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These Haunted Heights
The tiny town of Sebastian's Bluff is a photojournalist's dream come true. But Ron Winters doesn't expect the moody, mysterious man next door to get under his skin and stay there.
When Drew LaSalle meets Ron, feelings he thought twenty years gone stir to life again. He wants what he could have with Ron. But does he want it enough to get past his own walls and grasp it?
Secrets, spirits and tragedy converge as Ron peels back the layers of Drew's past and Drew fights both Ron and his own ghosts on the haunted road to happily ever after.
When Drew LaSalle meets Ron, feelings he thought twenty years gone stir to life again. He wants what he could have with Ron. But does he want it enough to get past his own walls and grasp it?
Secrets, spirits and tragedy converge as Ron peels back the layers of Drew's past and Drew fights both Ron and his own ghosts on the haunted road to happily ever after.
265 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2011
3 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Ally Blue
90 books449 followersAlly Blue penned her first tale at age eight, relating the breathless terror of her little sister’s not-quite-fatal encounter with a bee in the backyard. That was the beginning of a lifelong love affair with storytelling. She now writes gay romance of all flavors, and has recently branched into writing her first love: horror. She continues her neverending quest to scare herself. She is not a hippie or a brain surgeon, no matter what her kids’ friends say.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 11, 2012
I absolutely loved this! I read it in practically one sitting (of course I did have to break for food). I could not put it down without knowing there would be a HEA for Ron and Drew.
There was so much sexual tension and angst I couldn't tear myself away. I didn't know if should sigh or cry. I felt so much for these guys and the slow burn was so good and so worth it.
I guess I would call this a contemporary with a paranormal element. I did have the ghost figured out but it still creeped the crap out of me.
I loved the setting and the imagery and I can still see Ron's pictures in my head. This story just pulled me in and I felt like l was right there with the characters on the bluff. I wasn't going to go anywhere else until I reached "The End"
There was so much sexual tension and angst I couldn't tear myself away. I didn't know if should sigh or cry. I felt so much for these guys and the slow burn was so good and so worth it.
I guess I would call this a contemporary with a paranormal element. I did have the ghost figured out but it still creeped the crap out of me.
I loved the setting and the imagery and I can still see Ron's pictures in my head. This story just pulled me in and I felt like l was right there with the characters on the bluff. I wasn't going to go anywhere else until I reached "The End"
October 22, 2025
✰ 2.75 stars ✰
At first I thought that twenty years worth of memories and fear like chains coiled around one's soul was a really long time to have your heart closed off from ever loving another again, stubbornness or stupidity or perhaps a pain impossible to shake off. 😢 But, then I thought that even I've not let go of things a lot longer than that, so I was a little more forgiving towards Drew's somewhat unbelievable rejection of Ron's insta-cravings of flirtatious charms and subtle glances that were a dangerous mix of curiosity and heat. 🙂↕️
And when he learns of Drew's tragic past, his wariness of his home, and the traces of the ghost that linger longer and deeper than just within These Haunted Heights suddenly do make sense, does Oberon James Winters, photographer on the go, see sense?? 🙂↔️ Well, not entirely, because he was hot and horny for him, and Drew was living off some very pent-up urges that surged into a crash course of stumbling and fumbling their way through sweat, sex and the sea and just feeling out all the repressed energy and desires. 😏
“Damn. And here he’d thought sex was the biggest danger. He hadn’t counted on love.”
Once they had cooled off, or rather dried off 😇, the emotional onslaught of laying down their vulnerabilities and desires, that ache for tender loving care they both genuinely craved and longed for was sweet. Earnest. And understanding that not all tears came from grief. 🥹 The angst and general uncertainty revolving around Drew's trauma slowly pieced itself together as they approached the fear of the unknown and unresolved. A softness that wrapped itself around them that dispelled all the lingering fears that had haunted Drew for so long. 🩶🩶
There were a few wayward moments and characters I felt could have taken a backseat and none would have been the wiser - the prolonged secrecy to Drew's past a bit underwhelming. I don't know how i felt about the inclusion of small-mindedness in a small town, but I figured it was one way for it to make it easier for Drew and Ron to move forward without hesitation or regret - that it’s a beautiful day to start over.' 🤷🏻♀️
“The things worth having? They ain’t easy. You gotta fight for ‘em. Fight. That’s what he’d come here for, wasn’t it? To fight for what he wanted.”
It is a bittersweet awakening towards healing, something both of them desperately needed, but couldn't admit. It was the way young, sexy, educated, accomplished Ron rattled Drew's nerves that reminded him that there is still a part of him worthy of love and to stop hiding and start fighting for what he deserves. 🥺 To be still bull-headed to deny him that happiness felt naught in the face of one as wanting as Ron, who soothed that coldness in him, more than just the remnants of a past that wished to be let go. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
“How in the hell had he managed to fall so fast and so hard for a man he’d never even get the chance to truly know?”
At first I thought that twenty years worth of memories and fear like chains coiled around one's soul was a really long time to have your heart closed off from ever loving another again, stubbornness or stupidity or perhaps a pain impossible to shake off. 😢 But, then I thought that even I've not let go of things a lot longer than that, so I was a little more forgiving towards Drew's somewhat unbelievable rejection of Ron's insta-cravings of flirtatious charms and subtle glances that were a dangerous mix of curiosity and heat. 🙂↕️
And when he learns of Drew's tragic past, his wariness of his home, and the traces of the ghost that linger longer and deeper than just within These Haunted Heights suddenly do make sense, does Oberon James Winters, photographer on the go, see sense?? 🙂↔️ Well, not entirely, because he was hot and horny for him, and Drew was living off some very pent-up urges that surged into a crash course of stumbling and fumbling their way through sweat, sex and the sea and just feeling out all the repressed energy and desires. 😏
“Damn. And here he’d thought sex was the biggest danger. He hadn’t counted on love.”
Once they had cooled off, or rather dried off 😇, the emotional onslaught of laying down their vulnerabilities and desires, that ache for tender loving care they both genuinely craved and longed for was sweet. Earnest. And understanding that not all tears came from grief. 🥹 The angst and general uncertainty revolving around Drew's trauma slowly pieced itself together as they approached the fear of the unknown and unresolved. A softness that wrapped itself around them that dispelled all the lingering fears that had haunted Drew for so long. 🩶🩶
There were a few wayward moments and characters I felt could have taken a backseat and none would have been the wiser - the prolonged secrecy to Drew's past a bit underwhelming. I don't know how i felt about the inclusion of small-mindedness in a small town, but I figured it was one way for it to make it easier for Drew and Ron to move forward without hesitation or regret - that it’s a beautiful day to start over.' 🤷🏻♀️
“The things worth having? They ain’t easy. You gotta fight for ‘em. Fight. That’s what he’d come here for, wasn’t it? To fight for what he wanted.”
It is a bittersweet awakening towards healing, something both of them desperately needed, but couldn't admit. It was the way young, sexy, educated, accomplished Ron rattled Drew's nerves that reminded him that there is still a part of him worthy of love and to stop hiding and start fighting for what he deserves. 🥺 To be still bull-headed to deny him that happiness felt naught in the face of one as wanting as Ron, who soothed that coldness in him, more than just the remnants of a past that wished to be let go. ❤️🩹❤️🩹
June 5, 2011
This book hit all my buttons in a good way. I liked Ron's character so much, he was one of those that I would like to know for real. Drew...well...he was frustrating in a violence inducing way. Seriously, I wanted to hurt him, but you kind of understand where he's coming from, so I have forgiven him...mostly. I also enjoyed picturing the scenery through their eyes, seemed like such a beautiful place. Just the right combination of light, flirty fun that had me laughing out loud, some major angst that made my heart ache and made me want to inflict physical pain (Drew) all at the same time, a bit of a paranormal mystery that I appreciate was NOT over the top and even though you don't get overwhelmed with sex, the build up and tension was pretty intense and the scenes that you do get were seriously hot. It worked for me, I loved it!
October 25, 2015
2011 Rainbow Awards Honorable Mention (5* from at least 1 judge)
February 8, 2011
4.5 stars. Very good paranormal m/m romance about a photojournalist who's staying alone at his aunt's house on the Oregon coast while he shoots a story about the area. Mysterious crying from the empty tower room and a handsome brooding neighbor complicate things in interesting ways...
March 10, 2011
At first, seducing Drew was nothing but a nice sport for Ron. But as he gets to know Drew better, he soon perceives the depths of pain and despair within the other man. Before he knows what happens. Ron is playing for keeps. And so is Drew, but he’s got a formidable opponent: himself.
Both characters are likeable and well-drawn, although I had some minor issues with Drew. He has suffered a terrible trauma, but after so many years and given the way he feels about Ron, he acts a bit erratic and over the top aggressive at times. Yet, this wasn’t so far-fetched that I couldn’t indulge him. Ron, though – he was wonderful, open and unashamed about what he was and what he wanted. His patience with Drew bordered on that of a saint – in his stead, I’d have given up on Drew much earlier. Then again, Ron got the lowdown on Drew’s ghost – quite literally. I found myself really caring for those two, rooting for them and cheering them on to their well-deserved, completely satisfying HEA.
Speaking of which, those ghostbusters were fabulous (although from how they were pictured, I found myself constantly looking for Scooby Doo). By bringing them in, the author took every trace of horror from the plot, turning it effectively into the plain paranormal mystery it was laid out to be.
Due to all the angsty emotional turmoil Drew and Ron have to overcome there wasn’t really a lot of sex in this book; what little there is, was filled with purpose and emotions and described in graphic detail. There were quite many kisses, though, and those were hot enough to scorce the pages.
I also loved the coastal setting of the story and the way the author used Ron’s professional eye to transport me, as a reader to this place where I have never been in my life, picturing it so vividly I could practically smell the sea. Very well done.
All in all, a very well crafted romance with an almost believable paranormal element and a completely satisfying solution. Highly recommended.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
Both characters are likeable and well-drawn, although I had some minor issues with Drew. He has suffered a terrible trauma, but after so many years and given the way he feels about Ron, he acts a bit erratic and over the top aggressive at times. Yet, this wasn’t so far-fetched that I couldn’t indulge him. Ron, though – he was wonderful, open and unashamed about what he was and what he wanted. His patience with Drew bordered on that of a saint – in his stead, I’d have given up on Drew much earlier. Then again, Ron got the lowdown on Drew’s ghost – quite literally. I found myself really caring for those two, rooting for them and cheering them on to their well-deserved, completely satisfying HEA.
Speaking of which, those ghostbusters were fabulous (although from how they were pictured, I found myself constantly looking for Scooby Doo). By bringing them in, the author took every trace of horror from the plot, turning it effectively into the plain paranormal mystery it was laid out to be.
Due to all the angsty emotional turmoil Drew and Ron have to overcome there wasn’t really a lot of sex in this book; what little there is, was filled with purpose and emotions and described in graphic detail. There were quite many kisses, though, and those were hot enough to scorce the pages.
I also loved the coastal setting of the story and the way the author used Ron’s professional eye to transport me, as a reader to this place where I have never been in my life, picturing it so vividly I could practically smell the sea. Very well done.
All in all, a very well crafted romance with an almost believable paranormal element and a completely satisfying solution. Highly recommended.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
June 14, 2011
I can not encourage you enough to read this book. It is everything that I want from a book, not just in it's own genre but through any.
The story is an emotional roller coaster, the two lead characters could be me, or you, or your neighbour. The events could be anywhere. There were a few times I got very misty eyed as the story unfolded. Parts of this book left me where I almost couldn't breathe waiting to find out what was going to happen.
No scene was to long and drawn out, or unneeded. Who ever edited this worked VERY hard.
I will agree with one thing I read about Ally Blue - she is the Queen of Angst.. but DO NOT let that put you off.. I'll be adding Ally Blue to my list of Authors to read more of..
Cheers,
b
The story is an emotional roller coaster, the two lead characters could be me, or you, or your neighbour. The events could be anywhere. There were a few times I got very misty eyed as the story unfolded. Parts of this book left me where I almost couldn't breathe waiting to find out what was going to happen.
No scene was to long and drawn out, or unneeded. Who ever edited this worked VERY hard.
I will agree with one thing I read about Ally Blue - she is the Queen of Angst.. but DO NOT let that put you off.. I'll be adding Ally Blue to my list of Authors to read more of..
Cheers,
b
February 5, 2013
4.5
Oh wow, that was such a beautiful story. I really loved (almost) every part of it! I loved Ron - he's just awesome! Courageous and honest and ready to face his life and his fears head on! - and although Drew annoyed the crap out of me at times - seriously, sometimes violence seemed like a good option here - I liked him, too.
The story line was almost completely focused on the romance, while the paranormal aspect of it was very much in the background and I was pretty glad about that. What I really liked about this story, though, was the way it was written. It was paced perfectly and the words and the phrasing just fit.
The little spark for a full-blown 5 star review was missing , but it came damn close. Definitely recommended!
Oh wow, that was such a beautiful story. I really loved (almost) every part of it! I loved Ron - he's just awesome! Courageous and honest and ready to face his life and his fears head on! - and although Drew annoyed the crap out of me at times - seriously, sometimes violence seemed like a good option here - I liked him, too.
The story line was almost completely focused on the romance, while the paranormal aspect of it was very much in the background and I was pretty glad about that. What I really liked about this story, though, was the way it was written. It was paced perfectly and the words and the phrasing just fit.
The little spark for a full-blown 5 star review was missing , but it came damn close. Definitely recommended!
June 12, 2012
♥There was more then a few times I wanted to throw my my kindle at the wall.lol Dre was Stubborn Ron was so DAMN CUTE!!
♡Creepy But Real GOOD!!
♥Drew was an Ass but totally redeemed him self eventually!!
♡Really it was a great story. Something different great book for a challenge!!
YAY me for keeping up with it!!
♡Creepy But Real GOOD!!
♥Drew was an Ass but totally redeemed him self eventually!!
♡Really it was a great story. Something different great book for a challenge!!
YAY me for keeping up with it!!
October 26, 2017
Loved this. Poor Drew was so broken. And Ron was patient and understanding.
There was no doubt who the ghost was but that didn't matter, this was all about the relationship.
FYI: Another god damn awful cover from MRI.
FYI 2:
There was no doubt who the ghost was but that didn't matter, this was all about the relationship.
FYI: Another god damn awful cover from MRI.
FYI 2:
November 30, 2011
3.5 Stars Nice story about a photojournalist, Ron who while staying at his aunt's place in a small town in order to complete an assignment, finds himself attracted to his next door neighbor, Drew. Drew, however, has a past that he has not let go of and he has a lot of barriers in place to avoid emotional entanglements. He is both attracted to and afraid of his feelings for Ron. In the meantime, the house that Ron is staying at appears to be haunted. Does this have anything to do with Drew's past? Will Ron be able to break down Drew's walls ? Will a ghost buster team be involved? Well, you'll have to read to find out.
There were a couple of puzzling things. There's a point made that Ron is using a large format camera and talk of also using a dark room for development. Most pro's today, except for a few holdouts, use digital cameras and a lot of companies aren't producing film anymore. I think the writer needed to write in an explanation on why he was doing this, as it doesn't fit in with the contemporary story that's being told.
In addition, a lot of the plot/suspense hinged on the fact that Ron doesn't know the history of the house he's living in and he questions whether something happened in the house years ago. He tries to find out by questioning people, who block him, and by going to the library. He never once does what most people would do today; look it up on the computer. Not doing this simple thing just made it seem like the storyline was stretched out unnecessarily.
Those couple of things marred my enjoyment of the story somewhat, but I'd still recommend it. There's a lot of sexual tension between Ron & Drew but only a couple of sex scenes and the angst is in the mid range for me.
There were a couple of puzzling things. There's a point made that Ron is using a large format camera and talk of also using a dark room for development. Most pro's today, except for a few holdouts, use digital cameras and a lot of companies aren't producing film anymore. I think the writer needed to write in an explanation on why he was doing this, as it doesn't fit in with the contemporary story that's being told.
In addition, a lot of the plot/suspense hinged on the fact that Ron doesn't know the history of the house he's living in and he questions whether something happened in the house years ago. He tries to find out by questioning people, who block him, and by going to the library. He never once does what most people would do today; look it up on the computer. Not doing this simple thing just made it seem like the storyline was stretched out unnecessarily.
Those couple of things marred my enjoyment of the story somewhat, but I'd still recommend it. There's a lot of sexual tension between Ron & Drew but only a couple of sex scenes and the angst is in the mid range for me.
February 15, 2017
2 stars because I somehow managed to read it all and didn't put the book down (which is honestly more a testimony of my habit of finishing books I start reading, rather than the quality of the writing). The story could've been easily edited to half its length.
October 9, 2013
A very typical Ally Blue book where you have a decent characters and a decent story. When I started reading M/M - the genre wasn't as vast as it is now, and Ally Blue was a prolific author. I will always be thankful for her writing and introducing me to the genre. Fortunately, the M/M genre has expanded and we have so much more choice. So I've read this story before and I have read better.
Ron is a photojournalist from New York, he had come to Sebastian's Bluff with his boyfriend but that didn't work out. He stayed at the house his aunt bought to get some photos of the area.
Drew is a local who has a haunting past. The characters were decent and I believed in their relationship. Drew's significant other . I would have preferred this didn't veer into the paranormal because it became cheesy and it really took away from the serious subject matter. The paranormal aspect and how the author wrapped up the end with a quick bow made me roll my eyes.
Overall it was okay.
Ron is a photojournalist from New York, he had come to Sebastian's Bluff with his boyfriend but that didn't work out. He stayed at the house his aunt bought to get some photos of the area.
Drew is a local who has a haunting past. The characters were decent and I believed in their relationship. Drew's significant other . I would have preferred this didn't veer into the paranormal because it became cheesy and it really took away from the serious subject matter. The paranormal aspect and how the author wrapped up the end with a quick bow made me roll my eyes.
Overall it was okay.
March 10, 2012
Not quite a five, but more than just a four as well lol.
What makes a good book? Well, for me it's a number of things. I need to like the idea. I also need to be comfortable with the settings. It needs to have a story and any added interests (ie crime solving, paranormal etc) are added bonuses. And I need to feel something for the MC's. I don't have to love them, but they need to connect with me on some level. In other words I need to give a damn lol.
Well this book had it all in spades. I loved the idea and the story was great. The settings were beautifully and graphically described. And the MC's... well yes, they both grabbed me for different reasons and wouldn't let go. Actually I'm still wondering about them, hoping that they are both okay.
This story took me on a real journey; from the angsty, self-doubting and self-hating moments to the utter joy when things go right. Thank you Ally Blue for another fantastic book.
What makes a good book? Well, for me it's a number of things. I need to like the idea. I also need to be comfortable with the settings. It needs to have a story and any added interests (ie crime solving, paranormal etc) are added bonuses. And I need to feel something for the MC's. I don't have to love them, but they need to connect with me on some level. In other words I need to give a damn lol.
Well this book had it all in spades. I loved the idea and the story was great. The settings were beautifully and graphically described. And the MC's... well yes, they both grabbed me for different reasons and wouldn't let go. Actually I'm still wondering about them, hoping that they are both okay.
This story took me on a real journey; from the angsty, self-doubting and self-hating moments to the utter joy when things go right. Thank you Ally Blue for another fantastic book.
April 14, 2012
I have really enjoyed every Ally Blue book I've read and this book is no exception. This has a little of everything going for it. The story opens with Sebastian, an adorable big city photojournalist, being dumped while visiting his aunt's new house for a weekend getaway. He isn't especially torn up over it and decides to stay since the beautiful area he is in will make a great setting for a photo piece. He soon meets Drew, a sexy older man who lives near his aunt's house and there is an instant attraction between them. Over time they develop a friendship of sorts, but their attraction makes it hard to keep things platonic. As their relationship deepens Drew panics. Angst (and a haunting to keep things lively) ensues.
Ally Blue somehow always manages to get the angst in her stories just right. There is always a good bit of it, but it is never too much and the angst always makes sense.
Ally Blue somehow always manages to get the angst in her stories just right. There is always a good bit of it, but it is never too much and the angst always makes sense.
September 29, 2012
God, this kind of HEA really makes me angry. The way this story ends it definitely didn't feel realistic. It was a bull.
This whole long story circles around a dramatic mysterious haunting and a man, Drew, who never got over the death of his first serious lover William, who hung himself because he was depressed.
This whole story is written around Oberon, or short for Ron, who is a photojournalist and is set to discover why is his aunt's house haunted by crying echo. Anyway I was pissed of by Drew. He is set on hiding behind his tragic past and living as a loner, for 97% of this story.
And at the end as a magic Drew decides to head over to Ron's place and confront himself with his hurtful, even dreadful past. And that's because Drew doesn't wish to lose the chance to be with Ron.
This whole long story circles around a dramatic mysterious haunting and a man, Drew, who never got over the death of his first serious lover William, who hung himself because he was depressed.
This whole story is written around Oberon, or short for Ron, who is a photojournalist and is set to discover why is his aunt's house haunted by crying echo. Anyway I was pissed of by Drew. He is set on hiding behind his tragic past and living as a loner, for 97% of this story.
And at the end as a magic Drew decides to head over to Ron's place and confront himself with his hurtful, even dreadful past. And that's because Drew doesn't wish to lose the chance to be with Ron.
January 10, 2012
3.75 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for hurt/comfort novels and this fits the bill. The only complaint I want to voice is how perfect the ending came together. Drew was mourning the loss of a loved one for 20 years and magcally over night he is better. It was a bit fictional...but I guess that's what I'm reading, right??
There was also a little paranormal aspect to the story that makes it a bit spooky and it's part mystery although I had the 'mystery' of Drews past solved right away.
A definate recommendation for those who like an angsty love story with a paranormal twist.
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a sucker for hurt/comfort novels and this fits the bill. The only complaint I want to voice is how perfect the ending came together. Drew was mourning the loss of a loved one for 20 years and magcally over night he is better. It was a bit fictional...but I guess that's what I'm reading, right??
There was also a little paranormal aspect to the story that makes it a bit spooky and it's part mystery although I had the 'mystery' of Drews past solved right away.
A definate recommendation for those who like an angsty love story with a paranormal twist.
on-hold-for-now
August 23, 2012I made it to about 46% (chapter 12). I tried to like this book but I'm really struggling. I can't connect with either of the characters and I feel like nothing is happening. Every time I think it's about to pick up, two paragraphs later whatever made me think that just turned back into nothing happening. I don't even feel a connection between the characters nor do I feel any tension between them. I need to put this one on hold. I want to DNF it but I don't think I could actually do that. It'd bug me too much so I'll come back to it later. :(
March 19, 2018
Sorry but this was not the best Ally Blue I have read. One word springs to mind - verbose. This story could have been half the length and gained credibility. This is not to say that I don't get on with angst in a book but really is the story trying to make out that Drew LaSalle is a modern day Queen Victoria? Also the reasoning behind Drew behaving as he does to me at least is pretty lame.
Sorry but not one of my favourite reads. Two stars.
Sorry but not one of my favourite reads. Two stars.
April 2, 2013
I really enjoyed this story. I've read it twice now and it's one of those stories that you remember for a long while afterwards. I had wanted to read it again but couldn't remember what it was called and finally stumbled upon it again. Glad I did.
There were some girly moments where you think to yourself that, yup, this was written by a woman but not as noticeable as other books I've read.
There were some girly moments where you think to yourself that, yup, this was written by a woman but not as noticeable as other books I've read.
May 31, 2012
I don't usually enjoy contemporary drama (well, this one has a small paranormal storyline, but it is basically contemporary drama), but I simply couldn't get enough of this one. The characters feel real and I quickly felt a connection to them. A lovely read, one of the best novels of this author in my oppinion.
December 18, 2016
Really nice story with good writing and interesting characters. Hard to talk too much without giving things away. Different from what I expected based on a few other of Blue's paranormal novels, but I like being surprised. Fan of hers, then it's a must read. Like a little angst, a story with supernatural overtones, and Heather. Then, I'd also recommend.
February 7, 2011
maybe 4.5? Or average: 4.25 :p
February 13, 2021
A drawn-out, well-developed love story with great backgrounds, both the paranormal and the panorama.
Read
April 6, 2013I just LOVE the Popess of Gay Angst!!!
March 28, 2011
Ally Blue is the queen of the angsty read and THH is no exception.
October 2, 2013
I did enjoy this book very much but at the same time I also had a few issues with the relationship between the two main characters.
July 26, 2014
Loved this one :) Poor William :(
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews