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Breakaway #4
Free from Falling
Justin “Matts” Matthews is good at a lot of things: Rubik’s Cubes, playing guitar, herding cattle, and most importantly for his career in the NHL, hockey. He’s not good at human interactions or social cues, especially when it comes to women. This deficiency is an annoyance rather than a problem, right up until he meets Sydney Warren. If it’s not love at first sight, it’s sure something close.
Sydney Warren, frontwoman for up-and-coming rock band Red Right Hand, is fierce, driven, and she doesn't do relationships. Being an out trans woman in the music industry is more than enough pressure—a romantic entanglement would be added stress she doesn’t need. A romantic entanglement with a professional hockey player who, to all accounts, is only just learning to be an ally is definitely not what she needs. And yet.
After a chance encounter, Matts and Sydney become unlikely friends. However, in the stolen moments of their busy schedules––late-night phone calls between NHL games and concert tour dates—they start to question if maybe “friendship” isn't so apt a description for whatever this is between them.
But can they overcome the outside pressures from family and media that would rather their relationship end before it has a chance to start?
Sydney Warren, frontwoman for up-and-coming rock band Red Right Hand, is fierce, driven, and she doesn't do relationships. Being an out trans woman in the music industry is more than enough pressure—a romantic entanglement would be added stress she doesn’t need. A romantic entanglement with a professional hockey player who, to all accounts, is only just learning to be an ally is definitely not what she needs. And yet.
After a chance encounter, Matts and Sydney become unlikely friends. However, in the stolen moments of their busy schedules––late-night phone calls between NHL games and concert tour dates—they start to question if maybe “friendship” isn't so apt a description for whatever this is between them.
But can they overcome the outside pressures from family and media that would rather their relationship end before it has a chance to start?
ebook
First published December 3, 2024
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About the author
E.L. Massey
4 books1,012 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 325 reviews
December 6, 2024
It’s official. This is the most wholesome series in existence and you can’t convince me otherwise.
I’ve loved every single book of the author so far, and this is no exception. E.L. Massey just knows how to write complex, beautiful, soft, diverse and entirely loveable characters, who make you smile from ear to ear, make you swoon, make you hurt, make you fall in love right along with them.
This is a slow burn strangers-to-friends-to-lovers done right and utterly convincingly.
Like in the other books of the Breakaway series, the cast in this one was strong: Matts was pure magic (who would have thought?), Sydney someone you instantly want to be friends and/or fall in love with. Her trans-ness was handled the only right way in my opinion - making it an important part of who she is, but not the most interesting thing about her.
The story also reunites us with familiar faces - Rome, Damian, Alex, Eli (and Hawk of course!), Kuzy and the rest of the team - while also introducing absolutely likeable new characters such as Syd’s band-family Devo, Sky and Rex. I love them all. Like, so much.
The writing was beautiful (no surprise here), full of quite educational literary and music references as well as so many great (not so fun, but very enlightening) fun facts.
This will forever be my comfort series. 4,5⭐️
PS: These covers are so fucking GORGEOUS, I adore that Matts‘s crazy mullet made the cover on this one 😍
I’ve loved every single book of the author so far, and this is no exception. E.L. Massey just knows how to write complex, beautiful, soft, diverse and entirely loveable characters, who make you smile from ear to ear, make you swoon, make you hurt, make you fall in love right along with them.
This is a slow burn strangers-to-friends-to-lovers done right and utterly convincingly.
Like in the other books of the Breakaway series, the cast in this one was strong: Matts was pure magic (who would have thought?), Sydney someone you instantly want to be friends and/or fall in love with. Her trans-ness was handled the only right way in my opinion - making it an important part of who she is, but not the most interesting thing about her.
The story also reunites us with familiar faces - Rome, Damian, Alex, Eli (and Hawk of course!), Kuzy and the rest of the team - while also introducing absolutely likeable new characters such as Syd’s band-family Devo, Sky and Rex. I love them all. Like, so much.
The writing was beautiful (no surprise here), full of quite educational literary and music references as well as so many great (not so fun, but very enlightening) fun facts.
This will forever be my comfort series. 4,5⭐️
PS: These covers are so fucking GORGEOUS, I adore that Matts‘s crazy mullet made the cover on this one 😍
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December 4, 2024
His face goes serious. “Hey, no. That’s not funny. Don’t say self-deprecating shit like that. No one gets to talk bad about my girlfriend, not even my girlfriend.”
Well, Syd thinks. That was easy.
“Girlfriend, huh?” She’s aiming for suave. It comes out far more giggly than she would prefer.
“If that’s cool,” Matts says stoically.
“It’s very cool. The coolest.”
“Good.”
“Good.” She clears her throat. “Anyway.”
MY TWO LOVELY DORKS. 😭🥹
this series is quickly becoming one of my favorite comfort series!!!
i adored Matts and Sydney SO much. they made me laugh, cry, giggle and smile. i just felt all the feels with these two. they were so fucking precious and cute and deserved the world!! i loved most of the side characters as well, especially Devo. i loved the way he cared and was protective over Syd and their sibling relationship where you know they cared about each other even tho they may not always show it … the same for Matts and Aaron tbh. they had an interesting dynamic, and you could see Aaron trying to be a better brother towards him. i loved the scene when he was on Matts’ side when Matts told him Syd was coming over to meet the family and, in case their dad or anyone would talk shit about her, they would both be there to defend her. i also loved the glimpses we had of my faves; Alex, Eli, Rome and Damien. 🥹 E.L. Massey always delivers when it comes to creating such lovely, sweet romances and characters you wanna root for. <3
Well, Syd thinks. That was easy.
“Girlfriend, huh?” She’s aiming for suave. It comes out far more giggly than she would prefer.
