Scan barcode
A review by aingealwroth
Husband Material by Alexis Hall
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.25
1.25* I really, really, REALLY wanted to enjoy this.
To start, we find out that Oliver has been going to therapy for nearly as long as they've been dating (thankfully). However, Luc doesn't go into therapy when Oliver does, and I have no idea why either of them thought that was a safe option, but it was a bad idea.
For the most part it is a funny asshole-reformed-party-guy and sweetie-working-to-be-reformed-uptight-guy romance. Unfortunately, it has a lot of heteronormative (some of which has been painted rainbow but is STILL establishment) shite to wade through and tends to do it in the messiest way possible. It is also compulsive (in the third act, of course) about making the MCs spiral down into intrusive thought swamp and take far too long to climb out of it.
While it has its good moments, funny moments, sweet moments, and a few downright growth moments... it doesn't support itself well at all. It was a good attempt at doing the "we can be happy together however works best for us" romance but it was done in the most stressful, unhealthy, and downright immature way.
Still amazing narration!
To start, we find out that Oliver has been going to therapy for nearly as long as they've been dating (thankfully). However, Luc doesn't go into therapy when Oliver does, and I have no idea why either of them thought that was a safe option, but it was a bad idea.
For the most part it is a funny asshole-reformed-party-guy and sweetie-working-to-be-reformed-uptight-guy romance. Unfortunately, it has a lot of heteronormative (some of which has been painted rainbow but is STILL establishment) shite to wade through and tends to do it in the messiest way possible. It is also compulsive (in the third act, of course) about making the MCs spiral down into intrusive thought swamp and take far too long to climb out of it.
While it has its good moments, funny moments, sweet moments, and a few downright growth moments... it doesn't support itself well at all. It was a good attempt at doing the "we can be happy together however works best for us" romance but it was done in the most stressful, unhealthy, and downright immature way.
Still amazing narration!