Reviews tagging 'Emotional abuse'

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

217 reviews

kirsten_marie's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

I listened to Boyfriend Material as an audiobook. It had some funny bits and it was sometimes romantic and cute and all that, but I couldn't help but find the whole plot of the romance a bit underwhelming. And some chapters were just straight up boring. The book was not at all bad though. It was just not my type of book. 

Would recommend for someone often in the mood for a romcom or for lighthearted, not too dramatic romance stories. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

annsfictworld's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny informative inspiring 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


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

thefatpaperback's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

4.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

wordwilderness's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

5.0

I wouldn’t say this is a perfect book, but it was definitely perfect for me. I am such a sucker for romantic comedies and this might be the best-written romantic comedy I’ve ever picked up. It was SO FUCKING HILARIOUS. I was that dork who couldn’t help smiling to myself in public because I made the mistake of reading this while I went for a walk.

The narrator is very sarcastic and there’s a lot of banter between the characters, which I enjoyed. I also liked that the author recognized that sarcasm can turn into an unhealthy coping mechanism that pushes people away and good-natured teasing can sometimes cross the line, which isn’t something I see often in books. 

Also, the characters had great chemistry. Their initial dislike that they used to hide their obvious attraction was just *chef’s kiss* THE BEST. Sweet, buttoned-up Oliver and sarcastic Lucious were perfect for one another. I loved how the author portrayed them as dealing with their trauma in different ways. How they slowly recognized each other’s hurt and imperfections and began learning how to cope together. My heart just needed this lovely and romantic story.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

modernmatilda's review against another edition

Go to review page

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

5.0

 Something new I've learned about myself is that I really, really love listening to romance books on audio. Hearing the character's voices makes their personalities and pining and love stories come to life that much more.

I've also realized that I love a good grump/sunshine pairing, but fake dating has a special place in my heart as well. There is something so sweet about watching a couple accidentally fall for one another, even if it's begrudgingly at first.

Also, it's basically a fact that romance troupes are 20x better when they are queer. I said what I said.

As far as Boyfriend Material goes, this is an instant winner in my book. Luc and Oliver's relationship was steamy and sweet and had just the right amount of cheesy flirting. But it was also so fantastic to have another book that represented anxiety and emotional vulnerability and messiness; The way they helped each other be emotionally vulnerable and grow into better, happier humans was the kind of healthy #relationshipgoals I'm living for.

If you enjoyed Red, White, and Royal Blue I highly recommend picking up this equally adorable romance. Plus, the audiobook is perfection!

Content warning for homophobia, emotionally abusive past relationships, and a conversation about eating disorders. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

amieco's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

saffyre's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

amberinpieces's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-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


Expand filter menu Content Warnings

tbrnichols's review against another edition

Go to review page

funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

I really liked this book. I've been focusing a lot in romance novels lately on the struggles leading up to the reunion at the end and if they feel justified and these definitely did! I thought it was great how they struggled beforehand and how it didn't feel linear up until the breakup but instead felt like there were lots of bumps and plateaux and periods of rapid growth. Also as a vegan it was fun to see veganism be a key plot point in multiple scenes. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings

kitausu's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful 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

5.0

Absolutely adored this! Almost read it in one sitting and can't wait for the sequel. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings