Secret Lover

A bl portraying insides of a gay relationship along with fluff.

I really liked this. Probably the best one with happy ending after we best love. In most friends to lovers troupe the one getting the confession just goes along with it without having feelings and in most bls they just brush it off but in here they actually talked about it. Happy that they talked about complexity of coming out especially to family members you love. The fluff and bits of taking care of a child just melted my heart.
Actors did a great job especially with intimate scenes. Loved all of their relationship dynamic especially with their friend. And the final scene of MC sticking up for himself and ML making up his relationship with his father was perfect. A good bl with realistic harder ships that couples have to go through alongside with stepping out to the society.
Taiwan did a great job with this and so happy to see Asian bls making such a good series! Let's go bl industry ~

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Button Cute

One word - cute. From Han Tuo to Jun Xi. Xiao Yang was really cute as a button. Wardrobe cute. Locations, cute. Jun Xi looking up at Han Tuo, cute. Everything was just ..... you get the picture.

Predictable plot was executed with just enought humor and cuteness to keep the interest going. Could have been shortened a bit, too many flaskbacks, but the younger versions of themselves were so cute, it's forgiven. Jump starting a change in a relationship with a hand in your crush's pants while whispering in his ear, "You can't resist.", may not be the right way to go about it, but hey, it worked for them. My true pleasure in watching this was Jun Xi's responses. Even though Han Tuo determination came forcefully, he was the one to set the pace of their relationship. In his own timing. He took time to adapt and recognize what he truely felt. Another great addition that kept the balance was Xiao Yang. Her friendship was never biased and became the protector and advisor of both. Her future girlfriend was annoying but yes, also cute.

It's a light hearted comedy romance that hit the mark for me. From the first episode it set the tone and never faltered. Han Tuo grew wiser and softened his approach Jun Xi. Jun Xi grew from being afraid of other's opinions and boldly owned his. They're good together. Yes, a rewatch is in order. Pleasantly cute.

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Perfection!

This series completely flew under the radar. I am so disappointed in myself for not reviewing it when it came out, for this happens to be one of the better BLs to come out of Taiwan in a very long time. I loved this series. It completely captured me. Its screenplay, the story itself, and the acting are all top-notch. Ironically, this story is as old as the hills. Full of cliché and tropes, it was all put together in a compendium that was smooth, polished, and so entertaining. Its story flowed, made sense, and was performed with complete conviction and integrity. Not just with the protagonists but also with the astonishingly brilliant child actors who played the younger protagonists with such charm and foundational integrity. We literally get to ‘see’ how the younger protagonists got to become their older selves. The supporting characters are also very sublime. A few even have quirky personas that gave this series an extra kick of spiciness. The ebbing and flowing of the development of their relationship are all based on circumstances that make complete sense and are so relatable to what happens in our own life. This is one of the most joyful, captivating, emotionally rich and gratifying BLs to come along in a very long time. Not in a Pollyanna fashion but in a frank and appurtenant fashion making it feel that a gay relationship can be ‘normal’.

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The Perfect Love Story!

SECRET LOVER - REVIEW

Sooo, with a bit delay, since my attention jumps all over I finally binged the second half today. Phew.

It was a strange start, I have to admit. It wasn't a series that caught me from the get go, I assume that is why I went away without deciding it so. Probably also because some big famous shows drew my attention away, and then I forgot about it. So this wasn't a love a first sight for me. Not for any negatives, but where other shows were loud and shiny, this seemed a bit too calm and flowing silently beside me.

Now having gone back, I must say the show really grew on me a lot, so much that I would even say, it is an almost perfect Love Story! There is not too much other stuff weighing in down like Revenged Love with its many layers and sub-stories, SECRET LOVER was a pure love story. I really appreciated that they did not take the all too samey looking MC actors. Both stood out memorable, when many Thai and Korean BL series tend a bit to same-cast these days.

I really liked that it did not play into any seme-uke or big guy - small guy stereotypes, but each MC was a well rounded character in himself. The childhood flashbacks were a bit too much for my taste, but bearable. I really liked how they developed along with the other characters, all how had a good presence and chemistry in the cast. Especially the last three episodes made it skyrocket in my view thinking like, yes this feels like the Perfect Love Story to me. Drama, misunderstandings, love - but neither overplayed nor with any silly instant solutions, all went very organically together to a very happy ending.

Also the scenes between the MC were believable, touching and convincing and more realistic than many other BL stories. It is a show I am sure to remember and rewatch. As such, with all things good to me, I give it a

10/10

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Best friends to Lovers Done Right

Secret Lover has a pretty simple premise: it’s about two boys and a girl who grew up together as best friends. But don’t worry—the girl isn’t there to stir up drama. In fact, she’s more like the peacemaker, the one they both turn to for advice whenever they fight.

Han Tuo is the classic heartthrob, the type girls fall for easily. But there’s a twist to his character that I didn't see it coming and I'm here for it. On the other hand, Lujunxi is the complete opposite. He’s never dated before, but he’s open to the idea, and Han Tuo steps in to “coach” him.

The chemistry between the leads is so good, and I’m absolutely here for their sweet little moments. They really brought their characters to life. I especially loved how natural and believable Lujunxi’s reaction was when Han Tuo started making subtle moves—it felt real. Like, that awkwardness totally makes sense when your best friend suddenly starts looking at you differently.

Also, can we talk about the NC scenes? They're surprisingly well-done—passionate without being cringey or over-the-top. The kisses felt natural too, especially since one of them has zero experience. It was actually kind of endearing.

The series also dips into themes like trauma, abandonment, insecurity, and the fear of coming out. But honestly, it’s not as heavy as it sounds. At its core, it’s still a light and sweet story about two best friends slowly realizing they’ve probably been in love for a long time.

That said, I highly recommend watching a few episodes before reading the comments or reviews. A lot of people seem to bash this series unfairly. As someone who’s watched over 200 BLs, I’ve learned not to let online reviews decide for me.

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frustrating done right!

looking back on this show, I'm actually shocked that I never feel frustrated or annoyed., as someone who typically goes for drama with pretty flawless, 'unrealistic' characters.

The nature of the plot makes plot tropes like miscommunication, secrecy, and jealousy expected, and I was entertained by how this drama played it all out. additionally, the drama is short, so no drama felt extremely drawn out, or rushed. if it was a full length show, then this review would probably o a 180, where I'm ranting about the lack of communication and such lol.

something i loved was how both of the male leads where clearly flawed. with one being the jealous, intense and slightly pushy. And the other being avoidant, too non-confrontational and slightly dismissive. These are all qualities that the average human has some of without even realising it. Just like in real life, its presented in some moments and is not really that obvious and not really an issue until it causes a misunderstanding.

aka, they're dynamic felt way too realistic to be bothered by. it was not over the top, like watching reality tv, and was also not so chill that there isn't a point of the show.

in terms of chemistry, this pair went so well with each other from episode 1, they have the perfect dynamic.

the main criticism i would give this drama is that due to being short, there was a lack of proper development in terms of their relationship, as well as their interactions with others. at times it felt like back to back scenes with milestones and no actual blending together.

I gave it a 9/10, not because it was perfect, but simpl because i really did enjoy it, although its definitely not the best out there.

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the trailer is a bait but also says everything about the show

this is friends to lovers and if u come looking for pining and slow burn, don't come to this one.

It's sudden, is "shit ive been in love with u for years, stole girls from u and suddenly i cant control myself anymore" vs "shit i dont want to lose my bff, guess i love him lol" -> peak communication skills.
The romance begins very possessive and toxic, but turns cute later.

it's entertaining, it has its moments, but it was lacking depth. I blame the small episodes length and amount for that, the show does tries to give a past + trauma to han tuo and try to show the emotional journey lu junxi goes through, but it's all so quick it lacks impact.

I loved the girls in this show.

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Story

Well Im mixed about my feelings watching this series.I didnt think the two actors suited each other. Tuo looked more mature in height and build whereas junxi came across as gullible .. over trustful and easily led. I didnt like the way Tuo latched onto him and wanted it his way or noway. He was jealous and ignored junxi if he spoke to anyone besides him.I loved the young girl Lam but she didnt help the situation. At times she pushed Tuo and junxi together. The trope of growing up together and ending up together later on in life ..having a bad childhood is part and parcel of bls now so you know the ending more or less. Cant complain about the acting as both MLs were really good
with great visual I loved the theme song sung by chance.Amazing voice.I did watch the whole series because I enjoyed the storyline..

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