Luc O’Donnell is the son of two famous musicians who had a rocky relationship. He grew up with his mother never having connected with his father. His father is known for his wild and crazy ways and now that he is trying to clean up his act and make a comeback the tabloids are focusing on Luc and just how much like his father they think he is. This doesn’t bode well for his life and threatens to throw what little his has going for himself down the drain. He decides that in order to make himself look better and not put everything in his life in jeopardy he needs to be seen in a more mature adult romance with a normal, boring guy even if that relationship is fake…enter Oliver Blackwood, who is as mature and normal as you can get. As luck may have it Oliver is also in need of a fake boyfriend for an event. And we all know what fake dating can lead to.

I was really excited for this book…tight lace man falls for son of rock royalty…I was expecting this fake dating to include hate to love and be everything I wanted….but in reality it wasn’t even much of fake dating. Almost everybody in Luc’s life knows it’s fake, only Oliver’s friends and family don’t know. I wasn’t expecting to like Luc…I figured he might be a little hard to like at first but in all honesty I don’t know if I ever really got to a point where I liked him at all. He was unnecessarily rude and I can understand he was going through some stuff but like he knew he was being rude while he was doing it. Also at one point Luc realizes he doesn’t know much about Oliver and admits that to himself that he was too focused on himself at first, later Oliver mentions that Luc doesn’t really know him and then Luc disagrees? But he mentioned it first?

Now aside from Luc I actually like most of the other characters...Luc’s friends and family and Oliver’s friends made me laugh out loud and I found their quirkiness a confusing mix of endearing and annoying…which I think might be the point? I also really enjoyed Oliver’s character and I definitely feel like he put more into the relationship than he was getting out of it. I liked that he was starting to let himself be less in control when he was with Luc (and although I didn’t like Luc or how he sometimes treated Oliver) I can admit that it seemed they were good for each other….although for a fake relationship they really did seem to break up an awful lot. Even though the romance did end up being cute and making me smile for the most part I feel like it dragged on a bit…thanks a lot to the aforementioned breakups and made this book seem a lot longer than it needed to be.

I give this book a 3 out of 5 stars.

This is a very sweet and funny story about a relationship of convenience that turns into something deeper. Two men in London with important events looming on the horizon allow themselves to be set up by a friend who concludes they are perfect for each other because they are the only two single homosexual males she knows. Luc is trying to escape his rockstar father’s dubious legacy and infuriating comeback. Oliver seems perfect, almost icy, but has family baggage that could ruin everything. Recommended for fans of Casey McQuiston

What a delight - I absolutely loved reading Boyfriend Material. Luc O'Donnell is reluctantly famous and in the public eye, thanks to a rock star dad he's never met who's making a comeback. To make himself outwardly appear like he's got his life together, Luc hatches a plan, which involves fake-dating a normal guy. Enter barrister, Oliver Blackwood. These two are complete opposites, but that's what makes their relationship and dynamic so compelling and irresistible.

One of the main reasons why I adored Boyfriend Material so much was the humour and Luc's witty remarks. The dad jokes he (attempts to) tell his workmate had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. There was also a slew of hilarious loveable supporting characters, including his colleagues and friends. I honestly have no complaints and will be recommending Boyfriend Material to everyone.

Y'all I was not prepared for how much I enjoyed this book. Luc is heartbreaking in a pathetic kind of way and Oliver is the button up barrister that I never knew I needed. There is something to be said about being the son of two former rock stars, and even though he's never met his dad Luc comes with ALL the burdens that entails. Hall does an amazing job of writing interesting characters that feel real and not just filled with cookie-cutter tropes and no actual character traits.

Oliver and Luc aren't just the cutest fake dating couple I've ever read but they are the cutest and so full of heart and heartache. Perfect for fans of Red White and Royal Blue, Oliver and Luc's drama and banter will leave you full of warm fuzzies and laughing out loud long after you stop reading.

