Mostly good...?
I can't say that I didn't enjoy myself, but I also can't say that I'm entirely satisfied with this series.The premise is good, and I actually thought that the pacing wasn't bad at all. It's an obvious slow burn and I was already expecting to wait for the two main characters to actually get somewhere with their feelings. The mystery around Yu Zhen is what drives the plot for the most part, and Shi Lei slowly unveiling it kept me engaged. Still, I feel like there were elements in the plot that were set aside in favor of others that were less interesting. Some things were introduced and not explained, some other things were introduced and explained but also discussed so thoroughly that it got kind of annoying. I'm being vague because I don't want to spoil anything, but I believe that it could have felt much more satisfied if the story was more coherent with its message and its various elements.
The main couple is very good. I believe that both actors did a pretty good job and there are specific moments that really let their acting shine bright. Their chemistry is also pretty good - I had my doubts at first, but they fit with each other quite well.
As for the second couple, unfortunately I can't say much about them. They are cute, both individually and together, but there's little to nothing about them. Nothing happens in their romance either, it was just a straight line with no events, so they were one of the least interesting parts of the series to me.
The supporting characters were all quite good. I wish Xiao Qian and Wang Jing were shown some more, especially since the dating ban affected them the most out of all the characters. As for Yi Zi Tong, to be entirely honest I think he had way more screentime than what was actually necessary.
The montage was good, but there was nothing especially interesting about the way the scenes were filmed. The music did its job well most of the time, but there were also many times when the songs played felt completely out of place and even stopped me from enjoying the scene, especially when the song played too loudly and out of nowhere.
Overall, I can say that it was mostly a cute and enjoyable series, but I can't help feeling mildly disappointed about it too. Watch at your own risk.
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IMHO
I loved the acting of both leads, and they did what they were supposed to do in all the scenes. They did not seem to shy away from the intimate scenes, and they played their parts well. But can I ship them? No. I couldn't find the chemistry that others seem to think was there. I thought Shi Lei had better chemistry with Stone and the waitress than with Real.Shi Lei's mom was GREAT! I loved how she supported him.
I liked this drama, but I would not rewatch it. Hank Wang, however, is cute as a button, so I'll be looking out for him in other productions.
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The (Sexy) Little Prince and his (Be-Dimpled) Fox
Be Loved in House I Do is one of the first BL series that I’ve watched and it got me hooked to this genre.Since the first few BL dramas I’ve seen were Korean, Be Loved was a visual delight to my newbie eyes. Two gorgeous men falling in love, one with abs that you can wash your laundry with, the second with that bedazzling dimples that mesmerizes. Then after watching those sweet virginal korean BL, this Be Loved finally satisfied my voyeuristic desires of seeing the passionate lovemaking of Yu Zhen and Shi Lei in the end. My newbie BL heart was in heaven.
Despite the passionate kisses that the series finally dished out, Be Loved is sweet and wholesome. The episodes before the finale is a build up that leads to the satisfying explosion of emotions at the end. If you want your BL mains to establish a relationship in the middle and encounter humps testing their love, then this will be frustrating. Because the plot of Be Loved is to capture the heart and trust of our wounded Sexy (Little) Prince, Yu Zhen. This seemingly impossible task is taken on by our ultra-charming fox, Shi Lei, innocent and clueless, with a golden heart, armed with a 1000watt be-dimpled smile, with a loving mother as his fairy godmother, and a number of pesky minions to cheer him on. Despite this armory, it took the whole series to finally win our gun shy but totally worth the price Prince.
Be Loved’s script is a different take on the Little Prince with the fox taking a bigger role in the Prince’s life. So the Vain Fragrant Rose that pierced Yu Zhen has to understandably come out and be compared to Shi Lei. Zi Tong’s return is the last challenge for Yu Zhen to finally live his life again and leave his past and aches. A lot who saw the series said that Zi Tong entering the blooming relationship between Shi Lei and Yu Zhen just disrupted the couple and slowed down the drama. Had Yu Zhen and Shi Lei reached their understanding earlier on, we would have more tender moments between the two… but the screenwriter is probably an old soul and loved a challenge. The tables were turned, and two sexy men are now vying for …. Shi Lei! Our Sexy (Little) Prince is fighting the Smouldering Rose for the be-dimpled innocent fox. For me, this extra effort of wooing assured Yu Zhen that he has moved on, no second doubts. But like the other viewers, I wish the contest between the Prince and the Rose was shorter to give us more time for the bl moments between Shi Lei and Yu Zhen.
Be Loved has one of my fave theme songs and I dance to the tune everytime I rewatch Yu Zhen and Shi Lei. Obviously, this sweet series has been rewatched numerously.
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this series was beautiful. i found myself waiting with anticipation for every episode. i love this series a lot; and it's risen to be one of my favorites from 2021.i love the way the story is set up. i love the way the characters have background and meaning behind their actions. though some of the main couple's moments can feel silly, it never feels overly unnecessary at any time. i especially love how the female characters aren't written as evil; and i even love the ex and how he isn't necessarily the bad guy.
when it comes to acting, i think YZ and ZT have more chemistry. it could be because ZT is easier going in romantic settings, but their scenes are filled with emotion. it almost feels like the love YZ and SL portray isn't as strong (as much as i love them together). the ending didn't hit as hard as i wanted it to; the bed scene seemed sloppily added and i didn't love the proposal from ZG and SQ. BUT i understand why they happened and i do love a happy ending, even if it is rushed.
overall i recommend this. i have endless good things to say about it; good things that outweigh any of the bad. the slow burn feels so.. correct. it's done really well for a slow burn. if you're into that kind of thing, this is right up your alley :).
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The story was okay.
The actors were good.
The plot was a little messy, but still okay.
The love triangle was so unnecessary. They already had enough drama & misunderstanding, adding the confusing ex wasn't necessary & wasn't done very well.
I loved the mom & most of the side characters were adorable.
Maybe it needed more episodes & better pacing to improve the show overall l, but I still enjoyed all the couples & I hope to see them again in something better.
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The Kolas and The Shop Owners
Glad I caught up in time but also sad because I'm gonna miss it, it's so good. Loving the Kuudere Koala that is Yu Zhen tho I did want to fight him at the beginning and loving the T'Sundere Koala that is Shi Lei. Just the selfish prick coming back to mess everything up is annoying to me, they already had their internal struggles that I completely understood; Yu Zhen's trauma with his past and Shi Lei coming to the conclusion about his sexuality, afraid to be a disappointment in yet another aspect of his life as he tries to uphold with pride the ability to do his job well as Team Leader. I've enjoyed watching Jin let his guard down and be vulnerable around Shi Lei enough to open his heart to him and trust him. While Shi Lei grew to understand more about himself by allowing himself a moment of, in his mind, selfishness choosing to let his walls down and open up his heart to care for someone he didn't think he'd fall for. The coming out to his mom scene was beautiful, I cried. The acts of service and gift giving has been their love language with the projects at work, cooking at home, filling the fridge with their favorite drinks, the removal of certain rules at home as well as taking care of the other when they're sick or having a bad dream and it had me giggling like a little girl the entire time. Can't praise them enough really, I love them, Hank and Aaron work so well together. If you're truly not a fan of slow burns, you may want to stay away or watch it for the second couple who are just as great but physical touch and quality time happen to be their love language.Speaking of the Shop Owner and his tiny co-owner who can't cook; I loved how Zhao Gang took Si Qi in when he needed a place to stay. He has really been an mvp for the series, I praise him for the useful advice he has given Jin Yu Zhen and Shi Lei. I'm just curious about how Si Qi's crush on Zhao Gang started cause I can't remember him mentioning or them showing it up till now. Wish they'd show why Zhao Gang is the way that he is about his relationships also.
Will come back to edit the review after the last episode is out and see if anything changes.
Edit- That ending was so sweet and explosive and I loved every minute of it!! Jin Yu Zhen and Shi Lei's first time was like a bomb went off after their feelings were known. Amazing and the scene with the "new rules" was precious. The plottwist with Yi Zitong did get me tho. Zhao Gang and Si Qi were cute also.
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ROMANTIC COUPLES
This is my first Drama of thaiwan (BeLoved in House). this was very amazing love story i ever seen i really like it and i request the director to make many more episodes of beloved in house and one more important thing is the "PAIR" is amazing i really love them. thankyou for giving like this such type of drama for us And more and most import thing is drama plaaces were very beautiful places choosen by director. and i hope many more episodes are going to be released and that drama also contain these two people for romance .we are eagerly waiting for that new episodes.Was this review helpful to you?
Ordinary LGBT love story with charming characters
This is the first gay romance I have ever watched. Only 12 episodes (+one actually) so no time to get bored, action focused on main characters + Wanwan (a coffee place cat).I really lke the chemistry between main characters. How love grows, how one has to go over his own fears and uncertainties, how to face one's own feelings, all of this is well shown.
This taiwanese production is really well intentioned and beautiful : yes love between men can be just the same as love between men and women : it can be deep, at first sight, questionable, romantic, passionate ...
Nothing is bothering us in this drama, the storyline is very nice and entertaining. It is all about love how it grows and how to accept and recognize it.
I recommend this drama (rather a comedy!) to people who have never watched LGBT drama. It's never too late to open one's mind.
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Silly plot, a series saved only by the CL (handsome and talented)
PLOT: On his first day as the new owner/director, Jin Yu Zhen (austere, severe, demanding) institutes a rule of mandatory celibacy (no relationships, no marriage). However, Shi Lei, the headstrong team leader, doesn't accept this. He lives with Jin Yu Zhen and gradually discovers that he's much better than he thought...+++ The two leads are really handsome (especially Aaron Lai, truly magnificent) and talented.
+++ No flaws in the technical aspects
BUT
### Unrealistic story:
1/ Logically, Shi Lei should have been fired 100 times for his rudeness and lack of respect. Headstrong, OK, but his behavior is completely inappropriate for his subordinate position to a boss who saved the company.
2/ Why doesn't Jin Yu Zhen fire all the employees? They never work, they gossip constantly, they're unbearably stupid, etc. I know it's a comedy, but the director didn't know how to balance it!
3/ A jewelry studio that makes unique pieces, OK. But with copper wire??? That's tiny, tiny craftsmanship... And they manage to make a profit? With only 4 employees? That's ridiculous!
### The second romance is forced, abrupt, and completely lacking in chemistry.
### I absolutely hate the actor and the character of Zi Tong (artificial face, poker face, and unhealthy character). ლಠ益ಠ)ლ
=> Good BL, but a bit disappointing compared to the usual depth of Taiwanese dramas.
********************************************************
Silly plot, série sauvée uniquement par le CL (beaux et talentueux)
PLOT: Le jour de son arrivée comme nouveau proprio / Directeur, Jin Yu Zhen (austère, sévère, exigeant) instaure la règle du célibat obligatoire (no relationship, no marriage). Cpdt, Shi Lei, chef d'équipe, forte tête, n'accepte pas ça. Il cohabite avec Jin Yu Zhen, le découvre peu à peu bien meilleur qu'il le pensait, ...
+++ Les 2 main sont really handsome (particulièrement Aaron Lai, vraiment magnifique) and talented.
+++ Pas de défaut au niveau technique
MAIS
### Story pas réaliste :
1/ Shi Lei, en toute logique, aurait du être viré 100 fois pr son impolitesse et son manque de respect. Forte tête, OK, mais son comportement n'est pas du tout adapté à sa situat° de subordonné vis à vis d'un patron qui a sauvé la Cie.
2/ Pourquoi Jin Yu Zhen ne licencie pas tous les employés ? Ils ne travaillent jamais, gossipent en permanence, sont stupides au-delà de ce qui est supportable, etc. Je sais que c'est une comédie, mais le réalisateur n'a pas su doser !!
3/ Un studio de joaillerie, qui fait des pièces uniques, OK. Mais avec des fils de cuivre ??? C'est du petit petit artisanat ... Et ils arrivent à dégager des bénéfices ? avec 4 employés ? Ce n'est pas SERIEUX !
### 2nde romance forcée, brusque et sans aucune alchimie.
### Je n'aime pas DU TOUT l'acteur et le personnage de Zi Tong (visage artificiel et poker-face, et personnage malsain). ლಠ益ಠ)ლ
=> Bonne BL, mais un peu décevante par rapport à la profondeur habituelles des dramas taïwanais.
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Great Start but Some Wasted Time
This contains spoilers.The weakest part of the series is the storytelling. If it weren't for such as strong cast, this series would have been doomed.
The first part was the usually hate-hate relationship. The middle part, the main characters where starting to show they they have feelings for each other. Shi Lei even confessed to his mother that he loves Jin Yu Zhen in probably the most powerful scene in the whole series. It's confusing how a team that could produce that scene, did such a bad job in the last third of the series. They wasted three episodes on brining the ex-boyfriend of Jin Yu Zhen to make trouble for him and Shi Lei. I kind of like hate to love stories, and usually if an ex is involved, they are brought in at mid point so the couple has time to resolve the conflict and make their relationship official. Not this series. They waste the last three episodes on a fake love triangle and worse, there were several lovey-dovey scenes between the ex boyfriend and JYZ even before JYZ and SL had a first kiss. JYZ's first kiss in this series was with the ex! It was full on kissing, not a little peck.
I wish they had cut out the ex flash backs and showed the guys having a meal with Shi Lei's mother, or at an office party with all of the employees, after becoming a couple. The last episode spent too much time showing JYZ running around town looking for SL, who was with the ex. While the last 5 minutes where great, it's a shame that the viewers did not have at least have an episode of JYZ and SL being lovey-dovey. The second couple had more romantic screen time than the lead couple.
Despite the flaws, the cast did a fine job and the strange OST fit the series very well. Too bad it was bogged down by a poor plot. I would like to see Aaron Lai and Hank Wang work together again because they had great chemistry and were great playing JYZ and SL.
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When Cold Walls Slowly Break”
Taiwanese Drama: Be Loved in House: I DoEpisodes: 13 (each 23–28 minutes)
This drama is well-made in terms of cinematography, directing, music selection, and the smooth transitions between scenes and events. The music, in particular, matches the atmosphere beautifully — its rhythm is pleasant and never distracting.
The sequence of events flows naturally. Nothing felt rushed or dragged out. Across 13 episodes, the progression of the story remained clear, steady, and easy to follow. Each episode connected seamlessly to the next, which helped the viewer stay immersed without confusion.
As for the actors, their performances were impressive and brought their characters to life:
Jin Yu Zhen (“Real”): His portrayal of a cold, distant character was excellent. His seriousness and rejection of relationships felt real. At first, his attitude was provoking and made me dislike him — which is a good thing because it means he successfully embodied the role and made me feel what his character wanted to convey.
Shi Lei: A stubborn yet warm and childish character. I liked how balanced his portrayal was — persistent but also considerate of others. His efforts to understand Jin Yu Zhen’s mentality and break through his emotional walls were heartfelt.
Yan Zhao Gang & Wu Si Qi: A calm and sweet duo whose chemistry created a soft romantic atmosphere. Their relationship development was simple but meaningful, with beautiful mutual understanding.
Lan Juan (Shi Lei’s mother): Her presence was warm and impactful. She understood her son’s emotions deeply, and her scenes added emotional depth to the story, especially in how she encouraged him to face his feelings.
Yi Zi Tong (E-Stone): His performance was powerful. At first, his actions made me dislike him — which means his acting was convincing. While he ultimately helped the hero confront his fears, I personally didn’t like how easily the harm he caused was overlooked. It didn’t feel realistic to forgive so easily after causing that kind of pain.
The supporting characters each added their own flavor to the story, and most appearances felt purposeful, not just filler.
Regarding the main relationship between Jin Yu Zhen and Shi Lei: I loved how their bond grew. From initial hostility to mutual care, their feelings developed naturally. Each of them had a unique way of showing love and concern, which became clearer with every episode.
Overall, this drama is good in many aspects — well-paced, emotionally engaging, and nicely acted.
The only thing that truly bothered me was how the situation with Yi Zi Tong and Jin Yu Zhen was handled. It didn’t sit right with me how such deep pain was resolved so easily, as if nothing serious had happened.
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Good BL just wanted more
This is a decent BL but it did take awhile for them to be together. I was recommended this from a friend and it didn't disappoint. It had a good story and the acting was pretty good. I had seen Aaron Lei in History1: My Hero and this was sooooooo much better of a role/story for him. The chemistry between the actors was there, which made me watch it all in one sitting. The only thing that I would have liked is that the show was longer so that we could have had more scenes of them together in daily life as a couple.Was this review helpful to you?
