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Dragonblade #3
The Savage Curtain
The year is 1333 A.D.
At the conclusion of the English victory of Halidon Hill, King Edward appoints Stephen of Pembury the Guardian Protector of the newly captured city of Berwick. To cement this victory, he orders Stephen to marry the defeated Scottish commander's daughter, the Lady Joselyn de Velt Seton. In a marriage meant to symbolize the English domination over the Scots, Stephen is nonetheless attracted to his new bride; a petite, raven-haired beauty with pale blue eyes.
Joselyn is a lady with a horrific past and dark secrets of abuse. She is resistant to the marriage at first but eventually her attraction to Stephen proves too much to resist and the pair fall deeply in love.
But even as their love blossoms, Scots insurgents counter attach Berwick and Stephen is taken prisoner. As the Guardian Protector of Berwick, he is a mighty prize for the Scots and his public execution has been ordered. Stephen's old friends, Tate de Lara (Dragonblade) and Kenneth St. Hever (Island of Glass) must plot Stephen's rescue even as Joselyn and unexpected allies launch their own rescue attempt. It's a race against time to save Stephen from the executioner's sword in this tale of conquest, dark secrets and everlasting love.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2005
384 people are currently reading
360 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Le Veque
325 books2,086 followersJuggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.
Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 12, 2012
Reviewed By BlackTulip for Confessions from Romaholics
When you have already loved not one but two books by the same author, at the third one you have very high expectations ... and once again, it went beyond!
For centuries, the city of Berwick, due to its eminently strategic position as a border town between the kingdoms of England and Scotland, has been the scene of many battles and sieges. The time is AD 1333, the aftermath of the Battle of Halidon Hill. This story opens just after the English troops retake the city and the Scots surrender after a long and arduous siege. Scotland has suffered humiliation once again. These are hard and brutal times!
This is an epic tale full of passionate love and bitter war where the scenery and the action are so vividly depicted that you feel transported to another time and place. The story is long, complex and full of incredible depth but it never gets slow or boring at any time. There are ample medieval battles to appeal to male readers, and abundant romance and sentiment to touch every female reader.
The first couple of chapters are dramatically intense and rough but events get better for a time. However, as the story continues danger and uncertainty arise.
The Lady Joselyn de Velt Seton and Sir Stephen of Pembury are ordered to join their destiny to ensure peace. As an English knight, Stephen has a duty to his king but Joselyn does not. They are thrown together very unwillingly into high drama and an impossible situation. When it could be a disaster, it is anything but.
Two people sworn to hate, forge a love so deep and without reserve that it rises above any obstacle. They both open their hearts to love that they never expected or even suspected could exist. You cannot but fall in love with them ... well I did!
The building relationship between the hero and heroine is beautiful to watch. I love characters that act, react and evolve as the story progresses. This book is a perfect example of that and it grabs at emotions in a very positive and exciting manner.
Ms. Le Veque’s characters are, as always, extremely well done. They have an emotional depth and reasoning behind their actions. I love her fertile imagination and her very special way she tells her story. She always seems to be able to bring something different to each book, something that you cannot find anywhere else.
This was a fantastic and captivating tale with characters both enthralling and endearing. A good deal of suspense and danger keep the book going with numerous twists and turns and even a touch of humor in the dialog from time to time. She weaves here an original tapestry where she interlaces very skillful fiction with actual history.
Despite the fact that this book is the third in the Dragonblade Series, not once did I find myself lost or feeling that something was missing. All I know is that I want to read Tate de Lara’s and Kenneth St. Hever’s stories too and I will as soon as I can. I want this wonderful adventure to continue. For now, I give it 5 stars.
When you have already loved not one but two books by the same author, at the third one you have very high expectations ... and once again, it went beyond!
For centuries, the city of Berwick, due to its eminently strategic position as a border town between the kingdoms of England and Scotland, has been the scene of many battles and sieges. The time is AD 1333, the aftermath of the Battle of Halidon Hill. This story opens just after the English troops retake the city and the Scots surrender after a long and arduous siege. Scotland has suffered humiliation once again. These are hard and brutal times!
This is an epic tale full of passionate love and bitter war where the scenery and the action are so vividly depicted that you feel transported to another time and place. The story is long, complex and full of incredible depth but it never gets slow or boring at any time. There are ample medieval battles to appeal to male readers, and abundant romance and sentiment to touch every female reader.
The first couple of chapters are dramatically intense and rough but events get better for a time. However, as the story continues danger and uncertainty arise.
The Lady Joselyn de Velt Seton and Sir Stephen of Pembury are ordered to join their destiny to ensure peace. As an English knight, Stephen has a duty to his king but Joselyn does not. They are thrown together very unwillingly into high drama and an impossible situation. When it could be a disaster, it is anything but.
Two people sworn to hate, forge a love so deep and without reserve that it rises above any obstacle. They both open their hearts to love that they never expected or even suspected could exist. You cannot but fall in love with them ... well I did!
The building relationship between the hero and heroine is beautiful to watch. I love characters that act, react and evolve as the story progresses. This book is a perfect example of that and it grabs at emotions in a very positive and exciting manner.
Ms. Le Veque’s characters are, as always, extremely well done. They have an emotional depth and reasoning behind their actions. I love her fertile imagination and her very special way she tells her story. She always seems to be able to bring something different to each book, something that you cannot find anywhere else.
This was a fantastic and captivating tale with characters both enthralling and endearing. A good deal of suspense and danger keep the book going with numerous twists and turns and even a touch of humor in the dialog from time to time. She weaves here an original tapestry where she interlaces very skillful fiction with actual history.
Despite the fact that this book is the third in the Dragonblade Series, not once did I find myself lost or feeling that something was missing. All I know is that I want to read Tate de Lara’s and Kenneth St. Hever’s stories too and I will as soon as I can. I want this wonderful adventure to continue. For now, I give it 5 stars.
June 10, 2016
2 stars because there were few editing errors and the writing was decent on a technical level. Good pace, developed characters (although unrealistic), and decent conflict.
I used to be a HUGE LeVeque fan. I say USED to be because after reading this book, I am now resigned to avoid her books henceforth. Yes, I have just deleted her off my favorite authors list, I have had it I'm done.
Why may you ask?
I am tired of consistantly finding immature, weak, childish and unlikeable heroines. She did it again here. I also tire of heros who are supposed to be fierce warriors but act like mother hens to the heroines. Coddling, cradling, and speaking to them as a mother would to a 3 year old. This is not sweet, it is not romantic this is ridiculous.
All of the above mentioned has AGAIN been repeated in this book. This is the last straw for me.
I would like to say to LeVeque that it would greatly benefit her to use a wonderful item called a thesaurus. Please find a different word for "Wriggled." Apparently everyone in the 1300's can only "wriggle their eyebrows".
I also suggest that she not hit the reader over the head repeatedly with the hero's "CORNFLOWER BLUE EYES." I shit you not, I read this over 100 times in this book.
LeVeque may also want to write an epilgoue that is interesting. This one fast forwards 3 years and painfully tells us how unruly Jo-Jo and Stephen's children are playing in the mud. (Yes the heroine is called Jo-Jo in the book. I wanted to throw up everytime I read it).
The epilogue ends with an accounting of every characters children, their names, who they grew up to marry, and what titles they hold. It was basically a list. A list of people I cared not a whit about.
I don't know what happened to this author. Her older stuff was amazing. She used to write great battle scenes with strong, hardened warrior heros. Now they're all pussies who fall in love with heroines who act like 4 year olds. All they do is cry through the book or do idiotic things that make no sense.
Yes the hero in this book is a pussy and the heroine a weak, stupid, crying 4 year old.
I am angry because I loved this author and it is apparent she has changed her writing to appease a crowd of sheep who prefer reading about whimpy characters.
I am truly devestated at losing my once fav author.
I used to be a HUGE LeVeque fan. I say USED to be because after reading this book, I am now resigned to avoid her books henceforth. Yes, I have just deleted her off my favorite authors list, I have had it I'm done.
Why may you ask?
I am tired of consistantly finding immature, weak, childish and unlikeable heroines. She did it again here. I also tire of heros who are supposed to be fierce warriors but act like mother hens to the heroines. Coddling, cradling, and speaking to them as a mother would to a 3 year old. This is not sweet, it is not romantic this is ridiculous.
All of the above mentioned has AGAIN been repeated in this book. This is the last straw for me.
I would like to say to LeVeque that it would greatly benefit her to use a wonderful item called a thesaurus. Please find a different word for "Wriggled." Apparently everyone in the 1300's can only "wriggle their eyebrows".
I also suggest that she not hit the reader over the head repeatedly with the hero's "CORNFLOWER BLUE EYES." I shit you not, I read this over 100 times in this book.
LeVeque may also want to write an epilgoue that is interesting. This one fast forwards 3 years and painfully tells us how unruly Jo-Jo and Stephen's children are playing in the mud. (Yes the heroine is called Jo-Jo in the book. I wanted to throw up everytime I read it).
The epilogue ends with an accounting of every characters children, their names, who they grew up to marry, and what titles they hold. It was basically a list. A list of people I cared not a whit about.
I don't know what happened to this author. Her older stuff was amazing. She used to write great battle scenes with strong, hardened warrior heros. Now they're all pussies who fall in love with heroines who act like 4 year olds. All they do is cry through the book or do idiotic things that make no sense.
Yes the hero in this book is a pussy and the heroine a weak, stupid, crying 4 year old.
I am angry because I loved this author and it is apparent she has changed her writing to appease a crowd of sheep who prefer reading about whimpy characters.
I am truly devestated at losing my once fav author.
September 25, 2012
OMG, I didn't really know what to expect from this book but as I was drawn into the book I became hooked on the story unfolding before me. Having lived in Scotland for two years I know the pride of the people who live there and Katheryn got that part down right. The love story between Stephan and Jo-Jo kept me turning to the next page. But there was so much more than just a love story unfolding here.
The friendship between the three men showed through with fine colors as well. I love the fact that the two children thought they could save Stephan! It was a fine book. You tell a great story Ms. LeVeque!
The friendship between the three men showed through with fine colors as well. I love the fact that the two children thought they could save Stephan! It was a fine book. You tell a great story Ms. LeVeque!
Want to read
May 16, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/16/2020)! 🎁
August 30, 2021
Enemies🔪 to Lovers💘 In Medieval Times
ADULT Historical Medieval 🏰Romance 💕and Knights🐺🍆⛲🔪🐎 Adventure. This is a fictional tale based on true events and real people who made history during these turbulent times in England's long history.
1133 AD , Northumberland, England
The epic adventures of knights, Tate, the illegitimate son of Edward I (Longshanks), Kenneth, and Steven continue in this 4th book about love, treacherous adversaries, and the brotherhood of knights.
ADULT Historical Medieval 🏰Romance 💕and Knights🐺🍆⛲🔪🐎 Adventure. This is a fictional tale based on true events and real people who made history during these turbulent times in England's long history.
1133 AD , Northumberland, England
The epic adventures of knights, Tate, the illegitimate son of Edward I (Longshanks), Kenneth, and Steven continue in this 4th book about love, treacherous adversaries, and the brotherhood of knights.
August 27, 2019
The whole storyline was ridiculous. Lady Joycelyn is forced to marry a stranger, her mother throws herself into a fire and 2 days later she's getting it on with her new husband? It's enough to make your head spin. And what's with the ridiculously inappropriate character names...Remington, Dylan, Tate.
May 24, 2020
Another Emotional Romance
With a forced marriage comes the dawning of a beautiful love story that is full of heartstopping adventure one thing after another. Highly recommended.
With a forced marriage comes the dawning of a beautiful love story that is full of heartstopping adventure one thing after another. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2016
What a great ending to a great Trilogy. The last of King Edward's Knights, Sir Stephan is assigned a Guardian Protector of a volatile kingdom after the English army defeated the Scots. Edward decides that in order to confirm the appointment, Stephan must marry the daughter of the past ruler, Joselyn. This poor girl has had a life of misery and pain and being forced to marry this huge man only adds to her problems. The English have a bad reputation of being hard and mean, so after the horrific death of her brothers and the suicide of her mother, AT the wedding, she doesn't know what to expect. When she discovers that Stephan is willing to make a real marriage out of it. They have to try and build a relationship while the Scots are constantly trying to take over the kingdom.
This was such a beautiful story. I loved the whole idea of a Knight in shining armor, riding in on a charger. I know it's fiction but I always wonder how these hard, tough men melt when the women they love are near. How they risk their lives to try to protect them. What I love even more are the strong women in this series. I'm sure that at the time, this was a rare thing to happen, but I can't say how much I love them and their spunk. These are women to be respected and demand that respect. Lady Joselyn was sweet but she had that feisty side that I adore. I see that there are other Dragonblade books out there and I think I might have to get a few more to complete my collection.
I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone that loves a good love story.
This was such a beautiful story. I loved the whole idea of a Knight in shining armor, riding in on a charger. I know it's fiction but I always wonder how these hard, tough men melt when the women they love are near. How they risk their lives to try to protect them. What I love even more are the strong women in this series. I'm sure that at the time, this was a rare thing to happen, but I can't say how much I love them and their spunk. These are women to be respected and demand that respect. Lady Joselyn was sweet but she had that feisty side that I adore. I see that there are other Dragonblade books out there and I think I might have to get a few more to complete my collection.
I HIGHLY recommend this series to anyone that loves a good love story.
August 22, 2018
This book is a wonderfully romantic tale of love and courage. Stephen of Pembury is a very handsome giant of a man with the kindest heart hidden behind his revered Knightly accomplishments, who meets and marries the beautiful sensitive Lady Joselyn, in the most dire circumstances. She has had a dreadful and harrowing life, but they come together in this romantic and dangerous love story. This is an adventure that will have you gripped, it is a real page turner and I absolutely loved it! Although this book is quite harrowing in it's own way, Kathryn Le Veque is extremely descriptive and really conjures up not only the horrors of war, but the brutality of the time. She also uses her wonderful wit and humour as she re-introduces characters from other books and the conversations between old friends is very entertaining and sometimes extremely emotional and poignant. But it is Cade's story that is really heartfelt and moving and his adventure with Roman is so delightfully entertaining and one of innocence, that this back story adds to this fabulous book. Don't hesitate, another great book from Kathryn.
October 23, 2019
I have submitted this review after listening to the audiobook of this title.
Arranged marriage, in today's modern world, is something abhorrent to our generations. The idea of two people thrown together, for their lifetimes, expected to unite both physically and commit to one another only, forging a family, just to cement an alliance of families or nations, is such a perverse idea.
Yet in all previous times, a marriage of two people, often resulted in an alliance of warring clans.
This story is about such a marriage. About not only two previously unknown individuals being forced together by the victor of conflict, but the relatives and friends, also coming together to secure the freedom of those same two people, when outside forces try to cause further conflict.
It's the end of a very good series of books, or perhaps only the beginning of other generations of stories that need to be told.
Arranged marriage, in today's modern world, is something abhorrent to our generations. The idea of two people thrown together, for their lifetimes, expected to unite both physically and commit to one another only, forging a family, just to cement an alliance of families or nations, is such a perverse idea.
Yet in all previous times, a marriage of two people, often resulted in an alliance of warring clans.
This story is about such a marriage. About not only two previously unknown individuals being forced together by the victor of conflict, but the relatives and friends, also coming together to secure the freedom of those same two people, when outside forces try to cause further conflict.
It's the end of a very good series of books, or perhaps only the beginning of other generations of stories that need to be told.
June 16, 2015
The first KLV book I read was The Wolfe and I absolutely loved it. So much so that I have purchased almost all of the 36 books she has written as well as the The Scorpion that was released a few days ago. But for crying out loud if I read CORNFLOWER BLUE EYES ever again I will cut myself with a spoon. Cornflower blue eyes was written 72 times in a book of 332 pages (courtesy of kindle X-ray feature).
April 20, 2018
Another best seller! They just get better and better. Thrilling, heart pounding and words that were meant to be read, the tale of these young lovers becomes timeless. Many times I would scream at the pages, "just kiss already!" "Are you blind man? She loves you!" "What are you doing woman?" So much emotion, it brought me to tears a few times, and made my hopeless romanticism grow that much more. I would whole heartedly recommend this series to everyone!
January 9, 2019
Desastrosa traducción
A pesar de una pésima traducción, le di las cinco estrellas porque la bella pluma de la autora lo merece. Nos paseo por una rica historia medieval, los personajes fueron adorables,rezumando amor a pesar de las adversidades, lealtad,intrigas. A pesar de la pésima traducción,donde a veces hay que adivinar la palabra, voy a seguir leyendo esta saga
A pesar de una pésima traducción, le di las cinco estrellas porque la bella pluma de la autora lo merece. Nos paseo por una rica historia medieval, los personajes fueron adorables,rezumando amor a pesar de las adversidades, lealtad,intrigas. A pesar de la pésima traducción,donde a veces hay que adivinar la palabra, voy a seguir leyendo esta saga
March 7, 2019
5 stars...the third book in the DRAGONBLADE series is just as AWESOME as the rest. An English knight marries a Scottish lass to unite two warring countries. Engrossing love story with historical events. RECOMMENDED READ!
October 13, 2017
Third read. Oh, this is such a fabulous series! Loved it as much as the first time. Sigh worthy!
November 4, 2014
Overall a good read that I would recommend, but I didn't connect to the main characters the way that I have with some of this author's other works.
June 21, 2024
Another Fight for Berwick
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Berwick was an important castle which the Scottish and the English fought over, throughout the years. In this novel the army with the young English King were able to wrest it from the Scottish. Stephen Pembury was left with groups to secure it. The King forced Stephen to marry the Scottish commanders daughter. It was a rough start but they ended up falling into a deep love. Many moving sequences kept me reading it straight through. Another great novel by Kathryn Le Veque.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. Berwick was an important castle which the Scottish and the English fought over, throughout the years. In this novel the army with the young English King were able to wrest it from the Scottish. Stephen Pembury was left with groups to secure it. The King forced Stephen to marry the Scottish commanders daughter. It was a rough start but they ended up falling into a deep love. Many moving sequences kept me reading it straight through. Another great novel by Kathryn Le Veque.
January 20, 2025
The Savage Curtain
The book is a refreshing take on the traditional heroine archetype, introducing a new and intriguing character in the form of Lady Pebroke. This unique protagonist challenges the conventional expectations of a female lead, offering readers a fresh and engaging narrative that departs from the typical tropes of the genre. The book's innovative approach to character development and storytelling promises to captivate and enthrall readers, providing a memorable and thought-provoking reading experience.
The book is a refreshing take on the traditional heroine archetype, introducing a new and intriguing character in the form of Lady Pebroke. This unique protagonist challenges the conventional expectations of a female lead, offering readers a fresh and engaging narrative that departs from the typical tropes of the genre. The book's innovative approach to character development and storytelling promises to captivate and enthrall readers, providing a memorable and thought-provoking reading experience.
May 29, 2025
Another exciting adventure from Kathryn. I liked the main male characters but Jo-Jo, our heroine, grates a bit by the end of the story as she doesn’t seem to stop crying. Also, if I’m being picky, the story doesn’t tell us what became of Berwick after Stephen et al left. It is a story about enemies to lovers and about familial relationships good and bad. Joselyn is forced to marry Stephen as he is forced to marry her. As their relationship deepens! They are torn apart and Stephen is in mortal danger.
December 5, 2022
Dark secrets.
Sir Stephen Pembury is assigned command of Berwick Castle and along with the command he must marry the defeated commanders daughter Joselyn for an alliance. Neither want to marry but neither fight it. Soon their attraction grows and Stephen becomes very protective of Joselyn when he discovers her horrible secret past. This story is action packed and I loved it. However, I thought this should have been book 3 and Kenneth’s story should’ve been book 4.
Sir Stephen Pembury is assigned command of Berwick Castle and along with the command he must marry the defeated commanders daughter Joselyn for an alliance. Neither want to marry but neither fight it. Soon their attraction grows and Stephen becomes very protective of Joselyn when he discovers her horrible secret past. This story is action packed and I loved it. However, I thought this should have been book 3 and Kenneth’s story should’ve been book 4.
June 8, 2018
5 stars
Dragonblade series is almost as good as de Wolfe. Tates and Stephens stories are my favorites. I do love Kenneth, but his story was just not as interesting to me. I have read this series three times and plan to read it again in the future. Ms. Le Veque is the best for medieval romance.
Dragonblade series is almost as good as de Wolfe. Tates and Stephens stories are my favorites. I do love Kenneth, but his story was just not as interesting to me. I have read this series three times and plan to read it again in the future. Ms. Le Veque is the best for medieval romance.
July 20, 2025
Sweet and exciting
King Edward and his troops defeated Berwick and took over the castle. His plans were to have Stephen Pembury command the castle and marry Alexander Seton’s daughter Alexander Seton who was the defeated Scot’s leader. They marry and soon fall in love but there were complications.
King Edward and his troops defeated Berwick and took over the castle. His plans were to have Stephen Pembury command the castle and marry Alexander Seton’s daughter Alexander Seton who was the defeated Scot’s leader. They marry and soon fall in love but there were complications.
August 27, 2018
Exciting
A wonderful tale of love overcoming all obstacles and the best part was the epilogue telling of the generations! I love how the author links her stories through history! Great reading!
A wonderful tale of love overcoming all obstacles and the best part was the epilogue telling of the generations! I love how the author links her stories through history! Great reading!
January 29, 2019
What a great end to a great series. I loved that in the epilogue it told of the future generations of Kenneth, Stephen and Tate. I loved this story about Jocelyn and Stephen and was pleased when no major characters died. I don't think I could handle it.
April 20, 2020
The Savage Curtain
As this is Kathryn LeVeques fourth and final Dragonblade series book, these are the culmination of the Dragonblade. Stephen and Joselyn have a whirlwind of activity surround them as their tale unfolds.
As this is Kathryn LeVeques fourth and final Dragonblade series book, these are the culmination of the Dragonblade. Stephen and Joselyn have a whirlwind of activity surround them as their tale unfolds.
March 9, 2021
Magnificent
What a fabulous story teller. She never lets one down with her exciting and true to earth heart wrenching stories. This book I couldn't put down. Read it in one day. Such original characters.
What a fabulous story teller. She never lets one down with her exciting and true to earth heart wrenching stories. This book I couldn't put down. Read it in one day. Such original characters.
June 14, 2022
One of her best books.
I really enjoyed this book with everything that kept happening. As I enjoy all of Kathryn’s books. I search out a Kathryn Le Veque books to read because I know I won’t be able to put it down and it will keep my interest.
I really enjoyed this book with everything that kept happening. As I enjoy all of Kathryn’s books. I search out a Kathryn Le Veque books to read because I know I won’t be able to put it down and it will keep my interest.
September 26, 2022
Engaging
Stephen's path to love and happiness with a little help from his friends. The path is frought with danger, forgiveness, battles and the ugly brutality of the thirteen hundreds.
Stephen's path to love and happiness with a little help from his friends. The path is frought with danger, forgiveness, battles and the ugly brutality of the thirteen hundreds.
January 20, 2023
what can I say?
Another brilliant blend of history and fiction! Le Veque’s intriguing story wound around horrific historic battles entertains and excites in this wonderful RS series.
Another brilliant blend of history and fiction! Le Veque’s intriguing story wound around horrific historic battles entertains and excites in this wonderful RS series.
February 15, 2024
5 stars...the third book in the DRAGONBLADE series is just as AWESOME as the rest. An English knight marries a Scottish lass to unite two warring countries. Engrossing love story with historical events. RECOMMENDED READ!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews