Books Like...
'Boyfriend Material' by Alexis Hall follows the story of Luc O'Donnell, a minor celebrity trying to improve his reputation to save his job. Luc agrees to fake date Oliver Blackwood, who also needs a fake boyfriend, leading to a predictable yet fast-paced plot filled with tension and hilarious interactions between a cast of quirky characters. The book explores themes of self-worth, family bonds, and personal growth, all wrapped up in a charming rom-com narrative with witty banter and emotional depth.
If you liked Boyfriend Material, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
In an alternative version of 2020, 'Red, White & Royal Blue' by Casey McQuiston follows the romantic journey between Alex, the son of the first female president of the United States, and Henry, a prince of England. The book presents a witty, fun, and heartwarming narrative that explores the complex relationship between the two characters as they navigate their love amidst political tensions and personal discoveries. The writing style of the book is engaging, offering a mix of romance, humor, and political drama that creates a compelling and optimistic storyline.
On the White House roof, tucked into a corner of the Promenade, there’s a bit of loose paneling right on the edge of the Solarium. If you tap it just right, you can peel it back enough to find a messa... - #2
'Glitterland' by Alexis Hall follows the main character Ash, a writer struggling with mental illness and self-doubt, who meets Darian, an Essex boy and aspiring model. As their one-night stand evolves into something deeper, Ash is forced to confront his self-imposed boundaries and allow the possibility of happiness with Darian. The story is filled with humor, emotional depth, and explores themes of love, mental health, and self-acceptance. The writing style showcases nuanced character development and a unique blend of charm, wit, and realism that keeps readers engaged.
“Yes . . . no . . . I don’t know. I don’t know. I don’t know the number. What if it doesn’t come? I don’t know.” Anxieties were swimming around inside me like jellyfish, but I was usually better at no... - #3
"The Charm Offensive" by Alison Cochrun is a heartwarming gay demisexual contemporary romance that unfolds on a reality TV show akin to The Bachelor. The story follows Charlie, a tech millionaire cast as the show's Prince Charming, and Dev, his producer. As their emotional relationship deepens, Charlie experiences sexual attraction for the first time, leading to a sweet and thought-provoking exploration of love, mental health, and personal growth amid the backdrop of a heteronormative environment.
The book delves into the intimate journey of Charlie and Dev as they navigate their mental health struggles, find acceptance, and seek true love in unexpected places. Through accurate and respectful representation of queer love and neurodivergent mental illness, the author, Alison Cochrun, weaves a tale of connection, communication, and depth that resonates with readers seeking emotional intimacy and meaningful relationships.
He is ten years old, sitting cross-legged in his living room, staring up at the television in awe at Ever After. It’s like the stories he reads before bed, tented under Star Wars sheets long after his... - #4
'The Flatshare' by Beth O'Leary follows the story of Tiffy and Leon, who share a flat without ever meeting in person, communicating only through post-it notes left for each other. The book explores their unique living arrangement, their individual struggles, and the development of their relationship in a quirky and heartwarming way. The writing style is engaging, with alternating first-person narratives that capture the intimacy of their communication and the distinct personalities of the lead characters.
The plot of 'The Flatshare' delves into themes of emotional abuse, relationships, personal growth, and friendship, all while maintaining a light and charming tone. The book is praised for its depth, character development, and the way it handles serious topics like abuse and gaslighting with sensitivity and respect, making it a feel-good and compelling read.
I really can see some positives in this flat. The technicolour mould on the kitchen wall will scrub off, at least in the short term. The filthy mattress can be replaced fairly cheaply. And you could d... - #5
In "Heated Rivalry" by Rachel Reid, readers are taken on a journey following the intense and secretive relationship between two hockey stars, Ilya Rozanov and Shane Hollander. Despite being rivals on the ice, they share a passionate bond that spans almost a decade, filled with heated moments and dangerous secrets. The story unfolds over several years, from their initial meeting as rookies to their professional careers, showcasing their evolving connection and the challenges they face both personally and professionally. Reid's writing style is praised for its descriptive yet easy flow, humorous moments, and strong editing, creating a captivating narrative that delves into themes of rivalry, self-discovery, and forbidden love.
Ilya Rozanov trudged through the bitter cold of the hotel parking lot to the team bus. Like most of his teammates, it was his first time in North America. He had expected to feel more overwhelmed by t... - #6
'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' by Talia Hibbert follows the story of Chloe Brown, a quirky web designer living with chronic health issues, who embarks on a journey to break out from her boring life. She creates a list of new experiences to try and enlists the help of Redford Morgan, the building superintendent, to guide her. Despite starting out as adversaries, Chloe and Red's relationship progresses believably, leading to a cute and steamy romance. The book skillfully weaves in themes of chronic pain, abusive relationships, and disability, all while maintaining a balance between humor and meaningful discussions.
The writing style in 'Get a Life, Chloe Brown' is described as charming, funny, and heartwarming. The characters, especially Chloe and Red, are portrayed as real, funny, and troubled individuals rather than perfect romance stereotypes. The novel delves into important topics like chronic pain and abusive relationships with care and emotional intelligence, making it a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance read.
“You’re the best superintendent we’ve ever had,” she cooed from the bathroom doorway, clasping one wrinkled hand to her bony chest. Her shock of white hair fairly quivered with emotion. Bit of a drama... - #7
Take a Hint, Dani Brown is a romantic comedy focusing on the relationship between Danika Brown, a PhD student, and Zafir Ansari, a rugby player turned security guard. The story follows their journey from a fake relationship to a real one, intertwined with themes of personal growth, mental health, and the importance of communication. The book is praised for its diverse characters, engaging dialogue, and steamy yet realistic romance scenes. Talia Hibbert's writing style is described as charismatic, funny, and emotionally compelling, making the story an easy and enjoyable read.
The student union’s coffee shop was like a bad pop song: painfully repetitive and unnaturally upbeat. Milk was steamed, names were chirped, and baristas beamed as if there were any call for such abomi...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Brown Sisters ) - #8
'Heartstopper: Volume One' by Alice Oseman is a heartwarming graphic novel that follows the friendship and growing romantic relationship between two high school boys, Nick and Charlie. The book beautifully portrays their journey of self-discovery, attraction, and navigating the complexities of young love. Readers praise the adorable and cute moments between the main characters, as well as the gentle and sensitive way Alice Oseman tackles complex sexuality themes with subtle wit. The story is described as a blend of sweet romance, friendship, and coming-of-age, making it a delightful and relatable read.
The plot unfolds with charming and wholesome interactions between Nick and Charlie, drawing readers into a world filled with genuine emotions and relatable experiences. The art style is commended for its simplicity yet ability to evoke strong emotions, while the characters are celebrated for their authenticity and the realistic portrayal of young queer relationships. As the story progresses, readers are left eagerly anticipating the next volumes to witness the evolution of Nick and Charlie's relationship, making 'Heartstopper: Volume One' a heartwarming and captivating read.
- #9
'Beach Read' by Emily Henry follows the story of romance writer January Andrews who finds herself in a neighboring lake house to Gus Everett, a serious literary author and her college nemesis. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they challenge each other to write a book in the style of the other person, leading to a slow burn romance. delves into themes of grief, pain, and complicated relationships, presenting a blend of romance, literary fiction, and insightful storytelling. The characters, their dynamics, and the emotional depth of the plot make this book a compelling read that goes beyond the typical romance genre.
The writing style of 'Beach Read' is engaging and captivating, seamlessly blending humor, emotional moments, and character development. The author, Emily Henry, skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, creating a narrative that keeps readers invested from start to finish. offers a mix of light-hearted moments and deeper themes, making it a well-rounded and enjoyable read for those looking for a beach read with substance.
I like to think we all do. Or at least that makes it easier for me when I’m writing—building my heroines and heroes up around this one self-sabotaging trait, hinging everything that happens to them on... - #10
In the book "How to Bang a Billionaire" by Alexis Hall, university student Arden St. Ives finds himself entangled with the mysterious and brooding billionaire Caspian in a complex and sometimes destructive relationship. The story delves into themes of pain, love, darkness, and light as Arden chips away at Caspian's defenses little by little, while also navigating the complexities of their dynamic. The writing style is described as warm, funny, sexy, sharp, and adorably geeky, with engaging dialogues, intellectual conversations, and a balance between accessibility and art.
I was supposed to be doing this college fund-raiser thing where undergraduates called up wealthy alumni and connected deeply with them in a way that got them all nostalgic and wallet-opening or bank-t...