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A review by tristatereader
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey
challenging
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
5.0
I had ‘Like Real People Do’ on my Amazon wish list forever and then I won a giveaway and picked it! When I posted about it on bookstagram, a friend reached out and asked if we could buddy read. Of course I said yes because he’s one of the best around ❤️ Which is why it pains me to say I failed so miserably in our buddy read 😭 We were trying to do 5 chapters a day but E.L. Massey’s writing sabotaged my plans and I ended up finishing book one in 2 days. After apologizing profusely to my incredibly understanding friend, I immediately purchased the second book, ‘Like You’ve Nothing Left to Prove’, and also devoured that in 2 days.
Y’all screamed about these books, and rightfully so. I LOVED these books. They tell the story of Alex, a 19-year-old closeted gay man who is the captain of his NHL team, and Eli, an openly gay, 18-year-old college student whose Olympic figure skating dreams were derailed after suffering a TBI as the result of a car accident. They meet after Eli rightfully calls Alex out for parking in both handicap spots at the ice rink. Alex takes Eli to lunch to make amends, and the pair form an unlikely friendship.
Strangers to friends to lovers, this one is for you. The evolution of A&E’s relationships felt so organic. The found family and protectiveness of A&E’s friends and teammates actually made me tear up- Kuzy I’m looking at you ya big softy. I loved A&E’s shared journey to finding healthy communication, their “rules during fights”, and their mutual compromises in all facets of life. The two gave me a Yin and Yang dynamic that fit perfectly, and most importantly I loved their loyalty and commitment to one another.
These books deal with some heavy things including internalized and externalzied homophobia, physical injuries, and managing Eli’s seizure disorder. But everything was written so well and with such care, I found both books heartwarming and comforting. And if all that hasn’t sold you, there’s a good girl service dog named Hawk and a grumpy cat named Bells (with over 1 million followers on insta, thank you very much).
Y’all screamed about these books, and rightfully so. I LOVED these books. They tell the story of Alex, a 19-year-old closeted gay man who is the captain of his NHL team, and Eli, an openly gay, 18-year-old college student whose Olympic figure skating dreams were derailed after suffering a TBI as the result of a car accident. They meet after Eli rightfully calls Alex out for parking in both handicap spots at the ice rink. Alex takes Eli to lunch to make amends, and the pair form an unlikely friendship.
Strangers to friends to lovers, this one is for you. The evolution of A&E’s relationships felt so organic. The found family and protectiveness of A&E’s friends and teammates actually made me tear up- Kuzy I’m looking at you ya big softy. I loved A&E’s shared journey to finding healthy communication, their “rules during fights”, and their mutual compromises in all facets of life. The two gave me a Yin and Yang dynamic that fit perfectly, and most importantly I loved their loyalty and commitment to one another.
These books deal with some heavy things including internalized and externalzied homophobia, physical injuries, and managing Eli’s seizure disorder. But everything was written so well and with such care, I found both books heartwarming and comforting. And if all that hasn’t sold you, there’s a good girl service dog named Hawk and a grumpy cat named Bells (with over 1 million followers on insta, thank you very much).