The following version of this novel was used in the creation of this study guide: Hall, Alexis. Boyfriend Material. Sourcebooks, 2020. Paperback.

The story begins as Luc O'Donnell fails a conversation with a writer, Cam. Wary of anyone who mentions his father, Jon Fleming, Luc lashes out at Cam for making assumptions about him but feels awful for doing so. This, mixed with everything Luc drank that night, causes Luc to trip into a gutter outside which shows up on the media the next day. His boss, Dr. Fairclough, demands that he change his public image and win back donors for the charity's Beetle Drive. His co-worker, Alex, recommends that Luc find a suitable fake boyfriend.

So, with the help of his friends, Luc goes on a date with Oliver. It goes poorly, as Luc thinks that Oliver is too perfect for him. However, after Luc explains the situation, the two agree to publicly fake date each other. Then, Oliver will go with Luc on a date to the Beetle Drive, while Luc will go with Oliver to his parent’s Ruby Anniversary. While their relationship starts with a lot of misunderstanding and awkward conversations where Luc speaks too much without thinking, the two do begin to fall for each other. This prompts Luc to try and change his life, as he realizes how much he has given up over his anxiety about the media.

However, Luc's insecurity gets the best of him when he finds an article by Cam. It says Luc is a victim of his father's fame and will never have a normal life. Luc panics and breaks up with Oliver, though he quickly regrets it and rushes to Oliver's for an apology. There, he reveals that his ex-boyfriend, Miles, sold their five-year-long relationship to a tabloid for $50,000 dollars. After the world read the worst sides of Luc without any context, Luc felt that he had no choice but to act like they wanted to avoid getting hurt again. However, he says that he fell hard for Oliver and asks that they continue their relationship. Oliver agrees.

After that, their relationship improves as Oliver meets Luc's mother and Luc meets Oliver's friends. The tabloids start running more pieces about them and the places they go, and Luc begins to let go of his self-loathing. Oliver even supports Luc's reluctant attempts to let his dying father back in his life. This all culminates in a very successful Beetle Drive and a much stronger relationship.

Unfortunately, after Luc witnesses just how badly Oliver's family belittles him, Luc steps in and tells Oliver how amazing he is. While Oliver willingly leaves with Luc and thanks him for standing up for him, he thinks this is more proof that he is not good enough for Luc and that their relationship will inevitably end. Luc begs him to stay, but Oliver refuses. This devastated Luc, but when he learns that his father is abandoning him again after learning that he does not actually have cancer, Luc resolves to make up with Oliver.

With the help of his friends, Luc proclaims his love for Oliver and how he does not care about perfection. A first Oliver turns Luc down. Later, he shows up on Luc's doorstep and admits he loves Luc as well. The two resolve to make their relationship work.