Boyfriend Material

by Alexis Hall

WANTED:
One (fake) boyfriend
Practically perfect in every way

Luc O'Donnell is tangentially—and reluctantly—famous. His rock star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next twenty years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice, normal relationship…and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and he's never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words: perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately, apart from being gay, single, and really, really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust has settled. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone. Start falling for them. Don't ever want to let them go.

Discover the LGBT romance about exact opposites falling in perfectly imperfect love that New York Times and USA Today bestselling author CHRISTINA LAUREN calls "hilarious, witty, tender, and stunning."

• ISBN10: 1728206146
• ISBN13: 9781728206141
• Publish Date: 7 August 2020 (first published 7 July 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Sourcebooks Casablanca
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 432
• Language: English

Reviews

[lessthelonely]

-- 2nd Review --
While this book is on the longer side, and I'd definitely cut one or two storylines from it (mainly, the whole daddy issues thing), it's an enjoyable book. It made me more than chuckle, even if the brand of humor often relies on cringe, which I admit is a brand of humor I specifically don't enjoy much. However, it's not all it is.

The romance is very sweet, and I do think it's one of the few books that makes a 3rd act breakup work, mainly because "breakups" are part of the plot. I enjoy it. I have the 3rd book in the universe ready to read in my nightstand but I might take a while. I also am thinking of buying the 2nd book to see what it's all about, I guess.

All and all, it's a good romantic comedy, emphasis on comedy, and it's pretty fun! While the book speaks to me in a very personal manner, I also think a bit of what I would consider very important for a romance is kept out. I also think the consumation of the romance, while very wholesome, left me wanting a bit more, even if I could appreciate it.

Because of that, I guess I'mma give it 4.5/5, but rounded down, for once.

-- 1st Review --
I never expected to like this book so much.

I don't want to take anything out of anyone's plate, but as a gay man, I usually find MLM Romance to be extremely lacking - my theory is that, because it's a genre DOMINATED by women, it always feels awfully fetishizing to read sex-related motions described to great and usually also graphic detail. Here's the thing: obviously not all MLM books are written by women, and not all MLM books written by women even get to lean on the fetishistic side...

But I guess I grew disillusioned with the MLM Contemporary Romance genre because the books in it tend to feel highly fetishizing or severely lacking in depth and flavor: either the relationship is set up way too quickly so the book can enter its sex descriptions, which I notice a lot of women enjoy and good for them, I guess; or... it does the exact same thing to make a plot out of breaking and resetting the relationship.

Now, I had on my mind this book was written by a woman. Why did I assume that? Well, because it's usually what happens. The name Alexis Hall did seem female, but then I reached the final page of this book and realized it was actually written by a queer man, and boy does it make sense!

This book will probably be seen as formulaic by many and, sorry to say, I'm pretty sure it is. I haven't read that many MLM Adult Romances because, as stated, I'm usually underwhelmed by them and I find a lot of interesting ones in the Young Adult genre... but this one knocked it out of the park. And I regret I didn't read it sooner, though I also don't regret it, because now it's time to wait for the sequel.

So, as I usually do, I'm going to go into technicals: this is a fake dating romance. People loved those and I decided to try one of them. It's now one of my favorite tropes, not only because of the execution of it in this book but also because I see its IMMENSE potential. In just this book, I understood why fake dating is a great trope, at least for me: it makes for the perfect internal conflict of I shouldn't, but I want to, and as Miss Natalie Wynn once said, That's how you build a plotline, kids. And that is captivating and enticing, since it is one of my favorite types of pining. Not being able to have someone just builds into the tension of wanting them, making it grow and grow. Truly great stuff.

Granted, there are some choices I don't get in this book: this could've gone for an awkward-but-hilarious-first-kiss but it didn't, though it didn't do so as a showcase of Luc's character. Oh, and on the topic of plotline... this book has none, but it truly goes to show that what I've recently seen Shonda Rhimes say about writing stories: If you base it on character, you can get away with anything. This book has no plot, but it's never boring. Is that allowed? Yeah, apparently. It's got great banter, though there were some British mannerisms I truly had to reread to understand from time to time, all was still very fun! Another choice I would like to complain about but kind of won't since I ate it the fuck up - that's how invested I was - were the little temporary roadblocks. They felt realistic and unnecessary, and I had a heart attack with each one, because if the book ended on a bad note I was going to riot as it'd all been fine a few pages ag- OK, I'll just stop there and leave it at that.

