Seduced by Second Chances

Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List #3

by Reese Ryan

He’s the one man she’s always wanted…

Her sister’s ex!

Gideon Johns inspired singer Jessie Humphrey to write her first hit about unrequited love. So when a star-studded event brings Jessie face-to-face with her former crush, sparks fly. But the handsome-as-ever real estate billionaire is still her sister’s ex. Still off-limits. Still impossible to resist. Is she setting herself up for more heartache, or for her wildest fantasy come true?

Genres: Romance

199 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 13, 2019

About the author

Vivian Award-winning author Reese Ryan writes sexy, emotional, “grown folks” romantic fiction set in small Southern towns. Her characters find love while navigating career crises and family drama.

Reese's books have been featured on Entertainment Weekly, BuzzFeed, and BookRiot. She is the host of Story Behind the Story—her YouTube show where readers and authors connect.

Reviews

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chances by Reese Ryan is a sexy and enjoyable romance about a couple for whom the passing of time and the decisions of the past have led to the opportunity to try again. It also features the romance of another couple for whom family drama continues to find ways to interfere with their HEA.

Two years after her sister Geneva ended a relationship with Gideon Johns, Jessie Humphrey decided to show Gideon her true feelings for him but her ego was crushed when he soundly rejected her. Having not known of her interest in him and wanting nothing to do with the Humphrey family anymore after the breakup with Geneva, Gideon reacted on instinct and only later, wondered if he’d made a mistake.

It’s been a few years, but the heartbreak of that time compelled Jessie to stardom as she used her unrequited feelings to write and sing a string of soulful bestselling songs. When hired to sing at a Napa Valley winery event with some major music producers bound to be in attendance, Jessie can’t say no, even knowing that Gideon, now a wealthy and successful real estate tycoon will be there too due to his friendship with the organizers. Time has healed the wounds and they can both look at each other in a new light. Is fate giving them a second chance?

For more of this review please visit Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-se...

[Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for a drama-filled romance book then Seduced by Second Chances has your name written all over it. This is the third book in the
Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List series. The series consists of four books, written by four different authors. Each book has its own hero and heroine with their own complete story. However, there is a bonus couple in the first three books who have the fourth book all to themselves. There is also a mystery arc that plays out over the course of the series. If you plan on reading Seduced by Second Chances and are only interested in a romance then this is a standalone read. If you want to follow along with the mystery, then you need to read Tempted by Scandal by Karen Booth and Taken by Storm by Cat Schield first. This series is like Dynasty and Dallas on speed. It's soooo good.

Gideon Jones and Jessie Humphrey have a history going back more than 15 years. Gideon is Jessie’s older sister Geneva's ex-boyfriend. In fact, it was Gideon's failed relationship with Geneva that pushed him to become a successful billionaire real-estate mogul. Jessie's unrequited love of Gideon has turned her into a talented songwriter and singer, whose heartbreakingly soulful songs of love and loss have made her a superstar.

The fifth anniversary celebration of Richmond Industries brings these two together in Napa Valley. Matt Richmond is a friend of Gideon’s and during the event Gideon hopes to get Matt to agree to go into a business deal with him. Jessie is one of Matt’s favorite singers and he is beyond excited she has agreed to perform at the event after the previously scheduled one ended in disaster. Jessie’s career is at a crossroads and she actually hopes to connect with a couple of people in attendance at the event. The story of Gideon and Jessie was really good. My only issue is that it seemed too clean. The biggest obstacle for them is that he is her sister’s ex. Surprisingly, there was no drama there. The storyline was set up as if there would be, but there wasn’t any at all.

As mentioned, there is another couple featured in this story. Teresa St. Claire is an event planner and Liam Christopher is a businessman. The two have a history that readers first become aware of in Tempted by Scandal. This couple has an on-again-off-again relationship that is clouded by trust issues. I really liked that Reese stayed true to this couple in the same way they were originally introduced by Karen. This series centers around this couple and all the drama deals with them. I felt the drama and mystery was missing in Taken by Storm but Reese brought it back with a vengeance. I cannot wait for Redeemed by Passion by Joss Wood. I haven't read her before but I am really expecting a great read and to be blown away.

