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4.02 AVERAGE
4.02 AVERAGE
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
At first, I really enjoyed the story. I liked the characters and how they were portrayed in the book. I especially loved the fake boyfriend trope, it’s one of my favorites. However, despite the setup, it didn’t feel like a true “fake dating” story. The emotional depth was there, but something was missing.
One major issue for me was how the book handled mental health. The characters clearly showed signs of depression, but the word itself was never mentioned. It felt like the book was dancing around the topic instead of addressing it directly, which was disappointing.
Another letdown was the climax. It lasted only about 10 pages and was resolved in just a few hours within the story. It felt rushed and poorly explained, leaving me unsatisfied with how everything wrapped up. In my opinion, the ending was very weak and lacked impact.
In conclusion, I had high hopes for this book, I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me. I won’t be continuing the series
One major issue for me was how the book handled mental health. The characters clearly showed signs of depression, but the word itself was never mentioned. It felt like the book was dancing around the topic instead of addressing it directly, which was disappointing.
Another letdown was the climax. It lasted only about 10 pages and was resolved in just a few hours within the story. It felt rushed and poorly explained, leaving me unsatisfied with how everything wrapped up. In my opinion, the ending was very weak and lacked impact.
In conclusion, I had high hopes for this book, I really wanted to like it, but it just didn’t work for me. I won’t be continuing the series
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
Dear Me,
Alexis Hall does a great job of making Luc sweet, lovable, and self-deprecating in a way that’s endearing rather than annoying. His chaotic energy and quick wit played beautifully against Oliver’s quiet, tightly wound composure. Their interactions had you giggling and kicking your feet and the banter was delicious and full of chemistry.
The side characters were also a lot of fun and reminded you of a 90s romcom. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral or Notting Hill. Quirky English characters, posh twats you can’t help but love, and Hugh Grant-esque charm.
That said, you would have liked a little more of the calmer, reflective side to balance out the drama, break-ups and make-ups. You found yourself wanting to sit with the characters’ emotions rather than constantly being swept up in the chaos or hit with another joke.
Overall though, Boyfriend Material was a charming, funny read that left you smiling and wanting more. You’ll definitely be picking up book two.
Love, Me
Alexis Hall does a great job of making Luc sweet, lovable, and self-deprecating in a way that’s endearing rather than annoying. His chaotic energy and quick wit played beautifully against Oliver’s quiet, tightly wound composure. Their interactions had you giggling and kicking your feet and the banter was delicious and full of chemistry.
The side characters were also a lot of fun and reminded you of a 90s romcom. Think Four Weddings and a Funeral or Notting Hill. Quirky English characters, posh twats you can’t help but love, and Hugh Grant-esque charm.
That said, you would have liked a little more of the calmer, reflective side to balance out the drama, break-ups and make-ups. You found yourself wanting to sit with the characters’ emotions rather than constantly being swept up in the chaos or hit with another joke.
Overall though, Boyfriend Material was a charming, funny read that left you smiling and wanting more. You’ll definitely be picking up book two.
Love, Me
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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
the last minute conflict felt very sudden and kind of dampened my enjoyment of the book but i really did like luc and oliver and their relationship as a whole
Boyfriend Material is a witty, heartwarming rom-com that goes beyond the usual tropes. While it’s full of laugh-out-loud moments and classic fake-dating fun, what really stands out is the emotional depth of the characters. Luc and Oliver aren’t just quirky stereotypes. They’re flawed, layered, and genuinely grow over the course of the story. A charming read with real heart beneath the humor.
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-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
I should have read content warnings going in. The plotline heavily relying on shitty parents is something I would have avoided but by the time I realized it, I had already become invested in the characters and their relationship.
I had to look up about 4 words a page so that was fun.
It took me a minute to enjoy reading Luc's style of speech/narration. He mostly was coming across as chaotic and a bit of a run on. While some of this was his unique personality, you can literally "feel" Oliver's impact on Luc just by noticing how much more coherent and self aware his self-talk and narration is. It was a really fun technique to experience.
I wish the intimate scenes weren't closed door/fade to black, but you still get a decent sense of how that physical connection changes their relationship.
I had to look up about 4 words a page so that was fun.
It took me a minute to enjoy reading Luc's style of speech/narration. He mostly was coming across as chaotic and a bit of a run on. While some of this was his unique personality, you can literally "feel" Oliver's impact on Luc just by noticing how much more coherent and self aware his self-talk and narration is. It was a really fun technique to experience.
I wish the intimate scenes weren't closed door/fade to black, but you still get a decent sense of how that physical connection changes their relationship.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Grief, Abandonment, Dysphoria, Classism
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Self harm, Gaslighting
Minor: Drug use, Eating disorder, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Vomit, Death of parent, Dysphoria
Okay I’ve listened to this book twice now and it’s still amazing.
1. I’ve never physically laughed out loud as much as I did while listening to this book and looked like a crazy person
(the amount of motioning to my headphones in out of my house settings after I crazy laughed happened too many times)
2. Plot is amazing, characters messy and real, friends who were lovely, witty-ness abound, and again it was hilarious.
Poorly worded plot from me: Two men who try a lot in their lives, end up failing a lot, self loathing abound, and then end up falling for each other as they realize they are okay and human with friends who are supportive and rag on them
3. The audio is fantastic for this one. The narrator does all the voices and characterizations of characters so well. Actually highly recommend to read this way, which is a rare recommendation
Anyways, I’m probs going to be re-reading this forever
1. I’ve never physically laughed out loud as much as I did while listening to this book and looked like a crazy person
(the amount of motioning to my headphones in out of my house settings after I crazy laughed happened too many times)
2. Plot is amazing, characters messy and real, friends who were lovely, witty-ness abound, and again it was hilarious.
Poorly worded plot from me: Two men who try a lot in their lives, end up failing a lot, self loathing abound, and then end up falling for each other as they realize they are okay and human with friends who are supportive and rag on them
3. The audio is fantastic for this one. The narrator does all the voices and characterizations of characters so well. Actually highly recommend to read this way, which is a rare recommendation
Anyways, I’m probs going to be re-reading this forever
This was so fricking perfect! The level of sarcasm on point and just soo damn adorable with the add of real life shit which made it even more amazing.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Luc's self depracating, self loathing, self sabotaging attitude make him a hard character to enjoy reading. I wish we got more of Charlie's POV since I found him to be a much more enjoyable character. The early parts were such a drag because of Luc but halfway through it gets cute and the ending is nice albeit a bit rushed due to a LATE conflict
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I wanted to like this. It has a ton of good reviews and the premise was something I thought I’d really enjoy. It just didn’t work for me. The MC Luc was not likable for me. I don’t relate and he just felt bad for bads sake. They need him bad to make him good?
Oliver was a hoot from the beginning but you knew he’d have some issues and when they popped up I felt they were believable but when it came to the formulaic separation it felt like he was a different person.
So much of the story just don’t make sense when both character would literally lay everything out and neither of them seemed to get it. I’m not sure if I’ll visit the sequel. Could it be better? Maybe when I’m having low expectations.
Oliver was a hoot from the beginning but you knew he’d have some issues and when they popped up I felt they were believable but when it came to the formulaic separation it felt like he was a different person.
So much of the story just don’t make sense when both character would literally lay everything out and neither of them seemed to get it. I’m not sure if I’ll visit the sequel. Could it be better? Maybe when I’m having low expectations.