This book is hilarious and it has a couple of things I'd call gimmicks, like puns and infuriating characters who never get them - seriously, Alex, what the fuck is wrong with you? - though I guess that was the point. I felt for Luc at every single point of his struggles and Oliver... You're an S Tier love interest, character, person, man. And the fact that their banter was DELICIOUS to read and the best part of the book - and be sure to know that it all pays off in some of the best romance writing I've ever read so far... - made me want them to like each other from their very first non-date.

Side characters are also very much interesting, specially each of the lovebird's friend squad and Luc's mother.

[The Romantic Comedy Book Club]

Another incredible LGBTQ+ rom-com (again - consider this your warning/disclaimer if you take issue). This book really dives into how looks can be deceiving, second chances, and how we are all guilty of self sabotage (and that we are also capable of overcoming it). To be absolutely honest, the one thing that did bother me about this book was the juvenile behavior of Luc. I would forget his age because his reactions were those of someone in their late teens/early twenties versus someone who was (I believe) 28!

[Bookbee]

Another Alexis Hall book added to my "Favourites" list.

And again the choice of narrator made these amazing characters come to life. Not just the 2 MCs but all of the supporting cast as well.

[jojo_k]

I would've dnf'ed this book if it wasn't for the audio narrator (awesome job!). It was too much of Luc's self-deprecation, self-sabotage, and cruel to others from his insecurities. 13 hrs on audio, ending was so rushed I thought I missed a chapter or two.

[roundtableknight]

Rating: 3/5 stars
~
I wish I could say that this book exceeded my expectations or hopes, but it was exceptionally average. I enjoyed the romance between Luc and Oliver, and there was plenty of banter and jokes that gave this book an extra hand, but there was also quite a few places in the story I wished were drawn out for longer so as to not feel as if they were added in at the last minute. All in all it was a funny romance comedy, but it felt one sided on a lot of information and knowledge of the characters and plot.

[alindstadtcorbeax]

Star Rating: —> 5 STARS

AMAZING BUDDY READ W/ MY BBY DARCE!

BAAAAHHHHHHHH i literally can not stop the tears! I’m a huge sap I know, but, but, but... this...

Luc is in need of a pretend boyfriend. Oliver is in need is a pretend boyfriend. The rest as they say is a perfectly balanced, hilarious yet incredibly heartwarming and touching history that is impossible for me to have loved more.

The characters were all spot on. From Luc's daft/posh work friends, his academically clever but socially challenged boss, his wonderfully funny mum and his squabbling gaggle of friends, who all are in need of their own individual books because they were just so brilliant.

Luc isn't likeable and he's fully aware of that fact, but he is so unbelievably messed up, insecure and funny that I honestly can't think of a POV character I've enjoyed reading more. Oliver is absolutely imperfectly perfect and I wish I actually was friends with literally all of these people.

5 MASSIVE STARS!!

Thank you Netgalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for providing me with a free digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[jamiereadthis]

I’m doing a reading challenge for the local library* and need “a book that became a movie” for bingo, and how I wish this book qualified because, if Hollywood knew what they were doing, it should be optioned and filmed before I finish this sentence.

It’s a top-shelf British romcom,** the supporting cast is laughably great,*** as is the audiobook, which makes it feel that much more movie-inclined, and to top it all off, the grand gesture at the end was written for me, grumpy as I am re: the grand gesture trope.****

Moreover, it gets the thing that’s irked me with a couple of romcoms I’ve read lately: flaws are better than perfection, every time. And the low stakes of the Beetle Drive are the kind of relatable stakes I need in a romance like this one.

So much fun, and another contributing factor to the bubble of joy, so if you like British romcoms, get all over this one.

*

[Sam@WLABB]

Oddly enough, I had initially set this book aside, because I wasn't in the mood the first time I picked it up, but I ended up adoring it.

Luc and Oliver were precious together. They were both sort of broken by people who were supposed to love them, and it made them doubt that anyone could really, truly care for them. The way they saw themselves and the way they saw each other was night and day. Some of my favorite parts were when they tried to convince the other of how amazing they were. Those were some sweet and tender scenes.

The book was also hilarious. I laughed loudly and often. Part of that was Luc's sense of humor and part can be credited to his zany friends. I had an rip roaring time with that crew and looked forward to each group outing.

I did find the ending a bit abrupt. I remember replaying the last part, thinking I missed something. Though it was sweet and hopeful, I would have liked a bit more.

Overall: I had a wonderful time as this fake dating rouse turned into a real relationship and both these men finally found someone who clearly saw them for how amazing they were.

*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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[llamareads]

Content warnings: parent with cancer, casual homophobia, narcissistic parental figure, verbally abusive and overcontrolling parents, panic attacks, eating disorder, harassment by paparazzi, minor mentions of drug and alcohol abuse

You know how some people say something’s a romcom but when you go read it, it’s… just not funny? And it takes itself much too seriously? And then you sit there wondering if, five months into this pandemic, you’re just a soulless husk of a person now? OK, well, this book is not that. This is the laugh-out-loud, can’t put down, still-deals-with-serious-issues-but-god-so-well all-the-feels real deal. Plus, it’s got my favorite trope – fake relationship – and that makes this an absolutely stellar read.

“Oh hello, rock bottom. Nice to see you again. Do you want to be my boyfriend?”

As the son of two famous rock stars, Luc’s had a rough time with the associated fame. When a chance paparazzi photo goes viral for all the wrong reasons, his boss gives him an ultimatum – shape up his image for their squeamish donors or he’s fired. But how’s he going to find someone that perfect who’s still going to be willing to date him? Enter Oliver, straight-laced barrister and snazzy dresser. Luc and Oliver will pretend to date, and Luc will get the “good gay” press coverage he needs as well as a straight-acceptable date for his work fundraiser, while Oliver will have a date for his parents’ wedding anniversary party. Sure even two such very different people can pretend to get along for that long?

“I increasingly think some people are meant to be lonely. I’m lonely because I’m a wreck and nobody wants me. He’s lonely because he’s awful and nobody wants him.”
“See. You do have something in common.”

Alexis Hall has the ability to write a character who is, by his own admission, an absolute prick at the start of the book but also completely sympathetic. Luc’s the type of guy to lie about speaking French to his date, then when his date (predictably) starts trying to talk to him in it, spouts out the only phrase he knows – “where’s the bathroom?” – and then feels obligated to go to said bathroom after Oliver answers. Basically, Luc’s a hot mess, and things become even more complicated when his estranged father reaches out to him. On the other hand, Oliver’s… boring. Boring and a bit judgmental and uptight. He doesn’t actually see himself as judgmental – despite such doozies as “you shouldn’t eat meat because of the environment” and “you shouldn’t use Uber because of workers’ rights” – until Luc points it out, but at heart he’s quite the sweet person. Luc also envies his apparently perfectly normal childhood with his perfectly normal set of parents.

“He was gazing at me, with this terrible earnestness, meaning every word. And, y’know, it was fine, I could cope with this, I could have feelings, it was fine. Never mind that there was this sense of nakedness settling over me, strangely independent of the fact that I was actually naked. And never mind that every time he touched me it was like he was unmaking me with tenderness. And definitely never mind that I needed this so badly I wasn’t sure how to have it.”

The story is told solely from Luc’s first person POV, so the reader has a front row seat to not only all of Luc’s mess-ups with Oliver but also the confusing attraction he feels for him, not to mention having to deal with the fact that the most functional relationship Luc’s ever had is with this fake boyfriend. The way Luc slowly accepts that he’s worthy of having that kind of relationship – that Oliver’s worthy of that kind of relationship – is just heartwrenchingly sweet. So was watching them learn to lean on and support each other. There’s a particular moment near the end of the book – the moment that leads directly into the dark moment – where I was literally crying with how proud I was of Luc for standing up for Oliver, and by extension, himself. Their relationship is an all-the-feels rollercoaster and it is delightful.

Of course, all those feels are perfectly balanced by the humor. There were several points where I literally laughed out loud, sometimes directly after tearing up due to the already mentioned feels. The secondary characters are absolutely hilarious and well done. There’s the posh aristocrat Luc works with who, for example, confuses jury trials with badgers (“terrible for dairy farmers”) or the fact that two of Luc’s friends were named James Royce who, after their marriage, are now referred to as the James Royce-Royces. Luc’s mom is an absolute treasure, doling out the perfect amount of support and advice with a hilarious twist. Even Luc’s estranged father, who could easily have been written as a cardboard villain, is nuanced and flawed in very specific ways that help highlight Luc’s own messiness.

Overall, easily 4.5 stars and most likely the funniest book I will read this year. Alexis Hall is an absolute master of the rom-com and I am very much looking forward to whatever he writes next. Highly recommended!

I received an advance review copy of this book from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.