Reviews

10 Things That Never Happened: Material World, Book 1 by Alexis Hall

pathstotread's review against another edition

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3.0

Christmas in June? Sure. Alexis Hall can be a mixed bag for me - the highs are high, but I really disliked the last one I read (Paris Daillencourt). But when I heard this book comped to While You Were Sleeping, one of my favorite romcoms, I knew I would have to give it a try. And I had a good time! The family dynamic was just zany enough and there was a lot to like about the romance. I’m not sure I fully bought into the resolution, but overall, enjoyable.

allison_ck's review against another edition

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4.0

I love Alexis Hall! Their romcoms are genuinely funny (this book had me snorting with laughter a few times) and the characters they create feel real and flawed and like someone you could be friends with. The premise of this is wild, but it works, and I was rooting for Sam and Jonathan the whole time.

queer_cir's review against another edition

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4.0

Fun nonsense
Though the audio narrator did my head in

readsdreamsplans's review against another edition

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4.0

I did not pick this one up expecting it to have so many holiday elements. It is set at Christmas, and I think it is a great read for this time of the year.

mxmarvelous's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The thing I’ve realized about Alexis Hall is that, even in his stories that aren’t mostly angst (looking at you, Spires), the characters have so much depth that even what I expect to be a lighthearted romcom still packs an intense emotional gut-punch. 

I think the fact that my stomach was in knots until literally the last 8 pages made the ending that much more satisfying, though.


As usual, even with a goofy premise, this book is powerful. A great read!

I do hope Tiff was able to take credit for the party, though.

slowburnsrus's review against another edition

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emotional funny slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

This is a truly funny Christmas romcom—I laughed many times while reading it. I’m not usually a fan of enemies to lovers romances, but both heroes were just hapless enough that they were equally sympathetic and maddening. I would give the first half of the book 5 stars. 

But the fake amnesia plotline dragged on way too long. I prefer romances where the major obstacle is resolved before it outstays its welcome, and a second obstacle is layered on. A whole book of the hero lying and making stupid decisions over and over again was a bit rough by the end. Speaking of the ending, I thought “the twist” was obvious from early on, which might have been why I was frustrated. 

It’s a fun holiday romance, but not a reread for me. 

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beomgyuluvr's review against another edition

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5.0

lowkey wanna get hit by a Nexa by MERLYN 8mm Sliding Door Shower Enclosure so i could fake amnesia in front of my cute boss

5 stars!

paperbacks_and_planners's review against another edition

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4.0

Thank you so much to Sourcebooks Casa, Netgalley, and Libro.fm for providing advanced copies of this! All thoughts and opinions are still my own.

Every time I pick up an Alexis Hall book I know I'm in for a great time. And this was no exception. His books are always hilarious and sweet and wholly endearing.

This was a really fun, laugh out loud funny romance between two polar opposite heroes, caught in a ridiculous lie. I love a cheesy amnesia plot so I was on board from the very beginning. I thought their banter was fantastic and Sam's coworkers were absolutely hilarious.

The audio was fantastically narrated, the characters were chaotic but endearing, and I enjoyed my time from start to finish.

I just don't think these two are forever

kay_reads_fast's review against another edition

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3.0

This book was slightly underwhelming but still a nice story! It centers around an overly nice MC and a grumpy boss, and let me tell you...grumpy sunshine tropes are my favorite! I really enjoyed their dynamic, as well as the dynamic each of their crazy "families" (work and biological) added to the storyline.

transkidjulian's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5