Try free for 30 days

  • Boyfriend Material

  • By: Alexis Hall
  • Narrated by: Joe Jameson
  • Length: 13 hrs and 11 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (378 ratings)

1 credit a month to use on any title, yours to keep (you’ll use your first credit on this title).
Stream or download thousands of included titles.
Access to exclusive deals and discounts.
$16.45 a month after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
Boyfriend Material cover art

Boyfriend Material

By: Alexis Hall
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
Try for $0.00

$16.45 per month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $39.99

Buy Now for $39.99

Pay using voucher balance (if applicable) then card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions Of Use and Privacy Notice and authorise Audible to charge your designated credit card or another available credit card on file.

Publisher's Summary

Luc O'Donnell is tangentially - and reluctantly - famous. His rock-star parents split when he was young, and the father he's never met spent the next 20 years cruising in and out of rehab. Now that his dad's making a comeback, Luc's back in the public eye, and one compromising photo is enough to ruin everything.

To clean up his image, Luc has to find a nice normal relationship...and Oliver Blackwood is as nice and normal as they come. He's a barrister, an ethical vegetarian, and someone who has never inspired a moment of scandal in his life. In other words, he’s perfect boyfriend material. Unfortunately, apart from being gay, single, and really really in need of a date for a big event, Luc and Oliver have nothing in common. So they strike a deal to be publicity-friendly (fake) boyfriends until the dust settles. Then they can go their separate ways and pretend it never happened.

But the thing about fake-dating is that it can feel a lot like real-dating. And that's when you get used to someone...start falling for them...don't ever want to let them go.

©2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC (P)2020 Dreamscape Media, LLC

What listeners say about Boyfriend Material

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    304
  • 4 Stars
    60
  • 3 Stars
    10
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    313
  • 4 Stars
    30
  • 3 Stars
    3
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    264
  • 4 Stars
    63
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    2

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

I knew a British rom-com could save 2020

As a fan of Red, White & Royal Blue, I only had to glance at the cover of Boyfriend Material and see the characters in basically the same poses as RWRB to know that this could fill the Alex x Henry shaped void in my heart.

As most people are, whether they will admit it or not, I am a fan of the 'fake dating' trope.
Since this book is written in first person, there was potential for the horrid: ***enter some line which obviously means that character A loves character B*** followed immediately by "What could these feelings I'm having possibly mean?" says character A. I was incredibly grateful to not find that exchange in this book. I loved how much of the book was specifically about Luc and Oliver. I know backstory is important and blah blah blah, but in a rom-com, I want to see the characters falling in love. Like, this is literally what I'm here for.

The relationship was genuine and believable and just downright cute. I enjoyed getting to know Luc and found him to be funny, kind and reasonable (most of the time). The shoutouts and general vibes to British rom-coms made be love this book even more.
The narration by Joe Jameson was incredible and I'm in awe over how well he portrayed individual characters. If you can only listen to one audiobook ever - choose this one.

While yes, I was looking for another Alex and Henry, Luc and Oliver were something different. They were just as cute and I was rooting for them just as much and there were some similarities, but they had their own story. Their own very British, very well-told, love story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Super funny, super voice

The narrator matches the awesome story. Both fantastic and funny as all hell. So well done!!
I listened in 1.5 time and made it even better.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Perfect narrator captures the writer's voice

This book has such an incredible and personable voice that I felt like I not only knew the character but was sitting with him in a pub or coffeeshop being regaled by this story. Joe Jameson soars here. His talent for voices, character, comic timing, and 'getting' the writer's own voice made this feel more like full-on production than just an audiobook.

Funny, charming, and delightully personal, I can't rave enough about this book.

Gay rom-com lit can often under-deliver which could be the cliches and confines of the genre. This delivers, appropriately leaning in and also subverting the tropes to create a work that felt lived and relatable.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not for me

Lots of people rave about this book but I honestly found it a bit slow, a little bit overusing British stereotypes and the ending was abrupt and stopped as it got good. Joe Jameson's narration was great, his voice is brilliant and the way he brings each character to life is astounding.
My favourite parts were honestly the nutty Mother's best friend (reminds me of my family). Just not the book for me - was moderately entertaining, but not worth the hype in my opinion.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Can I ‘rabbit on’ enough about this book?

This thing is grand. The characters are hilarious, and the story is clever. I cant wait for more! Bring it Alexis!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic narration, very enjoyable to listen to

The only thing missing from Boyfriend Material was an epilogue - I would have loved to have seen just a little bit more of Luc and Oliver together.......BUT 5 stars still because I really enjoyed this book, adored the 2 main characters and Luc's friendship group (and Luc's Mum!), and the humour had me smiling constantly throughout.

The audio for Boyfriend Material is fantastic - loved listening to the narrator as he performed the 2 main characters, so much fun to listen to.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Romantic comedy. Best read/listen in ages.

What a great listen. Heartfelt, witty, touching, laugh out loud funny. Very well written. Plus Joe Jamison is a fantastic narrator. So many voices and fun accents. Great romance.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Funny and heart warming

What a great book and reading. Had me laughing way more than I usually do with any book. Predictable considering the genre but oh so worth the time. Will listen again.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A+ voice acting, fun and witty romcom

Love most of Alexis Hall’s work but this is my fave so far. Entertaining, witty and laugh out loud funny in parts. Alexis forms a band of kooky and lovable characters which are brilliantly brought to life by Joe Jameson in his spectacular performance not only as the voice of Luc and Oliver but nailing all the supporting characters voices and personalities too. Love the intense banter and chemistry between Luc and Oliver and their fun journey! Have listened to this book many times over and enjoy it more every time!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Awesome - Cheeky - Heaps of Fun

A highly enjoyable listen and one that I never wanted to end. Downloading the second book now.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Cranky Reader
  • Cranky Reader
  • 08-07-2020

The right material!

Boyfriend Material hit the right note of fun & funny yet serious enough to care.

I’ve been in a reading slump recently. It’s been hard to find a romance with real emotional growth from trying situations that aren’t so tragic that they’re too much to take because 2020 is a dumpster fire. I completely forgot about social distancing while watching Luc deftly schmooze donors for CRAPP. I liked Oliver enthusing about his career & making sure jokes weren’t mean spirited. I cheered when the hotelier refused to give out personal information about a guest. It was great that no one went stalker - they said their piece & took no for an answer. The solid couple of chapters full of parents and (appropriate) F-words were tense and interesting and healthy. I liked the use of internet grammar (such van, much emergency; clean all the things: we baconed in silence) and supportive friends.

I agree with the SBTB review that suggested a longer or additional final scene or epilogue would be in order. Not so much because they were lacking, but because I wanted more time with Oliver and Luc being together & good for each other. Revisiting the hedgehog boxers was a nice touch, but what I like about fake relationships is how they nudge the characters back together again and again until they catch their groove. There was so much good togetherness in the book as a whole, after a couple chapters of apartness (forgive me), I wanted more time with them being together again.

If you want a comedic romance that has light & fluffy moments, a running side gag of escalating book emergencies, good & bad parents, and emotion enough to tug the heartstrings, read Boyfriend Material. (If you haven’t belly laughed by the ~3rd page/chapter, it’s not your kind of humor. It is exactly the kind of humor I enjoy so I LOLed a lot.)

Steam: Low. The M/M sexytimes were slow to get going then off page.

Narration: Generally well done. Narrator used different voices for dialogue. Some of the choices made for female voices seemed a tad odd but overall it was pleasant listening. Good audio quality.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

57 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for christian segui
  • christian segui
  • 04-08-2020

Meh...

I was so excited for this book and I was waiting for so long and now I feel deflated— 13 hours for hardly any romance or any actual story.. this book was unnecessarily long for no reason- 4 hours could have easily been shaved off and not missed any important details to the story because quite frankly there wasn’t any. The characters were bland and cold to the point where I kept asking myself if they were really attracted to each other or not.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Jennycita
  • Jennycita
  • 11-07-2020

Great read for fans of Red, White and Royal Blue

I always enjoy a good fake boyfriend yarn and these characters were compelling. The author’s breezy tone made it very hard for me to put this down! The narrator is an asset to the prose and a delight to listen to. Highly recommend! ❤️💙❤️💙

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Alicia Z. Ramos
  • Alicia Z. Ramos
  • 03-08-2020

I love this book RIDICULOUS amounts

This book is a delight from the opening scene to the very last sentence. I've gushed at the author about it on Twitter. I've recommended it to every friend who'll listen. I'm not sure how many times I've listened to it (many), and it's only been out a few weeks. It's hilarious and heart-wrenching, and the characters are, despite their rom-com ways, deeply human and believable. I want to send Alexis Hall chocolates and medals and perhaps a nice cottage in the country. Since I can't do those things, I'll just tell you: buy this NOW.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for MagicalAM
  • MagicalAM
  • 04-08-2020

Enjoyable but more angst than romance

The story is funny and engaging enough to be entertaining, particularly the side characters. Narration was especially good. But there is zero heat and while the story is focused on a developing relationship, it’s not very romantic overall. If you enjoy witty banter and British stories, this is for you. But don’t expect the usual m/m romance elements.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Texan2
  • Texan2
  • 21-07-2020

Fabulous

My favorite book of this year, and my favorite narration. Both have helped to keep my world afloat in the chaos that is the year 2020. Listening a second time, has made it even better. This is bound to be my go to comfort audio. Joe Jameson is fabulous.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for AmazonReviewer
  • AmazonReviewer
  • 10-07-2020

Quirky, emotional, humorous , and sweet.

I loved this very typically quirky and often hilarious romance. All the characters - even the ridiculous over-the-top posh ones were well developed and truly made the book in my opinion. Like almost all of this author’s books it was outstanding! Between the times I found myself chuckling at the humor, I was tearing up because of Lucian’s pain and emotional damage. It was not an easy path to the HFN finale. I hope Hall has more books in the works because he is truly one of the most talented authors I’ve read - especially in this genre and it was a long wait for this latest publication. I’m so happy to find something of his again.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mehecske
  • Mehecske
  • 11-07-2020

Wonderful

Alexis Hall is a wonderful writer whose characters are full of life and joy. You can feel the fun he has playing with language and the thoughtfulness put into it.

Joe Jameson did a fabulous performance. He was a full cast of characters himself. I particularly liked his upper class nitwit performance.

I highly recommend this book.

All the heart eyes emojis.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Akiva Munnell
  • Akiva Munnell
  • 05-08-2020

A fantastic read/listen

I absolutely loved this book! The story was engaging and romantic with plenty of twists and turns and the narrator is phenomenal!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Coach Kenji
  • Coach Kenji
  • 22-08-2020

Amazing Narration, Good Story

Exceptional literature this is not. But it’s not what we got the book for. I really enjoyed the narration and found the story a lot of fun, it’s clearly a romance that supposed to do this kind of twisting turning thing, and the story had an aspect to it that a lot of gay fiction in this genre doesn’t tend to. The conclusion is wonderfully predictable, that’s why we’re reading it, and I felt a little like it didn’t quite rap it up for me. If you want a fun time (more than a 1 night stand, less than marriage), please enjoy!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 18-04-2021

Pompous, middle class and not at all engaging

Really disappointed in this as it had good reviews, but when I looked in to it further I realised that the good reviews had largely come from a younger female audience. So maybe this book just isn’t for a gay guy in his late twenties?
It felt like the characters were largely unlikeable, arrogant, posh/snobbish hipsters - imagine a gay hipster Made In Chelsea? (That’s not a compliment)
I also liked Joe narrating his thoughts and as the main characters voice, but all of the other voices sounded so forced. The french accent for his mum was awful, and there was a Celtic character in there who sounded welsh.
After 6 chapters, I just didn’t care to listen anymore and returned the book for a refund.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 27-02-2021

Flawed but charming

I sought out this audiobook because I felt the need for a bit of escapism. If you are looking for a light-hearted diversion, then then this is probably for you.

Joe Jameson does a good job with accents and I feel like he portrayed, Luc, the main character and narrator very well. There are some major plot flaws though; the centre premise is so unrealistic that it does detract somewhat from the witty and generally well-written repartee between the two main characters and the narrative is, ultimately, very predictable. There are lots of very up-to-date cultural references that will no doubt date the book very quickly, but they give the novel a very contemporary feel. Most of the secondary characters are more caricature than character but this only serves to highlight the intense relationship between the two main characters, Luc and Oliver, everything else sort of falls into the background which I imagine was the author’s intention.

Much of the book is a bit of a frustrating will-they-won’t-they tug of war but to be honest you slowly learn to love these two characters for who they are and want them to succeed. As others have mentioned I was charmed by this book and despite its flaws, didn’t really want it to end.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mrs C
  • Mrs C
  • 09-01-2021

Bloody brilliant

Absolutely loved this audiobook. The story has plot and meaning, the characters have depth with fun and quirky personalities. The narrator is fabulous, his voice is easy to listen to. I could listen to him all day.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kelly
  • Kelly
  • 03-01-2021

Didn’t Want This To End

I truly loved this. From the complicated mess of Lucs life, to the way Oliver picks up the pieces. The crazy friends they each have and the sheer spectrum of personalities this book contains. I loved every second of it and I was gutted when it came to an end. I want more Oliver and Luc. I want to stay with them. It’s honestly such a beautiful story and so well written. I’ve already started looking up more Alexis Hall books to download.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Clive
  • Clive
  • 04-08-2020

Very enjoyable

Brilliant narration. Funny and touching. Really enjoyed. Oddly both a ridiculous concept but truthful to the emotions explored.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Kindle Fairy
  • Kindle Fairy
  • 13-02-2021

Amazing

This book is just pure joy, the ups, the downs, the characters (the snark!), the falling down so spectacularly and the getting back up again. Just all the feels!

Plus its the epitome of dry British humour, whilst also poking fun at some pure Britishisms. I laughed so hard at points I had to use my inhaler.

The narrator of this is so good, I completely forgot it wasn't real different people talking. Oliver's voice was so deep and gorgeous but also portrayed the perfectly controlled man completely hiding his emotions, then showing signs of conflict, gradually cracking and giving tiny hints of expression and so forth, developing along with his character throughout the book. Also of note, the female voices were excellent and completely varied. The acting was A list standard.

Highly Recommend

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for K. Hughes
  • K. Hughes
  • 04-02-2021

A gripping emotional roller coaster

Well I've not felt so invested in a novel for a long time. From laugh out loud funny, to dramatic and downright heartbreaking right to the very end - and just when I thought I was coming to terms with what had happened, another twist. This is simply a wonderful story. I couldn't stop listening and when I had to prise myself away I found myself daydreaming about what would happen next. The narration is also fantastic.

Listen to this, but give yourself a weekend and maybe a bottle of wine to help you get through it 😂

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for A Reader
  • A Reader
  • 09-01-2021

So cute I could die

l just really loved this. Really, I don't know if it's because I haven't read/listened to a romcom in ages but this was just so good and I really loved the characters. I'm definitely going to look out for the author now and the narrator is fantastic. Seriously, if you're second guessing getting this, do it just for the narrator. I'm going to buy other books he's narrated just because of this listen.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Mr J Dixon
  • Mr J Dixon
  • 04-01-2021

Brilliant, well written and observed

Couldn't put it down! Performance was mesmerising. Truly wonderful. Best long read, and so funny.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for UKTraveller143
  • UKTraveller143
  • 30-12-2020

Laugh out loud story with excellent narration.

Thoroughly enjoyed this Audiobook and found myself getting truly engaged in what was going to happen between the two main characters once their "arrangement" ended. Very funny characterisation by Joe Jameson. I've already recommended this to several friends who have also enjoyed it.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.