Love by Chance Season 2: A Chance to Love
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Disappointed!
I was so excited when they announce that a season 2 is coming up but when it releases I was really disappointed. First, they change the story of TinCan where in they start from being strangers. Second, I am annoyed by Plan's acting this season and Techno's acting too is so stiff. Third, they focus on TinCan's story but it doesn't have the sparks I feel from the first season, all they did in the last few episodes was to make love duh. Forth, the music is good but it doesn't lifted my positive review from the drama itself. Overall, I am basically giving this a 2/10 rating but then again I reconsider their efforts.Was this review helpful to you?
A dark romance that hit as hard as crashing waves, yet felt as gentle as a sea breeze
It is rare for me to enjoy a dark romance in my 20s. Maybe when I was younger, I would enjoy anything as long as it was BL. As time passed by, I began to value quality over quantity and gravitated toward stories that felt more life-affirming rather than villain-driven. Yet this drama has many of the negative aspects I usually avoid, and I still ended up loving it.Fan Xiao and Shu Lang’s story is truly distinct. They are the embodiment of yin and yang. President Fan, the rich, cold-hearted, and obsessive man, meets the gentle and kind Director You. Cunning is Fan Xiao’s ultimate weapon, and his plans slowly begin to bear fruit when Shu Lang becomes addicted to his “matchstick,” eventually allowing Fan Xiao to take Shu Lang away from Lu Zhen. This is only the beginning of Fan Xiao’s madness.
One of the most beautiful aspects of this drama is its title, To My Shore. It reflects love, comfort, and Fan Xiao’s reason for living, having Shu Lang by his side. After Fan Xiao’s traumatic experience with a tsunami, which led to his mother’s death, he bumped into SHu Lang, who became his source of comfort. Ironically, Fan Xiao later becomes the storm that disrupts Shu Lang’s once-peaceful life.
Shu Lang has his own tragic backstory: being orphaned, adopted, bullied, losing his adoptive mother, raising an ungrateful stepbrother, and building his life and title from nothing with no one by his side. Despite all of this, Shu lang grows into a fine man with a heart of gold. I would do everything to protect him.
And then there’s the King of Manipulation himself, Fan Xiao. It was devastating when Shu Lang discovered that his boyfriend was the mastermind behind everything that had gone wrong in his life. The scene where Shu Lang cries alone in his bedroom while Fan Xiao and Lu Zhen stand outside was absolutely heartbreaking. From that point on, misfortunes keep crashing down on Shu Lang, all planned and planted by Fan Xiao.
But this is a dark romance. And for a dark romance to work, it must be carried by talented actors, and this one absolutely succeeds. I was deeply invested in every single episode, thanks to the powerful performances of Hao Yi Ran and Yun Qi. They truly brought Shu Lang and Fan Xiao to life. Their emotional delivery was always on point.
Fan Xiao’s redemption arc was a chef’s kiss. Watching him completely fall apart after Shu Lang left was painful yet satisfying. He paid the price for everything he did and genuinely regretted his actions. I’m glad I stayed until the end, because after witnessing all the evil he committed, forgiving him was not easy, especially from Shu Lang’s perspective. Still, the story’s progression made it feel earned.
This drama does not romanticize toxic relations. Instead, it explores giving someone a chance after genuine growth and change. That said, forgiveness is never easy, and it is also okay not to forgive. What matters most is choosing what brings peace, making decisions that align with both your heart and your mind.
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What a beautiful set of casts
Worth the wait. Despite the usual script and university cliche, this BL became successful all thanks to the cuteness of the actors. Everyone is adorable, and combining them in one project is wholesome. It’s not a perfect 10 out of 10, but I have fun every week. Even the set of OSTs is top-tier. I’ve been grooving for the OP song ever since I heard it from the first EP.There are times that the consistency weakened due to some stumbled EPs but there are still plenty of scenes that boosted the overall impact of the show. And I am wrapping up my favorite EPs to share how these became the highlight of the series. On EP06, we got the beach EP. A breath of fresh air from the school-based setup. The ThomasKong first kissing scenes were addictively great. It got even spicier from the back-to-back-to-back love progress from the three couples on EP08. PorTeetee steals the spotlight despite their minimal screen time. The heated argument from AuauSave on EP09 was epic. These two know how to act according to their characters and it was smoothly being transitioned to the audience.
There are two things I don’t like about the show. First is the unnecessary backstory of Oh after accepting the rejection from Teerak. The second and most annoying character is Teerak’s father. I can’t help but get mad at him even after accepting his son’s relationship with a man. The hate for Teerak’s cringe childish-like acts is understandable, but it was not that extremely bad.
I don’t think that I can enjoy this show if played by different actors. ThomasKong has innocent vibes but are skillful when it comes to delivering an intimate scene. AuauSave’s dog-and-cat relationship are making the entertainment value more fun. PorTeetee was just the cutest without even trying to be cute. These three pairs performed well and unleashed their chemistry with ease. It feels like this is a trilogy drama and if a sequel is possible, it might be under Lee and Ghlai as the main characters. I want more scenes from them!
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My dear MeenPing has the chemistry but not consistency
It is my second drama wherein Meen and Ping are the paired couple, and as expected, both of them still have the chemistry that wins the audience to continue consuming their show. When Ping’s character was introduced, I was in awe of how cute this man is. His acting may be totally below average when it comes to heave scenes but whenever he has a youthful and joyful mood, the whole scenes are just like a ray of sunshine full of fluffiness and majestic smiles.In this drama, they gave a second lead syndrome in which, Whal played by Winner, absolutely caught my attention to the next level. This guy is a total hottie and at the same time a softie. I can’t blame Guy for falling in love with his best friend Whal as this man knows how to take good care of someone by showering them with utmost care and attention.
Another thing that ticks my attentiveness is the unexpected pairing of the mafia assistants. I must say that I love how they shaped the non-toxic masculinity with Tul’s character, who seems manly and macho.
However, I noticed that MeenPing drama is great during their first few episodes but not that consistent as I felt a little bored during the last few episodes. I also experienced this kind of emotion during their first major acting as a pair and maybe it was their acting or the storyline that gets too draggy at the end.
Nevertheless, I can’t hide the fact that I have a good time watching the show and despite the flaws it has, the drama itself managed to be an average BL one for me.
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Positive multiplied by Negative is equal to Negative
Each show has its own pros and cons, some overcome it but some don't. Just like how Plus & Minus started up in a good run but began to stumble in the middle and failed to re-sprint in a recovery state.A BL roaming around the field of law is quite fresh yet the storyline ruins the chance of it to be unique and memorable. The vibe has a lot of similarities to the previous BLs I’ve watched such as Beloved in House: I Do and HIStory 4: Close to you, that loses the spark of the show to cater its own impact. Nevertheless, one thing I’m grateful for this show is by reuniting some of the prominent characters from the other famous Taiwan BLs. Seeing them made me reminisce about their own story from their respective shows.
Connecting the title to the two couples, I must say that Plus goes to the main one and the Minus goes to the second pair. The lack of chemistry between the side couple and the nuisance acting along with the baby girl is a cringe. I skipped their scenes since it mostly distributes an uninteresting flow of story.
Fortunately, the main couple saves it but it isn't enough to save the whole show. That accidental kiss on the sofa was the only romantic scene I adore from them and the rest are pure plainness. The downfall of the show starts on EP07, all episodes prior to this one are good ones. Then I began to get really bored of the later episodes. Nevertheless, the finale was fine. Helding a wedding ceremony is a good execution not only for romance but also for showcasing the legalization of same sex marriage to their country, Taiwan.
Ending this with a positive statement that the Plus and Minus pendant is so cute!
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The goodness in cliches only works during the first half of the show
A fun and quirky drama who got lost on its own pace. The show begins with a great execution of typical scenes that doesn’t feel bad at all. However, after EP07, I began to feel bored till the story ended and that boredness still hangs all over me. I did enjoy the whole flow of the story before the main couple officially became a real couple. It was a perfect performance for a light rom-com drama -cute and entertaining. They cast suitable actors to portray the fluffy element of the story. I’ve seen these main characters during their early years of their career and I am so proud that lately they are getting major roles that highlight their talent in acting.The glimpse of bromance were some moments to savor, it was amusing and delightful. The friendship of the two women was solid and fantastic. Both of the couple have an undeniably fine amount of chemistry, enough to send me butterflies. That sizzling and passionate kissing scene from the second couple was hot and commendable. On the other hand, the development of the main couple from being innocent to slowly getting intimate was good too. Aside from visuals, I’m glad that all of the cast in this drama can perform a natural way of acting.
However, the last few episodes are when I started to feel bored, which explains the downfall of the show for me. After they became boyfriends & girlfriends, the fun was lessened and the flow of scenes weren’t consistently good. It feels like their love story is being overromanticized in a bad way. The cliches of various sequences of romantic ideas aren’t that strong to curve a smile on my face. Till the end, I lost the passionate interest while watching the episodes. Too sad that it came to this but still A Business Proposal was a rom-com drama that is worthy of your time to binge-watch.
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Kim Young Kwang’s butt
It is weird. Yes, in a negative way. At first, I kind of feel amazed at how creepy they tried to showcase the storyline, Yet, as it went on, I kind of feel icky about most of the scenes and tend to feel bored from time to time.The only entertaining thing that the drama has to offer to me is seeing Kim Young Kwang giving his best in nailing a daring role. Full nude scenes are too good for such a popular actor like him. He is indeed a professional. Those intimidates scenes are actually the sole reason why the show is not perfectly bad. They nailed every sex scene with no too much work in camera angles and show us how thirsty the characters are in terms of sex.
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Failed to end the story
In the first few episodes, I was so impressed with the story, cinematography, and acting. But on the last two episodes, I feel bored at all.The letter which was the start of everything just vanished in the end. I don't really like the attitude of Nam Do San and one of his friend (the vlogger). Tbh, I really wanted to skip all of their scenes because it makes me cringe so hard. But I can't because I am looking forward for the next scenes coming.
The story was a fresh breath of air for a K-Drama fan like me who watched too many genres.
The writer did dirty to Hang Just Pyeong, who beat the main couple and steal the hearts of the viewers. Why did they start from creating a Han Ji Pyeong who always been good to Dal Mi. Unlike Do San, who's a cry baby, Ji Pyeong should be the one that Dal Mi chose.
That's it, I was just frustrated in the end and by Nam Do San's character but overall, I enjoy watching this drama.
OST's are sooooooo good!! I love it
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I swear to all the Thai temples out there… I am in love
Short, but seriously impactful. I didn’t expect to fall this hard for SurfJava, but here I am, completely head over heels. Their portrayal of Tum and Oh fits them perfectly. I’m such a sucker for the enemies-to-lovers trope, especially when it comes with this level of tension and chemistry. Their performances? Electric. It was fun, romantic, and ridiculously addictive.I love how the story creatively weaves through the adventures across nine temples, the legendary pants, and even the recurring motif of face scars from beginning to end. It all sounds quirky on paper, but it works, and it makes every TumOh moment feel big and incredibly meaningful.
And can we talk about Surf’s speaking voice? So soft, it’s honestly mesmerizing. Then there’s Java, whose tiny, adorable tattoos add so much personality to Oh. And that couple tattoo at the end? I lost it. The dynamic between Tum’s soft-hearted gang leader persona and Oh’s charismatic, slightly chaotic charm is just a chef’s kiss. Their constant bickering never misses; it’s playful, sharp, and full of chemistry.
Watching Tum stare at Oh had me melting like ice cream under the sun. Their dynamic, like a dog and a cat during the day, then suddenly intimate at night, felt like an emotional rollercoaster in the best way. And those scenes where Surf grabs Java’s waist were so great. But then Java hit me with those teary eyes after the betrayal, and suddenly, I am drowning in emotion. They can act with an insane range. And yes, Christopher Boonying is an icon because of that.
The temple fair scene was another highlight. It was fun, chaotic, and even funnier in hindsight when we realized Messi felt completely invisible in the couple’s clingy little world. I’m obsessed with the ending, probably just as obsessed as Tum is stealing kisses from Oh.
This drama feels like an indie film with a surprisingly high-quality finish. It made me fall so hard for SurfJava that now I desperately need them to headline another series together, the sooner the better.
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School Trip: Joined a Group I’m Not Close To
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Hioki and Watarai, joining the list of most notable J-BL characters
I love everything about this show! This is super duper cute, and the whole ten episodes consistently feel so great. Even before airing, based on the promotion and teasers, I knew that this would be another J-BL masterpiece. They didn’t disappoint. I’ve already fallen in love since the beginning. The chemistry is top-notch!Taking inspiration from a popular “F4 concept,” focusing on BL without the touch of any form of bullying. It leads to my whole watching experience to be calm and touching. Watarai’s romantic scenes were so smooth, and I love a green flag man. Hioki, on the other hand, is the epitome of cuteness. Everything he does spells C.U.T.E. My baby is surrounded by love, and I am so proud of him.
One of the most beautiful plots from this drama is how Hioki found his people from his new class. He started being an introvert with no classmates as friends to hang out with, but thanks to the school trip, he met the four heavenly kings, who then became his squad afterwards. I remembered how exciting the scene of Hioki and Watarai sharing a bed in the hotel was.
Hioki’s inner dialogue is always so entertaining. His small panics when Watarai are directing to show him his love were so funny. The confession scene at the beach was also one of my favourites. Isn’t it just so romantic to open up your feelings with the soothing breeze of sea air?
Then, Watarai hugging Hioki behind the gymnasium curtains was also a highlight. They have so many scenes that are unforgettable and have created an impact on the viewers. And that kiss at the finale? Oh well, they served pretty well. Love it so much!
The overall feelings are so positive, and it is obvious that I enjoyed the series so much. There’s not too much drama involved here, just two young men who are slowly falling in love with one another. A school series done right, and they made it even more special for BL-fans.
Hioki and Watarai, you’ll always be special characters in my heart. I love you both!
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Happy for the sequel, but there’s nothing really special about it
I miss them. The prequel was lighter and tender compared to this sequel. It is more focused on the deeper connection between the couple’s individuality and their love for their craft. They went outside the box of delivering a trope of two celebrities getting caught dating by the public. This is commendable; however, the scenarios were too slow, which created a gap between the couple.What happened to my dear Shirasaki? I have adored him from the first season, but he suddenly felt too focused on himself. I understand that it is one of his flaws when he is being driven by his role. I feel pity for Hayama too. Living under one roof but being separated by their own rules was painful. The couple just needs to communicate and comprehend each other more often. The most disappointing part is that we have fewer romantic scenes in their dating era compared to their flirting era.
The additional character in the story was unexpectedly weak. I love his backstory of losing his roles to Shirasaki, but I know they can create a way better spice-up challenge for the couple. Despite the disappointments, I still enjoyed this show on an average level. The confirmation of the side couple having their own sequel was the cherry on top. The OSTs and the arrangement of the opening were the best too.
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Odajima’s unexpected journey of finding a new reason to live on
Such a classy and perfectly crafted show. And hey, it’s a Yakuza-themed BL! This show explores the uncanny life of a boy born into a family where incest is forced. This eventually became his sole reason for not valuing his own life. A few years later, he found another family through the presence of his best friend, Asahi. Who then died by protecting the young Yakuza leader and his role model. The emotional buildup for Odajima was impressive.I was expecting it to be more chaotic, but it turned out to be gentle yet endearing. Kataoka brings color to Odajima’s grey and sullen life. I just love it every time Kataoka calls him his ‘beloved wife.’ Their chemistry is top-notch! And their intimate scenes were so sizzling hot that the car scene at the finale was magnificent. Also important to mention that all the casts are so handsome! Eye-candy visuals.
This might be short with just a few EPs, but ultimately enough to satisfy my BL-heart. Them wearing a Hawaiian shirt on an island during the ending was so beautiful. The color yellow shirt signifies joy and happiness, which the two were finally able to reach together, ending the show with such a lovely kiss!
The opening OST was so appealing in both visual and audio elements. It also has the right balance of comedy, romance, and drama, which makes the series more entertaining. Absolutely love it, and I want to see more from the main couple starring in a new drama or a possible sequel.
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Divided by kingdoms, united by hearts.
A historical love story of two princes-turned-kings and how they continue to love each other despite their complicated title as rulers. Both of their background stories were saddening; Shu He lost his mother, and Zi Ang lost his entire clan except for his brother. A few years later, they meet each other, and the beginning of lies and deceptions. I love the chemistry and build-up of their characters in every single EPs.I just wish to see more martial arts scenes without the basic sword fights. Yet, I fully understand that they are more focused on the story rather than the fight scenes. The crown prince's role is too hateful, especially when he is the reason why the sixth prince's fingers were badly injured and stopped him from playing the arts anymore. Politics can corrupt one’s mind and turn their roots to evil.
The way I was flabbergasted by their first kiss in the middle of arguing was too memorable. No more China’s bromance and BL-censorship, we win. EP08 was probably one of my favorite endings from the show. The time when they realized that their royal status was a hindrance to their relationship and decided to let go.
Eventually, both of them became ruler of their respective nations. This is the most exciting yet traumatizing part. The show’s title, “Kill to Love,” is extremely presented when Zi Ang annihilated Shu He’s kingdom, then holding him like a caged bird. His obsession with being reunited with Shu He is the only thing that matters to him the most. Building a replica of the sixth prince’s residences was actually so romantic.
At the end, Xiao Shu He chose to die, with Duan Zi Ang embracing him and then following him to the afterlife eventually. A tragic ending, yet a very reasonable one for such a complex love story. Both of them died at the end, but at least they were finally able to rest peacefully from the chaotic world of power and desires.
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Lovely, but not as deep as what is implied in the title
I love Japanese BLs and their addiction to soft, tender, and somehow heartbreaking love stories. At first, I understood that the title is connected to one of the camera’s elements for capturing a nice photo, which is the passion of one of the MCs. Yet, as the story progresses, it slowly loses impact as it inconsistently maintains a well-balanced pacing.I know that both characters are gentle in their own ways, but I also want them to be more aggressive or express more emotions, especially when they are reunited after the three years' time skipped. The lack of romantic scenes, with the ending of the story right after they finally became a couple, was a wasted opportunity.
I want them to kiss so passionately, and we almost got it from the finale, yet they decided to cut it to the exciting part. The chemistry was underutilized. Nevertheless, both actors performed well. They are both so handsome and pleasing. The rooftop scenes were always so beautiful with the touch of sea and clouds as the background view.
The rooftop was their sanctuary.
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High contender for BL of the year but unexpectedly tripped midway
Its enemy-to-lovers trope, idol setup, and overall appearance evoke K-Drama vibes. GMMTV made the best decision to bring their boy group into acting, as all five of them performed well in their respective roles. The concept was already unique for a Thai-BL, which made them different from the rest.I want to re-experience those butterflies in my stomach moments when I watched the first few episodes when Thame and Po are just starting to flirt and get to know each other. Its sequence of having two parts of the story per episode was clever. Every EP begins with Thame trying to win back the hearts of his members and the last part focuses on Thame and Po’s romance. It covers my favorite moments from the show. One is when Thame memorized Po’s number. Second was the very long phone call with Thame learning Po’s favorite song overnight to play it to him. And of course, the jealousy scenes.
Throughout these EPs, I am patiently waiting for Friday to come faster. Not until they ruined Jun’s character and used him to align the romance between the main couple. I hate that they made it so evident that Jun admires Po to some extent. But select the latter to conceal his feelings and reason out of helping his dear friend Thame to realize things. I know that ThamePo will be the end game but they can make a better conclusion to Jun’s story.
Right after this EP, we’re back again with the same issue of who stay and who should leave Mars. It was too dull and repeated, together with the break-up scenes. The downfall from having a perfect ten to nearly reaching an 8-9 score was dissatisfying. At least the concert at the end was good enough for me to realize that this show still deserves a 9/10 for the overall impact.
A few more notable elements were the set of beautiful OSTs and Est and his greatness in delivering his role as a soft and gentle lover. He is so pretty even when he cries that I want to see more of his dramatic scenes in the future.
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