dramallamareviews

Mix of Fantasy & Romance

I thoroughly enjoyed watching these Leads in a previous collaboration so I was quite excited to watch this one, but unfortunately I didn’t enjoy this nearly as much as their drama, “Moonlight”. *Note: if you’re disatisified with this one’s ending (typical of this genre), go watch that one! 😉

It’s not that this drama was bad, per se, I just felt like they didn’t allow the actors to show their full potential in the romance department. Like… where were the kisses?! They have great chemistry so I was simply disappointed that it wasn’t allowed to fully bloom like I know it can. If you don’t watch it as a romance fan, though, & only go in for the fantasy aspect you’d probably enjoy it more than I did.

Again, this is NO SHADE on the cast, they all played their roles very well. It simply didn’t satisfy the romantic in me. 💕

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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.20 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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That Shower Kiss if Famous for a Reason!

A producer & a part-timer participate in a “24-Hour Frozen Human” project, but instead of waking up in 1 day, they wake up 20 years later! 😱Now they need to adjust to their new reality where the world & everyone they know has aged 2 decades, while also have navigating the risks to their health from being frozen so long. As they work together to integrate back into their lives, love blooms unexpectedly. 💕

I enjoyed this drama for all it brings to the screen - humor, mystery, romance, low-key angst, & the contemplation of what it would be like to endure what this cast goes through. I laughed, I cringed, I swooned, & I cheered for these Leads as they faced the challenges together. They had such a great chemistry as co-workers/frenemies then as friends & confidants & finally as lovers who’d risk it all for each other. Their story is adorable & I’m glad I had the pleasure of watching it.

It’s definitely one I recommend for fans of kdrama rom-coms 🤗

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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.10 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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Good for it’s genre

When a photographer returns to her hometown following a scandal she runs into her ex-boyfriend, rekindling the flames of romance. Can they clear the air & forgive past hurts or is their love destined to remain unfinished?

So, second-chance isn’t really a trope I enjoy because I want to see the couple fall in love & stay together rather than watch a couple who still loves each other refusing to just admit it, deal with the issues in the way, & get back together. With that being said, I love both the lead actors so I watched it anyway. And if you’re a fan of that trope, then this is definitely one to watch because it’s really well done.

And all the extra beauty of it is a bonus : the small town bond between the residents; the mother-daughter duo’s cuteness; the multiple love stories; the familial & friend loyalty; the baddies getting served some well-deserved karma. And, of course, the Leads have such a great bond & chemistry that you’ll enjoy their scenes. Everyone did really well in their roles!

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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(past), ep.9💋
- Together : ep.14 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: In past, not present 😅

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A Young Love that Lasts

A youth drama in which an adorably stubborn FL approaches the top student ML for a reason - inside him beats the heart of someone she loves! As they navigate school, exams, & a rapidly-approaching future will their mutual crush turn into shared love or will misunderstandings cause them to walk different paths?

Putting aside the few eps where the FL misjudged a situation & cut ties with the innocent ML (leaving him confused & heartbroken), I enjoyed this duo. Their high school antics & their college campus romance were filled with sweet moments. Just get through the short bit of messiness & enjoy them together 😉

As for the support cast, I wasn’t real impressed. The females in the friend group were really immature & toxic towards their love interests, imho, which made them unlikable for me. And the SML’s constant delusions & interference in the Leads’ relationship was extremely annoying. I’m never gonna root for people like that, I just can’t stand them 🤪 *the characters NOT the actors playing the roles!!*

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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: Nope 💍

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What would you change if you could “loop”?

A detective mysteriously gains the ability to “loop” - remembering the days that repeat 5 times while everyone around him doesn’t. This gives him an advantage in solving his cases & apprehending criminals. While investigating recent murd3rs & thre@ts, he discovers he’s not the only one with this ability. Now he’s racing against time to unmask the villain & stop them before they achieve their ultimate goal.

As if that pressure isn’t enough, the woman he loves is a scientist for the company that’s at the middle of his case. Will he manage to keep her safe while still doing his job or will the case prove too much for him to handle?

This is a great sci-fi, time-travel, whodunit drama! The plot is filled with twists & turns to keep you guessing, the pacing is well done & doesn’t get boring, & the cast’s talent keeps you engaged all the way through. And, of course, the romance is a sweet bonus. 🫶🏻

Humorous & serious, light & angsty, heartwarming & heartbreaking - this drama brings it all to the screen so kudos to everyone involved in its creation. 👏🏻

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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.12💋
- Together : ep.16 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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“Never Give Up… Never Back Down”

A group of former Olympians become cops & are placed on one team to use their unique talents to now fight crime. They have a rough start due to nobody taking them seriously but as they learn to work together they start gaining recognition… & jealous rivals.

This is by far the bloodiest & most gruesome kdrama I’ve ever watched but OMG it is so good! Honestly, the only part I didn’t like was how much screen time the villains got (side note: kudos to Oh Jung Se for being so evil! 😈) simply because I just wanted to see the heroes more!

The cast did ah-mazing, imho. I was hooked on each of their stories, hurting for their pain & cheering for their triumphs. Each had such a core of goodness in them, overcoming so much & continuing to live each day. They went through a rollercoaster of emotions & I was right along with them for the ride.

The overall case was intriguing with good pacing; each of their talents were impressive; their character growth was excellent; the romance was so sweetly satisfying; & the bond that forms between the ML & SML is perfection! 🫠

Park Bo Gum was definitely the star of the show, but his fellow actors { Kim So Hyun, Lee Sang Yi, Heo Sung Tae, & Tae Won Seok} didn’t at all disappoint! 👏🏻

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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.8 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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A Love Worth Everything

A voice actress’s life changes after meeting a chemistry professor. Despite it being only a brief encounter, neither one is able to forget the other. When his family tries forcing him into an arranged marriage for business purposes, the ML reaches out to the FL with a proposition of his own.

His family is hecka toxic. A controlling & judgmental mother. A corrupt & envious brother. A sister-in-law who wants the ML for herself. Will the Leads ever have peace amidst their drama?

Now, the Leads together are super precious. I loved how, despite everything swirling around them, they never had any drama between the two of them. They fully trusted one another & only had eyes for each other, never allowing any room for potential love rivals. They were loyal, affectionate, & 100% devoted. Their relationship was a top priority & they continuously protected each other - physically, as well as emotionally & mentally, which are just as important!

I loved watching the ML change his usual demeanor & lifestyle to better fit with the FL. Not because she demanded it, but because he cared about making her more comfortable in their new life together. And the ways the FL worked to understand & appreciate his quirks was heartwarming. They’re so green together. 💚🫠

Not all his family was bad. His younger brother & sister were both sweet. The grandmother was kind. The staff was like a real family to the ML. Their best friends were also supportive with no toxicity.

Overall, I enjoyed this drama. The cast did a good job getting me invested in their story. And the Leads have a love that we all wish to find 💖

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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: Nope 💍

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Mystery. Action. Romance. Check, Check, & Check.

When a prince has his military rank revoked, he goes undercover as a commoner to unmask the villain behind the treachery. Along the way, he meets a smart & resourceful female detective whose skills impress him. They quickly form a bond &, along with other young sleuths, they team up to uncover the truth.

I really enjoyed the Leads & the progression of their relationship. It felt realistic, their growth from partners to lovers. I always fall for a protective man so this ML had my vote from the start with his immediate protection of & support for the FL. The actors had good chemistry & very natural “skinship”. And their relationship leads to some humorous scenes since the ML is the only one who knows the FL is a woman for a fairly good portion of the drama…😉

Their little squad was great, too. No betrayals, jealousies, or fall outs. When FL’s secret is found out there’s a fight between the ladies due to hurt feelings, but they work through it fairly quickly. Bonus - no toxic love rivals, yippee!

I wasn’t really all that interested in the evil plot line portion so I skipped a lot of the villain scenes, especially towards the end as the pacing started to drag a bit. Overall, though, I enjoyed this historical drama & I’m happy I watched 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.14 💋
- Together : ep.14 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💝

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For all the fangirls (or boys) & the ones who love them…

A gallery director & his curator clash when he takes over the new position. With things they both wish to keep hidden will they ever learn that they’re safest with one another?

I admit, at first I wasn’t real keen on the FL since obsessive fan-girling isn’t something I can relate to BUT she definitely grew on me & I came to love her character. She’s quirky, loyal, independent, & kind - all things that catch & keep the ML’s attention. Now him I was always a fan of with his own quirky personality & confident aura. They were such a good match for each other, both as coworkers & as lovers - their chemistry is fantastic with all the beloved swoon-inducing scenes 🔥🫠! And I really loved how they both handled discovering one another’s secrets & then helping protect each other afterwards.

If you like mature couples who know how to communicate & genuinely care for one another then this is a duo I highly recommend you spend some time with 💕

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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: Nope 💝

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Want sweet romance & addictive chemistry? Look no further!

Their bond formed in childhood as “siblings” but her parents’ divorce tore them apart. Now as adults, she sets out to find him. But the man she meets isn’t the brother she remembers - the studious & obedient little boy has become a rough bad-boy into underground boxing & street racing. Can she get past his walls again or will he forever keep her at a distance?

First - whoaaaa, chemistry!🔥🫠 As siblings & as lovers this duo does NOT disappoint! Their every interaction is laced with enticing tension & once it ignites it’s an inferno that neither intends to put out - they can’t stop ki$sing or keep their hands off each other. That’s how couples behave in reality so I love when they play that out in dramaland too!

I really loved the relationship progression between the Leads, as well as the way his friends took care of her. The Leads are precious as they navigate their new dynamic as adults, rediscovering & nurturing their bond that never d!ed. He’s hot, rough, & protective; she’s beautiful, sweet, & 100% about him. I hated their breakup, but they both matured & grew during those years apart. When they reconcile, they’re able to love one another better. And I absolutely adore that we get a whole last episode dedicated to their HEA!!💃🏻

If you’re a fan of the bad-boy & sunshine girl trope then this is a love story you don’t want to miss! This has such a unique confession scene too 💜🩵

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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: ep. 20 💔
- BackTogether : ep.25 ❤️‍🩹

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Beware : Swooning Imminent!

From meeting in a fantasy game to becoming boss/employee in reality, it seems this duo was destined to meet. Will their interactions in both fantasy land & the real world bring them closer together or drive them apart?

I enjoyed this story of the stoic, jaded CEO ML melting under the influence of the friendly sunshine FL. Their chemistry leaps off the screen as they navigate their dual roles of the game & workplace. Being roommates adds extra tension, the kind us viewers love to watch!

They’re both great characters. I really liked the FL - she’s kind, honest, mature, & genuine. She doesn’t play games or suffer fools. I loved how she handled the SML’s attention - she was neither naive nor a pushover. Her stance was clear & she left no room for misunderstandings. Yay for strong Leads who don’t lower themselves to cater to others’ feelings!

Hers is a quiet strength while the ML’s is more in-your-face. I really liked him too, even with his flaws. He started cold & closed off, but he was never cruel. There was some push & pull as he fought his feelings for her, thinking he didn’t deserve happiness. But once he surrendered to his heart? That man was ALL IN! They were such a mature & healthy couple whose interactions & affections were realistic for their ages (thank you, writers!!)

Beautiful cinematography. Great support characters. Easy to follow plot. Solid pacing. Both heartfelt & humorous. I definitely recommend this for lovers of the romance 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.13/19💋
- Together : ep.19 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: ep.24 💖
- 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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A Gem of the Genre

Getting inside the head of a violent villain isn’t easy. Neither is being the assistant of a brilliant criminal psychologist. Will she have the courage to stay on the job…?

This is by far one of my favorites dramas in its genre. So freakin’ good! The cases, plot twists, and pacing were all executed very well. The secondary characters performed good and helped draw you into each episode.

The chemistry between the Leads is really good. The way they grow to trust in, depend on, and love each other is a lovely journey to witness. They both experience great personal growth due to their relationship.

If you’re on the fence about watching this, I strongly advice you to jump off on the side of “yes” and get right to it. If you’re a fan of this genre, I can’t imagine you won’t like this one!

[[sidenote: one thing that bothered me was when the foreigners would talk to each other - one would speak English & the other would reply in Chinese. I think they either needed to speak the same language or converse with the help of a translator. The way the show did it was so awkward that it pulled me out of the seriousness of the scenes.]]


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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: Nope 💖

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When Introverts Love…

The FL’s life is good until tragedy strikes - her boyfriend breaks up with her & moments later she learns that her mother passed away. Reeling from the weight of the events, she heads to a seaside village with a plan to do nothing but recharge & heal for a year.

There she meets the ML, who was once a math prodigy with a bright future, but is now living a simple life as the town librarian. He’s a kind, quiet man with skeletons in his closet. When these two lost souls meet, a friendship slowly forms & a bond develops between them, blooming into a beautiful love.

The Leads are so sweet. Watching them work up the courage to approach one another & their awkward interactions is so cute. The actors did great! When I think of this couple, the words “quiet” & “peaceful” always come to mind. They don’t have a burning passion, but rather a warm & comfortable love. Like being wrapped in a favorite blanket, safe & secure. 💕

They’re both so low key that they’re often misunderstood. Like since they usually just listen, people think they don’t have much to say. Or because their strength isn’t outwardly overt, they’re assumed to be weak-minded & weak-willed. Watching these two stay true to themselves & not give in to the pressures to change was so satisfying. As a fellow introvert, I really related to them.

The only “negative” was the SFL - she really annoyed me with her selfish words/actions & her constant interference to make the ML to do/be what she wanted. I was really happy when he finally made things perfectly clear to her regarding his wants & feelings. 🙌🏻


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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 : 🙅🏻‍♀️💋
- Together : ep.11 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💖

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Enjoyed This Way More Than Expected!

Love & mystery collide when 3 very different scholars come to the capital to take the civil service entrance exam & seek lodging in the same guesthouse…

The home is run by an adorable & quirky innkeeper who’s doing all she can to hold onto her inn & protect those close to her. But what is she hiding at the back of her property? Will these scholars help her in her endeavors or bring ruin to her plans?

First, there’s the handsome but seemingly cold scholar whose identity is a mystery. He pushes her away one moment only to pull her close in the next. Will she ever learn who he is & what he feels for her?

Next, there’s the scholar she counts as a dear friend & brother figure, though he views her as more. Lately, he’s begun keeping secrets & disappearing, leading her to question what he’s gotten himself caught up in…

Last, there’s the mischievous and somewhat lazy scholar who seems like an open book but actually hides very deep scars & secrets of his own.

With them all having secrets it’s hard for them to trust, but they slowly come to do so as the story unfolds. I loved watching their interactions, from the humorous moments to the heart pounding action scenes. Of course, the romance was the total highlight for me - loved our Leads together! They’re both so protective and devoted, makes my heart swoon 🫠

Historical dramas aren’t usually my thing, but I truly loved this. Watching the friendship form & deepen between these 4 (& the secondary cast) as they begin to work together to save the kingdom was so satisfying 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.11 💋
- Together : ep.12 👩🏻‍❤️‍👨🏻
- BreakUp: Nope 💖

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