A review by bookobsessedmommy
Husband Material by Alexis Hall

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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

Oliver and Luc are drowning in weddings. It seems like everyone they know is getting married, and they're happy for them of course. They're happy together, but every book need some sort of conflict and there are a few sprinkled throughout all surrounding the theme of weddings/marriage. This almost felt like a novella collection until I got to the end, and I was honestly feeling like it was all vibes/no plot. I feel like for the actual point of the story, this could have been a LOT shorter. Even with that, I love them so much that I happily listened to all the aimless fluff.
The ending was an interesting choice. I've heard this discussion in other queer books, but I've rarely seen people willing to commit so hard to not submitting to heteronormative behavior in this way. I love that they get to stay together, because I love them, but I'm furious that it took so long. You literally have done all this work, got all these people there, and neither of them ever brought this up. They kept getting lost in the details, and maybe that's a good way to avoid discussing what's actually important. This might be the most realistic representation of miscommunication I've read now that I think of it.
I would love another "Five years later" novella just to see where everyone ends up.
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