Boyfriend Material (London Calling, #1)
by Alexis Hall
425 pages, Paperback
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Release Date: July 7, 2020
My Rating: ★★★★★
Book Summary
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.
— from Goodreads
Book Review
“Boyfriend Material” by Alexis Hall is an absolute gem of a romantic comedy that will leave readers with a warm heart and a smile on their face. With its delightful blend of witty banter, endearing characters, and a swoon-worthy romance, this novel stands out as a shining example of the genre.
The story follows Luc O’Donnell, the son of two famous musicians, who finds himself embroiled in a scandal that threatens his already fragile public image. In an attempt to salvage his reputation, Luc agrees to a fake relationship with Oliver Blackwood, a uptight and proper barrister. As the two navigate their pretend relationship, they discover a connection that goes beyond their initial arrangement, leading to a heartwarming and hilarious journey of self-discovery and love.
Alexis Hall’s writing is a true delight. The novel is filled with sharp and clever dialogue that crackles with humor and wit.
The characters in “Boyfriend Material” are richly developed and incredibly lovable. Luc is a witty and self-deprecating protagonist who immediately captures readers’ hearts with his endearing quirks and insecurities. Oliver, with his rigid exterior and unexpected vulnerability, complements Luc perfectly, leading to a captivating and layered dynamic between the two. The supporting cast of friends and family members adds depth and authenticity to the story, creating a sense of community and connection.
Beyond the delightful romance, “Boyfriend Material” also explores themes of self-acceptance and the importance of genuine connections. Luc’s journey of personal growth and learning to value himself for who he is rather than his famous parents’ reputation is relatable and inspiring. The novel presents a refreshing and uplifting message about finding love and happiness by embracing one’s true self.
“Boyfriend Material” is a joyous celebration of love, friendship, and personal growth. While it adheres to some familiar tropes of the romantic comedy genre, it does so with a fresh and modern twist. Alexis Hall’s remarkable storytelling talent shines through, capturing the essence of romance while infusing it with humor and genuine emotion. With its perfect balance of humor and romance, it is a must-read for fans of the genre. This enchanting debut in the London Calling series cements Alexis Hall as a talented voice in contemporary romance, and readers will eagerly anticipate what he has in store next.