**Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca for the E-Arc in exchange for a fair review**

Husband Material picks up two years after the first novel in the series. Returning to the lovable duo Luc and Oliver as they explore their relationship through vignettes that feature a different friend's wedding and eventually their own.

Overall this novel is a great continuation to one of my favorite books from last year. The reason this gets knocked down to 3 stars is the back half of the novel turned me off a bit. There were far too many streams of consciousness circular rants from Luc, which fits his character but are really not fun to read after the first. I had to skip ahead through a couple of them as they really not fun to get through. My other complaint is the lack of character growth, it feels like when a character would take a step forward they would then take a huge step back a few pages later.

The ending was a major letdown as well. it just seemed off. It felt very rushed and there wasn't really any closure to it. It had a TV show getting canceled at the last-second vibes. I was just a bit disappointed with it.

If you enjoyed the first entry I think you would like this as well, but the vibe is completely different than the first entry to the series to go in with that in mind.

I've only seen a few examples of the "romance sequel about the same couple, but they don't break up' pattern recently, and only in queer romance so far, but I am HERE for it. Rather than a petty squabble getting in the way of the 'we know they're endgame because we know how genre works' couple, this sequel looks at what it means to be in a serious relationship with someone you love, and how that's more complicated and every bit as interesting as the getting-together part. HUSBAND MATERIAL documents Oliver and Luc as the somewhat grown-up versions of themselves in BOYFRIEND MATERIAL; Luc still has a tendency to make everything about him, but less, Oliver still struggles with body image issues, but less. Hall is a genius of a romance writer (and prolific as hell, lucky us), and here plays with classic romcom formulas while genuinely asking how an 'opposites attract' couple makes it work because they love each other, while struggling with issues around middle-class respectability upbringing, feelings of belongingness in queer communities, and the ways in which we do (and sometimes don't) successfully get over our pasts. Also, it's very romantic,

I loved visiting Luc and Oliver again. I like that this was a romance but at the same time allowed the characters to have a HEA that was slightly unconventional. Both MCs still have a lot of growing to do as people, but they also realize that they can do that growing together. I loved it and I can't wait for more people to read it.

while funny and cute, a lot of this book was overshadowed by big social issue discussions. while contemporary issues are great o explore in books, it just felt like a seesaw between a fun romcom and a book exploring sexual identity and community, and that lack of balance and abrupt change really bugged me.

If I loved [this book] less, I might be able to talk about it more.

Hilarious, and incredibly, beautifully ~human~, this book was a lovely reminder that everything is complicated (and that’s ok).

It was perfect, and perfectly Luc and Oliver. What more can I say?

First, thank you to Sourcebooks Casablanca and NetGalley for the ARC!

I loved getting a chance to be back in the world of Luc and Oliver! Their dynamic and banter never failed to make me smile, and "Husband Material" reminded me just how much I adored them. Their relationship was full of ups and downs and insecurities, but it made it feel real, and you couldn't help but root for them. It was fantastic seeing them as an actual couple and everything that comes with it.

The book was fast-paced and I had a hard time putting it down! From the different weddings to the engaging cast of characters (I mean, the bus trip to one of the weddings—too good!) and the character growth, it made for a quick read!

While I do feel as though people who didn't enjoy the first novel, won't necessarily be swayed by the second, I did find Luc's character growth in this novel to be an improvement over "Boyfriend Material." As well, I was initially surprised by the ending, but after sitting with it for a moment it felt right. While Luc and Oliver may not get the happy ending you expect, it still ends in rainbows!

Would recommend!

I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Y'all....I was so hyped for this book. I just...

I don't want to slander this book, because I am so fond of the first one, but Husband Material felt so...bland?

Spoilers Ahead

[To start: this book is split into the marriages and one funeral of several characters our main couple knows. I was so bored by the first part -- Bridge and Tom's marriage -- and so irritated with Luc's actions and Oliver's inability to communicate-. Like. We're supposed to believe these two have had two years of growth from the last book, yet Luc is still calling up his dad and hoping he's not going to be a complete arse, and Oliver is still swallowing his feelings instead of just telling Luc the truth-. I felt like we'd somehow taken two steps backward from Boyfriend Material with their relationship, which made something Luc does later in the book--specifically calling back to the times in their relationship within this book that have been good--feel baseless.

Ultimately, Husband Material is the story of an engaged couple that slowly realizes neither one of them want to be married in the first place. Which is fine! In fact, I am firmly in the "marriage is unnecessary" camp myself, so I liked that this was a romance that gave us an outcome that wasn't a traditional marriage. But boy was it a frustrating journey. Alex and Miffy's entire marriage arc felt like filler--that page count could have been better served to illustrate how complicated Oliver's relationship with his parents was before the funeral arc. Oliver and Luc's different experiences with the LGBT community were immediately understandable and empathetic the moment the argument was brought up, but they themselves couldn't solve it until the end of the book. And I'm sorry, but Oliver calling Bridge and Luc's friendship co-dependent was extremely on the nose and it was never brought up again?? Her character irks me so much! Oliver finally called them out and it was just brushed off!!??!! (hide spoiler)]

I can fully acknowledge that my enjoyment of this book was directly affected by how long I'd been anticipating it. I would go so far as to say that Boyfriend Material and Husband Material aren't even in the same genre--the first was a romcom, but this book is a slow, slice-of-life story. Honestly...I was tempted to give this book only 2 stars, but I can't bring myself to do that, because Hall's writing has notably improved and as a story itself, HB isn't bad...it's just not what I was expecting, and sadly, not what I was hoping for. At least for me, Husband Material was shockingly underwhelming, and I'm truly sorry to say so.

**STAR RATING**
Cover: ★★★☆☆
Story: ★★★☆☆
Characters: ★★★☆☆
Banter: ★★★☆☆ [I didn't highlight any of their banter -- SAD!]
Spice Rating: N/A - Fade to Black
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆

Over-the-top absurd in many areas and so completely endearing and hilarious and touching. A delight to read and I much appreciate the moments that made me laugh out loud, sorely needed.

I received an ARC of this book to review, my thanks to the publisher. I really really really wanted to love this book...and it pains me to say I gave up at the 48% mark. I just didn't feel invested in the characters-and I had a hard time understanding the romance because the main character's immaturity really started to irk me. I intellectually understood that he suffers from anxiety and most likely PTSD, however, it was expressed in such a cloying, self-depreciating way (that very well might be a legitimate way anxiety comes across, it's not my experience) that it distracted me too much to enjoy the story. I do think the book did a nice job at discussing the importance of found family in the LGBTQIA+ community-which is something the main characters grapple with. One last complaint-this book assumes you'll remember a lot from the first book which I did not.

It was so nice to be back with Luc and Oliver and the rest of their off-kilter gang. This is a book of weddings, broken into parts for each couple. There is perhaps a little less Luc & Oliver than I would've preferred, but it made sense for what this book's arc. They're still two of my favorite characters and this a worthy sequel.

4.5*

Oh, it was soooo good being back with Luc and Oliver and everyone else.
It's been a few years and Luc and Oliver are very very happy together but like still they're Luc and Oliver. They don't want to be a mess but they kind of are. But also they're both very good at knowing each other and they can figure out their shit together.
I've said this a few times over the years, but it 100% applies to Luc and Oliver, they are a comfort couple for me. I would read a thousand books about them just being together and love every second of it.

Three Weddings, One Almost Wedding and a Funeral. Felt very rushed and too long all at once. Not enough focus on Luc and Oliver. Sometimes too much banter isn’t a good thing.

I’m sitting here trying to think what to say without being too harsh, but it’s difficult.

I LOVED Boyfriend Material. It’s one of my favourite romance novels. So, naturally, I was stupid excited for Husband Material. I don’t think I could possibly have ended up more disappointed.

Luc and Oliver have somehow ended up having a slightly toxic relationship. Our beloved couple for the first book did not get the sequel they deserved.

This MAY have worked if it had been a 100 page short story. But 400+ pages of repetitive insecurities and bickering got completely exhausting.

Alexis Hall has done a wonderful job of writing a sequel to the much beloved BOYFRIEND MATERIAL and he has proven how much of a fantastic writer he is by making you feel feelings and bring a unique to things that some people simply do not think twice about. This romance definitely managed to sweep me off my feet. I definitely felt that the journey that Hall took us on was unique and even though I knew we should expect a HFN/HEA, I still did not expect the story to go where it did.

I am forever grateful to get the opportunity to read any of Alexis Halls’ book and now that HUSBAND MATERIAL will become a lot of people’s favorite books.

Non spoiler review ahead! Thanks to net galley and Alexis Hall for the galley copy to read in advance for reviews.

SO. I wanted to love this as much as the first book, but.

It starts solid, with Luc being very Luc as he hits that stage in life where it seems all your friends are doing the life goals people are expected to do - marriages, babies, etc. As someone who also identifies as a certified mess, it felt quite familiar. Oliver remains to be Oliver, stalwart and a little aloof to the reader. But it's pretty grand and a good follow up to Boyfriend Material.

I think my problem is that the characters are just that - the exact same. Nothing has really changed from the first book all through the end of this one. Again, no spoilers, but the ending didn't actually feel that satisfying. The characters remain as they are. Kind of a let down.

It was a good ride through 4/5ths of the book tho, so I generally enjoyed it. Just hoping that a third book changes how I feel about the ending.

If you liked Boyfriend Material you'll love this sequel! Oliver and Luc are back & better than ever! This is a touching story about navigating your identity and forming your perfect union. I loved it!

*thank you to sourcebooks casablanca and netgalley for sending me an ARC of husband material in exchange for an honest review*

Let me start this review by saying that the first book, Boyfriend Material, I consider a most beloved book because it sent me down the rabbit hole of discovery of all the other lovely queer romantic stories that have been a balm and a comfort these past two years. For that, I thank it and the author Alexis Hall for the enjoyment this genre has given me over the past 2 years.

In many ways, this is not as an easy book to read because 1.) I am emotionally invested in these characters too damn much and I unapologetically love them, worry for them, and hope the best for them and 2.) they take us on an emotional roller coaster *internal screaming* asdsdkfjjkerjjskjsdfkj

Just like the first book, it is a charming, amusing, hot-ass-mess, and heartfelt story. Bridge and Tom, Luc and Oliver, Priya, the Royce-Royces, CRAPP, are all varying levels of dingbats in love, running all over England doing dingbat things for love of their partner or their life, and every moment is true and messy, and kind of a disaster, which is why I think I like these type of romantic stories the most. They are messy, poor decisions are made, things don't always work out, and they happen as they should, unrelenting, like life, and not as you expect them to in a typical they're-gonna-get-married-at-the-end way and everyone-lived-happily-ever. A friend, who finally started to read Boyfriend Material at my overly enthusiastic suggestion, said to me: "I can see why it is your favorite. Because the characters are messy."

As I started to read it, I messaged another friend, telling them "I'm so happy! Two pages in I am chuckling at this book. Oh how I missed these characters." It was delightful to see them again in all their ridiculous glory as we prepared to celebrate the first of many marriage ceremonies (everyone is getting married, as the back cover says) as well as near disastrous non-gender-specific-bird-dos, minor national security incidents, lost and found wedding dresses, rainbow balloon arches, and bear-mines "that would maul you and explode."

With Luc and Oliver we see how they have grown and changed just by being together, Luc still being snarky and insecure (still a "certified chaos demon"*), but secure in his love of and love from Oliver (also still a "stern brunch daddy"*), and how Oliver in his lovingly logical Oliverness is just as good for Luc as ever. And Luc being generally better and doing more to support and be there for Oliver, even when it gets messy. I love how the friendships between Bridge and Luc and Priya and the Royce-Royces have grown, and the relationships with Luc and his workplace have changed for the better and are still funny as hell.
*author Talia Hibbert's review terms, not mine

Alright, so, this review is kind of a mess, the notes I took on this book as I read it are a mess, (I legit wrote "GROWTH, LUCIEN!!!!" and "Aaaaah you bellend" in the margins of my notes) for sure, but my love of these characters is not, of this book is not. They may not logical, and too full of feelings, and cryptic stuff because I am terrified to spoilers. But they are true, and I thank you if you read them and did not judge me too harshly. (Oh jeez, I am basically Luc, aren't I?)

Another fantastic novel by the amazing Alexis Hall! From the cover, to the main characters and their hilarious antics, this swoony romantic sequel to Boyfriend Material will make you forget anything else exists except for the two of them (and their crazy, lovely group of friends!). I highly recommend rereading the first book if it's been a while to better enjoy this book. It was way different from what I expected and (to me) that’s what made it so exceptional. Thank you so much, Net Galley, for giving me the chance of reading this book, I loved it many many times and it felt like coming home or catching up with old friends, just wonderful.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In this sequel, we see what happens with Luc and Oliver after the events of their time ‘fake dating’ escapades in the first novel. Now, the two attend a few weddings, a funeral and then begin to plan their own, but there are quite a few hiccups in-between and along the way.

It was very nice to see character growth and development along the way and also to see how Luc and Oliver’s relationship changed and evolved. It was a very fast paced book though, so blink and you might miss the little tidbits that show that development.

Overall, it was a funny book and was definitely written with millennials in mind, but it didn’t quite catch my attention in the beginning. It did draw back my attention by about the middle of the book and I realized that I just don’t care for weddings. So, if wedding planning and the surrounding drama is your thing, this is the perfect book for you.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read this e-arc. All opinions are my own.

Boyfriend Material is one of my all-time favourite books. I could reread it and rate it 5* every day, no problem.
Obviously, my expectations of Husband Material were sky high, unrealistically so.
What I liked about it was mostly Oliver, lovely, stable, insecure, messed up Oliver. He was everything I wanted to read more about, and Alexis Hall portrayed him exactly as anyone could wish for.
Lucien is still a wild mess, albeit less messy than in the previous novel. It felt nice to see that he had matured in the two years between Boyfriend Material and Husband Material.
The writing itself is .. well, a lot.
Some chapters were more like a farce than a humourous story, especially the first part. It was slightly too unrealistic and it annoyed me. From the second wedding on the story improved, although I will never understand why Oliver and Luc attended the wedding of Luc's ex-boyfriend. Closure, how exactly? But okay.
The third wedding was funny and romantic for our heroes, this part had exactly the vibe I was hoping for.
The last part had just too much arguing and angst in it. There was hardly any room for the boys to relax and be happy together. Not enough light banter, or relaxation. It was more drama than comedy, although, to be fair, Alexis Hall is always witty and pretty great with language.
My final problem with Husband Material is that it is very preachy. Clearly Alexis Hall has many opinions about and problems with the heteronormative world we live in, and rightly so. My point is that he went on en on about it, up until the point that the book felt more like a thinly veiled protest than a romcom. And he is already preaching to the choir. Maybe he could have toned down on the opinions a bit. But hopefully that's just me. It's definitely a question of preference and expectations.