I was given this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This book was not perfect but passing the flaws you'll find love. This is how I'd sum u this book. Despite the questionable main character Luc and the things he does, you'll come to appreciate the difference of the two characters.

Funny, sexy, and heartwarming, "Boyfriend Material" was a nice vacation from the harsh realities of the current pandemic-ridden world. It had fun romantic tropes, excellent sense of humor with great dialogue, it was an enjoyable ride. Highly recommend.

Boyfriend Material had everything I'm looking for, and more, when I'm reading a rom-com. It made me laugh out loud, groan in frustration at the characters, and root for both Luc and Oliver. It also included one of my favorite romance tropes of all -- fake dating. Oliver and Luc decide it would be in their best interest to be each other's fake boyfriend to help ease some problems in their lives. I wanted to see where this fake dating would lead Luc and Oliver. Could they get over their insecurities and find happiness? Or was faking it the best both of them could do? I loved the characters in this story. They all had multiple dimensions and added zest to the story. I love it when a book has a great supporting cast of characters, and this one definitely did. This was a very enjoyable read. I do wish, however, that it had an epilogue, but that is probably a personal preference.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this book!

Funny, sexy, endearing... so many words that describe this book. I was captured from the very first page and spent the entire time reading snippets of it out loud to anyone who would listen (and a lot of people who didn't actually volunteer to listen). Every single thing about it was amazing, from the dialogue to the descriptions to the character development for both Luc and Oliver. I had a feeling I knew where the storyline with Luc's father was going, but it didn't stop me from investing in it. I especially loved the depth in both characters and the crazy cast of friends and family members that surrounded them. Luc's charity job was *just* this side of cheesy and made the whole thing 100x better. I can't recommend this book enough!

4.5 Stars. I loved this book! I will ship Luc and Oliver forever! I started this book really unsure about Luc, he didn't seem likeable. But boy did I really start rooting for his happiness and success. The personal growth of both Luc, Oliver and the growth of their relationship was fantastic. I really enjoyed the secondary characters as well, their snark combined with their support was very endearing. I loved especially how they helped each other navigate their family relationships, and fought for one another when they couldn't fight for themselves. Hall did a great job of portraying a real relationship, the hardships you go through and how past relationships can make moving forward challenging. Would love to watch this romcom! Warning: language

I. LOVED. THIS. BOOK. I am obsessed with Luc and Oliver. I seriously felt all of the ups and downs of their relationship. Fake dating is such a fun trope but this stressed me out. I didn't want it to be fake. I wanted them to be in love for real. I read this in two days. I couldn't put it down.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall
This enemies to lovers romance was so sweet and so well-written. I loved the character of Luc and the mental chaos he seemed to dwell on, and Oliver was the perfect antidote. He's calm, steady, and reliable, but is amazingly funny without seeming to realize it. They play off of each other so well and when their doubts and insecurities come to light it’s fascinating to see how they react and try to resolve any conflicts. I loved their sincere desire to be the best person they could be for the other and that they both had issues to work through. The steam factor was sweet and gentle leaving most to the imagination which was perfect for this story.
The secondary characters were so well-written that I felt like they were my friends too. I loved the quick wit, the teasing, and the sarcasm. Their genuine love for each other was felt, and the one for all and all for one attitude was exactly what I appreciate in my own friends.
I listened to this book on librofm and I cannot stress enough how delightful the audio is for this book. The narrator does a fantastic job creating unique voices for each character and having them stay true throughout. His delivery was so spot on and I laughed out loud many times! I'm glad that I have the book as well though, because this is one that I’m going to want to read over and over!
Thank you to Sourcebooks, Net Galley, and Libro Fm for my gifted copies in exchange for this honest review.

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall is THE BEST. I am such a fan of sad, messy boys and that is exactly who Luc is. Except he's also so much more. Hounded by his rock star parents' legacy, the betrayal of an ex, his bad choices, and the paparazzi, Luc is trying to hang onto his job at CRAPP, a nonprofit for dung beetle preservation. When his bad boy rep threatens his job, Luc is forced to take drastic measures and find a suitable boyfriend. His problem? Lack of trust in a potential partner and, oh yeah, he's undateable. With the help of his friends, Luc finds the perfect man to fake date, Oliver. Despite their awkward history and early antagonism, Oliver agrees to fake date Luc.

I love this book so much! I instantly loved Luc; his narration is hilarious, sarcastic, and filled with so many fandom references that I was continually flailing. I also loved his supportive and quirky friends, his mom, and his ridiculous coworkers. Oliver is a delight and I loved getting to know him! I could write an essay about him and Luc but spoilers.

I'm actually not a huge fan of fake dating but this book 1000% changed my mind. I was totally hooked from page one and stayed up all night reading. This book is sweet, laugh out loud funny, and it delves into all the complicated facets of adult life (work, family, friends, love). Sometimes romance books get very centered on romantic love and/or sex to the exclusion of all else and I was so pleased that this lovely romcom went above and beyond to show us that life is about more than romance and that falling in love and making a relationship work takes effort, honesty, and self-awareness. Highly recommend!

Luc O'Donnell is in his late 20s and son of 80s rockers. His parents never married, and he never actually met his father, Jon Fleming, who'd moved on and toured with a different band, making a tabloid nuisance of himself for the most of Luc's youth. His last serious boyfriend sold stories of their relationship, including compromising pictures, for an interview, and it's left Luc feeling emotionally violated and preternaturally suspicious of any man who might take an interest. Now, Jon Fleming is back on the British music scene as an advisor to rock wannabees on a reality show. And, Luc's many foibles are prime for the tabloids to print. Luc works as a fundraising manager for an obscure dung beetle charity, and this miserable job is in jeopardy when some of the usual donors take offense to the sensationalized antics that Luc hasn't really committed, but are now in the papers.

He's got to find a respectable boyfriend to win back the snooty donors, or find a new job. But who will hire this pariah? Better yet, who would really date him?

Luc's friend sets his up with Oliver Blackwood, a decent and ethical vegan barrister who Luc is sure looks down on him from his moral high ground. Oliver is in dire need of a partner for his parents' anniversary luncheon, and he's willing to become part of Luc's circus life to make this onerous occasion palatable. Luc tells the story so we get a lot of his emotional issues, but he begins to see that Oliver's seemingly perfect life is a carefully constructed facade to paper over the isolation he's long felt in his family.

Luc and Oliver are the sweetest men, both needing love and reassurance that they aren't making horrible messes of their lives. Fleming's not only on the telly, he's making in-roads with Luc's mum and seems to want to make amends to Luc, as well. Luc's horrified by the tawdriness of the situation, and leans heavily on Oliver's steadfastness to survive some of these encounters. Oliver is a great guy, noble yet a little sanctimonious, but he treats Luc better than a boyfriend, and Luc strives to be even half as good. Their communication becomes more necessary than perfunctory, and they develop a bond that neither wants to acknowledge in total--because they believe this is a meant to be temporary.

I love fake boyfriend tropes, and this one is extremely well-done. The friends and family drama is on point, and Luc's self-deprecating humor is a constant delight. His sensitivity and emotional vulnerability are so raw, and I was glad that a good man like Oliver was there to help him patch himself up. Their sexytimes are tentative, at first, but tender and loving as they gain a keen interest in one another.

I honestly fell hard for Luc, and his quest to live a decent life and have a decent guy was so engaging. He's got a brain that never shuts off, and it was a bit of a thrill ride as his feelings for Oliver ramped up. It was hysterical how Luc figuratively and literally cleaned up his life--including his apartment, because he wanted to be someone that Oliver could admire--not even realizing how much Oliver admired him already. I loved how he stood up for Oliver, especially against Oliver's own family who all treat him rather shabbily. There's a big conflict near the end, where Luc needs to make a grand gesture and it surely goes to heck in a handbasket, but he still ends up winning Oliver back for a happy ending.

