#this book was adapted from an omgcp fanfic

[westgateoh]

I just inhaled this whole series (The Breakaway Series) and all three novels were a damned delight. Well written and kind throughout, I came to trust the author and relax into these stories of healing, learning, and love. HIGHLY recommend.

Like Real People Do

Like Real People Do

E.L. Massey

NineStar Press

August 2022

Alexander Price, the NHL’s youngest captain and Elijah Rodriguez, a figure skater-slash-food vlogger with seizure disorder certainly have an inauspicious first meeting when Price takes up the only accessible parking space at the ice rink. Alex feels bad and tries to make up for it by taking Eli out for lunch. From there, these two very different guys just barely out of their teen years form a strong friendship. But Eli, disabled and flamboyantly out of the closet for years, and Alex, who is well known for his abrasive and douchey behavior on and off the ice, seem awfully different. 

But when the internet gets wind of, and is delighted by, this unlikely friendship, Alex’s carefully sculpted public persona begins to crumble and eventually he realizes someone might be worth coming out of the closet for. 

The cast of characters are really what makes this book so special. From Alex with his hard exterior but soft-bro inside, to Eli who’s had a lot to deal with in his young life, to Alex’s best friend on his team who’s an outspoken LGBT ally and feminist, to the goofy and lovable Russian hockey player, to Eli’s solid best childhood friend, and of course Eli’s constant companion Hawk, a seizure detecting service dog, they’re all well developed. But really, it’s the friends to lovers storyline that brings this whole thing together. 

Like Real People Do is such a warm hug of a book. An LGBT-friendly love letter to hockey bros, people trying to better themselves, healthy communication and service dogs. 

[bitesizebookreviews]

Like Real People Do

Like Real People Do

E.L. Massey

NineStar Press

August 2022

Alexander Price, the NHL’s youngest captain and Elijah Rodriguez, a figure skater-slash-food vlogger with seizure disorder certainly have an inauspicious first meeting when Price takes up the only accessible parking space at the ice rink. Alex feels bad and tries to make up for it by taking Eli out for lunch. From there, these two very different guys just barely out of their teen years form a strong friendship. But Eli, disabled and flamboyantly out of the closet for years, and Alex, who is well known for his abrasive and douchey behavior on and off the ice, seem awfully different. 

But when the internet gets wind of, and is delighted by, this unlikely friendship, Alex’s carefully sculpted public persona begins to crumble and eventually he realizes someone might be worth coming out of the closet for. 

The cast of characters are really what makes this book so special. From Alex with his hard exterior but soft-bro inside, to Eli who’s had a lot to deal with in his young life, to Alex’s best friend on his team who’s an outspoken LGBT ally and feminist, to the goofy and lovable Russian hockey player, to Eli’s solid best childhood friend, and of course Eli’s constant companion Hawk, a seizure detecting service dog, they’re all well developed. But really, it’s the friends to lovers storyline that brings this whole thing together. 

Like Real People Do is such a warm hug of a book. An LGBT-friendly love letter to hockey bros, people trying to better themselves, healthy communication and service dogs.