Thank you to NetGalley and Forever for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

CW: biphobia, attempted sexual assault/date rape, classism, discussions of abortion

Boyfriend Material was probably my favorite read this year, making this one of my most anticipated reads of the year. High anticipation is always dangerous because it sets crazy expectations. The premise of this book is amazing and it is so well executed. As someone who finally got into the Great British Bake Off during the pandemic, this was the perfect book.

I adored Rosaline. She was human, concerned with others' opinions, and still trying to figure out her life. Raising an amazing daughter as a single mom, best friends with her ex. She's not perfect, but she's happy. I loved her voice. Alexis Hall's writing is always snappy, full of dry wit and this book did not disappoint. I was constantly laughing. I loved the use of the baking show as the framework for the book, it was well done and made following the story so easy.

I was so pulled into the story. Nervous about Rosaline's performance. The stress as she tried to practice her recipes when she was home. Would she win this challenge. I could not put this book down. All of this is to also say, this is Rosaline's story. This is a fiction book with a romance subplot. I was reading waiting for the romance and it was just not unfolding like I was expecting it to. I think going in knowing this would have changed my experience.

This book isn't so much of a love triangle as starting off with a red-herring of a LI, who is a jerk plain and simple. The plot with Alain pretending he was the LI went on for too long, in my opinion. While Harry was sweet, I don't think he was on the page enough for me to become invested in him. I was more invested in Rosaline's outcome on the show than her romantic outcome. Harry just didn't connect with me, which made their jump into a relationship seem a bit rushed.

Overall I adored this hilarious read and will continue to read anything Alexis Hall puts out, he is so talented.

Rating: 4
Steam: 3 (completely closed door until the last few pages)