dramallamareviews

A low-angst, easy watch

A lighthearted & heartwarming story of a bubbly liquor salesperson + the reclusive brewmaster she’s tasked to recruit in order to save her company branch from closing. She’s a woman who never gives up on completing any job she’s given, no matter what obstacles stand in the way. So with her natural take-charge attitude & a desire to save her fellow colleagues’ jobs, she sets out to sign the contract ASAP, not knowing how this one task will alter the course of her life forever…

This is a fresh story in the KDrama world as the usual roles are reversed. Here it’s the FL who’s the former soldier with a tough-girl persona & the physical strength to keep up with/rival all the men around her. Opposite her we have the ML who’s the softer one with his over-developed senses that make him extremely empathetic. They both have reasons for being the way they are &, as their pasts are slowly revealed, the viewers can’t help but to feel for what they’ve each gone through.

Due to the divorce of her parents, the FL was raised by her grandmother. She’s forced to grow up quick in order to not be a burden on this beloved woman. She thrives as a soldier & enjoys the work she does, but when her grandma falls ill & is in need of constant care, the FL puts aside her own dreams & resigns from her post to stay home & care for her cherished family member. She pours everything she has into her new job, making a name for herself because of her determination & grit. She gives it her all because she’s the sole provider now & she’ll do whatever it takes to make her grandma as comfortable as possible. She’s a woman who’s unfamiliar with the “girly” things of life, never having had the time (or the desire) to waste on fashion or makeup. She’s friendly, hardworking, & dependable. She seems to have it all together, but nobody knows that her smile is hiding her inner screams.

Nobody but him, that is.

Our ML has always been different due to his ability to feel other’s emotions. He doesn’t just commiserate with those around him, but rather he actually FEELS their emotions as if they’re his own, making it seem like he can read their minds. His father treated him harshly due to this, not being pleased with a “soft” son, causing him to leave home as soon as he was of age & have limited contact with his family as an adult. He sought a home where he could isolate himself as much as possible &, thankfully, landed in a town that welcomed him & allowed him his peace. And while he does interact with the locals, he wants nothing to do with those outside his close circle. Not because he’s mean or indifferent, but because their emotions overwhelm him. This is shown to us with his first interaction with the FL, which is such an intense & beautifully-done scene.

The way they showed the contrast of the FL’s outer countenance & inner thoughts as seen/felt by the ML was just wonderful (& a great way for the viewers to then know what was happening in future similar scenes.) From the chemistry the actors have from that initial meeting, we (the viewers) know this is going to be a well-done drama. And we’re proven right which each subsequent interaction the Leads have. After that intense scene, we come to comedic moments where she’s trying to win him over & he’s firmly drawing a line of rejection. But even as he’s turning her away, his caring nature shines through in the little things he does for her (iykyk). And as they interact more, her caring nature also gets displayed in the ways she notices the small things & attempts to protect him/make him comfortable (again, iykyk). They’re complete opposites in lots of ways, but the genuine goodness of their hearts is the same.

I enjoyed watching this duo fumble their way into a partnership that was born out of an unexpected friendship. When the whole town is against working with her due to some sabotage attempts from a colleague (who later turns into a great friend, thank goodness!), the ML’s choice to trust her is such a touching scene. All the little ways she proved herself worthy of that trust & all the many ways he continued to choose her over & over laid a great foundation for their relationship to build on & progress from. It’s sweet how confident the FL is in her everyday work life & interactions with others, but how unsettled she gets by the unknown feelings the ML evokes in her. She’s not a touchy feely, girly girl so a lot of what he’s making her feel is foreign to her. I sometimes got a little frustrated at her naivety, but it makes sense in light of her history & lack of any emotional connections like this before.

The ML is a total green flag for her, understanding her confusion & easing her into things. I love the way he begins flirting with her, knowing she likes him even though she herself hasn’t figured it out yet. He’s adorable in his approach with her once he’s able to differentiate his own feelings from those around him (remember, he feels everyone’s emotions as if they’re his own so it can sometimes be confusing for him to know what HE’S actually feeling). That scene where he confirms that he himself likes the FL & it’s not just him experiencing the other guy’s emotions is so cute. ☺️

I admit I couldn’t really relate to the FL in her tough-girl persona, but that’s simply because she’s the complete opposite of me. I have a chronic illness that has affected me all my life so my physical abilities are quite limited, making her achievements vastly different from my own, haha. BUT I did grow to love her character & appreciate her strength. (Note: I’m not a girly-girl either, just to clarify. Makeup, fashion, hair done everyday - I’m too lazy for all that 🤣.) I more resemble the ML in this show. Which is actually what makes the show so fun - it truly is a reversal of the typical roles between men & women! And the actors did a fantastic job bringing their characters to life.

The secondary cast members were great too in their roles. Each one brought a different element to the team, adding a necessary dynamic that helped give heart & soul to the storyline. The love story of the second couple is just as sweet & satisfying as that of our Leads. And the friendship that bloomed between the once-rivals-now-teammates was so fun to watch. Plus, I just have to mention, the whole cast is freakin’ gorgeous so it’s no hardship to watch them on the screen!

Overall, this is a really easy & heartwarming show. There’s not a lot of angst or tension. The characters all stay true to themselves, nobody turning to the dark side for personal gain. There’s no real love-rival drama &, best of all imho, there’s no breakup. That got a bit dicey for a bit, but the Leads handled the situation beautifully. I absolutely adore that, in the midst of the tense could-be fight, the FL says, “there’s no breakup for us.” PSA to all writers - do this more!!! Two adults who can take a step back when emotions are high & admit they need to cool down before continuing the conversation. It’s so mature to simply hit pause when a fight is coming so that things aren’t said & done in the heat of the moment that you later regret. So I really appreciated & admired that the Leads did this - they know they have responsibilities to their employers & colleagues, but they also know they have a responsibility to protect & guard their relationship. So they choose to table the discussion & come back once they both have clearer heads, but not without clarifying that they are NOT breaking up. Kudos!!

This made me laugh, swoon, cry, & cheer so I would definitely recommend it if you’re in the mood for a story that will move your heart from the Leads sweet love. I confess, I didn’t really care much about the work aspect of the story. If that had been all there was, I would’ve dropped this, but the Leads saved the show for me. They had enough chemistry & interactions that I could overlook my boredom of the liquor brewing stuff & the workplace plot line. I came for the story, but I stayed for the Leads. 🩵

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.7💋
- Together : ep.9 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 🫶🏻

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We All Need Friends Like These Five!

A touching coming-of-age story about five youths who grow up in the same residential compound (which is similar to an American apartment complex for anyone who’s wondering). The group consists of three boys & two girls who share an unbreakable bond. We meet them in their high school years as they’re discovering who they are & who they want to be.

With five different personalities the group is bound to clash & squabble at times, but they always have each other’s back in every situation. The boys look out for & protect the girls while the girls do the same for the boys but in different ways. They’re allowed to pick on each other, but no one else had better try or they’ll face the wrath of all five teens. Their loyalty is solid & each one knows that they’ll never have to face anything alone.

They get up to some crazy adventures due to the antics of the two main leads who often seem more like rivals than friends, which brings lots of humor to the show. And while this isn’t strictly a romance, we do get the enjoyment of witnessing these two experience the beauty of realizing they’ve fallen in love with their best friend. I would’ve loved to have seen more of them as a couple, but I also understand why we didn’t get that until the end due to their ages. It didn’t at all detract from the storyline or cause me to regret watching this.

The friendship these five share is enviable & heart warming. I enjoyed how each teen got their moment to shine, allowing us to get to know them as more than just a support character. Each one brought a necessary dynamic to the group, they weren’t complete unless all five were there. It was refreshing to see the ways they always worked through any issues rather than letting things fester. And if any of the five were at odds with each other, the rest of the group helped them resolve the issue(s) & regain the group’s harmony. It was also touching to see them rally around each other when familial stuff arose. They didn’t let their age negate their place in one another’s life or cause them to stay silent if one was being mistreated.

Being a teenager & going through high school is tough. Having a group of friends like these five who you know you can 100% trust to always be on your side is what we all wish for during those years. 🩵

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.16💋
- Together : ep.16 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 😌

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Watch to form your own opinion!

The sweet & cheerful FL finds the ML after he’s been in an accident. After helping him to the hospital, she ends up taking responsibility for him when he seemingly doesn’t remember who he is or what happened to him. Taking pity on the helpless guy, she takes him home with her until they can figure out a solution. Unbeknownst to her, however, he remembers everything & is just biding his time to reveal that he survived the attack.

If you like the following tropes, then you may enjoy this drama:
- hidden identity
- childhood connection
- first love
- toxic love rivals
- familial drama
- workplace romance
- cohabitation
- light mystery
- unbreakable love

For me, I like some of these tropes & dislike some of them too. Maybe because of that, this drama was more of a miss for me. It’s not horrible, I just didn’t really enjoy it so I won’t say much in this review. I don’t at all want to belittle the hard work & efforts of all who were involved in the creation of the drama. My personal opinion is in no way meant to be a slur against any of them! And don’t let my low ratings stop you from watching it - you may actually love it!!

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.5 💋
- Together : ep.9 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 💍

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Not the best, not the worst

The story of an ice-cold army officer + a kind-hearted surgeon whose lives become intertwined unexpectedly.

They first meet in a harrowing situation & neither is impressed. It’s definitely not a “meet cute” scene - bad guys shooting, soldiers trying to incapacitate them, & civilians getting caught in the crossfire. With tensions high & emotions flaring, it’s no wonder they initially don’t like each other. Lines are drawn & our Leads, though both “good guys”, are standing on opposite sides. Both still upset with the other, they go their separate ways, never planning to see one another again. But fate has other plans…

Back in their home country, they find themselves suddenly cohabitating (I admit, I’m a fan of this trope!) Due to issues for the FL, they grudgingly agree to share the space. It’s not easy sharing space with someone, no matter who they are. But when you don’t like your roommate it’s a whole lot worse! They seem to always be clashing, yet their hearts slowly begin to soften & their dislike turns to mutual affection. They form a friendship that turns to more, but some people are determined to keep them apart. Mostly the villain, whom the FL believes is her old childhood friend so she warmly welcomes his presence, not knowing he’s the bad guy the ML is hunting. The Leads clash over him, but it eventually all works out.

[[*Side note/rant - if a “friend” is constantly interfering in your relationship or if they don’t accept that you don’t return their affection & continue to pursue you despite you not being single, would you really deem them a friend? Writers, can we please start having our Leads cut toxic people out of their lives rather than continuing to indulge & placate them?*]]

Aside from that super annoying guy who got way too much screen time, imo, I enjoyed this drama. The Leads are both dedicated to their careers so they put a lot of thought into whether they can invest enough in a relationship or if they’re better staying friends. I appreciated this (though I think they overthought things & took too long) because it showed that they were both taking their relationship seriously & sincerely. It wasn’t a heat of the moment decision nor were either of them instetested in a fling. If they were going to take a step forward, it was gonna be with the intent of never taking that step back. And once they finally decide to follow their hearts, they’re all in. Devoted & protective, never letting go of one another’s hands. They face some scary stuff where they each have to fight to save the others life, deepening their bond more & more. It was nice to see it wasn’t all one-sided. Sometimes it’s the guy constantly rescuing the girl in dramas, but here we see the FL saving the ML’s life too.

So while there were aspects I didn’t like about the show, overall I enjoyed this story of a doctor & soldier falling in love.

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.21 💋
- Together : ep.30 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 🫶🏻

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Light & Easy Watch with a Shock

An easy watch about a college swimmer, a girl with unique abilities, & the sweet love that develops between them.

Aside from the mega annoying male wannabe love rival (seriously, what is up with writing toxic characters who can’t accept when their crush is just.not.into.them?!) I enjoyed this series. The Leads are super cute together, being really supportive of each other. It’s fairly drama free except for the aforementioned character.

The FL just wants to be normal, which is seemingly impossible since she emits a frequency that can cause an electric shock. She does her best to hide it, though, as she wants to be just another college student. But this trait causes more trouble when she accidentally shocks the school heartthrob, who then begins pursuing her publicly. Knowing he’s only doing it because of the shock, she repeatedly rejects him. But what if the feelings that came upon him from the shock turned real?

The ML is a swimming legend with a secret - an injury is causing issues with his abilities. Because of his naturally bold & outgoing personality, when he gets shocked into pursuing her, he does it relentlessly - undeterred by her continuous rejections. But when the effects of the shock wear off, will he want anything to do with her?

Like I said earlier, I enjoyed this. The synopsis makes it seem like it could have lots of drama between the Leads, but there’s actually very little. Once he learns her secret & asks her to use it to help with an injury, they begin spending more time together & form a friendship. When he then pursues her for real, no shock needed, he’s very sweet about it. And he becomes super protective of her - doing all he can to help her with her condition & keeping it a secret like she wants. He never looks at her as a freak or a problem, which earns him the FL’s affection. They’re a cute couple who bravely face their future together. And while, yes, the FL does at one point push him away to “protect” him cause here ability starts really acting up, I don’t deem it an actual break up because she’s just hiding from him & he’s seeking her out the whole time. There’s no actual break up scene & when he finds her & confronts her, they reconcile right then. So maybe others would say they broke up, but I’m sticking with my opinion.

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
-- First(real)Kiss : ep.15 💋
- Together : ep.15 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 🫶🏻

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Such an underrated gem!

OhEmGee - the Leads’ chemistry is hot! 🔥 It leaps off the screen & pulls you right in from the first episode. And it doesn’t let you go even when the show is over…

The FL, a rising theater actress, ends up held hostage by a mafia-like crew. When a high-ranking member lays claim to her, she fears the worst. But there seems to be more to this ML as, instead of hurting her, he protects her from the others. More tragedy strikes when she’s rescued & he’s presumed dead. But when he’s suddenly in front of her 5yrs later, going by a different name & claiming not to know her, she’s left confused & becomes determined to uncover the truth of his identity & what really happened on that island years ago…

There are no dull moments or slow pacing with these two. Even when truths come to light & the FL walks away because of the lies, there’s still an intense pull between them as the ML refuses to lose her again. And as they navigate their way through working out all the big issues, they nurture a love to be envious of. A love that will never let go or fade away.

Filled with swoon worthy kisses & heart warming glances, this will have you melting for the Leads! 🫠 If you’re in the mood for romance mixed with action & some mystery, give this drama a try.

And be sure to check out “Love of Replica” to get more of our Leads on the screen together! 🫶🏻


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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.5 💋
- Together : ep.5 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.7 💔
- BackTogether : ep.12 ❤️‍🩹

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An easy (slightly irritating) watch

Will a drunken night lead to a blossoming office romance…?

While I did overall enjoy this drama, the beginning was super frustrating. It starts with our FL struggling with the decision to end her current relationship due to her partner cheating on her or give it another shot. And I get that she’s been with him 10 years and invested so much time and effort into it but just…ugh. Dump him! He’s so freakin’ annoying and condescending to her - like, he doesn’t get her at all. So even without the huge deal of his infidelity, he’s already a toxic guy who doesn’t deserve her. 😡

Enter the ML and *swoon* - girl, be with him instead! 🫠 Seriously, our guy is so into her and really sees her in ways her current dude never has. He just gets her. And even though they start off with misunderstandings and false perceptions of one another, their attraction is immediate and their chemistry palpable.

So yeah, because of the tension between them due to her pushing him away to give her current dude another shot even though the one she truly wants is clearly the ML, the first half of this frustrated me. BUT, when she finally sets herself free and our Leads get together, happy sigh & happy dance because they. are. it! 🔥

Once they’re a them, it’s done. They don’t let anyone come between them. They refuse to bow to outside forces, they fight back against any attack. They’ve committed to one another and no delulu love rival, jealous ex, or cruel scheme will break them. So while the beginning brought frustration, the happy ending totally made up for it 😍

Side note: I didn’t feel much interest for any of the support cast (characters, not actors!) They were just kinda…there. I’d have preferred less of them and more of the Leads, but it wasn’t a huge annoyance or anything.

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- F(r)K : 16 💋
- 2G : 16 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BU : Nope 💍

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Who is the Replica?

This is both a dark & light watch. The plot of the FL not having her memories & the ML being her bodyguard with secrets adds some drama & tension, while the Leads’ chemistry brings the swoons & heart flutters. I love when a couple only has eyes for each other throughout the whole show. It’s a true “you’re the only one for me” coupling & I’m a huge fan of that.

The FL is going through a lot & isn’t quite sure who to trust, but even when it seems like the ML betrayed her, she never actually loses faith in him. She’s a strong woman in a very confusing situation. She’s trying to connect all the dots & piece her memories back together, determined to uncover the truth of who she really is. All while quickly & completely falling for her mysterious bodyguard.

As for the ML - the way he’s devoted to protecting her, physically & emotionally, is so perfect. 🫠 He knows there’s more going on then he’s aware of & he’s determined to keep her safe while helping her find the truth. Yes, he’s got a hidden agenda, but he never for a moment puts that above the safety or well-being of the woman he’s completely fallen for.

They’re a truly great couple who prove that, no matter what, love is always worth it! The trust they have in one another is well deserved as neither would ever do anything to sabotage the other. As the ML proves with the way he handles the SFL’s advances & flirtations. I love when the Leads put others in their place, leaving no doubt as to who they love & where the “love rivals” fit (or don’t fit) in the equation.

If you haven’t watched “Mysterious Love” yet, I recommend seeing that too. It was the Leads’ first drama together. The storylines don’t connect, but the main cast are almost all the same so it sorta feels like a duo set. You can watch one without the other, though, & still understand everything. 👍🏻 It’s just really great to see them on screen together again!

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.6 💋
- Together : ep.8 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : Nope 🫶🏻

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Twists abound on this journey…

A boy with the power to sense other people’s secrets with a simple touch. A girl who will do anything to hide a traumatic secret. Both dealing with past traumas in their own ways. What happens when these complete opposites meet & their worlds collide?

I really enjoyed the relationships in this show. The ML { Jin Young } & the FL { Shin Ye Eun } have great chemistry & share a wonderful bond. It’s a unique situation due to the ML’s abilities, but they navigate it well. I mean, think about it - you’re falling in love with this great person but you have this huge secret you’re not ready to share because of how others who know the truth have treated you in the past. But this person you’re falling for will be able to know all about it with a simple touch between you. Would you have the courage to continue to fall for them?
And from the other perspective, you know the person you’ve fallen for is holding back from you due to a secret - a secret you could discover just by a mere touch. Would you be patient enough to wait for them to tell you while continuing to stay by their side? They hit a few snags along the way, but I think they handle this whole situation rather well.
Watching them grow closer as they work to solve the case is a journey I liked witnessing.

The second couple,( ML’s best friend + FL’s best friend, both since high school I believe) are a nice bonus. Him { Noh Jong Hyun } with her { Go Youn Jung } son is absolutely precious. What a total green flag!! 💚

I also liked the bromance between the ML & SML { Kim Kwon } so the ending was bittersweet, imho. I don’t want to give too much away, though, so I’ll leave it at that & let you make your own judgments 🤭

The Leads get their HEA so that helps make up for any lingering feelings of drama trauma I felt 💕


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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss :ep.8💋
- Together : ep.9 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏼
- BreakUp : Almost, but no 😅

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Do you know who you can trust?

Go into this prepared to completely love the Leads, to enjoy their friends, to absolutely loathe the bullies, & to have mixed feelings about a few others.

A girl trying to figure out the truth behind her twin brother’s supposed suic!de & a boy grappling with the news that he’s terminally ill. They’re both strong individuals who haven’t had easy lives, but how much weight can they handle before they inevitably break under the pressure?

This unlikely duo is about to find out that, even when the world seems to be caving in, having just one person whom you can completely trust in can make a huge difference. And by focusing on being that person for each other, they begin to experience a lessening of the weight of their own sorrow.

This is a gritty story of the dark side of high school. There’s so much hurt & heartache beneath the surface, while the students are just trying to survive & make it to graduation. And while it will make you ache at the pain these youth face daily, it’s not all dark & twisted…

Out of the suffering they’re both facing, a deep bond is formed between the Leads. The unexpected connection helps them endure the pain of living. And in each other they find solace & strength.

Their chemistry is amazing, especially since this isn’t a romance drama. But their words & actions show a deep love for one another that leaps off the screen. 🔥🫠

Their group of friends (& all the stories those teens bring to the story) are such an integral part of the plot. This drama is both the hurt & the cure…

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Prepare yourself mentally before pushing play!

So there’s an anti-hero who’s taken justice into their own hands. But their way of doing it is crazy. They hold a vote via text messages! I mean think about that - what would your reaction be if you received these kinds of texts?!

So anyways - when the justice system doesn’t properly handle the seriously messed up people in society, this masked “vigilante” lets the people decide their fate instead - let them live or watch them die. Ironically they never seem to quite grasp that in their quest for “justice” they themselves are becoming villains….

As the interest & participation in this Killing Vote grows, the cops become more desperate to catch the culprit(s). Leading the charge are two complete opposites who’ve never gotten along. This duo starts as enemies with very different opinions on the ethics surrounding the investigation. Overtime, though, as they race to stop the killings, they come to form a bond of partnership that gives hints of brewing romantic feelings. (Are we getting a Season 2??)

Amidst all this there’s a known villain character who is completely psychotic. Honestly, the actor deserves an award for undertaking & owning this role. He was hecka creepy & I absolutely hated him which means the actor did his job phenomenally so kudos to him, seriously!

This is a dark & gritty drama that showcases the twisted side of society & how the mob mentality can have such an impact on people. It’s scary how quickly they voted to end a life, as if they weren’t willingly becoming accomplices in a murder. It should never be so easy to sentence someone to death (even if they 100% deserve it)…

The heroes are operating in the grey. The villains are depraved & fully black. The citizens are pulled into the “game” without knowing all the facts.

When given the option to either save or condemn, what would you choose?

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Crazy Love is a very fitting title…

The ML is a total math genius (which is definitely NOT something I can relate to 😂) who’s narcissistic & self-absorbed. He is extremely particular so when anything or anyone doesn’t meet his exact standards, he lashes out. He’s an unpleasant person whom his employees both fear & hate. Though renown & revered in the world of academics, those who know him personally are jealous of his success & eager to see him fail.

The FL, on the other hand, is his total opposite. Lacking in prestige & experience, she allows others to use her, though not always realizing they’re doing so. She’s optimistic & friendly, believing as long as she puts in the hard work, her efforts will be recognized. But when she receives a terminal diagnosis, she takes all her repressed emotions over her career & lays the blame solely at the ML’s feet… & begins to plot revenge. ‘Cause if she’s going down, she’s taking him with her!

And thus much insanity ensues. With them both lying for personal reasons (ML claiming amnesia, FL declaring she’s his fiancée) they’re surprised to find themselves falling into a crazy love.

Personally, I didn’t really enjoy the first half of this show. It was too OTT w/ all the adults acting immature & petty in their quests for revenge. Add the ML’s annoying, delulu ex to the mix & my enjoyment lessened. BUT I’m glad I didn’t add it to my DNF list because the Leads make up for a whole lot of bad once they get together.

Seriously, they’re such a solid couple. Lots of stuff gets thrown at them but neither of them ever waiver. They’re committed to one another & they take their relationship very seriously (as people should!) They had me grinning so much at their total cuteness together - their obvious & constant enjoyment of simply being together gives such couple goals vibes.

There are, of course, those who loved this drama from ep.1 & also those who DNF’d it. But if you’re like me then if you can just make it through their ridiculous antics & make it to their togetherness, I think you’ll find much to enjoy.

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-S P O I L E R S B E L O W-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- F(r)K : 8💋
- 2G : 12 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BU : Nope 💝

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A Top Drama for 2026!

Some dramas get overhyped but I don’t think that’s the case here. The story & cast deserve all the praise (& none of the hate) they’re getting! 👏🏻

When a drama sucks me in & won’t release me even after it ends, that’s when I know I just watched a great story. That’s exactly what this team managed to do to so many of its viewers, so kudos to everyone involved in the project!!

The love story between this cold, battle-hardened ML & the quirky, butcher FL is filled with tender moments when their eyes say what their hearts want even if their mouths can’t form the words. Their chemistry is addictive & their kiss scenes can melt the screen!🔥🫠 As they move from small town life to reconnecting on the battlefield to navigating the capital’s treacherous terrain, their bond holds strong no matter the tension or circumstances. When all the truths are exposed they have to choose whether their love is enough so there’s the dreaded time of angst between them but even still - their connection refuses to be broken (thank goodness!!)

If you like historical dramas with the following, then you must watch this:
- smart, strong Leads
- lots of action
- touch her/him & d!e vibes
- psychotic villains
- loyal friend groups
- no real love rivals
- adorable kids
- found-family bonds
- gorgeous cinematography
- fantastic OST
+ so much more! 🫶🏻

Apart from the pure awesomeness that is our Lead couple, there are so many other characters who helped make this such a gem of a story. Like:
- The Pig Butcher Squad. These guys first came on the scene when they were bullying the FL. After a few be@tings, they learned to respect her & chose to befriend her instead. There’s more interaction in the 2nd half when they’re reunited in the army & this is where their bond truly shone through - these men had grown from lightly tormenting her to becoming her loyal followers/protectors.
- The ML’s closest soldiers. I truly loved how none of them ever questioned his choices regarding the FL nor tried to persuade him in any way. He had earned their loyalty on the battlefield & they trusted him completely. The respect they had for him as their leader was then immediately extended to the FL because of his love for her. So in the same way they wouldn’t hesitate to d!e for the ML they did whatever necessary to protect the FL, no matter the risk. And not a single one of them even contemplated betraying the ML which was absolutely refreshing.
- Mr. & Mrs. Zhao. Their love & support of the Fan sisters was one of the most touching parts of the story. They brought both humor & heart in such a memorable way. I loved the bond they shared with the girls & how they immediately included the ML in their circle despite how he came to be with them. I wish more dramas would have elders like this duo!
- The Headmaster/Counselor. The ML’s friendship with the him was so good. His constant teasing of the ML was so fun & helped bring levity to heavy situations. No jealousy or greed - they both respected one another & only wanted the best for each other. And his love story arc with the Grand Princess was so believable in its development. She’s also a really good person who deserved her happy ending.
- The villainous duo. Whoa - these dudes needed locked up in psych wards. While everyone else was mentioned for the good they brought to the screen, these guys are the exact opposite. Corrupt, greedy, selfish, & arrogant are good words to describe them. I do admit that I felt a tiny twinge of sympathy for the younger one when the truth was later revealed to him. I never felt any such emotion for the older one, though, even with his ending. And I kept seeing lots of comments on social media about the chemistry between him & his love interest (FL’s friend) but I could never sense that because his v!plent obsession with her was not shmexy to me at all. Even if she gave consent, it was coerced & not an act she wanted to partake in. We all know what it really is when someone doesn’t take “no” for an answer in a s3xual situation… so I only ever felt bad for everything she was having to endure just to survive & try to save her son.

This review is too short to accurately express how much I enjoyed this drama. I had planned to add some of my favorite scenes (like I did in my reviews for “Prisoner of Beauty”, “Love Like the Galaxy parts 1 & 2”, & “Blossoms in Adversity”) but when I started listing them out I realized I’d be mentioning one or more scenes from every episode because this story has countless parts that I love! So now I’m just going to leave my review shorter than I’d intended and instead encourage you to watch this drama for yourself so you can experience every battle, every interaction, every kiss, & every other beautiful moment too 🩵💜

This is a rewatch many times over type drama for me!!

PS: one last thing to mention - I truly appreciated how realistic they made the FL’s journey regarding fighting & the battlefield. Even though she showed her skills early on in the skirmishes at home, it was done in a believable way. Just because she had the know-how of fighting didn’t mean she was comfortable with engaging in serious battles where de@th was a very real possibility. And the first time she was forced to take a life in order to protect loved ones, she don’t hesitate to do it but she still struggled with it afterwards. After engaging in war on the battlefield & earning a name for herself, she still didn’t want to continue fighting. She didn’t get a big head nor did she seek glory & prestige. She wanted her simple life back. And even though she ultimately chose to continue fighting to help uncover the corruption in court & clear her late father’s name, it still never became something she took lightly. I just thought that the whole storyline of her growth in this area was really relatable. And, of course, I loved how the ML always supported her & comforted her as she struggled to work through the tangle of emotions that fighting caused her. It’s just another part that proves they’re meant for each other 💕

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.9💋
- Together : ep.4 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: It’s complicated… 🤷🏻‍♀️

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What a Beautiful Portrayal of True Love

High school desk mates (& first loves) are reunited when a reporter goes to a bar, Overtime, not knowing it’s owned by the man she’s never forgotten. And she’ll come to know that he’s never forgotten her either…

Oh to be loved how Sang Yan loves his Yi Fan!🔥🫠 This drama is absolutely beautiful. These two are the definition of soulmates & despite the tragedy that caused their 6yr (8? Subtitles unclear) separation after graduation, their hearts were never absent from one another.

I love everything about this. The past flashbacks, the present low-key tension, the slow-burn romance, the solid friendships, & the sleepwalking encounters. Every intense look, accidentally-on-purpose touch, & heartfelt word had me hooked.

They’re both amazing people who show incredible growth, courage, emotion, & devotion throughout their story. The FL especially - she has endured some horrific circumstances (‼️TRIGGER WARNING‼️) & been at the mercy of evil people BUT she doesn’t allow it to break her. Scare her, bruise her, influence her, & hurt her - yes. But break her? Never! And I LOVE that she cut ties with all the toxic people who never deserved her.👏🏻

If he’s her sun ☀️, then she’s his guiding star 🌟 - forever leading him to her. Apart, they’re merely going through the motions. But together? They’re truly living 🫶🏻

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-⬇️ S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.20💋
- Together : ep.18 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: ep.24💔 (separation, not BU)
- BackTogether : ep.26❤️‍🩹

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“Must Watch” for a Reason!

**This review is for both Part 1 & Part 2. Spoilers given later with episodes numbers are referencing this as one drama, not two separate parts.**

Being totally honest, I actually dropped this years ago after only about 8 episodes. I really wanted to watch it because I’m a fan of both the main actors, but I just couldn’t handle how horrible the FL’s mother was to her. But I’ve been on a historical drama binge watching journey recently & this one ALWAYS gets recommended so I thought, “you know what, let’s just give it another try.”

And I’m so glad I did because wowza - this is absolutely beautiful. I now understand why it’s labeled as a must-watch for drama lovers. If you’re like me & have been hesitating for whatever reason, I recommend you just give in & press play so you can experience the beauty for yourself.

It’s a very well done drama. The storyline & pacing are both great (keep in mind that, all together, this drama has 56eps so it’s not going to be fast paced.) There’s a lot of character growth for multiple people, not just the Leads. There are numerous schemes & endless plotting by so many various villains. There’s great slow-burn relationship development. Because there are so many episodes, it allows time for things to really build & progress, giving us a fully developed story rather than just bite sized pieces that make us fill in a lot of holes. (Not that I mind shorter dramas, I’m simply stating facts.)

It’s ultimately the story of a girl who was left behind as her parents (both generals) went to war & the general who falls in love with her at first sight though he’s harboring some pretty big secrets. Neither is perfect; both are flawed. But love doesn’t require perfection, thank goodness 💕

She was raised by her paternal family who mistreated her daily so she’s grown up relying solely on herself for anything she needs. He has a tragic past & his position makes people wary of him. Neither is quick to trust nor does either find it easy to rely on others. But they form a connection during both traumatic moments & humorous ones. When they choose to be together, regardless of their issues & doubts, they form a bond with a depth neither ever imagined; they discover a love the likes of which they weren’t sure existed. Their relationship is tested many, many times. By delulu love rivals & jealous “family” members, as well as political schemes & royal demands. This duo faces a LOT on their journey together, then even more during their 5yrs apart. They do not have an easy & blissful romance, but rather a love that’s forged through trials & tribulations. But it’s a love they both fight for, protect, & long for when it’s lost. Then it’s one they cherish when they have each other back again. (Which, small complaint, it really would’ve been great to see more happy & lovey moments of them after all the baddies are eradicated.)

So, yes, I loved this drama. I liked part 2 more simply because the Leads are a couple then, but part 1 is also filled with many meaningful & memorable moments too! And it’s not just the Leads that I enjoyed, but other characters & aspects as well:
- The oft-times hilarious, matchmaking emperor
- The respect & friendship of the empress & concubine
- The fact that ALL the villains are dealt with one by one throughout the show
- The FL’s brothers & the way they always include, love, & defend her
- The ML’s bromance with his two most-trusted soldiers
- The additional details given in the subtitles (at least on Viki app…)

There’s so much to love about this show! I highly recommend it for fans of the historical genre. Yes, there are hecka toxic characters (& yes, the FL’s mother stays that way for the majority of the show. I get that she doesn’t know how to be a mom to a girl but seriously - that’s no excuse for her abuse!) And there are annoying characters (I’m looking at you, Mr. SML. Just go away until you can leave the FL alone, please!) But there are many really lovable characters too! So push play & enjoy this beautiful journey.

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‼️ SPOILERS OF SOME OF MY FAV MOMENTS/SCENES INCOMING!! STOP READING NOW IF YOU DON’T WANT TO KNOW!! YOU’VE BEEN WARNED! 😉‼️

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EP.12 - FL giving ML medical aid for the arrow in his chest. Eyes don’t lie… 🫠
EP.24 - ML’s speech & defense of FL against her mom; their engagement
EP.27 - the drunk piggyback ride. OhEmGee 🤣
EP.29 - the rooftop forehead kiss *swoon*
EP.34 - concubine dealing w/ ML’s “stepmom” & the wicked old royal lady 🙌🏻
EP.36 - ML teaching FL self defense moves
EP.45 - FL’s brother’s “wedding” while in prison - precious!
EP.47 - Leads biting each other to seal an oath 🫶🏻
EP.48 - FL’s family helping her fight to save ML
EP.49 - FL getting ML on the horse. ML sacrificing himself off the cliff. Emotions!
EP.50 - ML not letting them take the string off his wrist even while unconscious, but finally loosening his grip when FL plays flute to soothe him
EP.53 - ML saving her from runaway carriage & refusing to release her as they cling to the mountain 👏🏻 Empress’ final moments (cried so hard!) 😭
EP.55 - that hug upon realizing ML made it out alive…🔥
EP.56 - FL’s whole family riding through the smoke as one to save her, all unsheathing their swords?! Wowza!! “Who dares to harm my Naio Naio?” Perfection! Also, the emperor’s temper tantrum at not being at the wedding, hahahaha!

Feel free to share your favorite moments with me!!

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-⬇️ M O R E 🚫 S P O I L E R S 🚫 B E L O W ⬇️-


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The things I always want to know 😏😉…
- First(real)Kiss : ep.34 💋
- Together : ep.28 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp : ep.51 💔
- BackTogether : ep.55(end) ❤️‍🩹

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