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Breakaway #2
Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove
As the headline-stealing captain of the Houston Hell Hounds, nineteen-year-old Alexander Price has one goal: the Stanley Cup. He’s got the talent. He’s got the drive. But he’s also got an anxiety disorder and his therapist on speed dial. And, oh yeah, he’s gay. And he’s not willing to hide it anymore. At eighteen, figure skater Elijah Rodriguez has already had his Olympic dreams crushed by an accident that left him with a seizure disorder and an existential crisis. Now a popular vlogger and freshman in college, Eli is trying to figure out what his new future will look like. Which is a little difficult because, oh yeah, he’s dating Alexander Price. Eli and Alex are happy. It’s sort of a new state of being for both of them. But Eli is out, Alex isn’t, and their very visible “friendship” is already raising eyebrows. They have a plan: Alex will make their relationship public at the end of the season, hopefully with a Stanley Cup in tow. But what happens when that plan is derailed by an overzealous fan who outs them—right before the Hell Hounds’ playoff run?
315 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2023
117 people are currently reading
4527 people want to read
About the author
E.L. Massey
4 books998 followersE. L. Massey is a human. Probably. She lives in Colorado with her partner, the best dog in the world (an unbiased assessment), and a frankly excessive collection of books. She spends her holidays climbing mountains and writing fan fiction, occasionally at the same time.
5% of royalties from her first book, LRPD, go to a queer organization each month. So far, readers have helped support organizations like Out Youth, Austin LGBT Coalition on Aging, The Dru Project, and Magic City Acceptance Center. If you want to suggest a beneficiary for future donations, you can do so via:
IG: El_massey
Email: elmasseywrites@gmail.com
Tumblr/AO3 (if you know, you know)
or commenting on a Substack post: https://elmassey.substack.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 759 reviews
June 13, 2023
Can we please, please, get the third book in this series NOW? Like right NOW? Because we need more books that feel like a tight hug from a loved one, where you feel safe and salvaged, especially books that let the shitty things in life disappear for a while. This is such a book (series)!
Yes, there’s still sadness and hurt in this moving story, but that’s life, right? Real life isn’t a succession of only beautiful things; it sucks at times, just like Alex’s and Eli’s life isn’t always fantastic. Eli’s physical condition impacts his life, and Alex’s mental health has its ups and downs. But the writing in this series is so light and witty, and fluffy that the story makes me smile so many times.
And can I promote Eli’s and Alex’s rules for fighting? We all should adopt them!!
* No yelling
* No leaving home by bedtime
* No build-up
* Time and space when needed
* No public diss tracks
Those rules are so simple, but do we always use them when we fight with our loved ones? I don’t think so.
Okay, I’m desperately going to wait for the third book. And everyone who hasn’t read this series yet, do it now! Especially if you love comfort reads without smut!
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Yes, there’s still sadness and hurt in this moving story, but that’s life, right? Real life isn’t a succession of only beautiful things; it sucks at times, just like Alex’s and Eli’s life isn’t always fantastic. Eli’s physical condition impacts his life, and Alex’s mental health has its ups and downs. But the writing in this series is so light and witty, and fluffy that the story makes me smile so many times.
And can I promote Eli’s and Alex’s rules for fighting? We all should adopt them!!
* No yelling
* No leaving home by bedtime
* No build-up
* Time and space when needed
* No public diss tracks
Those rules are so simple, but do we always use them when we fight with our loved ones? I don’t think so.
Okay, I’m desperately going to wait for the third book. And everyone who hasn’t read this series yet, do it now! Especially if you love comfort reads without smut!
Follow me on Instagram
May 22, 2023
Compared to book 1, this part of the story felt more intense. I wouldn't even call it a sequel, since it literally continues where the previous book ends.
Some things were expected, like Alex coming out and the homophobia he had to face. He also had to deal with his anxiety during the playoffs. Everything was resolved in the best possible way, though. A bit unrealistic, but also satisfying.
One of the things I loved in the previous book was Eli's determination to continue competitive skating despite his disability. And he was really good at it. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with what happened in this book. His injury could have easily been avoided if only he'd listened to his dog. It seemed strange that he would take it so lightly, since the Eli we met in book 1 was very responsible, and then, very conveniently, he decided that he didn't even like competitions and would rather teach children. At least he wasn't sad about it, so that's positive.
As for Alex and Eli's relationship, it was still the cutest. They made me smile so many times. I loved their monthly relationship meetings and money negotiations. But most of all I loved how they were always there for each other.
I wish their group of friends got more on page time in this one, as well as Hawk. But Matts was pretty great. I would also love to read a whole story about Cody and James.
Some things were expected, like Alex coming out and the homophobia he had to face. He also had to deal with his anxiety during the playoffs. Everything was resolved in the best possible way, though. A bit unrealistic, but also satisfying.
One of the things I loved in the previous book was Eli's determination to continue competitive skating despite his disability. And he was really good at it. Needless to say, I wasn't happy with what happened in this book. His injury could have easily been avoided if only he'd listened to his dog. It seemed strange that he would take it so lightly, since the Eli we met in book 1 was very responsible, and then, very conveniently, he decided that he didn't even like competitions and would rather teach children. At least he wasn't sad about it, so that's positive.
As for Alex and Eli's relationship, it was still the cutest. They made me smile so many times. I loved their monthly relationship meetings and money negotiations. But most of all I loved how they were always there for each other.
I wish their group of friends got more on page time in this one, as well as Hawk. But Matts was pretty great. I would also love to read a whole story about Cody and James.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2023
I don’t think I’ve ever read another book where love is expressed as joyfully. I’ve been waiting for the sequel to Like Real People Do for a while and it did not disappoint.
Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove is about what it means to be deeply in love with someone, but also what it’s like to feel that love. The highs and the lows. The fear of loss or heartbreak. The all consuming desire and need for another person. The most radiant joy. Eli and Alex are head over red-bottom heels for each other. The most beautiful thing about this book was Alex describing all of the things he loves about Eli. This novel was all about Alex breaking his silence. He had to overcome all of the things he had been taught, to learn to express himself in healthy ways, and most importantly, learn that it was okay to show the love he felt for Eli. Oh, and Alex learned that lesson very well, and it was so adorable.
Eli was the star of book one, but Alex takes centre stage in book two. Alex went through so much in this book, including being outed before he was ready. Outing is always a difficult topic to read about as someone who experienced something similar. Nobody should be pressured to come out before they are ready. Mind your own business and please stop asking people if they are gay.
I loved that this book showed how it’s not always the people who intend to hurt you that end up causing you the most pain. Posting a video where you reveal someone’s sexuality can be as meaningful to you as providing Twitter with the latest gossip, but to another can be the most terrifying and world-changing thing that could happen to them.
You Can Play… but it’s going to cost you nearly everything. I loved how this book examined the impact of being a high profile queer athlete. This book questions just how much a queer person has to suffer before justice is deemed necessary. No athlete should have to endure what these characters do, and unfortunately whilst this is a work of fiction, I’m sure there are many queer athletes who have similar stories. There was a lot of silence in this book from people in positions of power, and intervention only happened when it was beneficial. Regardless, it was wonderful watching how the hockey world adjusted to the very real presence of queer athletes, and I hope our own world will soon follow a similar trajectory.
This was warm, this was adorable, this was a pile of joy. I love this couple and I love their story. The representation is phenomenal and I love the overall message. If you’re a fan of sports romance or the adorable Check, Please, I’d highly recommend you read this series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and I hope Eli and Alex pop back up in the future.
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove is about what it means to be deeply in love with someone, but also what it’s like to feel that love. The highs and the lows. The fear of loss or heartbreak. The all consuming desire and need for another person. The most radiant joy. Eli and Alex are head over red-bottom heels for each other. The most beautiful thing about this book was Alex describing all of the things he loves about Eli. This novel was all about Alex breaking his silence. He had to overcome all of the things he had been taught, to learn to express himself in healthy ways, and most importantly, learn that it was okay to show the love he felt for Eli. Oh, and Alex learned that lesson very well, and it was so adorable.
Eli was the star of book one, but Alex takes centre stage in book two. Alex went through so much in this book, including being outed before he was ready. Outing is always a difficult topic to read about as someone who experienced something similar. Nobody should be pressured to come out before they are ready. Mind your own business and please stop asking people if they are gay.
I loved that this book showed how it’s not always the people who intend to hurt you that end up causing you the most pain. Posting a video where you reveal someone’s sexuality can be as meaningful to you as providing Twitter with the latest gossip, but to another can be the most terrifying and world-changing thing that could happen to them.
You Can Play… but it’s going to cost you nearly everything. I loved how this book examined the impact of being a high profile queer athlete. This book questions just how much a queer person has to suffer before justice is deemed necessary. No athlete should have to endure what these characters do, and unfortunately whilst this is a work of fiction, I’m sure there are many queer athletes who have similar stories. There was a lot of silence in this book from people in positions of power, and intervention only happened when it was beneficial. Regardless, it was wonderful watching how the hockey world adjusted to the very real presence of queer athletes, and I hope our own world will soon follow a similar trajectory.
This was warm, this was adorable, this was a pile of joy. I love this couple and I love their story. The representation is phenomenal and I love the overall message. If you’re a fan of sports romance or the adorable Check, Please, I’d highly recommend you read this series. I cannot wait to read the next book in the series and I hope Eli and Alex pop back up in the future.
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
May 10, 2025
Let's just unabashedly SMASH that five-star button, shall we?
How is- HOW is this book (and by that I mean book 1 and 2 together) real?? Sorry, I'm far from being coherent because I'm so full of emotions, I feel ready to burst. I truly don't even know what to say, I just want to sit and bask in all the feelings Alex and Eli and every other goddamn character gave me 😭
You know that profound mix of joy and sadness and desperation some books give you, when the story hasn't even ended, and you already mourn the fact that you'll be hard-pressed to find something exactly like this? I've felt that with Green Creek series. Then came All For the Game. And lo and behold, it's here yet again. 😳
Maan, the characters! I have the memory of a goldfish, but I SWEAR TO ALL THAT'S UNHOLY I'll never forget any of their names ❤️ I cried happy tears, I cried tears of completely dumbfounded "oh hey, hi, you just punched me in the face with some truths and revelations about myself, thank you", and most of all, I smiled and grinned and laughed so damn much.
Aah hell, I'm close to tears again just thinking about it 🙈 I feel like books 3 and 4 are going to be the end of me...
Hey, Pauline, you're an angel, you know that? Nah? Great, now you do ❤️ And you know why. Thank you for being with me on this journey, you and your utter adoration make these books even more special for me 🥰
Now, let me just drop this simple yet beautiful tidbit: "Eli is the personification of a sigh of relief. ❤️😭
#PROHOMO
How is- HOW is this book (and by that I mean book 1 and 2 together) real?? Sorry, I'm far from being coherent because I'm so full of emotions, I feel ready to burst. I truly don't even know what to say, I just want to sit and bask in all the feelings Alex and Eli and every other goddamn character gave me 😭
You know that profound mix of joy and sadness and desperation some books give you, when the story hasn't even ended, and you already mourn the fact that you'll be hard-pressed to find something exactly like this? I've felt that with Green Creek series. Then came All For the Game. And lo and behold, it's here yet again. 😳
Maan, the characters! I have the memory of a goldfish, but I SWEAR TO ALL THAT'S UNHOLY I'll never forget any of their names ❤️ I cried happy tears, I cried tears of completely dumbfounded "oh hey, hi, you just punched me in the face with some truths and revelations about myself, thank you", and most of all, I smiled and grinned and laughed so damn much.
Aah hell, I'm close to tears again just thinking about it 🙈 I feel like books 3 and 4 are going to be the end of me...
Hey, Pauline, you're an angel, you know that? Nah? Great, now you do ❤️ And you know why. Thank you for being with me on this journey, you and your utter adoration make these books even more special for me 🥰
Now, let me just drop this simple yet beautiful tidbit: "Eli is the personification of a sigh of relief. ❤️😭
#PROHOMO
November 14, 2023
Again, adorable. And probably even a bit cuter than book 1.
Book 1 ended with a HFN, with Alex still in the closet, but planning on coming out in the foreseeable future. Book 2 begins with Eli and Alex visiting Eli’s family for Christmas.
