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Holding the Line #1
Evasive Action
She’s seen too much to survive.
Minutes before her wedding, April Hart learns her fiancé is a drug lord. Now the only person she can trust is a man from her past—border patrol agent Clay Archer. Two years ago April left Clay at the altar to keep him out of the grip of her dangerous family. This time, Clay is determined to guard April—and his heart. But the truth will plunge them into a brutal endgame where safety equals merciless betrayal…
Minutes before her wedding, April Hart learns her fiancé is a drug lord. Now the only person she can trust is a man from her past—border patrol agent Clay Archer. Two years ago April left Clay at the altar to keep him out of the grip of her dangerous family. This time, Clay is determined to guard April—and his heart. But the truth will plunge them into a brutal endgame where safety equals merciless betrayal…
256 pages, ebook
First published May 14, 2020
94 people are currently reading
63 people want to read
About the author
Carol Ericson
339 books127 followersBest-selling, award-winning romance author, Carol Ericson, has written more than 65 books, mostly romantic suspense for Harlequin Intrigue. Also indie pubbed, Carol is working on a spicy popstar romcom series about five members of a boyband. A California girl and graduate of UCLA, Carol lives near the beach with her husband and their giant dog. For more information about Carol’s books, please visit her website at www.authorcarolericson.com and follow her on Instagram @author.carol.ericson
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
May 10, 2020
Sometimes we need a good suspense book for those days when you want some “me” time. This one draws you in but certain parts with characters and their hand actions drove me nuts.
April & Clay were engaged and about to get married when April left him without an explanation. Two years later, she runs out of yet another groom on her wedding day because she found out he was in the drug trade. She goes straight back to Clay who is working border patrol for help but he (understandably) is not happy to see her!
Received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest opinion.
April & Clay were engaged and about to get married when April left him without an explanation. Two years later, she runs out of yet another groom on her wedding day because she found out he was in the drug trade. She goes straight back to Clay who is working border patrol for help but he (understandably) is not happy to see her!
Received a free copy from NetGalley for an honest opinion.
June 2, 2020
Holding the line can be deadly. Just ask Border patrol agent Clay Archer. He's seen the violence and brutality of the drug cartel. When the woman he loves runs to him after discovering that her fiancée is a drug lord, he can't turn her away. He never forget April Hart even though she broke his heart. This is romantic suspense at its best. April is a complicated character. She's endured so much including the murder of her mother. April loves Clay with all her heart and thinks that she's protecting him. Her misplaced loyalty to her brother was heartbreaking. I was sorry that her sibling wasn't worthy. On the other hand, Clay is a real hero. He's honest and ready to put his life on the line. Carol Ericson wrote a book that pulled me in and kept me reading. The action was nonstop. I connected with the characters and was shocked by the plot twists. I wanted justice to prevail and true love to triumph. I can't wait for the next book in this series. I'm intrigued by Paradiso and it's story.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
May 12, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Holding the Line series in the Harlequin line over at Harlequin Books by Carol Ericson.
Basic premise: Girl learns that the man she is about to marry, who reminds her of her first love, is really a drug kingpin. She runs away from him and straight into the arms of Clay, border patrol agent, the man she left at the alter the first time she was in the same position.
This book definitely hooks you from the very beginning. A real page turner! The cast was very cohesive and the main leads worked well as a team when they finally decided to work together!
I thought there were a lot of twits and turns in this one. There was even a surprising revelation that actually took my totally by surprise. Books like this are definitely in my wheelhouse.
If you like this type of book and want to read a good romantic suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Holding the Line series in the Harlequin line over at Harlequin Books by Carol Ericson.
Basic premise: Girl learns that the man she is about to marry, who reminds her of her first love, is really a drug kingpin. She runs away from him and straight into the arms of Clay, border patrol agent, the man she left at the alter the first time she was in the same position.
This book definitely hooks you from the very beginning. A real page turner! The cast was very cohesive and the main leads worked well as a team when they finally decided to work together!
I thought there were a lot of twits and turns in this one. There was even a surprising revelation that actually took my totally by surprise. Books like this are definitely in my wheelhouse.
If you like this type of book and want to read a good romantic suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
July 20, 2020
This book is an excellent balance of suspense and romance. I stayed up late to finish it.
April 11, 2020
This is a neat book to read. For it has mystery and action. April Hart has a brother who has secrets. What they are will surprise you maybe? Trying to protect family we don't always see what is there. It makes an interesting story. For things are happening and you wonder why. Then you meet Clay Archer and some questions are answered. His job is border patrol. Carol does a excellent job of drawing you into the story. By making you curious as to why things are happening. As the story unfolds you see the common threads appear. Towards the end when April has to make some hard choices she has the support needed. Its great book to read. It has a good idea in the story. J
May 8, 2020
This was my first Carol Ericson intrigue, but not my last. Evasive Action had me hooked from the first page and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. While the plot was your typical jilted bride leaves the groom on the wedding day, there was a twist with April Hart. It was the second time she'd done it. Faced with a dangerous situation because of her groom, Jimmy, she has no one to turn to but her ex - border patrol agent Clay Archer.
When April drives back into Clay's life, he's already dealing with dead bodies on the border. When he arrives home to find April in his driveway, he's less than thrilled the woman who left with him the 'it's not you, it's me' excuse was back in his life, wearing a wedding dress no less! Things turn ugly quickly when Clay brings his job home with him and now April is caught up in the mystery of the bodies in the desert.
