Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
Ever since I read For Real Alexis Hall has been an author I was watching out for. His books have always been on my highly anticipated list. Although, I haven’t found a book by him that has wowed me the same way For Real did. Boyfriend Material came close, and if you like anything British, with a wonderful romantic MM story, you’ll enjoy this one.
SYNOPSIS
Wanted:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way
Luc O’Donnell is tangentially–and reluctantly–famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he’s never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad’s making a comeback, Luc’s back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.
To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He’s a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he’s never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.
But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that’s when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don’t ever want to let them go.
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
MY THOUGHTS
Alexis Hall has a unique way of using humor, and this book was no exception. Loved the British slang, and how hilarious it was at times. I was grinning and smiling my way through the book. The writing was incredibly well done, with brilliant little gems of narrative, witty banter, and just wonderful character development.
The story
It’s a very romantic kind of story, although the overall storyline sounds predictable, the author puts his own spin to it and I adored the end result. There was some drama, some push and pull, and I was missing an epilogue, because honestly, that ending need another chapter. I needed to see some future between Luc and Oliver. But it was never boring.
Especially not with characters like Luc and Oliver, and when all their friends were added to the mix and it became almost rambunctious at times.
The characters
But besides the funny parts of the novel, I really enjoyed Luc and Oliver getting to know each other, finding the right person in each other, as well as support and acceptance. And most of all the self awareness that they were exactly the way they were supposed to be and totally lovable.
I also adored their individual voices. The author did such a great job with giving them distinct personalities with flaws, quirks, and doubts. And together they balanced each other so well. One of the cutes MM couples I read about in a long time.
I think I liked the cast of characters the most, Luc and Oliver, and both groups of friends. They were all so interesting, individually different, likable, hilarious, and just so very loyal to each other.
The reason why I didn’t LOVE it
Now, on the other hand there were a few times the story dragged and some paragraphs were a bit too much, which made me skip and skim a tiny bit. And the story definitely needed an epilogue. I didn’t feel as if Luck and Oliver were at a satisfying point in their relationship when the book ended. I needed something more. But overall I really enjoyed the book.
| last thoughts |
The one thing that surprised me the most about this novel was that Luc and Oliver had fade-to-black sex scenes. The chemistry and attraction was there, no doubt about it, but there was no sex – lol. I sound like that’s all I care about, that’s not the case, but after reading quite a few raunchy and steamy MM books, this one is comparable mild. But I enjoyed the book greatly without the bedroom antics. I was just surprised by the lack of it, that’s all, because other books by him are SEXY!!!.
MY RATING:
I received a copy of this book from the publisher for free in exchange for an honest review.
My opinions have not been influenced by the publisher or the author.
Goodreads • Amazon • Author’s Website
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
That’s interesting that he left the sex out of it when he normally doesn’t. I wonder why? Not that it matters. It would bother me that the story wasn’t more wrapped up, too.
I wonder if because it’s a traditional published novel with a new publisher might be the reason. And yes, it definitely needed an epilogue or a couple more chapters. Felt a bit unfinished.
It seems like you are reading so many wonderful books lately!!! I saw this one floating around and sounds good! Great review 🙂
I’ve had some great books on my June tbr and July is looking GOOD too 😀
Ohh yeah! That’s great!! 🙂