Title: Father Material
Author: Alexis Hall
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication date: June 2, 2026
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Summary
Luc and Oliver’s relationship has been through a lot. Started out fake dating (which turned into real feelings), briefly breaking up, getting engaged (then not actually getting married). Now, they’re finally moved in together and contemplating the next step in their relationship: adopting a dog named Spud.
The trial run with Spud makes them realize that maybe they’re ready for something more. Maybe they’re ready to become fathers.
Review: Father Material
Thanks to Sourcebooks Casablance and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Father Material by Alexis Hall to review! Boyfriend Material is one of my favorite books, so I was excited to see where Luc and Oliver’s relationship went next in this book. Especially with the way that Husband Material ended. I appreciate that we get to see where their life went after that!
Like the previous two books, this is definitely more of a character driven story as Luc and Oliver try to figure out what it means to be dads. Neither of them had great fathers, and they both struggle with this in different ways. Both with their dog and with their foster child. Oliver wants structure and boundaries and Luc wants to go with the flow a bit more. Hall did a good job showing how they work through these things together as a couple, coming out stronger on the other side.
Luc and Oliver also struggle with maintaining their adult friendships as everyone gets more adult responsibilities (like children). This felt especially realistic, and I appreciated that they put real effort in still trying to get everyone together. We don’t get to see their friends as much in this one as previous books, but I liked that they were still there in the background.
Though Boyfriend Material is still the best book of the trilogy, this book definitely gives Luc and Oliver closure. They don’t have a traditional relationship trajectory, and I love getting to see that in a romance. If you enjoyed Luc and Oliver’s other books, definitely check this one out!
4/5 stars