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The Throne of San Felipe #1
The Secret That Shocked De Santis
How is she going to tell him?
Army lieutenant Stella Zambrano had the surprise of her life when a routine medical check revealed she was pregnant. Tapping into survival mode, the headstrong beauty only has two thoughts on her mind:
1. Knowing she must conceal the father's identity.
2. And wondering what it means for the career she worked so hard for?
Because Stella's baby bombshell is the result of one shockingly sensual afternoon on a deserted beach with Prince Eduardo De Santis. And with an out-of-wedlock heir on the cards, Stella knows the playboy prince will demand marriage!
Army lieutenant Stella Zambrano had the surprise of her life when a routine medical check revealed she was pregnant. Tapping into survival mode, the headstrong beauty only has two thoughts on her mind:
1. Knowing she must conceal the father's identity.
2. And wondering what it means for the career she worked so hard for?
Because Stella's baby bombshell is the result of one shockingly sensual afternoon on a deserted beach with Prince Eduardo De Santis. And with an out-of-wedlock heir on the cards, Stella knows the playboy prince will demand marriage!
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
36 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
About the author
Natalie Anderson
606 books546 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good.
With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Natalie Anderson is a USA TODAY bestselling author. She writes emotional contemporary romances full of sparkling banter, sizzling heat and uplifting endings—perfect for readers who love to escape with everyday empowered heroines and arrogant alphas who are too sexy for their own good.
With over five million books sold, her stories are translated into more than a dozen languages, she’s been a Romantic Times Award nominee and a finalist for the R*BY (Romantic Book of the Year).
When she’s not writing, you’ll find her wrangling her four fab kids, walking Alfie, the mini schnauzer and laughing with her husband at the end of the day–unless they’ve taken Romeo, the Campervan for a spin. She lives in Christchurch, New Zealand.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
February 28, 2016
2,5 stars
In The Secret That Shocked De Santis by Natalie Anderson, Army lieutenant and daughter of a General in the small Mediterranean kingdom of San Felipe Stella Zambrano has spent her life trying to please her father and is determined to make him proud of her achievements.
But her life is thrown upside down from the result of her one night…no, make that one day stand with the country’s charming playboy prince.
Three months after giving her virginity to the prince on a deserted beach, she finds herself…pregnant!!! Don’t these people know about protection???? Anyway, this unexpected shock has Stella in a position of note. If she tells Prince Eduardo de Santis about the baby…. He will demand she marry him to ensure that the little “one” will be one of the country’s legitimate heirs…but worse than that…what about her career????
I struggled to get into this book. Whilst I liked in the beginning was that the heroine had an interesting career, that she was tough and feisty…but when she falls pregnant, she becomes this emotionally messed up woman.
I found Eduardo very charming and likeable albeit a bit too alpha at the start. I found it rather touching when he takes Stella to a special place for their first night of “nuptials.”
I thought in the end that the two made quite a cute couple – I would have liked to have felt more chemistry between them at the beginning….somehow the passion ignites almost at the end of the story.
This is an okay read for me……..
In The Secret That Shocked De Santis by Natalie Anderson, Army lieutenant and daughter of a General in the small Mediterranean kingdom of San Felipe Stella Zambrano has spent her life trying to please her father and is determined to make him proud of her achievements.
But her life is thrown upside down from the result of her one night…no, make that one day stand with the country’s charming playboy prince.
Three months after giving her virginity to the prince on a deserted beach, she finds herself…pregnant!!! Don’t these people know about protection???? Anyway, this unexpected shock has Stella in a position of note. If she tells Prince Eduardo de Santis about the baby…. He will demand she marry him to ensure that the little “one” will be one of the country’s legitimate heirs…but worse than that…what about her career????
I struggled to get into this book. Whilst I liked in the beginning was that the heroine had an interesting career, that she was tough and feisty…but when she falls pregnant, she becomes this emotionally messed up woman.
I found Eduardo very charming and likeable albeit a bit too alpha at the start. I found it rather touching when he takes Stella to a special place for their first night of “nuptials.”
I thought in the end that the two made quite a cute couple – I would have liked to have felt more chemistry between them at the beginning….somehow the passion ignites almost at the end of the story.
This is an okay read for me……..
February 6, 2016
I never thought I would read a Harlequin Presents heroine who is an Army lieutenant so i was reluctant to read this book but i cant resist a virginal heroine so i had to read it. It was a very emotional read. I loved how Stella overcame her fears about her pregnancy and about loving and being loved. She was a fierce but vulnerable heroine just the way I like them! epilogue was adorable!
February 9, 2017
One of the most amazing book I have ever read in a while!
Omg I loved the whole soldier angle and the whole general daughters thing. Wow!
I was so happy that for once the guy put himself out for the girl and they actually respected each other.
Their marriage will stand the test of time and all the pressure from the royal life. She was a great heroine and I get the whole running freedom thing!
I feel like that also!
Got to love it when this kind of reality is injected into fiction.
It makes the whole story seem more real and makes me feel more investment in their relationship.
HIGHLY enjoyable and would recommend it to those who enjoy something a little different and a spunk heroine.
Omg I loved the whole soldier angle and the whole general daughters thing. Wow!
I was so happy that for once the guy put himself out for the girl and they actually respected each other.
Their marriage will stand the test of time and all the pressure from the royal life. She was a great heroine and I get the whole running freedom thing!
I feel like that also!
Got to love it when this kind of reality is injected into fiction.
It makes the whole story seem more real and makes me feel more investment in their relationship.
HIGHLY enjoyable and would recommend it to those who enjoy something a little different and a spunk heroine.
December 13, 2017
3.5 stars (?)
Going to read whose review I'll tag here 🙊 I'm between Alex and Emona's.
It started interesting, then it felt too long but about 4/5 it got interesting again and even some tears escaped...
Stella had her god and bad moments but so did the Prince Charming.
There were many holes and I feel betrayed for the time I wasted plotting conspiracy theories of Matteo being the news leaker because he was a coincidence in Alessia's story and the wedding pics... and nothing came out of it!
Also I liked the cold big bro but his story is not for me so I'll skip it.
It started interesting, then it felt too long but about 4/5 it got interesting again and even some tears escaped...
Stella had her god and bad moments but so did the Prince Charming.
There were many holes and I feel betrayed for the time I wasted plotting conspiracy theories of Matteo being the news leaker because he was a coincidence in Alessia's story and the wedding pics... and nothing came out of it!
Also I liked the cold big bro but his story is not for me so I'll skip it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2016
Wow, this is the first time the female protagonist was a army lieutenant, and I actually liked it.
Stella, is brave, courageous, and dignified (courtesy of the army)
Eduardo is a typical Prince, nonchalant, in-command, calm, and in-control;
but he also possesses a soft side, that of care, kindness, and understanding
(espescially to the fact that Stella was pregnant, and he did not want to hurt her during their intimacy)
Stella, is brave, courageous, and dignified (courtesy of the army)
Eduardo is a typical Prince, nonchalant, in-command, calm, and in-control;
but he also possesses a soft side, that of care, kindness, and understanding
(espescially to the fact that Stella was pregnant, and he did not want to hurt her during their intimacy)
September 22, 2017
Pretty good story of an accidental pregnancy. There is a different twist in that she is a soldier in the army of her small European country of which he is a prince although not the ruler. He swings into action when she is dismissed from the army and marries her for the baby's sake. Plot held together pretty well, feelings developed quickly but it didn't seem too insta love. All in all I would be willing to try this author again.
February 28, 2016
3.5 G.I. Jane Stars
“The decision is yours, Stella. Our future is in your hands.”
Stella meets Prince Eduardo by chance one fateful day and the attraction was immediate. So much so that she gives him her virginity within minutes of meeting him. Three months later her life is turned upside down when she learns that she is pregnant with the prince’s baby and he has every intention of making sure this child is not born a bastard.
What I loved about this book:
1) Stella is an officer in the military.
2) Eduardo is a wonderfully charming character.
3) The marriage consummation was really creatively done!
What confused me:
1) That Stella is such an emotional mess. I wanted her to be a stronger character.
2) Her father’s coldness toward her.
3) The lack of chemistry between the two main characters.
4) How does one just give one’s virginity to a man you’ve never met before within minutes of meeting him. You’d think at her age she would know better. It wasn’t like she was a drunk teenager at a party.
I found the story hard to get into at first. I did not feel like there was any real passion between Stella and Eduardo until way into the book. For most of the book I just didn’t buy the story. It was an ok read once I get into it, but it took some time for me to get there.
“The decision is yours, Stella. Our future is in your hands.”
Stella meets Prince Eduardo by chance one fateful day and the attraction was immediate. So much so that she gives him her virginity within minutes of meeting him. Three months later her life is turned upside down when she learns that she is pregnant with the prince’s baby and he has every intention of making sure this child is not born a bastard.
What I loved about this book:
1) Stella is an officer in the military.
2) Eduardo is a wonderfully charming character.
3) The marriage consummation was really creatively done!
What confused me:
1) That Stella is such an emotional mess. I wanted her to be a stronger character.
2) Her father’s coldness toward her.
3) The lack of chemistry between the two main characters.
4) How does one just give one’s virginity to a man you’ve never met before within minutes of meeting him. You’d think at her age she would know better. It wasn’t like she was a drunk teenager at a party.
I found the story hard to get into at first. I did not feel like there was any real passion between Stella and Eduardo until way into the book. For most of the book I just didn’t buy the story. It was an ok read once I get into it, but it took some time for me to get there.
March 31, 2016
Couldn't get into the Secret that Shocked the de Santis. Romance felt forced. Storytelling bland. I wasn't a fan of the heroine being a soldier but tried to warm to her but ultimately never did. Hero was too beta. Wanted more badass edginess from him to counter the heroine being a soldier. Didn't happen so lost interest in the story around chapter 7.
December 12, 2020
Despite its publication date, this one is best described as a post-Meghan Harlequin secret baby royal romance. The hero is a playboy prince emotionally scarred by the loss of his parents and his feelings of his own inadequacies; the heroine is a professional soldier desperate for her father's approval. The push-pull between the two of them feels very real - the hero is torn between genuinely falling in love with the heroine and wanting to do "the right thing" by presenting his older brother, finally, with a well-handled crisis situation, a royal marriage that will be popular and a legitimate royal heir, while the heroine is terrified of pregnancy, mourning the loss of her military career, and lashing out at her continued inability to control her own life as the hero takes over where her desire to appease her father left off. It feels very real, right down to the way people change when they realize they're talking to a prince and the ever-present Casual Paparazzi (people with smartphones).
March 16, 2018
If I could I would rate this 4 1/2.
I've never read one of these romance novels before and I kind of thought it would be silly.
The main character, Stella, was a soldier and then one day all of it changed. Pregnant by a handsome Prince.
Sounds cheesy, I know. But it really was good.
Stella is a strong independent woman that can sometimes be stubborn. Luckily Prince Eduardo is a patient man.
I don't really know what to say about this book without just telling you what happened. But I just know I enjoyed it. It was way better than I thought it would be.
I've never read one of these romance novels before and I kind of thought it would be silly.
The main character, Stella, was a soldier and then one day all of it changed. Pregnant by a handsome Prince.
Sounds cheesy, I know. But it really was good.
Stella is a strong independent woman that can sometimes be stubborn. Luckily Prince Eduardo is a patient man.
I don't really know what to say about this book without just telling you what happened. But I just know I enjoyed it. It was way better than I thought it would be.
May 18, 2021
Fun
Wildly implausible and impulsive. Just like me reading it. Lol. Adult content. I thought it was an interesting storyline. Heartbreaking at times for what Stella had gone through.
Wildly implausible and impulsive. Just like me reading it. Lol. Adult content. I thought it was an interesting storyline. Heartbreaking at times for what Stella had gone through.
February 21, 2016
Stella Zambrano is a lieutenant in the army and the daughter of the General. You would think being in the service under you father would be great, not so for Stella because her mother died hours after her birth and her father cut himself off emotionally from everyone. After being refused a promotion Stella goes for a run on the beach and meet none other than Prince Eduardo De Santis, who she has had a crush on for year. Just talking to him leads to more and needless to say leaves a consequence. When Eduardo finds out he decides she must marry him. So begins a story of such emotion that I will not give away any spoilers other than to say you will find yourself so immersed in the story of Eduardo, Stella her ruling brother Antonio and General Zambrano. You will feel for all the emotions she goes through as she tries to find happiness, you will want to keep Eduardo for yourself as he is an amazing man with secrets of his own but so much warmth and passion. To find out anything else you will have to read the book and its a fantastic book. Ms Anderson has don a magnificient job with the wonderful romance. Not that this doesn't stand alone but you get to look forward to Antonio's story coming soon. Deserves more than 5 stars.
February 16, 2016
3.5 stars
It would have been a better book if it didn't feel like the 1st 2/3 of the book and the last third seemed like two different books. The other characters except for the heroine seemed to have a personality transplant.
It would have been a better book if it didn't feel like the 1st 2/3 of the book and the last third seemed like two different books. The other characters except for the heroine seemed to have a personality transplant.
May 1, 2016
It wasn't like horrible but it wasn't exceptional. I got very confused when it sounded like she was pretty far into her pregnancy and then she was still running at full speed ahead on her treadmill. I just...why. Why would you run so fast and intensely when you're with child?
March 14, 2016
Read UK paperback version. Superb read, excellent plot with enough twist and turns to keep you turning the page.
March 20, 2016
I very much enjoyed this book. Has to be the first HQ presents I've read with the heroine as an army lieutenant but it was an overall great storyline.
October 26, 2017
First Harlequin for me. Thought it was alright.
I liked that the heroine is an ambitious soldier, but I still got annoyed when she swoons over Eduardo, since Stella didn't strike me as a woman to go weak-at-the-knees. I also thought that the last twenty or so pages seemed a bit too rushed and told more than it showed.
Otherwise, the book did address some topics I thought were interesting (living in a loveless marriage, public image, child out of wedlock, conflict with parents) which I wished she wrote about in a little more detail. I think this book would be much better if it had another fifty pages to address these issues in the story.
All in all, glad I read it.
I liked that the heroine is an ambitious soldier, but I still got annoyed when she swoons over Eduardo, since Stella didn't strike me as a woman to go weak-at-the-knees. I also thought that the last twenty or so pages seemed a bit too rushed and told more than it showed.
Otherwise, the book did address some topics I thought were interesting (living in a loveless marriage, public image, child out of wedlock, conflict with parents) which I wished she wrote about in a little more detail. I think this book would be much better if it had another fifty pages to address these issues in the story.
All in all, glad I read it.
September 27, 2017
The Secret That Shocked Dr Santis
This was a different take of royalty and the military love story. Here the h was in the military and the Prince was a rouge. But after a afternoon on the beach she was left with no career and very pregnant. What will the Prince do? What about her father the General? His brother Prince Regent?
This was a different take of royalty and the military love story. Here the h was in the military and the Prince was a rouge. But after a afternoon on the beach she was left with no career and very pregnant. What will the Prince do? What about her father the General? His brother Prince Regent?
December 7, 2017
Well, that was a bit different for a Harlequin Present book. In a good way. And omigosh, the two characters . I think that was my favourite part of the book. :D
April 29, 2020
Will be reviewed and shelved later when i have find time and energy after this tiring times.
November 4, 2025
4 ½ Stars
From the first, Ms. Anderson had me eagerly turning the pages to read what would happen next with these wonderful characters. This fairytale romance was a pleasure to read.
From the first, Ms. Anderson had me eagerly turning the pages to read what would happen next with these wonderful characters. This fairytale romance was a pleasure to read.
September 21, 2016
A handsome, sexy, seductive, powerful, alpha-male potentate discovers from his spies that the strong-willed, sensuous woman he had intimate relations with is carrying his child. He immediately kidnaps her, thrusts her into his luxury palace and demands that she marry him. Hang on, I’ve read this story before now: The Sheikh’s Pregnant Prisoner.
Wait. That was a different romance. No, it’s the same as this one. Shoot.
Well, I despised The Sheikh’s Pregnant Prisoner and my dislike is no less for Ms. Anderson’s take on the same trope. I had hoped for better in the female protagonist, Army lieutenant Stella Zambrano. After all, she is a soldier, the best in her field and trained to be a top-level fighter. But the first moment she meets her prince he proves to be the superior fighter, easily subduing her, and she gives up her virginity because she practically creams her panties when he holds her close. Here we go again.
Then he finds out she’s pregnant because he has his people keep her under surveillance after their little tryst (the romantic male lead as stalker—aw, isn’t he a charmer?). So naturally, he has armed men take her prisoner, whisk her off to his palace and demand that she marry him. There’s going to be no courtship or wooing here, folks. He needs a bride and an heir and she’s conveniently available. He’s a prince who gets his own way; she’s used to following orders so she knuckles under his will.
Just like with Lauren Hamby of the previously titled romance, Stella is without resources, home or job. Yes, she’s just another hapless female with nothing to her name and therefore forced to take the offer of the rich, arrogant jerk-with-a-title.
For the sake of the baby, she caves in to his demands. He wants to keep her on the island while the baby is grown? She agrees. He demands that she marry him the day after he kidnaps her? No problem. She’s to wear the dress and jewelry he picks out for her? Yes, master. She’s supposed to be this strong-willed, tough-as-nails female. But you don’t really get any of that reading this book.
Oh, we’re supposed to understand that she acquiesces because he’s offering wealth, a title, security, a home for the unborn brat. But couldn’t she get those from her father? Would the old man really be so hard hearted as to cast off his only child and grandchild to starve?
Did I mention she was a virgin when she encountered the prince? Yeah, she was given one condom when she was enlisted and hadn’t used it since then. Therefore, it’s been carted around squashed in her wallet for who knows how long. Is it any surprise that it fails to protect her when she finally gets around to using it? Only to her, apparently.
I’ve read about the virgin being deflowered in so many other stories that it’s no longer a novelty or even particularly thrilling. But it gets downright infuriating to discover it here. Why would a SOLDIER of all people in this day and age be entirely without sexual experience? What kind of sense does that make? Did she really never have the time, chance or inclination for sexual contact? On top of all the other assorted wrongness of her position, this improbability is the most nonsensical of all.
So all the tired clichés are firmly in place, rendering this sad novel just another in the panoply of stories about enforced royal marriages because of an infant. Change the names and locales but the inanity remains the same. Avoid this novel and watch soap operas if you’re really that bored.
Wait. That was a different romance. No, it’s the same as this one. Shoot.
Well, I despised The Sheikh’s Pregnant Prisoner and my dislike is no less for Ms. Anderson’s take on the same trope. I had hoped for better in the female protagonist, Army lieutenant Stella Zambrano. After all, she is a soldier, the best in her field and trained to be a top-level fighter. But the first moment she meets her prince he proves to be the superior fighter, easily subduing her, and she gives up her virginity because she practically creams her panties when he holds her close. Here we go again.
Then he finds out she’s pregnant because he has his people keep her under surveillance after their little tryst (the romantic male lead as stalker—aw, isn’t he a charmer?). So naturally, he has armed men take her prisoner, whisk her off to his palace and demand that she marry him. There’s going to be no courtship or wooing here, folks. He needs a bride and an heir and she’s conveniently available. He’s a prince who gets his own way; she’s used to following orders so she knuckles under his will.
Just like with Lauren Hamby of the previously titled romance, Stella is without resources, home or job. Yes, she’s just another hapless female with nothing to her name and therefore forced to take the offer of the rich, arrogant jerk-with-a-title.
For the sake of the baby, she caves in to his demands. He wants to keep her on the island while the baby is grown? She agrees. He demands that she marry him the day after he kidnaps her? No problem. She’s to wear the dress and jewelry he picks out for her? Yes, master. She’s supposed to be this strong-willed, tough-as-nails female. But you don’t really get any of that reading this book.
Oh, we’re supposed to understand that she acquiesces because he’s offering wealth, a title, security, a home for the unborn brat. But couldn’t she get those from her father? Would the old man really be so hard hearted as to cast off his only child and grandchild to starve?
Did I mention she was a virgin when she encountered the prince? Yeah, she was given one condom when she was enlisted and hadn’t used it since then. Therefore, it’s been carted around squashed in her wallet for who knows how long. Is it any surprise that it fails to protect her when she finally gets around to using it? Only to her, apparently.
I’ve read about the virgin being deflowered in so many other stories that it’s no longer a novelty or even particularly thrilling. But it gets downright infuriating to discover it here. Why would a SOLDIER of all people in this day and age be entirely without sexual experience? What kind of sense does that make? Did she really never have the time, chance or inclination for sexual contact? On top of all the other assorted wrongness of her position, this improbability is the most nonsensical of all.
So all the tired clichés are firmly in place, rendering this sad novel just another in the panoply of stories about enforced royal marriages because of an infant. Change the names and locales but the inanity remains the same. Avoid this novel and watch soap operas if you’re really that bored.
April 8, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. Stella Zambrano was a Army lieutenant. She always worked hard, and followed the rules in hopes to make her dad proud. Her dad was a General. Stella's mom died shortly after Stella was born. With her dad being a General, he was all military. He didn't show emotions, and never said things like "I Love you".
One afternoon on a private beach, Stella broke the rules. For the first time in her life, she felt free. She had a steamy encounter with Prince Eduardo De Santis. That one afternoon changed her life forever.
I loved the banter between Eduardo, and Stella. The two played board games together, and just enjoyed each other's company. The two had to learn to trust one another, and to communicate. The story was a beautiful journey of two people falling in love.
One afternoon on a private beach, Stella broke the rules. For the first time in her life, she felt free. She had a steamy encounter with Prince Eduardo De Santis. That one afternoon changed her life forever.
I loved the banter between Eduardo, and Stella. The two played board games together, and just enjoyed each other's company. The two had to learn to trust one another, and to communicate. The story was a beautiful journey of two people falling in love.
June 19, 2016
Disclaimer: I got this book from the book sale at the public library and have received no compensation from the author or publisher for this honest review.
Strong leading lady. Leading man (yes he's a prince!) with hidden depths. Oh yes, I enjoyed this one. The byplay between the two as well as the snappy dialogue made this one a joy to read.
The plot might have been simple but the character building and complexity made this book shine for me.
Strong leading lady. Leading man (yes he's a prince!) with hidden depths. Oh yes, I enjoyed this one. The byplay between the two as well as the snappy dialogue made this one a joy to read.
The plot might have been simple but the character building and complexity made this book shine for me.
Read
March 23, 2016"Nicely drawn sexual tension and Anderson’s excellent depiction of emotion make for a compelling read. Sparks fly in the characters’ interactions, and their relationship develops naturally" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).
Miniseries: The Throne of San Felipe
Miniseries: The Throne of San Felipe
April 3, 2016
There was a bit of role reversal from the usual Princess falls for military type/bodyguard, in that it was a Prince who fell for a female soldier.
I really enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the second in the duet, where there's going to be a romance for the buttoned-up older Princely brother.
I really enjoyed the story, and am looking forward to the second in the duet, where there's going to be a romance for the buttoned-up older Princely brother.
September 26, 2021
they're so cute together my goodness.
the heroine is a soldier, she met the hero, a prince, and fell pregnant. poor heroine, she was emotionally unavailable for her father never showed his love for her and never seemed to be proud of her. upon finding out she was pregnant she didn't know what to do and was about to go when the hero summoned her and told her they'll marry.
the heroine is a soldier, she met the hero, a prince, and fell pregnant. poor heroine, she was emotionally unavailable for her father never showed his love for her and never seemed to be proud of her. upon finding out she was pregnant she didn't know what to do and was about to go when the hero summoned her and told her they'll marry.
February 5, 2016
3 1/2 not bad
Read
March 1, 2016received 4 stars @ RT Book Reviews
Miniseries: The Throne of San Felipe
Miniseries: The Throne of San Felipe
April 7, 2016
ok - want to read Antonio's story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews