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by Alexis Hall
Boyfriend Material introduces Luc O'Donnell, the son of a rock star, who's a bit of a disaster. After a particularly embarrassing public incident, he needs to clean up his image, fast. Enter Oliver Blackwood, a buttoned-up barrister who seems to be Luc's complete opposite. Their solution? A fake relationship to make Luc look respectable and help Oliver secure a work promotion. What unfolds is a delightfully British, slow-burn romance packed with sharp wit and genuine heart. You'll watch Luc and Oliver stumble through awkward dates, navigate their very different worlds, and slowly, genuinely fall for each other. It's for anyone who loves a good fake-dating trope, enjoys a laugh-out-loud comedy with a tender emotional core, and appreciates a story where characters truly grow.
If you adored the witty banter and heartwarming fake-dating trope in Boyfriend Material, you'll find plenty to love in these recommendations. We've curated this list for readers who appreciate the slow-burn romance of opposites attracting, characters navigating public scrutiny, and a journey of personal growth within a charming, often hilarious, story. Whether it's the high-profile relationship of Red, White & Royal Blue, the awkward sweetness of The Charm Offensive, or the found family vibes of The House in the Cerulean Sea, these books capture that same blend of humor, heart, and genuine connection.
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Like Boyfriend Material, this novel features a high-profile public relationship and a witty, banter-heavy narrative style. It balances laugh-out-loud humor with heartfelt moments of personal growth and navigating public scrutiny.
This book shares the 'behind the scenes' media setting and features a protagonist who, like Luc, feels like a mess and struggles with his public image. It is a sweet, awkward, and deeply emotional look at mental health and finding love in the spotlight.
Fans of the fake-dating-to-real-love progression in Boyfriend Material will enjoy this modern, queer reimagining of Pride and Prejudice. It features sharp dialogue and the classic 'grumpy vs. sunshine' dynamic.
This story captures the same 'forced proximity' energy and snarky banter found between Luc and Oliver. It follows two rivals on a road trip, blending geek culture with a tender emotional arc about belonging.
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Talia Hibbert’s writing matches Alexis Hall’s in its combination of high-speed wit and genuine emotional depth. This book specifically mirrors the fake-relationship-for-publicity plot while exploring complex family dynamics.
by TJ Klune
While more whimsical, this book shares the 'found family' theme and the journey of a rigid, rule-following protagonist (similar to Oliver) learning to embrace chaos and love. It has a similarly British, gentle humor.
This novel features a cynical protagonist who finds themselves through a quirky group of friends and an unexpected romance. It captures the same vibrant, urban queer community energy found in Boyfriend Material.
by Alexis Hall
Written by the same author, this book offers a more intense but equally witty exploration of class differences and mental health. It features the same brilliant prose and a deeply flawed but lovable protagonist.
by Beth O'Leary
This British rom-com shares the same cozy yet chaotic vibe and focuses on an unconventional living arrangement that leads to a slow-burn connection. It balances lighthearted humor with serious personal growth.
For readers who enjoyed the satirical look at the literary/social world and the self-deprecating humor of Luc O'Donnell, this Pulitzer-winning novel offers a sophisticated and hilarious look at aging and love.
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