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levilore_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! It had a lot of great moments, but be aware that it is very different in vibes from the first book. Rather than Boyfriend Material which was much more "fanfic trope" this book deals with what it is actually like being in an adult relationship, what queer love means, marriage as an institution, and grief. It had a lot of amazing moments, but didn't have the iron grip on my heart like the first book, which honestly worked well for the plot/themes. Had some moments that genuinely made me yell out loud from excitement and other times I fully started crying. I only knocked it down a few points because the beginning was a bit slow for my taste.
Now the ending.I saw other reviews saying they hated this book because the ending was so disappointing and frustrating. I see where people are coming from, the whole build up to the wedding and then for them to not even get married was somewhat disappointing plus the last chapter felt a bit rushed. However, I do not think the ending didn't make sense and I believe many people missed the point of this story.
Throughout the different weddings, Luc and Oliver obviously have different opinions about what marriage means and in Oliver's case, he is still figuring out what being queer means for him. The other weddings celebrate the joy of marriage and how individualized the experience is for each couple. My main takeaway from the book was that for Luc and Oliver, the act of marriage isn't, well, that important. For them, not being married is more important because it's an act of protest. Neither of them really talk about why they want to be married, rather they are both focused on the expectations that they should want to get married. They already do all the things that a life partner does for each other. Luc shows this when he supports Oliver through his dad's death. Oliver supports Luc when they go to Miles' wedding. The only time their communication fully breaks down is when they are trying to plan an event neither of them want. For the characters, the ending makes sense. Is it extremely dramatic and surprising? Absolutely. But through that act, through their complete honesty with each other, they are able to have their version of what love means, which is them bailing on their own wedding, running into the rain, and making out. (I really enjoyed the sweet touch of the rainbow umbrellas)
In a larger context, I enjoyed this book because it explores the complexity of queerness and marriage. They talk about how marriage is an important right for queer people, but there is no right way to be queer. Having that conventional expression of love, for a relationship that started and continues to be unconventional, just doesn't work for them. And that's the point of the ending. Did it annoy me that they wasted all that time and money just to not get married? Yes, it did. Do I think they could have just had a big party and skipped the ceremony? Absolutely. But I think that's the whole point. From the outside, them running off looks absolutely ridiculous and stupid, but character wise it makes sense because honestly they are both kind of ridiculous and stupid. People want everything to be wrapped up in this beautiful bow of marriage = happiness but I think Alexis Hall uses this book to show how true queerness is about accepting that not being married, not having the flashy rainbow ceremony, should be just as beautiful as all those things. The idea of "love is love" should not just be "love is love if you follow the traditional normative conventions of how love should be expressed", but rather "love is complex and weird and that is beautiful too". And I personally think that is more impactful than them getting married in the first place.
Now the ending.
Throughout the different weddings, Luc and Oliver obviously have different opinions about what marriage means and in Oliver's case, he is still figuring out what being queer means for him. The other weddings celebrate the joy of marriage and how individualized the experience is for each couple. My main takeaway from the book was that for Luc and Oliver, the act of marriage isn't, well, that important. For them, not being married is more important because it's an act of protest. Neither of them really talk about why they want to be married, rather they are both focused on the expectations that they should want to get married. They already do all the things that a life partner does for each other. Luc shows this when he supports Oliver through his dad's death. Oliver supports Luc when they go to Miles' wedding. The only time their communication fully breaks down is when they are trying to plan an event neither of them want. For the characters, the ending makes sense. Is it extremely dramatic and surprising? Absolutely. But through that act, through their complete honesty with each other, they are able to have their version of what love means, which is them bailing on their own wedding, running into the rain, and making out. (I really enjoyed the sweet touch of the rainbow umbrellas)
In a larger context, I enjoyed this book because it explores the complexity of queerness and marriage. They talk about how marriage is an important right for queer people, but there is no right way to be queer. Having that conventional expression of love, for a relationship that started and continues to be unconventional, just doesn't work for them. And that's the point of the ending. Did it annoy me that they wasted all that time and money just to not get married? Yes, it did. Do I think they could have just had a big party and skipped the ceremony? Absolutely. But I think that's the whole point. From the outside, them running off looks absolutely ridiculous and stupid, but character wise it makes sense because honestly they are both kind of ridiculous and stupid. People want everything to be wrapped up in this beautiful bow of marriage = happiness but I think Alexis Hall uses this book to show how true queerness is about accepting that not being married, not having the flashy rainbow ceremony, should be just as beautiful as all those things. The idea of "love is love" should not just be "love is love if you follow the traditional normative conventions of how love should be expressed", but rather "love is complex and weird and that is beautiful too". And I personally think that is more impactful than them getting married in the first place.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Cursing, Eating disorder, Body shaming, Sexism, Grief, Homophobia, Classism, Abandonment, Alcohol, Fatphobia, and Sexual content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail, Racism, Transphobia, Vomit, Cancer, Infidelity, and Excrement
jadehusdanhicks's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
I honestly don’t think I’ve ever read such an underwhelming sequel. If written well I think I’d really enjoy Luc and Oliver’s dynamic but this just didn’t hit the spot for me. It dragged out unnecessary arguments, had predictable plot if a bunch of weddings and a funeral .