And the entire book is… adorable. I know I’m repeating myself, but it’s literally impossible not to swoon and get all kind of fuzzy feelings when you read this book. Yes, they’re young. No, there’s no real smut. Yes, it’s not realistic to see them overcome all the things that get thrown at them.
“Are you done with your breakfast?” Eli asks.
Alex tries to look at his plate without displacing Eli’s hands. “Not really, why?”
“I need to lie on top of you for a few minutes and have feelings. Can we come back to breakfast later?”
“Absolutely. Can we do the lying thing naked?”
“We literally just had sex.”
“And?” Alex says.
That’s a valid point.
I laughed, giggled, even cried a bit, and I cheered them on. I loved not only Alex and Eli, I adored Cody and James, and Jeff, Matts and Rushy and Kuzy, Eli’s parents, his abuela and Jessica the PR rep.
And Hawk and Bells ofc.
And as with every book that gives me all the feels, I’ll rate it with 5 stars. It’s like a warm hug, like drinking hot chocolate on a winter day. Definitely a series I’ll come back to when I need some comfort reading.
Book 1 ended with a HFN, with Alex still in the closet, but planning on coming out in the foreseeable future. Book 2 begins with Eli and Alex visiting Eli’s family for Christmas.
And the entire book is… adorable. I know I’m repeating myself, but it’s literally impossible not to swoon and get all kind of fuzzy feelings when you read this book. Yes, they’re young. No, there’s no real smut. Yes, it’s not realistic to see them overcome all the things that get thrown at them.
“Are you done with your breakfast?” Eli asks.
Alex tries to look at his plate without displacing Eli’s hands. “Not really, why?”
“I need to lie on top of you for a few minutes and have feelings. Can we come back to breakfast later?”
“Absolutely. Can we do the lying thing naked?”
“We literally just had sex.”
“And?” Alex says.
That’s a valid point.
I laughed, giggled, even cried a bit, and I cheered them on. I loved not only Alex and Eli, I adored Cody and James, and Jeff, Matts and Rushy and Kuzy, Eli’s parents, his abuela and Jessica the PR rep.
And Hawk and Bells ofc.
And as with every book that gives me all the feels, I’ll rate it with 5 stars. It’s like a warm hug, like drinking hot chocolate on a winter day. Definitely a series I’ll come back to when I need some comfort reading.
September 18, 2025
Again, stayed up all night reading these silly boys. I really don’t have much to say about this book other than it was very wholesome. Cute and lovely. Very readable. YA angsty fluff at its finest. Hawk is the dreamiest dog ever. I’m very much looking forward to checking out book 3 and a new couple.
December 27, 2024
Reread 12/2024.
My personal Christmas gift ... I'm rereading E.L. Massey's beautiful first 3 books, then I'm going to read the newest release, yay.
Loved the second installment (again).
Why had I forgotten that the epilogue introduces Roman and Damien (the third book's MCs) ??
Just one quote, because I need to jump to the third book, my favourite in the series, All Hail The Underdogs.
"Alex is a hockey player, not a poet. He doesn’t have words for this kind of thing.
But “love” seems really fucking trite for all the whatever that he feels. Or maybe other people shouldn’t be allowed to use the word “love” because they can’t possibly mean it the way he does."
---------------
Read 03/2023
5 stars.
The sequel is just as lovely as the first book. In reality it feels like one book and storyline, divided in 2 books.
Alex and Eli's story continues as sweet and enjoyable as it had startet, although there are more hurdles to overcome and shitty situations to go through for them.
Their group of friends is as amazing as in the first book, offering support and love.
Alex and Eli face difficult times but talk to each other and even set a monthly date to talk about their feelings and to check in on each other emotionally, in order to built a balanced relationship (seeing them reach that decision was so grown up and cute at the same time! ).
Alex and Eli were really young (18/19) and sometimes their relationship felt very intense for that age.. but on the other hand the author did a great job in making me believe in their relationship and making me feel with them.
This was a beautiful and uplifting story.
My personal Christmas gift ... I'm rereading E.L. Massey's beautiful first 3 books, then I'm going to read the newest release, yay.
Loved the second installment (again).
Why had I forgotten that the epilogue introduces Roman and Damien (the third book's MCs) ??
Just one quote, because I need to jump to the third book, my favourite in the series, All Hail The Underdogs.
"Alex is a hockey player, not a poet. He doesn’t have words for this kind of thing.
But “love” seems really fucking trite for all the whatever that he feels. Or maybe other people shouldn’t be allowed to use the word “love” because they can’t possibly mean it the way he does."
---------------
Read 03/2023
5 stars.
The sequel is just as lovely as the first book. In reality it feels like one book and storyline, divided in 2 books.
Alex and Eli's story continues as sweet and enjoyable as it had startet, although there are more hurdles to overcome and shitty situations to go through for them.
Their group of friends is as amazing as in the first book, offering support and love.
Alex and Eli face difficult times but talk to each other and even set a monthly date to talk about their feelings and to check in on each other emotionally, in order to built a balanced relationship (seeing them reach that decision was so grown up and cute at the same time! ).
Alex and Eli were really young (18/19) and sometimes their relationship felt very intense for that age.. but on the other hand the author did a great job in making me believe in their relationship and making me feel with them.
This was a beautiful and uplifting story.
May 10, 2025
Reread 5/25
What can I say? I don’t really have anything to add to my original joyous blubbering, except that this was - unbelievably - even better on a reread, mostly because of the utterly lovely Teru with whom I could share in all the squealing and crying, and feeling and melting. You’re the best 🥹
Please, PLEASE, read this series. It’s nothing but pure endorphins and joy. My love for Eli and Alex and Hawk and Kuzy and Jeff and literally everyone else in these books knows no bounds.
∞ ⭐️
Original joyous blubbering:
I'm not normally into sequels with already established couples (never read Us for example, ooops) but this? THIS?! It's perfect. There, I said it. It's utterly perfect. I love these boys and all their friends and family with all my heart. So much so that I literally couldn't handle my emotions at some points and had to put the book away to COLLECT MYSELF and SQUEAL and BREATH and WIPE MY TEARS OF JOY AWAY until the feeling that my heart was going to explode stopped and I was able to continue.
This series is everything. Trust me. Read it. You 100% won't be disappointed.
#PROHOMO 🏳️🌈😭
Ugh, what am I going to do with myself now? Please feel free to convince me NOT to reread Heated Rivalry again just to fill the void Alex and Eli left in my heart and instead tackle my ever-growing tbr, thanks.
5 fucking ⭐️, because seriously, this was such a joy to read. I can't wait for Matt's story.
What can I say? I don’t really have anything to add to my original joyous blubbering, except that this was - unbelievably - even better on a reread, mostly because of the utterly lovely Teru with whom I could share in all the squealing and crying, and feeling and melting. You’re the best 🥹
Please, PLEASE, read this series. It’s nothing but pure endorphins and joy. My love for Eli and Alex and Hawk and Kuzy and Jeff and literally everyone else in these books knows no bounds.
∞ ⭐️
Original joyous blubbering:
I'm not normally into sequels with already established couples (never read Us for example, ooops) but this? THIS?! It's perfect. There, I said it. It's utterly perfect. I love these boys and all their friends and family with all my heart. So much so that I literally couldn't handle my emotions at some points and had to put the book away to COLLECT MYSELF and SQUEAL and BREATH and WIPE MY TEARS OF JOY AWAY until the feeling that my heart was going to explode stopped and I was able to continue.
This series is everything. Trust me. Read it. You 100% won't be disappointed.
#PROHOMO 🏳️🌈😭
Ugh, what am I going to do with myself now? Please feel free to convince me NOT to reread Heated Rivalry again just to fill the void Alex and Eli left in my heart and instead tackle my ever-growing tbr, thanks.
5 fucking ⭐️, because seriously, this was such a joy to read. I can't wait for Matt's story.
November 8, 2023
Just as good but with a little bit more angst .The disability was very well represented and it shocked me because my heart broke for Eli, must be awful to live with the constant threat of seizures. I’d also like to mention Hawk, Eli’s service dog who was amazing and who I adored. As for Alex, my heart broke for him too because the homophobia he had to suffer on ice was absolutely horrible. The couple was strong though, with ups and downs but there for each other and communicating better than any other romance couple I’ve read (and yeah, too perfectly but well, it’s called fiction for a reason lol) , and still freaking romantic and swoony. They still read older than 18-19. This time even older than in the first book. 🤣
February 29, 2024
5 Stars
As far as sequels about established couples are concerned, this book was everything I wanted/needed for hockey super-star Alex and his adoring secret boyfriend Eli (from Like Real People Do).
Unlike most sequels, this story picks up exactly where book one leaves off, following newly coupled-up Alex and Eli as they start to navigate life together, officially cohabiting while establishing a desired timeline for Alex’s public coming out, which he wants to do on his terms, preferably after his team wins a championship cup.
But life is nothing if not unpredictable, and with emotions running high after a skating accident puts Eli’s health is in crisis, Alex’s status as a queer professional athlete gets out ahead of schedule, throwing them into an unwanted media circus, which becomes increasingly hard to navigate for the young lovers, who are new not only to relationships but also this level of fame and scrutiny.
The story was literally unputdownable from that point on, holding me glued to the page as Alex and Eli battle their emotional and physical demons, all while learning to communicate like absolute champions and opening themselves up to the necessary support and guidance from those around them that they are lucky enough to call their friends and family.
As a romance, this was a smooth continuation of the swoony friends-to-lovers, opposites-attracting romance that was first established in book one. The relationship development didn’t miss a beat, blessedly highlighting healthy communication and unwavering love between these two admittedly very young characters, all while keeping the vast majority of the tension and conflict of the story external to the pure and lasting love Alex and Eli share.
Start to finish, I think the pacing of this sequel is fantastic, and I think it has a lot to do with how wonderful the ensemble cast of characters are. Alex and Eli are top-tier M/M characters, undoubtedly, but their love story is elevated to special new heights by the characters that surround and support them at every turn. Alex’s teammates (I’m OBSSESSED), his ex boyfriend, Eli’s bestie and his family—all of these people shine on page, each as loveable and uniquely drawn as the last, ensuring that every page of the book is a winner, because regardless of who is sharing the pages with Alex and Eli, I was all in.
The representation within the book also continues to be expertly handled. From the positive portrayal of Alex and Eli’s interracial relationship, to Eli’s disability rep and Alex’s very viseral anxiety rep, Massey manages to create characters of depth and relatability that is often unmatched, especially within the new adult genre with which this story is told. Add to that, she takes the genre expectant themes of being a queer professional athlete and what that means on a level that’s much bigger than any one person’s coming out, and manages to stay both realistic and positive in her depiction.
Honestly, I read a lot of sports romances—probably an unhealthy amount of those are M/M hockey romances, truth be told—so I feel like it’s pretty serious business when I tell you that this series is now officially my favourite within the genre. The fact it manages to tell quite an in-depth, emotionally-charged story, with complex, lovable characters, all while remaining upbeat and joyful in overall tone, is quite an impressive feat. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was so overwhelmed during some of the empowering scenes in this story that I was brought to sobbing tears from the happiness what I was made to feel. It’s one thing when a book can make me cry because its sad, but it’s a whole other, rarer thing to burst into tears from the sheer joy of it all.
There’s just something about Massey’s writing and character portrayals that just grabs me. It’s flawless, the way she tells a very simple story so profoundly, and because of that (twice now), I can pretty much guarantee she has a reader for life, if this is the quality she’s putting forward so early in her professional writing career.
**chef’s kiss**
As far as sequels about established couples are concerned, this book was everything I wanted/needed for hockey super-star Alex and his adoring secret boyfriend Eli (from Like Real People Do).
Unlike most sequels, this story picks up exactly where book one leaves off, following newly coupled-up Alex and Eli as they start to navigate life together, officially cohabiting while establishing a desired timeline for Alex’s public coming out, which he wants to do on his terms, preferably after his team wins a championship cup.
But life is nothing if not unpredictable, and with emotions running high after a skating accident puts Eli’s health is in crisis, Alex’s status as a queer professional athlete gets out ahead of schedule, throwing them into an unwanted media circus, which becomes increasingly hard to navigate for the young lovers, who are new not only to relationships but also this level of fame and scrutiny.
The story was literally unputdownable from that point on, holding me glued to the page as Alex and Eli battle their emotional and physical demons, all while learning to communicate like absolute champions and opening themselves up to the necessary support and guidance from those around them that they are lucky enough to call their friends and family.
As a romance, this was a smooth continuation of the swoony friends-to-lovers, opposites-attracting romance that was first established in book one. The relationship development didn’t miss a beat, blessedly highlighting healthy communication and unwavering love between these two admittedly very young characters, all while keeping the vast majority of the tension and conflict of the story external to the pure and lasting love Alex and Eli share.
Start to finish, I think the pacing of this sequel is fantastic, and I think it has a lot to do with how wonderful the ensemble cast of characters are. Alex and Eli are top-tier M/M characters, undoubtedly, but their love story is elevated to special new heights by the characters that surround and support them at every turn. Alex’s teammates (I’m OBSSESSED), his ex boyfriend, Eli’s bestie and his family—all of these people shine on page, each as loveable and uniquely drawn as the last, ensuring that every page of the book is a winner, because regardless of who is sharing the pages with Alex and Eli, I was all in.
The representation within the book also continues to be expertly handled. From the positive portrayal of Alex and Eli’s interracial relationship, to Eli’s disability rep and Alex’s very viseral anxiety rep, Massey manages to create characters of depth and relatability that is often unmatched, especially within the new adult genre with which this story is told. Add to that, she takes the genre expectant themes of being a queer professional athlete and what that means on a level that’s much bigger than any one person’s coming out, and manages to stay both realistic and positive in her depiction.
Honestly, I read a lot of sports romances—probably an unhealthy amount of those are M/M hockey romances, truth be told—so I feel like it’s pretty serious business when I tell you that this series is now officially my favourite within the genre. The fact it manages to tell quite an in-depth, emotionally-charged story, with complex, lovable characters, all while remaining upbeat and joyful in overall tone, is quite an impressive feat. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I was so overwhelmed during some of the empowering scenes in this story that I was brought to sobbing tears from the happiness what I was made to feel. It’s one thing when a book can make me cry because its sad, but it’s a whole other, rarer thing to burst into tears from the sheer joy of it all.
There’s just something about Massey’s writing and character portrayals that just grabs me. It’s flawless, the way she tells a very simple story so profoundly, and because of that (twice now), I can pretty much guarantee she has a reader for life, if this is the quality she’s putting forward so early in her professional writing career.
**chef’s kiss**
June 6, 2023
Is it realistic that two guys age 19 have such a healthy relationship, talking about their feelings and everything?
Probably no.
But it’s everything. This is the sweetest and most fun story I’ve ever read and it just gives me all the happy hormones.
Alex anxiety played a bigger part in this and the second half was also much more focussed on Alex. I really liked it!
Eli got his own kind of happy ending and I also loved to read about that.
I could have easily read another book about them. Give me the proposal and wedding shortstory pls!!!
PS: Alex with the praise kink? I am living. 😌
Probably no.
But it’s everything. This is the sweetest and most fun story I’ve ever read and it just gives me all the happy hormones.
Alex anxiety played a bigger part in this and the second half was also much more focussed on Alex. I really liked it!
Eli got his own kind of happy ending and I also loved to read about that.
I could have easily read another book about them. Give me the proposal and wedding shortstory pls!!!
PS: Alex with the praise kink? I am living. 😌
December 13, 2023
I cannot believe how good the second installment came out to be. It was a consistent read with no third act break up or drama or anything you can possibly imagine.
“Hey,” Alex murmurs, smudging the words into Eli’s neck, “do you maybe wanna do that thing where you drag your fingernails up and down my back until I fall asleep completely blissed out on oxytocin?”
The book was a continuation of two beautiful people trying to live their lives both together and separately with a wholesome found family while attempting to overcome anxiety and the problems life throws at them.
“I think I’m sad because James and I had a pretty fucked-up relationship, but we didn’t know any better, and we ended up just making things worse for each other. And that sucks. But I’m also relieved? We’re both so much happier and healthier now. But then that makes me mad, like, on behalf of my past self. Our past selves. We were just kids. And it’s not right that we had so much pressure on us and were so afraid of being caught. It’s not fair.”
In this installment we get to see Eli and Alex lean a little harder on each other, with Alex’s anxiety and panic attacks from being outed and Eli having a seizure on ice. We get to see them really coming to terms with how it would be like to be in a relationship with each other. It was simply beautiful and gratifying to read them communicate and set limits for their fights and arguments. Them setting boundaries about spending money on each other and using their health as an excuse for fights. It’s all very domestic and it’s honestly something I’ve not read in my previous reads.
“Yes. Obviously, yes. I’ve already started looking at rings. Except I think you’re just going to have to pick it yourself and then look surprised because I know you have opinions and I have terrible style sense. And also, you’ll probably kill me if I spend more than a couple thousand dollars.”
I deeply enjoyed reading how the author turned the preceding events of Alex being outed into something that’s both comical and realistic. The support and united front that ELM wrote made me tear up a little. Kuzy, Jeff, Matts, Asher and more made such a powerful impact by simply being there and threatening the every A- hole out there <3
”I teach Alex to punch. Maybe shouldn’t say because his aim not so good. Makes me look bad. But we don’t need for practice if the league do the right thing.” His easy smile fades a little. “But I have warning for other teams if the league do the wrong thing. Anybody say bad things about Eli, my aim very good.”
from this day on, I will never stop recommending this series to my girlies 💛 it’s ya and heart warming and it feels like hot coffee on winter and a blanket hug 🍂
“I love you.”
“And that makes you angry?”
“No. I just…need a better word than ‘love.’ But there isn’t one.”
“Hey,” Alex murmurs, smudging the words into Eli’s neck, “do you maybe wanna do that thing where you drag your fingernails up and down my back until I fall asleep completely blissed out on oxytocin?”
The book was a continuation of two beautiful people trying to live their lives both together and separately with a wholesome found family while attempting to overcome anxiety and the problems life throws at them.
“I think I’m sad because James and I had a pretty fucked-up relationship, but we didn’t know any better, and we ended up just making things worse for each other. And that sucks. But I’m also relieved? We’re both so much happier and healthier now. But then that makes me mad, like, on behalf of my past self. Our past selves. We were just kids. And it’s not right that we had so much pressure on us and were so afraid of being caught. It’s not fair.”
In this installment we get to see Eli and Alex lean a little harder on each other, with Alex’s anxiety and panic attacks from being outed and Eli having a seizure on ice. We get to see them really coming to terms with how it would be like to be in a relationship with each other. It was simply beautiful and gratifying to read them communicate and set limits for their fights and arguments. Them setting boundaries about spending money on each other and using their health as an excuse for fights. It’s all very domestic and it’s honestly something I’ve not read in my previous reads.
“Yes. Obviously, yes. I’ve already started looking at rings. Except I think you’re just going to have to pick it yourself and then look surprised because I know you have opinions and I have terrible style sense. And also, you’ll probably kill me if I spend more than a couple thousand dollars.”
I deeply enjoyed reading how the author turned the preceding events of Alex being outed into something that’s both comical and realistic. The support and united front that ELM wrote made me tear up a little. Kuzy, Jeff, Matts, Asher and more made such a powerful impact by simply being there and threatening the every A- hole out there <3
”I teach Alex to punch. Maybe shouldn’t say because his aim not so good. Makes me look bad. But we don’t need for practice if the league do the right thing.” His easy smile fades a little. “But I have warning for other teams if the league do the wrong thing. Anybody say bad things about Eli, my aim very good.”
from this day on, I will never stop recommending this series to my girlies 💛 it’s ya and heart warming and it feels like hot coffee on winter and a blanket hug 🍂
“I love you.”
“And that makes you angry?”
“No. I just…need a better word than ‘love.’ But there isn’t one.”
March 16, 2023
Time to invest in some heavy duty wrinkle cream because these smile lines are deep! Eli and Alex are so stinking cute together. I gushed and swooned and laughed and cried all over this book. So many moments made me feel like I would burst with pride - for Eli and Alex, for the Hell Hounds players and organization as a whole, for allies who are also accomplices, for the LGBTQ+ community and for my hometown. Other moments made me want to drop my gloves and go full Kuzy on some very large dudes. But the love...that's where the magic was. This author knows how to write love. More than love, even.
If you've read my review of Like Real People Do, I'll just say ditto for this one. I absolutely adored revisiting all of the old characters and welcoming the new ones (if they weren't assholes who definitely got what they deserved). Hawk was, as usual, the goodest girl ever and Bells seemed to be warming to the idea of sharing her space with humans. This book wasn't entirely light and fluffy, though it would be easy to remember it that way because of how much it made me laugh and smile. Eli was still dealing with a seizure disorder and Alex was still dealing with anxiety and, as a new couple, they were both working through how to care for each other and what their limitations were. I have to say, they approached road bumps with an emotional maturity that most seasoned married couples struggle to reach. I loved the way they loved and cared for each other through some pretty harrowing times.
I wish this book could be required reading for all humans, big and small (instead it'll probably get banned in schools for alluding to sexual activity, even though none of it took place on the page 🙄). There was so much messaging throughout this story that could potentially put some of the stereotypes regarding gender and sex and sexuality into perspective for people who haven't even considered the world outside of binary norms. It challenged the idea that "I do/like this because I'm..." and I think a lot of people would benefit from some awareness where individuality is concerned. And, seriously, Jeff and Jo should have their own YouTube channel where they go over microaggressions, feminism, consent and empathy and offer a class called "Sex for Texans: A Safe Yes is Okay Too".
I'm so excited that there will be a book 3 with a new couple, but what I know about book 4 has me 👀
If you've read my review of Like Real People Do, I'll just say ditto for this one. I absolutely adored revisiting all of the old characters and welcoming the new ones (if they weren't assholes who definitely got what they deserved). Hawk was, as usual, the goodest girl ever and Bells seemed to be warming to the idea of sharing her space with humans. This book wasn't entirely light and fluffy, though it would be easy to remember it that way because of how much it made me laugh and smile. Eli was still dealing with a seizure disorder and Alex was still dealing with anxiety and, as a new couple, they were both working through how to care for each other and what their limitations were. I have to say, they approached road bumps with an emotional maturity that most seasoned married couples struggle to reach. I loved the way they loved and cared for each other through some pretty harrowing times.
I wish this book could be required reading for all humans, big and small (instead it'll probably get banned in schools for alluding to sexual activity, even though none of it took place on the page 🙄). There was so much messaging throughout this story that could potentially put some of the stereotypes regarding gender and sex and sexuality into perspective for people who haven't even considered the world outside of binary norms. It challenged the idea that "I do/like this because I'm..." and I think a lot of people would benefit from some awareness where individuality is concerned. And, seriously, Jeff and Jo should have their own YouTube channel where they go over microaggressions, feminism, consent and empathy and offer a class called "Sex for Texans: A Safe Yes is Okay Too".
I'm so excited that there will be a book 3 with a new couple, but what I know about book 4 has me 👀
August 30, 2024
Honestly, so beautiful, these two are one of the best couples I've ever read.
June 13, 2023
i love everyone in this fucking bar!!
January 15, 2025
This book literally ruined me for all other books I'm going to pick up this year, I am in tears, the wholesomeness was!!! This is the kind of love that everyone (who wants it) deserves 🧡
December 8, 2023
I loved Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove as much as I loved it’s predecessor and for the same reasons. A more in depth review would read much like my review of Like Real People Do other than to add that I fell even harder for Alex in book two. There’s one scene that BAM! right in the heart. The love bursts from the page straight into my soul.
Typically I would jump right into book 3 but the main couple focus changes and book 4 isn’t out yet, so while I’m super psyched about continuing, I’m going to wait until book 4 is released. These books are so brilliantly everything I want in queer romance that it will be nice to draw out that feel good vibe.
Typically I would jump right into book 3 but the main couple focus changes and book 4 isn’t out yet, so while I’m super psyched about continuing, I’m going to wait until book 4 is released. These books are so brilliantly everything I want in queer romance that it will be nice to draw out that feel good vibe.
December 2, 2023
This was the definition of adorable! I smiled so much my face hurts!
❤️❤️❤️
❤️❤️❤️
March 12, 2023
Wow I could truly read about Alex and Eli forever.
They are so perfectly and grossly in love I don’t know how to handle it
“this is who I’ve chosen to love.”
“On purpose. You’ve chosen to love me on purpose.”
This did make me so emotional, between Eli’s fall and the Instagram posts???? my god my heart could not handle it. But Alex and Eli had each other and the support of their hockey found family 🥹 Jeff and Kuzy are everything
Anyways, I could read this universe forever and never get tired of it. I can not wait until book 3
They are so perfectly and grossly in love I don’t know how to handle it
“this is who I’ve chosen to love.”
“On purpose. You’ve chosen to love me on purpose.”
This did make me so emotional, between Eli’s fall and the Instagram posts???? my god my heart could not handle it. But Alex and Eli had each other and the support of their hockey found family 🥹 Jeff and Kuzy are everything
Anyways, I could read this universe forever and never get tired of it. I can not wait until book 3
October 24, 2025
Re-read October 2025
Total 5 star read!
---------------------------
Every time I thought this would turn into a total angst fest, something would happen and it would all be fine. Better than fine even.
I thought the whole NHL athlete coming out thing and the accompanying homophobia was handled VERY well. This was sweet, funny and full of hope and positive vibes.
These books were a joy to read. ❤️
Total 5 star read!
---------------------------
Every time I thought this would turn into a total angst fest, something would happen and it would all be fine. Better than fine even.
I thought the whole NHL athlete coming out thing and the accompanying homophobia was handled VERY well. This was sweet, funny and full of hope and positive vibes.
These books were a joy to read. ❤️
July 2, 2025
RTC 🩷
November 11, 2025
🎧🎧🎧 Audio Review 🎧🎧🎧
As with the previous story, I have to find fault with some of the narrators pronunciations e.g. mic-ing up, as in wearing a microphone 🎤, was pronounced mice-ing up. Hard 'C' Mr Narrator, not soft, and something that Tantor's production team should have picked up surely? I already know he can't pronounce Louboutin 👠👠 properly from Like Real People Do...maybe that's an American/Canadian thing? [I pick up Canadian vibes from some of his narration]. Anyhoo, none of this was enough to put me off. If I can listen to John Solo mangle all sorts of languages 😏, I can deal with this. 4 stars for the narration.
📚📚📚 Book Review 📚📚📚
DIVINE!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This goes straight onto my Best of 2023 shelf. I just ADORE these two boys Eli and Alex [18 & 19], Alex's teammates at the Houston Hellhounds, AND the feels you get from reading the stories 😍😍😍 and 😥😥😥. There is no on-page sex filler either. Facing up to bigoted a**eholes with their prejudices, both racial and homophobic, making it easier for others to come out #prohomo and seemingly surviving the very much non-inclusive world of ice hockey 🏒. I was kinda hoping for a James/Cody story next, but we have a brand new couple, enemies to lovers Patrick and Damien, to look forward to in the next instalment of the Breakaway series, All Hail the Underdogs [and I hope maybe a catch-up with a married Alex and Eli 🤞?]. CANNOT WAIT.
As with the previous story, I have to find fault with some of the narrators pronunciations e.g. mic-ing up, as in wearing a microphone 🎤, was pronounced mice-ing up. Hard 'C' Mr Narrator, not soft, and something that Tantor's production team should have picked up surely? I already know he can't pronounce Louboutin 👠👠 properly from Like Real People Do...maybe that's an American/Canadian thing? [I pick up Canadian vibes from some of his narration]. Anyhoo, none of this was enough to put me off. If I can listen to John Solo mangle all sorts of languages 😏, I can deal with this. 4 stars for the narration.
📚📚📚 Book Review 📚📚📚
DIVINE!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This goes straight onto my Best of 2023 shelf. I just ADORE these two boys Eli and Alex [18 & 19], Alex's teammates at the Houston Hellhounds, AND the feels you get from reading the stories 😍😍😍 and 😥😥😥. There is no on-page sex filler either. Facing up to bigoted a**eholes with their prejudices, both racial and homophobic, making it easier for others to come out #prohomo and seemingly surviving the very much non-inclusive world of ice hockey 🏒. I was kinda hoping for a James/Cody story next, but we have a brand new couple, enemies to lovers Patrick and Damien, to look forward to in the next instalment of the Breakaway series, All Hail the Underdogs [and I hope maybe a catch-up with a married Alex and Eli 🤞?]. CANNOT WAIT.
November 12, 2023
Respectfully, I am going to pretend this sequel does not exist and that Like Real People Do was a standalone.
I don't want to rag on this book because I know it has representation that is really important to a lot of people, particularly Alex and his anxiety - but as someone who is also disabled, I just wanted to pull Eli aside and tell him he needs to break up with his boyfriend oh my god. I'm sorry, I know having a disability causes concern in those who love us, but if someone was picking a fight with me over my trying to just live my life independently? Thats a no from me. Obviously my complaints go beyond that one moment in this book - as a whole I felt like Eli as a character was written over by his condition and his boyfriend which was really frustrating to have to read.
Kuzy is the highlight of this book. Kuzy > Alex any day.
I don't want to rag on this book because I know it has representation that is really important to a lot of people, particularly Alex and his anxiety - but as someone who is also disabled, I just wanted to pull Eli aside and tell him he needs to break up with his boyfriend oh my god. I'm sorry, I know having a disability causes concern in those who love us, but if someone was picking a fight with me over my trying to just live my life independently? Thats a no from me. Obviously my complaints go beyond that one moment in this book - as a whole I felt like Eli as a character was written over by his condition and his boyfriend which was really frustrating to have to read.
Kuzy is the highlight of this book. Kuzy > Alex any day.
February 8, 2024
Such a wonderful follow up. There were things I maybe would’ve changed and honestly by this point some steam would’ve been appreciated, but Alex and Eli are so fucking cute and supportive and wonderful together that they most certainly get an easy five stars. I really loved reading this.
September 17, 2025
Like Real People Do and Like You've Nothing Left to Prove are the most wonderful, happy-making books I've read maybe ever! My heart is SO FULL! These books made me feel utterly giddy and happy with every single page and I'm so in love with them.
Everyone kept telling me to read these books and I'm happy to report they all were right, and I'm a fool for not doing so sooner! I actually won a copy of Like Real People Do from the author ages ago and it's SIGNED BY A DOG which is legit the coolest thing ever!
Basic premise: Eli's an 18-year-old figure skater recovering from a bad injury which left him disabled and with a service dog. He's openly queer, and on his college's figure skating team who share a rink with professional NHL team the Hell Hounds. Alex is the 19-year-old captain of said team and while incredible on the ice, he's kind of a disaster off it. Alex and Eli have a hilarious meet-awkward and end up becoming fast friends. Alex is closeted, doesn't plan on ever telling anyone, and figures he'll wait till after his NHL career is over to come out. The more time him and Eli spend together though, the more Alex has to rethink his entire approach because what if they both want more than friendship?
I'm obsessed with how cute Alex and Eli are! I'm so in love with them, and with their love for each other, I honestly don't know how to deal with so much happiness. I was literally grinning and giggling at my book while reading, and I'm pretty sure I looked like a goof making hearteyes at my book.
Mutual pining, banter, and idiots to lovers are some of my faves and this series have those in spades! It also has incredible and effortless diversity both within the MCs but also SCs.
The found family is amazing too - the Hell Hounds boys were so wonderful and I definitely have a second fave Russian hockey player after meeting Kuzy.
I feel like there's magic in these books! I already know they'll be new comfort books for me.
An FYI: The books are based on a long fanfic which was divided into two books when it was reworked for publishing, so you need to read both and in order for the full story.
Everyone kept telling me to read these books and I'm happy to report they all were right, and I'm a fool for not doing so sooner! I actually won a copy of Like Real People Do from the author ages ago and it's SIGNED BY A DOG which is legit the coolest thing ever!
Basic premise: Eli's an 18-year-old figure skater recovering from a bad injury which left him disabled and with a service dog. He's openly queer, and on his college's figure skating team who share a rink with professional NHL team the Hell Hounds. Alex is the 19-year-old captain of said team and while incredible on the ice, he's kind of a disaster off it. Alex and Eli have a hilarious meet-awkward and end up becoming fast friends. Alex is closeted, doesn't plan on ever telling anyone, and figures he'll wait till after his NHL career is over to come out. The more time him and Eli spend together though, the more Alex has to rethink his entire approach because what if they both want more than friendship?
I'm obsessed with how cute Alex and Eli are! I'm so in love with them, and with their love for each other, I honestly don't know how to deal with so much happiness. I was literally grinning and giggling at my book while reading, and I'm pretty sure I looked like a goof making hearteyes at my book.
Mutual pining, banter, and idiots to lovers are some of my faves and this series have those in spades! It also has incredible and effortless diversity both within the MCs but also SCs.
The found family is amazing too - the Hell Hounds boys were so wonderful and I definitely have a second fave Russian hockey player after meeting Kuzy.
I feel like there's magic in these books! I already know they'll be new comfort books for me.
An FYI: The books are based on a long fanfic which was divided into two books when it was reworked for publishing, so you need to read both and in order for the full story.
July 4, 2023
who needs therapy when you can read this series
April 8, 2024
Hands down best cast of side characters.
February 11, 2024
Absolutely adorable, would read a third installment if it gets written!
June 22, 2023
Dnf @40%. Seriously how is everything in this book turned back to be about Alex? I found it odd in the first book that it felt like Eli's sole purpose was to be Alex's wet dream/caretaker while Alex was his sugar daddy, and it's just worse in this one. Like everything gets turned back to Alex, These two have only been dating for a few months! It's just unrealistic and not really a necessary addition after the first one. All of that and the writing bending over backward to avoid any real drama just got old, I wanted the drama to move the story along and give me a reason to keep going but it was always neatly tied up instead. It just all goes back to Alex.
August 22, 2023
My heart is full. I am happy! Why? Because this book made me feel so many things that my poor heart almost exploded. 🥺💙
Like You've Nothing Left to Prove is the second book in the Breakaway series, written by the very talented E. L. Massey. I read the first one, Like Real People Do, last year and it immediately became one of my top reads of 2022. I'm not sure how to describe them, but these books are so wholesome and beautiful, I really need more people to read them. Asap.
I was delighted to come back to these characters, these wonderful humans that are so genuine, and pure, and a bit flawed, but ultimately perfect. The story picks up where the previous one left us, and we are once again thrust in the world of hockey and ice skating, where Alex and Eli try to navigate life and the difficulties that arise due to their sexuality or physical challenges.
There are so many paragraphs in this book that made me cry, not gonna lie. But mostly tears of happiness, because all the side characters are amazing. Alex's hockey team is everything. Eli's parents and friends are everything. There's so much love in this book. SO MUCH LOVE. 🥺
Addressing homophobia in the hockey world is a main thing in this story, it basically drives the entire plot and these characters' lives, and I just love how carefully and beautifully this was handled. I'd love to see this happen in real life. God, that would be a marvelous day! (spoiler alert - #prohomo)
Read these books. They're beautiful. Trust me.
Like You've Nothing Left to Prove is the second book in the Breakaway series, written by the very talented E. L. Massey. I read the first one, Like Real People Do, last year and it immediately became one of my top reads of 2022. I'm not sure how to describe them, but these books are so wholesome and beautiful, I really need more people to read them. Asap.
I was delighted to come back to these characters, these wonderful humans that are so genuine, and pure, and a bit flawed, but ultimately perfect. The story picks up where the previous one left us, and we are once again thrust in the world of hockey and ice skating, where Alex and Eli try to navigate life and the difficulties that arise due to their sexuality or physical challenges.
There are so many paragraphs in this book that made me cry, not gonna lie. But mostly tears of happiness, because all the side characters are amazing. Alex's hockey team is everything. Eli's parents and friends are everything. There's so much love in this book. SO MUCH LOVE. 🥺
Addressing homophobia in the hockey world is a main thing in this story, it basically drives the entire plot and these characters' lives, and I just love how carefully and beautifully this was handled. I'd love to see this happen in real life. God, that would be a marvelous day! (spoiler alert - #prohomo)
Read these books. They're beautiful. Trust me.
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