happy for now / happily ever after.
Jake and Tobias hit the open road together and are determined to live out of the shadows of the prison Tobias once called home. But when Jake’s past beckons, they’re ready to embrace their destiny as hunters, pursuing the grisly supernatural threats lurking in America’s dark alleys and dusty roads.
Every hunt deepens Jake and Tobias’s bond, transforming their friendship into something neither knows how to name. In a world where supernatural threats intertwine with human struggles, they face new challenges every day, but the path to love is winding.
Amidst echoes of pain and the promise of a future, Jake and Tobias must confront their deepest fears, fighting not only for their love but for their freedom. As shadows close in, their love becomes a beacon of hope in the heart of the abyss.
FREEDOM is the third book in the A MONSTER BY ANY OTHER NAMES series, an m/m paranormal romance. Readers are recommended to start with either book 1, FREAK CAMP, or book 2, FEAR. Please take note that FREEDOM includes references to past sexual and physical abuse, torture, and neglect of children. This series is the slowest of burns, but each book comes with a happy for now / happily ever after.
302 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 1, 2023
20 people are currently reading
85 people want to read
About the author
Laura Rye
10 books53 followersLaura Rye grew up in the bustling cosmopolitan city of Houston, Texas. After falling in love with the mountains and the sea and every single tree in the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Portland, Oregon.
She graduated from the University of Evansville with a BFA in Creative Writing and now does the boring writing by day and the fun kind at night.
FREAK CAMP is her debut book and has occupied her heart and head for the last decade. She is so, so excited to be bringing it now to a wider audience.
She graduated from the University of Evansville with a BFA in Creative Writing and now does the boring writing by day and the fun kind at night.
FREAK CAMP is her debut book and has occupied her heart and head for the last decade. She is so, so excited to be bringing it now to a wider audience.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 19, 2024
Achei que era uma trilogia ( achei errado) ainda tem muitos mistérios para ser desvendado sobre Tobias. Quero saber se ele é uma criatura ou um humano que jogaram naquele campo de concentração horrendo. Muitas vezes tive a impressão de que ele é só um humano com uma memória fotográfica ótima, mas veremos se os autores vão ou não revelar isso. Não gosto nada do núcleo do campo de concentração de monstros ( confesso que pulei essas partes) detesto e tenho nojo desses personagens de lá e não consigo ler as partes em que aparecem. Pulei essas partes, só lerei algo relecinado aquele diretor e trupe de estrumes se for muito necessário. O que gostei nesse livro foi a evolução de Tobias, se curar de abusos e maltratos não é fácil, ficará com marcas para sempre, mas pelo menos tentar viver uma vida decente com a pessoa que gosta ele pode, sorrir de vez em quando tbm. O Jake é um exemplo de como um personagem pode amar o outro sem esperar nada em troca, somente espera a felicidade de Tobias 😭 A parte final desse livro foi o que dá o nome a ele... Senti a LIBERDADE envolvendo o Tobias no mar e quando finalmente beijou Jake.
October 22, 2023
Finally paid off
Freedom overall was a great experience. I will say these first three books have read more like part one, two and three rather than separate individual books. That's more of a word to the wise than a genuine critique.
Out of any book I've read, this has to be the best trauma arc i have seen portrayed. I know a lot of people find it excessive, however, in my opinion that's on us for picking a book that was pretty much advertised as trauma p*rn.
Tobias and his trauma recovery, despite its excessive and immeasurable depth, I believe are actually really well presented. Finally, he is healing and his trauma < and it's recovery> is depicted hauntingly, haltingly, and sometimes hopelessly. There's no happy ever after, only today tomorrow and maybe for so lucky the next - just the way it should be. No recovery is linear, and no matter how well we know a person or what our intentions may be, sometimes the triggers are bigger than are support systems.
Jake's bubbling cauldron of daddy issues is Finally seemingly coming to a head. The deep set satisfactions, clashing with the nail biting projections of just what ramifications our characters may encounter has me with bated breath for the next book. Laura and Bailey Hanson have done an excellent job showing us the slow rise of his trauma through every one of his actions and decisions. You can feel his lack of direction, or emotional regulation bubble up through the screen - and it's just so - Jake!! I can't even get over this part.
Of course I will say this is not a book for the faint of heart. Although marketably less traumatic than freak, camp and fear, it absolutely took mental endurance. I found some parts still triggering. However, that being said, for the first time I felt like I could breathe easy or just a second. They finally are building a foundation and it doesn't seem like every step they take for is going to crash down on them with double The Force. Although I have not been paid back in full, I have this funny feeling that maybe I might be able to collect in interest. I absolutely cannot wait for these two to return.
Freedom overall was a great experience. I will say these first three books have read more like part one, two and three rather than separate individual books. That's more of a word to the wise than a genuine critique.
Out of any book I've read, this has to be the best trauma arc i have seen portrayed. I know a lot of people find it excessive, however, in my opinion that's on us for picking a book that was pretty much advertised as trauma p*rn.
Tobias and his trauma recovery, despite its excessive and immeasurable depth, I believe are actually really well presented. Finally, he is healing and his trauma < and it's recovery> is depicted hauntingly, haltingly, and sometimes hopelessly. There's no happy ever after, only today tomorrow and maybe for so lucky the next - just the way it should be. No recovery is linear, and no matter how well we know a person or what our intentions may be, sometimes the triggers are bigger than are support systems.
Jake's bubbling cauldron of daddy issues is Finally seemingly coming to a head. The deep set satisfactions, clashing with the nail biting projections of just what ramifications our characters may encounter has me with bated breath for the next book. Laura and Bailey Hanson have done an excellent job showing us the slow rise of his trauma through every one of his actions and decisions. You can feel his lack of direction, or emotional regulation bubble up through the screen - and it's just so - Jake!! I can't even get over this part.
Of course I will say this is not a book for the faint of heart. Although marketably less traumatic than freak, camp and fear, it absolutely took mental endurance. I found some parts still triggering. However, that being said, for the first time I felt like I could breathe easy or just a second. They finally are building a foundation and it doesn't seem like every step they take for is going to crash down on them with double The Force. Although I have not been paid back in full, I have this funny feeling that maybe I might be able to collect in interest. I absolutely cannot wait for these two to return.
October 8, 2023
Tobías is healing!
I read the first two books in this series, and these two guys just break your heart.
In this third book, Tobias is adjusting to life with Jake, on the road, outside of Freak Camp. He is learning to be more and more comfortable around ‘reals’ and he experiences triumphs and some setbacks, but through it all continues to show his strength of spirit and bravery.
And Jake is just his normal sweet muffin self, ready to defend Tobias if anyone so much as a sneezes in his direction. Helping Tobias to become more confident, more self sufficient, and to heal as best he knows how.
Can’t wait for book 4!
I read the first two books in this series, and these two guys just break your heart.
In this third book, Tobias is adjusting to life with Jake, on the road, outside of Freak Camp. He is learning to be more and more comfortable around ‘reals’ and he experiences triumphs and some setbacks, but through it all continues to show his strength of spirit and bravery.
And Jake is just his normal sweet muffin self, ready to defend Tobias if anyone so much as a sneezes in his direction. Helping Tobias to become more confident, more self sufficient, and to heal as best he knows how.
Can’t wait for book 4!
October 2, 2023
the third book didn’t disappoint
As good as the first two! I sense more stories from this world will be forth coming. Very good series.
As good as the first two! I sense more stories from this world will be forth coming. Very good series.
October 25, 2023
I loved this book!! It was actual healing and progress ans I love that
This is the slowest of slow burns but it makes it better with the tension!!!
This is the slowest of slow burns but it makes it better with the tension!!!
October 23, 2023
MY BABIES ARE BACK!
I’ve put off reading this for a bit, because I thought it was going to be the finale (it’s not). Growth. Pain. And Freedom. I’m so happy to see that they are both growing, and growing together. I have a feeling the next book is gonna be rough, probably break my heart a bit, but I know it’s gonna be worth it. This whole series has.
I’ve put off reading this for a bit, because I thought it was going to be the finale (it’s not). Growth. Pain. And Freedom. I’m so happy to see that they are both growing, and growing together. I have a feeling the next book is gonna be rough, probably break my heart a bit, but I know it’s gonna be worth it. This whole series has.
October 17, 2023
This is the slowest of the slowburns I've ever read. I'm not sure if it's a good thing or a bad thing, but, apparently, it's the only thing that has kept me interested recently. The previous book was a mess and reading this one I was amazed that Toby had only been out for 4 months. It felt like a year. I can't tell you that the book was amazing. I know it was necessary to show the recovery process, but it's been 2 books of recovery and there is still no action. The ending was super-hopeful, let's see what they have in store.
October 12, 2023
Soo good!
I absolutely love this series so much! Tobias is so strong, and his determination to move forward and trust in Jake is so beautiful.
This was perfect with Tobias helping Jake with hunts and Jake's happiness with Tobia's progress.
I loved that their connection is slowly growing, and with Tobia's age, I feel like it's grown at a perfect speed and not too fast.
The chapters from freak camp were terrifying because I get the worst feelings about Toby possibly going back, but I'll just hope only good things 🙏 in him and Jake's future!
The ending was so cute and perfect, and I can't wait to find out what happens next in their story! 🥰
I absolutely love this series so much! Tobias is so strong, and his determination to move forward and trust in Jake is so beautiful.
This was perfect with Tobias helping Jake with hunts and Jake's happiness with Tobia's progress.
I loved that their connection is slowly growing, and with Tobia's age, I feel like it's grown at a perfect speed and not too fast.
The chapters from freak camp were terrifying because I get the worst feelings about Toby possibly going back, but I'll just hope only good things 🙏 in him and Jake's future!
The ending was so cute and perfect, and I can't wait to find out what happens next in their story! 🥰
October 31, 2024
3.5 stars.
Another solid installment in the series, only now I feel we're getting back toward the scope of Freak Camp with hints of an overarching plot and more characters featured. Witnessing Tobias's growth lit me up: new aspects of his personality came through, plus his relationship with trauma responses and recovery felt realistic. It also impressed me how his feelings toward Jake evolved into something influenced by his own growth: he finally saw Jake as a person rather than an ideal, and the set-up for their relationship's continued development was undefined but full of potential. Jake tried so hard to do right by Tobias and constantly made mistakes, but he constantly learned from them. The discussion about how the environment best for Jake (with Roger) wasn't the best for Tobias was nicely dealt with as well. Not only did we get a glimpse inside the camp again, but we also got our boys learning how to hunt together, and I'd love to see them tackling further cases in the fourth book. If anything, I do wish the outside perspectives of Kayla and Victor had felt more purposeful and less tossed in to further move the series's plot along, and the incident with Leon felt slightly out of left field (maybe getting his perspective would have helped; as it was, this seemed to only propel Jake into the breakdown that was arguably on the horizon). Those things aside, though, I'm excited to dive into Fortress this winter!
Another solid installment in the series, only now I feel we're getting back toward the scope of Freak Camp with hints of an overarching plot and more characters featured. Witnessing Tobias's growth lit me up: new aspects of his personality came through, plus his relationship with trauma responses and recovery felt realistic. It also impressed me how his feelings toward Jake evolved into something influenced by his own growth: he finally saw Jake as a person rather than an ideal, and the set-up for their relationship's continued development was undefined but full of potential. Jake tried so hard to do right by Tobias and constantly made mistakes, but he constantly learned from them. The discussion about how the environment best for Jake (with Roger) wasn't the best for Tobias was nicely dealt with as well. Not only did we get a glimpse inside the camp again, but we also got our boys learning how to hunt together, and I'd love to see them tackling further cases in the fourth book. If anything, I do wish the outside perspectives of Kayla and Victor had felt more purposeful and less tossed in to further move the series's plot along, and the incident with Leon felt slightly out of left field (maybe getting his perspective would have helped; as it was, this seemed to only propel Jake into the breakdown that was arguably on the horizon). Those things aside, though, I'm excited to dive into Fortress this winter!
December 23, 2023
I'm in love with this series - it is one of the hardest series I've ever had to read, it has punched me in the heart and captured my mind. I desperately wish the next book is out and I am glad for the reprieve of being able to set this aside and breathe.
Tobias and Jake continue their journey and it is looking up for them. It is still hard - Jake seems to be accepting it is always going to hard in some ways. Tobias is finding ways to feel useful and worthwhile and he is just so damned brave.
The flashes back to Freak Camp gave me some severe anxiety - because you can see this world circling back to hurt Tobias in the worst possible way, and if we weren't promised Happy For Now and/or Happy Ever After I would not be able to handle this.
The scenes w/ Roger hit me when I feel like a parent out of my depth.
The scenes with Alex give me a much needed sense of peace and hope.
The scenes with Crusher, the Director, Victor, and Kayla ramp up my anxiety and make wish for bad things to happen to all but one of them.
If you can handle your books giving you stress but also doing what great art is supposed to do - make you FEEL, then this series might be for you.
Tobias and Jake continue their journey and it is looking up for them. It is still hard - Jake seems to be accepting it is always going to hard in some ways. Tobias is finding ways to feel useful and worthwhile and he is just so damned brave.
The flashes back to Freak Camp gave me some severe anxiety - because you can see this world circling back to hurt Tobias in the worst possible way, and if we weren't promised Happy For Now and/or Happy Ever After I would not be able to handle this.
The scenes w/ Roger hit me when I feel like a parent out of my depth.
The scenes with Alex give me a much needed sense of peace and hope.
The scenes with Crusher, the Director, Victor, and Kayla ramp up my anxiety and make wish for bad things to happen to all but one of them.
If you can handle your books giving you stress but also doing what great art is supposed to do - make you FEEL, then this series might be for you.
July 7, 2024
Did anything happen in the next 300 page installment? Not.. really? But I ate it up in two sittings and I anxiously await book three.
I’m here for the slow burn and the angst. I have some complaints about the pacing and lack of plotting, this doesn’t follow a typical rise or fall in any way, and some of the characters is lazy.. like that one character is legit just Bobby from supernatural…
But I’m here for book four : ) don’t ask me why, I don’t know. I can’t really see myself recommending this but I think it’s a good time if you can let go of your idea of what a book should be ( plot wise, world building wise.. character wise )
I’m here for the slow burn and the angst. I have some complaints about the pacing and lack of plotting, this doesn’t follow a typical rise or fall in any way, and some of the characters is lazy.. like that one character is legit just Bobby from supernatural…
But I’m here for book four : ) don’t ask me why, I don’t know. I can’t really see myself recommending this but I think it’s a good time if you can let go of your idea of what a book should be ( plot wise, world building wise.. character wise )
November 2, 2025
I'm still enjoying this series a lot, but I'm not sure how I feel about their relationship progressing. Jake is 20. Tobias isn't even 18. It just feels kind of gross because, regardless of how you look at it, there's a huge power imbalance. Even if they wait 2 years before getting physically involved, Jake showed sexual interest while Toby was a minor and... yeah... That's the one thing I'm struggling with here. 🫤
June 6, 2024
like nothing else
Never in my life have I enjoyed a book as much as these. These book make my heart ache and flutter. I can’t truly express how much I love these books. So I’ll say this, no book I have read even begins to compare.
If the authors see this, know that you are amazing writers
-Isaac Mauzey
Never in my life have I enjoyed a book as much as these. These book make my heart ache and flutter. I can’t truly express how much I love these books. So I’ll say this, no book I have read even begins to compare.
If the authors see this, know that you are amazing writers
-Isaac Mauzey
October 24, 2023
Amazing
I loved it! I missed toby and jack. The writing is superb and the story is something else. Can’t wait for the next book.
I loved it! I missed toby and jack. The writing is superb and the story is something else. Can’t wait for the next book.
January 10, 2024
Can’t wait for September!! Definitely pre ordering the fourth book
February 22, 2024
Espero que el cuarto libro salga rápido. Yo no puedo quedarme solo con ese final. Necesito más desarrollo ksjdkd AAAA
July 13, 2024
GAH!! I need more of this story. It’s healing little holes in my soul.
September 12, 2024
4.5 stars
the first two books were terrible and painful to read
this one, however, was everything I needed after everything tobias went through
the first two books were terrible and painful to read
this one, however, was everything I needed after everything tobias went through
December 12, 2024
This is a book about healing, love, and learning about the world around us. This series is one of the best reads I've come across in a while, I can't recommend it more.
February 25, 2025
We’re just on a giant healing journey now, and I’m all for it
Read
July 12, 2025DNF’d 44% in. it felt like the same thing happened in every book and everything was dragged out. this sucked im so sorry
September 9, 2025
Tobias deserves all the goodness. This book was beautiful :,)
October 11, 2024
This book made all the hurt worth it of the first two books. Toby and Jake’s relationship deepens with trust, understanding, and love. Toby is doing so much better and so great to see his growth in this book. The ending was long awaited!!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼🫶🏼
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews