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Every Way Back To You: A Best Friends to Lovers MM Romance
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Rowan’s been in love with Eli since they were fifteen. But Eli never saw it, and Rowan never said a word. Not when they dated other people. Not when their lives drifted in different directions. And definitely not when Rowan finally tried to let go and let someone else in.
That someone else nearly killed him.
After a brutal attack leaves Rowan in a hospital bed, Eli finally sees what’s been in front of him all along. But seeing it and acting on it are two different things. Rowan is broken, hurting, and afraid – and Eli refuses to risk what little safety he’s found by rushing in.
As Rowan begins to heal, Eli learns to be the safe place he's always needed. Rowan learns to let himself lean on the only person he's ever truly wanted. But the man who hurt him is still out there, and it's only a matter of time before he comes back.
All Eli can do is stay close, keep Rowan safe, and hope that somewhere in the quiet moments between fear and healing, they’ll find their way back to each other — for real this time.
Tropes + Themes:
Dual First-Person POV
Best Friends to Lovers
Childhood Friend Romance
Slow Burn
Hurt + Comfort
Protective Lover
Angst
Gallows Humor
Touch Starved MC
Trauma Recovery
Domestic Fluff
Extrovert + Introvert
Soft D/s vibes
Content Warnings:
Emotional abuse
Psychological abuse
Physical violence
Sexual Coercion
Off-page SA
Drugging
Attempted Murder
Stalking + Harassment
PTSD + Trauma Responses
Rowan’s been in love with Eli since they were fifteen. But Eli never saw it, and Rowan never said a word. Not when they dated other people. Not when their lives drifted in different directions. And definitely not when Rowan finally tried to let go and let someone else in.
That someone else nearly killed him.
After a brutal attack leaves Rowan in a hospital bed, Eli finally sees what’s been in front of him all along. But seeing it and acting on it are two different things. Rowan is broken, hurting, and afraid – and Eli refuses to risk what little safety he’s found by rushing in.
As Rowan begins to heal, Eli learns to be the safe place he's always needed. Rowan learns to let himself lean on the only person he's ever truly wanted. But the man who hurt him is still out there, and it's only a matter of time before he comes back.
All Eli can do is stay close, keep Rowan safe, and hope that somewhere in the quiet moments between fear and healing, they’ll find their way back to each other — for real this time.
Tropes + Themes:
Dual First-Person POV
Best Friends to Lovers
Childhood Friend Romance
Slow Burn
Hurt + Comfort
Protective Lover
Angst
Gallows Humor
Touch Starved MC
Trauma Recovery
Domestic Fluff
Extrovert + Introvert
Soft D/s vibes
Content Warnings:
Emotional abuse
Psychological abuse
Physical violence
Sexual Coercion
Off-page SA
Drugging
Attempted Murder
Stalking + Harassment
PTSD + Trauma Responses
388 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 27, 2026
✰ 1.75 stars ✰
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As a retired fanfiction once-upon writer (circa 2003 - somewhere on fanfiction.net, I've left my Harry Potter Ron/Hermione fics still up, any time I want to relive my nostalgic 14yo self's embarrassing notions 😅), I could not help noticing how very fanfiction-esque—not only the writing, but also the plot execution/character build-up/setting portrayal—was right from the first chapter. It gave me no less sense of satisfaction or pleasure in finding out that the author's own writing experience started with fanfiction in high school first before releasing her debut. 😟
Regardless of the grave, serious circumstances in which Rowan and Eli made the jump from best friends to lovers, I was not emotionally invested. There was no preamble to anything, no attempt to create a sense of being. The details to add substance: nonexistent. 🙅🏻♀️
“What would he do if I kissed him right now?”
A lot needed a lot more backbone to it in order for it to be an appealing and satisfying read. The school Rowan taught at was nameless. Eli, the successful painter, was just. How old were they? Who were these people popping in and out as if their names were meant to be something? Why the heck was Marcus behaving in such a repulsive, controlling, abusive manner? 😮💨
I needed more context to --- everything. 🤦🏻♀️ You can't just build a romance on angst and then expect to fall in love with them finding each other. They shared some sweet, intimate moments where Eli tenderly treated Rowan with the love, care, patience, and trust he deserves. Even if we never really got a really clear sense of why and how his feelings admittedly did such a 180... 😶🌫️
“No matter how lost I get or how far I wander off, I've always known you'll be here. You keep me pointed in the right direction.”
It just lacked structure and development; it was very just there, without any real motivation or care to create more of a background by adding meaningful, constructive details. Eli was such a savior, and Rowan was such an unfortunate victim, and Marcus was just all-around rotten. So fixated on just this one rough patch that nothing else was of any significance, which was problematic enough that I just couldn't feel the romance, either. 😔
The blurb and the cover led me to it, but I don't think I will be going down this road again. 😕 I'm happy to leave them where they are, because I don't think I can handle more angst and drama when the writing is not to my aesthetic. 🏃♀️💨
“If this was the moment he finally let himself act on what he wanted, I'd make damn sure he knew it was his to keep.”
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As a retired fanfiction once-upon writer (circa 2003 - somewhere on fanfiction.net, I've left my Harry Potter Ron/Hermione fics still up, any time I want to relive my nostalgic 14yo self's embarrassing notions 😅), I could not help noticing how very fanfiction-esque—not only the writing, but also the plot execution/character build-up/setting portrayal—was right from the first chapter. It gave me no less sense of satisfaction or pleasure in finding out that the author's own writing experience started with fanfiction in high school first before releasing her debut. 😟
Regardless of the grave, serious circumstances in which Rowan and Eli made the jump from best friends to lovers, I was not emotionally invested. There was no preamble to anything, no attempt to create a sense of being. The details to add substance: nonexistent. 🙅🏻♀️
“What would he do if I kissed him right now?”
A lot needed a lot more backbone to it in order for it to be an appealing and satisfying read. The school Rowan taught at was nameless. Eli, the successful painter, was just. How old were they? Who were these people popping in and out as if their names were meant to be something? Why the heck was Marcus behaving in such a repulsive, controlling, abusive manner? 😮💨
I needed more context to --- everything. 🤦🏻♀️ You can't just build a romance on angst and then expect to fall in love with them finding each other. They shared some sweet, intimate moments where Eli tenderly treated Rowan with the love, care, patience, and trust he deserves. Even if we never really got a really clear sense of why and how his feelings admittedly did such a 180... 😶🌫️
“No matter how lost I get or how far I wander off, I've always known you'll be here. You keep me pointed in the right direction.”
It just lacked structure and development; it was very just there, without any real motivation or care to create more of a background by adding meaningful, constructive details. Eli was such a savior, and Rowan was such an unfortunate victim, and Marcus was just all-around rotten. So fixated on just this one rough patch that nothing else was of any significance, which was problematic enough that I just couldn't feel the romance, either. 😔
The blurb and the cover led me to it, but I don't think I will be going down this road again. 😕 I'm happy to leave them where they are, because I don't think I can handle more angst and drama when the writing is not to my aesthetic. 🏃♀️💨
April 1, 2026
**⭐️⭐️ (2 stars)**
This book had moments… but wow did it make me work for them.
There were flashes of genuinely great writing and emotional beats that landed (some lines hit hard, and a few scenes were *chef’s kiss*), but getting there felt like trudging through a story that never fully knew what it wanted to be.
The biggest issue?
For a book this long… I walked away feeling like I barely knew anything. Outside of a few standout details (shoutout to Grannie the neighbor carrying the entire narrative on her back), the characters felt underdeveloped, and the world around them was weirdly hollow. Side characters (All 2 of them) especially felt like cardboard cutouts that occasionally spoke.
The pacing was chaotic in a way that somehow worked *and* didn’t. The time jumps between chapters were actually one of the stronger parts (weirdly enough), but they also contributed to that “wait… did I miss something?” feeling throughout the book.
And then… the intimacy scenes.
Look. Some of them were *hot*. Like, *really* hot. But others had me fully pausing like… “we’re just skipping every base now?
Emotionally, there were lines that hit and moments that *almost* gave that deep, aching best-friends-to-lovers payoff… but it never fully committed. Even some of the big romantic declarations left me sitting there like, “I should feel something stronger than this.” We hadn't even gotten 15% in before Eli went "OMG I'm in love" after 15 YEARS?
Overall:
A handful of standout scenes wrapped in a story that feels undercooked, uneven, and way longer than it earns.
Would I read this author again? Probably.
Would I reread this? Absolutely not.
This book had moments… but wow did it make me work for them.
There were flashes of genuinely great writing and emotional beats that landed (some lines hit hard, and a few scenes were *chef’s kiss*), but getting there felt like trudging through a story that never fully knew what it wanted to be.
The biggest issue?
For a book this long… I walked away feeling like I barely knew anything. Outside of a few standout details (shoutout to Grannie the neighbor carrying the entire narrative on her back), the characters felt underdeveloped, and the world around them was weirdly hollow. Side characters (All 2 of them) especially felt like cardboard cutouts that occasionally spoke.
The pacing was chaotic in a way that somehow worked *and* didn’t. The time jumps between chapters were actually one of the stronger parts (weirdly enough), but they also contributed to that “wait… did I miss something?” feeling throughout the book.
And then… the intimacy scenes.
Look. Some of them were *hot*. Like, *really* hot. But others had me fully pausing like… “we’re just skipping every base now?
Emotionally, there were lines that hit and moments that *almost* gave that deep, aching best-friends-to-lovers payoff… but it never fully committed. Even some of the big romantic declarations left me sitting there like, “I should feel something stronger than this.” We hadn't even gotten 15% in before Eli went "OMG I'm in love" after 15 YEARS?
Overall:
A handful of standout scenes wrapped in a story that feels undercooked, uneven, and way longer than it earns.
Would I read this author again? Probably.
Would I reread this? Absolutely not.
Did Not Finish
May 20, 2026DNF at 55%
It's completely ridiculous, since Rowan is terrified of his ex coming back into his life, why not go to the police? The asshole drugged him, r*ped him and then nearly beat him to death! They would arrest him.
And the cops just went to see Rowan when he was unconscious at the hospital and weeks later, never another visit?
Nothing makes sense…
It's completely ridiculous, since Rowan is terrified of his ex coming back into his life, why not go to the police? The asshole drugged him, r*ped him and then nearly beat him to death! They would arrest him.
And the cops just went to see Rowan when he was unconscious at the hospital and weeks later, never another visit?
Nothing makes sense…
Did Not Finish
August 23, 2026DNF 45% I was going to make myself continue on but it’s too frustrating. Eli has the personality of a wet rag and I’m starting to think Rowan is just an idiot. We are told many things in this book, Rowan has been in love with Eli since they were children but I just don’t believe it. The cover is very cute but I have nothing else positive to say unfortunately.
June 15, 2026
Sweet if a bit two dimensional
The romance is lovely but the intimacy is unrealistic in both the mechanics and lack of consideration of how it should or would go following trauma. I was looking for more hurt/comfort here.
The villain turns from an interesting and complex ‘nice guy’ abuser to a stereotypical villain with no reason or nuance which was frustrating.
Sweet story which I enjoyed finishing
The romance is lovely but the intimacy is unrealistic in both the mechanics and lack of consideration of how it should or would go following trauma. I was looking for more hurt/comfort here.
The villain turns from an interesting and complex ‘nice guy’ abuser to a stereotypical villain with no reason or nuance which was frustrating.
Sweet story which I enjoyed finishing
February 25, 2026
So this is a debut MM Romance for this author and I just have to say I absolutely cannot wait to read more of her writing. I do want to point out to please make sure you check the content warnings and be aware of your triggers as this book deals with a serious subject matter.
This does deal with abuse both physical as well as mental in a relationship and also the aftermath as well. The guy may be an ex now but that in no way means he is done with Rowan. This subject matter is not handled with kids gloves and I am actually really appreciative of that. She writes about this in a way that really conveys the seriousness of the issue and doesn't wrap it up in a neat little bow.
We see Rowan struggling with coming to the realization of some things that happened with his ex as well as the aftermath and dealing with both physical and mental issues. He went through this very traumatic experience and although he tries to pretend he is okay at times, those who really know him understand that he isn't doing well.
His neighbors in the apartment complex have his back and try and make sure he feels just a little safer. Eli, the best friend eventually turned lover, is there for him every step of the way. He pushes when he needs to and gives him space when Rowan needs it. Eli is angry at the situation but has to balance that with making sure he doesn't scare Rowan. He does a pretty dang good job of it.
I have been in a book hangover for a little while now and reading this book is helping me out of it. I opened up to read this today and was done in a couple of hours. I was so locked in to the book I didn't realize what time it was. This story is so well-written and I absolutely love the relationship between Eli and Rowan. Love me a good friends to lover story and this one delivered. There were light-hearted moments to be had throughout the book but this was definitely and angst-ridden, on the edge of your seat, fast paced book.
This does deal with abuse both physical as well as mental in a relationship and also the aftermath as well. The guy may be an ex now but that in no way means he is done with Rowan. This subject matter is not handled with kids gloves and I am actually really appreciative of that. She writes about this in a way that really conveys the seriousness of the issue and doesn't wrap it up in a neat little bow.
We see Rowan struggling with coming to the realization of some things that happened with his ex as well as the aftermath and dealing with both physical and mental issues. He went through this very traumatic experience and although he tries to pretend he is okay at times, those who really know him understand that he isn't doing well.
His neighbors in the apartment complex have his back and try and make sure he feels just a little safer. Eli, the best friend eventually turned lover, is there for him every step of the way. He pushes when he needs to and gives him space when Rowan needs it. Eli is angry at the situation but has to balance that with making sure he doesn't scare Rowan. He does a pretty dang good job of it.
I have been in a book hangover for a little while now and reading this book is helping me out of it. I opened up to read this today and was done in a couple of hours. I was so locked in to the book I didn't realize what time it was. This story is so well-written and I absolutely love the relationship between Eli and Rowan. Love me a good friends to lover story and this one delivered. There were light-hearted moments to be had throughout the book but this was definitely and angst-ridden, on the edge of your seat, fast paced book.
April 19, 2026
This was a well done story. I loved Eli’s awakening to Rowan specifically. But it was tough to read the abuse. Marcus reminded me of people I know and that was hard to swallow. Plus it was well written so you felt you were stuck in it with them, which was tough but necessary.
I personally love a good m/m friends to lovers, fluff or not. But the deep ones sit with me long after and this is one of those stories. I originally gave it 4 stars and that was purely because of how disgusted I was by Marcus. But that in and of itself speaks to the fact it was so well written that I viscerally hate him. So I moved my stars right up to 5. The book/author deserves that for the writing and feelings left behind. Plus I loved the two of them and how deeply they love each other. Those are my absolute favorite.
I personally love a good m/m friends to lovers, fluff or not. But the deep ones sit with me long after and this is one of those stories. I originally gave it 4 stars and that was purely because of how disgusted I was by Marcus. But that in and of itself speaks to the fact it was so well written that I viscerally hate him. So I moved my stars right up to 5. The book/author deserves that for the writing and feelings left behind. Plus I loved the two of them and how deeply they love each other. Those are my absolute favorite.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 27, 2026
I liked the story, but this felt underdeveloped. The characters were best friends since a young age but we never really know why. Why were they so close, what drew them together? They have a little bit of cute banter but to me they lacked chemistry.
We also don't really learn much about the characters: past, family, passions that lead to their careers, other people in their lives... Nothing on that.
Lastly, I felt like a lot of details or exploring emotions is just skipped over, especially surrounding the traumatic themes in the book. We finally find out that one character has been going to therapy... Nothing else. I would have liked to expand on that: the character's struggles, coping strategies, processes? Could have gone much deeper.
All in all, it wasn't bad, I just feel like this book didn't reach its full potential.
We also don't really learn much about the characters: past, family, passions that lead to their careers, other people in their lives... Nothing on that.
Lastly, I felt like a lot of details or exploring emotions is just skipped over, especially surrounding the traumatic themes in the book. We finally find out that one character has been going to therapy... Nothing else. I would have liked to expand on that: the character's struggles, coping strategies, processes? Could have gone much deeper.
All in all, it wasn't bad, I just feel like this book didn't reach its full potential.
February 21, 2026
I loved this book!
So much emotion in every turn and you really felt like you were apart of it, but the author wrote it perfectly. Rowan went through so much and endured all the physical and mental trauma, but I’m so happy he had Eli with him. I normally don’t care for the stories where the person realizes what they have until it’s too late, but I loved the fact that it was kind of like that but better. He didn’t realize too late, he realized just in time. I’m so happy they got their happy ending and that Rowan can finally heal. There weren’t too many side characters so it heavily focused on just the main characters which was nice. This was one of my first books by this author and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more.
So much emotion in every turn and you really felt like you were apart of it, but the author wrote it perfectly. Rowan went through so much and endured all the physical and mental trauma, but I’m so happy he had Eli with him. I normally don’t care for the stories where the person realizes what they have until it’s too late, but I loved the fact that it was kind of like that but better. He didn’t realize too late, he realized just in time. I’m so happy they got their happy ending and that Rowan can finally heal. There weren’t too many side characters so it heavily focused on just the main characters which was nice. This was one of my first books by this author and I’m definitely looking forward to reading more.
March 5, 2026
Be ready for this book - and I do mean mentally prepare yourself! Read the TW’s carefully and if this will affect you I any way other please protect your mental health!
Now that is out of the way - my goodness what a book!!!! The emotions, angst, pain and ultimately delight was there in spades.
This is not your typical best friends finally realising they love each other, although that is certainly there. Instead every roadblock that can be thrown at them is there with a bat ready to hit them to the ground. It’s a lot but ultimately worth it!
The realism, honesty and emotive style of writing showed that this author was prepared to take you on a journey with both gloves off! Be ready and have plenty of chocolate waiting!
Now that is out of the way - my goodness what a book!!!! The emotions, angst, pain and ultimately delight was there in spades.
This is not your typical best friends finally realising they love each other, although that is certainly there. Instead every roadblock that can be thrown at them is there with a bat ready to hit them to the ground. It’s a lot but ultimately worth it!
The realism, honesty and emotive style of writing showed that this author was prepared to take you on a journey with both gloves off! Be ready and have plenty of chocolate waiting!
May 28, 2026
Okay so I did LOVE this book. However, there were a few things that I’m not sure how I feel about. One- the conclusion. Did he rot in jail forever? Did ro ever submit evidence about the rape too? Just wish there was a bit more on what happened to Marcus. I wish he died lol.
Also, the pacing was a bit strange but I didn’t necessarily hate it. First 20% of the book is his relationship with his abuser, then a very early climax, the last entire 10% being the HEA. Didn’t exactly hate it, it was unique and different than traditional plot timelines, which I can appreciate. But i do wish we could’ve had a little bit more HEA since so much of the first part was focused on a different relationship.
Overall an amazing book, just a few notes.
Also, the pacing was a bit strange but I didn’t necessarily hate it. First 20% of the book is his relationship with his abuser, then a very early climax, the last entire 10% being the HEA. Didn’t exactly hate it, it was unique and different than traditional plot timelines, which I can appreciate. But i do wish we could’ve had a little bit more HEA since so much of the first part was focused on a different relationship.
Overall an amazing book, just a few notes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! Just Wow!
Firstly read the triggers as this is a very emotional book due to certain happenings. I am not going to explain the book, just read the blurb, what I will say is I have never read a book like this before and boy oh boy did the author know how to tear you apart and get you in the feels. Do not worry though as she puts you back together again and you finish the book wrung out but oh so glad you put the effort into it.
I feel very privileged to have received and ARC copy of this book from the author, I may be wrong but I think this is her first book and I honestly can't wait to see more books.
Firstly read the triggers as this is a very emotional book due to certain happenings. I am not going to explain the book, just read the blurb, what I will say is I have never read a book like this before and boy oh boy did the author know how to tear you apart and get you in the feels. Do not worry though as she puts you back together again and you finish the book wrung out but oh so glad you put the effort into it.
I feel very privileged to have received and ARC copy of this book from the author, I may be wrong but I think this is her first book and I honestly can't wait to see more books.
February 20, 2026
So this book took me a little while to get into but once i was hooked, I was all in! I will say some phrasing and even paragraphs felt like they were just repeating. I hate to say that once I saw the name Marcus i knew who the bad guy was, sorry to all the Marcus out there lol yall are getting a bad wrap. I appreciated that Rowan didn't just get over his trauma in a few chapters and how Marcus is clearly showing a pattern of manipulation. I also thought Eli, clearly seeing the flags but not knowing how to really approach getting his friend to open up, was well written. Overall this is a solid read. Mind the trigger warnings!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2026
Friends to lovers
Rowan has been in love with his best friend Eli forever.
While trying to move on and bury his feelings for someone he couldn't have, he got involved in an unhealthy, toxic relationship.
Eli notices the changes in Rowan since starting this new relationship and senses something bad was happening to his best friend.
When faced with the thought of losing Rowan, Eli begins to understand his own feelings.
This book took a couple of chapters to get me engaged but in the end it was worth the read!
Rowan has been in love with his best friend Eli forever.
While trying to move on and bury his feelings for someone he couldn't have, he got involved in an unhealthy, toxic relationship.
Eli notices the changes in Rowan since starting this new relationship and senses something bad was happening to his best friend.
When faced with the thought of losing Rowan, Eli begins to understand his own feelings.
This book took a couple of chapters to get me engaged but in the end it was worth the read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
OMG I loved this book I literally could not put it down. I loved the story of Rowan and Eli and the obstacle's that they had to endure, and there was a very big obstacle MARCUS. I cried with Rowan when he was scared, I was angry with Eli when he couldn't be there to help Rowan all the time. For me a book that grabs my attention and my emotions is worth more than 5 Stars. K.L Briggs for this being your first book it was great and I look forward to what else you will write.
February 26, 2026
Dang! Make sure you read the TW.. This one is an emotional book for sure!
I loved the development of this! It was so well written that you got sucked into the story and it didnt let you go! While it does have some heavy topics it is handled very well! and the outcome is beautiful!
I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next!
I loved the development of this! It was so well written that you got sucked into the story and it didnt let you go! While it does have some heavy topics it is handled very well! and the outcome is beautiful!
I look forward to seeing what this author has in store for us next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love this book so much. My heart shattered for Rowan! A couple chapters had me tearing up! But Elias swooped in and made everything right in the world again! I love these two so much. This story was so heartbreaking and beautiful as well! Wonderful writing! Thank you for the Arc!
February 22, 2026
AN EMOTIONALLY CHARGED READ THAT I WAS SO DEEPLY INVESTED IN!
A TRUE GEM OF A READ!
Rowan and Eli, gosh, these two are a magnetic charge to my feels! The story is beautifully crafted with such excellent characters and words that I adored!
A TRUE GEM OF A READ!
Rowan and Eli, gosh, these two are a magnetic charge to my feels! The story is beautifully crafted with such excellent characters and words that I adored!
February 23, 2026
I received this book as arc review. I absolutely love this book the love chemistry between both of them is adorable. They make a cute couple. You must read this book you will absolutely love this book and can't wait for more adventures and trials they go through there relationship.
February 12, 2026
Check your trigger warnings. That being said, it takes a special author to craft a book that helps a person feel all the feels of experiences they’ve never had, and this author definitely did.
Did Not Finish
April 6, 2026Dark but also feels very YA if thats possible😅
If domestic violence and SA is a trigger for you then I would definitely recommend skipping
If domestic violence and SA is a trigger for you then I would definitely recommend skipping
June 7, 2026
Heavy read. Check trigger warnings before reading. Very much hurt/comfort and a large part of the story the hurt. My heart was breaking as Rowan was put thru it. Great debut novel.
March 23, 2026
IT'S HEALING
I started this book as a best friend to lovers trope, I liked ut because it was healing to both sides. Even though it was not explosive as I was used to other books being it was sweet in it's own way.
It was well written even though it would drag sometimes but it's a good cozy and warm book to read.
I started this book as a best friend to lovers trope, I liked ut because it was healing to both sides. Even though it was not explosive as I was used to other books being it was sweet in it's own way.
It was well written even though it would drag sometimes but it's a good cozy and warm book to read.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews