This book is LGBTQIA+ themed.
This book specifically is focused on two gay men
Other genres: Romance, Contemporary, Queer, MM Romance, Fake Dating
Trigger Warning: This book deals with abandonment, some slight homophobia
"I don't want fine. Fine isn't enough."
Luc O'Donnell is famous adjacent. His deadbeat father is a rockstar, and that has reluctantly left a spotlight on Luc and his life choices. Because of this spotlight, Luc has found himself the subject of a cover story on more than one occasion, and none of those occasions painted him in a good light. The latest scandal, drinking at a party until he passed out, has left a sour taste in people's mouths. Now, desperate to keep his job as fundraiser for dung beetles, Luc is looking for a fake boyfriend to save his reputation.
Oliver Blackwood is a handsome lawyer, ethical and successful, the exact opposite of where Luc is in life at the moment. He has had a hard time in love, but he is the perfect man to help rehabilitate Luc's image.
As their fake relationship progresses, Luc finds himself laughing at inside jokes, and Oliver finds it harder and harder to keep a professional distance from the man who was supposed to be arm candy for a family party he didn't want to go to alone.
The Review
It was a bit slow at first, building up to the premise of the book. I enjoyed the back and forth between Luc and Oliver. They are clearly very different. They were raised in different classes, their family life is very different, and they hold themselves differently for various reasons. They hate each other at first (I don't think that's a spoiler). But watching them work through that to fake their relationship is very engaging, and you become invested in this plan. It feels like one of those classic "let's make a deal" romances.
SPOILER ALERT
I didn't realise how invested I was in Luc and Oliver until Oliver broke things off. My head almost snapped off my neck in shock. I wanted to grab him and shake him and say what are you doing!? Luc had finally opened up to him, he was finally coming to terms with the fact that being in a relationship meant trusting your partner, opening up to him. The bathroom scene was so touching and moving, and a huge step for Luc. And then Oliver just closed down and shut him out.
Thankfully, Oliver comes to his senses, and they find a way to make it work out. I like to think that after meeting Oliver's family, Luc's reaction and support really were what Oliver needed in a partner. It felt a little one-sided, but after meeting the parents from hell, I can see what Luc brings to the table.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
Boyfriend Material is narrated by Joe Jameson. I enjoyed his reading of the book. I think he did a great job with voices, and it was a nice and relaxing listen. It didn't take away from the book in any way. And that to me is one of the most important aspects of an audiobook.
Rating and Recommendation
I really enjoy this type of story. It feels like a "real life" romance. Which is what I try to write. As you read, you feel like Luc and Oliver could be real people. Their life and relationship are realistic. There's no fancy grand romantic thing that makes you roll your eyes. It's just real, relatable themes that make you connect with one or both of them. I think those are the best stories. While it is nice to think of Prince Charming, or a Rich lover, it's nice to see "normal" to see two people just trying to find something more.
I don't own this book yet, but it is definitely going on the wish list. I think it would fit in nicely with the shelf I am creating of LGBTQIA+ books (aka The Game Changer Series and Red, White and Royal Blue at the moment).
Conclusion
I think this book is a palate cleanser of sorts. It is a tad boring in places. But there is something about it that is just a calming, good read. There's no huge drama or rollercoaster of emotions. It's two people trying to figure out themselves and how to be a partner in a new relationship. Realising why things never worked out before and what is different now.
You can find Boyfriend Material in its respective mediums below:
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