Audiobook review: Bidding for the Bachelor by Jackie Lau
Cedric is the last single Fong brother, and his grandmother is determined to see him settled down. So when his family announces they would hold a bachelor auction as part of their annual charity fundraising, Po-Po bribes Cedric with 200 dumplings if he agrees to participate.
Brian led a life of extravagant parties and wild sex as part of his rebellion against his family. He also was in love with Cedric’s now-married brother, Vince. Feeling sorry for a girl whose family was in a bidding war to get her a date with Cedric, Brian outbids them all. What he finds is a friend and a new roommate.
Bidding for the Bachelor is a lovely, slow-burn romance. While Brian may feel a slight attraction to Cedric, he doesn’t want to ruin their budding friendship or disappoint his former best friend Vince, to whom he promised he wouldn’t mess around with Cedric. As the pair spend more time together, that promise becomes difficult. Cedric is a newly out bisexual, who also learned he is demisexual and feels no attraction to Brian. This also keeps Brian from making any moves on Cedric.
I love the friendship that develops between the pair. Each feels something lacking or that they are less than. Through mutual support, each discovers more about himself and finds worth. I liked that their story didn’t have much conflict. It was more about each man being comfortable with himself, learning to love himself and the other. It’s a happy story that left me smiling.
Narration: The story is shared via the alternating first person POV’s of Cedric and Brian, with Liam Pierce reading Cedric’s POVs and and Derek Prince performing Brian’s POVs. Even with a new narrator, I continued to struggle with the first person narrative. Often the writing makes it difficult to discern what is inner monologue and what is being shared out loud. It’s like I’m being told the story rather than participating. I absolutely enjoyed LP’s Cedric. It is somewhat deep and calm. There is no distinctive accent, yet there is something slight under the surface. He has a wide array of male voices, ranging from deeper to medium, making the two men distinct. DP uses a neutral male voice, also free of any significant accent for Brian. He infuses the first person narrative with emotion when called for. Both successfully alter dialogue for gender and age. Their performances are solid and overall a good fit.
In the end, I enjoyed listening to Bidding for the Bachelor. I loved that there is little external conflict and both men find their HEA.
My Ratings
Story: B+
Narration: B
Jen
About the Book:
I don’t need a date. I need to focus on finding a new apartment and finally writing another novel.
But as the last single Fong brother, I’m expected to participate in a bachelor auction to benefit my family’s charity. When there’s a frenzied bidding war, Brian Poon, my younger brother’s ex-best friend, puts an end to the chaos by bidding an eyewatering amount for a Valentine’s date with me.
Brian used to be a notorious partier, but his life isn’t as wild now that his father has cut him off. We have a good time eating and drinking together, and when he finds out about my apartment situation, he offers me his spare room.
Once I move in, Brian surprises me by baking me cookies and making it his mission to get me writing again. Soon, I’m working on a new book and getting closer to my roommate, a man who has never had a relationship and is all about casual sex—the opposite of me.
He also used to be in love with my brother. I wonder if he still is…
Author: Jackie Lau
Narrators: Liam Pierce, Derek Prince
Series: Fong Brothers #2 (Kwan Sisters spinoff)
Genre: Contemporary Romance, LGBTQ, Gay Romance
Audiobook Release Date: March 7, 2023
Publisher: Tantor Audio
Length: 5 hrs; 41 mins
Source: audiobook publisher
Audio Speed: 1.4x
Purchase info:
Audible/Amazon (affilate link)
Reviews in the Series:
Grumpy Fake Boyfriend (Kwan Sisters #1) – Audiobook Review
Mr. Hotshot CEO by Jackie Lau (Kwan Sisters #2) – Audiobook Review
Pregnant by the Playboy by Jackie Lau (Fong Brothers #1)- Audiobook Review