I never write reviews. Partly due to laziness and partly because there will be plenty who are better at writing reviews. However I am writing a review now because I was so impressed with this drama. First drama where I didn’t skip scenes or cringe at silly antics by the characters particularly female characters. It was overall a well written and well executed drama. Great mixture of romance, mystery, action and humour. It was pure enjoyment with minimal frustrations or disbelief at ridiculous actions or plot (except for one scene out of 32 episodes).
What I loved about this drama:
* Great chemistry between the OTP. Beautiful couple who compliment each other. Except for the one scene where the FL thought the ML was responsible for the massacre of her clan which was quickly resolved anyway there was no unnecessary misunderstandings or conflicts. They trust, respect and support each other from beginning to end.
*Kissing scenes between OTP ... omg hot! None of those motionless eyes open kisses that are so common in c dramas. I liked how the FL also initiated many of their kisses.
*Not only is the FL strong, intelligent and independent but all the female characters are strong in this drama. No silly, bratty, airhead females with whiny voices (my pet peeve). Even the foreign Princess showed her strength of character when she confessed her feelings to the guard but didn’t expect anything in return.
*Handsome ML (pure eye candy) who isn’t your typical stoic, stern hero. He is calm , easy going and cheeky which compliments the FL more reserved personality. He gives FL the space she needs, trust in her ability and judgment even though she is a female. The actor although new did a great job portraying this character.
*No love rivals! So refreshing. Just wholesome healthy relationships.
*The strong bond and trust between the 5 friends and the royal brothers.
*It didn’t take long for the ML to realise FL was a female. Which meant there was sufficient time for the romance and relationship to develop.
*The villainous uncle although evil was also comical at times (talking to the parrot, his facial expressions like rolling his eyes) which was fun to watch.
*Great pace. Plot moved along nicely with no drawn out misunderstandings or angst. Mysteries weren’t that difficult to solve but still entertaining and each mystery was solved within a couple of episodes.
*The ending. Everything is resolved. The bad guys are killed, the good guys get their happy ending. No one had to die unnecessarily. Script writers take note... this is how you write an ending.

This is a light hearted drama that has a tight plot with interesting characters and relationships that remain consistent throughout the drama. It goes to show you don’t need the typical annoying tropes to create an entertaining drama.