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A Lady for the Forsaken Earl
Madelene is on the run. She refuses to become an Earl's forced bride merely to settle her uncle's gambling debt. Using her only means of escape, a male disguise, she flees to London, where she will board a ship to her freedom. But her plans go askew when a run-in with bandits brings her face-to-face with the very last man she wanted to meet. Young Madelene finds the Earl intriguing, but her guard is up. As a new danger grows imminent, will Madelene be captured and forced into an unwanted marriage, or will the man she once feared be the one to rescue her?
Lord Hugh Trentham has returned from the war with an injury on his leg and the title of Earl of Scarbrough waiting for him. This title though does not come free of guilt! Hurt and betrayed from his late wife, he finds himself winning the hand of a young maiden through a bet. Will his tormented past prevent him from carrying on with this union, or will this young Lady save his aching heart?
"A Lady for the Forsaken Earl" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
396 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 18, 2018
739 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Bridget Barton
164 books206 followersBridget Barton was born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas.
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
She has studied English Literature in college and after a brief passage in journalism as a newspaper writer, she stirred her career to what she always loved: becoming an author!
She has always been intrigued by rascals, vagabonds, dukes and rogues, so having the chance to write stories about them is a wish come true for her!
Bridget is married to her own prince charming and is the proud mother of two daughters (and three adorable kittens) and soon to be a grandma!
She is a hopeless romantic who devours romance literature and of course enjoys writing love stories of her own.
When she is not writing, Bridget is relaxing by cooking for her lovely husband, exercising and listening to soft music.
Bridget loves to connect with her readers!
With love and respect,
Bridget Barton
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
June 12, 2022
This book started out good but got tedious after a while.
November 25, 2018
Amazing
I found this a really good book. Madeline is an amazing character and really strong. She fights for her life and for her friends. She helps the poor and needy. Lord Hugh Scarborough is a multi faceted character and runs into Madeline on the road and assists her when she is in need and helps to save her from bad people throughout the book.
I found this a really good book. Madeline is an amazing character and really strong. She fights for her life and for her friends. She helps the poor and needy. Lord Hugh Scarborough is a multi faceted character and runs into Madeline on the road and assists her when she is in need and helps to save her from bad people throughout the book.
June 26, 2019
Love, love, love!! ❤
Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!
Wow, and I do mean wow! This novel was excellent and thorough without becoming explicit! I love romantic novels and this one had a wonderful storyline to keep me entertained! Fabulous!
January 10, 2019
Madeleine Huntington was placed by her father Sir Cardross Huntington with her uncle and aunt in England. Her uncle gambled and gambled her hand to Lord Hugh Trentham, the Earl of Scarbrough. Madeleine along with Giles and Maria her servants wait until the household list and runaway to prevent the marriage. They are attacked by bandits and Madeleine who is now dressed as a boy named George hold them off and make some so down their weapons and make some leave. Hugh on his way to Madeleine's uncle’s house runs across them in the middle-of-the-road work Giles is laying with his knee hurt. He takes them to an end get some rooms tells him he will see them later that afternoon goes to the house to tell Huntington that he is not going to marry his niece and make arrangements for him to pay him back. Mrs. Huntington tells him that Madeleine ran away with one of the stable boys. He returns to the end finds out they're going to ride the stagecoach to London the next day and says he wants them to ride with him and he'll pay them back the money they spent right on the stagecoach. And to find out what else happens you have to read the book it's a good book.
December 2, 2018
What a wonderful book this is to read. I could not put it down. Page after page there was excitement, drama, danger, betrayal, love and romance. There were many characters that made this story come to life and made it so fascinating. Our lead female and male characters Madelene/Maddy Huntington and Hugh Trentham, the Earl of Scarborough are wonderfully written, well developed, have charming and irresistible personalities. Madelene has had the benefit of growing up by the side of her father, who is captain of his own ship. She has traveled the world, has seen different cultures, has been exposed to different languages all while staying true to herself by being an open minded, benevolent, hardworking young woman. Madelene is a rare beauty and has been sought after by an older notorious villain, Viscount Allendale. Her father sees the way men look at Madelene and worries. Some look with respect others have lewd thoughts and looks towards her. Madelene's father sends her to stay with his brother and his family in England to keep her safe. Little did she know how complicated and dangerous her life was to become. Hugh has suffered tragedy in his past. As a result, he went to war. When he returned his own parents shunned him and accused him of atrocities that he did not commit. In succumbing to his fate, he creates a reputation of being a dangerous man, rake and gambler, just to keep people away from him. Hugh is an intelligent, worldly, kind and considerate man. He treats those who work for him with respect and dignity. When his best friend Jasper needs to be bailed out of trouble, Hugh takes his place at a card table. Madelene's uncle is losing his shirt but believes the next hand is his to win. When he has run out to money, he bets Madelene’s hand in marriage. He loses and Hugh tells him that he will claim his bride in a fortnight. The uncle is not as callus as his wife. He is somewhat remorseful and snivels to his wife for a solution to the fiasco. The aunt could not be not be happier that she is to rid herself of Madelene. The aunt has always felt threatened by Madelene’s beauty compared to her own twin daughters. Unhappy that her husband has lost all their money, the aunt steals the fortune Madelene’s father left her. Madelene's father was no fool and had sent Maria as her abigail. Maria served Madelene's mother who died in childbirth. Now she served as Madelene's abigail and surrogate mother. Maria is French and is married to Giles who is English and is a mountain of a man. He travels with Madelene as her a protector. The three of them conspire to escape Madelene's uncle home to freedom in America. So many things go wrong and what an adventure it is to read how Madelene's and Hugh's lives cross each other by accident. Madelene also does not know the length Viscount Allendale will go to, to convince her to marry him or he will have no choice but to abduct her and force her. The betrayal facing Madelene and Hugh is enough to break them apart after they begin to feel safe. Their blooming affection for the other is threatened. This is a must read and I highly recommend it.
November 24, 2018
The Many Lives of Maddy💃💋👦
England, 1813
Madelene💃💋 grows up as free spirit👸 on her father's trading ship, going all over the 🌎world, visiting foreign ports. As she gets older, her father realizes she needs to find a husband.
He sends her to his wastrel brother, not knowing the severity of his gambling and drinking🍸 problems. His brother's wife is a low bred shrew👺, and she resents the beautiful Maddy💃💋 usurping her two dim witted daughters who are also in need of husbands.
The uncle has gotten so far in debt with his gambling one evening, he bets Maddy's hand in marriage to Hugh🐺🍆🌋, the Earl of Scarborough.
Hugh🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 comes from London to see Maddy👸💋 and refuse his prize. He wants to make other arrangements for her uncle to pay the debt. He's really a decent guy!
Maddy👸💋 finds out what her uncle has done, and runs away, taking her two trusty servants with her.
Maddy's idea is to get to London and catch a ship⛵ to America.
Everything goes wrong. With Maddy👦 Dressed as a boy, the three travelers are beset by bandits, then picked up by Lord Hugh🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪!
The dressed as a boy farce goes on for Maddy👦, she's afraid of Hugh 🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪, too. Now she is also being pursued by a criminal, Viscount Allandale👹, and his spies.
ARC Received from Author
The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book📙 is an emotional rollercoaster💕💔 ride from start to finish! It will take you through highs💕 and lows💔, and everywhere inbetween! Great Regency Romance, I recommend!
There were a few modern phrases and words used, but not so many as to detract from my overall enjoyment of this well written and exciting novel.
England, 1813
Madelene💃💋 grows up as free spirit👸 on her father's trading ship, going all over the 🌎world, visiting foreign ports. As she gets older, her father realizes she needs to find a husband.
He sends her to his wastrel brother, not knowing the severity of his gambling and drinking🍸 problems. His brother's wife is a low bred shrew👺, and she resents the beautiful Maddy💃💋 usurping her two dim witted daughters who are also in need of husbands.
The uncle has gotten so far in debt with his gambling one evening, he bets Maddy's hand in marriage to Hugh🐺🍆🌋, the Earl of Scarborough.
Hugh🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪 comes from London to see Maddy👸💋 and refuse his prize. He wants to make other arrangements for her uncle to pay the debt. He's really a decent guy!
Maddy👸💋 finds out what her uncle has done, and runs away, taking her two trusty servants with her.
Maddy's idea is to get to London and catch a ship⛵ to America.
Everything goes wrong. With Maddy👦 Dressed as a boy, the three travelers are beset by bandits, then picked up by Lord Hugh🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪!
The dressed as a boy farce goes on for Maddy👦, she's afraid of Hugh 🐺🍆🌋🔫🔪, too. Now she is also being pursued by a criminal, Viscount Allandale👹, and his spies.
ARC Received from Author
The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
This book📙 is an emotional rollercoaster💕💔 ride from start to finish! It will take you through highs💕 and lows💔, and everywhere inbetween! Great Regency Romance, I recommend!
There were a few modern phrases and words used, but not so many as to detract from my overall enjoyment of this well written and exciting novel.
November 24, 2018
ONE INCREDIBLY REFRESHING TREAT!!!
Wow! Talk about a rollercoaster ride. I love this little jewel. I probably say this every time, but I always love Bridgets work. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, adrenaline fueled, heart pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. I was a goner from the git-go. Bridgets insight and imagination give depth and personalities that are believable and not forced. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for one pleasurable experience. A whirlwind of emotions and events that really make the storyline pop. Bridget increases the drama, mystery, secrets, intrigue and suspense while tension spirals and the plot thickens. Misunderstanding ensues as the characters feel their way through the mine field of their pasts. Present and hopeful futures. Bridget did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life. Fantastic job Bridget, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Wow! Talk about a rollercoaster ride. I love this little jewel. I probably say this every time, but I always love Bridgets work. This is one exciting, action packed, fast paced, hard hitting, adrenaline fueled, heart pounding, pulse racing, smooth flowing, page turning bombshell that's as riveting as it is captivating. I was a goner from the git-go. Bridgets insight and imagination give depth and personalities that are believable and not forced. The characters and scenes are written with such realism it really pulls this bad boy together beautifully. All the twists and turns, unexpected circumstances and unpredictable surprises around every corner make for one pleasurable experience. A whirlwind of emotions and events that really make the storyline pop. Bridget increases the drama, mystery, secrets, intrigue and suspense while tension spirals and the plot thickens. Misunderstanding ensues as the characters feel their way through the mine field of their pasts. Present and hopeful futures. Bridget did a phenomenal job bringing this read to life. Fantastic job Bridget, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
January 27, 2019
Sir Cardross Huntington was the captian of the Marguerite and father of Madelene. He was going back to England, to leave his daughter with his brother, Harry Huntington. Harry was a gambler and a bad one. His household consisted of himself, his shrew of a wife and his two daughters and of course his niece.This time he gambled with the Earl of Scarborough, Hugh Trentham, he lost. He had used the hand of his niece and now he would have to surrender her. Well that starts all the twists and turns that go on, Madelene was working as a stable boy, no one knew she was a girl.
The characters are well developed and interact well together. Madelene and her two servants knew they had to run before the Earl came to get her. They were walking down the street and they were jumped by some theives. Giles was hurt and Maria was frightened, Madelene would not stop fighting.
She scared them away. A carriage was coming towards them and there was the Earl, luckily she was in disguise. He stopped to help them. The description of this scene playing out was scarry. I loved this book and it was very interesting and read it straight thru..
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
The characters are well developed and interact well together. Madelene and her two servants knew they had to run before the Earl came to get her. They were walking down the street and they were jumped by some theives. Giles was hurt and Maria was frightened, Madelene would not stop fighting.
She scared them away. A carriage was coming towards them and there was the Earl, luckily she was in disguise. He stopped to help them. The description of this scene playing out was scarry. I loved this book and it was very interesting and read it straight thru..
I received this ARC from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 26, 2018
Madelyn is not your typical lady.
Raised by her father in his ship in the high seas, Madelyn had grown up with a unique viewpoint and many cultural advantages that the young ladies of the ton couldn't touch. When Get father fears for her safety he sends her to his brother to protect and guide her. However, Madelyn just seems to go from the frying pan to the fire over and over. Get charitable heart causes more danger. It's her heart that she can't control and her love for the Earl who doesn't seem to hold the same affection for her that keeps causing this warm, spunky living woman to doubt herself and her options. I love the characters in this Story and there are quite a few. Some you'll love and some you'll despise. Don't skip the extended epilogue at the end!
Raised by her father in his ship in the high seas, Madelyn had grown up with a unique viewpoint and many cultural advantages that the young ladies of the ton couldn't touch. When Get father fears for her safety he sends her to his brother to protect and guide her. However, Madelyn just seems to go from the frying pan to the fire over and over. Get charitable heart causes more danger. It's her heart that she can't control and her love for the Earl who doesn't seem to hold the same affection for her that keeps causing this warm, spunky living woman to doubt herself and her options. I love the characters in this Story and there are quite a few. Some you'll love and some you'll despise. Don't skip the extended epilogue at the end!
November 27, 2018
Marvelous epic romance set in England during the Regency period. This era is fascinating to me because of the overwhelming hypocrisy and the stifling double standard. In spite of that, we have a strong willed heroine who was raised on a ship among pirates and so has always had freedoms that few Englishwomen shared. When her safety is threatened, her father sends her to England and there is where her adventure begins and where she meets her love, the aptly named Forsaken Earl. Madelene and Hugh smolder as the story develops into a very satisfying end. Highly recommended to all who love Regency Romance.
December 1, 2018
Escape?
Lady Madeleine is one of a kind. Raised to be adventurous even as she was protected, she does not see the world as others do.
When her father leaves her with his brother to protect her from a man that is not a good match, she finds her uncle’s household to be less than welcoming.
When she finds that her uncle has gambled her worth to an earl, she decides to take things into her own hands.
What happens after is packed with interesting happenings and intrigue.
Bridget Barton has done a spectacular job with this book and the extended epilogue helps tie all the ends together.
Lady Madeleine is one of a kind. Raised to be adventurous even as she was protected, she does not see the world as others do.
When her father leaves her with his brother to protect her from a man that is not a good match, she finds her uncle’s household to be less than welcoming.
When she finds that her uncle has gambled her worth to an earl, she decides to take things into her own hands.
What happens after is packed with interesting happenings and intrigue.
Bridget Barton has done a spectacular job with this book and the extended epilogue helps tie all the ends together.
November 23, 2018
Great
Madeline and the Earl. She is sent to her Uncles to live by her father. He felt she would be safe there.
Her uncle has a gambling addiction and made a a wager and he lost. Guess what he lost this time?
There are many twists and turns in this book. I liked the characters in this book, some were interesting, while others were mean and conniving.
I love Madelines stubbornness and Hughes way of treating the three of them.
Love the romance!
HEA!
I received this book for an honest review.
Madeline and the Earl. She is sent to her Uncles to live by her father. He felt she would be safe there.
Her uncle has a gambling addiction and made a a wager and he lost. Guess what he lost this time?
There are many twists and turns in this book. I liked the characters in this book, some were interesting, while others were mean and conniving.
I love Madelines stubbornness and Hughes way of treating the three of them.
Love the romance!
HEA!
I received this book for an honest review.
February 3, 2019
I really liked the characters, the plot and story . I liked the different elements that connected the characters it is one of the better stories I have read. But there are gaps especially at the end like what happened to the “Silver Wolf”? What about Hugh’s parents and Madeline’s dad? Also I still hate that this author uses the term “ok” in this book and many others that she has written as well as other contemporary idioms. UGH! At time the writing is a bit simplistic and reparative. Could have been so much more.
July 28, 2020
My Favorite
My favorite novel so far written by a great historical novels. A beautiful English lady, left to her father's evil brother who gambled her away to a Earl with a dark past. Escaping with her maid and footman, her disguised as a boy, hidden from the earl as a young boy until he listened in on his son to find she is a woman. He beautifully shown outward & inwards, two who fell in love, but never communicated. Lots of adventure, pain, the meaning of love.. A bonus ending... A Must Read!!!!
My favorite novel so far written by a great historical novels. A beautiful English lady, left to her father's evil brother who gambled her away to a Earl with a dark past. Escaping with her maid and footman, her disguised as a boy, hidden from the earl as a young boy until he listened in on his son to find she is a woman. He beautifully shown outward & inwards, two who fell in love, but never communicated. Lots of adventure, pain, the meaning of love.. A bonus ending... A Must Read!!!!
November 22, 2018
Nice clean romance
Madeline has been sent to her uncle's house in England by her father. He is trying to protect her from Lord Allendale who wishes to marry her. He is a very cruel man twice her age. When her Uncle is once again losing at the gaming table he wagers Madeline's hand in marriage to the Earl of Scarborough. Has her father sent her into even more dangerous territory? Will she be able to find her way to safety? This book is full of intrigue and romance. I loved it.
Madeline has been sent to her uncle's house in England by her father. He is trying to protect her from Lord Allendale who wishes to marry her. He is a very cruel man twice her age. When her Uncle is once again losing at the gaming table he wagers Madeline's hand in marriage to the Earl of Scarborough. Has her father sent her into even more dangerous territory? Will she be able to find her way to safety? This book is full of intrigue and romance. I loved it.
April 6, 2020
Interesting
A clean recency romance. Madeline is a beautiful young woman raised on her father's ship. When she is threatened by a dangerous man, her father sends her to his rogue of a brother and his conniving wife. Her uncle gambles away his niece to earl and the adventure s begin. Madelele is smart but stubborn and this causes distress for everyone. I enjoyed reading this book.
A clean recency romance. Madeline is a beautiful young woman raised on her father's ship. When she is threatened by a dangerous man, her father sends her to his rogue of a brother and his conniving wife. Her uncle gambles away his niece to earl and the adventure s begin. Madelele is smart but stubborn and this causes distress for everyone. I enjoyed reading this book.
April 15, 2020
The marvelous Maddy
A great and wonderful love story. I love all the characters in the book. How Hugh being a man of honor and was willing to do away with the agreement he had with Maddy’s uncle. But to end up finding and falling in love with her anyway. All this after the secret maddy did in hiding who she was. There’s no words to describe how intriguing this book is. Just go grab it. You want be disappointed.
A great and wonderful love story. I love all the characters in the book. How Hugh being a man of honor and was willing to do away with the agreement he had with Maddy’s uncle. But to end up finding and falling in love with her anyway. All this after the secret maddy did in hiding who she was. There’s no words to describe how intriguing this book is. Just go grab it. You want be disappointed.
November 29, 2018
as i have started reading more and more of her novels i have come to know how much i enjoy them without feeling that i am reading the same books over and over as i have with some of the others, she never fails to deliver new material with each book this is my longest book review do far and it was a really good book.
December 25, 2018
Excellent Read
When Madelene runs from an unwanted and unjust marriage, the last place she expects to end up is the home of her unwanted betrothed. However, that is exactly what happens. How will she continue to convince him she is a simply stable boy instead of the woman he was supposed to marry.?
When Madelene runs from an unwanted and unjust marriage, the last place she expects to end up is the home of her unwanted betrothed. However, that is exactly what happens. How will she continue to convince him she is a simply stable boy instead of the woman he was supposed to marry.?
May 4, 2020
Painful
The story itself was good, but I really ended up hating both of the main characters. For a supposedly intelligent SPY, why did it take him so long to put two and two together. And, heaven forbid that either one of them would have the courage to actually talk to one another. One star is reserved for books that I couldn’t make myself finish, but this one was close.
The story itself was good, but I really ended up hating both of the main characters. For a supposedly intelligent SPY, why did it take him so long to put two and two together. And, heaven forbid that either one of them would have the courage to actually talk to one another. One star is reserved for books that I couldn’t make myself finish, but this one was close.
September 16, 2022
very nice read
This story tells about how Maddy comes to be in England residing with her uncle, due to the request made by her father. She goes begrudgingly and finds living with her uncle’s family sets forth quite a bit of problems which get rev and unraveled throughout the rest of the story where she ultimately finds her hea
This story tells about how Maddy comes to be in England residing with her uncle, due to the request made by her father. She goes begrudgingly and finds living with her uncle’s family sets forth quite a bit of problems which get rev and unraveled throughout the rest of the story where she ultimately finds her hea
November 21, 2018
Nice read for a cold night
A bit too much coincidence but entertaining. A trite Wicked uncle and aunt, gambling debts, masquerading as a boy, bastard wild child, hero with a limp, etc, HEA.
A bit too much coincidence but entertaining. A trite Wicked uncle and aunt, gambling debts, masquerading as a boy, bastard wild child, hero with a limp, etc, HEA.
November 22, 2018
Unexpected love
A young woman is won during a card game. When she finds this out, she disguised herself as a boy and ends up with the gentleman who won here. Neither know this. And what happens next is just an absolute pleasure to read.
A young woman is won during a card game. When she finds this out, she disguised herself as a boy and ends up with the gentleman who won here. Neither know this. And what happens next is just an absolute pleasure to read.
November 24, 2018
An incredible story, full of surprises and twists.
A lady win in a card game... that disguised as a boy will find work from the earl that win her...
A fantastic plot for this season time... you will love it!
A book for all that love Regency.
A lady win in a card game... that disguised as a boy will find work from the earl that win her...
A fantastic plot for this season time... you will love it!
A book for all that love Regency.
November 27, 2018
Pirates, Highwaymen, damsels in distress
I loved this story of Maddy and Hugh! Such a strong heroine for her broken hero. Not all ladies were ninnies 😊
If your meant to be together come hell or high water you will be.
An easy, sweaping read........ Loved it
I loved this story of Maddy and Hugh! Such a strong heroine for her broken hero. Not all ladies were ninnies 😊
If your meant to be together come hell or high water you will be.
An easy, sweaping read........ Loved it
November 28, 2018
GREAT
Awesomely strong characters with great storyline. Love this authors books and highly recommend this book along with any others in a long library of fabulous story telling. I don't normally leave reviews, but Bright Barton deserves them.
Awesomely strong characters with great storyline. Love this authors books and highly recommend this book along with any others in a long library of fabulous story telling. I don't normally leave reviews, but Bright Barton deserves them.
November 30, 2018
Five wonderful stars!
Another great book by Bridget Barton! Absolutely loved this storyline about Madalene and Hughe. So exciting and romantic. Lots of adventure and heartache, a definite read!
Another great book by Bridget Barton! Absolutely loved this storyline about Madalene and Hughe. So exciting and romantic. Lots of adventure and heartache, a definite read!
December 5, 2018
💞
This is a wonderful book! I enjoyed reading Maddie and Hugh,s story.It will keep you on your toes and turning the pages.I recommend it to anyone who believes in the gift of luv, that luv does conquer all.
Thank you. ❤️
This is a wonderful book! I enjoyed reading Maddie and Hugh,s story.It will keep you on your toes and turning the pages.I recommend it to anyone who believes in the gift of luv, that luv does conquer all.
Thank you. ❤️
December 19, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. I was able to go through the development of their relationship. The epilogue and extended epilogue gave me what I needed. I wish there was more. Like what happened to the Silver Wolf?
December 23, 2018
So much better than the last one I read. There was a little over use of the word lief, but once I looked it up, it made sense. There was less typos than the last book, and overall I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews