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:
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
This book specifically is focused on a gay men and a man trying to figure it out
Other genres: Romance, Contemporary, Queer, MM Romance
Trigger Warning: This book deals with struggling with mental health, sexual identity, childhood abuse, and families that suck.
"You're deserving of a relationship in whatever form you want it."
Dev Deshpande is a romantic. He believes in fairy tales, in happily ever after, and he has made a career of crafting love stories that will last on the reality dating show Ever After. He prides himself on scripting the perfect story of the contestants and audience, even if his own love life is lacklustre at best.
Charlie Winshaw is not Prince Charming. In fact, he doesn't really believe in the whole Happily Ever After, thing that the television show stands for. He knows that half the girls are there to promote themselves, their brand and whatever ventures they have going on. Not that he can blame them. Charlie agreed to do Ever After to rehabilitate his image after being pushed out of his own company.
It is Dev's job to get Charlie camera-ready. With fake practice dates, Dev realises there is much more to Charlie than the awkward, emotionally closed-off person being portrayed on screen. And Charlie realises he has more of a connection to Dev than any of the contestants.
The Review
It was a bit slow at first, and I really was concerned with how long the chapters were. But that quickly changed. Charlie is so awkward, and Dev is so sweet. And things between them are just so screeching awkward. The kind where even you have second-hand embarrassment that makes you screech with delight and humiliation and a "just kiss him already" train of thought.
It is so easy to fall in love with Dev and Charlie. Realising that they both were missing something growing up and just accepted that there was something wrong with them is heartbreaking. But to realise that that missing piece was something as simple as being asked, "How can I help?" It's tragic and yet heartwarming to see how comfortable they grow together simply because they are absolutely shocked that the other can accept their mental health issues/hangups.
SPOILER ALERT
I hate the way Dev dealt with things. But with that being said, I can relate. As someone with mental health struggles, it's always easier to run from hard things. It's always easier to go back to what is familiar. And it is hella hard to ask for help. I like how realistic this book was. Mental health is hard work sometimes, and it comes in all shapes and sizes. And Dev was a great example of how tricky Mental Health can be. One day you're fine, and the next day you're spiralling. You go from working a typical job to not being able to get out of bed, shower, dress, all the "normal" things.
Charlie was also a great example of how frustrating mental health can be. Even when you think you have a handle on things, a simple stain on a T-shirt derails you. A crowded boardroom or marketplace triggers you. It's so unpredictable at times. And you have to find your own ways of coping with it.
I love that Dev shows us how easy it is to overlook our mental health. He didn't realise he still needed therapy. He didn't realise he wasn't coping with things well. And in my experience, that's usually how it is. We realise things aren't "normal", but they aren't "bad", and yet once we seek help, we realise it was bad, we just didn't notice how bad.
I am glad that Dev quit his job. While he didn't handle his coworkers and Charlie properly around that time, he made a hard choice for his own sanity and for that, he should be applauded.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
The audiobook of The Charm Offensive has three narrators. Vikas Adam does Dev's point of view. Graham Halstead does Charlie's, and Cassandra Campbell reads "director's notes" and stuff like that. It was quite interesting to have the different voices for different POVs. I enjoyed it, and I think they did each character justice.
Rating and Recommendation
This is the perfect love story. If you don't have someone there for you like Dev and Charlie, you need to re-evaluate your relationship. You deserve love. That fact does not change because of your mental health, or because of your sexual preference or status. If ANYONE makes you feel unlovable, like a burden or any negative feelings because of your mental health, they don't deserve to be in your life.
When Dev asks Charlie, "How can I help?" That is the ultimate green flag. Your partner is supposed to support you, to make your journey easier. And not to make you feel even worse about yourself. Dev's revelation about how a relationship is supposed to be and why it never felt right with Ryan is a real eye-opener.
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
If you struggle with your mental health. If you don't know where you belong. If you are gay or still trying to figure it all out. You will find representation in this book. And that is more important than any review or recommendation I can make. So many people can find themselves in this book. I really encourage you to give it a try.
You can find The Charm Offensive in its respective mediums below:
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
This book specifically is focused on one gay man and one bisexual man (MM)
Other genres: Fiction, Queer, Young Adult (YA), Enemies to Lovers, New Adult (NA), Gay
"History, huh? Bet we could make some."
Alex Claremont-Diaz is the First Son of the United States. He is the closest thing to a Prince America has. He, along with his sister June and the VP's granddaughter, the three of them (the White House Trio) make up this beautiful millennial marketing bombshell for President Ellen Claremont, the first woman President of the United States. Along with keep apperences at home, Alex is expected to be an international socialite. He is quite good at a skill that will help him on his own political path.
The only downside, Prince Henry. He and Alex are like oil and water, and yet Alex sees Henry as his British counterpart. Maybe that's why the two don't get along. And it is possibly why punches get thrown, and a gigantic wedding cake gets destroyed as their antics get the attention of tabloids around the world.
Trying to save face for her reelection bid and to keep American/British relations intact, President Claremont decides that Alex needs to do some damage control. The Crown agrees, and for a day, Alex and Henry take photos showing that they truly are friends; everything is fine. The lie benefits both sides.
But, as they both struggle through the day, something changes.
The Review
My first impression of Alex and June is that they are mischievous and live life under a microscope. They expect to behave, and June obsessively brings the tabloids in every day to make sure there aren't any stories about them, and if there are, they fit the narrative correctly. But it quickly becomes clear that even though they are the president's children, they still are children. It's funny to see Alex and Henry go at it. It's kind of like those old 90s movies where the dramatic moment happens that changes everything! (Think Lindsay Lohan in The Parent Trap.)
I wish the rivalry had lasted a bit longer, the awkward tension, the anxious air when things get kind of awkward and then everything changes. But I really enjoyed what there was. It was funny to see them awkwardly trying to recover from Philip's wedding and give the tabloids a put-together narrative. They are friends. And though that seems ridiculous to both of them, they slowly start looking at each other differently. And that's an interesting transition. Fighting the urge but losing. A casual fling that turns into life-altering love. It checks all the boxes.
SPOILER ALERT
I love the Moms in this book. Catherine, Henry's mom, is amazing. She doesn't take any of the Queen's nonsense. She stands up for Henry and Alex, and she has come out of her funk for her son. It's a true testament to a mother's love. It is very interesting to see the drastic difference between Henry's Mom and Alex's Mom. President Ellen Claremont is not subtle. She is the President of the United States, but she will always be a Mother first. She supports Alex from the minute she finds out, even though she knows it may kill her chances at getting re-elected. It's amazing to see these strong women stand up for their children, doing what mommas do. In the end, I think Henry and Alex can embrace their true selves because of the support of their moms, specifically.
I listened to this book through my local library (via Libby).
Ramon de Ocampo is the narrator of Red, White, and Royal Blue. I have to admit, at first, I couldn't stand the way he was reading this book. I felt like he wasn't doing enough to separate each voice; it seemed like his tone was changing, but each character sounded the same. The English accent for Prince Henry was nonexistent at first.
But as the book went on, it got much better. And I barely noticed any hang-ups I originally had.
Rating and Recommendation
I think this rating reflects my age and generation. In the 90s, the Royal family was very important. The world cried when Princess Diana Spencer died. Prince William was the equivalent of Prince Charming, and the dream of being Cinderella was alive and well. Maybe that mindset doesn't translate to younger generations, just a changing of the guard type thing. But if you ever fantasised about being a princess as a child (or a prince), you will enjoy this book.
After listening to Red, White and Royal Blue, I decided to add it to my Amazon wishlist. I enjoyed it, and I think I would like to add it to my collection. Though full price ($22 at the moment), it is a little much.
Conclusion
I think this was a good book. I think that in the last few years, we have seen that being a prince is hard. And it's clear that art mimicked life in this book. Just looking at Prince Harry and the challenges he faced when he fell in love with someone "different" to the ideal mate for a prince of England. And it isn't hard to imagine how a gay first son would be received in the United States. It's a nice break from reality, I think, and a reminder that there are people out there who will never accept you, but there are people out there who will.
I am not sure if I am not "sensitive" to "spice", but I didn't find that this book was that spicy. It did have some scenes where there was sexual stuff, but to me, I always thought "spicy" meant more in-depth detail, maybe a little kink thrown in. So to me it wasn't spicy, but to others it may be.
You can find Red, White & Royal Blue in its respective mediums below:
You can find Red, White & Royal Blue (2025, directed by Jacob Tierney),Season 1, on Crave (CAN) or HBO Max (USA). You can watch the trailer below via Prime Video's YouTube Channel.
* Book cover image retrieved from GoodReads. All rights belong to the author and/or publisher. * All the "stickers" in this blog were provided by Bookish (presented by NetGalley). * Links in this blog may be generated through the Amazon Associates Program. By using this link, I may make a small profit (at no cost to you) from your purchase.
