Reviews

Bidding for the Bachelor by Jackie Lau

Only show reviews with written explanations

fresholivebread's review

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Reformed playboy Brian wins a bachelor auction for quiet writer Cedric, moves him in (as friends) and romance blooms. Both Brian and Cedric sweet characters on their soul-searching journey, and their romance is a wonderful, slow-burn building upon a genuine connection, friendship and lots of tender, loving care. I loved how Brian bakes and cooks for Cedric and makes sure he eats, especially breakfast (*jiaozi* for breakfast! I want!). They really support each other in their growth, and their journey to emotional intimacy is rather wonderfully done. Light-hearted and fun read with yummy food, little conflict, and Po Po is a hoot.

ana_reading_the_days_away's review

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5.0

4.5 ⭐️

Very cute, drama free. Brian was so supportive and his baked goods sounded very yummy. Cedric’s novel sounded awesome and I would totally read it lol

fi_c's review

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medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**

3.5/5

Audio (David Lee Huynh and Liam Pierce)

Summary: When his family pressure him into entering in a bachelor auction, Cedric finds himself out on the town with partyboy Brian (who happens to have been in love with Cedric’s older brother). Both are drifting a bit in their lives, and find purpose together.

Stats: CR, M/M, open door, part of a series but largely stands alone.

Notes: This was cute, but very light. I loved the food descriptions, the caretaking and the grandma (with her marijuana dumplings), but felt like one of the MMCs got more of a complete arc than the other, and that the story was overall a little too abbreviated (especially at the end). The writing was also a little clunky, and the story is a little meta occasionally which doesn't generally work for me, but it was enjoyable enough nonetheless.

OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:

Family estrangement, friend estrangement, alcohol, 36/33 mmc, caretaking, absent parent, child-free mmcs, forced/unwanted outing (in the past), anal play/rimming/anal sex, children (not of MCs), mention of pegging (in past relationship), lube/condom use, mc with a vasectomy, jealousy, homophobia/concerns of homophobia (related to coming out to family), bi/demi or ace and POC MMCs

elizelizelizeliz's review

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4.0

i really liked this bi4bi romance with some really good character development. the rich character is NOT unlikeable which i really appreciate (i cannot handle a rich unlikeable character, ESPECIALLY a man!), and seems to really want to find his place in the world. i appreciated the ways that a demisexual character navigated the relationship as well.