Decreed by Fate (2022)

Surprisingly engaging. Entirely bingeable!!

I started watching this fully expecting it to be silly and nonsensical and a good distraction - and it was - but interestingly - it was quite a bit more… and I actually enjoyed it.

The overall story is not new and seemed like a “mush-mash” of other fluffy historicals. But even though the FL was typically over the top and antics-oriented - the drama managed to convey a FL character that was independent and open-minded. The values portrayed were female empowering and I liked that.

It has a reverse harem theme but not in a gratuitous way. The FL openly admires the male form - and female as well - she can admire a beautiful woman without malice. She is Portrayed as comfortable with her own emotions and wishes and demanding equality in her relationship. At first she could be viewed as silly but we do get a sense of her pure and honest heart. She is practical and direct in her admiration.

The MLS are both wonderful and our FL has good chemistry with both. I loved that this was a love triangle but - not really. Instead it actually came across as our our FL just exploring her options to figure out who she connected better with physically and from the heart. She had enough chances to check out who really made her heart race! She also treats both MLs sincerely and wholeheartedly. Once she figures it out she commits to her choice and all parties respect and support that. So no toxic love triangle.

Our course all is that aside — this was a visual feast when it comes to MLs. Enough shirtless scenes of these two gorgeous men who emoted strength as well as tenderness just like I like my leading characters.

If you are okay with a bit of silliness with a not so perfect story nir production - this is a fun quick watch with a twist at the end that might mean another season —— and I would not mind giving a second season a try if that’s the case.

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A handsome ML and some satisfying PDA

OK - so the story was full of holes and didn't have much substance - but the chemistry between the actors was terrific, and I appreciated the little twists in the story along the way and at the end. The ML was worth every scene he was in especially because he's gorgeous - but the FL was irritating as hell. Maybe her sister would have been a more fitting FL.

The best part of this production for me was the PDA - real kisses, not those pressed lip fake kisses. Not overdone or shocking - but real and romantic, and that made the series for me and earned a 7.5 rating. That's why I look for ROMANTIC historical stories. If you're looking for something light to watch in between serious drama, this one will do! (And looking at the ML is worth it!)

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