What do you think?
Rate this book
Breakaway #1
Like Real People Do
Nineteen-year-old hockey phenom Alexander Price is the youngest-ever captain in the NHL. With a polarizing social media presence and a predilection for dirty play, he typifies the stereotype of young, out-of-control athlete. But away from the cameras, Alex is a kid with an anxiety disorder and the expectations of an expansion franchise on his shoulders. And maybe he tries too hard to fit the part of asshole playboy, but it’s better than the alternative; in his line of work, gay is the punchline of an insult, not something he can be.
Eighteen-year-old vlogger Elijah Rodriguez is a freshman in college recovering from an injury that derailed his Olympic figure-skating dreams. Mixed-race, disabled, and out of the closet since he was fourteen, Eli is unapologetically himself. He has no qualms about voicing his disapproval of celebrity jocks who make homophobic jokes on Twitter and park their flashy cars in the handicapped spaces outside of ice rinks.
After an antagonistic introduction, Alex and Eli’s inexplicable friendship both baffles and charms the internet. But navigating relationships is hard enough for normal teenagers. It’s a lot harder when the world—much of it disapproving—is watching you fall in love with your best friend.
Eighteen-year-old vlogger Elijah Rodriguez is a freshman in college recovering from an injury that derailed his Olympic figure-skating dreams. Mixed-race, disabled, and out of the closet since he was fourteen, Eli is unapologetically himself. He has no qualms about voicing his disapproval of celebrity jocks who make homophobic jokes on Twitter and park their flashy cars in the handicapped spaces outside of ice rinks.
After an antagonistic introduction, Alex and Eli’s inexplicable friendship both baffles and charms the internet. But navigating relationships is hard enough for normal teenagers. It’s a lot harder when the world—much of it disapproving—is watching you fall in love with your best friend.
383 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 23, 2022
About the author
E.L. Massey
4 books1,200 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/
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,856 reviews
May 1, 2023
This is such a wonderful, heartwarming and uplifting story. I can't even express how adorable Eli and Alex are. And funny. And kind. I loved them. Their friendship is the cutest and the slow burn is perfect. All the side characters are pretty great, too.
The premise might not sound that original, but what sets this book apart is the writing style. I enjoyed it so much – the dialogues, the humor and an excellent representation of Eli's disability and Alex's mental health. This book made me realize just how amazing service dogs are. Ok, and grumpy cats, too.
Was everything in the story realistic? Probably not. And there's not much of a plot, so the story feels longer than it is. But that didn't affect my enjoyment at all. I appreciated that there was no drama and no miscommunication. Also no steam, but so many feelings.
The premise might not sound that original, but what sets this book apart is the writing style. I enjoyed it so much – the dialogues, the humor and an excellent representation of Eli's disability and Alex's mental health. This book made me realize just how amazing service dogs are. Ok, and grumpy cats, too.
Was everything in the story realistic? Probably not. And there's not much of a plot, so the story feels longer than it is. But that didn't affect my enjoyment at all. I appreciated that there was no drama and no miscommunication. Also no steam, but so many feelings.
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1779381768i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
July 9, 2023
"You all right?" Eli asks, bumping his knuckles against Alex's.
Alex catches Eli's wrist before he can retreat, turns Eli's hand so he can press his thumb gently to the center of his palm. He traces the lines there—the indentations he can feel but not see. He slides their fingers together, and they mesh like a habit.
alex and eli had me giggling, smiling and laughing all throughout the book. how could i not give it 5 stars? 😩🥺
Alex catches Eli's wrist before he can retreat, turns Eli's hand so he can press his thumb gently to the center of his palm. He traces the lines there—the indentations he can feel but not see. He slides their fingers together, and they mesh like a habit.
alex and eli had me giggling, smiling and laughing all throughout the book. how could i not give it 5 stars? 😩🥺
January 8, 2023
I ended 2021 with Thrown Off the Ice, a devastating and gorgeous hockey story. I was perplexed by how fast I pushed that five-star button and added the book to my most favorite shelf. Now I’m equally perplexed that 2022 ended exactly the same way with Like Real People Do.
The two books have so much in common, a hockey/skating romance, the third person present tense (fanfic) writing, a witty and sometimes heartbreaking story, and most of all, full of warmth and love that penetrates deep into your heart. Like Real People Do is just the happier, sweeter, and less steamy version of Thrown Off the Ice.
I fell in love with Eli and Alex from the first page. Smiles danced on my face whenever they had a conversation, I wanted to pet Hawk so badly (even though I know I shouldn’t), and OMG, all those fantastic side characters, I loved them all so much. Like Real People Do is a true comfort read that makes you forget all the (potential) shittiness in your life. It’s a warm blanket, an arm around your shoulder, a hug from a dear friend. And no necessary third-act breakup. So happy about it! Be aware, though, that there’s a tiny HP reference.
I can’t wait for the sequel and all the other books Erica Massey might write in the future. If you haven’t read this one yet, buy a copy now. It’s so worth reading!
The two books have so much in common, a hockey/skating romance, the third person present tense (fanfic) writing, a witty and sometimes heartbreaking story, and most of all, full of warmth and love that penetrates deep into your heart. Like Real People Do is just the happier, sweeter, and less steamy version of Thrown Off the Ice.
I fell in love with Eli and Alex from the first page. Smiles danced on my face whenever they had a conversation, I wanted to pet Hawk so badly (even though I know I shouldn’t), and OMG, all those fantastic side characters, I loved them all so much. Like Real People Do is a true comfort read that makes you forget all the (potential) shittiness in your life. It’s a warm blanket, an arm around your shoulder, a hug from a dear friend. And no necessary third-act breakup. So happy about it! Be aware, though, that there’s a tiny HP reference.
I can’t wait for the sequel and all the other books Erica Massey might write in the future. If you haven’t read this one yet, buy a copy now. It’s so worth reading!
November 7, 2023
I think by now no one is surprised by another 5 stars rating, I don’t think the book has many less then 4 stars ratings,to be honest.
I wasn’t impressed at first, it’s actually my second try with this book and the opening scene was still unconvincing. The dialogue seemed childish, Eli seemed prickly, judgmental and condescending and Alex seemed kind of dumb. It felt fluffy and light like any other rom com . I persisted this time though, because so many of my friends here nudged me to read it . And then things happened in the book and Eli became more endearing, Alex was even more endearing and I cried a bit and laughed a bit and got emotional here and there and I wanted it to never end. . And I realized that there’s no way I could give this book less than 5 stars .
This book DESERVES 5 stars and it’s not only because of its romance (which is fabulous ) but also because of all the side characters. I’ve never read a book where the side characters stole the show. Kuzy, Jeff, Rushy, Rad, Matts, Asher, Jo, Cody, Cody’s mom, Eli’s parents They were…something else. They’re the kind of ppl I’d like to be friends with and have around and they made this book unique and charming. I don’t think there’s any character I didn’t love ..oh wait. Yeah, Eli’s sister was obnoxious and I wanted to smack her upside the head . LoL
Of course, Alex and Eli are amazing too , they’re simply boyfriends goals though to be honest they don’t read 18-19 years old , they read older like..25-26 (I mean we all read college age MM and this is not how 19 years old act lol )
I absolutely can’t wait to pick up the next book (I was a bit shocked when I turned the page and realized it was the last one 🤣)
Is this book life-like and realistic? No. Is it all too good to be true and totally idealistic? Yes. Is it totally light, no angst feel good? Yes yes and yes. Sometimes it felt OTT and silly and sometimes it hit you with something deep and emotional . I wanna dream of a world like that, where there’s more allies than homophobes and where 19 years old guys are mature and know how to communicate and how to be caring and romantic and where there is no unnecessary drama.
So yeah, if you haven’t read this book DO IT! Don’t be stubborn like me. The writing is good, the dialogues funny, the side characters will make you happy and the romance will make you SWOON.
I wasn’t impressed at first, it’s actually my second try with this book and the opening scene was still unconvincing. The dialogue seemed childish, Eli seemed prickly, judgmental and condescending and Alex seemed kind of dumb. It felt fluffy and light like any other rom com . I persisted this time though, because so many of my friends here nudged me to read it . And then things happened in the book and Eli became more endearing, Alex was even more endearing and I cried a bit and laughed a bit and got emotional here and there and I wanted it to never end. . And I realized that there’s no way I could give this book less than 5 stars .
This book DESERVES 5 stars and it’s not only because of its romance (which is fabulous ) but also because of all the side characters. I’ve never read a book where the side characters stole the show. Kuzy, Jeff, Rushy, Rad, Matts, Asher, Jo, Cody, Cody’s mom, Eli’s parents They were…something else. They’re the kind of ppl I’d like to be friends with and have around and they made this book unique and charming. I don’t think there’s any character I didn’t love ..oh wait. Yeah, Eli’s sister was obnoxious and I wanted to smack her upside the head . LoL
Of course, Alex and Eli are amazing too , they’re simply boyfriends goals though to be honest they don’t read 18-19 years old , they read older like..25-26 (I mean we all read college age MM and this is not how 19 years old act lol )
I absolutely can’t wait to pick up the next book (I was a bit shocked when I turned the page and realized it was the last one 🤣)
Is this book life-like and realistic? No. Is it all too good to be true and totally idealistic? Yes. Is it totally light, no angst feel good? Yes yes and yes. Sometimes it felt OTT and silly and sometimes it hit you with something deep and emotional . I wanna dream of a world like that, where there’s more allies than homophobes and where 19 years old guys are mature and know how to communicate and how to be caring and romantic and where there is no unnecessary drama.
So yeah, if you haven’t read this book DO IT! Don’t be stubborn like me. The writing is good, the dialogues funny, the side characters will make you happy and the romance will make you SWOON.
August 20, 2026
3.5 stars rounded up!!
This book was like a warm hug from your favorite person🥹 Just so sweet, cute and wholesome🫂🫂 I loved Eli and Alex but ESPECIALLY Alex😭 He was such a bumbling pookie bear😭 All the little things he did to make Eli feel as comfortable as possible were so so sweet!! He had such big feelings and he just didn't know what to do with all of them 😅
I also LOVEDDDDD the side characters! They added so much depth and humor to the book and I loved their relationships with each other🫂 I loved the diversity and representation here from POC to mental health awareness too.
I'm not usually in the cozy slice of life mood, but this book is perfect for when you're in the mood for something light and breezy and JUST SO STINKING ADORABLE YOU WANT TO RIP A TEDDY BEAR'S HEAD OFF WITH YOUR TEETH👹👹 too far?? maybe.. possibly.. but whatever😅 Will def read the rest when I am back in the cutesy fluffy mood💖
____________________________________________________________
pre-read:
In need of something cute and fluffy before my lightbringer reread inevitably shatters my will to live🥰
This book was like a warm hug from your favorite person🥹 Just so sweet, cute and wholesome🫂🫂 I loved Eli and Alex but ESPECIALLY Alex😭 He was such a bumbling pookie bear😭 All the little things he did to make Eli feel as comfortable as possible were so so sweet!! He had such big feelings and he just didn't know what to do with all of them 😅
I also LOVEDDDDD the side characters! They added so much depth and humor to the book and I loved their relationships with each other🫂 I loved the diversity and representation here from POC to mental health awareness too.
I'm not usually in the cozy slice of life mood, but this book is perfect for when you're in the mood for something light and breezy and JUST SO STINKING ADORABLE YOU WANT TO RIP A TEDDY BEAR'S HEAD OFF WITH YOUR TEETH👹👹 too far?? maybe.. possibly.. but whatever😅 Will def read the rest when I am back in the cutesy fluffy mood💖
____________________________________________________________
pre-read:
In need of something cute and fluffy before my lightbringer reread inevitably shatters my will to live🥰
April 28, 2026
love love love this book still upon reread. though i do wish the ending was a little sweeter/more complete? i know there's a book 2 with this couple but it still felt strangely abrupt.
November 26, 2025
I’m going to be a little controversial and admit that I’m one of the few people who didn’t rate this a full five stars (I’m SO sorry! I feel like I’m about the only one not to adore this 😂).
That said, I completely understand why so many readers loved it. Eli and Alex are very sweet together, and I often caught myself smiling while listening to the audiobook (which was wonderfully narrated). I just think it was a bit TOO wholesome for my taste, the kind of sweetness that almost makes your teeth hurt, and the storyline felt a little TOO idealistic at times. The Louboutin plotline also didn’t really flip my switch and that was a REGULAR plot line.
Still, I can absolutely see the value of a story like this in the YA space. It offers queer teens a tender romance with strong disability and mental-health representation, and characters who, while imperfect, confront their internalised biases, work through personal challenges, and ultimately get a happy ending.
Finding out this began as published fan fiction makes a lot of sense to me (no insult intended). The narrative had that slightly episodic pacing you often see in fanfic, which can feel noticeable when it transitions into an original novel. There wasn’t much of an overarching plot, giving it an almost “slice of life” feel, though I’m not sure I’d fully classify it as that either.
The use of side characters also felt a bit odd; such as Eli’s female friends who are introduced early on only to never reappear, and Eli’s sister, who only shows up near the end having never been mentioned before despite there being flashbacks to Eli and Cody’s childhood. I think potentially the only female characters who get more than a cursory mention in this world are Jessica the PR girl and Annika, Alex’s therapist and they both exist solely as voices on the phone.
Still, all in all, a very sweet and wholesome romance if you are in the mood for something that will give you brain a little forehead kissy. It might have been a 3.5 star read for me but all the good communication skills demonstrated here by Alex and Eli lead me to feel generous and to round up.
That said, I completely understand why so many readers loved it. Eli and Alex are very sweet together, and I often caught myself smiling while listening to the audiobook (which was wonderfully narrated). I just think it was a bit TOO wholesome for my taste, the kind of sweetness that almost makes your teeth hurt, and the storyline felt a little TOO idealistic at times. The Louboutin plotline also didn’t really flip my switch and that was a REGULAR plot line.
Still, I can absolutely see the value of a story like this in the YA space. It offers queer teens a tender romance with strong disability and mental-health representation, and characters who, while imperfect, confront their internalised biases, work through personal challenges, and ultimately get a happy ending.
Finding out this began as published fan fiction makes a lot of sense to me (no insult intended). The narrative had that slightly episodic pacing you often see in fanfic, which can feel noticeable when it transitions into an original novel. There wasn’t much of an overarching plot, giving it an almost “slice of life” feel, though I’m not sure I’d fully classify it as that either.
The use of side characters also felt a bit odd; such as Eli’s female friends who are introduced early on only to never reappear, and Eli’s sister, who only shows up near the end having never been mentioned before despite there being flashbacks to Eli and Cody’s childhood. I think potentially the only female characters who get more than a cursory mention in this world are Jessica the PR girl and Annika, Alex’s therapist and they both exist solely as voices on the phone.
Still, all in all, a very sweet and wholesome romance if you are in the mood for something that will give you brain a little forehead kissy. It might have been a 3.5 star read for me but all the good communication skills demonstrated here by Alex and Eli lead me to feel generous and to round up.
December 30, 2025
Reread 12/2025.
Heartwarming comfort read.
"I was so lonely before you. Except I didn't even realize I was lonely. I thought that was the way I was supposed to be."
Oh Alex.. 🥹
-------------------------
Reread 12/2024.
My christmas gift to me was planning to reread E.L. Massey's beautiful first 3 books, and then to read the newest release.
It's going splendidly so far.
Still love Eli and Alex and their friends a lot.
I loved to catch a glimpse of Matts, who's going to be one of the MCs in the 4. book.
----------------
rerad 03/2023
Love this sweet, positive, and generally amazing book. Although I just read it like 6 weeks ago, I had such a lovely time rereading it.
Everything I said after reading it the first time is still valid (obviously minus the time it took me to get into the story).
5 stars (now onto the sequel, yay!)
------
02/2023
Such a lovely book!
Sweet but not overly so, with an amazing set of characters, much diversity and a beautifully developed relationship.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but soon I didn't want to put it down, I loved it so much!
I loved watching Alex and Eli go from being tentatively friends to boyfriends, they had so much chemistry, there were so much feelings (and they even talked about them! ), it felt like a warm hug.
I'll definitely read this again, soon.
Hopefully the second book will come out soon, too, but since there's no cliffhanger, and the books ends at a comfortable "happy for now and hopefully much more" moment, I need the second book just to spend more time with everyone 💕
5 stars.
Heartwarming comfort read.
"I was so lonely before you. Except I didn't even realize I was lonely. I thought that was the way I was supposed to be."
Oh Alex.. 🥹
-------------------------
Reread 12/2024.
My christmas gift to me was planning to reread E.L. Massey's beautiful first 3 books, and then to read the newest release.
It's going splendidly so far.
Still love Eli and Alex and their friends a lot.
I loved to catch a glimpse of Matts, who's going to be one of the MCs in the 4. book.
----------------
rerad 03/2023
Love this sweet, positive, and generally amazing book. Although I just read it like 6 weeks ago, I had such a lovely time rereading it.
Everything I said after reading it the first time is still valid (obviously minus the time it took me to get into the story).
5 stars (now onto the sequel, yay!)
------
02/2023
Such a lovely book!
Sweet but not overly so, with an amazing set of characters, much diversity and a beautifully developed relationship.
It took me a bit to get into the story, but soon I didn't want to put it down, I loved it so much!
I loved watching Alex and Eli go from being tentatively friends to boyfriends, they had so much chemistry, there were so much feelings (and they even talked about them! ), it felt like a warm hug.
I'll definitely read this again, soon.
Hopefully the second book will come out soon, too, but since there's no cliffhanger, and the books ends at a comfortable "happy for now and hopefully much more" moment, I need the second book just to spend more time with everyone 💕
5 stars.
April 22, 2025
Come on, guys. Of course I completely adored this. Was there even any doubt?🥰
I’m quite late to this series of YA contemporary hockey romance but I’m glad I waited for the right mood to hit so I could properly appreciate it because now I’m ready to join you all in loving the shit out of this because 👁️👄👁️
Oh yeah, this won’t be the most coherent review because I’m just so full of FEELS. Pauline, thank you for joining me for this, because otherwise I would just stay a goo if I couldn’t vent all those “awws” to someone, love you girl! ❤️
This book is pure comforting bliss, with a full cast of lovable characters that made me want to be a part of their rag-tag group of friends/teammates that feels like one big family. You want to read something that feels like you’re being wrapped in a fluffy blanket and handed a hot chocolate full of marshmallows you didn’t even know you needed? This is it, this is the book. Sweet without being overly so.
God I love them all. And by that, I mean Alex, especially because he’s such a selfless, self-reflective, self-aware, anxious MESS of a boy that needs to be protected at all costs. He was so painfully relatable, my heart was stolen by him immediately.
But honestly, I could recall any of them and their names would make me smile. And I may be a complete cat-person, but Hawk?? Queen. Absolute queen, the bestest girl ever 🥰
I would also like to add one more hashtag to the myriad that already appeared in the book. It’s vital for me to mention. #jeffforpresident because I may adore Alex, but Jeff Cooper? The most beautiful human being that I need in my life, preferably as an older brother. If anyone knows where I can order one of him, hit me up, I’ll pay in organs I can spare 😳
The romance part... how do I even explain myself properly? Honestly, I blame Alex. He is written so damn well that guys, I don’t even care that much about him getting together will Eli specifically. He could’ve been with James or Kuzy or Jeff for all I care - if any of them meant romantic happiness for Alex, I would be down for it. That’s why I wasn’t particularly excited about Alex/Eli. I was excited about anything that had the potential to make Alex happy - and that ended up being Eli, so I’m rooting for them 😌 (I’m not kidding when I say I play favorites!)
The writing fits the story so beautifully. It’s not overly descriptive or lyrical and refined, but it’s just so lovely and real.
And the representation, maan! Give me all the rep that’s included seamlessly with no “ticking off the boxes” feeling - queer, disability, anxiety, and especially what I call “being a decent human being” rep because you can never have enough of that!
I’m so glad I have three more books like this. And after them... I’ll come begging for recs with similar comforting vibes, lovable characters, no frustrating miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. Because we all need such stories in our lives. Especially now ❤️❤️
I’m quite late to this series of YA contemporary hockey romance but I’m glad I waited for the right mood to hit so I could properly appreciate it because now I’m ready to join you all in loving the shit out of this because 👁️👄👁️
Oh yeah, this won’t be the most coherent review because I’m just so full of FEELS. Pauline, thank you for joining me for this, because otherwise I would just stay a goo if I couldn’t vent all those “awws” to someone, love you girl! ❤️
This book is pure comforting bliss, with a full cast of lovable characters that made me want to be a part of their rag-tag group of friends/teammates that feels like one big family. You want to read something that feels like you’re being wrapped in a fluffy blanket and handed a hot chocolate full of marshmallows you didn’t even know you needed? This is it, this is the book. Sweet without being overly so.
God I love them all. And by that, I mean Alex, especially because he’s such a selfless, self-reflective, self-aware, anxious MESS of a boy that needs to be protected at all costs. He was so painfully relatable, my heart was stolen by him immediately.
But honestly, I could recall any of them and their names would make me smile. And I may be a complete cat-person, but Hawk?? Queen. Absolute queen, the bestest girl ever 🥰
I would also like to add one more hashtag to the myriad that already appeared in the book. It’s vital for me to mention. #jeffforpresident because I may adore Alex, but Jeff Cooper? The most beautiful human being that I need in my life, preferably as an older brother. If anyone knows where I can order one of him, hit me up, I’ll pay in organs I can spare 😳
The romance part... how do I even explain myself properly? Honestly, I blame Alex. He is written so damn well that guys, I don’t even care that much about him getting together will Eli specifically. He could’ve been with James or Kuzy or Jeff for all I care - if any of them meant romantic happiness for Alex, I would be down for it. That’s why I wasn’t particularly excited about Alex/Eli. I was excited about anything that had the potential to make Alex happy - and that ended up being Eli, so I’m rooting for them 😌 (I’m not kidding when I say I play favorites!)
The writing fits the story so beautifully. It’s not overly descriptive or lyrical and refined, but it’s just so lovely and real.
And the representation, maan! Give me all the rep that’s included seamlessly with no “ticking off the boxes” feeling - queer, disability, anxiety, and especially what I call “being a decent human being” rep because you can never have enough of that!
I’m so glad I have three more books like this. And after them... I’ll come begging for recs with similar comforting vibes, lovable characters, no frustrating miscommunication, no unnecessary drama. Because we all need such stories in our lives. Especially now ❤️❤️
August 9, 2026
• m/m • hockey • YA •
Oh. My heart.
This book. I don’t even know what to say, but I started reading it, and I just knew right from the beginning that I was going to love it. You know when you get that feeling? And I just didn’t want it to end… 🥹
The characters, gah. I just loved them. Eli Rodriguez along with his service dog Hawke, is a freshman in college on the figure skating team.
And Alex Price, youngest NHL captain, who is a lot more than his surface level ‘dumpster-fire-child’ hockey bro public persona.
After a not-so-meet-cute. They strike an unlikely friendship. It becomes pretty clear to them that there’s chemistry there but Alex isn’t willing to be out. Eli isn’t willing to date someone in the closet. But this is ok, they can be friends…
This has got to be one of the most wholesomely endearing stories I’ve read in a loooong while. The whole time I swear, I was deep, deeeeep in my feels. Chest bursting, glassy eyed, tears shed at the sheer genuine sweetness of it all.
Such an easy, zero-cringe, binge-worthy read.
Yahhh me too, Eli, me too 🥰🫠 (except the moment for me is an eternity)
See that puddle? That puddle is meeeeee 🫠🫠🫠😭
Someone pass me an entire box of tissues 😭
I can’t even deal.
A beautiful slow burn.
And don’t get me started on the friendship between Eli and his bff Cody, and the friendships between Alex (& Eli) and Alex’s teammates. Found family heaven I swear.
A million stars.
5⭐️
0🌶️ - but unending amounts of tender, heart squeezing moments.
Oh. My heart.
This book. I don’t even know what to say, but I started reading it, and I just knew right from the beginning that I was going to love it. You know when you get that feeling? And I just didn’t want it to end… 🥹
The characters, gah. I just loved them. Eli Rodriguez along with his service dog Hawke, is a freshman in college on the figure skating team.
And Alex Price, youngest NHL captain, who is a lot more than his surface level ‘dumpster-fire-child’ hockey bro public persona.
After a not-so-meet-cute. They strike an unlikely friendship. It becomes pretty clear to them that there’s chemistry there but Alex isn’t willing to be out. Eli isn’t willing to date someone in the closet. But this is ok, they can be friends…
This has got to be one of the most wholesomely endearing stories I’ve read in a loooong while. The whole time I swear, I was deep, deeeeep in my feels. Chest bursting, glassy eyed, tears shed at the sheer genuine sweetness of it all.
Such an easy, zero-cringe, binge-worthy read.
Eli is overcome with fondness for a moment.
Yahhh me too, Eli, me too 🥰🫠 (except the moment for me is an eternity)
Alex is looking at Eli as if he is the most beautiful thing he's ever seen. The expression of naked admiration on his face is-well, it certainly isn't something Jeff would post on Instagram.
Alex hands the phone back. "I didn't know I looked at him like that."
"You do,"
See that puddle? That puddle is meeeeee 🫠🫠🫠😭
What he feels for Eli is still scary. But a different kind.
A kind that might be worth it.
Someone pass me an entire box of tissues 😭
I can’t even deal.
A beautiful slow burn.
And don’t get me started on the friendship between Eli and his bff Cody, and the friendships between Alex (& Eli) and Alex’s teammates. Found family heaven I swear.
A million stars.
5⭐️
0🌶️ - but unending amounts of tender, heart squeezing moments.
October 15, 2022
This was really fun and cute and warm. Two very young men (eighteen and nineteen) meet and fall for each other in a slightly hapless and unintentional way, while fighting the idea.
Alex Price is an NHL player, already a star at 19, and earning the big bucks. But he's a bit of mess, hiding a lot of anxiety and immaturity, and his sexuality, under a veneer of confidence and good intentions that sometimes goes awry.
Eli Rodriguez was aiming for the Olympics when a drunk driver hit him. He had a long road back from his injuries, he's left with occasional seizures (helped by an adorable assistance dog) and skills that are not yet where he once was. But Eli doesn't spend a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. Instead he digs in with his skating, his classes, and a v-log he runs with his best friend Cody, about cooking.
One morning, Eli goes to watch the local NHL team players practice, hoping to meet Jeff Cooper - an ex star figure skater turned NHL player. He meets Cooper, and somehow, his banter with Coop ends up having Coop's teammate Alex asking him out on a non-date. What begins as a platonic friendship moves about the way you'd expect with two good-at-heart young gay men.
Alex is the bigger mess, despite Eli's injuries. Alex has major anxiety, a history of abandonment of various sorts, self-doubt, and way too much on his shoulders, especially since being named team captain (one of a few little unliklihoods of this book - talent is rarely the sole reason a captain is chosen, and the team has some awesome older mentors who would be much better candidates.) Alex has a history of ill-considered publicity, reckless behavior, too many penalties on the ice, and even a couple of homophobic comments. Eli thinks he should steer clear.
But Eli discovers that the man underneath the image of "Pricey, NHL captain" is a sweet, generous, uncertain, self-deprecating guy. With one big remaining flaw. He doesn't plan to ever leave the closet. Not till retirement, which at 19, he hopes is a couple of decades away.
Eli has been out for years, and he has no interest in a relationship he has to hide. Not even for a cute, clueless, needy, teddybear of a guy with a great kitchen, a temperamental cat, a love of Eli's dog, a skater's ass...
Well, maybe.
This is just fun, some lines that made me chuckle out loud, two guys I was pulling for, and just enough poignancy to tug a few heartstrings. The book ends on a HFN, and I'm delighted to see that a sequel with these guys is in the works. (There are some other possible spinoff couples I'd happily read, but I need more Eli and Alex first.) No heat, so suitable for YA so far. Not perfect, but made me want to read through in one shot, and left me smiling and wanting to hug the MCs, which makes it a 5-star read for me.
Alex Price is an NHL player, already a star at 19, and earning the big bucks. But he's a bit of mess, hiding a lot of anxiety and immaturity, and his sexuality, under a veneer of confidence and good intentions that sometimes goes awry.
Eli Rodriguez was aiming for the Olympics when a drunk driver hit him. He had a long road back from his injuries, he's left with occasional seizures (helped by an adorable assistance dog) and skills that are not yet where he once was. But Eli doesn't spend a lot of time feeling sorry for himself. Instead he digs in with his skating, his classes, and a v-log he runs with his best friend Cody, about cooking.
One morning, Eli goes to watch the local NHL team players practice, hoping to meet Jeff Cooper - an ex star figure skater turned NHL player. He meets Cooper, and somehow, his banter with Coop ends up having Coop's teammate Alex asking him out on a non-date. What begins as a platonic friendship moves about the way you'd expect with two good-at-heart young gay men.
Alex is the bigger mess, despite Eli's injuries. Alex has major anxiety, a history of abandonment of various sorts, self-doubt, and way too much on his shoulders, especially since being named team captain (one of a few little unliklihoods of this book - talent is rarely the sole reason a captain is chosen, and the team has some awesome older mentors who would be much better candidates.) Alex has a history of ill-considered publicity, reckless behavior, too many penalties on the ice, and even a couple of homophobic comments. Eli thinks he should steer clear.
But Eli discovers that the man underneath the image of "Pricey, NHL captain" is a sweet, generous, uncertain, self-deprecating guy. With one big remaining flaw. He doesn't plan to ever leave the closet. Not till retirement, which at 19, he hopes is a couple of decades away.
Eli has been out for years, and he has no interest in a relationship he has to hide. Not even for a cute, clueless, needy, teddybear of a guy with a great kitchen, a temperamental cat, a love of Eli's dog, a skater's ass...
Well, maybe.
This is just fun, some lines that made me chuckle out loud, two guys I was pulling for, and just enough poignancy to tug a few heartstrings. The book ends on a HFN, and I'm delighted to see that a sequel with these guys is in the works. (There are some other possible spinoff couples I'd happily read, but I need more Eli and Alex first.) No heat, so suitable for YA so far. Not perfect, but made me want to read through in one shot, and left me smiling and wanting to hug the MCs, which makes it a 5-star read for me.
August 15, 2023
I will not ask you where you came from
I will not ask you, neither should you
Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We should just kiss like real people do
Like Real People Do
- Hozier
✨💖👑FIRST OF ALL, MASSIVE SHOUT OUT TO MY GURL, CHAREE, FOR THIS REC BECAUSE BESTIE WAS ON POINT!!! THANKS QUEENIE ILY👑💖✨
As an MM romance reader, and a massive fan of the sports subgenre in particular, there’s a certain level of frenetic, BD energy that fuels the plot/tension of these romances which I honestly really enjoy lol. And there’s sooooo many to choose from!!! A veritable buffet, if you will, devoted to the art of the ticking time bomb/molotov cocktail of swinging fists and dueling dicks, and the oh so fabulous smut that inevitably follows. I mean, it’s pretty much whyyyy I read these growling, sweaty, hyper-masculine, forbidden/enemies/rivals to lovers romances in the first place lol. No shame in the game!
But, every now and then within this subgenre, a pure and precious romance comes into my life like a rare pearl, and it turns me gddmn prismatic. Where, instead of spontaneously combusting over muscles, post game showers and barely there towels, I’m like seeing rainbows and baskets of kittens everywhere (or in this case, adorable baby goats my gawd hiiii aiiiiiiiii stan) and I think to myself with heart eyes: new love is fucking brilliant, yeah?
Yes. Yes it most certainly is.
So yes! I adored this wholesome as fk beauty of a book! The entire cast of characters were endearing, especially the teenaged mcs, eli and alex, because i thought they both navigated life pretty admirably (all growing pains aside) as pro/am college athletes just trying to survive the grind, academic or otherwise. I thought their individual journeys were heartfelt and earnest, but most of all i loved how eli and alex found themselves yielding to the path of a love experience in such a sweet, soft unfolding, that i positively melted for these precious boys!
Ahhhh just watching the shape of their lives transform from how they were, as previously defined by their unfortunate circumstances, to how they're just so scrumptious together as they skate on towards their happily ever after...well that's just pure gold and a real pleasure to anticipate!
Anyway, this was a joy to read, and yes, this book is a dreamy swoony romantic fantasy that feels like the best kind of teenage crush to sweethearts love story.
So, many thanks to ELM for these sweet boys, all the Hell Hounds and the Princeton bros, and ofc the fur babies who snuggle, scratch and save lives! I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!
Super excited to dive right into Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove (Breakaway Book 2) and i'm just so happy that there's still a whole lot of this series left to come!
I will not ask you, neither should you
Honey just put your sweet lips on my lips
We should just kiss like real people do
Like Real People Do
- Hozier
✨💖👑FIRST OF ALL, MASSIVE SHOUT OUT TO MY GURL, CHAREE, FOR THIS REC BECAUSE BESTIE WAS ON POINT!!! THANKS QUEENIE ILY👑💖✨
As an MM romance reader, and a massive fan of the sports subgenre in particular, there’s a certain level of frenetic, BD energy that fuels the plot/tension of these romances which I honestly really enjoy lol. And there’s sooooo many to choose from!!! A veritable buffet, if you will, devoted to the art of the ticking time bomb/molotov cocktail of swinging fists and dueling dicks, and the oh so fabulous smut that inevitably follows. I mean, it’s pretty much whyyyy I read these growling, sweaty, hyper-masculine, forbidden/enemies/rivals to lovers romances in the first place lol. No shame in the game!
But, every now and then within this subgenre, a pure and precious romance comes into my life like a rare pearl, and it turns me gddmn prismatic. Where, instead of spontaneously combusting over muscles, post game showers and barely there towels, I’m like seeing rainbows and baskets of kittens everywhere (or in this case, adorable baby goats my gawd hiiii aiiiiiiiii stan) and I think to myself with heart eyes: new love is fucking brilliant, yeah?
Yes. Yes it most certainly is.
So yes! I adored this wholesome as fk beauty of a book! The entire cast of characters were endearing, especially the teenaged mcs, eli and alex, because i thought they both navigated life pretty admirably (all growing pains aside) as pro/am college athletes just trying to survive the grind, academic or otherwise. I thought their individual journeys were heartfelt and earnest, but most of all i loved how eli and alex found themselves yielding to the path of a love experience in such a sweet, soft unfolding, that i positively melted for these precious boys!
Ahhhh just watching the shape of their lives transform from how they were, as previously defined by their unfortunate circumstances, to how they're just so scrumptious together as they skate on towards their happily ever after...well that's just pure gold and a real pleasure to anticipate!
Anyway, this was a joy to read, and yes, this book is a dreamy swoony romantic fantasy that feels like the best kind of teenage crush to sweethearts love story.
So, many thanks to ELM for these sweet boys, all the Hell Hounds and the Princeton bros, and ofc the fur babies who snuggle, scratch and save lives! I LOVE THEM ALL!!!!
Super excited to dive right into Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove (Breakaway Book 2) and i'm just so happy that there's still a whole lot of this series left to come!
December 22, 2023
You know those times when you didn't like a book, but criticizing it feels like shouting at a puppy? Yeah. (To those who've read and loved this, which I think might be everyone but me, please avert your eyes. 😭)
After school special meets mickey mouse club. The author took the opportunity to inform her readers about a handful of mental health issues and societal ills, but no one was flawed or made any real mistakes. Past poor choices were referenced, yes, but by the start of the story, these late teens had fully corrected the juvenile errors of their ways. All characters were tolerant, sensitive, levelheaded, really damn earnest, and should have come with an overused laugh track.
This isn't a problem of being YA — and it's definitely YA, regardless of how it's classified officially. But good YA has every bit as much development as adult. Even though I'm not the right audience for this much sweetness, I'm a fan of the YA genre and have been ever since I was actually the target demographic for it. And I didn't like stuff like this when I was that age, either — it's always felt saccharine, inauthentic, and lackluster.
Things I liked: Kuzy (Russian hockey player characters just have my heart and funny bone forever, amen), Hawk (the OTT sweetness was never annoying or misplaced when it was about her, Eli's service dog), and the narrative about Alex and his first boyfriend, James (which had actual tension and interest... and was largely skimmed over).
Despite this experience, I do believe Massey has writing talent, so if this is your cup of tea, don't hesitate. But while she chooses to write stories without conflict, her work unfortunately won't be for me.
After school special meets mickey mouse club. The author took the opportunity to inform her readers about a handful of mental health issues and societal ills, but no one was flawed or made any real mistakes. Past poor choices were referenced, yes, but by the start of the story, these late teens had fully corrected the juvenile errors of their ways. All characters were tolerant, sensitive, levelheaded, really damn earnest, and should have come with an overused laugh track.
This isn't a problem of being YA — and it's definitely YA, regardless of how it's classified officially. But good YA has every bit as much development as adult. Even though I'm not the right audience for this much sweetness, I'm a fan of the YA genre and have been ever since I was actually the target demographic for it. And I didn't like stuff like this when I was that age, either — it's always felt saccharine, inauthentic, and lackluster.
Things I liked: Kuzy (Russian hockey player characters just have my heart and funny bone forever, amen), Hawk (the OTT sweetness was never annoying or misplaced when it was about her, Eli's service dog), and the narrative about Alex and his first boyfriend, James (which had actual tension and interest... and was largely skimmed over).
Despite this experience, I do believe Massey has writing talent, so if this is your cup of tea, don't hesitate. But while she chooses to write stories without conflict, her work unfortunately won't be for me.
April 22, 2025
OMG THIS SHIT IS SO FUCKING WHOLESOME I CAN‘T EVEN. I LOVE THESE BOYS SO MUCH THIS WAS SO WONDERFUL I DON‘T KNOW HOW TO COPE 😭😭😭
Ehm, excuse the yelling, but seriously, this was so beautiful, special, soft, heartwarming, uplifting and just utterly delightful. My cheeks are literally aching from smiling so much while reading this.
Eli and Alex were beautifully crafted characters with so much depth: their stories, their burdens, their friendship, their joy, their feelings for each other and their love were simply wonderful to get to know, to watch unfold. But it doesn’t end with these two, because the supporting cast in this one was SO STRONG. Jeff, KUZY (😍), Cody, James, Rushy - they were such a gorgeous addition to the story and I couldn’t get enough of them.
I also loved how Alex‘ anxiety and more importantly Eli‘s seizure-disorder were central parts of the story, but not defining traits of the characters. They simply existed as Eli and Alex - ✨living, laughing, loving✨ - without being reduced to their disabilities. All that without glossing over the seriousness of it all. That was very well done indeed imo.
Also, I adored the writing. I understand this is the authors debut which makes it even more impressive?!
*sigh* This was beautiful ☺️🫶
4,75⭐️ and only because I loved ‚All Hail The Underdogs‘ a tad more.
———————————————————————————
Reread 2025
I didn’t think I could love this more the second time around but reading it together with Teru was honestly the cherry on top. Girl, I loved swooning, cheering, crying and melting into a puddle of goo with you so much 😭♥️
Everything I said in my original review still stands. This book is just so… warm, and good, and wholesome, and real, and kind.
If you’re not smiling like a maniac while reading this, I don’t want to know you. It’s just so… ugh, utterly good for the soul.
Ultimate, ultimate comfort series 💕
Upping it to a full 5⭐️ this time!
Ehm, excuse the yelling, but seriously, this was so beautiful, special, soft, heartwarming, uplifting and just utterly delightful. My cheeks are literally aching from smiling so much while reading this.
Eli and Alex were beautifully crafted characters with so much depth: their stories, their burdens, their friendship, their joy, their feelings for each other and their love were simply wonderful to get to know, to watch unfold. But it doesn’t end with these two, because the supporting cast in this one was SO STRONG. Jeff, KUZY (😍), Cody, James, Rushy - they were such a gorgeous addition to the story and I couldn’t get enough of them.
I also loved how Alex‘ anxiety and more importantly Eli‘s seizure-disorder were central parts of the story, but not defining traits of the characters. They simply existed as Eli and Alex - ✨living, laughing, loving✨ - without being reduced to their disabilities. All that without glossing over the seriousness of it all. That was very well done indeed imo.
Also, I adored the writing. I understand this is the authors debut which makes it even more impressive?!
*sigh* This was beautiful ☺️🫶
4,75⭐️ and only because I loved ‚All Hail The Underdogs‘ a tad more.
———————————————————————————
Reread 2025
I didn’t think I could love this more the second time around but reading it together with Teru was honestly the cherry on top. Girl, I loved swooning, cheering, crying and melting into a puddle of goo with you so much 😭♥️
Everything I said in my original review still stands. This book is just so… warm, and good, and wholesome, and real, and kind.
If you’re not smiling like a maniac while reading this, I don’t want to know you. It’s just so… ugh, utterly good for the soul.
Ultimate, ultimate comfort series 💕
Upping it to a full 5⭐️ this time!
January 18, 2026
3rd read via audiobook, January 2026.
Conclusion: this book is pure perfection. I can't believe I forgot how good it is. I love it more with every re-read. ♥️
_____________________
2nd read, June 2023.
_____________________
I can't even... 😭😭🥺❤️🥰🥰
This is the most heartwarming book I've read in ... well.. EVER! A million stars for this beautiful story.
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey is a story about two wonderful boys that meet under uncomfortable circumstances, but become close friends and later on start dating. I give you Eli and Alex, an 18 year old figure skater that is recovering from a car accident that changed the course of his entire life and a 19 year old professional hockey player, the youngest team captain in the NHL that's struggling with the pressure that comes with such responsibility.
It's a beautiful slow burn, with no unnecessary drama or cringey moments. Their friendship is absolute perfection - the way they discover eachother and how their relationship develops throughout the book had me crying several times, but also smiling like a lunatic.
I was all fuzzy inside while reading this, I just wanted to leap inside those pages and hang out with these two, give them hugs and assure them that they're perfect and wonderful and just the best.
The whole cast was amazing, I rarely find so many characters that are compassionate and understanding and loving. Eli, Alex, Jeff, Cody, the other guys on the hockey team (especially Kuzy and Rushy), even James and Cody's teammates.. they're all amazingly supportive and overall good people. Let's not forget Hawk, Eli's service dog that's helping him through his seizures.
Damn it, I love this book so much! Read it, please. Thank you. ❤️
Conclusion: this book is pure perfection. I can't believe I forgot how good it is. I love it more with every re-read. ♥️
_____________________
2nd read, June 2023.
_____________________
I can't even... 😭😭🥺❤️🥰🥰
This is the most heartwarming book I've read in ... well.. EVER! A million stars for this beautiful story.
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey is a story about two wonderful boys that meet under uncomfortable circumstances, but become close friends and later on start dating. I give you Eli and Alex, an 18 year old figure skater that is recovering from a car accident that changed the course of his entire life and a 19 year old professional hockey player, the youngest team captain in the NHL that's struggling with the pressure that comes with such responsibility.
It's a beautiful slow burn, with no unnecessary drama or cringey moments. Their friendship is absolute perfection - the way they discover eachother and how their relationship develops throughout the book had me crying several times, but also smiling like a lunatic.
I was all fuzzy inside while reading this, I just wanted to leap inside those pages and hang out with these two, give them hugs and assure them that they're perfect and wonderful and just the best.
The whole cast was amazing, I rarely find so many characters that are compassionate and understanding and loving. Eli, Alex, Jeff, Cody, the other guys on the hockey team (especially Kuzy and Rushy), even James and Cody's teammates.. they're all amazingly supportive and overall good people. Let's not forget Hawk, Eli's service dog that's helping him through his seizures.
Damn it, I love this book so much! Read it, please. Thank you. ❤️
December 12, 2022
3,5 *
This book reads like fanfiction (which I know is what it actually started as). But when you publish a fanfiction and separate it from the original story, you have to do some work creating a world and building up the characters.
The start of this story is very abrupt. It genuinely felt like the first chunk of the book was missing! Pretty much nothing is established, and a couple of pages in, when the characters meet for the 1st time, they’re all already talking to each other as if they’re old friends. They literally become super close (joking around, hanging out, facetiming regularly and texting all the time) in a matter of *hours*. They knew each other for 2 hours, yet behaved the way you’d only behave with your friends of 10 years. It was insanely distracting! None of the friendships or romances were developed — everything literally came out of nowhere.
These things are fine when you’re reading a fanfic, because you already know and love the characters, so the author doesn’t actually need to build up their relationships in the text, because everyone reading the fanfic already knows how those characters become friends/partners. However, when you remove those characters from their world and try to create original content with them, you need to build everything up from scratch — and that includes the characters themselves, the friendships, the romances and the world. And, unfortunately, none of that was properly built up here. I’m sure this is really good as a fanfic, but when removed from the context of the original story, it unfortunately doesn’t work very well. It simply does not stand on its own.
Additionally, it’s very clear that the author didn’t care about pretty much anything other than the romance. Again, this is fine (and expected! and appreciated!) in a fanfic, but when you have a whole book where literally nothing other than the main relationship is even properly established, it becomes annoying to read. Some examples:
✘ Nothing about hockey was explained. The author expects the readers to already know everything about the sport. Also, a lot of US sports acronyms were used without explanation.
✘ The MC is supposedly a figure skater, yet we never see him practice. He also does ballet, but I literally forgot about it bc it’s only mentioned twice in the whole book lmaoooo 💀
✘ We literally never get to see Eli’s life outside of his romance with Alex. 😐😐😐
✘ There are a lot of time skips where the author mentions that the characters became super close – telling us about this development instead of showing it.
✘ Actually, a lot of important developments and scenes were just skipped over and mentioned later. So much telling instead of showing!!! And the author kept making callbacks to scenes we never saw, which was both disorienting and also very annoying!
✘ The side characters were barely developed. 😐
✘ The goddamn shoes are so important to the plot yet we never get the scene where Alex sees Eli wearing them for the 1st time! It’s just mentioned later that it did happen at some point… Why? JUST SHOW IT!!!!!!!
✘ Every side plot was completely skipped over lol
✘ Eli’s family was barely even mentioned. They only came up when Eli and Alex went to Eli’s house for the holidays. We only found out the MC has a sister 80% through the book. 🥴
✘ Eli met 2 girls at the start of the book and I think they spoke like, once, and were mentioned maybe twice in the whole book. And they were supposedly his “““friends””” lol. (There are no important female characters in this whole book, btw).
✘ The ending (just like the beginning) was insanely abrupt!!! I literally thought my ebook was broken or something, bc the book just… ends??
Now to mention some things I actually enjoyed about this book: firstly, just like most fanfics, this book is very easy to read. The writing is simple and the story is addicting. Also, just like most fanfic writers, this author is really good at writing cute, fluffy scenes! Eli and Alex’s relationship was definitely rushed, which is a shame, because their romantic moments together were *super* adorable and gave me ~the butterflies~. 🥺🥺🥺
I especially loved the fact that they actually communicated with each other and expressed their feelings and concerns! (Truly a rare occurrence in romance books lol). There were multiple scenes where the characters just flat out told each other their problems, needs or desires, and I really appreciate that kind of thing when it comes to relationships, both as a reader (because it means we don’t get a stupid miscommunication trope! 🥳), but also as a person (I truly love seeing people expressing their problems and feelings in a healthy way with their loved ones 🥰).
I also really loved learning more about seizure disorders and service dogs, and I genuinely hope to see more books with disabled characters being published!
To end this review, I want to say that I really appreciate this author’s love for fandoms and fanfiction (me too girl, me too!!). It’s super sweet that she put in the acknowledgments all of the usernames of the people who supported her fanfics!
This book reads like fanfiction (which I know is what it actually started as). But when you publish a fanfiction and separate it from the original story, you have to do some work creating a world and building up the characters.
The start of this story is very abrupt. It genuinely felt like the first chunk of the book was missing! Pretty much nothing is established, and a couple of pages in, when the characters meet for the 1st time, they’re all already talking to each other as if they’re old friends. They literally become super close (joking around, hanging out, facetiming regularly and texting all the time) in a matter of *hours*. They knew each other for 2 hours, yet behaved the way you’d only behave with your friends of 10 years. It was insanely distracting! None of the friendships or romances were developed — everything literally came out of nowhere.
These things are fine when you’re reading a fanfic, because you already know and love the characters, so the author doesn’t actually need to build up their relationships in the text, because everyone reading the fanfic already knows how those characters become friends/partners. However, when you remove those characters from their world and try to create original content with them, you need to build everything up from scratch — and that includes the characters themselves, the friendships, the romances and the world. And, unfortunately, none of that was properly built up here. I’m sure this is really good as a fanfic, but when removed from the context of the original story, it unfortunately doesn’t work very well. It simply does not stand on its own.
Additionally, it’s very clear that the author didn’t care about pretty much anything other than the romance. Again, this is fine (and expected! and appreciated!) in a fanfic, but when you have a whole book where literally nothing other than the main relationship is even properly established, it becomes annoying to read. Some examples:
✘ Nothing about hockey was explained. The author expects the readers to already know everything about the sport. Also, a lot of US sports acronyms were used without explanation.
✘ The MC is supposedly a figure skater, yet we never see him practice. He also does ballet, but I literally forgot about it bc it’s only mentioned twice in the whole book lmaoooo 💀
✘ We literally never get to see Eli’s life outside of his romance with Alex. 😐😐😐
✘ There are a lot of time skips where the author mentions that the characters became super close – telling us about this development instead of showing it.
✘ Actually, a lot of important developments and scenes were just skipped over and mentioned later. So much telling instead of showing!!! And the author kept making callbacks to scenes we never saw, which was both disorienting and also very annoying!
✘ The side characters were barely developed. 😐
✘ The goddamn shoes are so important to the plot yet we never get the scene where Alex sees Eli wearing them for the 1st time! It’s just mentioned later that it did happen at some point… Why? JUST SHOW IT!!!!!!!
✘ Every side plot was completely skipped over lol
✘ Eli’s family was barely even mentioned. They only came up when Eli and Alex went to Eli’s house for the holidays. We only found out the MC has a sister 80% through the book. 🥴
✘ Eli met 2 girls at the start of the book and I think they spoke like, once, and were mentioned maybe twice in the whole book. And they were supposedly his “““friends””” lol. (
✘ The ending (just like the beginning) was insanely abrupt!!! I literally thought my ebook was broken or something, bc the book just… ends??
Now to mention some things I actually enjoyed about this book: firstly, just like most fanfics, this book is very easy to read. The writing is simple and the story is addicting. Also, just like most fanfic writers, this author is really good at writing cute, fluffy scenes! Eli and Alex’s relationship was definitely rushed, which is a shame, because their romantic moments together were *super* adorable and gave me ~the butterflies~. 🥺🥺🥺
I especially loved the fact that they actually communicated with each other and expressed their feelings and concerns! (
I also really loved learning more about seizure disorders and service dogs, and I genuinely hope to see more books with disabled characters being published!
To end this review, I want to say that I really appreciate this author’s love for fandoms and fanfiction (me too girl, me too!!). It’s super sweet that she put in the acknowledgments all of the usernames of the people who supported her fanfics!
November 13, 2023
Absolutely adorable.
The feelgood-est feelgood book I’ve read for a long while.
Those who follow my reviews know that I’m not usually one to go for YA. But this… the writing style was so refreshing. It’s written in 3rd person pov, switching from one to another (we don’t just get the one ramblings from the main characters, but from some side characters, too). The dialogues are a bit dorky at times, in a way that feels very life-like.
The main characters are Alex Price, who’s the youngest NHL team captain ever, a true talent on ice, and very closeted. He meets Eli, an 18yo college freshman with a disability (he occasionally has seizures and has a guide dog who warns him before they’re about to happen). Eli is a figure ice skater, and openly gay.
The book itself it free from any unnecessary drama. It’s so lovely to be part of their lives, seeing them navigate all the ups and downs of their budding relationship. In some ways, it reminded me of “Heartstopper”.
I won’t go into details - the whole book is a vibe. I honestly can’t wait to read more about them and the entire world this author has created.
And for those who haven’t read other reviews and who haven’t seen this quote 1000 times already, here it is, the probably most quoted part that HAS to make you smile:
“And on the eighth day,” Cody intones, eerily similar to the pastor at Cody’s church back home, “the Lord made hockey asses. And Eli felt one. And it was good.” “Hallelujah,” Eli agrees.
Well deserved 5 stars from me, too.
The feelgood-est feelgood book I’ve read for a long while.
Those who follow my reviews know that I’m not usually one to go for YA. But this… the writing style was so refreshing. It’s written in 3rd person pov, switching from one to another (we don’t just get the one ramblings from the main characters, but from some side characters, too). The dialogues are a bit dorky at times, in a way that feels very life-like.
The main characters are Alex Price, who’s the youngest NHL team captain ever, a true talent on ice, and very closeted. He meets Eli, an 18yo college freshman with a disability (he occasionally has seizures and has a guide dog who warns him before they’re about to happen). Eli is a figure ice skater, and openly gay.
The book itself it free from any unnecessary drama. It’s so lovely to be part of their lives, seeing them navigate all the ups and downs of their budding relationship. In some ways, it reminded me of “Heartstopper”.
I won’t go into details - the whole book is a vibe. I honestly can’t wait to read more about them and the entire world this author has created.
And for those who haven’t read other reviews and who haven’t seen this quote 1000 times already, here it is, the probably most quoted part that HAS to make you smile:
“And on the eighth day,” Cody intones, eerily similar to the pastor at Cody’s church back home, “the Lord made hockey asses. And Eli felt one. And it was good.” “Hallelujah,” Eli agrees.
Well deserved 5 stars from me, too.
November 3, 2023
“You drive me crazy,” Alex says. “All the time. And then you say things like— And it’s stupid. Because you’re”—he gestures wordlessly, unable to describe everything that makes Eli so—“you’re you. And that’s…the best thing. Anyone would be lucky to have you. I would be lucky to have you. Not, like, the other way around.” 🥰
Very, very sweet and heartwarming YA sports romance. 💖
- funny conversations
- real communication
- fantastic side characters
- no steam
- HFN
I'll definitely keep reading the series, but not right away. I'll read the next book when I'm in the mood for a warm blanket.
“And on the eighth day,” Cody intones, eerily similar to the pastor at Cody’s church back home, “the Lord made hockey asses. And Eli felt one. And it was good.”
“Hallelujah,” Eli agrees. 😂
Very, very sweet and heartwarming YA sports romance. 💖
- funny conversations
- real communication
- fantastic side characters
- no steam
- HFN
I'll definitely keep reading the series, but not right away. I'll read the next book when I'm in the mood for a warm blanket.
“And on the eighth day,” Cody intones, eerily similar to the pastor at Cody’s church back home, “the Lord made hockey asses. And Eli felt one. And it was good.”
“Hallelujah,” Eli agrees. 😂
September 14, 2025
I made the glorious mistake of starting this at 10pm…and then finished it at 2am after rabidly devouring all 423pages fluffy YA pages! Who would have known I would be TOTALLY HOOKED by these wonderful silly boys and their hockey dramas!
This story was originally on AO3 as a fan fic of Check, Please! the YA hockey webcomic. I have a huge amount of appreciation for fan fic writers and love seeing the authors getting publishing book deals and being paid for their work 🙏
Although this has been re-worked for publication it hasn’t entirely changed from its fanfiction style of writing - it starts suddenly and you’re thrown into characters and a world which you feel you should know already. The dialogue is kind of awkward. It’s at times repetitive but then there are multiple scenes that I would have loved to see which occur off page (like THE scene when he wears the shoes for the first time!?). Also there is no spice and it ends abruptly. BUT DID I CARE?? Nope! Loved it! I had so much fun and have immediately started book 2.
This story was originally on AO3 as a fan fic of Check, Please! the YA hockey webcomic. I have a huge amount of appreciation for fan fic writers and love seeing the authors getting publishing book deals and being paid for their work 🙏
Although this has been re-worked for publication it hasn’t entirely changed from its fanfiction style of writing - it starts suddenly and you’re thrown into characters and a world which you feel you should know already. The dialogue is kind of awkward. It’s at times repetitive but then there are multiple scenes that I would have loved to see which occur off page (like THE scene when he wears the shoes for the first time!?). Also there is no spice and it ends abruptly. BUT DID I CARE?? Nope! Loved it! I had so much fun and have immediately started book 2.
March 2, 2026
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.
________________________
February 2026: Reread, first time on audio.
I absolutely adore Alex and Eli and the Hellhounds!
The audiobook didn't bring me quite the same level of joy and glee reading the book did, and the narrator mixed up the names of the mcs much too often.
That said, I still had a wonderful time back with my fave fictional hockey team, they bring me so much happiness.
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.
________________________
February 2026: Reread, first time on audio.
I absolutely adore Alex and Eli and the Hellhounds!
The audiobook didn't bring me quite the same level of joy and glee reading the book did, and the narrator mixed up the names of the mcs much too often.
That said, I still had a wonderful time back with my fave fictional hockey team, they bring me so much happiness.
July 4, 2026
This book might be one of the endearingly wholesome and sweet things I've EVER read. I've had Like Real People Do on my TBR for a year (OK PIERRE), but I was finally convinced to give it a good by several friends who were just gushing over how good it was. EVERYONE WAS RIGHT, I freaking LOVED this book. Friends to lovers hockey romance with SO much pining, mental illness rep, disability rep (including a service dog who might be one of my favorite side characters ever), and characters with maturity and communication skills beyond their years. I enjoyed every moment and binged both books in two days! PLEASE read this, it deserves all the hype in the world, and I'll definitely be yapping about it every chance I get.
Oh my goodness, I'm more than a little bit in love with Alex - he's TOP TIER book boyfriend material. Though he's definitely flawed, he actively works through his issues with the help of his trusted friends and his therapist. He is so freaking earnest, falls SO hard for Eli, and loves him FIERCELY. It's, as E.L. Massey puts it at one point, "stupidly endearing." Eli is also an incredible character. His seizure disorder is handled so well on page - some of the best disability rep I've read. And y'all, the best part about their relationship? They freaking COMMUNICATE - it's honestly pretty refreshing how well they do these, even when they are reluctant to at first.
The story itself is relatively low angst, though I did end up crying a few times for both happy and sad reasons. The discussions that the characters have about queer athletes in sports, effective allyship, and ableism are so refreshing and fit into the story organically. And gah, some of the stuff in here is so freaking swoony I cannot even get over it. Definitely be ready to read the first two books back to back because the story is continuous and there is absolutely NO WAY to stop after just one. And I will ABSOLUTELY be reading the next two books ASAP because I just need MORE of E.L. Massey's writing style and characters.
Oh my goodness, I'm more than a little bit in love with Alex - he's TOP TIER book boyfriend material. Though he's definitely flawed, he actively works through his issues with the help of his trusted friends and his therapist. He is so freaking earnest, falls SO hard for Eli, and loves him FIERCELY. It's, as E.L. Massey puts it at one point, "stupidly endearing." Eli is also an incredible character. His seizure disorder is handled so well on page - some of the best disability rep I've read. And y'all, the best part about their relationship? They freaking COMMUNICATE - it's honestly pretty refreshing how well they do these, even when they are reluctant to at first.
The story itself is relatively low angst, though I did end up crying a few times for both happy and sad reasons. The discussions that the characters have about queer athletes in sports, effective allyship, and ableism are so refreshing and fit into the story organically. And gah, some of the stuff in here is so freaking swoony I cannot even get over it. Definitely be ready to read the first two books back to back because the story is continuous and there is absolutely NO WAY to stop after just one. And I will ABSOLUTELY be reading the next two books ASAP because I just need MORE of E.L. Massey's writing style and characters.
August 6, 2023
I lost count of how many times i said "aww" throughout the book, seriously.
It's so cute and adorable to see (read) Eli and Alex become friends, and then start something much more. 😍😍💕
The writing is good and it worked for me. The story is cute, funny, cozy and charming. A lot of feelings. 💞
The secondary characters are just as good. I love Jeff, Kuzy, Cody, everyone.
And i really didn't know much about service dogs, and with this, i feel the author really did a good job.
I recommend this if you want to read something that makes you feel well, good. 🤗
*For most of the book, i wondered if they had parents because there was no sign of them 😂 but yes, they show up. Although a bit convenient, because Eli has a good relationship with them but well. 🤷♀️
It's so cute and adorable to see (read) Eli and Alex become friends, and then start something much more. 😍😍💕
The writing is good and it worked for me. The story is cute, funny, cozy and charming. A lot of feelings. 💞
The secondary characters are just as good. I love Jeff, Kuzy, Cody, everyone.
And i really didn't know much about service dogs, and with this, i feel the author really did a good job.
I recommend this if you want to read something that makes you feel well, good. 🤗
*For most of the book, i wondered if they had parents because there was no sign of them 😂 but yes, they show up. Although a bit convenient, because Eli has a good relationship with them but well. 🤷♀️
March 18, 2023
Ohh I loved this!
I went in knowing very little about this, and while reading I kept thinking of how it felt a lot like Check, Please. Little did I know this actually originated as a Check, Please fanfic! It also gave me All For the Game vibes but way way less fucked up.
All in all this will definitely be a new comfort read for me, I can see myself revisiting this LOADS. Can't wait for the sequel!
I went in knowing very little about this, and while reading I kept thinking of how it felt a lot like Check, Please. Little did I know this actually originated as a Check, Please fanfic! It also gave me All For the Game vibes but way way less fucked up.
All in all this will definitely be a new comfort read for me, I can see myself revisiting this LOADS. Can't wait for the sequel!
May 28, 2025
RTC 🩷
November 27, 2024
5 🛌🏻🛌🏽🛌🏽🛌🏽🛌🏽 (blankets kicked)
Does this book need sex in it? NO. And that's coming from a certified freak. It's that good.
Does this book need sex in it? NO. And that's coming from a certified freak. It's that good.
November 17, 2022
Welcome to the fluffiest of fluffy, angst-free fluff. Which is not a bad thing, just, despite the word ‘real’ in the title and a disabled main character, this could not be more of a fairy tale. Everyone was kind, basically nothing stood in romance’s way, and everything was fine all the time. It’s also pretty obviously Check, Please! copycatting, especially the scenes set at Princeton. Which again, not entirely a bad thing.
I was annoyed by it though. I think it’s because Eli gets shortchanged. He’s the hero who’s the competitive figure skater. We never ever see him at his own sport except in the context of hanging out with hockey players. We never meet his coach or his team. We never hear about his routine or ambitions or ranking. His academics are solely portrayed as chores. We really only hear about him endlessly cooking for and being emotionally and physically supportive of the taller, wealthier, slightly older, more traditionally masculine hero.
And that dynamic is too close to what makes me deeply uncomfortable with too many male/female romances in books and IRL.
Nope.
I was annoyed by it though. I think it’s because Eli gets shortchanged. He’s the hero who’s the competitive figure skater. We never ever see him at his own sport except in the context of hanging out with hockey players. We never meet his coach or his team. We never hear about his routine or ambitions or ranking. His academics are solely portrayed as chores. We really only hear about him endlessly cooking for and being emotionally and physically supportive of the taller, wealthier, slightly older, more traditionally masculine hero.
And that dynamic is too close to what makes me deeply uncomfortable with too many male/female romances in books and IRL.
Nope.
December 10, 2023
stunning. beautiful. i’m in awe.
anyone who needs a cozy and heartwarming series to read, I highly recommend picking this series up ❤️
The characters and their relationships are so well written with genuine problems and conversations. They have ups and downs and the way they express their feelings and fears was amazing. I can’t even find enough words to show my appreciation for this book.
every single character touched my heart in different ways and no matter what angle I read the situations, the author set everything up so well to show the support and development of not just the main characters but the side characters as well
“Alex is looking at Eli as if he is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. The expression of naked admiration on his face is—well, it certainly isn’t something Jeff would post on Instagram.
Alex hands the phone back. “I didn’t know I looked at him like that.”
“You do,” Jeff says inanely.
“Thanks.” Alex’s tone is dry.
“It’s not that bad?” Jeff tries.
Alex doesn’t even dignify that with a response.”
and a special shout out to Jeff and Kuzy because they deserve the world 👑
anyone who needs a cozy and heartwarming series to read, I highly recommend picking this series up ❤️
The characters and their relationships are so well written with genuine problems and conversations. They have ups and downs and the way they express their feelings and fears was amazing. I can’t even find enough words to show my appreciation for this book.
every single character touched my heart in different ways and no matter what angle I read the situations, the author set everything up so well to show the support and development of not just the main characters but the side characters as well
“Alex is looking at Eli as if he is the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. The expression of naked admiration on his face is—well, it certainly isn’t something Jeff would post on Instagram.
Alex hands the phone back. “I didn’t know I looked at him like that.”
“You do,” Jeff says inanely.
“Thanks.” Alex’s tone is dry.
“It’s not that bad?” Jeff tries.
Alex doesn’t even dignify that with a response.”
and a special shout out to Jeff and Kuzy because they deserve the world 👑
May 25, 2023
this didn't really work for me, unfortunately. some (a lot of) nit-picks:
- everything felt too abrupt. the friendships/romances developed at such a fast pace.
- i love fanfiction but i hate when you can tell that a book was originally written as fic. it feels like you're missing things that the author expects you to already know. the lack of development, the surface-level characters, etc. this was written for characters the reader was already supposed to love and be familiar with before the book began, so i felt very disconnected from what i was reading.
- i was super thrown by the fact that these are eighteen/nineteen-year olds and there is literally No mention of any family members until about the 80% mark. it was genuinely irritating me. i was like who birthed these guys!! where are they!! we only find out that eli even Has a sister at the 80% point. thats kinda important character information. it's almost the end of the book and we have the line "it occurs to eli that this is something they've yet to talk about" like no kidding?? you guys are apparently super super close and you don't even know that alex doesn't speak to his family. and i've spend hundreds of pages in alex's pov and neither did i!!!
- i think the above thing is also a fanfiction thing. no need to explain the characters backgrounds/families because you already know! but this is a book and i don't know so i'm just left confused.
- i needed it to be a bit more realistic. i couldn't buy into lots of what was happening. "eli has nearly as many followers on instagram as alex." ?? alex is an nhl player and eli is known as his friend. be real.
- i get the whole hockey friend group / family dynamic was meant to be endearing, but. idk. the development wasn't there and it felt a bit put-on.
- this was a very new release and yet the internet slang/jargon feels very dated. the use of the phrase "beautiful cinnamon roll too good for this world" made me wince a bit.
- a lot of the humour missed its mark. i feel like the author got her humour from 2015 tumblr. eli, talking about a paper, says "i said rené descartes was a 'special think-y boi' because i couldn't remember the word 'philosopher'". almost word-for-word a tumblr post. also "i'm gay, and it inconveniences me". thats literally a tumblr post!! come on.
- now i admittedly don't know much about hockey, but i really have to wonder at alex's credentials for being captain, other than for plot reasons. 1. he is pretty young and inexperienced, and 2. he seems like he's pretty bad at it. he asks himself "who the hell thought making him captain was a good idea?" and i have to agree.
- "and i love that you have really serious opinions about history and literature, and you'll get all worked up talking about them." we did not read one serious opinion about history or literature from this man. not one. or even any thoughts about history and literature. this was news to me. i'm pretty sure he mentioned alexander the great once in passing, and maybe named shakespeare. thats it. show don't tell for a minute PLEASE.
- speaking of alexander the great, when eli mentions him and alex responds with something, eli sincerely goes "wait. you know who alexander the great is?" i gasped like bro that is so patronising oh my god lmao.
- also immediately after eli and alex first kiss he asks alex "do you need to call anika?" (his therapist). imagining being asked if you need to talk to your therapist immediately after kissing your crush. i'd go home. there's no reason why eli would think alex would need his therapist in that moment. it just felt very patronising. he's a big boy!
- and we skip through their actual kiss scene! like they have a tiny and awkward peck for their first kiss and then they're about to kiss again properly, but the chapter ends before it. why fade-to-black for a kiss scene??
- another fade-to-black scene was the conversation between alex and james! why didn't we get to read that! why skip to the next chapter! i don't get it!
- "alex is home alone right now and having a lot of feelings. can you do us all a favour and call him?" alex was so babied idk.
- we never really saw any part of eli's personal life that didn't concern alex/hockey/ice-skating. the book is either set at the ice rink or in alex's apartment. also it was a little strange that eli practically lived with alex and stayed in his home so early in the novel.
- when we finally see a bit of eli's home life at the very end of the book when they go home for christmas, alex sees eli fawning over his goats (which he apparently has i guess) and says he "may need to adjust his world view a little bit". yeah. me too alex. because you guys are developed so randomly that i'm constantly thrown off!
- so many side romances. not sure if this is turning into a series with a bunch of other romances but it really felt that way.
- "if you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? that's easy for me — the ability to pull off a quadruple salchow." this was a random thing to annoy me but its just an example of how the characters would grate on me a bit. like ANY SKILL? you could be a mastermind at languages or have eidetic memory or something. and you're gonna choose a single ice-skating manoeuvre. bro.
- honestly i was convinced that alex was still in love with james. like he says "i haven't been in love with james for a long time" and then notes that "it doesn't look like eli believes him" and Same bro tbh.
- if i'm remembering correctly, i think there was only one side female character (a hockey player's wife) who made a small appearance and thats it. m/m romances (especially hockey ones) can be really overly masculine if you don't make an effort to make it otherwise and this book didn't make an effort. you couldn't have given one of the main characters a friend who's a girl or something? just so many dudes.
- "no wonder alex was so fucked up — no wonder he got his first taste of fame and acted out with drunk rancor and sneering interview soundbites." this is vaguely referenced a few times, alex's 'dark past', but never expanded upon at all? once again, a key part of a character that is shoved to the side for some reason.
- for all the time spent on the subject/activity of hockey i think we only interact with alex's nhl hockey coach for the first time at the 90% mark.
- another thing only mentioned at the 90% is what happened to eli and what precisely his accident was. no idea why its only mentioned at the very end of the book when it wasn't intended to be a reveal or anything. it just didn't come up i guess?? despite eli's disability being an important part of his character i guess ???
- also right after this alex talks about his hockey injury saying "in the same way that getting hit by a prius would be arguably better than getting hit by a truck". and, like. bro. your boyfriend was literally hit by a car. a little sensitivity, maybe?
- the book just read like a first draft. like the author wrote it without planning it, and only remembered to throw in certain details as she went, never mind where they fitted, and never edited the book over.
- random but eli's boundaries were so flimsy and alex was dismissive of them in a way that set me off. if you're setting boundaries, be firm about them. don't half-mean it and get half-annoyed but also half-pleased when someone ignores it. eli would insist that he didn't like alex spending money on him, and then alex would do it anyway, and there would be vague conflict but not really. idk man, either have boundaries or don't.
- everything felt too abrupt. the friendships/romances developed at such a fast pace.
- i love fanfiction but i hate when you can tell that a book was originally written as fic. it feels like you're missing things that the author expects you to already know. the lack of development, the surface-level characters, etc. this was written for characters the reader was already supposed to love and be familiar with before the book began, so i felt very disconnected from what i was reading.
- i was super thrown by the fact that these are eighteen/nineteen-year olds and there is literally No mention of any family members until about the 80% mark. it was genuinely irritating me. i was like who birthed these guys!! where are they!! we only find out that eli even Has a sister at the 80% point. thats kinda important character information. it's almost the end of the book and we have the line "it occurs to eli that this is something they've yet to talk about" like no kidding?? you guys are apparently super super close and you don't even know that alex doesn't speak to his family. and i've spend hundreds of pages in alex's pov and neither did i!!!
- i think the above thing is also a fanfiction thing. no need to explain the characters backgrounds/families because you already know! but this is a book and i don't know so i'm just left confused.
- i needed it to be a bit more realistic. i couldn't buy into lots of what was happening. "eli has nearly as many followers on instagram as alex." ?? alex is an nhl player and eli is known as his friend. be real.
- i get the whole hockey friend group / family dynamic was meant to be endearing, but. idk. the development wasn't there and it felt a bit put-on.
- this was a very new release and yet the internet slang/jargon feels very dated. the use of the phrase "beautiful cinnamon roll too good for this world" made me wince a bit.
- a lot of the humour missed its mark. i feel like the author got her humour from 2015 tumblr. eli, talking about a paper, says "i said rené descartes was a 'special think-y boi' because i couldn't remember the word 'philosopher'". almost word-for-word a tumblr post. also "i'm gay, and it inconveniences me". thats literally a tumblr post!! come on.
- now i admittedly don't know much about hockey, but i really have to wonder at alex's credentials for being captain, other than for plot reasons. 1. he is pretty young and inexperienced, and 2. he seems like he's pretty bad at it. he asks himself "who the hell thought making him captain was a good idea?" and i have to agree.
- "and i love that you have really serious opinions about history and literature, and you'll get all worked up talking about them." we did not read one serious opinion about history or literature from this man. not one. or even any thoughts about history and literature. this was news to me. i'm pretty sure he mentioned alexander the great once in passing, and maybe named shakespeare. thats it. show don't tell for a minute PLEASE.
- speaking of alexander the great, when eli mentions him and alex responds with something, eli sincerely goes "wait. you know who alexander the great is?" i gasped like bro that is so patronising oh my god lmao.
- also immediately after eli and alex first kiss he asks alex "do you need to call anika?" (his therapist). imagining being asked if you need to talk to your therapist immediately after kissing your crush. i'd go home. there's no reason why eli would think alex would need his therapist in that moment. it just felt very patronising. he's a big boy!
- and we skip through their actual kiss scene! like they have a tiny and awkward peck for their first kiss and then they're about to kiss again properly, but the chapter ends before it. why fade-to-black for a kiss scene??
- another fade-to-black scene was the conversation between alex and james! why didn't we get to read that! why skip to the next chapter! i don't get it!
- "alex is home alone right now and having a lot of feelings. can you do us all a favour and call him?" alex was so babied idk.
- we never really saw any part of eli's personal life that didn't concern alex/hockey/ice-skating. the book is either set at the ice rink or in alex's apartment. also it was a little strange that eli practically lived with alex and stayed in his home so early in the novel.
- when we finally see a bit of eli's home life at the very end of the book when they go home for christmas, alex sees eli fawning over his goats (which he apparently has i guess) and says he "may need to adjust his world view a little bit". yeah. me too alex. because you guys are developed so randomly that i'm constantly thrown off!
- so many side romances. not sure if this is turning into a series with a bunch of other romances but it really felt that way.
- "if you could wake up tomorrow having gained any one quality or ability, what would it be? that's easy for me — the ability to pull off a quadruple salchow." this was a random thing to annoy me but its just an example of how the characters would grate on me a bit. like ANY SKILL? you could be a mastermind at languages or have eidetic memory or something. and you're gonna choose a single ice-skating manoeuvre. bro.
- honestly i was convinced that alex was still in love with james. like he says "i haven't been in love with james for a long time" and then notes that "it doesn't look like eli believes him" and Same bro tbh.
- if i'm remembering correctly, i think there was only one side female character (a hockey player's wife) who made a small appearance and thats it. m/m romances (especially hockey ones) can be really overly masculine if you don't make an effort to make it otherwise and this book didn't make an effort. you couldn't have given one of the main characters a friend who's a girl or something? just so many dudes.
- "no wonder alex was so fucked up — no wonder he got his first taste of fame and acted out with drunk rancor and sneering interview soundbites." this is vaguely referenced a few times, alex's 'dark past', but never expanded upon at all? once again, a key part of a character that is shoved to the side for some reason.
- for all the time spent on the subject/activity of hockey i think we only interact with alex's nhl hockey coach for the first time at the 90% mark.
- another thing only mentioned at the 90% is what happened to eli and what precisely his accident was. no idea why its only mentioned at the very end of the book when it wasn't intended to be a reveal or anything. it just didn't come up i guess?? despite eli's disability being an important part of his character i guess ???
- also right after this alex talks about his hockey injury saying "in the same way that getting hit by a prius would be arguably better than getting hit by a truck". and, like. bro. your boyfriend was literally hit by a car. a little sensitivity, maybe?
- the book just read like a first draft. like the author wrote it without planning it, and only remembered to throw in certain details as she went, never mind where they fitted, and never edited the book over.
- random but eli's boundaries were so flimsy and alex was dismissive of them in a way that set me off. if you're setting boundaries, be firm about them. don't half-mean it and get half-annoyed but also half-pleased when someone ignores it. eli would insist that he didn't like alex spending money on him, and then alex would do it anyway, and there would be vague conflict but not really. idk man, either have boundaries or don't.
November 16, 2023
5 Stars
Sweet, wholesome, and utterly delightful, this new adult, queer hockey romance follows Eli, an 18-year-old college figure skater with a disability, and Alex, a 19-year-old closeted NHL captain with an anxiety disorder. This wonderful book—this wonderful couple—was all things sunshine and happiness, making me one deliriously happy reader with not a single damn complaint to be had.
As a debut author, you never really know what you’re going to get, but Massey’s writing embodied literally everything I look for in quality storytelling. Her writing was smooth and engaging; her characters were rich and compelling, and real; the diversity rep was intricate and relatable, without feeling like a prerequisite set of boxes were being ticked for the sake of it; the story handled issues and themes of weight and importance, without feeling heavy-handed or overly dramatic; and, the overall tone of the story was full of light and laughter and growth and possibility, without ever brushing aside or finding easy fixes to real-world problems.
I adored Alex and Eli and their new friendship-turned-romance. A friend of mine (who’s not on GR, the heathen), commented while we were reading, about how much Alex and Eli were giving him strong Nick and Charlie (from Heartstoppers) vibes. Which, if you know my friend, you’d realise what a HUGE compliment that is, because he might just be Nick and Charlie’s biggest fan. Point being, if you know AND LOVE that giddy, butterflies-in-you-tummy, sweetly-soft feeling you get when reading (or watching) Nick and Charlie fall in love, then you’ll no doubt be fully present and on-board with literally very smile-inducing moment of Alex and Eli’s story.
Like with Heartstopper, I think what makes this story EXTRA SPECIAL is the relevance and wonderfulness of the wide cast of ensemble characters that surround, support, and enrich Alex and Eli’s lives. I often comment on how a great cast of characters—usually with a found family vibe—are my biggest weaknesses (or favourite strengths) when reading romance these days, and this story embodied that to the nth degree. Alex and Eli stood strong on their own, but whenever Jeff, Kuzy, Rushy, Cody, James, Matts (yes, even Matts), and, of course, service dogs extraordinaire, Hawk, were on page, my heart was immediately happier and eager for whatever wisdom, support or hilarious antics were surely afoot. I loved them all.
On a more serious note, I appreciated the way Eli’s disabilities were handled within the context of the story, as simply a part of him and not as a definer of his abilities or lovability as a person. I also respected the way Alex’s anxiety was explored in an authentic and relevant way. As someone with both an invisible disability and a lifetime of an anxiety disorder, it was nice to see these things represented in a positive and hopeful light.
If you haven’t considered this book yet, for your undoubtedly ever-growing TBR lists, then start seriously considering it. You won’t regret a single moment you spend with these wonderful characters. I know I didn’t.
Sweet, wholesome, and utterly delightful, this new adult, queer hockey romance follows Eli, an 18-year-old college figure skater with a disability, and Alex, a 19-year-old closeted NHL captain with an anxiety disorder. This wonderful book—this wonderful couple—was all things sunshine and happiness, making me one deliriously happy reader with not a single damn complaint to be had.
As a debut author, you never really know what you’re going to get, but Massey’s writing embodied literally everything I look for in quality storytelling. Her writing was smooth and engaging; her characters were rich and compelling, and real; the diversity rep was intricate and relatable, without feeling like a prerequisite set of boxes were being ticked for the sake of it; the story handled issues and themes of weight and importance, without feeling heavy-handed or overly dramatic; and, the overall tone of the story was full of light and laughter and growth and possibility, without ever brushing aside or finding easy fixes to real-world problems.
I adored Alex and Eli and their new friendship-turned-romance. A friend of mine (who’s not on GR, the heathen), commented while we were reading, about how much Alex and Eli were giving him strong Nick and Charlie (from Heartstoppers) vibes. Which, if you know my friend, you’d realise what a HUGE compliment that is, because he might just be Nick and Charlie’s biggest fan. Point being, if you know AND LOVE that giddy, butterflies-in-you-tummy, sweetly-soft feeling you get when reading (or watching) Nick and Charlie fall in love, then you’ll no doubt be fully present and on-board with literally very smile-inducing moment of Alex and Eli’s story.
Like with Heartstopper, I think what makes this story EXTRA SPECIAL is the relevance and wonderfulness of the wide cast of ensemble characters that surround, support, and enrich Alex and Eli’s lives. I often comment on how a great cast of characters—usually with a found family vibe—are my biggest weaknesses (or favourite strengths) when reading romance these days, and this story embodied that to the nth degree. Alex and Eli stood strong on their own, but whenever Jeff, Kuzy, Rushy, Cody, James, Matts (yes, even Matts), and, of course, service dogs extraordinaire, Hawk, were on page, my heart was immediately happier and eager for whatever wisdom, support or hilarious antics were surely afoot. I loved them all.
On a more serious note, I appreciated the way Eli’s disabilities were handled within the context of the story, as simply a part of him and not as a definer of his abilities or lovability as a person. I also respected the way Alex’s anxiety was explored in an authentic and relevant way. As someone with both an invisible disability and a lifetime of an anxiety disorder, it was nice to see these things represented in a positive and hopeful light.
If you haven’t considered this book yet, for your undoubtedly ever-growing TBR lists, then start seriously considering it. You won’t regret a single moment you spend with these wonderful characters. I know I didn’t.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,856 reviews