A review by tristatereader
All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey

challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Ok so E.L. Massey’s first two books in the Breakaway series altered my brain chemistry. I loved them so much and y’all should have heard the scream I screamt when I received an ARC for the third book in the series, All Hail the Underdogs. 

All Hail the Underdogs introduces readers to teenagers Patrick Roman aka Rome (not Patrick, not Roman, just Rome- this is important) and Damien Bordeaux. Rome is a  hockey phenomenon accepted to one of the best hockey prep high schools in the country. Rome comes from a life of poverty, neglect, and abuse. He’s grumpy and extremely leery of others. His sole focus is to do well in school and excel at hockey in order to enter the NHL draft. 

Damien grew up in the lap of luxury. A Black boy adopted by wealthy, white parents, Rome can’t help but scoff at the privilege he assumes Damien has as a result of his wealth. But while Damien is a ray of sunshine exuding cinnamon roll vibes, absentee parents and systematic racism plague his everyday life. As the two athletes begin to get glimpses into one another’s lives, they begin to grow as individuals, teammates, friends, and eventually more. 

E.L. did it again. I loved this book. I’m going to warn you that this definitely deals with some heavy ass shit compared to Like Real People Do and Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove, so please heed the CWs that E.L. provides at the beginning of the book. My boys were going through it and my heart broke for both of them at times. The boathouse scene? Girl stop. Have your tissues readyyy my friends. But their enemies to lovers story was beautiful; full of growth and resilience from both boys. I really hope we get to see more of Rome and Damien (and Finley the littlest loml) with the Hell Hounds in book 4; let’s goooo Matts redemption arc!

Thank you so much to the author for this ARC. 

**Ebook pre-order is available now on Amazon and Nine Star Press. And if you order from the publisher (same price as Amazon) you’ll receive the book early on 8/25/23 vs 8/29/23 👀 Check out the link in E.L.’s bio.