I finished reading this a couple of months ago, but re-read it so it would be fresh for the release. It's a book worth reading over again, and I still laughed out loud repeatedly as I absorbed Luc's deep-seated self-consciousness for the second time. I loved these guys and was only sad to see the book end.

Things I loved about this book: It was funny and snarky; I lived for the banter! The chemistry between Oliver + Luc was wonderful; I really feel like they complimented each other well and drew each other to become the best versions of themselves.

Things I didn't love: I think part of this is because I do not completely understand British humor, but some of the dialogue went over my head. And Luc's self-depricating manner started grating on my nerves after a while.

I would recommend this book for anyone who loves witty British romances + the fake romance trope.

Boyfriend Material is, dare I even say it, what I'd consider a perfect contemporary romance. It managed take me by surprise in such complete manner; a promise of fake boyfriend trope and British setting drew me in, but the story is so much more than that. Yes, it is a fine specimen of a fake boyfriend with real feelings trope and the Britishness made it so much more delightful. However, it is remarkably like a deep character analysis. Luc, the main character, is introduced, dismantled and knitted back together in such manner that reader is left feeling raw because so much soul is revealed.

Luc is a son of two 80's rock stars and he's spend much of his adult life on the pages of tabloids, which he hates with passion and past events have made it difficult for him to trust anyone. His estranged father is making a comeback and Luc needs to clean up his act so that he won't lose his job as a charity fund raiser - hence a need for a fake boyfriend. Oliver, who's a barrister and ethical vegetarian, is ideal for it and luckily for Luc, Oliver needs a date for his parents anniversary party. Plenty of funny and heartfelt moments ensue, when Luc and Oliver try to navigate a fake relationship and improve Luc's public image.

A tremendous story of Luc and Oliver, both full of flaws and somewhat destructive habits, and how they learn to make each other better people. And despite this sounding so serious, Boyfriend Material is a romcom. There's plenty of hilarious moments and funny characters along with all the serious, full of feels moments. It has the perfect balance of both. I dare say, Boyfriend Material is a new favourite and I'll definitely need to buy a paperback so I can re-read it again and again. Needles to say, I highly recommend it - a stunning contemporary romance, this will charm so many readers.

“What you think pushes people away is what lets them in. And, God I sound like an inspirational Instagram post, but not letting people in is what pushes them away.”

Luc O’Donnell is sorta famous. After his parents whirlwind romance, featuring a collaborative and two break up albums, low budget news outlets follow him and document his disasters and mishaps in his personal life. But when the stories begin to threaten the charity fundraiser he works for, Luc needs to find someone who makes him look better for the gossip news outlets instead of the disaster he is.

Enter Oliver, a barrister who seems to have his life together and who Luc has had two unfortunate encounters. Though they don’t have anything in common, they agree to fake date for Luc’s public appearance and a family get together Oliver has to go to. But as they spend more and more time together, Luc worries his feelings for Oliver might be developing into something more. Something he’s not sure he’s able to handle.

Oh boy, was this a ride. Luc was such an excellent character to read about. His voice was strong and distinct, and I found myself laughing quite frequently at his inner monologue. I think he was the perfect kind of self-deprecating and aware while also recognizing his own personal faults and working through them in a reflective way. I absolutely loved Luc.

The side characters were written well, too. The relationship Luc had with his friends and co-workers seemed genuine and hilarious. Some scenes lasted longer than I thought necessary and didn’t help develop the story in any way I could discern, but I liked Luc’s friends a lot. Their personalities were a bit exaggerated, as if they didn’t have any depth to them the way our main character did, but this also read like a rom-com so I didn’t mind the excessive witty banter and over the top conversations.

I also really enjoyed the romance aspect of this novel. Luc and Oliver’s relationship didn’t have that typical pining that usually accompanies the fake dating trope, but I did love witnessing them lean on one another when they were struggling or standing up for each other when the other was obviously being hurt, but couldn’t speak up for themselves. Their relationship felt more like a slow burn than fake dating, but I didn’t mind at all.

As for the plot, it definitely felt very typical for a romance, but the ending stuck out as being different than normal. It showed Luc’s character growth but did also feel a bit drawn out. That is a minor complaint, though, as the rest of the story flowed naturally with normal twists and turns.

Overall, I liked this one a lot. It was funny with excellent characters and a well-written relationship. And what more could you ask for with a romance novel?

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall was released on July 7th, 2020.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest and thoughtful review.

Though I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of this book for the purpose of review, I had so much faith that I’d like it that I pre-ordered it for myself the instant I heard it was being published. And I’m thrilled that I did, because Boyfriend Material is a marvelous gift of a story. Having said that, I had to rework quite a bit of what I’d originally written, since, as has been the case with everything else I’ve read by Mr. Hall, there was more to consider than was initially evident.

On its surface, Boyfriend Material is an absolutely hilarious tale about two people falling in love. I can honestly affirm that I haven’t laughed this hard while reading a story in years. Not just a random snort or giggle, either. I mean the eye-watering, tea-aspirating laughter that’s rare enough to be kind of magical. And laughing that much was so welcome and felt so good that I’m still grateful I was able to have it.

While Luc and Oliver certainly have their share of funny moments together, Boyfriend Material wouldn’t be as wonderful without the vast majority of the additional characters. It won’t even do any good to name my favorites, since the list would just keep growing until I’d included nearly every one. Save for Bridget, who gets a special mention because—she’s Bridget. Still, I thought they were riotously diverting and bright and glorious, and the difference between them and the few that were fairly loathsome was unquestionably stark.

I think what makes the comedic elements even better is that, though they own a significant place in the story, they are never used to trivialize the other matters of the heart the main characters are navigating. Luc and Oliver are so different that there are legitimate reasons to assume their relationship can’t possibly work. Except that it very much does—wonderfully so. Where I believe they’re similar, however, is that their most pressing problem doesn’t seem to be a mutual struggle to love, but to allow themselves to be loved.

Despite having very different histories of hurts and betrayals, the resulting wariness and skepticism was much the same for Oliver and Luc, and broke my heart for them both. Luc’s preferred means of self-defense is to stick to casual sex and be generally and preemptively awful, while Oliver doesn’t seem to do casual anything and hides behind a diligently maintained exhibition of control. Regardless of the catalysts, Luc and Oliver share a certainty that being themselves within a fictitious relationship is safer and therefore preferable to the inevitability of a “real” relationship failing because who they truly are can’t possibly be good enough.

With a completely graceless turn back to the positive aspects of Boyfriend Material, I have to mention that there’s also a delightfully generous reference to Welcome to Night Vale that I literally squealed about and may eventually admit to doing a happy dance over.

I’m always thrilled when an anticipated story not only meets, but surpasses my expectations, and Boyfriend Material did just that with room to spare. Luc and Oliver were an irresistible (if occasionally obscenity-engendering) pleasure, and I ended up thoroughly swoony for them both. Though it wasn’t easy in places, I had a genuinely good time reviewing it and maintain that it was worth every pang of my heart. As much as I appreciated all the different aspects of the narrative (particularly laughing until my back hurt), reading Boyfriend Material made me very happy. I hope it will do the same for someone else.

Have you ever read a book where the prose was just so snappy and witty that practically every sentence sparkled? That's this book, which was technically my introduction to Hall as an author but it definitely won't be the last. Disgraced son of a famous rocker and a quirky French singer decides to start a fake relationship with a buttoned-up barrister (aka lawyer) in order to salvage his reputation at his job. Of course, every time you try to start a fake relationship in romance, it never stays fake for long. I was enamored with this book from start to finish. Perfect for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue if you want something that brings the humor as well as the feels and the delightful opposites attract tension that eventually manifests in a very satisfying way. (Plus if you're a fan of characters in romance who yell at their love interest's terrible families, this delivers on that BIG TIME.)

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What is this about?
Luc need a boyfriend to save his career, such as it is, raising money for dung beetles. One too many photos of him stumbling out clubs, drunk and/ or high and the donors he works with have had it — he’s not the right kind of homosexual they want to give their hard-earned millions to. So Luc needs a boyfriend for a couple of months to show everyone he is the kind of homosexual they want to give their money too. Enter Oliver.

What else is this about?
This is Luc’s coming of age and coming to terms with his life story. He could ditch a job that needs him to be the right kind of homosexual for rich people to give him money, but this job is his and he wants it to work. And underneath all of this, is Oliver’s story.

Boyfriend Material was my refuge this past two weeks.

God knows, I’ve complained enough in my #5Books posts just how stressful things were getting, and for a bit getting into the groove of reading… well, I couldn’t get into the groove.

And I know it’s a cliche, but my goodness, was this book just a bright spot in a stressful time.

Lucien is in big, big trouble
Luc doesn’t have the perfect life, but it’s his. Yes, he may work for a dung beetle charity, and his co-workers might be the most rich, obtuse people who couldn’t see a joke even if it knock-knocked on their door, but it’s his life. And after a lifetime of being known for being the son of former rock stars — a mum who is wonderfully eccentric, and loves him to bits, and a father who walked out of him years ago, and is now making a comeback via a talent show: think the UK’s Got Talent — Luc is discovering that his past is coming back to haunt him.

Dung beetles aren’t the sexiest thing to give money to, and Luc has worked his butt off to make sure the charity ball they are holding is going to be a success — except, when the paparazzi catch up in a not-respectable snap outside a club, his boss starts getting emails from donors pulling out of the ball, citing Luc’s behaviour.

So what is Luc to do? Be, as the donors say, the right kind of homosexual with the right boyfriend — and that’s Oliver.

Humour
This book made me laugh so much.

I know the right kind of homosexual line isn’t going to sit well, right, with some people, but Hall has turned the characters delivering these lines into the most hilarious, self-involved caricatures of high (read: rich) society.

Hall has such a talent for humour, and a healthy dose of snark that made me laugh: whether he’s making fun of the rich and out-of-touch with anything close to reality characters, or drawing readers into the snark-filled fest and banter than is Luc’s friends group, it’s just such a pleasure to read.

And then there’s the different kind of humour — the one that’s filled with a little bit of romance, and a little bit of not-so-fake flirting with Oliver.

Lucien and Oliver
Luc has been coasting through life since an ex sold the story of their relationship to the papers — an ex Luc loved and trusted. So he’s burned out on committing to a relationship, and just too scared to in essence. But when a paparazzi snap threatens the one thing that is important to him — his job — he decides he will do whatever it takes to save it, including dating Oliver.

It needs to be said that Oliver is the only person that calls Lucien by his full name in the book, which is why this review uses both. And I dare you not to melt when Lucien describes what it means/ sounds/ feels like to have only Oliver use his name.

Luc and Oliver do have a wee bit of a history before they start dating — namely Lucien was often drunk when in Oliver’s company, so okay, it’s even less than a wee bit of history. But he still agrees to fake-date him if Luc agrees to attend a family event after the dung-beetle ball. So deal struck, so beings the best-fated romance.

To say these two are opposites is an understatement. Oliver controls everything in his life — his career, his diet, and everything that can be controlled, he controls it. But he also has the ability to see through Lucien’s bullshit, and when he isn’t controlling everything around him, he’s actually remarkably sweet to Lucien.

(and easy on the eyes)

Lucien is entirely the opposite, and is given to dramatics from time to time. But here’s the thing, with Oliver, he finds himself changing, wanting more from Oliver, wanting to explain, wanting Oliver to understand, and most importantly, listening to Oliver’s advice.

And he gives great advice: especially when Luc’s estranged father comes back into the picture wanting a reconciliation. Luc has never had a relationship with his father, and he most certainly doesn’t want to now. But circumstances are such that it’s a chance he has to take this time, and Oliver is the one who takes him to meet Jon, who stands up for Lucien when he needs it — and who understands just why Luc had to try.

The book is filled with moments like this when Luc needs Oliver, and Oliver is there for him, and because Luc is this big, bold character he can overshadow Oliver. But Hall sprinkles the book with clues to Oliver’s issues, culminating in chapters that offer more understanding of him. It might be too heavy handed and stuck on at the end of the book for some, but I think Hall effectively shows that Oliver has his issues too.

For once, Luc gets to be the hero, gets to stand up for Oliver to his parents and friends and of course, nothing is the same after that.

Everyone else is fantastic too
I loved every single character in this book — even the obtuse rich ones who wouldn’t know a good joke if you spelled it out for them. And most especially, the wonderful friends who supported Luc through this book, and then called him on his shit too.

The ending gleefully subverts everything you’d expect from a rom-com this good
All I am going to say about the ending, is that it took one of my most favourite scenes from a favourite rom-com and then instead of giving me what I was expecting, gave me something I needed — and what Lucien and Oliver needed too.

This is the feel good kind of read that makes the days seem a little brighter. Go read it right now.

I wasn't completely with this book at the start - Luc is a bit of a disaster in more ways than one, and I was looking forward to the stability Oliver was sure to bring. And what'dya know, he did.

The good:

- Once I got into the groove of things I laughed out loud every few chapters - some of the characters are ridiculous and over the top in good ways. If you're looking for a rom com bordering on lovingly silly this book is for you.

- There's complex emotional stuff going on here with both heroes, including with their families. Luc and Oliver support each other as best as they are able and pull away when they need a break, but it's never left to fester long. Both are dealing with some fairly major stuff and we get to watch them talk about it and grow, both as people and in the relationship.

- I love that some situations aren't cut and dry - hard conversations with no right answers. No best way to console someone who's crying his heart out. But our heroes do their best and it ends up being enough. More than enough.

- I think it's interesting that while Luc and Oliver are both gay they surround themselves with completely different kinds of people. Luc found a home in the LGBTQIA+ community when he needed one most, while Oliver's circle of friends is almost completely straight. Both are presented as okay and valid - having mostly straight friends doesn't make you any less queer.

- The side characters are fleshed out and interesting. From Luc's parents to the posh donors at a charity party, we get a solid feel for everyone as people.

- There's a nod at how difficult family can be when a couple decides they don't want children ('but we want grandbabies!') and as someone without children myself I appreciate it.

- Thanks to libro.fm I received the audiobook for review and my god, Joe Jameson does an amazing job with the narration. Luc's fumbling is natural, more natural than it looks printed on a page, Oliver's baritone is sexy, and the voices of women, especially, blew me away.

The neither-good-nor-bad:

- The sex is infrequent and of the fade-to-black variety. If you've been wanting to try an m/m romance but were looking for something more tame in that department, this book is a great place to start.

The not-so-good:

- I'm sad that we don't have any chapters from Oliver's point of view. At first I wanted to get out of Luc's head for a while - he really is a disaster in the beginning - but I think seeing some scenes from Oliver's POV would have added some depth.

- It wouldn't have worked for plot reasons, but I was dying to see Oliver get mixed up in Luc's group of friends. How would he react? Would he become looser or clam up? Love them or like them? (There are no other options, natch.)

- Some scenes got long, especially in posh dining rooms.

All in all I had a fun time with the read and am looking forward to whatever Hall brings next, hopefully with this cast of characters!