A review by kj468
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey

emotional lighthearted
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

A book I loved so much that I finished it, read the sequel, and then immediately read #1 again. Just as good -- maybe even better -- the second time around. 

A few of my favorite things:
  • This book is like really good fanfiction, and I mean that in the best way possible (the author even calls out her love for fic at the end!). It's super focused on the relationship, there are lots of sweet moments, & lots of communication. The main plot here really is the relationship; other things happen, sure, but it's really first and foremost about these two getting together and falling in love
  • Such a good slow burn! I am a sucker for totally-in-a-relationship-before-they-even-kiss style relationships, which is exactly what happens here. 10/10 concept and execution
  • The POV! It's basically 3rd person dual POV, except there are occasional "guest" POVS where we get to hear from a side character for a chapter. And maybe that sounds confusing but it works SO WELL. Also, this kind of ties into bullet #1 about it feeling like a really good fanfic -- the way the povs are done feels like something a good fic would do.
  • Not angsty at all. Yes, it's a slowburn, but it's the kind where you're just like AHHHHH KISS EACH OTHER'S FACE PLEASE! and not the kind where you're annoyed about it. In hockey romance, there's always a lot of opportunities for homophobia to be a plot point, and it's not a major one here (yay!). Alex's friends on the team are all super loving and supportive and adore Eli. 
  • TBH I didn't know that much about service dogs, especially service dogs for seizure disorders, outside of like two tiktoks I've seen. This book did such a great job giving insight into this disability and the value service dogs provide, and why you're not supposed to interact with service dogs. Everyone is so respectful of Eli's disability and of his dog (hawk, who is a very good girl & a whole-ass character)
  • Alex's cat, Bells, is a whole-ass character too! She's so picky with who she tolerates, much less likes, which makes it all the more satisfying when she loves Eli.

Also, a note, there's no spice in this book, so just set your expectations for that. Plenty of affection and intimacy though! 
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