“If that’s cool,” Matts says stoically.
“It’s very cool. The coolest.”
“Good.”
“Good.” She clears her throat. “Anyway.”
MY TWO LOVELY DORKS. 😭🥹
this series is quickly becoming one of my favorite comfort series!!!
i adored Matts and Sydney SO much. they made me laugh, cry, giggle and smile. i just felt all the feels with these two. they were so fucking precious and cute and deserved the world!! i loved most of the side characters as well, especially Devo. i loved the way he cared and was protective over Syd and their sibling relationship where you know they cared about each other even tho they may not always show it … the same for Matts and Aaron tbh. they had an interesting dynamic, and you could see Aaron trying to be a better brother towards him. i loved the scene when he was on Matts’ side when Matts told him Syd was coming over to meet the family and, in case their dad or anyone would talk shit about her, they would both be there to defend her. i also loved the glimpses we had of my faves; Alex, Eli, Rome and Damien. 🥹 E.L. Massey always delivers when it comes to creating such lovely, sweet romances and characters you wanna root for. <3
December 30, 2024
E.L.Massey's books are special, I loved all of them, and this one is no exception.
Matts and Sydney's story is awesome and beautiful and uplifting and full of love and tender.
I loved Matts and Sydney. Loved their multilayered personalities. Their insecurities and strength.
Loved how they slowly got closer and fell in love.
Like in her earlier books, there's no on-page sex. As much as I enjoy sex scenes in other books, the focus in this series is on the character development and the relationship development without any need for smut.
The storyline was never boring, I was glued to the pages. I loved getting to know more and more about Sydney and Matts, seeing gradually more facets of their personalities.
(Ps the only thing I didn't get.. why didn't the author mention Matts's program for underprivileged kids anymore, where Eli is teaching figure skating? There were a few chapters in Like You've Nothing Left To Prove about it, but in Matts's own book it's as if all those conversations had been between other people. I kept waiting for someone to mention his involvement. Or am I confusing things?)
Pps: no matter. I loved this awesome and heart warming novel!
Matts and Sydney's story is awesome and beautiful and uplifting and full of love and tender.
I loved Matts and Sydney. Loved their multilayered personalities. Their insecurities and strength.
Loved how they slowly got closer and fell in love.
Like in her earlier books, there's no on-page sex. As much as I enjoy sex scenes in other books, the focus in this series is on the character development and the relationship development without any need for smut.
The storyline was never boring, I was glued to the pages. I loved getting to know more and more about Sydney and Matts, seeing gradually more facets of their personalities.
(Ps the only thing I didn't get.. why didn't the author mention Matts's program for underprivileged kids anymore, where Eli is teaching figure skating? There were a few chapters in Like You've Nothing Left To Prove about it, but in Matts's own book it's as if all those conversations had been between other people. I kept waiting for someone to mention his involvement. Or am I confusing things?)
Pps: no matter. I loved this awesome and heart warming novel!
December 17, 2024
HOLY SMOKES can this author never put a word wrong??? Beyond 5-star read. Also, authors, consider including sex-info in your TWs, because this book has nothing unsafe for me but I thought it might after chapter 1, and I thank @Pauline so very, very much for educating me that I had zero to fear. This book was just SO GREAT. This series is SO GREAT. Read it. All the recommendations.
If you’ve already read EL Massey I need say nothing because you’ve no doubt read this. I don’t need to say much anyway. This is one of the best insightful-nuanced-honest-delightful-cheeky-intelligent-slowburn-hightension-fabulous I could just go on and on books I’ve read this year, and considering I read all of Massey’s other books this year, that’s saying something.
Hockey player. Rock star. Actual lyrics that are STRONG in the book. HORSES. Need I say more?! HORSES AND ACTUAL RIDING AND A CATTLE DRIVE. And so, SO much romance and true falling in love. Incredible cast of secondary characters, so developed and so sincere and natural you’ll feel like you’re there.
TOTALLY safe for me and my quirky, I only (mostly, I know, I know, I am a hypocrite once in a while) want no-others-will-do reads.
HEA—geez this is more than an HEA, this is more like an ecstatic with joy ever after—hockey player, rock star, new friends to best friends to the sweetest lovers (more closed door than not but the intimacy is even more intimate for it, trust me). Highly recommended, as is this entire series.
Thanks, universe and EL Massey! I’m smiling all the way.
If you’ve already read EL Massey I need say nothing because you’ve no doubt read this. I don’t need to say much anyway. This is one of the best insightful-nuanced-honest-delightful-cheeky-intelligent-slowburn-hightension-fabulous I could just go on and on books I’ve read this year, and considering I read all of Massey’s other books this year, that’s saying something.
Hockey player. Rock star. Actual lyrics that are STRONG in the book. HORSES. Need I say more?! HORSES AND ACTUAL RIDING AND A CATTLE DRIVE. And so, SO much romance and true falling in love. Incredible cast of secondary characters, so developed and so sincere and natural you’ll feel like you’re there.
TOTALLY safe for me and my quirky, I only (mostly, I know, I know, I am a hypocrite once in a while) want no-others-will-do reads.
HEA—geez this is more than an HEA, this is more like an ecstatic with joy ever after—hockey player, rock star, new friends to best friends to the sweetest lovers (more closed door than not but the intimacy is even more intimate for it, trust me). Highly recommended, as is this entire series.
Thanks, universe and EL Massey! I’m smiling all the way.
May 7, 2025
"Matts wonders if there’s a word that means the opposite of catharsis. A word that means being so filled with emotion you hemorrhage with it; it consumes you."
Yeah so if anyone figures out this word lmk because I need it to describe how /I/ feel right now about this book!!
Free From Falling is the 4th and last book in EL Massey's Breakaway series. Reading it seriously felt like falling in love alongside the characters! My heart's beating too fast, I can't wipe this goofy grin off my face, and I'm just so absolutely SMITTEN and IN LOVE and I want to EAT THIS BOOK!
Matts and Sydney are ~perfect~ together and I honestly wasn't expecting to be head over heels for Matts after Like Real People Do. But like Sydney, I couldn't help but fall. For both of them! They're such an unlikely pair and YET they work so well!
Sydney's a cool af trans rock goddess with a heart of gold and is such a secret softie though she'd never admit it. And Matts looks like this hottie hockey player who should be suave af with an easy life but he's actually such a gd nerd (<3) who struggles with how he was raised, as well as undiagnosed autism which makes social interactions hard. They're so lovely together and they make me positively dizzy with affection
Like the entire Breakaway series, Free From Falling has excellent diversity, so much heart, is incredibly funny, heartfelt, and tackles serious subjects with care and love.
Our faves from the previous books also show up, and Matts and Eli are basically besties which was such an unexpected but fantastic surprise.
EL Massey's writing is an IV of serotonin straight into my veins and it makes me feel high on happiness and love!
"You’re so strong. They say.
You’re so brave. They say.
Some days, Sydney is so tired of being brave.
She wants to just be. Without witnesses or expectations or the burden of representing an entire fucking group of people in the public eye."
Yeah so if anyone figures out this word lmk because I need it to describe how /I/ feel right now about this book!!
Free From Falling is the 4th and last book in EL Massey's Breakaway series. Reading it seriously felt like falling in love alongside the characters! My heart's beating too fast, I can't wipe this goofy grin off my face, and I'm just so absolutely SMITTEN and IN LOVE and I want to EAT THIS BOOK!
Matts and Sydney are ~perfect~ together and I honestly wasn't expecting to be head over heels for Matts after Like Real People Do. But like Sydney, I couldn't help but fall. For both of them! They're such an unlikely pair and YET they work so well!
Sydney's a cool af trans rock goddess with a heart of gold and is such a secret softie though she'd never admit it. And Matts looks like this hottie hockey player who should be suave af with an easy life but he's actually such a gd nerd (<3) who struggles with how he was raised, as well as undiagnosed autism which makes social interactions hard. They're so lovely together and they make me positively dizzy with affection
Like the entire Breakaway series, Free From Falling has excellent diversity, so much heart, is incredibly funny, heartfelt, and tackles serious subjects with care and love.
Our faves from the previous books also show up, and Matts and Eli are basically besties which was such an unexpected but fantastic surprise.
EL Massey's writing is an IV of serotonin straight into my veins and it makes me feel high on happiness and love!
"You’re so strong. They say.
You’re so brave. They say.
Some days, Sydney is so tired of being brave.
She wants to just be. Without witnesses or expectations or the burden of representing an entire fucking group of people in the public eye."
November 28, 2024
Does anyone hear a woman inconsolably sobbing? It’s me. I’m the sobber. Because I can’t believe after 2 years, my favorite series has come to an end. FREE FROM FALLING is the 4th and final book in The Breakaway series by E.L. Massey and I will need at least 5-7 business days before I can even consider drying my tears.
FREE FROM FALLING follows Matts, a professional NHL player, and Sydney, a professional musician / rock goddess. If you read the first two books in this series, you know we had serious beef with Matts. He grew up in a small town surrounded by small-minded people with no exposure to the queer community. When his teammate Alex came out in the first book, Matts’ intolerance had us all ready to riot. But Alex’s sexuality helped Matts realize that the bigoted views he grew up around as a kid were wrong, and we started to see him put the ally in allyship.
FREE FROM FALLING opens with Eli (Alex’s husband) and Matts being besties. I seriously could have ended the book right there because I know Eli would never put up with even the slightest bit of trans/homophobia, which means Matts turned into the man we all hoped. It’s at a party with Eli that Matts locks eyes with Sydney, and he’s a goner. Sydney is a confident, badass, trans woman who is taking the world by storm as the lead singer for the band Red Right Hand. She immediately shuts down any interest Matts shows, insisting she doesn’t do casual, but that they can be friends.
Matts and Sydney’s relationship had the most natural progression. While you could tell they both harbored romantic feelings for one another, their friendship was what drew me in. They truly had so much interest in learning about each other, uplifting one another, and being each other’s biggest champion. Their open and honest communication had me in a puddle. They were so soft and gentle, which was especially nice to see from a 6’3” professional athlete, known for his on-ice aggression.
Watching Matts fall in love with Sydney and not for one second giving a flying fuck what anyone thought had me absolutely screaming. He acted like she hung the moon and stars and he made sure everyone knew how he felt. And watching Sydney work through past traumatic events to be able to love unconditionally was so empowering and beautiful. These two were soulmates. They fit together like a puzzle and complimented one another in the most perfect way.
FREE FROM FALLING was the perfect ending to this series, but I’ll miss all of these characters so much ❤️
FREE FROM FALLING follows Matts, a professional NHL player, and Sydney, a professional musician / rock goddess. If you read the first two books in this series, you know we had serious beef with Matts. He grew up in a small town surrounded by small-minded people with no exposure to the queer community. When his teammate Alex came out in the first book, Matts’ intolerance had us all ready to riot. But Alex’s sexuality helped Matts realize that the bigoted views he grew up around as a kid were wrong, and we started to see him put the ally in allyship.
FREE FROM FALLING opens with Eli (Alex’s husband) and Matts being besties. I seriously could have ended the book right there because I know Eli would never put up with even the slightest bit of trans/homophobia, which means Matts turned into the man we all hoped. It’s at a party with Eli that Matts locks eyes with Sydney, and he’s a goner. Sydney is a confident, badass, trans woman who is taking the world by storm as the lead singer for the band Red Right Hand. She immediately shuts down any interest Matts shows, insisting she doesn’t do casual, but that they can be friends.
Matts and Sydney’s relationship had the most natural progression. While you could tell they both harbored romantic feelings for one another, their friendship was what drew me in. They truly had so much interest in learning about each other, uplifting one another, and being each other’s biggest champion. Their open and honest communication had me in a puddle. They were so soft and gentle, which was especially nice to see from a 6’3” professional athlete, known for his on-ice aggression.
Watching Matts fall in love with Sydney and not for one second giving a flying fuck what anyone thought had me absolutely screaming. He acted like she hung the moon and stars and he made sure everyone knew how he felt. And watching Sydney work through past traumatic events to be able to love unconditionally was so empowering and beautiful. These two were soulmates. They fit together like a puzzle and complimented one another in the most perfect way.
FREE FROM FALLING was the perfect ending to this series, but I’ll miss all of these characters so much ❤️
January 8, 2025
This was so aesthetic I made a Pinterest wall while reading!
These two are my bisexual panic couple of 2024.
It’s no secret I absolutely loved every single EL Massey book so far, but a book about a rock band singer and an autistic hockey golden retriever?! Erica, did you write this book for me personally? 🥹🫶🏻
When Matts sees Sidney for the first time at a party he’s absolutely flabbergasted and the more he gets to know her the more he can’t seem to stop thinking about her.
These two really stabbed me right in the feels, because this is the slowest slow burn ever. There’s so much yearning on both sides, but at the same time they both already know they’re a couple and act like it lmao.
In a line of the sweetest hockey romances ever, this is definitely another one and I‘m 100% convinced Erica cannot write a bad book to save her life. The only thing I didn’t like about this? The constant mullet bashing, because a mullet is obviously the sexiest hairstyle one can have. Fight me. 😌
These two are my bisexual panic couple of 2024.
It’s no secret I absolutely loved every single EL Massey book so far, but a book about a rock band singer and an autistic hockey golden retriever?! Erica, did you write this book for me personally? 🥹🫶🏻
When Matts sees Sidney for the first time at a party he’s absolutely flabbergasted and the more he gets to know her the more he can’t seem to stop thinking about her.
These two really stabbed me right in the feels, because this is the slowest slow burn ever. There’s so much yearning on both sides, but at the same time they both already know they’re a couple and act like it lmao.
In a line of the sweetest hockey romances ever, this is definitely another one and I‘m 100% convinced Erica cannot write a bad book to save her life. The only thing I didn’t like about this? The constant mullet bashing, because a mullet is obviously the sexiest hairstyle one can have. Fight me. 😌
December 13, 2024
"I think I’d love you, if you’d let me. Please let me."
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 🥹🥹THIS WAS SICKENINGLY GOOD I WANT TO DIE. THIS SERIES IS TRULY THE MOST FANTASTIC USE OF PAPER TO EVER EXIST.
(proper review to come besties istg)
SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP 🥹🥹THIS WAS SICKENINGLY GOOD I WANT TO DIE. THIS SERIES IS TRULY THE MOST FANTASTIC USE OF PAPER TO EVER EXIST.
(proper review to come besties istg)
July 13, 2025
RTC 🩷
January 2, 2025
If you google "down bad", you will see a photo of Justin "Matts" Matthews.
This book once again cemented why this is my ultimate comfort series. Based on the previous books, I wasn't sure if I'd end up liking Matts at all. This man has come such a long way though, and reading his story from his perspective made me really understand him. And he's so gone for Sydney from the start, I absolutely loved to see it. I also truly loved Sydney. She is an icon and I need to be able to listen to her music!
This book once again cemented why this is my ultimate comfort series. Based on the previous books, I wasn't sure if I'd end up liking Matts at all. This man has come such a long way though, and reading his story from his perspective made me really understand him. And he's so gone for Sydney from the start, I absolutely loved to see it. I also truly loved Sydney. She is an icon and I need to be able to listen to her music!
November 6, 2025
comfort series 🫠
January 3, 2025
A Rockstar and a Hockey Player
4.5 stars
I really like this author's books. The characters are beyond likable, and their story is so sweet. I swear I was smiling so hard reading it.
Full RTC
4.5 stars
I really like this author's books. The characters are beyond likable, and their story is so sweet. I swear I was smiling so hard reading it.
Full RTC
September 4, 2025
MY HEART SO FULL!!!!! ROMANCE IS SOO BACK
December 13, 2024
This was definitely the sweetest book I’ve read all year. I loved the characters and I slowed down reading half way through because I didn’t want it to end.
June 9, 2025
Oh my STARS, Free From Falling was an ABSOLUTELY amazing read. I've had it on my TBR since I finished the Like Real People Do duet, and it was SO perfect for my Pride TBR. It's wholesome and sweet just like Eli and Alex's story, but the main characters in this one are DEFINITELY competing for my love. Matts' utter devotion, Sydney's vulnerability, the sensitive trans and neurodivergent rep, the spectacular found family aspects - absolutely one of my favorite things I've read this year.
Y'all, Matts is absolutely adorable - he has one serious redemption arc after his introduction in Like Real People Do. He is so smitten from literally the first moment he lays eyes on Sydney and it's SO CUTE. He's willing to do literally anything for the chance to be with her, and they really are so well matched. Playing music together? The phone calls with cursed knowledge? All of the horseback riding scenes? I am HERE FOR IT ALL. And the grand gesture at the end? It had me absolutely SOBBING, so perfect.
Sydney is an incredible character, I love how nuanced she is and how, despite some pretty intense trauma in her past, her story arc is really positive. As a rockstar, she uses her confidence and bravado as a public face, but it's beautiful to see her slowly drop her own walls to let Matts in. And y'all, despite it being pretty clear to literally everyone that these characters are truly in love from early on, Matts and Sydney take things so slow, the consent is perfect, and despite being closed door, when things start to heat up I was still fanning myself - Matts getting on his knees? OMG, core memory.
Anyways, so now I have yet another favorite E.L. Massey book. How are these all SO GOOD? I'm pretty much constantly swooning from beginning to end. I promise I'll go back and read All Hail the Underdogs soon... and I'm watching for anything new on the way or recs for ANYTHING like this because I need more soft books like this.
Y'all, Matts is absolutely adorable - he has one serious redemption arc after his introduction in Like Real People Do. He is so smitten from literally the first moment he lays eyes on Sydney and it's SO CUTE. He's willing to do literally anything for the chance to be with her, and they really are so well matched. Playing music together? The phone calls with cursed knowledge? All of the horseback riding scenes? I am HERE FOR IT ALL. And the grand gesture at the end? It had me absolutely SOBBING, so perfect.
Sydney is an incredible character, I love how nuanced she is and how, despite some pretty intense trauma in her past, her story arc is really positive. As a rockstar, she uses her confidence and bravado as a public face, but it's beautiful to see her slowly drop her own walls to let Matts in. And y'all, despite it being pretty clear to literally everyone that these characters are truly in love from early on, Matts and Sydney take things so slow, the consent is perfect, and despite being closed door, when things start to heat up I was still fanning myself - Matts getting on his knees? OMG, core memory.
Anyways, so now I have yet another favorite E.L. Massey book. How are these all SO GOOD? I'm pretty much constantly swooning from beginning to end. I promise I'll go back and read All Hail the Underdogs soon... and I'm watching for anything new on the way or recs for ANYTHING like this because I need more soft books like this.
January 3, 2026
She’s managing him, he realizes, giving him space to feel without scrutiny. Distracting him with a simple, manual task—one he can complete with tangible success within a few minutes. Praising him for completing it well. Filling, just a little, the empty well of failure in his chest.
She knows him.
And it feels good to be known.
JSJSHSKFJDJSJDJJD I LOVE THEM SO FUCKING MUCH. The joy, the sheer joy this series has brought me. I want to tattoo them on my brain.
Stupid, 6’3, big ass, dorky hockey player with a mullet destroyed me. His character development, his adorable little THOUGHTFUL GESTURES I CANNOT✋🏻HIS CONSTANT KNEELING. What a simp.
And the wise ass, goth looking, Shakespeare quoting little rockstar. I WANT TO HAVE HER FOR BREAKFAST. Chomp chomp. CAN I BE THE ONE ON MY KNEES FOR HER PLS?
And that Grease moment??? Hello? Let me dress like you while you dress like me. RAHHHHHHH
She knows him.
And it feels good to be known.
JSJSHSKFJDJSJDJJD I LOVE THEM SO FUCKING MUCH. The joy, the sheer joy this series has brought me. I want to tattoo them on my brain.
Stupid, 6’3, big ass, dorky hockey player with a mullet destroyed me. His character development, his adorable little THOUGHTFUL GESTURES I CANNOT✋🏻HIS CONSTANT KNEELING. What a simp.
And the wise ass, goth looking, Shakespeare quoting little rockstar. I WANT TO HAVE HER FOR BREAKFAST. Chomp chomp. CAN I BE THE ONE ON MY KNEES FOR HER PLS?
And that Grease moment??? Hello? Let me dress like you while you dress like me. RAHHHHHHH
July 7, 2025
*4.5 rounded down
yk if they’re ever looking for a third…
I had so much fun with Free from Falling. It was the perfect blend of country, music, and hockey. Watching both Matts and Sydney going out of their way to support each other made my heart so full. Even the little long distance moments when they would facetime and text, ahhhh I love them both so much. Their chemistry was through the roof, I’m convinced they were made specifically for each other.
Such a fun read and I’m glad I finally got around to finishing the series. I’ll miss them so bad! (don’t be shy E.L. Massey, give us more books)
yk if they’re ever looking for a third…
I had so much fun with Free from Falling. It was the perfect blend of country, music, and hockey. Watching both Matts and Sydney going out of their way to support each other made my heart so full. Even the little long distance moments when they would facetime and text, ahhhh I love them both so much. Their chemistry was through the roof, I’m convinced they were made specifically for each other.
Such a fun read and I’m glad I finally got around to finishing the series. I’ll miss them so bad! (don’t be shy E.L. Massey, give us more books)
December 14, 2024
EL Massey did it again! This series is amazing and this book confirmed it once again.
Matts with his mullet and Sydney with her wild curls, their shared love and talent for music, their sweetness and insecurities, they were totally made for each other. I loved them, I don’t even know how to express how much in English.
It was another great read and I literally devoured this book. I. LOVED. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. IT. All the characters in the series feel so real and are very lovable. I’m obsessed with all of them!
Matts with his mullet and Sydney with her wild curls, their shared love and talent for music, their sweetness and insecurities, they were totally made for each other. I loved them, I don’t even know how to express how much in English.
It was another great read and I literally devoured this book. I. LOVED. EVERYTHING. ABOUT. IT. All the characters in the series feel so real and are very lovable. I’m obsessed with all of them!
May 17, 2025
Never written a review before but I just wanted to say that if I could give more than 5 stars, I would
Also, I would say this made me believe in love again but I don't think I'll ever be loved the way these two love each other lol
Also, I would say this made me believe in love again but I don't think I'll ever be loved the way these two love each other lol
Read
December 12, 2024Pausing at 39%. For some reason, this is taking me forever to get through. I think partly because I’m not finding the characters that believable.
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October 17, 2025
"Is there a straight version of gay chicken?" Sydney asks in lieu of saying something normal like "hello."
"I think it's just called denial," Eli says."
A trans rock star and a cis hockey player find connection in a slow-burn romance. Lots of music, lots of horses, lots of family and love.
"You planning to actually make a move at some point, or just keep doing less and less platonic shit until one of you caves and admits your feelings?"
This is a book based solely on vibes alone. The plot? Nonexistent, really. The tension? There's no third act break-up—the majority of the tension is from two very isolated people who have never been loved trying to find love and a way that will no cause harm to each other. The writing? Not lyrical, but catches in a style similar to Casey McQuiston (lots of tell and show) that really works for me.
Free From Falling was such an emotional book for me, like one of Sydney's really great hugs. You go in for the comfort and coziness, and stay for the fun dialogue and entertaining characters. It's about two people choosing each other over and over and building a solid bond.
There is a lot of transphobia in the book, because the world is truly awful to trans people, particularly trans women. While Massey doesn't shy away from it—and the varying kinds of prejudice trans people experience—Sydney has a rock solid support system, and finds a partner in Matts (who has come SUCH a long way since the first book holy shit).
The one thing that didn't really work for me is that Sydney and Matts are supposed to be 21-23ish, but they act like they are in their mid to late twenties.
Anywho, if you liked the other books in the series, you'll like this one. It's a bit of a departure from hockey (okay, the books aren't really about hockey anyway) and it has such a great depiction of trying your best and still losing and then recovering and doing it all over again.
Also: so much Shakespeare.
Also: truth bombs:
I want the himbos the appliance world. Big. Stupid. Pretty. Easy to maintain. Indestructible.
"I think it's just called denial," Eli says."
A trans rock star and a cis hockey player find connection in a slow-burn romance. Lots of music, lots of horses, lots of family and love.
"You planning to actually make a move at some point, or just keep doing less and less platonic shit until one of you caves and admits your feelings?"
This is a book based solely on vibes alone. The plot? Nonexistent, really. The tension? There's no third act break-up—the majority of the tension is from two very isolated people who have never been loved trying to find love and a way that will no cause harm to each other. The writing? Not lyrical, but catches in a style similar to Casey McQuiston (lots of tell and show) that really works for me.
Free From Falling was such an emotional book for me, like one of Sydney's really great hugs. You go in for the comfort and coziness, and stay for the fun dialogue and entertaining characters. It's about two people choosing each other over and over and building a solid bond.
There is a lot of transphobia in the book, because the world is truly awful to trans people, particularly trans women. While Massey doesn't shy away from it—and the varying kinds of prejudice trans people experience—Sydney has a rock solid support system, and finds a partner in Matts (who has come SUCH a long way since the first book holy shit).
The one thing that didn't really work for me is that Sydney and Matts are supposed to be 21-23ish, but they act like they are in their mid to late twenties.
Anywho, if you liked the other books in the series, you'll like this one. It's a bit of a departure from hockey (okay, the books aren't really about hockey anyway) and it has such a great depiction of trying your best and still losing and then recovering and doing it all over again.
Also: so much Shakespeare.
Also: truth bombs:
I want the himbos the appliance world. Big. Stupid. Pretty. Easy to maintain. Indestructible.
April 2, 2025
And just like that. All the sudden I am into hockey romance.
5 ⭐️. No notes. Absolutely perfect in every way.
Incredible banter, I was extremely giddy from Matts and Syd’s connection. I love them sm 🥹
I would like to take this time to thank my friend Helen for this rec because I really REALLY love this book!! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (Yes I read the 4th book first)
5 ⭐️. No notes. Absolutely perfect in every way.
Incredible banter, I was extremely giddy from Matts and Syd’s connection. I love them sm 🥹
I would like to take this time to thank my friend Helen for this rec because I really REALLY love this book!! Looking forward to reading the rest of the series. (Yes I read the 4th book first)
March 23, 2025
4.25★
This was such a cute and funny read, it definitely exceeded my expectations.
I love Sydney. She's so funny, ambitious, and bold. Matts was adorable and totally complemented her. It was really interesting to see this mix of up-and-coming musician versus high status athlete and the melding of those worlds. Also there were horses! Horse girls rejoice (me).
It was really cute to see their relationship grow while also handling some deeper topics from their past experiences.
Definitely a cute and mostly lighthearted queer romance read.
This was such a cute and funny read, it definitely exceeded my expectations.
I love Sydney. She's so funny, ambitious, and bold. Matts was adorable and totally complemented her. It was really interesting to see this mix of up-and-coming musician versus high status athlete and the melding of those worlds. Also there were horses! Horse girls rejoice (me).
It was really cute to see their relationship grow while also handling some deeper topics from their past experiences.
Definitely a cute and mostly lighthearted queer romance read.
June 7, 2025
I'm Biased. E.L. Massey's writing always does something to my heart. So how can I not be biased..
December 1, 2024
I have approximately one hundred million thoughts about how much I love this series and especially this impeccable final book but here are two that I can actually put into words instead of just screeching like a fucking pterodactyl (which I will be doing for the rest of time):
1) I don't want love if it's not like what E.L.Massey makes me believe it is with this series
2) you can't convince me this book wasn't at least in part inspired by Taylor Swift's The Prophecy, mainly
"Please I've been on my knees / change the prophecy / don't want money just someone who wants my company / let it once be me who do I have to speak to / about if they can redo the prophecy" 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
1) I don't want love if it's not like what E.L.Massey makes me believe it is with this series
2) you can't convince me this book wasn't at least in part inspired by Taylor Swift's The Prophecy, mainly
"Please I've been on my knees / change the prophecy / don't want money just someone who wants my company / let it once be me who do I have to speak to / about if they can redo the prophecy" 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
March 26, 2025
I am so sad this is over. I will be thinking about this book for months.
February 7, 2025
Oh my GOOOODDDDDD this author can seriously DO NO WRONG. NONE.
The love I have for this series is unmatched-- and "Free From Falling" is no exception. Holy HELL this was good- how Matts-- our naive, sheltered token redneck who went from homophobe to ally in Eli and Alex's books, came to fall in love with Sydney-- a trans woman and UP AND COMING ROCK STAR.... I mean-- the concept is awesome but seemed impossible. But IT ABSOLUTELY SLAYED. It was swoony.... Matts was PERFECT IN EVERY SINGLE WAY... and Sydney is the girl we all want to be and at the very least, want to be besties with. And the two of them together? Sigh. It was insanely good.
I saw some other reviewers call this "friends to lovers..." which-- yes? But I also feel that this was a prime example of "instalove-" or "insta-attraction-" done right. This is a really hard trope to nail in my mind- it can often feel cheesy or forced- but I absolutely LOVED the way that Matts was so head over heels for Sydney literally from the moment he saw her. One glimpse- and that was it. He was a goner. Which is saying a lot for a guy who barely has any romantic history to speak of.
This writer's execution is perfection- the way she writes, and I have said this in all of my other reviews so far- works so well for me. It is third-person present DONE RIGHT- and the blunt, snarky tone just causes me to laugh constantly. I feel like I am either giggling or swooning the entire time, and so much of it has to do with the way the characters are written.
"Hi," Matts says. "I'm Matts. I play hockey with Eli's husband. Eli says I'm not allowed to talk to you because you'll eat me alive."
We get lots and lots of Eli-- quite a bit of all the Hell Hounds, actually-- which made my fangirl heart SO HAPPY. Eli and Sydney are tight after they met at a convention for... vloggers? Famous young things?? -- and that is how Matts and Sydney meet- through Eli. We also get to meet Sydney's parents, brother and her bandmates-- her inner circle- and I came to love and adore them as a new supporting cast of characters who reminded me of the Hell Hounds with their banter and their unwavering devotion and loyalty to one another.
There is something really, really special about the way that Matts and Sydney's connection formed here. I thought that Erica did an INSANELY good job depicting Matts- he is most likely a man with undiagnosed autism of some kind, which has affected the way he communicates and his social interactions. Sydney, on the other hand, is about as extroverted as it gets and has built a shell around herself, protecting her heart from the world- as an out trans woman who is the lead singer of a famous band, she is constantly scrutinized and judged. The way all of this factors into their slow and steady segway into getting to know one another is really so beautiful.
"She's managing him, he realizes, giving him space to feel without scrutiny. Distracting him with a simple, manual task- one he can complete with tangible success within a few minutes. Praising him for completing it well. Filling, just a little, the empty well of failure in his chest. She knows him. And it feels good to be known."
Music plays a huge role in this story- obviously, music is at they very core of Sydney's soul- but what we don't learn about Matts in the earlier books is that he, too is a talented musician. He plays guitar and sings-and the way they bond unexpectedly over the shared passion made my heart do a LOT of things. We have emotional song lyrics written for one another, pining into all hours of the night while listening, and bonding with loved ones through music.
"It's not often that Sydney's feelings intercede when she's performing. She's usually too practiced for that, and it's not like the lyrics even particularly resonate with her. But by the end, with Matts's low, rich voice layered with hers, her throat feels hot and raw with an emotion she can't name. Want, maybe. Though what she wants, she isn't sure."
Circumstances for both of them mean that this isn't something to be rushed, so the friendship that forms first is such an amazing one. They both travel constantly, Matts for hockey and Sydney on tour- so a lot of their communication takes place over text and phone calls. Matts uses conversation cards to ask Sydney questions to help him get to know her better.. which was SO DAMN ENDEARING and pretty much the sweetest thing I have ever heard. The attraction is raging for both of them, but neither is brave enough to make the first step into admitting there is something more there- both are afraid of rejection, for very different reasons- and because they have gotten so close, the stakes are high- neither one wants to risk their friendship unless it's a sure thing.
This book is EXCITING- I mean, Sydney is a ROCK STAR- and riding along with her for that journey was so much fun. I loved it. We have some absolutely INCREDIBLE grand gestures here- more than grand?? Over the moon, incredible amazing gestures that took my breath away and had me crying along with Sydney... it was romance done right-- I dare you to read this book and not swoon your face off over these two. It is impossible.
I also need to applaud this author for the way she depicted Sydney- yes, Sydney is a trans woman. But rather than that be the focus- it is just a part of her, not ALL of her--and the sensitivity with which she approached that was perfect. There was amazingly upfront communication between Sydney and Matts regarding sex, and what Sydney being trans meant for that part of their relationship. I mean- it may have been uncomfortable for Sydney, who had to print out examples and have Matts read them when she wasn't around-- but the way that he approached his "homework-" and even went out of his way to research in a totally different way- I giggled, I swooned and I just fell so in love with him. Sydney- we can fight over Matts, okay?! Because THAT MAN IS DREAMY.
Bravo to E.L. Massey for another hit- I have nothing but stars in my eyes for ALL of the books in this series. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
The love I have for this series is unmatched-- and "Free From Falling" is no exception. Holy HELL this was good- how Matts-- our naive, sheltered token redneck who went from homophobe to ally in Eli and Alex's books, came to fall in love with Sydney-- a trans woman and UP AND COMING ROCK STAR.... I mean-- the concept is awesome but seemed impossible. But IT ABSOLUTELY SLAYED. It was swoony.... Matts was PERFECT IN EVERY SINGLE WAY... and Sydney is the girl we all want to be and at the very least, want to be besties with. And the two of them together? Sigh. It was insanely good.
I saw some other reviewers call this "friends to lovers..." which-- yes? But I also feel that this was a prime example of "instalove-" or "insta-attraction-" done right. This is a really hard trope to nail in my mind- it can often feel cheesy or forced- but I absolutely LOVED the way that Matts was so head over heels for Sydney literally from the moment he saw her. One glimpse- and that was it. He was a goner. Which is saying a lot for a guy who barely has any romantic history to speak of.
This writer's execution is perfection- the way she writes, and I have said this in all of my other reviews so far- works so well for me. It is third-person present DONE RIGHT- and the blunt, snarky tone just causes me to laugh constantly. I feel like I am either giggling or swooning the entire time, and so much of it has to do with the way the characters are written.
"Hi," Matts says. "I'm Matts. I play hockey with Eli's husband. Eli says I'm not allowed to talk to you because you'll eat me alive."
We get lots and lots of Eli-- quite a bit of all the Hell Hounds, actually-- which made my fangirl heart SO HAPPY. Eli and Sydney are tight after they met at a convention for... vloggers? Famous young things?? -- and that is how Matts and Sydney meet- through Eli. We also get to meet Sydney's parents, brother and her bandmates-- her inner circle- and I came to love and adore them as a new supporting cast of characters who reminded me of the Hell Hounds with their banter and their unwavering devotion and loyalty to one another.
There is something really, really special about the way that Matts and Sydney's connection formed here. I thought that Erica did an INSANELY good job depicting Matts- he is most likely a man with undiagnosed autism of some kind, which has affected the way he communicates and his social interactions. Sydney, on the other hand, is about as extroverted as it gets and has built a shell around herself, protecting her heart from the world- as an out trans woman who is the lead singer of a famous band, she is constantly scrutinized and judged. The way all of this factors into their slow and steady segway into getting to know one another is really so beautiful.
"She's managing him, he realizes, giving him space to feel without scrutiny. Distracting him with a simple, manual task- one he can complete with tangible success within a few minutes. Praising him for completing it well. Filling, just a little, the empty well of failure in his chest. She knows him. And it feels good to be known."
Music plays a huge role in this story- obviously, music is at they very core of Sydney's soul- but what we don't learn about Matts in the earlier books is that he, too is a talented musician. He plays guitar and sings-and the way they bond unexpectedly over the shared passion made my heart do a LOT of things. We have emotional song lyrics written for one another, pining into all hours of the night while listening, and bonding with loved ones through music.
"It's not often that Sydney's feelings intercede when she's performing. She's usually too practiced for that, and it's not like the lyrics even particularly resonate with her. But by the end, with Matts's low, rich voice layered with hers, her throat feels hot and raw with an emotion she can't name. Want, maybe. Though what she wants, she isn't sure."
Circumstances for both of them mean that this isn't something to be rushed, so the friendship that forms first is such an amazing one. They both travel constantly, Matts for hockey and Sydney on tour- so a lot of their communication takes place over text and phone calls. Matts uses conversation cards to ask Sydney questions to help him get to know her better.. which was SO DAMN ENDEARING and pretty much the sweetest thing I have ever heard. The attraction is raging for both of them, but neither is brave enough to make the first step into admitting there is something more there- both are afraid of rejection, for very different reasons- and because they have gotten so close, the stakes are high- neither one wants to risk their friendship unless it's a sure thing.
This book is EXCITING- I mean, Sydney is a ROCK STAR- and riding along with her for that journey was so much fun. I loved it. We have some absolutely INCREDIBLE grand gestures here- more than grand?? Over the moon, incredible amazing gestures that took my breath away and had me crying along with Sydney... it was romance done right-- I dare you to read this book and not swoon your face off over these two. It is impossible.
I also need to applaud this author for the way she depicted Sydney- yes, Sydney is a trans woman. But rather than that be the focus- it is just a part of her, not ALL of her--and the sensitivity with which she approached that was perfect. There was amazingly upfront communication between Sydney and Matts regarding sex, and what Sydney being trans meant for that part of their relationship. I mean- it may have been uncomfortable for Sydney, who had to print out examples and have Matts read them when she wasn't around-- but the way that he approached his "homework-" and even went out of his way to research in a totally different way- I giggled, I swooned and I just fell so in love with him. Sydney- we can fight over Matts, okay?! Because THAT MAN IS DREAMY.
Bravo to E.L. Massey for another hit- I have nothing but stars in my eyes for ALL of the books in this series. I cannot wait to see what this author does next!
December 31, 2024
I'm smitten with how much Matts and Sydney were smitten with each other! So much sweet, ooey-gooey smittenness! This was such a sweet book and a great end to a fantastic series.
*Points gained for the Houston rep. Points nearly lost for the Dallas rep, but I'm willing to forgive since their gayborhood sounds cooler than ours.
*Points gained for the Houston rep. Points nearly lost for the Dallas rep, but I'm willing to forgive since their gayborhood sounds cooler than ours.
March 31, 2025
I literally couldn't put this book down. It's been incredible to watch Matt's growth across this series, and i found him even more endearing in this book. I could not be more obsessed with this fictional hockey team if i tried <3
August 3, 2025
I struggled the most with this one at parts (neurodivergence isn’t an excuse for homophobia/not knowing right from wrong & the literary references were a lot at times) but the story is solid and the ending is sickly sweet and I love this series so much I’m probably going to reread within the year.
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