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Fitting In: A Heartwarming Exploration of the Art of Fitting In
Heather Bailey has been in charge of Silver Arches, the prestigious London shopping center, for several years. Financial turmoil brings a new investor to secure the future, and Heather finds herself playing office politics with the notoriously difficult entrepreneur Leo Flynn.
Walking a fine line between standing her ground and being willing to accept change, Heather has her work cut out for her. When Leo demands that his daughter get a job at Silver Arches, things become even harder.
Scarlett Flynn has never fit in. Not in the army, not in her father’s firm, not even in her own family. So starting work at Silver Arches won’t be any different, will it?
Walking a fine line between standing her ground and being willing to accept change, Heather has her work cut out for her. When Leo demands that his daughter get a job at Silver Arches, things become even harder.
Scarlett Flynn has never fit in. Not in the army, not in her father’s firm, not even in her own family. So starting work at Silver Arches won’t be any different, will it?
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First published June 15, 2020
172 people are currently reading
560 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Radley
31 books155 followersSee main profile as A.E. Radley
Amanda Radley had no desire to be a writer but accidentally turned into an award-winning, best-selling author. Residing in the UK with her wife and pets, she loves to travel. She gave up her marketing career in order to make stuff up for a living instead. She claims the similarities are startling.
Amanda Radley had no desire to be a writer but accidentally turned into an award-winning, best-selling author. Residing in the UK with her wife and pets, she loves to travel. She gave up her marketing career in order to make stuff up for a living instead. She claims the similarities are startling.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
June 25, 2020
Ugh, i loved this a lot. Indeed it’s heartwarming, and sometimes funny. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I wish it’s longer though. didn’t have enough of Heather and Scarlett. I want a sequel!
July 1, 2024
Really enjoyed this - very PG but that was fine - and the ending was abrupt but the story and characters were A(1) - yes, I didn't want it to end! thank you. Will look out for more by Amanda.
July 16, 2020
Lovely and indeed heartwarming and entertaining story. I feel very comfortable with Radley’s writing style. It’s clear with lots of insight in the thoughts and feelings of her characters. I really liked the characters in this book, not only the mains but also the supporting characters, who were very distinct personalities. Even so Radley made the relationships to each other and the main characters very believable and warm. My only comment is that I would have liked more interaction between Heather and Scarlet sooner in the book. But that is a very small point. This book is going to be on my re-read list.
March 14, 2021
I was a bit worried that this book would play into the neurotypical savior storyline, but then I remembered this isn’t Radley’s first time writing a nuerodivergent character. I have no idea whether or not she herself is educated on the topic or enlisted the help of someone who was but this book managed to be totally appropriate and not at all offensive.
Of course still few qualms lingered that Heather would see Scarlett as someone to be saved until Ravi put her in her place, my ultimate favorite moment in this book.
The epilogue fell a bit flat except for the last line which is a nice note to end the story on.
It’s a nice cute read, I totally recommend.
Of course still few qualms lingered that Heather would see Scarlett as someone to be saved until Ravi put her in her place, my ultimate favorite moment in this book.
The epilogue fell a bit flat except for the last line which is a nice note to end the story on.
It’s a nice cute read, I totally recommend.
June 29, 2020
I feel at ease with Amanda Radley's stories. It seems she writes what I want to read.
January 6, 2021
My heart is happy!
Heather finds herself tasked with placing a difficult employee appointed to her by a new investor at the shopping centre where she is in charge. Only problem is, Scarlett, is the investor’s daughter and more than awkward. Unsure if this is a test, an attempt at sabotage, or just a pure inconvenience, Heather is determined to make Scarlett’s employment a success. Getting to know Scarlett turns out to be quite the experience, and when Heather finally sees something in her that no one else seems to be picking up on, she can’t help but want for Scarlett to succeed.
She’s done it again, just making it impossible for me to pick a favourite Amanda Radley book! This one was a standout story and I can totally see why it was shortlisted for the Amazon Kindle Storyteller award. So, for the time being this will be my new favourite Amanda Radley book, until the next one.
What Amanda decided to explore in this book, ‘fitting in’ is something I personally have always struggled with and so to read about a character such as Scarlett was just lovely. Not only could I relate, it brought back similar memories and situations that made it even easier for me to sympathise, empathise, and just know how she was feeling in any moment. She was complex, yet simple, and I just loved her. We also shared a similar work ethic and morals when it came down to it, so if I could ever relate to a character realistically, it was Scarlett.
I also adored Heather in this story. Most people in her position probably wouldn’t really care about Scarlett the way she seemed to. They perhaps would have cared to the degree of who she was, but not to the personal degree that Heather not only tried to help Scarlett but adapt to her personality and needs. It was extremely accommodating and something often rarely found within corporate workplaces (although I know it does exist!). There was just so much about the whole story that resonated with me, so I became thoroughly engrossed in it and couldn’t put it down.
This is a very special story about so many elements that are hidden between the lines for you decipher when reading. I feel that for everyone this will be a very personal read and you’ll all experience, gain, or relate to something different. It is extremely clever and yet so simple and sweet. Highlighting that we are all different and just taking the time to get to really know someone beyond what they appear is important. Scarlett was one of those diamonds in the rough, dismissed by so many and yet look what they were missing!
A great story with fantastic themes, amazing characters, and just so sweet. I loved every second of the story and can’t recommend it enough. It made me laugh, cry and contemplate a lot of things so it was a fantastic reading experience, and one of those stories I just want to read again, again, and again.
Heather finds herself tasked with placing a difficult employee appointed to her by a new investor at the shopping centre where she is in charge. Only problem is, Scarlett, is the investor’s daughter and more than awkward. Unsure if this is a test, an attempt at sabotage, or just a pure inconvenience, Heather is determined to make Scarlett’s employment a success. Getting to know Scarlett turns out to be quite the experience, and when Heather finally sees something in her that no one else seems to be picking up on, she can’t help but want for Scarlett to succeed.
She’s done it again, just making it impossible for me to pick a favourite Amanda Radley book! This one was a standout story and I can totally see why it was shortlisted for the Amazon Kindle Storyteller award. So, for the time being this will be my new favourite Amanda Radley book, until the next one.
What Amanda decided to explore in this book, ‘fitting in’ is something I personally have always struggled with and so to read about a character such as Scarlett was just lovely. Not only could I relate, it brought back similar memories and situations that made it even easier for me to sympathise, empathise, and just know how she was feeling in any moment. She was complex, yet simple, and I just loved her. We also shared a similar work ethic and morals when it came down to it, so if I could ever relate to a character realistically, it was Scarlett.
I also adored Heather in this story. Most people in her position probably wouldn’t really care about Scarlett the way she seemed to. They perhaps would have cared to the degree of who she was, but not to the personal degree that Heather not only tried to help Scarlett but adapt to her personality and needs. It was extremely accommodating and something often rarely found within corporate workplaces (although I know it does exist!). There was just so much about the whole story that resonated with me, so I became thoroughly engrossed in it and couldn’t put it down.
This is a very special story about so many elements that are hidden between the lines for you decipher when reading. I feel that for everyone this will be a very personal read and you’ll all experience, gain, or relate to something different. It is extremely clever and yet so simple and sweet. Highlighting that we are all different and just taking the time to get to really know someone beyond what they appear is important. Scarlett was one of those diamonds in the rough, dismissed by so many and yet look what they were missing!
A great story with fantastic themes, amazing characters, and just so sweet. I loved every second of the story and can’t recommend it enough. It made me laugh, cry and contemplate a lot of things so it was a fantastic reading experience, and one of those stories I just want to read again, again, and again.
April 10, 2021
So Sweet
Heather is in charge of a big shopping center in London. She has done her best to make the staff feel like part of a family rather than co-workers. She is well liked and respected. However, things are changing including a new massive investor, Leo, who now has a say in how the mall is run. Another new change is that Leo has demanded Heather find a job for his daughter Scarlett. Scarlett has never fit in anywhere she goes. It’s not her fault that the world often doesn’t make sense to her and hasn’t since she was a little girl. She likes things neat and orderly and has a hard time with things being inefficient. She often misses out on social cues and comes across as cold and unfeeling, so she has a hard time making friends too. Heather is determined to not only figure out how Scarlett works, she’s going to do her best to fix the rift between father and daughter.
I loved this book! I adored the heck out of Scarlett! I felt so badly for Scarlett, being sent here and there, not being able to fit in anywhere. Never being understood and unable to understand….She was so complex yet simple once you cracked her code and I loved it when Heather did! Heather was so strong and competent, always standing her ground….When her interests in Scarlett turned romantic and hers to Heather, I couldn’t help but cheer! They make an unlikely yet perfect couple! The whole book is light hearted and sweet, totally perfect! I can see myself reading this book again and again. On a side note, the character of Nico was so much fun and I would LOVE to see a book starring her! Read this book, you won’t regret it!!
Heather is in charge of a big shopping center in London. She has done her best to make the staff feel like part of a family rather than co-workers. She is well liked and respected. However, things are changing including a new massive investor, Leo, who now has a say in how the mall is run. Another new change is that Leo has demanded Heather find a job for his daughter Scarlett. Scarlett has never fit in anywhere she goes. It’s not her fault that the world often doesn’t make sense to her and hasn’t since she was a little girl. She likes things neat and orderly and has a hard time with things being inefficient. She often misses out on social cues and comes across as cold and unfeeling, so she has a hard time making friends too. Heather is determined to not only figure out how Scarlett works, she’s going to do her best to fix the rift between father and daughter.
I loved this book! I adored the heck out of Scarlett! I felt so badly for Scarlett, being sent here and there, not being able to fit in anywhere. Never being understood and unable to understand….She was so complex yet simple once you cracked her code and I loved it when Heather did! Heather was so strong and competent, always standing her ground….When her interests in Scarlett turned romantic and hers to Heather, I couldn’t help but cheer! They make an unlikely yet perfect couple! The whole book is light hearted and sweet, totally perfect! I can see myself reading this book again and again. On a side note, the character of Nico was so much fun and I would LOVE to see a book starring her! Read this book, you won’t regret it!!
March 24, 2021
Right now I’m a bit at loss for more words. I just loved this book so much.
Being autistic myself this story just hit home. Personally I was thinking for almost my whole life that I need to adapt and getting fixed. And well well how much I adapted until the day someone told me I‘m on the spectrum and you can’t do anything about some things. You’re different but not weird. This is exactly the message Amanda Radley gives in this book. How she describes all of Scarlett‘s traits, her thinking, her difficulties to interact with others is just amazing and so accurate. It made me laugh out loud so many times but it also made me cry often.
She also showed in the most perfect way how important clear communication is for someone on the spectrum and how you should approach an autistic person. Then even if many people don’t think we have feelings, I assure you we totally have them and tiny things can hurt the most.
With Heather but also the wonderful side characters Ravi and Nico she created characters that I would like to have in real life. The understanding and wanting to learn about Scarlett was just so heartwarming. Heather actually reminded me a bit of my wife.
After Harper Bliss Two Hearts Trilogy this book is the second I have read with an autistic character. And I’m so happy I found it. I know I’m totally biased about it but if you want to know more about someone on the spectrum combined with a beautiful love story this is the book for you.
Being autistic myself this story just hit home. Personally I was thinking for almost my whole life that I need to adapt and getting fixed. And well well how much I adapted until the day someone told me I‘m on the spectrum and you can’t do anything about some things. You’re different but not weird. This is exactly the message Amanda Radley gives in this book. How she describes all of Scarlett‘s traits, her thinking, her difficulties to interact with others is just amazing and so accurate. It made me laugh out loud so many times but it also made me cry often.
She also showed in the most perfect way how important clear communication is for someone on the spectrum and how you should approach an autistic person. Then even if many people don’t think we have feelings, I assure you we totally have them and tiny things can hurt the most.
With Heather but also the wonderful side characters Ravi and Nico she created characters that I would like to have in real life. The understanding and wanting to learn about Scarlett was just so heartwarming. Heather actually reminded me a bit of my wife.
After Harper Bliss Two Hearts Trilogy this book is the second I have read with an autistic character. And I’m so happy I found it. I know I’m totally biased about it but if you want to know more about someone on the spectrum combined with a beautiful love story this is the book for you.
January 11, 2021
This has been a surprise. I picked this up to pass the time and found myself very much sucked into the story.
Maybe it was because I had a theory about what might actually be the cause for Scarlett not fitting in right from the start. But I think what really drew me in, was Heather's ability to communicate. I must say the older I get, the more attractive I find that.
There must be more books like that, that celebrate love with good communication and understanding.
Maybe it was because I had a theory about what might actually be the cause for Scarlett not fitting in right from the start. But I think what really drew me in, was Heather's ability to communicate. I must say the older I get, the more attractive I find that.
There must be more books like that, that celebrate love with good communication and understanding.
July 25, 2020
Nicely done and a really sweet & heartwarming story. An age-gap, workplace, angst-free romance with a few kisses shared between MCs, Heather and Scarlett. The book features an autistic Scarlett as she tries to fit in at work and with her family while at the same time finding and falling in love.
October 14, 2020
My new favourite Amanda Radley book!
This book is a bloody triumph and so very heartwarming. This is the story we need during these hard times, and I encourage you to go grab a copy now.
This is a very slow burn, but by the end, you are going to know why it was essential to be written the way it was. Scarlett’s journey up until now hasn’t been the easiest, and she deserves love more than anyone I have ever read. She reminded me of a significant person in my life, and I think I bonded with the character from the very beginning because of that.
Usually, when I cry at a book, it is because of the fantastic romantic story or because something sad has happened. Don’t get me wrong this is a very romantic story, but I think I cried knowing that this book is out there for so many people like Scarlett that believe love like that isn’t available to them. Goodness me, I’m teary now writing this review.
I am really hoping this book is the start of a Radley series. A secondary character, Nico, was another reason this story was a win. Every LGBTQIA+ person should have a Nico in their life. And as Nico is so amazing, I think they need their own book. Please, Amanda? Pretty Please?
Amanda Radley has this keen ability, even though she fades to black, to leave you knowing that these characters will have off the charts chemistry in bed. In fact, this book never really alluded to much in the sense of sex, but I know in my little romantic heart that Heather and Scarlett will be amazing in all facets of their relationship.
If you’re looking for a book to tug at your heartstrings, then this book is for you. It really is worth your time.
This book is a bloody triumph and so very heartwarming. This is the story we need during these hard times, and I encourage you to go grab a copy now.
This is a very slow burn, but by the end, you are going to know why it was essential to be written the way it was. Scarlett’s journey up until now hasn’t been the easiest, and she deserves love more than anyone I have ever read. She reminded me of a significant person in my life, and I think I bonded with the character from the very beginning because of that.
Usually, when I cry at a book, it is because of the fantastic romantic story or because something sad has happened. Don’t get me wrong this is a very romantic story, but I think I cried knowing that this book is out there for so many people like Scarlett that believe love like that isn’t available to them. Goodness me, I’m teary now writing this review.
I am really hoping this book is the start of a Radley series. A secondary character, Nico, was another reason this story was a win. Every LGBTQIA+ person should have a Nico in their life. And as Nico is so amazing, I think they need their own book. Please, Amanda? Pretty Please?
Amanda Radley has this keen ability, even though she fades to black, to leave you knowing that these characters will have off the charts chemistry in bed. In fact, this book never really alluded to much in the sense of sex, but I know in my little romantic heart that Heather and Scarlett will be amazing in all facets of their relationship.
If you’re looking for a book to tug at your heartstrings, then this book is for you. It really is worth your time.
March 13, 2021
Not all people are created equal. We are all so very different from each other yet want the same things, love, acceptance and understanding. This is a very well written story about these three wants but from a different perspective.
This is actually the second time I have read this story and I now love it even more.
5⭐️
This is actually the second time I have read this story and I now love it even more.
5⭐️
February 1, 2021
Writing convincing love stories with non-typical characters is tricky. Radley more than measures up to the challenge with this truly heartwarming romance.
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
Read the full review @ https://bestlesficreviews.blogspot.co...
October 7, 2020
Sweet story! I hope there's a sequel coming soon.
June 22, 2020
Heartwarming
This is a heartwarming story, the characters are amazing and dazzling. I love Scarlett, she is a weird, autistic and gorgeous, unable to fit in, despite of having a rich, and successful father. Even their father -daughter relationship was broken, they hardly talked or known each other until Heather, the centre director came along. The story is vibrant, clever, out of the ordinary but real. Autism is a very complicated condition that often is misunderstood. Is a genuine, brilliant and lovely story i definitely recommend.
This is a heartwarming story, the characters are amazing and dazzling. I love Scarlett, she is a weird, autistic and gorgeous, unable to fit in, despite of having a rich, and successful father. Even their father -daughter relationship was broken, they hardly talked or known each other until Heather, the centre director came along. The story is vibrant, clever, out of the ordinary but real. Autism is a very complicated condition that often is misunderstood. Is a genuine, brilliant and lovely story i definitely recommend.
June 22, 2020
Radley tackles the subject with respect and understanding really enjoyable read with likeable characters :)
June 20, 2020
Best Yet
I think this is my favorite Amanda Radley yet. I read this in two days when I should have been working. I just couldn’t put it down. This is well worth reading!
I think this is my favorite Amanda Radley yet. I read this in two days when I should have been working. I just couldn’t put it down. This is well worth reading!
July 17, 2020
Excellent!
This well written story highlights the struggle that anyone who is considered "different" faces daily. In this case, autism in one character makes it hard for others to see beyond those characteristics to realize that we are all human beings first and foremost. Trying to fit in can be a real struggle for those who are "different" because those who consider themselves "normal" expect others to change to be like them. A little understanding goes a long way in making those who seem "different" to able to "fit in"the normal world.
This well written story highlights the struggle that anyone who is considered "different" faces daily. In this case, autism in one character makes it hard for others to see beyond those characteristics to realize that we are all human beings first and foremost. Trying to fit in can be a real struggle for those who are "different" because those who consider themselves "normal" expect others to change to be like them. A little understanding goes a long way in making those who seem "different" to able to "fit in"the normal world.
June 28, 2020
Absolutely loved it!
I enjoyed the representation of autism in a romance, as I find it very rare. As an autistic person, it was very interesting and entertaining when I found similarities within myself.
So not only has the author successfully portrayed aspects of autism, it was done in a light hearted, easy to read and educational way.
I recommend getting the sample at the very least, as it is sure to hook you. I will now be going on to look at the author's other books.
I enjoyed the representation of autism in a romance, as I find it very rare. As an autistic person, it was very interesting and entertaining when I found similarities within myself.
So not only has the author successfully portrayed aspects of autism, it was done in a light hearted, easy to read and educational way.
I recommend getting the sample at the very least, as it is sure to hook you. I will now be going on to look at the author's other books.
September 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this story. I loved watching the relationship develop between Scarlett and Heather. My only complaint, and a minor one, is the POV chapters of side characters. I didn’t see the point and would’ve preferred to hear more from either main character. The ending was a bit abrupt, maybe because I really didn’t want it to end. I wish we could’ve seen more of the relationship. Here’s hoping for a sequel.
Highly recommend!
Highly recommend!
July 8, 2022
A sweet and heartwarming romance with people of difference. In this case, Scarlett Flynn is a person with autism. This is also by far my favorite sapphic romance with an autistic MC!
I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again, I love Amanda Radley's written style! However, I feel like the ending is a bit rushed, and I'm not satisfied with the epilogue. I only wish there were more!
I've mentioned it before, but I'll say it again, I love Amanda Radley's written style! However, I feel like the ending is a bit rushed, and I'm not satisfied with the epilogue. I only wish there were more!
January 3, 2025
I love reading well-done romances with unconventional characters that somehow fit together. This was lovely and felt all too short. I'd love to read a sequel and would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming story.
June 19, 2020
I was lucky enough to win an auction for the Australian wildfire and was allowed to come up with one of the side characters of the story: Nico. And I couldn't be happier with how Amanda portrayed her. Every time Nico appeared in the story I had to smile.
The two main characters are Heather and Scarlett.
Heather runs a shopping center (Silver Arches) in London and basically lives for her work. When Leo Flynn, an entrepreneur, steps into the game and spends a lot of money on Silver Arches, he asks Heather to find a job for his daughter, Scarlet. Rumor has it, Scarlet is complicated and doesn't keep a job for a long time. When Heather sends Scarlet to work at security, it seems like this was a fit for the young woman. Yet, she doesn't make friends and seems...odd.
Heather takes the time to get to know Scarlet and after she invites her to come to the dog shelter, Heather's parents own, the relationship between her and Scarlet change and she starts to understand why Scarlet acts the way she does.
The two main characters are Heather and Scarlett.
Heather runs a shopping center (Silver Arches) in London and basically lives for her work. When Leo Flynn, an entrepreneur, steps into the game and spends a lot of money on Silver Arches, he asks Heather to find a job for his daughter, Scarlet. Rumor has it, Scarlet is complicated and doesn't keep a job for a long time. When Heather sends Scarlet to work at security, it seems like this was a fit for the young woman. Yet, she doesn't make friends and seems...odd.
Heather takes the time to get to know Scarlet and after she invites her to come to the dog shelter, Heather's parents own, the relationship between her and Scarlet change and she starts to understand why Scarlet acts the way she does.
June 23, 2020
Beautiful story of love, family and work
This story is perfect for right now. Communication is key to any relationship. It can be frustrating when what you say (or don’t say) isn’t what the other person hears and vice versa. What makes Heather an excellent manager at Silver Arches shopping mall is her focus on understanding. So when the new owner of the mall asks Heather to find a job for his “difficult” daughter, Scarlett, Heather takes the challenge in stride. In doing so, she finds more than she expects behind the cold “Robot” exterior of Scarlett.
This story is perfect for right now. Communication is key to any relationship. It can be frustrating when what you say (or don’t say) isn’t what the other person hears and vice versa. What makes Heather an excellent manager at Silver Arches shopping mall is her focus on understanding. So when the new owner of the mall asks Heather to find a job for his “difficult” daughter, Scarlett, Heather takes the challenge in stride. In doing so, she finds more than she expects behind the cold “Robot” exterior of Scarlett.
July 6, 2020
Absolutely blissful!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but not this! It is exceptional story, where even those who have issues communicating clearly find someone who will guide them, be patient and stand up by you!
I am never disappointed with Amanda's writing or stories. This one was no exception!
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, but not this! It is exceptional story, where even those who have issues communicating clearly find someone who will guide them, be patient and stand up by you!
I am never disappointed with Amanda's writing or stories. This one was no exception!
June 22, 2020
Amanda Radley never disappoints. Scarlett's idiosyncrasies and social ineptness led me to believe she was gifted on the spectrum; and, I was correct. I laughed at some of her social encounters; especially when she stood on the desk to announce she was dating Heather. It was an enjoyable read and a book that should be read. It was an interesting gaze into the world of a UK shopping mall and didn't get bogged down in the details.
June 21, 2020
Romantic and Beautiful
A very romantic book with unique characters dealing with real Issues, feelings, emotions dealing with all of them with different ways. Gently surfacing the Autism factor with respect and some important information. A beautiful, slow burning, romantic story about family, loyalty and pure love.
A very romantic book with unique characters dealing with real Issues, feelings, emotions dealing with all of them with different ways. Gently surfacing the Autism factor with respect and some important information. A beautiful, slow burning, romantic story about family, loyalty and pure love.
April 4, 2021
4.4 star ratings
Aww....this is such a wholesome story.
Starting with having presentation of an autistic person....as i say, I wish more books engage in representing challenged persons. Secondly, this is probably the most or one of the most PG books i have read on romance. And while that was generally well done by the author, I am curious to want to know how this character in the book would have handled more intimate levels in their relationship 😀.
I must add, I really loved the patreon message the author included and seriously think more authors need to take a cue. As a reader, there are books that give one more value than their price tag, you feel it at the ending of that last page....personally, i have no problem following up with that feeling of appreciation.
Aww....this is such a wholesome story.
Starting with having presentation of an autistic person....as i say, I wish more books engage in representing challenged persons. Secondly, this is probably the most or one of the most PG books i have read on romance. And while that was generally well done by the author, I am curious to want to know how this character in the book would have handled more intimate levels in their relationship 😀.
I must add, I really loved the patreon message the author included and seriously think more authors need to take a cue. As a reader, there are books that give one more value than their price tag, you feel it at the ending of that last page....personally, i have no problem following up with that feeling of appreciation.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews