A few weeks ago, I read Boyfriend Material and was completely blown away. Romance isn’t a genre I usually gravitate toward, so I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Alexis Hall’s fresh take on the fake-dating trope. Hall filled the novel with characters who felt complex, messy, and authentic. While I didn’t necessarily think the story needed a sequel, it didn’t take long for me to pick up Husband Material. And to my surprise, it takes these characters in a direction I never quite expected.
It’s been two years since Luc and Oliver’s unlikely relationship began. What started as a fake-dating arrangement has grown into something real—and, by their standards, surprisingly stable. Oliver remains as careful and reserved as ever, while Luc still wrestles with lingering doubts about his own worth, but together they’ve found a rhythm. They’re solid. They’re in love. They’re, dare I say, happy.
But what comes next?
That question is thrust to the forefront when Luc runs into his ex, the same man who sold their relationship to the tabloids. Luc wants nothing to do with him, but is caught off guard when the man not only apologizes, but invites him to his upcoming wedding. At first, Luc’s answer is easy: absolutely not. But the more he sits with it, the more it begins to feel like something he might need—closure.
And with wedding bells ringing, Luc and Oliver can’t help but turn the question inward. What does their own future look like? Are they ready for that kind of commitment, or is happily ever after more complicated than they imagined?
I’ll admit I was a bit apprehensive going into Husband Material. I loved the first book—like, I was genuinely surprised by how much I fell for those characters—and it already felt like they’d earned their happy ending. Add to that the more middling reception this sequel received, and I wasn’t entirely convinced there was a reason for this story to exist.
But as I read, I was reminded exactly why I connected with the first book in the first place. Alexis Hall writes with a blend of humor and compassion that brings these characters to life in such a natural, engaging way. It’s also worth noting that this isn’t really a traditional romance novel like the first book was. Husband Material is more of an exploration of what comes after, as Luc and Oliver navigate the reality of building a life together. That's an important distinction that helped me better understand where the story was going.
And while the ending isn’t necessarily what I expected, it feels honest to who these characters are and where they find themselves. With a third book on the horizon, I’m still very much invested and eager to see where Hall takes them next.
Thanks for the great review, Ethan, I do ever so love the genre, both in books and on film, I actually watched PLAINCLOTHES last night with Russell Tovey and Tom Blyth, quite a good movie with great chemistry between them and brilliant acting, warmly recommended.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words. I've not heard of that movie, so I'll have to check it out!
DeleteI like a fake romance that turns into a real one. This sounds like it was pretty good.
ReplyDeleteI appreciated the way the characters were allowed to grow beyond the trope.
DeleteGlad this one was good! :D
ReplyDeleteMe too!
DeleteYes, I'm not usually in need of a sequel when there's a HEA at the end of a romance. Usually, it's problems and conflict that I'm not eager to read about. Happy to hear that the sequel was a nice addition to their story!
ReplyDelete"And to my surprise, it takes these characters in a direction I never quite expected."
ReplyDeleteNow I'm intrigued, because I always feel like, even in the best romance books, you kind of know the shape the characters and the story is going to take. So interesting that we went in new directions! I've got both of these on my TBR, so I might need to take a look...
Excellent review. I am glad book two stood up to the first.
ReplyDeleteI always enjoy a sequel that explores the characters relationship more. This sounds really good. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI only read the first book, but I am happy to hear the couple continues to grow together and that the follow up was enjoyable for you
ReplyDeleteI can¨t remember if I am thinking of the right book 1 or not. I have to take a look
ReplyDelete