What do you think?
Rate this book
Queenmakers Saga #4
The Lord and the Mermaid
Fans of C.L. Wilson will love this fantasy romance about two lovers from different worlds who will break the laws of land and sea in their quest to be together.
Mermaid Merielle has fled the sea, disgusted at the actions of her people and desperate to build a life for herself on land. But to truly live as a woman, she must find a human man to fall in love with her.
Years ago, Lord Nikolas Cosara lost his brother at sea, and is driven to discover whether his sibling has died at the dangerously seductive hands of a mermaid. But when Nik finds Merielle washed up on the beach, he reluctantly saves her. Despite his antipathy for her kind, Nik is increasingly drawn to Meri, who is slowly working her way into his damaged heart.
Can Nik surrender to his love for Meri before her hopes of a human life are lost forever? Or will a devastating secret bring all her efforts to naught?
Mermaid Merielle has fled the sea, disgusted at the actions of her people and desperate to build a life for herself on land. But to truly live as a woman, she must find a human man to fall in love with her.
Years ago, Lord Nikolas Cosara lost his brother at sea, and is driven to discover whether his sibling has died at the dangerously seductive hands of a mermaid. But when Nik finds Merielle washed up on the beach, he reluctantly saves her. Despite his antipathy for her kind, Nik is increasingly drawn to Meri, who is slowly working her way into his damaged heart.
Can Nik surrender to his love for Meri before her hopes of a human life are lost forever? Or will a devastating secret bring all her efforts to naught?
- GenresFantasyRomanceHistorical
Kindle Edition
First published June 25, 2015
13 people are currently reading
81 people want to read
About the author
Bernadette Rowley
17 books68 followersBernadette Rowley is an Australian epic fantasy romance author who is also a veterinarian. After flirting with picture books, junior fiction and space opera, Bernadette was challenged to write a romance in 2011 and she hasn’t looked back.
First published by Penguin Australia and then Pan Macmillan Australia, Bernadette is now an independently published author. The Queenmakers Saga contains twelve books spanning the genres of fantasy romance and romantic fantasy.
Her favorite tropes are enemies to lovers, forced proximity and forbidden romance. Strong themes include the horse/human bond and healing.
When not at her desk, Bernadette can be found absorbed in a good romance or romantic suspense, swimming, walking or having coffee with friends.
First published by Penguin Australia and then Pan Macmillan Australia, Bernadette is now an independently published author. The Queenmakers Saga contains twelve books spanning the genres of fantasy romance and romantic fantasy.
Her favorite tropes are enemies to lovers, forced proximity and forbidden romance. Strong themes include the horse/human bond and healing.
When not at her desk, Bernadette can be found absorbed in a good romance or romantic suspense, swimming, walking or having coffee with friends.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 3, 2015
I received an ARC of this book to review for Net Galley.
The Lord and the Mermaid by Bernadette Rowley is part 1 of The Wildecoast Saga. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The Mermaid Merielle has fled her family as she can no longer allow herself to be part of the things her people do to humans on the ocean, so she flees in the face of a storm and she winds up washed up in the surf wrapped in a pile of seaweed near death.
Lord Nikolas Cosara, a man of the sea, bitter and disillusioned after his brother has disappeared, and he fears has been the victim of the mermaids, finds Marielle washed up in the seaweed. Part of him wants to leave her there to die and part of him can't in good conscience do it. So he brings the mermaid home with him, to nurse her back to health and hopefully find out something from this beautiful but disillusioned mermaid about his brother. Marielle is afraid to tell him anything as he is bitter and disillusioned already.
They both start developing feelings for each other even though he is bitter and she is harboring secrets, and after Marielle reveals something extremely important to Nikolas, he is even worse towards her and she feels that she will not be able to stay with him any longer although she has come to love him.
This book was really good and I enjoyed the interactions between Nikolas and Marielle, and although I felt sorry for Marielle in the way Nikolas was to her, I could understand Nikolas's feelings toward her.
The characters were well developed, the plot was good and there was a lot of sexual and emotional angst between the characters that kept the book interesting and moving at a steady pace.
I highly recommend reading this book, it goes quickly and is perfect for a nice day of reading. Read it and find out what Marielle is hiding from Nikolas and what happens!
I gave this book 4**** stars!
The Lord and the Mermaid by Bernadette Rowley is part 1 of The Wildecoast Saga. I look forward to the next book in this series.
The Mermaid Merielle has fled her family as she can no longer allow herself to be part of the things her people do to humans on the ocean, so she flees in the face of a storm and she winds up washed up in the surf wrapped in a pile of seaweed near death.
Lord Nikolas Cosara, a man of the sea, bitter and disillusioned after his brother has disappeared, and he fears has been the victim of the mermaids, finds Marielle washed up in the seaweed. Part of him wants to leave her there to die and part of him can't in good conscience do it. So he brings the mermaid home with him, to nurse her back to health and hopefully find out something from this beautiful but disillusioned mermaid about his brother. Marielle is afraid to tell him anything as he is bitter and disillusioned already.
They both start developing feelings for each other even though he is bitter and she is harboring secrets, and after Marielle reveals something extremely important to Nikolas, he is even worse towards her and she feels that she will not be able to stay with him any longer although she has come to love him.
This book was really good and I enjoyed the interactions between Nikolas and Marielle, and although I felt sorry for Marielle in the way Nikolas was to her, I could understand Nikolas's feelings toward her.
The characters were well developed, the plot was good and there was a lot of sexual and emotional angst between the characters that kept the book interesting and moving at a steady pace.
I highly recommend reading this book, it goes quickly and is perfect for a nice day of reading. Read it and find out what Marielle is hiding from Nikolas and what happens!
I gave this book 4**** stars!
May 29, 2015
Received a copy from netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
Mermaid being one of my favorite mythical creatures, I really liked this novel. I find it hard to put it down and read it straight in a day. I admit I have skipped some pages when either Meri or Nick dwelled too much on their feeling but in my defense I wanted to know how this ends and fast!
Merielle turned away from her people as she didn't like to take life of innocent sailors which was normal way for her people. Disgusted by their people's life and in hope to find new life for herself she runs away and finds herself into human's world. Nick struggles from his past and guilt ridden from his parents death and his little brother Jon's disappearance in sea (suspects taken/killed by mermaids). When his suspension is confirmed by Meri, he doesn't even want to see her and runs away multiple times from her. Meri not only convince her innocence but also makes Nick see optimistic future and helps him and heals him. In a way, they are perfect for each other.
The writing style and dialogues remind you of noble manners of King & Queen's era and very refreshing read from norm. I really liked story narration and creativity of author and would like to read the entire series as I'd like to know what happens to dark elves problem or promise that Nick and Meri had given to merpeople in the hast. All in all, great read....
Mermaid being one of my favorite mythical creatures, I really liked this novel. I find it hard to put it down and read it straight in a day. I admit I have skipped some pages when either Meri or Nick dwelled too much on their feeling but in my defense I wanted to know how this ends and fast!
Merielle turned away from her people as she didn't like to take life of innocent sailors which was normal way for her people. Disgusted by their people's life and in hope to find new life for herself she runs away and finds herself into human's world. Nick struggles from his past and guilt ridden from his parents death and his little brother Jon's disappearance in sea (suspects taken/killed by mermaids). When his suspension is confirmed by Meri, he doesn't even want to see her and runs away multiple times from her. Meri not only convince her innocence but also makes Nick see optimistic future and helps him and heals him. In a way, they are perfect for each other.
The writing style and dialogues remind you of noble manners of King & Queen's era and very refreshing read from norm. I really liked story narration and creativity of author and would like to read the entire series as I'd like to know what happens to dark elves problem or promise that Nick and Meri had given to merpeople in the hast. All in all, great read....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2015
Mermaids are a legendary creature that have been around forever, in folklore they are different in different regions and it is the same with fiction. Everyone who creates mermaids in their fiction has the ability to imagine them however they like. I don’t know that I have ever known them to be anything but exquisitely beautiful but that doesn’t necessarily make them kind or harmless.
The mermaids that Rowley has imagined are exquisitely beautiful, and extremely dangerous. They lure sailors with their song so that they can kill them and use their seed to procreate…. how romantic.
Merielle has never fit in with her family and when she realises that she can’t possibly live out her life luring sailors to their death she knows she needs to run. Rebelling is not possible in the mermaid kingdom, they will just have you bewitched so that you are happy to live your life this way. She takes her chances but things don’t go to plan and she finds herself washed up on a beach injured after being caught in a storm.
Who should come across her but Nikolas Cosara, a man with a mighty grudge and inherent distrust of her species. Meri awakens just in time to stop him from plunging a knife into her and manages to convince him to help her recover.
No matter how hard I think on this I keep coming back to a comparison between Merielle and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Merielle loves to frolic with the sea creatures and has glorious red hair. She seems to have an innocence that reminds me of the carefree and inherently good merpeople of The Little Mermaid. Merielle is the only one of her people to have this trait, as the rest of them are not so nice.
I enjoyed The Lord and the Mermaid, I found it quite light reading but I did find that it dragged at times and could have been just as effective with a smaller page count.
Read more: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Follow us: @mic_loves_lace on Twitter | BeautyandLaceBooks on Facebook
The mermaids that Rowley has imagined are exquisitely beautiful, and extremely dangerous. They lure sailors with their song so that they can kill them and use their seed to procreate…. how romantic.
Merielle has never fit in with her family and when she realises that she can’t possibly live out her life luring sailors to their death she knows she needs to run. Rebelling is not possible in the mermaid kingdom, they will just have you bewitched so that you are happy to live your life this way. She takes her chances but things don’t go to plan and she finds herself washed up on a beach injured after being caught in a storm.
Who should come across her but Nikolas Cosara, a man with a mighty grudge and inherent distrust of her species. Meri awakens just in time to stop him from plunging a knife into her and manages to convince him to help her recover.
No matter how hard I think on this I keep coming back to a comparison between Merielle and Ariel from The Little Mermaid. Merielle loves to frolic with the sea creatures and has glorious red hair. She seems to have an innocence that reminds me of the carefree and inherently good merpeople of The Little Mermaid. Merielle is the only one of her people to have this trait, as the rest of them are not so nice.
I enjoyed The Lord and the Mermaid, I found it quite light reading but I did find that it dragged at times and could have been just as effective with a smaller page count.
Read more: http://bookgirl.beautyandlace.net/boo...
Follow us: @mic_loves_lace on Twitter | BeautyandLaceBooks on Facebook
May 29, 2015
I received a free copy of this book by the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This will in no way affect my review or my opinion of the book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was quite different to anything I've read before. It's about a mermaid who doesn't want to be a mermaid, who needs to mutually fall in love with a human male to become human. Interesting, right?
I only have one fault with the book (which makes a change ;) ). Basically, the second half of the book was perfect. However, the first half could have had more emotion put into it. The emotion in the first half is more like description, rather than actual emotion that the reader feels and relates to. Thankfully though this improved the further I got into the book so it was no longer a complaint by the end.
As for the storyline, very interesting! I wanted to carry on reading just so I could find out if she'd turn human, if she was lying, if she had - in fact - seduced him. There were so many questions brought to my attention in this new world Rowley created, I like a book that does that. Furthermore, they're all answered by the end of the book! Fantastic news!
I have put a warning on this book because it does get hot and steamy in places. An obvious part of love is loving each other in an intimate way and this new couple (obviously) want to sample each others delights! That's the only reason I've put this warning on, it's not a book you'd read to your children! I'd still recommend it to anyone mature enough to appreciate the emotion in the acts though, they are trying to make love after all, not just hot and steamy sex.
It's nice to see a main character as naive as Merielle. She's totally new to everything human, and I just had to smile when she says the most luxurious and best part of being human is a shower! The things we take for granted, ey? She's totally new to gossip and the such, it's nice to see Nik try to protect her socially even though he's warring with his emotions about her. To me it shows honour and respect. The type of character Merielle is, is definitely my favourite aspect of the book. In some respect she's like a child.
I'd definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, myths and mermaids. Also to people who like old-world court etiquette. It's a unique story that's bound to be appreciated.
To see more of my reviews, please visit my blog at: http://www.anovelstart.com
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it was quite different to anything I've read before. It's about a mermaid who doesn't want to be a mermaid, who needs to mutually fall in love with a human male to become human. Interesting, right?
I only have one fault with the book (which makes a change ;) ). Basically, the second half of the book was perfect. However, the first half could have had more emotion put into it. The emotion in the first half is more like description, rather than actual emotion that the reader feels and relates to. Thankfully though this improved the further I got into the book so it was no longer a complaint by the end.
As for the storyline, very interesting! I wanted to carry on reading just so I could find out if she'd turn human, if she was lying, if she had - in fact - seduced him. There were so many questions brought to my attention in this new world Rowley created, I like a book that does that. Furthermore, they're all answered by the end of the book! Fantastic news!
I have put a warning on this book because it does get hot and steamy in places. An obvious part of love is loving each other in an intimate way and this new couple (obviously) want to sample each others delights! That's the only reason I've put this warning on, it's not a book you'd read to your children! I'd still recommend it to anyone mature enough to appreciate the emotion in the acts though, they are trying to make love after all, not just hot and steamy sex.
It's nice to see a main character as naive as Merielle. She's totally new to everything human, and I just had to smile when she says the most luxurious and best part of being human is a shower! The things we take for granted, ey? She's totally new to gossip and the such, it's nice to see Nik try to protect her socially even though he's warring with his emotions about her. To me it shows honour and respect. The type of character Merielle is, is definitely my favourite aspect of the book. In some respect she's like a child.
I'd definitely recommend this book to lovers of fantasy, myths and mermaids. Also to people who like old-world court etiquette. It's a unique story that's bound to be appreciated.
To see more of my reviews, please visit my blog at: http://www.anovelstart.com
August 3, 2015
I am giving this review on behalf of Kats Book Promotions/Katsindiebookblog. This was definitely an interesting and fun read. In the beginning you run into Nikolas who seems to have an issue and hatred towards the Mer People. He believes they are the cause of his brother’s death. So when a Mermaid washes ashore he is conflicted in what he wants to do, whether it be to kill her or help her.
Merielle wants nothing more than to escape the world she knows. However, the only way to do that is to have a human fall in love with her naturally. Despite the hatred Nikolas has for her, or so he thinks, they slowly start building a bond. She starts a transition to becoming human and that’s when she confesses on what is going on. Does he stick with her even though he has the conflicting feelings towards her? Or will he get her fixed up and send her back to where she came from? Is it even possible to love what you’ve hated for so many years?
My only issue with this book is that the ending seemed to have been rushed a bit. A bit more could have been added to make the characters reactions more believable. Outside of that, it was a fun quick read. Maybe even if you were relaxing at the beach yourself enjoying the sun!
Merielle wants nothing more than to escape the world she knows. However, the only way to do that is to have a human fall in love with her naturally. Despite the hatred Nikolas has for her, or so he thinks, they slowly start building a bond. She starts a transition to becoming human and that’s when she confesses on what is going on. Does he stick with her even though he has the conflicting feelings towards her? Or will he get her fixed up and send her back to where she came from? Is it even possible to love what you’ve hated for so many years?
My only issue with this book is that the ending seemed to have been rushed a bit. A bit more could have been added to make the characters reactions more believable. Outside of that, it was a fun quick read. Maybe even if you were relaxing at the beach yourself enjoying the sun!
June 18, 2015
I'm a big fan of Rowley's writing. I've loved fantasy fiction for years--not to mention romance--and she has a definite, unique way of tackling the two genres and bringing them together. The Lord and the Mermaid reads like a well-crafted adult take on a fairy tale and reminded me of the Teresa Medeiros books I love so much in that she's taking on a story we all know and giving it a very adult twist. Merielle and Nik are great characters, the conflict feels real, their world, Thorius is incredibly vivid and so well thought through. It's somewhere I wouldn't mind visiting again and again.
I put the book down feeling awesome with a huge smile on my face. Bring on the next!
I put the book down feeling awesome with a huge smile on my face. Bring on the next!
June 5, 2015
The Lord adn the mermaid was for sure different for me. Nikolas has secluded himself on the cliffs away from the palace and life he's always known. After the guilt and loss, he just wants to be alone.
Meri is on the run. What life has planned out for her is not what she wants. As a mermaid she would be forced to kill and thats the last thing she wants. Now washed up on the beach and injured was running away worth it?
Finding her and fixing her up goes against everything Nikolas believes but as they grow closer and the truth comes out....will they be able to survive it?
Meri is on the run. What life has planned out for her is not what she wants. As a mermaid she would be forced to kill and thats the last thing she wants. Now washed up on the beach and injured was running away worth it?
Finding her and fixing her up goes against everything Nikolas believes but as they grow closer and the truth comes out....will they be able to survive it?
May 4, 2016
It had a pretty solid plot to it. Quite different from most of the mermaid stories. An enjoyable read.
February 28, 2021
I really enjoyed 'The Lord and the Mermaid' it's such an entertaining read. I love how Ms. Rowley has created a fantasy medieval world and taken a very intimate approach to the subject of love. She emotionally delves into their hurts, pain, fears, obsession, desires, lust, and so on...... Each character in her fantasy world is somehow related to the royal family and we get to see how all events and people overlap in each book yet each story can be read as a stand alone. I particularly love this story because of the two main characters, Nik or Nikolas and Meri or Merielle and I can so relate to the story. Nik is a loner and a sea captain living in a remote place and Meri is a mermaid who Nik helps. There interaction is one of frustration and love, flirtatious and infuriating. Meri can become human and loose her tail only if she can fined someone who truly loves her. And like some men and even women too Nik will not admit his love for Meri, she's an inconvenience to him! There are the well meaning friend and family members looking out for Niks best interest, which doesn't help either, then there are trust issues too. I want to shake Nik and tell him to wake up and I want to see Meri become human. There are some great scenes written in this book and a couple of good guffaws in there too. It ended all to soon and too fast for me but it was definitely an exciting read.
March 24, 2024
I enjoyed this novel the most out of the ones I've read in this series. The intensity and difficulties Meri and Nik had to overcome made this one the most interesting of the four reads. I was thoroughly invested in their story and particularly enjoyed the mermaid lore the author has created for this world. It was quite unusual and definitely added something unique.
I liked that we get to meet a new couple within the same world and linked to the greater plotline. It made for a fun read knowing what was going on, but also having the connection with the characters in this novel that offers new pieces to the grand puzzle.
Nonetheless, this one can also be read as a standalone and I can definitely recommend readers do so if not interested in the whole series, as this particular novel was a wonderful escape with some fabulous emotional moments for the characters to work through, not to mention great tension.
I liked that we get to meet a new couple within the same world and linked to the greater plotline. It made for a fun read knowing what was going on, but also having the connection with the characters in this novel that offers new pieces to the grand puzzle.
Nonetheless, this one can also be read as a standalone and I can definitely recommend readers do so if not interested in the whole series, as this particular novel was a wonderful escape with some fabulous emotional moments for the characters to work through, not to mention great tension.
June 17, 2019
CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR!!!
HOLY CRAP! Grappling with a multitude of trials, tribulations along with unpredictable plot twists keep you frozen to your seat and focus on the pages.. A host of unforseen surprises and unexpected circumstances propel your emotions into play beautifully. Struggling through a throng of danger and suspense keeping you flipping page after page. This baby is as riveting as it is captivating. One stunning storyline and roaring plot catapults this beauty to life nicely. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and individualism that blend and flows smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Remarkable job Bernadette, thanks for sharing.
HOLY CRAP! Grappling with a multitude of trials, tribulations along with unpredictable plot twists keep you frozen to your seat and focus on the pages.. A host of unforseen surprises and unexpected circumstances propel your emotions into play beautifully. Struggling through a throng of danger and suspense keeping you flipping page after page. This baby is as riveting as it is captivating. One stunning storyline and roaring plot catapults this beauty to life nicely. The characters are authentic and realistic with depth and individualism that blend and flows smoothly. The scenes are so graphically detailed it gives the illusion you were right there with them. Remarkable job Bernadette, thanks for sharing.
December 25, 2024
Enjoyable Romantic Fantasy
Merfolk kidnap his brother, and now, Nikolas finds himself taking care of one of them. Can he be falling in love with her, and if he is, will he allow himself to have such feelings for one of his enemies? Does he have a choice?
Merielle knows what happened to Nikolas's brother, but if she tells him, will he ever forgive her? Merielle's people kill humans, but she wants nothing to do with them and their murderous ways. This is why she finds herself injured on a beach, being taken care of by a human.
Two natural enemies are destined to fall in love, but their road will be rocky. For them to be together, there must be forgiveness. I enjoyed this romantic fantasy and would recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
Merfolk kidnap his brother, and now, Nikolas finds himself taking care of one of them. Can he be falling in love with her, and if he is, will he allow himself to have such feelings for one of his enemies? Does he have a choice?
Merielle knows what happened to Nikolas's brother, but if she tells him, will he ever forgive her? Merielle's people kill humans, but she wants nothing to do with them and their murderous ways. This is why she finds herself injured on a beach, being taken care of by a human.
Two natural enemies are destined to fall in love, but their road will be rocky. For them to be together, there must be forgiveness. I enjoyed this romantic fantasy and would recommend it. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
April 2, 2020
The Lord and the Mermaid is the 4th book in Bernadette Rowley's Queenmakers Saga. Merielle and Nikolas's story is unique and entertaining. I like the fantasy angle. Meri and Nik definitely have their share of ups and downs, while Meri faces her own miraculous situation. They are both interesting characters and they mesh well with people from previous books, thus keeping the saga alive. The storyline remains fast-paced, filled with twists and turns, intrigue and romance. I can't wait to see what surprises book 5 brings!
June 25, 2020
Ok read
I’ve enjoyed the other Queenmakers saga books and each story is unique and interesting. Although it was a good read I felt the characters fell a bit flat. Meri is compassionate and beautiful but she just seems to push herself and chase after Nikolas. It felt like she needed a a bit of self worth and value. Nikolas has rust issues and can’t seem to admit his feelings for Meri. He can be really rude and uncertain at times with Meri. Though Meri’s pursuit bode well for her in the end at least Nikolas realized what she truly meant.
I’ve enjoyed the other Queenmakers saga books and each story is unique and interesting. Although it was a good read I felt the characters fell a bit flat. Meri is compassionate and beautiful but she just seems to push herself and chase after Nikolas. It felt like she needed a a bit of self worth and value. Nikolas has rust issues and can’t seem to admit his feelings for Meri. He can be really rude and uncertain at times with Meri. Though Meri’s pursuit bode well for her in the end at least Nikolas realized what she truly meant.
January 1, 2025
This book is full of racist dog whistles. All those who have positively reviewed this book, or any in the series, is likely a bot account. This book is full of racist undertones and would even make JKR sick.
June 17, 2019
Great characters and a good plot will keep you routing for Merielle to succeed.
June 26, 2019
My favorite yet
This series gets better and better with each book. This fourth book brings even more of the kingdom to light. Plus we get to see more into previous characters we have been introduced to. I love tales of mermaids and this one had such a deep story behind the love formed between Meri and Nik. Nik’s past is dark and so filled with pain. I can’t wait to see more of this couple and their relationship as the series continues.
This series gets better and better with each book. This fourth book brings even more of the kingdom to light. Plus we get to see more into previous characters we have been introduced to. I love tales of mermaids and this one had such a deep story behind the love formed between Meri and Nik. Nik’s past is dark and so filled with pain. I can’t wait to see more of this couple and their relationship as the series continues.
August 24, 2015
Something washes up on the shore and it isn't a dead fish, but a naive mermaid with an ulterior motive that sounds laughable to human ears. But will the bloke (or Lord) in question fall for it?
The Lord and the Mermaid reads like a fairy tale gone wrong, but the premise is interesting nonetheless despite the odd writing, and worth reading just for the twist in this tale.
The Lord and the Mermaid reads like a fairy tale gone wrong, but the premise is interesting nonetheless despite the odd writing, and worth reading just for the twist in this tale.
December 16, 2019
What a beautiful love story. I love the little mermaid and have read many retellings since...but seldom find one written so well in explaining the mermaid's difficulties in getting her legs. I really enjoyed it :)
July 1, 2019
What a lovely story. Mermaid stories are one of my favourites. Merielle is injured and found by an exiled Sea Captain. Totally enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews