Material World Books in Order

Material World is a spin-off from the same broader universe as Boyfriend Material, but it is built to work on its own. Hall has described it as part of the London Calling world, a set of contemporary romcoms with similar vibes, overlapping characters, and a modern London setting. That means you may spot familiar faces, but you do not need homework to enjoy the books.

The first novel, 10 Things That Never Happened, gives a good sense of the series approach. Sam Becker manages a bed and bath store, fears he is about to be fired by his impossible boss, Jonathan Forest, and accidentally lets Jonathan believe a head injury has wiped his memory. From there the book turns fake amnesia into a workplace romcom about guilt, reinvention, and the awkward magic of getting a second first impression.

It is a ridiculous setup, and Hall knows it.

What keeps the story grounded is the emotional detail. Sam is funny and panicky. Jonathan looks like a classic cold boss but turns out to be much more vulnerable and lonely than he first appears. Hall uses the retail setting well too. The shop floor, the staff, the holiday rush, and the petty daily grind all give the romance texture instead of making it float in a vacuum.

As a series, Material World seems interested in side characters stepping out of the margins and getting their own messes. The tone is lighter than some of Hall's darker work, but not weightless. Even the silliest premise usually comes with real anxiety, regret, or longing attached. That is the basic pleasure here. You get the banter and the chaos, but you also get characters who matter.

If you liked the warmth and humor of Hall's London romcoms and want more of that energy in a standalone format, this is the place to look. Expect sharp jokes, a lot of heart, and people stumbling into love through very bad plans.