Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall follows the romantic misadventures of Luc O’Donnell, a charming but hapless protagonist navigating the complexities of love and self-acceptance. Set against the backdrop of vibrant London, the story explores themes of identity, friendship, and the challenges of modern relationships. As Luc embarks on a journey to find a suitable boyfriend, he grapples with his insecurities and the expectations of those around him. This contemporary romantic comedy is perfect for fans of witty banter and heartfelt moments, appealing to readers who enjoy LGBTQ+ romance and character-driven narratives. With its engaging plot and relatable characters, Boyfriend Material offers a delightful escape into the world of love and laughter.

Key Points

  • Explores the romantic journey of Luc O’Donnell in contemporary London
  • Delves into themes of identity, friendship, and self-acceptance
  • Features witty dialogue and relatable characters that resonate with readers
  • Perfect for fans of LGBTQ+ romance and contemporary romantic comedies
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Alexis Hall
394 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Fantasy
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Alexis Hall
394 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Fantasy
newtopiccyclegrowin
Author:Alexis Hall
394 pages
Language:English
Type:Novel
Fantasy
334

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall pdf

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Chapter 1
I’ve never seen the point of fancy dress parties. You have two choices: either
you make a massive effort and wind up looking like a dick, or you make no
effort and wind up looking like a dick. And my problem, as always, was not
knowing what kind of dick I wanted to be.
I’d pretty much committed to the no-effort strategy.
en I’d panicked at the
last minute, made an ill-fated attempt to track down somewhere that sold
costumes, and found myself in one of those weirdly high-streety sex shops that
og red lingerie and pink dildos to people with no real interest in either.
Which is why, when I rocked up to a party already well into the too hot, too
loud, too crowded stage of its life cycle, I was wearing a pair of problematically
sexualised black lace bunny ears. I swear, I used to be good at this sort of thing.
But I was out of practice, and looking like a cut-rate rent boy serving a very
specic fetish was not the ideal way to make a triumphant return to the scene.
Worse, I’d arrived so late that all the other lonely, shit people had given up and
gone home already.
Somewhere in that pit of ashy lights, bleepy music, and sweat were my
actual friends. I knew that because our WhatsApp group—currently called
Queer Comes
e Sun—had devolved into a hundred variations on the theme
of “where the fuck is Luc.” But all I could see were people I vaguely thought
vaguely knew people who vaguely knew me. Wriggling my way to the bar, I
squinted at the chalkboard listing the night’s bespoke cocktails and eventually
ordered a Sloe Comfortable Conversation about Pronouns Up Against the
Wall, since it seemed like it would be both nice to drink and accurately
descriptive of my chances of scoring that evening. Or, indeed, ever.
I should probably explain why I was sipping on a nonbinary beverage while
wearing the world’s most middle-class excuse for fetish gear in a basement in
Shoreditch. But, honestly, I was beginning to wonder that myself. Basically,
there’s this guy called Malcom who I know because everybody knows Malcom.
I’m pretty sure he’s a stockbroker or a banker or whatever, but in the evenings
—by which I mean some evenings, by which I mean about one evening a week
—he DJs at this transgender/gender-uid club night called Surf ‘n’ Turf @
e
Cellar. And tonight was his T Party. His Mad Hatter’s T Party. Because that’s
Malcom.
Right now, he was at the back of the room in a purple topper, a striped
tailcoat, leather trousers, and not much else, laying down what I think they call
“sick beats.” Or maybe they don’t. Maybe that’s something nobody has ever
said ever. When I was going through my club-kid phase, I didn’t even bother
to ask the names of my hookups, let alone make notes on the terminology.
I sighed and turned my attention back to my Comfortable Lack of a Screw.
ere should really be a word for the feeling you get when you do a thing you
don’t particularly want to do to support somebody else but then realise they
didn’t actually need you and nobody would have noticed if you’d stayed home
in your pyjamas eating Nutella straight from the jar. Anyway.
at. I was
feeling that. And probably I should just have left, except then I’d have been the
arsehole who showed up for Malcom’s T Party, made no effort with his
costume, drank an eighth of a drink, and then fucked off without talking to
anybody.
Pulling out my phone, I sent a forlorn “
I’m here, where are you?
” message
to the group only to see the clock of doom pop up beside it. Who’d have
thought an event that took place literally underground and surrounded by
concrete would have bad mobile phone reception?
“You do realise”—warm breath brushed my cheek—“that those ears aren’t
even white?”
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End of Document
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FAQs

What is the main setting of the story in Boyfriend Material?
The story begins at a fancy dress party in a basement club in Shoreditch called Surf 'n' Turf. The protagonist, Luc, arrives late, feeling out of place and awkward in his costume, which consists of black lace bunny ears. The party is lively, filled with flashing lights and loud music, creating a chaotic atmosphere that adds to Luc's discomfort.
Who is the character Cam and how does he interact with Luc?
Cam is a cute stranger Luc meets at the party. He initially approaches Luc with a playful remark about his costume, which leads to a flirtatious conversation. Cam's charm and humor help Luc relax, and they bond over their family backgrounds, revealing personal stories that deepen their connection.
What are Luc's feelings about his father, Jon Fleming?
Luc has a complicated relationship with his father, Jon Fleming, who is a famous musician. He expresses frustration about being recognized as 'Jon Fleming's kid' rather than for his own identity. Luc mentions that he has never met his father and feels that people often associate him with his father's public persona, which adds pressure and discomfort to his social interactions.
How does Luc feel about fancy dress parties?
Luc expresses a strong dislike for fancy dress parties, feeling that they force people into uncomfortable situations. He believes that no matter how much effort one puts into a costume, it often results in embarrassment. His experience at the party reinforces this sentiment, as he feels out of place and awkward among the other attendees.
What is the significance of the drink Luc orders at the party?
Luc orders a drink called 'sloe comfortable conversation,' which he finds amusingly descriptive of his situation at the party. The drink symbolizes his desire for connection and comfort in a social setting where he feels anxious and out of place. It reflects his struggle to engage with others while feeling disconnected from the festive atmosphere.
What does Luc think about his dating history?
Luc reveals that he has had a difficult dating history, describing himself as 'really bad at everything' related to romance. This self-deprecating view highlights his insecurities and the challenges he faces in forming connections, particularly with someone like Cam, whom he finds attractive.
How does Luc's conversation with Cam evolve during their first meeting?
Initially, Luc is guarded and self-conscious during his conversation with Cam, but as they share personal stories and engage in playful banter, the tension eases. Cam's interest in Luc becomes clear as he flirts and teases, leading to a moment where they share a kiss, marking a significant turning point in their interaction.

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