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meevees's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
booksthatburn's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
BOYFRIEND MATERIAL is a fake-dating-turned-real-feelings story between two gay men who both need the appearance of a relationship long enough to get through some big upcoming events. A mutual friend pairs them up for their fake relationship, and somehow this fake boyfriend thing is one of the most stable relationships Luc has ever had.
This is the first book in a series, which slightly hints at the direction of the ending. The ending fits their relationship very well, and I like their overall dynamic. The ongoing status of their relationship is established for future books, and several major plot points are resolved. There are secondary plots related to each of their relationships with their parents. Luc's father walked out of his life twenty-five years ago, and has walked back into it with no warning and a declaration that he has cancer and would like to get to know Luc better. Luc's mother, who was also abandoned by Luc's father (her husband and musical collaborator), is supportive of any decision Luc might make, all the way from reconciliation to telling his father to go fuck himself. I adore Luc's mother, she's written very well and I love the audiobook performance for her. Oliver's parents only appear briefly, during the event for which he needed Luc as a fake boyfriend, but they cast a long shadow which has implications for later books.
The dung beetle charity and Luc's co-workers there are an endless source of exasperation and delight for me. Between his co-workers, his friends, and Oliver's friends, there are so many vibrant and specific people that it wasn't difficult for me to keep track of anyone. Normally I have trouble keeping track of characters (let alone their names) when the cast gets past five or so, but I had no issues here.
Things I love, in no particular order: Luc telling jokes to Alex, everything dung-beetle-related, Oliver being pedantic about law, Luc's friends, Bridget's publishing fiascos.
This is the first book in a series, which slightly hints at the direction of the ending. The ending fits their relationship very well, and I like their overall dynamic. The ongoing status of their relationship is established for future books, and several major plot points are resolved. There are secondary plots related to each of their relationships with their parents. Luc's father walked out of his life twenty-five years ago, and has walked back into it with no warning and a declaration that he has cancer and would like to get to know Luc better. Luc's mother, who was also abandoned by Luc's father (her husband and musical collaborator), is supportive of any decision Luc might make, all the way from reconciliation to telling his father to go fuck himself. I adore Luc's mother, she's written very well and I love the audiobook performance for her. Oliver's parents only appear briefly, during the event for which he needed Luc as a fake boyfriend, but they cast a long shadow which has implications for later books.
The dung beetle charity and Luc's co-workers there are an endless source of exasperation and delight for me. Between his co-workers, his friends, and Oliver's friends, there are so many vibrant and specific people that it wasn't difficult for me to keep track of anyone. Normally I have trouble keeping track of characters (let alone their names) when the cast gets past five or so, but I had no issues here.
Things I love, in no particular order: Luc telling jokes to Alex, everything dung-beetle-related, Oliver being pedantic about law, Luc's friends, Bridget's publishing fiascos.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Toxic relationship, Alcohol, Emotional abuse, Cursing, and Homophobia
Minor: Drug use, Drug abuse, Xenophobia, Body horror, Death of parent, Cancer, Racism, Child death, Fatphobia, Pregnancy, Eating disorder, and Death
bieneina's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
powderysweetgirly's review against another edition
3.0
More like 3.90 or something. Really close to a 4 star rating, but not QUITE there yet
jamonbread's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
none of the characters in this book are real people they're all horrible people and caricatures of concepts but i adore every one of them and i reread it every time i'm in a reading slump
mywitfailsme's review against another edition
1.0
This book was a slog to get through. I have just given up on completing it, as I tried to read a few more pages and got annoyed within 10 minutes. I read for enjoyment, not to feel unnecessary anger at an annoying character.
m4ferglez's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
While I found it wonderful, with a rich cast of complex and quirky characters and a very fun story, I do think this book has a “tumblr-y”, “fanfiction-y” style, that’s the only thing that keeps me from giving it a full 5 stars. Not because this is inherently a bad thing, the author’s writing voice is actually quite charming and hilarious most of the time and very good at dealing with the more serious topics, but it does get slightly tropey at certain points, and I’ve never enjoyed when the source of conflict is people refusing to talk honestly to each other.
If you found this on AO3 it would probably have the tags #fake dating and #mutual pining, and if you’re into that at all I’m sure you’ll love it.
If you found this on AO3 it would probably have the tags #fake dating and #mutual pining, and if you’re into that at all I’m sure you’ll love it.
Content Warnings
Minor: Eating disorder
teereadsbooks's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Okay, this is definitely my favorite book by this author for sure. I loved reading this book so much. Luc and Oliver are amazing characters, and I absolutely adored their journey from reluctant acquaintances to much much much more. I really enjoyed this take on the fake dating trope. Let's be honest, they were never fake dating, they were real dating the whole time. They were just too stubborn and in their own heads to see what they were doing. I loved how they stood up for each other, and the way Luc told off Oliver's family was gold. I was over here practically cheering. I also really loved all the side characters. Luc's mom is hilarious, and I love her. Also, Luc's friends are amazing, and I was always laughing whenever they showed up on the page. I really appreciated the balance between the humor and all the hard-hitting emotions. All in all, this book is great. I love it. Go read it.
jennathelaw's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ramblingbookworm's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5