Although arguing is part of even then healthiest relationships, the amount in this book was downright unhealthy. It really put a downer on where live and made this a drag for me to finish. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this duology to anyone wanting a well written realistic queer romance reccomendations.
Although arguing is part of even then healthiest relationships, the amount in this book was downright unhealthy. It really put a downer on where live and made this a drag for me to finish. Overall, I wouldn’t recommend this duology to anyone wanting a well written realistic queer romance reccomendations.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, Death, Homophobia, Alcohol, Classism, and Death of parent
cheye13's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
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 put off reading this for quite a long time, believing Boyfriend Material didn't need a sequel (or a series). And it really doesn't. It's a book that stands alone just fine.
But that doesn't also mean that this book didn't have anything to do or anywhere to go. It is also a wonderful story that stands alone just as well. Yet it has the added bonus of being a wholly faithful continuation of the characters and their trajectories from the previous story.
So often I finish a book and had such a good time that I wished it simply kept going and this sequel is the closest I will ever see to providing that for its predecessor. My new fear is that this book spoke to me so well because I'm in a very similar life stage; I hope my affection for this series doesn't fade in time.
But that doesn't also mean that this book didn't have anything to do or anywhere to go. It is also a wonderful story that stands alone just as well. Yet it has the added bonus of being a wholly faithful continuation of the characters and their trajectories from the previous story.
So often I finish a book and had such a good time that I wished it simply kept going and this sequel is the closest I will ever see to providing that for its predecessor. My new fear is that this book spoke to me so well because I'm in a very similar life stage; I hope my affection for this series doesn't fade in time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Grief
Moderate: Classism and Infidelity
Minor: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Eating disorder
lisa_m's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I really wanted to love this. And I do still very much love the writing style of Alexis Hall. I don't think Boyfriend Material needed a sequels though.
I loved Boyfriend Material. It's so funny and charming and real. That is still true for Husband Material but the story is just.. not that great. It's basically just a series of weddings and a funeral .
I was really excited for this book and now I'm unsure what to think of it. Was is funny? Yes, absolutely! Alexis Hall is one of the few authors that can actually make me laugh out loud. I really enjoy this books humour. Still the plot just kind of fell flat to me. After all the turmoil of the first book it felt like a bit of a betrayal to have the characters struggle again.
I do appreciate the realness of the book. Especially the ending was amazing and I really loved to read about this conclusion. BUT even though I loved the plot of the ending it felt really abrupt and sudden.
Also Luc is such a hypocrite. I get that you need it for the drama of the big conclusion but it still annoyed me. Honestly the whole book was just soo full of misunderstandings and fights I started to doubt whether Luc and Oliver are actually good together. I like that it shows how in real relationships you do fight and have disagreements but sometimes it just felt too personal.
All in all I loved some parts of this book, enjoyed others. Sometimes I was really bored and thought about dnfing the book. Sometimes I was just ambivalent and sometimes I gut really angry at the book. It was okay and did the best it could I guess but also I don't think anything could really live up to the expectations I had just because of how much I loved Boyfriend Material.
I loved Boyfriend Material. It's so funny and charming and real. That is still true for Husband Material but the story is just.. not that great. It's basically just a series of weddings
I was really excited for this book and now I'm unsure what to think of it. Was is funny? Yes, absolutely! Alexis Hall is one of the few authors that can actually make me laugh out loud. I really enjoy this books humour. Still the plot just kind of fell flat to me. After all the turmoil of the first book it felt like a bit of a betrayal to have the characters struggle again.
I do appreciate the realness of the book. Especially the ending was amazing and I really loved to read about this conclusion. BUT even though I loved the plot of the ending it felt really abrupt and sudden.
All in all I loved some parts of this book, enjoyed others. Sometimes I was really bored and thought about dnfing the book. Sometimes I was just ambivalent and sometimes I gut really angry at the book. It was okay and did the best it could I guess but also I don't think anything could really live up to the expectations I had just because of how much I loved Boyfriend Material.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Classism, Cursing, Death of parent, Abandonment, Death, Emotional abuse, and Homophobia
includes complicated, toxic relationship with parents / familyreadwithria's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
Husband Material is the first direct-line sequel to a romcom I've read, and it didn't disappoint! I was so happy to have more of Oliver and Luc, and the shenanigans of their friends.
Healthy communication, check
Sexy banter, check
Romantic as fuck, check
Explorations of community and self-expression, check
I relate to Oliver so much in his identity crisis. I'm demisexual, but I'm also straight and cis, and my demisexuality has never impacted my relationships or how I'm perceived by the world. It makes me feel like I'm not queer enough to be queer, and honestly, after this book, I'm saying f**k it I will express myself however feels authentic to me. So thanks, Oliver (and Alexis Hall), for giving me the courage to do that.
Back to the book, I really loved it. It didn't quite give me the five-star ~vibes~ but I honestly couldn't tell you why. I loved this book, I love this series, and I can't wait to read more from Alexis Hall. I'd highly recommend the London Calling series to anyone who enjoyed Red, White & Royal Blue, or who likes their romcoms to have a side of intense character growth through big struggles. 4.5 stars.
Healthy communication, check
Sexy banter, check
Romantic as fuck, check
Explorations of community and self-expression, check
I relate to Oliver so much in his identity crisis. I'm demisexual, but I'm also straight and cis, and my demisexuality has never impacted my relationships or how I'm perceived by the world. It makes me feel like I'm not queer enough to be queer, and honestly, after this book, I'm saying f**k it I will express myself however feels authentic to me. So thanks, Oliver (and Alexis Hall), for giving me the courage to do that.
Back to the book, I really loved it. It didn't quite give me the five-star ~vibes~ but I honestly couldn't tell you why. I loved this book, I love this series, and I can't wait to read more from Alexis Hall. I'd highly recommend the London Calling series to anyone who enjoyed Red, White & Royal Blue, or who likes their romcoms to have a side of intense character growth through big struggles. 4.5 stars.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing
Moderate: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Death of parent
Minor: Vomit, Classism, and Grief
stacy837's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Homophobia
Moderate: Sexual content, Death of parent, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Alcohol
Minor: Eating disorder and Classism
angelfireeast24's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Vomit, Homophobia, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Eating disorder
merah's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Grief, Vomit, Cursing, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Alcohol, Biphobia, Eating disorder, Mental illness, Homophobia, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Abandonment
Minor: Dysphoria, Cancer, Eating disorder, Terminal illness, and Infidelity
Never feeling worthy / good enough (very graphic!) Difficult family dynamics. Feelings of child abandonment.eamily's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Emotional abuse, Death of parent, Grief, and Cursing
Minor: Alcohol, Cancer, Classism, Colonisation, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, Eating disorder, and Body shaming
diana_raquel's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
“I am yours, more truly than I have ever been anyone’s. Because when I’m with you, I’m me. Not someone I think I should be. And I’ll be with you, however you want, for as long as you’ll have me.”
So, I really liked Boyfriend Material. It was a cute rom-com. And because I liked it, I decided to read Husband Material, which continues the story of Luc and Oliver. And I liked it. It's another cute rom-com. However, I didn't like it as much as the first book.
What won me over Boyfriend Material, was the character development. Although I didn't like Luc at first, I kept rooting for him and Oliver. And, with time, I started to like him. But when I started reading this book, I already know Luc and his character development. And, although this book also has strong character development, it wasn't as impactful as the character development of the first book. So, the book ended up falling a bit short, for me. However, on a positive point, this book was able to surprise me since some plot twists were completely unexpected.
Overall, this is a cute rom-com that I would recommend to fans of Luc and Oliver.
So, I really liked Boyfriend Material. It was a cute rom-com. And because I liked it, I decided to read Husband Material, which continues the story of Luc and Oliver. And I liked it. It's another cute rom-com. However, I didn't like it as much as the first book.
What won me over Boyfriend Material, was the character development. Although I didn't like Luc at first, I kept rooting for him and Oliver. And, with time, I started to like him. But when I started reading this book, I already know Luc and his character development. And, although this book also has strong character development, it wasn't as impactful as the character development of the first book. So, the book ended up falling a bit short, for me. However, on a positive point, this book was able to surprise me since some plot twists were completely unexpected.
Overall, this is a cute rom-com that I would recommend to fans of Luc and Oliver.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, Death, Vomit, Homophobia, and Cursing
Moderate: Classism and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content and Eating disorder