Reviews with content warning for Car accident - Like Real People Do

While there are clear signs the author is a fanfiction writer, the writing is solid and the story really well paced. The moment I thought I would start getting bored, the author hooked me back easily, which does not always happen for me.

The characters are wildly adorable and while there is practically a thousand progressive conversations and therapy talks, there is enough problematic from Alex to make up for the lack of problematic in Eli.

Overall, super cute and fun!

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frantic_vampire's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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 think I might have found another contender for my top favorite book of the year! This was amazing and I just didn’t want to put it down. I had a stupidly happy smile on my face the whole time I was reading. And I might have been giggling to myself as well, because the characters in this are just so sweet and anxious and relatable. I’m also pretty sure that this is the fastest I’ve devoured a 400+ page physical book in a while. I genuinely don’t know what I’m going to do with myself while I wait for my copies of book two and three to get here.

I loved that this book has its roots in fanfic! And yes, in some of the broader strokes of the story telling you can tell which fandom gave this story its basic structure. But I don’t think that’s a bad thing. In fact, I really loved that about this book, it felt like home even though these are completely new characters and a whole new story. Eli and Alex are both so sweet and anxious and I could read about them endlessly. I also absolutely adored the cast of side characters! I honestly can’t wait to dive into the next book. Like Real People Do is getting a solid five stars!

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mabellene's review

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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logsbooklog's review against another edition

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hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

a cute story with good representation but also deeply wish fulfillment that doesn’t even pretend to try to be realistic. it feels borderline detached from reality how simple everything goes for these characters which can be nice but just isn’t very interesting. also the writing is not the strongest; the book is third person but seemingly not comfortable with this fact as some chapters seem like they were made for a first person book with perspective changes and then molded into this clunky third person. the writing is also very tell-dont-show with so many sentences being word for word “*character* was *emotion*.” instead of just describing how they seem. i did overall think it was cute in a very uncomplicated way but the writing and rushed, unexplored premise really took me out of it.

the side characters are also super one dimensional and borderline stereotypical, particularly kuzy the stereotypical friendly russian with a thick accent who gets joked about having mafia ties multiple times. it’s not really bad enough to be insensitive it’s just lazy more than anything. the social media and reference humor is also as out of touch as ever, and the general fanfic-y tumblrness of it all is regularly groan inducing.

it’s possible, likely even, that my standards are too high for a silly romance that’s clearly former fanfic, but i really think there’s some good ideas here that could be vastly improved upon but go squandered by writing that’s weak and pandery

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fromjuliereads's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was trying to decide what to rate this book, but let's be real. This was such a great read! I loved the characters, the humour, the rep - it's diverse with disability and mental health rep - and just the all around fluff and sweetness that we get!! I admit that I wish there had been more on -page time for some female characters. I understand it's lacking because, well, hockey. But we only had "the Morgans" who weren't even really there, Cody and Eli's moms, Eli's sister, and Abuela. And none were developed. But when that's my only criticism, that's great! I definitely laughed numerous times, felt a sense of kinship with Alex's anxiety and panic attacks, and even teared up once. Oh and Kuzy is the best!! New favourite character 😂😂

Anyways, if you're looking for queer, slow burn with pining, and allll the fluff - definitely pick this one up!

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itsapaxycab's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Love love love this book it was so sweet and fun my teeth were rotting. Seeing that the author was a fix author first it makes sense (not in a bad way just in a fluff way). It is an incredible book and it’s a SERIES??? THERES MORE?!!?

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aromanticreadsromance's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Listen. I know this is fanfiction and it's probably not extremely well-written, but I LOVE THEM, Your Honor.

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obscurepages's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

It is 2:30 AM and I'm giggling, on my bed, kicking my feet 😭😂 This was so wholesome and pure and every thing I like about a fanfic (and I'm talking about all the pining, angst, fluff, and low stakes vibes) 🥹

I loved Eli and Alex and all their journey throughout this story. I loved how communication was so important as a foundation of their relationship. Also the mental health rep and the discussions about gender and sexuality? Precious.

And listen I know next to nothing about figure skating and hockey, but yeah I was rooting for Eli and Alex's games and competitions 😂 You know what, there's just something about queer sports romance, I guess.

This truly does read and feel like a fanfic. And that for me, is a compliment.

Exact rating: 4.5/5

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