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A review by doodlebeanz
Husband Material by Alexis Hall
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I was super into this book until the end. When Luc called Bridge in the middle of the night to say he couldn't marry Oliver, I KNEW Oliver was going to reciprocate the feelings at the wedding and they'd run off being happily unmarried... but it was just so predictable and anticlimactic for me. I don't need every couple in a book to get married, and honestly, I like that they both said marriage isn't for me, let's do our own thing... but the ENTIRE BOOK was leading up to them being married. I would've loved (a) a sweeter proposal scene, (b) maybe Luc having his freaks out but then realizing that Oliver was the one for him and ending up being happy to marry him, or (c) they should've just broken up lmao. Maybe a 3rd act break up? Anything but what actually transpired.
Also, Luc could not of been MORE ANNOYING. He was endearing in the first book, but in this book, his flaws were so obvious. He was selfish and self centered and woe is me. He only talked to his friends (who were also written to be SO ANNOYING in this book) when he needed them, he was wholly codependent on everyone (especially Oliver), and he didn't even give Oliver the chance to be understood. Luc had the opposite of character development, I feel he undeveloped where Oliver, who has since gone to therapy to deal with his personal traumas, developed a lot and learned more and more about himself as the book went on. He tried so hard to make Luc understand his side of things, especially the queer identity thing, and Luc was just like... BUT I WANT A RAINBOW ARCH *foot stomp*
The queer identity thing was interesting. I have always been an 'in your face' queer, loving to wear rainbows and shirts proclaiming my sexuality and never caring what anyone else thought, much like Luc. But Oliver was the opposite; he saw it as capitalistic and that it didn't fit how he wanted to be represented, which is valid and fair, but I loved reading about a queer character like that since usually both queer characters (especially gay men) are written as being so insanely flamboyant and in your face gay that it's pretty unrealistic. Oliver is my baby, and I love him endlessly, and he tbh deserved a more grown up person than Luc.
I do think that Luc and Oliver brought out the best in one another. I do think they are a good match and all that, but this sequel never should've gone down the road of marriage. Just them living their lives together would've been a good enough sequel, all we need is OliverLuc fluff. Boyfriend Material was a solid 5 star for me, but sadly Husband Material is only a 3 star... sad and disappointing. Still love this series though, Luc and Oliver have officially given me a book hangover!
Also, Luc could not of been MORE ANNOYING. He was endearing in the first book, but in this book, his flaws were so obvious. He was selfish and self centered and woe is me. He only talked to his friends (who were also written to be SO ANNOYING in this book) when he needed them, he was wholly codependent on everyone (especially Oliver), and he didn't even give Oliver the chance to be understood. Luc had the opposite of character development, I feel he undeveloped where Oliver, who has since gone to therapy to deal with his personal traumas, developed a lot and learned more and more about himself as the book went on. He tried so hard to make Luc understand his side of things, especially the queer identity thing, and Luc was just like... BUT I WANT A RAINBOW ARCH *foot stomp*
The queer identity thing was interesting. I have always been an 'in your face' queer, loving to wear rainbows and shirts proclaiming my sexuality and never caring what anyone else thought, much like Luc. But Oliver was the opposite; he saw it as capitalistic and that it didn't fit how he wanted to be represented, which is valid and fair, but I loved reading about a queer character like that since usually both queer characters (especially gay men) are written as being so insanely flamboyant and in your face gay that it's pretty unrealistic. Oliver is my baby, and I love him endlessly, and he tbh deserved a more grown up person than Luc.
I do think that Luc and Oliver brought out the best in one another. I do think they are a good match and all that, but this sequel never should've gone down the road of marriage. Just them living their lives together would've been a good enough sequel, all we need is OliverLuc fluff. Boyfriend Material was a solid 5 star for me, but sadly Husband Material is only a 3 star... sad and disappointing. Still love this series though, Luc and Oliver have officially given me a book hangover!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Grief, and Homophobia
Minor: Eating disorder and Vomit