As I sit and write this, I realize it’s finally summer vacation! My teaching job is officially completed until I go back in the fall. There are so many things I’m looking forward to doing, including writing more of my novel and starting a Patreon account. I’m so excited to have the opportunity to be a full-time content creator for the summer.

With that, I’ve changed my format a little. I hope you all enjoy it. I’m going to do my best to come up with witty taglines.

“The BL Week in Review” is going strong on the BL Xpress YouTube channel. It’s so fun talking with everyone. I hope you can make it. It’s at 6 PM PST on Tuesday evenings.

Also, other exciting news includes my getting to interview Patrick Liu (The Director of Your Name Engraved Herein and The On1y One) on June 20 at 7 PM PST. I don’t know what I’m going to ask yet, so if you have any pressing questions that you’d like answered, post a comment and let me know.

Onward to the week in review!

Sunday, June 1

Boys in Love Episode 7 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

🍻Sometimes You Need Liquid Courage

1) Tan’s self-esteem is so low. I’m glad Nat was willing to continue their date. They are so cute.

2) I loved the moment when they zeroed in on the bottle of 0% alcohol Shane was drinking. 🤣🤣

3) You can have fun without drinking.

My Stubborn Episode 7 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Stubborn Wins

1) I now completely understand the title of this series. Every person is stubborn in some way.

2) Why does Jun flirt with every hot man who moves? Because he’s stubborn.

3) Why doesn’t Sorn ever speak his mind? Because he’s stubborn.

4) 🤦‍♀️They drive me crazy.

Ai No Kisetsu Season of Love in Shimane Episode 3 (Thai BL on Gagaoolala and Tencent)

♨️ Hot and Hotter

1) I have a feeling some fan caught P and Pan in a compromising position on camera when they went on the outing.

2) This episode is rated 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶 for 🔥🥵.

3) The pining era is over.

4) Be sure to watch the uncut version alone.

Monday, June 2

I Promise I Will Come Back Episode 3 (Thai bL on Tencent/WeTV)

🧪Natural Chemistry

1) Tontae and Victor are so cute. I love their pieced-together language. The chemistry is natural.

2) Poor Nankrai. He couldn’t catch a break. Still, he was relishing the care for his drunken self.

3) It came to an end, and I wished there was more.

Reset PREMIERE (Thai BL on IQIYI)

First Thoughts –

1) Pond’s acting is fabulous.

2) The first 10 minutes captured my attention completely.

3) Armin had such a realistic portrayal of someone who woke up in a different time.

4) I like the dynamic between Armin and Thada.

5) I will keep watching.

Tuesday, June 3

My Sweet Brother-in-Law Episode 2 (Vietnam BL on YouTube)

❤️‍🔥Passion Vs Duty

1) The contrast in this story is between following your heart and being dutiful to your family.

2) The plot progression is tight.

3)There’s no subtlety. Everyone is a hot mess in this story.

Show I’m Not Watching:

Mission to the Moon Episode 13 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Wednesday, June 4

Shows I’m Not Watching:

Eye Contact Episode 4 (Thai BL on Tencent)

Mission to the Moon Episode 14 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Thursday, June 5

The Ex-Morning Episode 3 (Thai BL on YouTube)

💔 Hearts are Broken

1) I am a writhing mixture of anger and sadness after this episode.

2) On the one hand, I couldn’t handle Phi’s heartbreak. 😭

3) On the other hand, I can’t believe Tam left Phi with a text message from the airport!!! COWARD!!🤬

4) Tae is an ass.

5) I don’t think there’s any way that two people can get more adorable than when Tam and Phi were flirting at the desk in the office.

6) Tam, please explain yourself so you guys can start to heal and be like this all the time. 🙏

Sweetheart Service Episode 5 (Korean BL on YouTube)

🥰Adjustments are Sweet

1) Today was all about 2 people adjusting to each other.

2) Sebastian, the robot vacuum, was cute. It added to Minwoo’s distant demeanor.

3) A violet fizz cocktail is floral and only slightly sweet, just like this episode.

Ballboy Tactics Episode 1 and 2 (Korean BL on IQIYI and Gagaoolala)

🤸⛹️Gymnast meets Basketball Star

1) The premise and set-up are incredibly adorable.

2) Jiwon has this shy, awkward, small, cute aura. I wouldn’t be surprised if Jeongwu has him for a snack at some point.

3) Jiwon’s first exploration of romantic feelings will be fun.

Shows I’m Not Watching:

Mission to the Moon Episode 15 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Trapped in Osaka Episode 2 (Chinese BL on YouTube)

Friday, June 6

Pit Babe Episode 6 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

😱 The Big Reveal

1) I knew who Tony planted! Yet, there could be more than one. 😬

2) Babe deserved everything that he got and then some. 😡

3) I wish Charlie could have stayed mad, but in the end, love won.

4) I’ve typed so many angry emojis today. 🤣

Knock Out Episode 5 (Thai BL on Tencent)

😟💰 Debt is a Nightmare

1) Mawin needs to wake up and smell the coffee. Was he really about to ask his dad to pay off his debt??

2) Keen claimed his man, and we all cheered.

3) I can’t believe Itt is the bad guy! 😭

My Sweetheart Jom Episode 4 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Yo’s heart slowly melts

1) I’m surprised Yo held out as long as he did against those bullies. I was angry in the cafeteria.

2) Yo’s admiration for Jom continues to grow.

3) The scene in the mall was utterly ridiculous, and that little girl had no chance with Jom.

Fight For You FINALE (Taiwan BL on IQIYI, Gagaoolala, Viki)

Final Thoughts –

1) I always started my Friday watchlist with this show. A smile is a great way to start the day.

2) Da Hei and Xiao Bai completely stole my heart.

3) Though episode 1 is a non-start, episode 2 really solidifies the plot. I remember writing that it was hard to get invested. Persevere everyone! The show is worth it.

Shows I’m Not Watching:

Loy Kaew First Love Episode 4 (Thai BL on YouTube)

Moon and Dust Episode 4 (Chinese BL on YouTube)

Sweet Tooth, Good Dentist FINALE (Thai BL on IQIYI)

Saturday, June 7

The Sparkle in Your Eye Episodes 5 and 6 (Singapore BL on Gagaoolala, Viki, YouTube)

😅 Love took a detour, but the drama showed up

1) I missed the romance in these two episodes.

2) The hurt feelings run deep, but the boys are young.

3) Fang is a Creeper.

Catch it on Friday and Saturday on Gagaoolala

The Bangkok Boy Episode 7 (Thai BL on Tencent and Gagaoolala)

😡 Boy’s Life in Danger, Love Interest’s Family at Fault

1) I knew there was something fishy about that warehouse.

2) Sun and Peace are the peak star-crossed lovers. I don’t see how they’ll survive.

3) My feelings for Joe: 🤬. But, he’s talented, so 😬

The Next Prince Episode 6 (Thai BL on IQIYI)

💘🕶️ Swoonworthy meets Sass

1) Zee nailed the PTSD scene. It was so raw.

2) Chakri’s drunken stupor at the bar? Iconic 🤣 I love him.

3) Khanin’s sass vs. his calm in the last scene…I swooned. Also, the kiss…. 🔥♨️🫠

Show I’m Not Watching:

Secret Ghost Episode 8 (Thai BL on VIU Thailand)

Next Friday, “I Became the Lead of a BL Drama Season 2” will be starting on Gagaoolala. It is the second season of the title by the same name, and I am excited to see what new shenanigans they get up to.

It’ll be fun to see what other series make announcements this week.