**Received a copy of the book from the author and voluntarily reviewed.**

[Kingtchalla83 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chances" the book 3 of 4 in the Dynasties: Secret of the A-List series. The characters Teresa St. Claire, event planner extraordinaire, and Liam Christopher, billionaire businessman, make an appearance in every book. Their romance arc runs through each book, which in my opinion slightly detracts from the other couples. Only because Liam and Teresa's subplot is riveting. The mystery/thrill thread is soap opera gold!
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"Seduced by Second Chances" primary/secondary couple is Gideon John, African-American billionaire real estate mogul, and Jessie Humphrey, African American singer/writer. Gideon dated Jessie's sister, but her family didn't like him due to his lack of wealth and pedigree. Jessie's sister dropped him fearing he wouldn't be able to keep her in diamonds and furs, so there's a bit of a forbidden romance element. I must say there is something satisfying reading about a Black billionaire real estate mogul for many reasons.
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Jessie's primary motivation is securing funding and a top-notch producer for her album which will be released independently. Gideon is trying to lock down a billion dollar construction deal in Dubai. Their goals are challenged providing excellent tension. In addition, Jessie and Gideon nurse wounds from an old encounter.
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Ryan does an amazing job of capturing the voice for Jessie and Gideon. Ryan made me care about them and root for their success. My only complaint is the shared the spotlight. I wanted a deeper dive into the relationship dynamic I believe Jessie and Gideon possessed a depth that wasn't fully explored. Regardless, Ryan knows how to write compelling romance.
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[Kesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Liam and Teresa were more interesting than Jessie and Gideon, the main characters. There were too many unanswered questions by the end of the book and I'm not talking about Liam & Teresa (they are getting their own book).

[ShayBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chances is the third installment in the Dynasties series. This is the story of Gideon Johns and Jessie Humphrey. Jessie has wanted Gideon for a long time , but he was in love and engaged to her sister which made him off-limits. Gideon is now available and has a strong attraction to his ex’s sister but he does not want to cause a rift in between them so he has deemed her off-limits also. Will his past relationship with her sister keep them apart?

I am really enjoying this series that these ladies have written . I knew this book was going to be good so I waited to read it. I love how each author just picked up where the last one ended and continued the story line making it even juicer than the last. Reese Ryan has not once disappointed me in her stories and she came through again with this one. I was talking and shouting at characters I was predicting how things were going to unfold but Reese Ryan said no ma’am my Book is not predictable and that is why I love her writing style and her books. The next book is bittersweet because I cannot wait to see how it all ends but I do not want the series to end.

[Timitra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced By Second Chances upped the ante on this series and has me so excited for the conclusion. It had drama, suspense, betrayal, love and sweet, sexy scenes. Liam actually didn't annoy as much in this one and I even began to like him. My fave parts though featured Jessie and Gideon, I enjoyed their journey. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and I'm highly anticipating the next book in the series.


Copy provided by author

[Liv · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love all of Reese Ryan's writing and all her other works so this one was a bit disappointing.

The main couple felt secondary in their own story. I read this as a stand-alone, even knowing from the author’s note at the beginning that a second couple would be featured. I’ve read some books like that and figured the second couple would just be in the background, maybe get a chapter or two. But that was not the case, and considering the other couple gets their own full book as next in this series anyway I feel cheated. Especially as a Black reader who looks forward to the more limited selection of Black love romance novels and come to my favorite Black authors, like Reese, specifically for the representation of Black love and Black heroines being loved.

The other couple got way too much story when they were supposed to be just complimentary and it was frustrating because, to be completely honest, I truly didn't care about them; at least not here. I wanted Gideon and Jessie. And because the other couple got essentially half the book, including a love scene, Gideon and Jessie only got limited time in their own story, one kiss/love scene, and the conclusion, love declaration, and resolution of the main obstacle to their relationship felt rushed and anti-climactic. The central conflict of their relationship essentially vanished into smoke, along with all the other reasons for hesitation, in the last scene, when that was supposed to be the main draw and “scandal” to make this part of the series. They didn’t get the chance to breathe as a couple or truly work through their fears or feelings, which they would’ve had time to do in the chapters that were given to the other couple.

Meanwhile this other couple gets all this overarching plot time (I know the series had them in the previous two books, though I didn’t read them so I don’t know if their treatment was the same in those as it was here), their own book as the finale of the series, and their plot even took up the epilogue which I believe should've at least been given to Gideon and Jessie. Even the character's individual career plots were half their reading time but were left unfinished and I don't care enough (and maybe a little bitter lol) about the other couple to try to read their story just to see if Gideon and Jessie reappear and tie lose ends, especially if they're not going to get equal treatment.

But if you're a fan of this series and are reading the whole thing for the Teresa/Liam couple, you'll probably be a lot less disappointed than I was.

[Angela Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chances is a soap opera in written form. The third book in the Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List series is a drama-filled read with twists, turns, and jaw-dropping suspense. Two twisting stories unfold as singer/songwriter Jessie Humphrey fight for her independence as an artist with freedom and creative rights to her music and Gideon Johns, a billionaire real estate mogul in the trenches to seal the deal of a major project. Secretly for years, Gideon has been the face and the inspiration to Jessie’s truth of love and heartbreak that fuels the rawness of her music creating hit after hit for herself and other artists that she writes for. He has been a silent partner who infiltrates her mind with raw, heartfelt lyrics that touches the soul of her fans and audiences alike. Gideon, on the other hand, has been following her every move, behind the scene, of course. After an encounter that did not end well, 15 years later, they find themselves face to face at a major event that could change the course of their careers and future endeavors. Their encounter is electrifying, but can they trust it enough to explore the possibilities of them, after all, he is her sister’s ex.

Sparks and suspensions fly as Liam, billionaire businessman, heir to his father’s business, and Teresa St. Claire tries to avoid each other after ugly rumors are set in motion putting a screeching halt to their on-again-off-again relationship. In the passing of Liam’s father, Teresa has been given 25% of Liam’s family business, making the rumors more believable to the outside. With the jabs that are coming fast and directly at her, Teresa's thriving event planning company, Limitless Events, and reputation to her star-studded A-list clientele are suffering under the devasting blows. Liam is not sure what to do or who to trust and believe. However, deep down, he knows that there is a love for this woman who has turned his world upside down. So much so that he feels the need to step in and help her with a major event that is beneficial to her name and company, a decision unknown to him that is more damaging and detrimental than good. But the bigger issue is finding out who is behind this and trying to sabotage his true happiness, destroying Teresa in the process. Throughout the quest, no one is off-limits, especially when the destruction is believed to be coming from his own camp.

Seduced by Second Chances is a well-crafted, well-written contribution to the series. A must-read. Reese Ryan brings pages of fire and desire, concluding with a happily ever after along with the uncertainty of love mixed with suspense setting you up for the next book in the series.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betrayal real close to home!

Okay, what? Why would Liam's mother risk ruining her own son and their company by mitigating her revenge on Teresa? Liam can conceive of betrayal in Teresa's camp yet never realized just who's camp the traitor was in or the identity of the traitor being his own mother. I want to know how this pans out and what Liam will do when he learns the truth. For her part Teresa need to take her brother to the hospital so that when the truth comes to the light she will have further proof of Liam's mother's criminal activity. I wonder if the person Liam's mother is paying off is the same one Liam is paying to investigate Teresa's past? Bears considering don't you think?

[Lynn Turner · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wrong Book?

I don't usually write reviews and I'm not sure which book the other reviewers read, but I had to check the book description several times because I thought it was Teresa and Liam's story. There was no build up to a relationship between Jessie and Gideon after a fifteen year seperation. It was as if okay, here is the setup for the next book and by the way here is your happy ending. To say I was disappointed is an understatement.

[Brenda Larnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great job, Reese Ryan! Not only did you continue the story from Book 2 of this series, but you also added a featured couple, Jessie Humphrey and Gideon Johns. Their love journey leads to a satisfying HEA, in spite of the fact that Jessie has been carrying a torch for Gideon for 15 years. The other couple, Teresa St. Claire and Liam Christopher are not quite as lucky. Their story leads to a cliff hanging moment at the end of the book.
I liked this story, and I liked the author’s contribution to the series. What is more, I read it as a stand-alone. That speaks volumes to the creative ability of the author.

[Geri Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chances Indeed!

I’m reading this as a stand-alone. Haven’t read the other books in this Series. However, I enjoyed this story. I was a little confused as to who the main characters were but figured it out mid-way! I loved how the relationship between Jessie and Gideon gelled and how accepting Geneva was. I wanted more with Teresa and Liam, but now understand, with the cliffhanger! This was a great read. Kudos, Reese Ryan! 💜

['The Book Queen' · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seduced for sure

I wanted a little bit more with Jessie and Gideon. Liam and Teresa took too much time away from Jessie and Gideon. Another time for them perhaps. Overall, a good read.

[Harlequin Books]

Categories
Multicultural & Interracial Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance

Miniseries
Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List (Book #3)

[Tigger · Rating 3 out of 5]

So much going on with the couples!

[Kyra Gates · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too much for me

I had a hard time following. It was two stories in one I think but that was a bit much for me. I felt like I was reading two books at the same time.

[Latesha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good story.

[Stephanie Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

What’s meant for you will be for you.
Reese Ryan have done it again. Finished book 3 in the : Dynasties: Secret of the A-List series. This book covers the story two couples Jessie and Gideon & Teresa and Liam. Jessie & Gideon had a wonderful love story but sometimes when we misunderstand a situation we tend to miss out on a whole lot. As for Teresa and Liam I seriously think Liam need to have his head examined, he tend to blow up without knowing the facts. But I’m hoping for a happy ending for them both. Waiting patiently for book 4.

[Brandee (un)Conventional Bookworms · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 Stars*
RRyan's continuation of this series was the best one yet! I loved Jessie and Gideon's second chance at romance. And Teresa and Liam's story continued in a way that left me rooting for them rather than wanting to beat my head against a wall. This was my first time reading RRyan and I'll certainly be picking up her other books. :)

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Seduced by Second Chances was the best of the series so far! Jessie and Gideon's story was compelling and RRyan's continuation of Teresa and Liam's story had me rooting for them rather than wanting to bang my head against a wall. RRyan is a new-to-me author and I enjoyed her storytelling so much I one-clicked a few titles from her back list. ;)

Highlights

*Characters
Yay for diversity! Jessie and Gideon knew each other as teens. See, he dated Jessie's older sister. But Jessie always harbored a strong crush. But even when there was nothing in their way, there was something in their way. All these years later, they haven't been able to forget one another. Cheers to second chances! Jessie is from a wealthy family while Gideon is from the wrong side of the tracks. They're both successful now - Jessie, a singer/songwriter, and Gideon a billionaire real estate broker. And as they get reacquainted, we see how they've grown and fit even better now.
As for Teresa and Liam - their relationship which has been a lot of starts, stops, and stutters, seems to be a little more solid. There were, of course, some fiascos but Liam is being a stand-up guy rather than running and that was a welcome change. There were also hints and reveals about the who behind all of Teresa's trouble. And I'm eager to see how things to in the end.

*Plot
RRyan deftly wove a gripping story for Jessie and Gideon. The circumstances for the meeting again, their history, and their present situations, all felt genuine and believable. The pacing was also done well. It didn't feel rushed. The direction RRyan took Teresa and Liam was a relief and as I said, has me hoping for their HEA rather than wishing I could throttle Liam.

*Romance
This is a little redundant since romance was the main theme of the plot, but it was so well done it begged repeating. ;)

[Joyce M. H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Reese's contribution to "Seduced by Second Chances (Dynasties": Secrets of the A-List Book 3). I hope that Reese also gets a part in Joss Woods' book about her characters Jessie and Gideon.
I'm not use to reading about 4 main characters in one book usually there are two main characters and secondary characters but again Reese did a excellent job with her characters.

Jessie is singer and Gideon is a real estate mogul. Jessie's parents didn't want Gideon with the oldest daughter Geneva and I don't think that Geneva really wanted to be with Gideon. Jessie's parent had no ideal that Gideon would turn into a real estate mogul. That just goes to show no judge a book by the cover. Gideon did realize that he and Geneva had both made the right decision by both going their separate ways because if they both had stayed together he wouldn't have been what he became a real estate mogul.

Teresa is a event planner and Liam's is a billionaire businessman. Teresa was Liam's father's protege and after his father's death not only did Liam but his mother believed that she was having an affair with Liam's father who left her 25% of his company. Liam's mother has secrets of her own that she is hiding and Liam wants answers. Liam's mother is evil I wouldn't be surprised that what she is accusing Teresa of doing that she did it . Hopefully we will find out the answers to what is going on in Joss Woods' book Redeemed by Passion (Dynasties: Secrets of the A-List Book 4.

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

4 1/2 STARS!

Forbidden love rekindled! With the next book in the scandalous Secrets of the A-List: Dynasties series, we get to catch up with the key players and continue the big celebration that has forthcoming in the earlier books. The event's entertainment headliner will reunite with the one that got away at the same time as she's stepping out on her own career wise. We also get more info into who is setting Teresa up for a fall and whether Liam is going to put his feelings for her first or let the past continue to color his opinion of her.

Pop star Jessie Humphrey isn't prepared to come face to face with the only man she's ever loved, but she isn't left with any other option. She's at a point in her life when she's ready to step up and take what she wants ... but does that include him even after the humiliation she suffered?

Billionaire Gideon Johns hates that he hurt Jessie all those years ago ... he was young and she was his ex's little sister, so he didn't handle her feelings well. He panicked and was gruffer than he should have been. He'd like nothing more than to make up with her ... especially when he is standing in the same room with her and attraction is flaring.

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chance by Reese Ryan. To me this is a multiple couples story. The main couple being Gideon and Jessie They ET each other when they were younger. Jessie gas always had feelings for Gideon but he chose her sister but in the end he wast good enough for her because he wasn't rich and their father felt te same way. But not Jessie she took a hance and went to see him but he rebuffed er advances. Which then catapulted er career as his career took off after the break up with her sister. Fifteen years later they both have regrets and when they see each other again all the feelings come rushing back. Jessie is afraid to take the chance that he might have feelings still for her sister. But Gideon has to prove to er that she is the only one for him. I want more of these two. The other couple Liam and Teresa love each other but a scandal is keeping them from truly being together. But they are so attracted to each other that they find it hard to stay. Their story comes out in the next book. When they find out who s truly ehind all their problems it won't be nice. Can't wait.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my word. The fireworks in this story made my day. I was consumed whole by this book. The emotions, the world building, the writing...everything and I mean everything about this book is spot on. Reese Ryan does not disappoint. She goes berserk (no not literally or has she?) with this book, which might I add may possibly be the most perfect book she has ever written!

Seduced by Second Chances is daring, sophisticated and a whole lot of sexy. Gideon Johns the multi-billionaire is a swoon worthy and Jessie, a famed singer cannot believe it when she runs into the dreamboat at a star studded event. The undeniable attraction is instant but these two have history together. Could they move past the fact that Gideon is the ex of Jessie’s sister? I won’t tell you how this story pans out but I will say this, the buildup to Gideon and Jessie’s HEA is freaking dramatic!The moment these two reconnect is a trigger that create sparks.

Highly, Highly Recommended
5 Stars

[Shannan Harper · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jessie Humphries wants to maker her own music her own way, and since she wants to do it without the restrictions of her former record company, the only way it will happen is if she can get a big music producer to help her. Gideon Johns knew Jessie back when his heart was broken by her sister, Geneva , but when Jessie told him of her true feeling back then, he pushed her away. Now both of them are older and wiser and need to see if they can build something together.

One thing I really liked about this story was the slow build of romance between the two main characters. It wasn't a rush for them to end up in bed together, but they took a little time to get to know the adult version of each other. There was a story about another couple woven into this book which brought more drama and heat to the story. I really enjoyed this book.

[Jay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jessie became a singer songwriter after she came to Gideon seeking more than friendship and he turned her down. She was after all his ex-fiancee Geneva's little sister. Two years earlier he was set to marry Geneva but she dumped him. Fast forward fifteen years later and Jessie's still wounded by that one incident of unrequited love. I don't know about that. Sounds more like obsessive love to me. I could understand if they'd had a relationship together...

When I first started this book I was under the impression that I was reading a book solely Jessie and Gideon but another couple feature prominently within their story and thank heaven that they do. Teresa and Liam's story has much more heat and drama. It continues in another book which I will be reading soon.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow each of these books in this series is better than the last. They all leave you wanting more. Jessie is a big time singer. Gideon is a self made billionaire that dated her sister a long time ago. She has had feelings for him but fifteen years before he broke her heart when he sent her away. She used that pain to write songs to express her heartbreak. Gideon has no idea that the songs are about him til the big party. Can they overcome their obstacles and be together?

On the other side Teresa and Liam think someone is after one of the other of them. Just when they get hot and heavy again her brother ruins everything including her career in one fell swoop. But than we find out that someone else is behind d him doing that.......

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Jessie’s fantasies become reality?
This is my first book by Reese and I will definitely look to read others. Jessie made a career on singing about lost love which was inspired by Gideon, her sister’s ex boyfriend. Fast forward 15 years, and Jessie is going to make her own album after her contract came with stipulations she wasn’t willing to accept. Jessie is singing for a client’s 5th work anniversary where Gideon is in attendance when next they meet. Will misunderstandings continue to keep them apart? You have to read to find out and will love the interactions of other characters we met in the prior books in the Dynasties Secrets of the A-List quartet.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really likes how this story covers the lives of several characters at one time, it is definitely a soap opera on the written pages but without the overly dramatic emotions portrayed by actors so I enjoyed it much more. The story and characters play out in my imagination and I can control the emotional output, which is why I cant watch day time TV. The storyline does provide a HEA for one of the highlighted couples and enough of a cliffhanger to entice you to read the next story about the second leading couple. Very good writing and and dynamics. I'll be looking for more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CaroMommie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hadn’t slept once I started it, really 😊. It was that good, I wanted, no needed, to spend more time with Jessie & Gideon 🙂, 36 hours I was still on that fantastic voyage 😃.

This 📖 was truly riveting. Just when I would relax and chill, a plot twist would shock the nerves and I’m biting my nails 😬, and it was glorious 🙌🏾🙌🏾🤸🏾‍♀️.

Gideon and Jessie’s story was a wonderful trip. Being front and center watching them traverse their angst was lots of fun.

The supporting cast kept me enthralled as well, all of it was very well done, I think you will thoroughly enjoy this installment.

[Jess Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seduced by Second Chances by Reese Ryan is part of A Secret of The A List mini series! This is the third book in the series. I suggest reading this series in order. You will get bits and pieces of many stories and be out of the loop if you don't. This book held me intrigued and kept me captive by Gideon and Jesse. I had to immediately start the next book in the series. I read them both back to back in the same day. You will not regret this read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.