dramallamareviews

Slow Paced & Relaxing Vibes

After a family emergency, our big-city FL was sent to a small town for her senior year, where she met the aloof ML. Their relationship started off rocky, but they soon came to rely on each other. Their animosity turned into trust & their friendship deepened into love in this coming-of-age story that followed a group of teens from high school into adulthood.

This was a low-angst, high-comfort drama as the young adults figured out who they were & determined who they wanted to be. It showed the gap between those without money troubles & those who had been forced to let go of their dreams just to financially support their families. Big city thinking & small town living clashed & blended as these Leads interacted more & grew together.

This is also a great “they’re together without being officially together” plot, which I’m very grateful for since their actual dating era is only in the last couple of episodes. But ohhhh, what a beautiful two episodes those were! The Leads had great chemistry that stayed strong from their first meeting until the story’s end.

I loved the ML from the start. Not just for his looks - but that blonde hair? Whoa! 🔥🫠 He’s a really admirable character who you can’t help but love as more of his story is revealed. Once a top student with big plans & dreams, he gave it all up when his family fell into debt & his Grandma’s health worsened. To help cover the medical costs & to help his mom repay the heavy debts left behind by an abusive husband, he quit school to work full time doing numerous jobs around the town to make ends meet. Thankfully, he always had his two best buddies by his side to help keep his life from becoming too bleak (I loved their bond!)

The FL took a bit longer to grow on me due to her initial arrogance & somewhat entitled attitude. Remembering she was thrust into an environment that was extremely foreign to her & forced to live with people she didn’t know helped me give her grace. Then she chose to start adapting to her new circumstances instead of despising them & she became much more likable. Her willingness to share her money-making knowledge & her desire to help the family business succeed was very admirable. Her strengths really shone through as she flourished in this small town she once detested.

Though opposites in many ways the Leads also shared many similarities. They were both intelligent & hardworking; honest & mature; kind & genuine. The reasons why were different but they both had to grow up before their time, taking on adult responsibilities while still in their youth. But they both handled everything so well. Rather than blaming the world or growing bitter, they chose to rise above & make the best of the changes in their lives brought on by the decisions of others.

Their life together was full of many beautiful moments. The Leads were the big draw but the support cast were wonderful additions who added a lot to the story (even the “love rivals” were good people!) The whole cast did amazing bringing this drama to life. They made me laugh at their chaos, swoon for their romance, cheer for their victories, & cry for their pains. I highly recommend watching this for fans of the genre 👍🏻


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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.29 💋
- Together : ep.29 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💍

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Classic for a Reason!

Sometimes things get lost in translation when a title goes from its native tongue to English, but that didn’t happen with this drama. “Crash Landing on You” is a very apt name for this story! 🫶🏻

A paragliding mishap lands a South Korean heiress in North Korea… & into the life of an army officer who chooses to help her despite his suspicions. While they work to keep her under the radar until they can get her back across the border, a bond forms. But with their responsibilities & different nationalities being huge barriers between them, will their love be allowed to bloom or are they destined to part ways forever?

I was late to the viewing of this drama so I got to experience it after the Leads were already married in real life which made it sweeter for me. I love watching real life couples bring fictional stories to life on my screen. Their chemistry is legit & I’m allowed to ship them to my hearts content. 💕

Circumstances keep them from defining their relationship until pretty much the end, but it’s their willingness to fight for their love against all the odds that deepens their bond & really makes them a duo that viewers root for. I enjoyed the development of their relationship as they fumble their way through secretly cohabitating. It leads to so many memorable moments, made all the sweeter since we know it’s forbidden.

There are annoying love rivals that lessened my enjoyment (& had a tragic ending that the whole fandom hates), but his squad mates make up for it with their chaotic antics & brave loyalty to the ML. And their friendship that grows with the FL is absolutely precious! 🫠

Obviously the chemistry is chemistrying & giving all the feels. Their interactions are awkward & adorable & innocent & genuine - a pleasure for viewers to see.


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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.3/7💋
- Together : ep.10? 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: No, but they are separated 💝

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Bound by duty. Bound by love.

After being forced apart by familial pressure in their youth, these ex-lovers are unexpectedly reunited due to their jobs.

He’s a brave & steadfast fire chief.
She’s a smart & cool-headed ER doctor.

Will working together to save lives rekindle old feelings or will their emotional scars from the past forever separate them?

I like how mature they both are, though FL is emotionally stunted which made her a bit frustrating at times. ML knows her so well, though, that he knows exactly how to handle her moods & help her work through her stuff. Her family is toxic & always blames ML for her wanting her freedom, but it’s actually her that’s the “bad influence” while he’s just there to protect her while she spreads her wings. What’s heartbreakingly beautiful is that he shields her from that harsh truth - allowing himself to be slandered to safeguard her ties with the only family she has.

And it’s because of that steady love he gives her that she has the courage to finally break free of their manipulations & guilt-tripping. She learns to speak up & defend their love, knowing she failed to do so in the past. She vows, this time, she’ll protect him just as much as he’s always protected her. It’s not an easy path, but it’s one he proudly walks with her every step of the way.

They’re a cute duo. They have great chemistry which leads to some very yummy scenes 🔥🫠 And while it’s not all rainbows & butterflies for them, they hold tight to one another’s hand & refuse to ever let go again, no matter what comes their way (and a LOT comes at them).

So, in conclusion, if you’re in the mood for a second chance romance this is a good one to watch.

Side note: her adopted bros love for her was creepy & I was really happy when ML finally put him in his place!

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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.25 (present)💋
- Together : ep.25 (present) 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope (present) 💝

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Not for me but maybe you’ll enjoy…

She’s a hard-working student who aspires to be an architect. He’s a top student who enjoys photography/videography. When their paths unexpectedly cross they think nothing of it - until she hears his mother’s voice which sounds remarkably like her own. Wanting to be close to the reminder of her beloved mom who’s passed away, she tries to become his friend. What began with ulterior motives quickly blossoms into a friendship that leads to more. But with his family planning to send him abroad, should they take the chance to love if it means they’re gonna lose?

First, I agree it’s an odd choice to have an actres w/ a no-kiss clause be the lead in a romance drama BUT this one shows that you don’t actually need those on-screen scenes to portray a love story.

While I didn’t love it, I didn’t hate it either. It was going good until, upon ML’s return to the country, the FL decided to make him work to win her back when he didn’t even do anything wrong to begin with. Tropes like that reallyyyyy bug me & can ruin my rating for a show. So I’m leaving this shorter so I don’t unintentionally discourage any readers from watching.

I am glad that all love rivals got stopped right away rather than allowing their prolonged presence to cause issues between the Leads. And I did like the Leads together apart from that portion of FL annoying me. I don’t plan to rewatch it but I don’t regret seeing it. The cast did good & it did have several cute moments as well as funny parts. So don’t skip it based on my opinion - watch it & decide for yourself 🙃

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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 (off screen)💋
- Together : ep.15 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Reborn FL + Flirty ML

After her family is mass@cred, a princess is reborn & sheds her former identity to become a ruthless power player. She allies with a brilliant but sickly Crown Prince to root out deception in the royal court. Will their marriage meant only as a means to an end blossom into a love that withstands the tests headed their way?

I was surprised at how addictive this series was. Each episode left me needing to know what happened next. I’m not a fan of multiple love interests vying for the affections of the same Lead so I didn’t expect to enjoy this much - I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. The ML’s open love for the FL kept me coming back for more 🫶🏻

This drama has a ton of moving parts with a lot of characters to keep track of (I kept mistaking people for others 🤪) but it’s not so much that I got lost. Even with everything happening, I thought it was a fairly easy plot to follow so kudos to everyone involved in planning that out.

If you’re a fan of the following, then I think you’d enjoy this drama:
- intelligent & cunning Leads
- great character development
- palace intrigue & political warfare
- unbreakable loyalty & deep betrayals
- toxic & delulu characters
- several others pursuing the Leads
- well orchestrated fight scenes
- found family & cute friendships
- lots of plot twists & turns
- multiple big reveals
- lots of flirting & swoony moments
- good chemistry w/ yummy smooches
- deep bonds of love
+ so much more!

I admit I skimmed the episodes after ML’s de@th but wowza is there a lot happening at the end!! And I’m SO glad they gave us the bonus mini episode focused solely on their well deserved HEA 🫠🫶🏻 (though an explanation on how the ML came back would’ve been really nice…)

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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.27💋
- Together : ep.9(fake), ep.28(real) 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: ep.13 💔
- BackTogether : ep.20❤️‍🩹

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Warm & Easy Watch

In reality, the FL is a famous musician & he’s her biggest fan. In online gaming, though, she’s a novice & the ML is the famous one.
Their first in-game meeting doesn’t go well, but once he discovers her identity, he’s all in to help her develop her skills. Will their online friendship translate to real life when they meet in person?

This is an easy watch. There’s drama due to her life as a star & all the jealousy that brings. Add his hidden online identity so she only knows him as her college junior & there’s some angst there. But overall, it’s low on the drama scale.

I like that they’re both confident in their abilities, but they’re not self-centered snobs. They’re humble & kind, always showing appreciation for the people in their lives. They also stand up for themselves without being cruel.

Their personalities really mesh too. Their weaknesses & strengths are shown in healthy ways. They both have insecurities & life stuff that they work through together. I loved watching their bond develop & deepen. The love they have is so strong. They’re both mature, but also sappy cute when together.

Their chemistry is 🔥🫠. Their easy & open affection with one another is one of my favorite parts. Their kisses are super swoon worthy! I really appreciate when the Leads aren’t all awkward & weird after becoming a couple.

Also, I liked how, even though he was the younger one, the ML wasn’t incompetent. He was fully capable of being the man she needed - one who could protect her & support her while she chased her dreams, while still pursuing his own. He helped & inspired her a lot, & she adored him for 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.20💋
- Together : ep.20 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: I don’t think so 🤔

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Oh, to have an app like this!

The FL is a quiet girl whose time at high school gets hard when she becomes a target of bullying. The popular ML notices & comes to her rescue several times. While this leads to the two becoming good friends, it doesn’t stop her tormentors from continuing their abuse. Then a mysterious app appears on her phone, giving her a tool to fight back. Will she finally get some peace or will this result in more chaos?

I was surprised by how much I loved this drama. The plot line & pacing were well done with believable scenarios in each case of revenge. The situations are relatable to what teens face daily. Yes, there are cheesy parts, but they’re not cringey. 🙃

I loved the Leads. They’re strong individuals who are both kind & loyal. Their bond was so precious, I just kept smiling at their scenes together. They’re such a sweet portrayal of first-love that’s pure & free of any toxicity. I can watch them over & over.

The side characters are fun too. Loved the two best friends, as well as her big bro. Obviously the favorite was the SML, Cha EunWoo [Seeing him alongside his Astro members is so bittersweet 💔❤️‍🩹.]

I definitely recommend this for an easy, angst-free, teenage drama. Be prepared, though, cause it leaves you asking - who’s behind the app exacting revenge on her behalf…? 🤔

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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.10💋
- Together : ep.7 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Sweet Love in a Toxic World

Our FL is miserable under her mother’s unrealistic expectations. Now a university freshman, she hopes to find a freedom she’s never known. But she’s learning that she’s gonna have to choose - be true to herself & do what she wants or continue living according to other peoples plans for her. Amidst the suffocation she finds a sympathetic soul in her classmate, our ML (who’s all the shades of green 💚).

He dreams of becoming a music producer & is doing all he can to turn his dreams into a reality. While more independent & self-confident than the FL, he’s also struggling with his own set of familial problems. Connected by a shared pain, the two find comfort in each other.

I loved watching the bond develop & deepen between these Leads. Both their past & present interactions endeared them both to me. Through her friendship with the ML, the FL found the courage to stand up for herself against the manipulative SML & her overly controlling mother. The ML’s constant support and steady love for the FL was so beautiful & it helped her to become her own person. These two together are absolutely precious & their on-screen chemistry is 🔥🫠!

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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.3💋
- Together : ep.13 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Low on angst & high in cuteness makes this an easy watch!

The FL is crushing hard on the SML, which causes the ML to tease her relentlessly. But then he realizes that he’s developed feelings for her & her crush no longer amuses him. He begins to pursue her in hopes of winning her affection.

As all this plays out, they’re both facing big choices in their respective sport. She’s a weightlifter who’s not sure she wants to continue. He’s a swimmer who keeps screwing up at his meets.

On top of all the emotions & drama that comes with the college life, they also have difficult family situations. These families will make you ache for their pain & smile for their good times.

A misunderstanding starts them off as enemies who transition to frenemies of sorts. As they get to know one another, they become close friends, which blossoms into lovers. Their journey is filled with the highs & lows of growing up & discovering who they are. Their bond is so sweet & the ways they care for one another are such a joy to witness.

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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.11 💋
- Together : ep.13 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💍

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Ghostly Chaos & Magical Romance

Him - a popular stage & tv magician who dazzles audiences… with the help of ghosts!
Her - a young & passionate police officer seeking justice for her father’s murder.

When their paths cross, dislike is immediate. But a truce is called & an agreement reached - he’ll join the civilian police force to boost his ratings & she’ll get him + the ghosts’ help solving crimes. Perhaps romance will also bloom with this unorthodox partnership…

They’ve both suffered deeply, but they didn’t become cruel people. Instead, they grew strong, not letting anything stop them from reaching their goals.

Our ML was precious in his outwardly cool persona but inwardly childlike innocence. Often seen as aloof & cold, he actually has a really good heart. He just doesn’t trust people anymore so he lives closed off from forming connections.

Our FL is great too. She’s quirky, loyal, & genuine. Her determination is admirable. Her goodness really shines through when the truth of 10yrs ago is revealed - such a beautiful heart she has.

Watching their relationship change & their bond deepen was fun. They’re both so protective & caring. I loved their interactions, both with each other & with the ghost employees.

This was different than I expected, but I still enjoyed it. The cast did good in their roles, bringing both heart & humor to the screen.

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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.13 💋
- Together : ep.13 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: ep.16 💔
- BackTogether : ep.16 ❤️‍🩹

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Love watching a bad boy fall for a good girl…

He’s a motorcycle-riding rebel who’s the school director’s son.
She’s an upbeat 18yo who dreams of being a webtoon artist.

In a school that discriminates between the rich & poor, can these totally opposite classmates find any common ground?

When the FL framed as the school’s mysterious troublemaker X, she’s determined to unmask the true culprit. As X unveils more of the school’s corruption, she works to catch him. But when she learns his identity, will she turn him in or protect the friend she’s come to know?

The Leads are cute & funny. Their interactions made me laugh a lot. Watching the ML come to love her & how protective he is of her is really sweet. And the ways she helps brighten his life are endearing. They’re proof that young love can be true love.

I enjoyed this so much. It’s a good perspective on what teens deal with in high school - the desire to fit in but also be better than; the parental pressure to be the best; the choice to do the right thing or not. I liked that some kids stay true to themselves while others succumb to the pressures; some choose loyalty & friendship while others only look out for themselves. It’s very realistic. And it makes me want to loudly say - Yo, Adults, you already lived your youth. It’s the next gen’s turn now!

PS: for all the Rowoon fans - it’s fun to see him in his side character role here 🤗

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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 : None 🙅🏻‍♀️
- Together : ep.13 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Was not expecting this to be so funny!

All Ahn BoHyun fans need to watch this - he totally slayed this role! His hilarious expressions, comedic timing, emotional displays, fantastic style, & his ever-present dreamy voice… if you aren’t already a fan, you will be after experiencing him in this drama 🫠

The plot had me suspecting everyone of being the main culprit at one point or another (besides the ML’s police crew). I liked not knowing who the big bad was from the first episode, kept things interesting. It started to drag towards the end, but that may just be ‘cause I binged the whole thing at once 🤷🏻‍♀️😜.

I obviously adored the ML. I ached for all he’d gone through & applauded his strength of character in spite of everything swirling around him. Which made me really dislike the FL character for the first half of the show because she was so self-righteous & judgmental. And it really irritated me how she never seemed to grasp that, at their first meeting, SHE was the one at fault, not him. And SHE messed up his life, not the other way around. She blamed him so much when it was all because of HER. 😡 Bleh. Thankfully, she redeems herself & becomes very protective of the ML. She comes to depend on & trust in him, regarding him as a true friend & comrade.

I loved when the main 4 were fully a team, finally accepting the ML as one of them. They made me care for them & root for them all to come out of the danger unscathed. I laughed so much at their ridiculousness & then got teary-eyed at their pain. The cast did a good job drawing me into the story & making me need to know how it all ends.

And while there’s no romance, there’s still romance {iykyk}. 💕

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A Great Transmigration Tale

Reality & fiction collide when the FL is pulled into a comic by the ML. As she tries to figure out how to get back to the real world, she finds herself falling for the man who has no idea he’s a fictional character. And also discovers a villain intent on permanently erasing them both. Will this duo learn to trust each other in time to save each other or are they doomed to cease to exist?

I really enjoyed this drama. It was one of my first k-dramas years ago & helped propel me further in my love for foreign shows. The story easily kept my attention, getting me invested in these characters’ lives & needing to ensure they received their happy ending.

Such beautiful chemistry between a couple who faces unimaginable odds. Their choice to love defies the boundaries of time & space. Their journey is filled with peril & struggles, but that just makes their final victory that much sweeter. 🫶🏻

I laughed, I swooned, I worried, & I got teary-eyed. They made me feel all the feels, which is what I want from a drama. So this is definitely one I recommend to both fans of the genre & newbies to the wonderful world of kdramas.

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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.3 💋
- Together : ep.7 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Heartbreaking & Heartwarming all at Once

A nurse faces many challenges as she navigates the unfamiliar field of the neuropsychiatry dept. She meets a doctor, specializing in proctology, who quickly falls for her pure heart & genuine desire to help the patients in her care.

This is such a GOOD drama. The overall plot line, pacing, & individual stories of the patients & medical staff are handled so well. The whole cast did amazing in their roles, giving life to their characters in such a way that the viewers could either relate to or sympathize for. Kudos to the writers & directors who brought awareness to the daily realty of those living with mental health struggles. These people don’t deserve our judgements & criticism, but rather our compassion & empathy.

Filled with inspirational quotes & wisdom, it caused me to really consider how I treat myself. We’re so often our own worst enemies. We should truly be kinder to ourselves…

Add in a precious dork of a totally green flag ML & you have a beautiful love story that shows what it means to truly love someone on both their best & worst days. I loved how both of male doctors were such softies when it came to their women. 🫠

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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 : None 🙅🏻‍♀️
- Together : ep.11 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Good, but not great

This has an interesting concept - a ML who suddenly and unexplainably experiences the FL’s emotions… and she’s a total stranger to him! The FL doesn’t know that, though, so she’s real confused about this man who keeps running hot and cold with her, protecting her then pushing her away.

Fate keeps putting them in each other’s path, a tentative friendship is born, and attraction flares. The ML finally allows himself to reach for happiness with her but then their love gets tested by a shared history that comes to light - the link between them.

I like that all the connections got explained, all the relationships defined. I’m happy that the good guys won despite the painful odds. And I’m thrilled the Leads got their well deserved HEA. 💗

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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.10 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: ep.15 💔
- BackTogether : ep.16 ❤️‍🩹

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