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Fortune's Island #2
Can't Get Over You
Travel back to the loveswept world of Fortune’s Island with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Shirley Jump.
His voice pierced the darkest corners of her heart.
Waitress Jillian Matheson needs a life makeover. The first thing on her “Get it Together” to-do list is breaking up with her fiancé, Zach Gifford, a struggling rocker who refuses to grow up. With Zach on the sidelines, Jillian pursues the dream career she’s secretly craved for decades and finds romance in the arms of a hot, mysterious visitor on Fortune’s Island. There’s just one kink in her plans. Zach’s band has a regular gig at The Love Shack where she works. And, she can’t deny the effect of his velvet-cloaked voice, a voice that can still reach places she no longer allows his hands to touch.
She’s the only song he ever wanted to sing.
Zach thought he had everything figured out—a music career on the edge of a breakthrough and a gorgeous fiancé—until Jillian left her engagement ring on his amp one night and walked out of his life. He is sure that he can get her to remember their shared passion and realize that they belong together, until a new man enters the picture and begins to sway Jillian’s heart.
Is it ever too late for true love?
Just as Zach begins to break down Jillian’s walls of resistance, a dark secret from his past comes to light and threatens to ruin their second chance at love. With shattered trust pushing them farther away from each other than ever before, can these two wounded hearts find their way back to each other before the last song?
His voice pierced the darkest corners of her heart.
Waitress Jillian Matheson needs a life makeover. The first thing on her “Get it Together” to-do list is breaking up with her fiancé, Zach Gifford, a struggling rocker who refuses to grow up. With Zach on the sidelines, Jillian pursues the dream career she’s secretly craved for decades and finds romance in the arms of a hot, mysterious visitor on Fortune’s Island. There’s just one kink in her plans. Zach’s band has a regular gig at The Love Shack where she works. And, she can’t deny the effect of his velvet-cloaked voice, a voice that can still reach places she no longer allows his hands to touch.
She’s the only song he ever wanted to sing.
Zach thought he had everything figured out—a music career on the edge of a breakthrough and a gorgeous fiancé—until Jillian left her engagement ring on his amp one night and walked out of his life. He is sure that he can get her to remember their shared passion and realize that they belong together, until a new man enters the picture and begins to sway Jillian’s heart.
Is it ever too late for true love?
Just as Zach begins to break down Jillian’s walls of resistance, a dark secret from his past comes to light and threatens to ruin their second chance at love. With shattered trust pushing them farther away from each other than ever before, can these two wounded hearts find their way back to each other before the last song?
171 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 23, 2016
7 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Shirley Jump
441 books743 followersShirley Jump is a writing instructor and an award-winning, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Amazon, and USA Today bestselling author who has published more than 80 books in 24 countries. She has spoken all over the world about the power of narrative and how to create compelling books. A former reporter and communications director for a marketing agency, she uses her diverse background to help clients create impactful books that readers can’t down.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
She knows the path to publication isn’t all rainbows and unicorns, so to help writers write their best possible book, she offers monthly Manuscript Masterminds through her website, www.WritingCompellingFiction.com.
On her channel, https://YouTube.com/@WritingCompellin..., she unlocks the secrets behind compelling novels and delves into the psychological aspect of overcoming creativity-stoppers like doubt and perfectionism. Follow her channel for more writing exercises, classes, and behind-the-scenes writing lessons or join her Manuscript Mastermind to build your tribe of like-minded writers and receive crucial feedback on your pages.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
August 5, 2016
Originally posted on The Book Nympho
Jillian Matheson and her ex-fiancé Zach Gifford were together for eight years before she ceremoniously left her engagement ring on top of his amp three months ago. She was tired of taking a back seat to his music career and waiting to set a wedding date. And when he didn't work really hard to get her back, Jillian was ready to move on with her life.
I really liked both Jillian and Zach. He's a guitarist with a local band playing at The Love Shack, a popular beach restaurant there on Fortune's Island, owned by Jillian's parents. She's a waitress there so throughout their separation, they've never been too far apart physically. I also liked how, though Zach may have been the one most slacking, both of them bore responsibility for their failed relationship. Their pain, along with their hopes, fears and dreams were very well illustrated, making them seem real and like people I'd want to know better.
I enjoyed their introspective journey back to each other and the insights they gained in doing so. The story was a bit repetitive at times but overall was interesting. I also liked the music industry aspects, particularly how their songwriting developed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, hopefully about Jillian's brother, Carter. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
Jillian Matheson and her ex-fiancé Zach Gifford were together for eight years before she ceremoniously left her engagement ring on top of his amp three months ago. She was tired of taking a back seat to his music career and waiting to set a wedding date. And when he didn't work really hard to get her back, Jillian was ready to move on with her life.
I really liked both Jillian and Zach. He's a guitarist with a local band playing at The Love Shack, a popular beach restaurant there on Fortune's Island, owned by Jillian's parents. She's a waitress there so throughout their separation, they've never been too far apart physically. I also liked how, though Zach may have been the one most slacking, both of them bore responsibility for their failed relationship. Their pain, along with their hopes, fears and dreams were very well illustrated, making them seem real and like people I'd want to know better.
I enjoyed their introspective journey back to each other and the insights they gained in doing so. The story was a bit repetitive at times but overall was interesting. I also liked the music industry aspects, particularly how their songwriting developed. I'm looking forward to the next book in the series, hopefully about Jillian's brother, Carter. 3.5 stars
(I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
June 23, 2016
3.5 stars! While this book flowed with really good conversation and likeable characters, it just lacked depth of story and development of the two main characters for me to have given it a higher rating.
Jillian and Zach have known each other since grade school, dated for years and even got engaged, but Jillian ends the relationship because she feels second fiddle to Zach's music aspirations. She doesn't feel he is ready for a marriage commitment and shows no sign putting her and their future ahead of his desire to make it as a recording star with the rest of his band members. Zach soon discovers he has pretty much taken their relationship for granted and sets out to win Jillian back.
For the small amount of pages of this book, Shirley Jump puts together a nice tidy little package which keeps you reading and interested, but I just wish these books were longer in length to make it a really great, satisfying book.
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
Jillian and Zach have known each other since grade school, dated for years and even got engaged, but Jillian ends the relationship because she feels second fiddle to Zach's music aspirations. She doesn't feel he is ready for a marriage commitment and shows no sign putting her and their future ahead of his desire to make it as a recording star with the rest of his band members. Zach soon discovers he has pretty much taken their relationship for granted and sets out to win Jillian back.
For the small amount of pages of this book, Shirley Jump puts together a nice tidy little package which keeps you reading and interested, but I just wish these books were longer in length to make it a really great, satisfying book.
*I received a copy of this book, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review*
June 27, 2016
I love a good second chance romance, and especially appreciate tales of patching up or repairing a long term relationship, so I was really looking forward to this book. The thing I loved best about the first story in this series (And Then Forever) was the Love Shack itself, the people who worked there and the whole zest the place brought to the book. Sadly, this time around the Love Shack is nothing but an occasional set for the rest of the drama to unfold upon and around, and I did miss that fun side.
I also struggled a bit with the characters. On paper, I’d be firmly on Jillian’s side with the way their relationship fell apart and the fact that Zach didn’t react much for three months, but… well, it’s not that I found Jillian unlikable, but there wasn’t much to like about her either. She complains that Zach shut her out of his music towards the end of their relationship, yet she never told anyone about her own. She tells Zach he needs to grow up, but even though she works, it’s for her parents, and she has no real ambition for the future, even if she is sort of going to college.
Zach was the opposite, I found him so very easy to like, even though he does need to grow up a bit and sort out his issues, and I had no idea how on earth he was ever going to resolve that big secret he’d been keeping for so long. But I liked him. He’s affable and talented and sweet and clearly loves Jillian to distraction.
Jillian’s feelings I was less certain of. She’s clearly attracted to Zach, but doesn’t want to be, and her dating didn’t help. Because I liked Zach, and this is clearly a romance between her and Zach, I was always waiting for something to go wrong with Ethan, or for him to turn out to be an axe murderer or something. The set up of the story stopped me from ever liking the man and I just resented him – and by extension Jillian – for that whole side plot.
Which isn’t ideal, but I think the thing that stopped me from really enjoying this book is that Jillian and Zach don’t change much. There’s no real development of their characters, there’s no planning for the future. By the end of the book they’re really not all that different from at the start, and despite a few cheesy twists here and there, I was left feeling a little deflated by the romance. Yes, I wanted them to get back together (because I liked Zach), but I wanted them to grow, for their relationship to advance – for something to happen! Instead I got a fairly sweet tale about a man trying to win back the love of his life, with added love for music thrown in.
It’s a quick, easy enough read, but I would have liked a little more depth, a little more development and at least one last dance to that iconic song.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
I also struggled a bit with the characters. On paper, I’d be firmly on Jillian’s side with the way their relationship fell apart and the fact that Zach didn’t react much for three months, but… well, it’s not that I found Jillian unlikable, but there wasn’t much to like about her either. She complains that Zach shut her out of his music towards the end of their relationship, yet she never told anyone about her own. She tells Zach he needs to grow up, but even though she works, it’s for her parents, and she has no real ambition for the future, even if she is sort of going to college.
Zach was the opposite, I found him so very easy to like, even though he does need to grow up a bit and sort out his issues, and I had no idea how on earth he was ever going to resolve that big secret he’d been keeping for so long. But I liked him. He’s affable and talented and sweet and clearly loves Jillian to distraction.
Jillian’s feelings I was less certain of. She’s clearly attracted to Zach, but doesn’t want to be, and her dating didn’t help. Because I liked Zach, and this is clearly a romance between her and Zach, I was always waiting for something to go wrong with Ethan, or for him to turn out to be an axe murderer or something. The set up of the story stopped me from ever liking the man and I just resented him – and by extension Jillian – for that whole side plot.
Which isn’t ideal, but I think the thing that stopped me from really enjoying this book is that Jillian and Zach don’t change much. There’s no real development of their characters, there’s no planning for the future. By the end of the book they’re really not all that different from at the start, and despite a few cheesy twists here and there, I was left feeling a little deflated by the romance. Yes, I wanted them to get back together (because I liked Zach), but I wanted them to grow, for their relationship to advance – for something to happen! Instead I got a fairly sweet tale about a man trying to win back the love of his life, with added love for music thrown in.
It’s a quick, easy enough read, but I would have liked a little more depth, a little more development and at least one last dance to that iconic song.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
June 18, 2016
CAN'T GET OVER YOU by Shirley Jump...2nd book in the Fortune's Island Romance: Make sure to read book 1-And Then Forever..
Loved this book..
Jillian has moved on, and Zach not so much. Will they get a second chance at happiness?
Jillian works at the Love Shack, but so does Zach's her ex-fiancé band. When she meets someone new at the Love Shack on a rainy day who is drop dead gorgeous something in her screams out to move on. He treats her the way she wants to be treated, the way she thinks she should be treated. That's all well and good until it gets her all twisted in her mind and her heart. Especially when she can't escape Zach. It seems he wants her back now when he see's her with someone else. She can't deny how she feels about Zach. They had a long history.
Now she has to make up her mind. Does she take a leap and totally forget about Zach? Go out with Ethan who makes her laugh, but doesn't give her that zing Zach does. She can't risk her heart again, but what if Zach has really changed. Will she give him a second chance?
Find these answers but you have to buy CAN'T GET OVER YOU. Promise Ms. Jump will not let you down. She never does.
Coming soon..Release date- June 23, 2016
Loved this book..
Jillian has moved on, and Zach not so much. Will they get a second chance at happiness?
Jillian works at the Love Shack, but so does Zach's her ex-fiancé band. When she meets someone new at the Love Shack on a rainy day who is drop dead gorgeous something in her screams out to move on. He treats her the way she wants to be treated, the way she thinks she should be treated. That's all well and good until it gets her all twisted in her mind and her heart. Especially when she can't escape Zach. It seems he wants her back now when he see's her with someone else. She can't deny how she feels about Zach. They had a long history.
Now she has to make up her mind. Does she take a leap and totally forget about Zach? Go out with Ethan who makes her laugh, but doesn't give her that zing Zach does. She can't risk her heart again, but what if Zach has really changed. Will she give him a second chance?
Find these answers but you have to buy CAN'T GET OVER YOU. Promise Ms. Jump will not let you down. She never does.
Coming soon..Release date- June 23, 2016
November 12, 2016
Such a wishy washy book! Too many secrets kept.
To be honest, I read the second in this series right after the first and Kincaid's sister's child thing bothered me most. In book 1, the baby was born and was a boy named Charles (Charlie). In book 2, it's a girl and named Caroline. Wouldn't the author go back and check her notes, or an editor? I expected more from this author.
To be honest, I read the second in this series right after the first and Kincaid's sister's child thing bothered me most. In book 1, the baby was born and was a boy named Charles (Charlie). In book 2, it's a girl and named Caroline. Wouldn't the author go back and check her notes, or an editor? I expected more from this author.
February 11, 2022
3.25 Stars for me!
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3.5
If significant, why? The h was kind of awful
Main Character Ratings...
H = 6/10
h = 4/10
Narrator Rating(s)
M = n/a
F = 6/10
If below 5/10,why? Bump the speed to 1.35 - 1.5 and the narrator is fine... but please no more attempts to sing! 😉
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Genuinely Funny
Cringe Inducing
Just No!
Angst Level? Moderate to Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog? Please Stop
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 50%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The H is dumped by the h after being together in a stagnant relationship for 8 years. In book 1,it seemed to be a good move by the h; however, after listening to this story, my opinion changed (see final notes).
The Romance... The H pursues and the h pushes away with a proverbial axe. The last 10% changes but who knows.
The drama explosion... More of a drama fizzle with the MCs are vying for a record contract.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Just ok
Was it OTT? Sort of
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Sappy weird, but not in a realistic way.
Final Notes... I did like this story better than the first book in the series but I went from liking the h to being completely irritated by her.
1. She never talks to the H about her concerns or her fears and instead dumps the H, then refuses to talk to him. It takes him 3 months to realize what he is losing then literally fights to get her back.
2. The h acted like a 13 year old and refused to communicate, take any blame for the stagnant relationship and treated the H horribly.
3. The author or editor need to remember the genders of the babies from previous stories.
4. The ending was like a Hallmark Story in which the h goes to the country and falls for a struggling business owner while away from her successful business man in the city. He comes to see her, they break up and he is happy for her and her new man.
HEA or HFN? HFN
My rating range of this story... 2 - 3.5
If significant, why? The h was kind of awful
Main Character Ratings...
H = 6/10
h = 4/10
Narrator Rating(s)
M = n/a
F = 6/10
If below 5/10,why? Bump the speed to 1.35 - 1.5 and the narrator is fine... but please no more attempts to sing! 😉
Was cheating involved? No
Any major triggers to be aware of? No
If Comedy... Type? n/a
Genuinely Funny
Cringe Inducing
Just No!
Angst Level? Moderate to Heavy
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
3 Stars for me!
Internal Monolog? Please Stop
Light, Moderate, Heavy or Please Stop
Scenes with heat... Yes
What point does it start? 50%
How much of the story? 5%
Anything beyond M/F? No
If yes, explained
Heat Rating... 5/10
Clean or Fade to Black - 1 or 2
Normal to Descriptive 3-5
Detailed Descriptive Sex - 6-7
Um, Wow, Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
Was there so much sex or unrealistic sex that you rolled your eyes and/or skipped forward? No
The back story... The H is dumped by the h after being together in a stagnant relationship for 8 years. In book 1,it seemed to be a good move by the h; however, after listening to this story, my opinion changed (see final notes).
The Romance... The H pursues and the h pushes away with a proverbial axe. The last 10% changes but who knows.
The drama explosion... More of a drama fizzle with the MCs are vying for a record contract.
Did it feel Real, OK or contrived? Just ok
Was it OTT? Sort of
Separation involved? No
Was it resolved properly or rushed? Sappy weird, but not in a realistic way.
Final Notes... I did like this story better than the first book in the series but I went from liking the h to being completely irritated by her.
1. She never talks to the H about her concerns or her fears and instead dumps the H, then refuses to talk to him. It takes him 3 months to realize what he is losing then literally fights to get her back.
2. The h acted like a 13 year old and refused to communicate, take any blame for the stagnant relationship and treated the H horribly.
3. The author or editor need to remember the genders of the babies from previous stories.
4. The ending was like a Hallmark Story in which the h goes to the country and falls for a struggling business owner while away from her successful business man in the city. He comes to see her, they break up and he is happy for her and her new man.
HEA or HFN? HFN
December 31, 2016
I genuinely tried, but I just can’t with this book. After trudging through 84% of Can't Get Over You, I finally gave up. Life’s too short to force something that isn’t working, you know? Consequently, that’s not only how I feel about my reading of this book, but also about the main characters’ relationship.
The first 30% of this read is, in a word, repetitive. Little to nothing actually happens, other than Zach and Jillian reflecting on why they broke up in the first place. Although the action picked up around 42%, other of the narrative’s weaknesses marred my reading experience.
While the author did an adequate job of establishing the physical attraction between the main characters, their impending reconciliation seemed borne of obligation rather than affection, with their history together harped on as the only other evidence of their compatibility. In addition, the comparison between the two men in Jillian’s life comes off as contrived and oversimplified, a too-obvious attempt at making Ethan pale in comparison to her ex. For me at least, buying into a second chance romance requires more depth and more conviction that the characters are actually right for each other in the present. In this case, unfortunately, I wanted them both to move on…separately.
Since I didn’t see any evidence of growth on the part of the characters, my overall question while reading was why now? Why at all? For me, at least, these questions were not answered. And, although the characters are relatively young, some of their interactions scream “outdated”—a minor thing to be sure, but one that distracts from the novel’s bigger picture.
As always, I endeavor to deliver honest reviews. According to feedback here on Goodreads, other readers/reviewers have found the title enjoyable. However, too much introspection, characters to whom I couldn’t relate, and the lack of a compelling external plot slated this one as a fail for me.
The first 30% of this read is, in a word, repetitive. Little to nothing actually happens, other than Zach and Jillian reflecting on why they broke up in the first place. Although the action picked up around 42%, other of the narrative’s weaknesses marred my reading experience.
While the author did an adequate job of establishing the physical attraction between the main characters, their impending reconciliation seemed borne of obligation rather than affection, with their history together harped on as the only other evidence of their compatibility. In addition, the comparison between the two men in Jillian’s life comes off as contrived and oversimplified, a too-obvious attempt at making Ethan pale in comparison to her ex. For me at least, buying into a second chance romance requires more depth and more conviction that the characters are actually right for each other in the present. In this case, unfortunately, I wanted them both to move on…separately.
Since I didn’t see any evidence of growth on the part of the characters, my overall question while reading was why now? Why at all? For me, at least, these questions were not answered. And, although the characters are relatively young, some of their interactions scream “outdated”—a minor thing to be sure, but one that distracts from the novel’s bigger picture.
As always, I endeavor to deliver honest reviews. According to feedback here on Goodreads, other readers/reviewers have found the title enjoyable. However, too much introspection, characters to whom I couldn’t relate, and the lack of a compelling external plot slated this one as a fail for me.
July 7, 2018
3 stars
July 1, 2021
Cute story.
June 23, 2016
I was pleased to see Shirley Jump continue the Fortune’s Island Series with Can't Get Over You. This takes place three months after And Then Forever ends. However, this is Jillian and Zach story and one need not to have read the first book to thoroughly enjoy this one. However, be for warned that like me you will be come to love this small island and it inhabitants wanting to know more about all of them. Even now there are at least three minor characters that I want to find love and happiness right there on the island.
Shirley Jump’s style is easy to read flowing back between Jillian and Zach. Her work contains enough realism to feel as if it that is exactly how it would happen in reality. At one point, Zach thinks, “Life wasn’t a movie, he reminded himself. Relationships in real life were complicated things that didn’t resolve that easily.” No truer words could have been said. Zach and Jillian do have a complicated relationship with secrets, a man that needs to grow up and another just waiting to take Jillian away for good.
Music is a big part of this story. Instead of being one more rocker tale, I found Can’t Get Over You to be a refreshingly deeper story. Hope the Outsiders make it big in the next book. There will be a next book, won’t there, Shirley Jump? Because Carter needs a story, Abby needs a story and even Ethan needs to find true love, too! I want to read them all. This series is small beach town life and love at its finest.
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
Shirley Jump’s style is easy to read flowing back between Jillian and Zach. Her work contains enough realism to feel as if it that is exactly how it would happen in reality. At one point, Zach thinks, “Life wasn’t a movie, he reminded himself. Relationships in real life were complicated things that didn’t resolve that easily.” No truer words could have been said. Zach and Jillian do have a complicated relationship with secrets, a man that needs to grow up and another just waiting to take Jillian away for good.
Music is a big part of this story. Instead of being one more rocker tale, I found Can’t Get Over You to be a refreshingly deeper story. Hope the Outsiders make it big in the next book. There will be a next book, won’t there, Shirley Jump? Because Carter needs a story, Abby needs a story and even Ethan needs to find true love, too! I want to read them all. This series is small beach town life and love at its finest.
Copy provided by the publisher through Net Galley for an honest review.
June 20, 2016
Can't Get Over You is a sweet story that returns you to Fortune's Island. I struggled with whether to call this Contemporary Romance or New Adult because it really touches on both - the couple is a bit older than a typical New Adult story, but really, neither of them has started their lives, both of them "stuck on pause" in their relationship. I like how the story starts - just after the couple in question has broken up. We then see glimpses of their relationship as the story progresses and each of them deals with the repercussions of their lost relationship. I really enjoyed the story, it felt realistic and touching as each of their emotions spin in and out of each other's lives. Each of them has some soul searching to do, some growing up to do, and understanding what they really want out of life before they can figure out how to move forward with life - either together or separately. External forces pull them apart and push them together and the push and pull was fun to watch. I really enjoyed my trip back to Fortune's Island and look forward to future books from Shirley Jump.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Disclosure: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 30, 2016
I loved this book. It's the second book in her Fortune's Island series & I was so happy to go back there. In this book Jillian has decided that she's waited long enough for her fiance Zach to grow up, pick a wedding date so she breaks up with him. She also decides that it's time for her to do what she wants so she goes to school while also working for her parents at their restaurant The Love Shack. She meets a new guy there & they start dating. This makes Zach angry & jealous but also helps him see where in their relationship he went wrong. This was a wonderful story about a second chance at love.
June 27, 2016
Amazing book!!!
September 1, 2016
Nice romantic book
This is a very nice romance to read. The characters Jullian and Zack are unrequited lovers that I really wanted to find that love for each other again.
This is a very nice romance to read. The characters Jullian and Zack are unrequited lovers that I really wanted to find that love for each other again.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews