New favourite book alert!
I was lucky enough to have my wish granted to read this book on NetGalley and though I wasn’t hugely excited to read this book eventually…it was so damn good!
This book is being toted as a romance novel but in reality it reads more like lad lit. For those who don’t know, lad lit is a sub genre of chick-lit. Just like chick-lit, these books focus on the relationships, friendships and work life but with a comedic tone. Even when they get emotional. But where chick-lit is about women, lad lit is about men.
Boyfriend Material is essentially queer lad lit. It focuses on Luc, the son of two musicians from the 80’s who after he gets papped, needs to find a guy to date who will improve his reputation for the sake of his work. Enter Oliver, a vegetarian barrister who Luc would rather not date but, somehow, they agree to fake date and wind up falling in love.
This book was completely hilarious. I wound up staying up way later than I should and crying with laughter as I was trying not to make any noise. Both Oliver and Luc were complete messes and this led to a lot of emotional moments but together? Together they were cute and ridiculous and so enjoyable. They have a joke where they don’t send dick pics, nope, Oliver sends Luc pictures of famous people called Richard instead.
It sounds bizarre but so many things about this book are. Luc’s work buddies are dumb as hell but Luc telling Alex jokes reminded me of the after credits scene in the Vicar of Dibley where Geraldine tells Alice jokes at the end of each episode but she’s too dimwitted to understand it. One of the jokes was even the same! This isn’t the only very British reference, nope, Luc’s straight best friend is called Bridget and her boyfriend? Tom. Tom also being the name of Bridget Jones gay best friend. I don’t know if this was on purpose or not but it amused the hell out of me.
The familial relationships in this book are difficult. Luc gets along with his mum but his dad abandoned him and has recently turned back up and the less said about Oliver’s family the better. These relationships have meant their romantic relationships aren’t exactly the best but it’s understandable and they help each other grow past that. And while we’re on the topic of relationships; the friendships are wonderful and I just…I loved it so much.
I’ve pre-ordered a physical copy of this book and am so excited to read more like this by Alexis Hall.
This book was everything I could want but didn’t know I needed. I never expected to truly come across m/m lad lit outside of fanfiction and I’m so happy I have. This book is a firm favourite and I suggest you all read it as soon as its out.
5/s Stars
Lace and Dagger Books 
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