A review by amorhedera7
Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

Did not finish book. Stopped at 16%.
This book has a cute premise, and it’s been on my tbr for years now. I was gifted this book for Christmas this year and was so excited that I started it before any other book I got. But the writing style immediately gave me an ick. This happens for me a lot when reading new adult romances, because I get the vibe that they were very “millenial” in nature, but some of my favorites gave me this ick too, so I persisted. Luc quickly became unlikeable and then utterly intolerable as I did. From complaining about the pointlessness of his job at an ecological charity to being rude to his group of friends (who all seemed like characters I could’ve enjoyed through someone else’s lense), until we get to the first date. Not only does Luc show up late, but he continues to be rude and annoying throughtout. I read the trigger warnings ahead, so I know that
Oliver has an eating disorder
but even without that, it’s weird and rude to continually call attention to someone’s eating habits, let alone on a first date. Then, Luc knowingly kisses him without consent, not for any romantic feelings (which wouldn’t have made it okay, but still) but so he wouldn’t lave because Luc needed to keep his job. He knowingly refers to it as a sexual assault, feels no remorse, and continues to be rude to Oliver. Also, the footsie being compared to making peace in the Middle East was such an odd line. Overall, Luc was annoying and whiny, Oliver deserves better, and there is never any justification for assault between the two major love interests in your romance novel. Hall needs to sort himself out.
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