10 Things That Never Happened

I have been having trouble with most audio books since the 11/24 election. This was a planned read for December since it takes place at Christmastime and Alexis Hall managed to keep me entertained. I knew that if I couldn't focus on one of his books then I need to take an audio break for awhile. For me, Alexis Hall and Emily Henry are the romance writers to beat. They mix banter and heartfelt stories so well. I give an edge to Alexis Hall for the way he always makes me laugh in his books and then a few pages later I'm crying. The found family in this book (all his books to be honest) is top notch. I have yet to read one of his books that is a miss. The first 50% felt like a solid contemporary book and I wasn't really feeling the romance but then a switch flips and I totally buy them as a couple. It didn't feel like an awkward transition or anything, it just happened. They may be one of my favorite couples of any romance I read this year.

Cute story, perhaps a little longer than it needed to be in the middle, but I enjoyed it. The author's sparse use of commas really bothered me, though. They exist for a reason, Alexis! Don't be afraid to use them!

DNF

Mmm I guess deceit isn't my vibe

a bit trashy and dumb. but was on a rush to finish to reading goal on time

dnf at 62%

this is utterly subjective but i think this book just isn't for me. it falls completely flat, i was willing to overlook the very questionable premise for the sake of a romcom but man. if you have read boyfriend material and liked it, then dont read this book because it feels like a poor imitation of it.

if i had to sum it up, this book is just: ridiculous lies that will blow up in the protag's face one day, meaningless banter between two dimensional characters and “funny” shenanigans that overstay their welcome and dont add anything to the story. it feels so superficial in every single way.

i was at 62% and realized that i dont think these two people should ever be together and i think that's when it hit me: okay maybe i need to stop reading this

Please go find the audiobook of this one and just enjoy it while doing chores and enjoying a cup of coffee!
Yes the story is so fake it's funny, but this is such a feel good, funny story that just made my day. And Will Watt narrated it soooo good, it cracks me up!
It not a masterpiece that will go into classic, I don't think Alexis Hall is trying that, but this is an excellent written book, with an interesting plot and so many smart phrases!
Enjoy

3.25 stars. Alexis Hall's latest romcom is funny, clever, and sprightly. But the “fake amnesia” plot has Emmentaler Swiss cheese-sized holes in it, and the chemistry between the two MCs is unconvincing. Gollum the cat is a welcome addition, but shame on Hall for writing a Christmas tree-trimming scene that contains tinsel, which is a dangerous choking hazard for felines.

After an accident and miscommunication leads surly CEO Jonathan Forest to believe his employee Sam has amnesia, Sam sees it as an opportunity: use their doctor-ordered time together to make Jonathan see Sam and his co-workers as people so they don't get fired. But as Sam discovers his boss has a gentler, more loveable side and the two of them grow closer, he has to decide if happily ever after is a possibility when built on a lie.

A very silly, very adorable story that fans of Hall's other works will surely enjoy. It never quite lived up to its premise, and I had some issues with the resolution. Still, it was a fast-paced and (mostly) light-hearted read that is a fun addition to the broader Boyfriend Material universe. Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC!