Review of 10 Things That Never Happened (Material World, 1) by Alexis Hall
From the moment I picked up 10 Things That Never Happened, I felt a familiar thrill—one that comes from diving into a world crafted by Alexis Hall. Having adored both Boyfriend Material and Husband Material, I was eager to explore this delightful spin-off featuring characters I never expected to love so fiercely. This engaging tale, drenched in humor, romance, and the occasional existential crisis, invites readers into the chaotic realm of retail management and the complexities of human connection.
The plot centers around Sam Becker, a bed and bath retailer whose life is upended when he accidentally bumps his head and fakes amnesia to save his job. Enter Jonathan Forest, the grumpy yet charming owner of the store where Sam works. The initial tension between these polar opposites creates a delightful push-and-pull dynamic that keeps readers guessing how their relationship will unfold. As Sam navigates his unintended deception, the layers of their personalities begin to peel away, revealing vulnerabilities that resonated deeply with me.
One of the standout themes is the exploration of identity and the many facets of love. In Sam’s fake amnesia, there’s a profound commentary on how we reintroduce ourselves to the people around us, especially those with whom we have complicated histories. Sam is relatable and endearing, with a voice that feels uniquely his own, making it difficult not to root for him. Jonathan, initially irksome, unveils a tender side that caught me off guard. As their relationship blossoms, I found myself laughing out loud at their banter while also humanizing their struggles—after all, love is never as simple as it seems.
Hall’s signature wit shines through in his writing, filled with sharp dialogue and quirky references. The pacing, although sometimes meandering through bustling family scenes filled with chaotic charm, perfectly captures the essence of the holiday season, grounding the story in reality. The flashbacks to Sam’s experiences in retail are detailed with a humor that anyone who has worked in customer service can appreciate.
One memorable quote that stayed with me was, “Being a grown-up is just an elaborate game of pretending you know what you’re doing.” This encapsulates the overall feeling of the book, one of navigating life’s absurdities while seeking genuine connections.
If you enjoy stories sprinkled with humor, emotional depth, and a cast of vibrant side characters—think of Gollum the cat, who brings a quirky charm to the chaotic family dynamics—you will fall head over heels for this book. 10 Things That Never Happened is a satisfying blend of rom-com warmth and the REAL problems that life throws at us.
This book is perfect for readers who crave a heartfelt exploration of love wrapped in laughter. It left me feeling hopeful and reflective, eager to uncover the deeper nuances that I might have missed on the first read. Alexis Hall has certainly offered us another gem, proving that sometimes, the most genuine connections arise from the most unexpected circumstances. If you’re looking for a story that will make you laugh, cry, and ultimately sigh with satisfaction, pick this one up—you’ll be glad you did!
You can find 10 Things That Never Happened (Material World, 1) here >>