Review: ‘Vincenzo’ K-drama (2021)

“If you walk alone, you reach quickly. But if we go together, we can go far.” – Kwak Hee Soo

“Vincenzo” this drama has me in a chokehold and I will never be able to escape it. I went into this drama blindfolded and it was the best decision. It was so good because everything was unexpected and in a good way. I typically thought it was a Mafia drama so it would have a lot of action and heroic scenes but it was filled with comedy. So basically in a Mafia world, they try to keep it low and do not get engaged with anyone until somebody challenges them. And I think that was portrayed really well in this drama I saw some people want more Mafia types of scenes. But Vincenzo Cassano as a Mafia lawyer needed to keep it low to not get attention until he was challenged and he truly showed his ability. I love how this show portrayed that the Mafia not only includes action but also intelligence and Vincenzo rocked it.

I loved the courtroom scenes they are hilarious I would say that expect the unexpected where you would expect something you would get unexpected scenes. Hong Cha-young, the girl she is and I love how she is portrayed, a little silly, crack-head, and noisy, but at the same time intelligent and confident. Vincenzo is one of my favourite fictional characters, he is handsome duh, but honestly, he has control over how to deal with people and circumstances. He knows some problems are inevitable and he will face them and how he smartly has many plans to deal with so I think that really made him stand out.

Now let’s talk about the main heroes of the drama, the Geumga Plaza family or the Cassano family and how each of them helped and stood with Vincenzo till the end. The bond they created with Vincenzo and Hong Cha-young was so beautiful and the main star of the show. Then comes Jan Han-seo, he and Vincenzo created a brotherhood that he could not find in his own brother. Ahn Gi-seok, we need to be forever grateful for him and the way he helped Vincenzo. The whole family stood as a shield for Vincenzo, their cornsalad and protected him with their life and it was so heartwarming to watch. Special shout out to Inzagi if you know you know.

“Regret is the most painful thing in life” – Vincenzo

The chemistry between Hong Cha-young and Vincenzo was beyond the words. Actually, they prove that friendship is the most superior form of love and even one real friend is enough. Jang Han-seok is one of the best villains created in K-drama history and all the drama really kept me at the edge. The plot was engaging, dark, entertaining and super fresh.

The only thing I hated in this show was the prosecutor should have been tortured more, he died very easily and I still can’t get over it. He was the reason why most of the problems happened.

I loved the ending, I think it suited the drama very well. I know some people wanted a happy ending but I think the open ending suited it a lot and gave a realistic meaning to the drama. I highly recommend this drama.

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 20

My Favourite Episodes: 6, 14, 16, 17, and 18

Genre: Crime, dark comedy, action, friendship

“Friends are like two souls in one body. Don’t get hurt since it will hurt me, too.” – Hong Cha Young

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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July 24, 2024 0

Book Review: King of Pride by Ana Huang (Kings of Sin #2)

“Even when we broke up. Even when I walked out. Just knowing you existed somewhere in this world was enough.” – Kai to Isabella

Let’s get ready for my unexpected review of this book. King of Pride is the second book in the Kings of Sin series by Ana Huang and honestly, I liked it better than the first one. I know I might get a lot of hate but hear me out. The book’s plot is written more diligently and feels like a proper book than the first one. It’s about Isabella Valencia and Kai Young who cross paths with each other and attraction begins, but both try to restrict that. It has a straightforward plot but I don’t know why I enjoyed this book so much. I giggled, laughed and even blushed maybe because of Kai Young, he is a gentleman who should be appreciated more.

I know a lot of readers like MMC that are grey and here me out I am one of you as well. However, saying Kai is a gentleman does mean a perfect gentleman but also a sultry gentleman that one look from him and you are under the mercy of him. I loved Isabella’s character, she is so outgoing, has no filter, and is actually entertaining. I loved their banter, it was actually bantering and hilarious. The book vibe is very cool and easygoing which I liked. It is a simple book but at the same time will give you a fun read. I liked the fact that there is no breakup, they are very open with each other. They have one of the healthiest relationships filled with sultry flirting, dirty talks, romance, and actual communication.

“I’m never going to stop being me, Kai, and I don’t want you to stop being you. So how can we be together when we belong to separate worlds?”

“By building one of our own.” – Kai to Isabella

Like I said the banter was bantering which was one of the reasons I liked this book. Their silly jokes, straightforward answers, and the tension everything I found were perfectly balanced in this book. The plot is simple, there is nothing extraordinary but still, I liked it maybe because it’s like a palate cleanser but with more banter, I guess. This is one of the few books where I liked the MMC and FMC equally.

I would recommend this book if you want a quick read with a straightforward plot, hilarious banter, likeable protagonists, and romance.

Rating: 4/5

Check out the review for the King of Wrath (Kings of Sin #1)

“Rest assured, you’re not my type, so you don’t have to worry about me hitting on you.” – Isabella to Kai

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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July 17, 2024 2

Review: ‘Flex X Cop’ K-drama (2024)

“In the movie, a cop’s life looks so interesting. They chase the criminals with fascinating actions and handcuff the criminals. You know what they don’t show. A labour of detectives in reality.” – Lee Gang-hyun

One thing you should know about me is that I am a sucker for action and thriller dramas. I don’t care much about the storyline if the action scenes are performed well, and I am satisfied. And it is even better when it has enemies to lovers, friendship and comedy incorporated in them. And guess what “Flex X Cop” is that drama for me that I never expected to like much.

It is about a rich brat, Jin I-soo who became the prey of the wrong time and wrong place. Due to this, he was assigned to work as a detective in the violent crime department under the leadership of Lee Gang-hyun and two other detectives. Now Jin I-soo in a typical bart manner is very not likable and is very blunt so he is not liked by his leader. The enemies-to-lovers trope in this drama taught me that romance is not needed for it to be successful. Both in the starting can’t stand each other but slowly he becomes an important part of the group.

The plot line is great there are many cases included and each was solved in 1 and a half episodes. The end twist was amazing I did see it coming but at the same time, I did not expect it to be like that. I loved the fact that they did not show him overly smart but did include flaws as he is not a real detective which makes it relatable at times and perfectly balances out his character.

Lee Gang-hyun, the girl she is. I loved the fact irrespective of not liking I-soo she thoroughly accepted and did her responsibility as a leader. She looked for him and involved him in the cases. Her action scenes were done so perfectly, I just love her.

The acting was top-notch, the cases involved were astounding, and the ending was mind-blowing. I am not very sure about romance and romantic relationships in action dramas because then the main focus just shifts and allows the drama’s main aim to go down.

In this drama there is no romance at all, both never really thought at all about feelings or relationships which I think was great because it never started so there is no point in ending and nobody gets hurt. The drama does not focus on romance at all but on friendship. Both the leads look and care for each other which shows their proper teamwork.

Talking about the ending, I liked it as it perfectly fitted for the drama. The friendship all four created they didn’t know when Jin I-soo became a part of their group and Jin I-soo did not know what true friendship was until he met them. When it is said that the chemistry in non-romance dramas is so intense that is what I will say about their chemistry.

If you want to watch something action-packed but not too intense this drama is perfect as it has a flow of comedy within it.

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 16

My Favourite Episodes: 12 and 16

Genre: Crime, Comedy, Action

“Everyone has their own task in their life. But I’ve never believed that. Living with no purpose was not that bad.” – Jin I-soo

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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July 9, 2024 0

Book Review: King of Wrath by Ana Huang (Kings of Sin #1)

“Get rid of any romantic notions you may have of us falling in love and living happily ever after. It won’t happen. This is a business arrangement. Nothing more. Are we clear?” – Dante to Vivian

King of Wrath was my first book by Ana Huang and I was disappointed. I have not read her twisted series but I have heard that they are way better than this series. For me, it’s the vibe of the book if I enjoy reading, if I smile, giggle, and laugh then I would love that book. However, this book went flat for me, the main genre was marriage of convenience which I think was not greatly written. I just forgot the book because I did not vibe with the book at all.

Dante Russo and Vivian Lua belong to a wealthy family and are set up for arranged marriage for their respective reasons. I know how much people loved Dante Russo but I couldn’t love him, he did not give me a standard fictional man energy. It was like a Wattpad hero trying too hard, I even cringed. Please do not come for me, if you like Dante that’s great I just didn’t and it’s okay.

Vivian Lua, I don’t know what to say about her she is wealthy and has her own business but is a puppet for her family. I think her family drama was way too dragged, she is independent but can’t take a stand for herself, I thought we were in the era where strong female leads are highly appreciated and maybe a new background story.

I will just say this is another Wattpad kind of read because marriage of convenience is a very hard trope to write. The perfect balance between meeting, banter, and realization is hard to write for this particular trope and this book messed it up. I just think this book missed the whole middle plot, they went from hating each other to craving each other in a matter of seconds I did not understand how it got such a big switch without a proper unfolding.

Just read a Wattpad story that would be better. The book was not for me but might be for you, so all the best.

Rating: 1/5

“You don’t think we’re a good idea but I’ll prove we are. Give me time, mia cara. That’s all I need, besides you.” – Dante to Vivian

Side Note: I just want to clarify that this is entirely my opinion, you are free to love this book and I am free to give my opinion on this book. I would be very happy if you loved this book but please do not take this review to heart; it is okay to have different tastes. Thank You.

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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July 6, 2024 1

Review: ‘Hidden Love’ C-drama (2023)

“He’ll have his family in the future. He has me and many others who love him. We all love you” – Sang Zhi

I will just start by saying that I love this drama so much that I literally think about it every single day. The chemistry, the visuals, the love, the friendship, the bonding, the maturity everything is good in the drama. This drama tells the story of Sang Zhi who at the age of 14 gets a crush on her brother’s best friend, Duan Jiaxu. Now here is one of the reasons why I love this drama more is because he never weirdly looked at her but only as a sister until she turned 19 and he realized his feelings. This is what hooked me to the story, he never romanticised her or thought about her in a weird way when she was a minor.

As you know how so many dramas create female leads as childish and immature this drama right here proves everything wrong. She is a lovable person and she is so thoughtful towards Duan Jiaxu from the moment she gets to know him, I think it is not enough to talk about how much of a green flag Sang Zhi is. She cares for Duan Jiaxu and is very sensible and mature for her age literally even Duan Jiaxu is shocked to see how someone can love him so much.

This drama also breaks the stereotype about how every time a female lead has to suffer, she becomes a problem to the male lead. Talking about Duan Jiaxu, I just want to say he is a man that every woman desires. He is so strong in the amount of things he has dealt with and still can smile and care for others is so courageous. He understands Sang Zhi without any words spoken. He literally cried when he learned how much Sang Zhi loved him for such a long time.

I love that both equally love each other so much. He is there for her and she is there for him. They both trust each other so much which is like a jackpot which is hard to win. There is no break-up, they handled the problem so gracefully and I can see that both were never ready to let go of each other. Also, I love Sang Zhi’s brother, Sang Yan he is the reason why they got together.

The OST is to die for, every time it plays I also sing along. The cinematography was breathtaking. Also, the whole drama is just focused on them there is no second lead couple, it is just basically them which I loved because then we truly can enjoy every aspect of the drama and couple properly without getting bored.

The vibe of the drama is so cute, chill, and just beautiful. It is like a breeze of fresh air that we need very much. Highly recommend this drama, please just watch it and thank me later.

My Rating: 10/10

Total Episodes: 25

My Favourite Episodes: All

Genre: Romance, Brother’s Best Friend, Youth

“She helped me out of the past, I’ll be responsible for her future.” – Duan Jiaxu

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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June 29, 2024 0

Book Review: Then She Was Gone by Lisa Jewell

Then She Was Gone was my first book by Lisa Jewell and I think there are way better books she has written than this one. It is about Laurel Mack, whose daughter, Ellie Mack disappeared 10 years ago. So Laurel Mack is trying to move on and meets a man named Floyd Dunn and his daughter Poppy who look exactly like Ellie Mack and then the story begins.

This was the thriller where I predicted everything the second every character was introduced, which is in the starting part of the book. I had already imagined everything and was flipping pages to read. I have seen many reviews saying it was dark and obviously what happened to Ellie was devastating, however, I did not find this book that dark it was okay for me maybe because I knew what was going to happen. Honestly, I expected more from this book as there is only one plot twist and other times it is just the story going on with no revelation which might be boring but since Lisa’s writing is so simple and addicting and just like that I was finished with the book. For me why it was not dark because Ellie’s POV is not much what was happening to her was told in just a few lines it was from another POV also Laurel’s feelings for her daughter’s disappearance were not explored enough and it was rushed what I felt.

Talking about the setting, it did bring some creepiness to the book and Poppy’s character definitely elevated more. However no other characters stood out to me as such, I felt it was very basic. The other characters were not much explored even Floyd which I felt if explored would make the book more thrilling.

The ending was rushed as I expected more but it ended in a very basic way which for a thriller I did not find thrilling. It was not a bad book, you could definitely read it but I personally would not find myself thinking about this book in the future.

Rating: 3/5 (Please proceed by looking at the trigger warnings.)

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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June 22, 2024 0

Book Review: The Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan

“I thought about how Bree and I were so different…and yet so similar. She carried the guilt of not fighting when she thought she should have, and I carried the scar of what happened when you did. We had each reacted differently in a moment of terror, and yet we both still hurt. Maybe there was no right or wrong, no black or white, only a thousand shades of gray when it came to pain and what we each held ourselves responsible for.” – Archer

I have another romance book to review for you guys. The plot of this book is so beautiful and healing. It is about Bree and Archer dealing with a traumatic family drama. So Bree comes to the small town of Pelion, Maine to overcome her past and create a new life. However, she does not know that there she will meet a boy named Archer Hale who does not like to communicate yet he still will capture the heart of Bree through his captivating eyes.

You know how one random person comes into your life and changes everything, and this book is that for me. I admire Archer and how strong he is as a person who has dealt so much in life and doesn’t even have someone who can support him until Bree. He can’t speak and people don’t even try to talk to him yet he learned sign language.

“It suddenly occurred to me that Archer Hale had taught himself an entire language, but hadn’t had a single person to talk to. Until me” – Bree.

Bree is a sweetheart that truly understands Archer and there are so many quotes in this book that I just love. Bree communicates with Archer with sign language even though Archer can hear why because that would make Archer more comfortable. These are the moments where both understand each other so much.

The family drama is quite to deal with and it definitely breaks my heart when I read about how a child has to go through this all alone. Archer the way in the end stood for himself and made himself strong is so admirable to watch. I love that in the end, the author did not bring Archer’s Voice back otherwise it would not be realistic and it would lose the meaning of the book.

The ending is so cute and just beautiful and I think I also healed a part of myself just like Bree and Archer. Highly recommend this book. Bree lost all of her hope but Archer with his captivating soul was able to give Bree a new life just like Archer lost his voice however Bree was the one who found Archer’s Voice.

Rating: 4/5

“I know I’m probably the last person you want to see right now, but I just thought if I sat on your porch, you wouldn’t be scared. You wouldn’t be alone.” – Archer to Bree (best line in the book)

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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June 15, 2024 0

Review: ‘Lovely Runner’ K-drama (2024)

It is so hard nowadays to find a drama that you know you will return to it again but Lovely Runner is an exception. Man, what a drama! It is filled with every trope that exists. It is divided into three main parts and is a true traveller drama that is not as confusing as other dramas. K-dramas are now creating more male leads that are cheerful and lovable like Ryu Sun Jae. He is literally a loser in love and what a plot twist in the second ep that I did not expect.

Im Sol, is an angel and a hilarious character that did every embarrassing thing to protect her Sun Jaeeeee, hahaha. The girl went through a lot to change her and his fate, but if you are tied by the string of fate, nothing can stop it. The family of both is freaking hilarious, especially Sun Jae’s father. He can’t believe that his son can be this loser for a girl, his reaction is priceless. Im Sol’s mother and brother is another story of sarcasm.

I loved her grandmother and just predicted she was the mastermind. The plot was everything, we get to see idol and fangirl trope, friends to lover trope, dating trope, and even enemies to lover trope which is my personal favourite. In every timeline, their meeting is iconic and hilarious. Kim Tae Sung and Baek In Hyuk need a shout-out for their screen time filled with entertainment.

Now talking about the cinematography, it is like a rainshower that you watch from your window. How the rain falls upon the leaf petals like droplets and how flowers glow in the rain enhancing their beauty. How colourful umbrellas are seen everywhere and how much we want to jump in the puddle and let the rain wash away all our sadness is what the cinematography looks like, you really want to enter into the screen. There is no doubt acting was top-notch.

How much both try to erase each other from their life, but fate always wants them to tangle with each other. Now talking about the ending, to be honest, I don’t personally like the ending of many K-dramas because they drag problems till half of the last episode and only half part is left to show the couple’s happy moments which are rushed.

But Lonely Runner is an exception. The last few episodes did not drag the villain part of the story but let it flow normally with the scenes, which I liked and the last episode was just about their happy moments which is very rare for a K-drama. Lastly, Byeon Woo Seok deserves every appreciation, he truly killed it and Kim Hye Yoon is a sweetheart in acting and their height difference is to swoon for.

The OST is beautiful is an understatement it matched with the vibe preciously.

My Rating: 9/10

Total Episodes: 16

My Favourite Episodes: 11 and 16

Genre: Time traveller, comedy, and romance

If there’s a fate that doesn’t change no matter how much you try to change it means the choice didn’t change. There are choices you make even though you know the consequences. Because you like it. – Sun Jae to Im Sol.

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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June 5, 2024 4

Book Review: The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

I have been eyeing this book for a while and my best friend got this for my birthday. It was my first book by Freida McFadden and honestly, I had high expectations. Did it live up to the hype? Absolutely! So basically it is about a housemaid, Millie who started working for a wealthy family, Winchester which consists of Andrew and Nina, the husband and wife and their daughter. And Millie learned that Nina is strange and secrets start to unfold but does it really or more secrets start to pile up?

The writing of Freida is simple and it kept me engaged till the end. I read this book in one sitting because, in the beginning, I felt like everything was making sense but when the plot twist happened I was shocked and there and then I learned that people who act super sweet are actually psychopaths. Again, This book reminded me that we can’t judge anyone just by their looks but everyone has huge secrets.

Nina is the true character of this book and I absolutely loved her. Freida wrote her so smartly and Nina taught me how to play a real game and win. Another reminder from this book is that if you feel like you are playing the main character in your life, you are the pawn in your own game. The plot twist was mind-blowing, I did not see it coming. Also, this book sheds light on generational trauma, the person is not born like that but the world and people around are responsible for it. Also, the book gives the warning to never trust a person so easily there are a lot you might not know so stay back, know the person and then trust.

I highly recommend this book as it’s very fast-paced and fun. Also, you will get to experience a lot of emotions and the ending is very satisfying.

Rating: 4/5

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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May 25, 2024 1

Book Review: Icebreaker by Hannah Grace

“I can’t believe you think I could ever reject you, Anastasia, You have no idea, do you? The lengths I’d go to if you’d let me. What I’d do to make you happy.” – Nate to Anastasia.

Once again, remind me not to judge a book by its cover. But here the cover was absolutely beautiful but the inside was not up to the mark. I do not consider myself a big romance reader because whenever I read a romance book it does not make me feel butterflies but empty from the inside. For me, romance is not excessive physical intimacy but things that make me feel the whole zoo in my stomach. Staring, tension, slow burn, light hand touches, gestures, and small things that scream intimate love.

As a literature student, I am not a stranger to how writers for centuries have written female characters as inferior and villains. And in the 21st century, it is the same. Anastasia Allen, the FMC is so annoyingly written that I could not bear to continue because of her. Nate Hawkins, what another green flag.

To be honest, when I first read the meeting of FMC and MMC I thought Nate would be a red flag but the way he understood her and talked to her was so green-coded. There is no plot in the book, it is just straight-up smut and forced smut I felt like and I didn’t feel any chemistry between the characters as Anastasia was so annoying from the start.

The only thing I liked about this book was Nate’s friendship group was freaking hilarious and I loved it. Henry, the character he is; if he exists in real life, I want him as my best friend. What a guy, I have never admired a fictional character like Henry and his book is coming very soon. He kept whole toiletries needed by girls in his room, so anyone who needed them could use them. I hope Hannah doesn’t ruin it and shows Henry how savage, straightforward, and understanding he is.

And lastly, the Epilogue was absolutely not needed, it was one of the parts that killed the vibe of the book for me.

Rating: 2/5 (only for Henry)

“Whether you two are together or not, if you are tired of Nathan you can sleep in my room. I’ll get the air mattress again.” – Henry to Anastasia.

Till we meet again, Be Happy, Be Grateful, and Keep Smiling – a girl who likes to write.

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May 18, 2024 0