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Gilded, A stand alone morally gray hero romance
From New York Times bestselling author Skye Jordan comes a bold new morally gray romance—dark, seductive, and unlike anything she’s written before.
For twenty years, I’ve hunted one man. The monster who destroyed my childhood and disappeared behind a fortress of wealth and power. I’ve come for blood—and I won’t stop until I deliver him to hell myself.
When I infiltrate his inner circle, posing as a potential partner, I discover his greatest a daughter. Hidden. Sheltered. Promised to his equally depraved business partner as a trophy bride—and a payoff for years of loyalty.
At first, she’s nothing but a tool. Another pawn I can use to bring her father to his knees. So, when he complains that she’s too pure to satisfy him, I offer to educate her. My ticket deeper into the empire I intend to burn to the ground.
She was supposed to be leverage.
Instead, she’s the only thing I’ll kill to protect—and die to keep.
For twenty years, I’ve hunted one man. The monster who destroyed my childhood and disappeared behind a fortress of wealth and power. I’ve come for blood—and I won’t stop until I deliver him to hell myself.
When I infiltrate his inner circle, posing as a potential partner, I discover his greatest a daughter. Hidden. Sheltered. Promised to his equally depraved business partner as a trophy bride—and a payoff for years of loyalty.
At first, she’s nothing but a tool. Another pawn I can use to bring her father to his knees. So, when he complains that she’s too pure to satisfy him, I offer to educate her. My ticket deeper into the empire I intend to burn to the ground.
She was supposed to be leverage.
Instead, she’s the only thing I’ll kill to protect—and die to keep.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
49 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
July 29, 2025
This was a really interesting read for me. It covers some tropes I’m not particularly keen on, dubious consent/coercion is definitely not for me but I really love this author so I put my big girls pants on and gave it a go. It definitely covers some tricky subjects but I have to say it’s written really well. I took my time with it and didn’t rush the read and gave myself time to enjoy it rather than rush the bits I’m not so comfortable with.
Malia and Luka have both suffered abusive childhoods although both very different to each other. Malia may not of wanted for anything in terms of physical needs but she was completely left in the dark with every other aspect of living a life. Luka suffered terribly, abused and used for a large chunk of his childhood. This is a tale of revenge and violence mixed in with discovery and redemption. It’s full of twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
There’s some really beautiful moments between these two and it balances well with the more violent aspects of the story. The chemistry sizzles to a high heat as the story unfolds as they both start to have feelings that really shouldn’t be there considering the circumstances.
Malia and Luka have both suffered abusive childhoods although both very different to each other. Malia may not of wanted for anything in terms of physical needs but she was completely left in the dark with every other aspect of living a life. Luka suffered terribly, abused and used for a large chunk of his childhood. This is a tale of revenge and violence mixed in with discovery and redemption. It’s full of twists and turns and keeps you on the edge of your seat.
There’s some really beautiful moments between these two and it balances well with the more violent aspects of the story. The chemistry sizzles to a high heat as the story unfolds as they both start to have feelings that really shouldn’t be there considering the circumstances.
August 6, 2025
Well... I can honestly say that was darker than I expected it to be. Luka is definitely a man worth knowing regardless of the type of work he's into. He can train me any day 😉. I felt like Malia definitely did not fit in her father's world, and as we see, she had no inclination of what type of person he truly was. She does amazing work for charities around the world and had no idea her father was partaking in such illegal affairs.
We see Luka and Malia become closer than either of them thought possible. When opportunity presented itself, Malia took down the one person who was hurting her the most, while Luka and his team took down the others. Their unconventional and their relationship because more than they thought possible.
We see Luka and Malia become closer than either of them thought possible. When opportunity presented itself, Malia took down the one person who was hurting her the most, while Luka and his team took down the others. Their unconventional and their relationship because more than they thought possible.
July 24, 2025
I was warned that this book would be dark. I took that warning with a grain of salt—after all, I enjoy a good dark romance from time to time, and I absolutely love Skye Jordan’s writing. If she was branching into something new, I was all in and ready to give my honest opinion.
That being said: consider this your warning—Gilded is dark. Read with caution.
Gilded is deliciously dark. Luka is on a mission to destroy the man who ruined his childhood—no matter the cost. He will Infiltrate the man’s inner circle and exploit his greatest weakness. What Luka never expected was that he would fall victim to that very same weakness.
This is a tantalizingly violent, intense, and spicy story that pulled me in and refused to let go. It’s the kind of book that will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even cursing out loud. Skye Jordan has delivered something bold and gripping—and I loved every second of it.
That being said: consider this your warning—Gilded is dark. Read with caution.
Gilded is deliciously dark. Luka is on a mission to destroy the man who ruined his childhood—no matter the cost. He will Infiltrate the man’s inner circle and exploit his greatest weakness. What Luka never expected was that he would fall victim to that very same weakness.
This is a tantalizingly violent, intense, and spicy story that pulled me in and refused to let go. It’s the kind of book that will have you laughing, cheering, and maybe even cursing out loud. Skye Jordan has delivered something bold and gripping—and I loved every second of it.
August 1, 2025
This book features Malia and Luka. His traumatic past has formed who he is today. What she sees is not who he really is. They meet and are instantly attracted to each other but most definitely should not be. The world they live in is very dangerous. Can she unknowingly prove to him that she has nothing to do with the tragic things her father does? Will she come to believe he is not who she thinks he is?
This story is tragic! Out of the ashes a phoenix is born and his name is Luka! I think the same could be said of Malia . This amazing story is about pain, tragedy, betrayal, loss, love and learning to live again in the most basic of ways. A fabulous, well written book that deserves your undivided attention. It’s a story that at the end, allows you to finally exhale that breath you’ve been holding throughout the entire book.
This story is tragic! Out of the ashes a phoenix is born and his name is Luka! I think the same could be said of Malia . This amazing story is about pain, tragedy, betrayal, loss, love and learning to live again in the most basic of ways. A fabulous, well written book that deserves your undivided attention. It’s a story that at the end, allows you to finally exhale that breath you’ve been holding throughout the entire book.
July 19, 2025
This is a dark read. Lukas has a vendetta he has been chasing for twenty years. He will use anything and everything to fulfill it. Malia has been a reclusive princess for most of her live. She brings in billions of dollars for charity or so she thought. She has learned her father uses a bulk of those dollars to fund human trafficking. Malia tries to escape and is now held as a captive and her father has given her to his sadistic business partner who is also abusive. Lukas is making inroads toward her father and volunteers to teach Malia the sexual ropes for her soon spouse. Lukas finds things are not as he thought and they both work to find a way out of their situations. This is fast paced and at times hard to get through, however this is a story that will keep you guessing.
July 28, 2025
This is very different from what I usually read but I love Skye Jordan so I was very interested in checking this one out. I enjoyed this trip into the darker side more than I thought I would. It was emotional learning about Luka’s past and Malia’s too. What they both went through is awful. Kindred spirits with so much baggage. Despite how hard she tries, their chemistry is off the charts.
I love how protective he is of her. Luckily despite all else there is a HEA in sight.
Really enjoyed this one!
I love how protective he is of her. Luckily despite all else there is a HEA in sight.
Really enjoyed this one!
July 28, 2025
I adore Skye Jordan's stories. They always make you think. They take you places you don't expect. In this story you find yourself loving the unlovable. This is a dark story that has a morally grey hero after revenge and a very sheltered young woman who has just discovered how truly evil her father really is. She's desperate to escape him but he makes it impossible. She's facing an arranged marriage to her father's violent and abusive partner with no way to avoid it. I started this book and was unsure if I could finish it but then Luka entered the story and I saw possibilities. I also trusted Skye to take me through the story to a truly happy ever after. She did it in spades.
Malia Tarik "Eros" is almost twenty-one and unbeknownst to her about to receive her billion dollar trust that her father has hidden from her. She lives on a private island just of the coast of New York that is a fortress keeping her in, and everyone out. Her father uses her as the face of his various charities that collect millions she thought were helping orphans around the world. In reality they are funding and fronting child trafficking operations. After a failed escape attempt with her bodyguard she discovers the truth and how violent her father and his partner Soren Zeiger are. She has the bruises and stitches to prove it.
Luka Bravo "Arias" is 36 and after revenge against Malia's father who killed his parents and enslaved him twenty years ago. He has amassed a fortune and a reputation. The world thinks he's a security specialist for criminals. As "The Phantom" he rescues kidnapped and enslaved people. His core team are boys who were enslaved with him as a child. They are tighter than brothers. He has positioned himself to be available to Tarik to be his new security chief as he has taken out Tarik's former chief. When he meets with Soren he volunteers to "train" Malia to accept Soren's extreme tastes in BDSM, as Soren likes his women experienced. This way Luka can discover how involved Malia is in her father's business and find himself in the inner circle to learn more about the island defenses. This begins an amazing story of two damaged souls finding their soulmate.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.
Malia Tarik "Eros" is almost twenty-one and unbeknownst to her about to receive her billion dollar trust that her father has hidden from her. She lives on a private island just of the coast of New York that is a fortress keeping her in, and everyone out. Her father uses her as the face of his various charities that collect millions she thought were helping orphans around the world. In reality they are funding and fronting child trafficking operations. After a failed escape attempt with her bodyguard she discovers the truth and how violent her father and his partner Soren Zeiger are. She has the bruises and stitches to prove it.
Luka Bravo "Arias" is 36 and after revenge against Malia's father who killed his parents and enslaved him twenty years ago. He has amassed a fortune and a reputation. The world thinks he's a security specialist for criminals. As "The Phantom" he rescues kidnapped and enslaved people. His core team are boys who were enslaved with him as a child. They are tighter than brothers. He has positioned himself to be available to Tarik to be his new security chief as he has taken out Tarik's former chief. When he meets with Soren he volunteers to "train" Malia to accept Soren's extreme tastes in BDSM, as Soren likes his women experienced. This way Luka can discover how involved Malia is in her father's business and find himself in the inner circle to learn more about the island defenses. This begins an amazing story of two damaged souls finding their soulmate.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions are my own.
July 8, 2025
I read my fair share of mafia romance/dark romance and Gilded was a good story in that genre. Elusive heiress Malia Eros lives with her father on a private island in New York. She is rarely seen in public and most people only know her for her charity work. She is 20 years old, and her father has complete control of her life. When she discovers how her father operates his business, she decides to escape. That plan does not go well and now her father has decided to marry her off on her 21st birthday to a business partner. She has no means of escape and doesn't know if living any longer will be worth the pain in her future. Enter Luka Arias, a new business associate of her fiance. Luka comes after Hugo Tarik's empire with a hidden agenda and he will do anything, and I mean anything, to accomplish his mission. Luka saves trafficked individuals all over the globe and Hugo Tarik is one of the worst human traffickers around. When Luka is assigned the task of "training" Malia in preparation for her "wifely" duties, she's horrified. As Luka spends more time with Malia, he realizes that she is as trapped as the individuals that have been trafficked that he is trying to save. Now the clock is running down to Malia's 21st birthday and wedding and choices will have to be made. Can Luka and Malia live with those choices? Gilded has a lot of dark elements. Dub con, human trafficking, physical violence and mental abuse. If you're not triggered by those items, then give Gilded a read. It's told from dual POV and is a stand alone story however there are a lot of supporting characters so maybe there will be more stories to come.
October 10, 2025
This book had a lot of potential - but missed the mark. You're gonna set the MMC up to "prepare" her for another MC, but make him gone most of the time? There are not many "trainings" that take place yet she's supposed to be "ready" for a lot of k¡nks. Also, everything happens very fast and skips from week to week. I wished it was longer and more detailed and that the "trainings" actually had more time/frequency to make sense. You practically have 3 three "sessions" to get her ready for a legitimate sadist? I think not. Especially when the MMC literally takes it easy on her EVERY. TIME.
Gilded (Skye Jordan): Maf¡a-esk, hum@n tr@ffick¡ng, phys¡cal abûs€, CNC/Dub-Con, forced engagement (FMC), revenge motives (MMC), førced proximity, "lessons" in pleasing a man, mûrdêrs and rescues, degr@ding words, found safety, naive and sheltered FMC, pøssessive and protective MMC, v¡rg¡n FMC, learning truths/reality, HEA.
Gilded (Skye Jordan): Maf¡a-esk, hum@n tr@ffick¡ng, phys¡cal abûs€, CNC/Dub-Con, forced engagement (FMC), revenge motives (MMC), førced proximity, "lessons" in pleasing a man, mûrdêrs and rescues, degr@ding words, found safety, naive and sheltered FMC, pøssessive and protective MMC, v¡rg¡n FMC, learning truths/reality, HEA.
August 2, 2025
Malia has always tried to help others, and she believed that the money she was raising for charity did that however when she realizes all is not as it appears she finds herself being forced to marry a dangerous man.
Luka is a man who has his own agenda when it comes to Malia’s father, and he has penetrated himself into the organization of Malia’s fiancé. As part of his plan to prove his worth he has even agreed to train Malia to submit so that she will be the wife her fiancé needs however developing feelings for her was never part of the plan.
The characters are compelling and the feelings between them are undeniable as they take us on a dark adventure that is filled with surprises and intense heat.
Luka is a man who has his own agenda when it comes to Malia’s father, and he has penetrated himself into the organization of Malia’s fiancé. As part of his plan to prove his worth he has even agreed to train Malia to submit so that she will be the wife her fiancé needs however developing feelings for her was never part of the plan.
The characters are compelling and the feelings between them are undeniable as they take us on a dark adventure that is filled with surprises and intense heat.
July 25, 2025
I absolutely loved this book! Quite a bit darker than usual for this author but a wonderful story that kept me captivated! Luka and Malia have definitely both had very troubled childhoods although quite different. Malia is very naive but definitely has an old soul. Luka is out for vengeance. I loved watching their relationship grow into something neither one saw coming! Malia really deserved to be loved honestly! She was quite impressive with what she decided she wanted to do now that she was free! This had a dark theme but it was very well written! Absolutely loved this and very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
July 28, 2025
"From New York Times bestselling author Skye Jordan comes a bold new morally gray romance—dark, seductive, and unlike anything she’s written before."
I couldn't resist! AND, I'm so glad I didn't!
Malia is sheltered.
Controlled.
When she discovers what goes on in her father's empire, she tries to escape!
Unsuccessfully!
Now she's been promised to a man just as dark and dangerous as her father!
Luka...hired to teach Malia her wifely duties!
Oh MY!
Can these two trust each other?
I had fingers and toes crossed for a happy ending!
I had a really HARD TIME putting this down!
I couldn't resist! AND, I'm so glad I didn't!
Malia is sheltered.
Controlled.
When she discovers what goes on in her father's empire, she tries to escape!
Unsuccessfully!
Now she's been promised to a man just as dark and dangerous as her father!
Luka...hired to teach Malia her wifely duties!
Oh MY!
Can these two trust each other?
I had fingers and toes crossed for a happy ending!
I had a really HARD TIME putting this down!
August 18, 2025
GILDED is a book with everything I love: strong multi-plots, credible characters, plot twists, talented strong characters who take a while to fully develop and learn to trust; and sadistic, purely evil criminals preying on the innocent, who need to be taken down by a team of talented, damaged warriors on a mission.
Skye Jordan's writing style hooked me in straight away. I had trouble putting it down for fear I'd miss something. This is a great read for someone who wants to climb inside the story and live in there until its (thankfully) happy ending. (Oops! Spoiler Alert)
Do yourself a favour and get GILDED. You won't regret it.
Skye Jordan's writing style hooked me in straight away. I had trouble putting it down for fear I'd miss something. This is a great read for someone who wants to climb inside the story and live in there until its (thankfully) happy ending. (Oops! Spoiler Alert)
Do yourself a favour and get GILDED. You won't regret it.
August 23, 2025
I very seldom give a 5 star review because there's always room for improvement, but my goodness I wouldn't have changed a single thing. These characters were perfect for each other from start to finish despite the trauma and misunderstandings. No grammar issues. No repetitive words. Not overrun by smut despite how their relationship came to be. Chef's kiss. It was absolutely amazing! And as of currently I'm trying to get out of reading a lot of series, but I would love to see some members of his team find love as well. Just the glimpse of other characters, and I've already fallen in love with them as well. Phenomenal job skye for a book that we aren't really used to getting from you.
January 4, 2026
Emotional
Poor Malia went through so much in her short 21 years but she preserved. I did want her to show a little more individuality in the end and not rely on yet another man....maybe branch out and do some things on her own for a bit before moving on so quickly with Luka because the story ended far too quickly to show her growth (for me) outside of her crappy house she grew up in.
I did enjoy the story as it developed with Luka and his backstory, however, I also wish there had been some continuation of how the rest of that turned out as well. There was so much build up and then there was just an end that was a little anticlimactic for me.
Poor Malia went through so much in her short 21 years but she preserved. I did want her to show a little more individuality in the end and not rely on yet another man....maybe branch out and do some things on her own for a bit before moving on so quickly with Luka because the story ended far too quickly to show her growth (for me) outside of her crappy house she grew up in.
I did enjoy the story as it developed with Luka and his backstory, however, I also wish there had been some continuation of how the rest of that turned out as well. There was so much build up and then there was just an end that was a little anticlimactic for me.
July 2, 2025
This is such a fantastic book and I couldn’t stop reading. This was written really well. It’s a darker story than I’m used to but it’s done really well. I felt for both Luka for what he went through and also for Malia now that she knows how evil her Dad is. Can he trust her or is she also evil? Can she trust him, or is he evil? Loved staying on edge. Will he be able to save her? I also cried. Thankfully they get a very happy ever after. This book is worth re reading. I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy and I highly recommend this book.
July 28, 2025
This story is just WOW!
Malia and Luka captivated me in how resilient they both are with the challenges they face. Their interactions on an emotional level were so intense.
Not gonna lie, there were some scenes I had to take a moment, but the writing was so engaging that I was able to get through them with minimal discomfort.
The will to survive is strong in both Malia and Luka and when they finally start working together, nothing and no one can stop them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
Malia and Luka captivated me in how resilient they both are with the challenges they face. Their interactions on an emotional level were so intense.
Not gonna lie, there were some scenes I had to take a moment, but the writing was so engaging that I was able to get through them with minimal discomfort.
The will to survive is strong in both Malia and Luka and when they finally start working together, nothing and no one can stop them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book.
July 29, 2025
4.5 Unexpected Stars.
I went into this one not knowing what to expect and I am so glad I did. This is not your typical Syke Jordan book, I like how she created a story that was so different. Luka is the ultimate morally gray hero; his story is heartbreaking, his means are unthinkable, but he gets the job done efficiently. Malia surprised be as well; living a protective and abusive life, she reveals her strength and embrasses what she believes in. The story is not for everyone, but it definitely is a good one!
I went into this one not knowing what to expect and I am so glad I did. This is not your typical Syke Jordan book, I like how she created a story that was so different. Luka is the ultimate morally gray hero; his story is heartbreaking, his means are unthinkable, but he gets the job done efficiently. Malia surprised be as well; living a protective and abusive life, she reveals her strength and embrasses what she believes in. The story is not for everyone, but it definitely is a good one!
July 11, 2025
Interesting book and story.
Malia is a sheltered (trapped) daughter of a trafficker. She just wants to get away. Luka wants revenge against the person that killed his family and took him and his mom.
The relationship between Malia and Luka sizzles from the start. The story is a little slow in the beginning but once it gets going, it is nonstop. It comes to a startling peak.
I really enjoyed the story and hope that she expands to the other team members.
Malia is a sheltered (trapped) daughter of a trafficker. She just wants to get away. Luka wants revenge against the person that killed his family and took him and his mom.
The relationship between Malia and Luka sizzles from the start. The story is a little slow in the beginning but once it gets going, it is nonstop. It comes to a startling peak.
I really enjoyed the story and hope that she expands to the other team members.
July 28, 2025
I wasn't sure what I thought when I started reading this book as it's different than most of her other books, but I've never been let down by Skye Jordan before, so I had faith in this one. And like the others, this one did not disappoint.
I loved the main characters and story they told. While over all, the story is dark, there's still humor and romance and very steamy scenes.
If you like dark stories with morally gray characters, this is one to read.
I loved the main characters and story they told. While over all, the story is dark, there's still humor and romance and very steamy scenes.
If you like dark stories with morally gray characters, this is one to read.
July 14, 2025
WOW, what a book! Malia is trapped in a Gilded Cage; no access to the outside world except as a charity head, no love, no books unless approved… you get the point. Now she’s told she WILL marry her father’s henchman Soren who has extreme sexual preferences. In comes Luka, a supposed elite in Malia’s father’s world. Little does she know the Luka is NOT what he appears to be and she is not what Luka thinks she is. They are thrown together for a twisted reason, but the attraction is undeniable. Malia must try to separate the Luka she feels in her heart to the Luka who works for her father.
Malia is young, but old an old soul. She is so strong yet so vulnerable. Will 20+ years of revenge Luka and his team have planned be blown to pieces by Luka's feelings for Malia? He and his team have lived through things nobody especially children should ever face. Yet, when these two wounded people interact it is magical! Enjoy the ride and the read of Gilded… Every word on the pages is golden!
Malia is young, but old an old soul. She is so strong yet so vulnerable. Will 20+ years of revenge Luka and his team have planned be blown to pieces by Luka's feelings for Malia? He and his team have lived through things nobody especially children should ever face. Yet, when these two wounded people interact it is magical! Enjoy the ride and the read of Gilded… Every word on the pages is golden!
August 5, 2025
I have read almost all of Skye Jordan's books and was intrigued by this book even though it is not my normal genre of reading material. Luka and Malia have clear chemistry from the beginning and it was so interesting to see how the story evolved around them since they both have so much baggage.
Skye Jordan did a great job with this stand alone book.
Skye Jordan did a great job with this stand alone book.
August 14, 2025
Good
I have read everything SJ has written. Always been a fan. This book was different from her others but still well written.
I gave 3 stars because of the pacing. I found it slow,sluggish and just a bit boring at times. I would walk away for a bit then come back to the story.
The ending was sweet.
I have read everything SJ has written. Always been a fan. This book was different from her others but still well written.
I gave 3 stars because of the pacing. I found it slow,sluggish and just a bit boring at times. I would walk away for a bit then come back to the story.
The ending was sweet.
July 3, 2025
I am beyond words for this book!!! The spice is just insane. But more than that - the characters - Omgg. I loved the story! It made me laugh, cry and scream all at once! You’ve truly outdone yourself in this one. And this maybe my all time fav from you!!!
July 6, 2025
Temptation hides within the shadows of heartache. Luka and Malia walk a fine line between emotional and passionate. Jordan tiptoes through the darkness of life to find enlightenment in love. Gilded pushes the boundaries of taboo and captivating to create a tainted romance that taunts the soul.
July 6, 2025
What a twisted tale of suspense and romance
What an amazing story that you write. It was a page turner from page one until the end. It was a wonderfully written romance and I loved it
Thank you for Malia and for Lucas and the tale that your told that made me yell and cheer and cry
What an amazing story that you write. It was a page turner from page one until the end. It was a wonderfully written romance and I loved it
Thank you for Malia and for Lucas and the tale that your told that made me yell and cheer and cry
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2025
Malia and Luka's story grabbed me at page one and didn't let go. Gilded is a dark, intense read with so many secrets, danger, intrigue, and Malia and Luka's relationship is sizzling hot. Enjoyed the book from beginning to end. Wanted more of their story!
July 28, 2025
All I have to say is that Luka can "train" me anytime.
I've read my share of mafia romances, and this may be the darkest, grittiest one yet. I devoured it in one sitting! Loving this darker side of Skye's writing!
I've read my share of mafia romances, and this may be the darkest, grittiest one yet. I devoured it in one sitting! Loving this darker side of Skye's writing!
July 31, 2025
Gilded is a well written, dark romance, that draws you in from the start. I really felt for Luka and Malia because of their upbringing, and I was routing for their HEA. Gilded is a little darker than my usual read, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 8, 2025
This story was different from the stories I usually read, but I love Skye's writing, so I decided to give it a shot. It is on the darker side and a story that draws you in from the beginning! Page after page, this story keeps you hooked, and you trust Skye to take you to their very happy ending.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews