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A review by the_bookace
All Hail the Underdogs by E.L. Massey
5.0
5/5 Stars
This book is probably my favorite of the Breakaway Series right now. Rome and Damien started off on a rough note, and butting heads but they both grew and developed. Focusing on these two after their introduction from the last book was great because I definitely wanted to read about them.
Rome comes from a poorer background and is on the track of emancipating, Damien comes from a wealthy background and is adopted. Personally, I thought Rome learning and understanding the difference between white privileged and just privilege was important to his character. Part of his issues with Damien was him not understanding money issues, but how could he know if Rome never told him. And he realized that Damien had issues of his own being a POC out in a world where he will be scrutinized no matter how he acts. Them both learning early on how the other navigates the world helped and I’m glad they were able to do that early. They used what they learned as the book progressed and it truly shows how much they have learned.
Rome and Damien are cute and I like how different their relationship was form Alex and Eli. Rome and Damien had more bumps and struggles with their relationship, which to me, made them feel more relatable in the way. Damien having separation anxiety issues and Rome not quite knowing how to show love were two pieces the other needed. Rome showed Damien that he would be there for him, and Damien showed Rome that love can be given and not taken back. Yes they both messed up and they still had time to grow, but they learned how to be healthy.
Also, the way that they were talking about adoption so early in their relationship was funny. They really are just two teenage boys in love, and they both love Finley so much that they knew the other was it for them. I very much enjoyed the three little epilogues we got: Three months later to Rome being accepted to the Hellhounds, Two years later Damien winning the Yale Younger Poets Prize, and Three years later of the Hellhounds winning the Stanley Cup again and Rome and Damien getting engaged. Seeing these little moments made my heart full. And I hope the girlfriend of Matts is the same from the next book
This book is probably my favorite of the Breakaway Series right now. Rome and Damien started off on a rough note, and butting heads but they both grew and developed. Focusing on these two after their introduction from the last book was great because I definitely wanted to read about them.
Rome comes from a poorer background and is on the track of emancipating, Damien comes from a wealthy background and is adopted. Personally, I thought Rome learning and understanding the difference between white privileged and just privilege was important to his character. Part of his issues with Damien was him not understanding money issues, but how could he know if Rome never told him. And he realized that Damien had issues of his own being a POC out in a world where he will be scrutinized no matter how he acts. Them both learning early on how the other navigates the world helped and I’m glad they were able to do that early. They used what they learned as the book progressed and it truly shows how much they have learned.
Rome and Damien are cute and I like how different their relationship was form Alex and Eli. Rome and Damien had more bumps and struggles with their relationship, which to me, made them feel more relatable in the way. Damien having separation anxiety issues and Rome not quite knowing how to show love were two pieces the other needed. Rome showed Damien that he would be there for him, and Damien showed Rome that love can be given and not taken back. Yes they both messed up and they still had time to grow, but they learned how to be healthy.
Also, the way that they were talking about adoption so early in their relationship was funny. They really are just two teenage boys in love, and they both love Finley so much that they knew the other was it for them. I very much enjoyed the three little epilogues we got: Three months later to Rome being accepted to the Hellhounds, Two years later Damien winning the Yale Younger Poets Prize, and Three years later of the Hellhounds winning the Stanley Cup again and Rome and Damien getting engaged. Seeing these little moments made my heart full. And I hope the girlfriend of Matts is the same from the next book