I loved the action in Evasive Action and the sexual tension between Clay and April. They worked well together, even if their relationship had gone bad, and you could tell they still loved each other. The mystery of why April left slowly unravels, and while it was easy to see exactly who was involved and why, I loved how the author revealed it across the arc of the book.
A lot of the unnatural description of body movements did drive me a little bit crazy by the end. All the characters were constantly flicking their fingers and the over describing of the body language sometimes took you out of the story. Thankfully, the dialogue was able to draw you back into it immediately, at least until the next time it happened.
If you're looking for a new intrigue series to start, Evasive Action is a great thrill ride through New Mexico with a hottie border patrol agent, his sweet dog Denali, and a woman who while a little gullible (for good reason) always manages to handle her own business.
When April drives back into Clay's life, he's already dealing with dead bodies on the border. When he arrives home to find April in his driveway, he's less than thrilled the woman who left with him the 'it's not you, it's me' excuse was back in his life, wearing a wedding dress no less! Things turn ugly quickly when Clay brings his job home with him and now April is caught up in the mystery of the bodies in the desert.
I loved the action in Evasive Action and the sexual tension between Clay and April. They worked well together, even if their relationship had gone bad, and you could tell they still loved each other. The mystery of why April left slowly unravels, and while it was easy to see exactly who was involved and why, I loved how the author revealed it across the arc of the book.
A lot of the unnatural description of body movements did drive me a little bit crazy by the end. All the characters were constantly flicking their fingers and the over describing of the body language sometimes took you out of the story. Thankfully, the dialogue was able to draw you back into it immediately, at least until the next time it happened.
If you're looking for a new intrigue series to start, Evasive Action is a great thrill ride through New Mexico with a hottie border patrol agent, his sweet dog Denali, and a woman who while a little gullible (for good reason) always manages to handle her own business.
May 24, 2020
Author Carol Ericson begins her "Holding the Line Series" with the fast-paced romantic thriller, "Evasive Action". After two years, border patrol agent Clay Archer still feels the sting of being dumped by his fiancée with no real explanation. Now, April Hart has suddenly reappeared in his life, dressed in full bridal regalia, on the run after jilting fiancé number two, Jimmy Verdugo. after discovering his involvement in illegal drugs. Investigating a drug cartel case where there are bodies without heads and heads without bodies, the last thing Clay needs is to have his mind and his heart messed with by the woman he still loves and can't resist. April had good reasons for leaving Clay, and even though he holds the key to her heart, she still keeps secrets in order to keep him safe. Her own father has been off the grid for years--hiding from authorities as the prime suspect in her mother's death, he's also rumored to be a large-scale drug seller. Adam, April's troubled, unreliable brother, has a drug habit and is connected to Jimmy Verdugo. April has always had a soft spot for her brother, overlooking his faults and always coming to his rescue. Clay has long thought Adam to be a loose cannon, and as threats continue to come to light, Adam seems to be one of the biggest dangers to April. With time spent together working to solve the many mysteries around them, Clay and April can't deny their want and need of each other. If they survive, can their love for each other finally have a chance to bloom and grow into a bright and happy future? Author Carol Ericson definitely has a way with romantic suspense tales, and the relationship in "Evasive Action" is one of my favorites that she has written. I am really looking forward to reading the upcoming books in the "Holding the Line Series".
Book Copy Gratis Author
Book Copy Gratis Author
September 7, 2020
For the second time, April Hart left her groom at the altar. On her wedding day, April heard and saw evidence her fiancée, Jimmy, was a drug dealer and what’s worse she has an extremely strong suspicion, that can’t be explained away, someone close to her deliberately helped Jimmy target April locate her suspected notorious drug dealing father.
Border patrol officer, Clay Archer ended his shift by finding a headless body. However, he was more upset to find April parked in his driveway. Clay’s a maelstrom of emotion, they’d had no contact since April called off their wedding with no explanation two years ago. It looks like his day is ending with a gift-wrapped head on his doorstep.
When a second and third head are found, April and Clay doubt the heads are connected to Clay. Meanwhile, April and Clay struggle with feelings they once and still have for each other in addition to the anger and fear brought by ‘gift heads’ and all they could mean. It’s obvious there’s nothing Clay won’t do for April and she still can’t be with him.
The (minor) bad for this reader was annoying, a few early leaps that didn’t affect the flow or integrity of the book. April and Clay were fully fleshed in a good, twisty outing that kept my taste satisfied and though guessing the culprit is easy for cynics. By page two the reader can easily be involved in this fast-paced read from a new to me author.
Rating: 4.5stars
Border patrol officer, Clay Archer ended his shift by finding a headless body. However, he was more upset to find April parked in his driveway. Clay’s a maelstrom of emotion, they’d had no contact since April called off their wedding with no explanation two years ago. It looks like his day is ending with a gift-wrapped head on his doorstep.
When a second and third head are found, April and Clay doubt the heads are connected to Clay. Meanwhile, April and Clay struggle with feelings they once and still have for each other in addition to the anger and fear brought by ‘gift heads’ and all they could mean. It’s obvious there’s nothing Clay won’t do for April and she still can’t be with him.
The (minor) bad for this reader was annoying, a few early leaps that didn’t affect the flow or integrity of the book. April and Clay were fully fleshed in a good, twisty outing that kept my taste satisfied and though guessing the culprit is easy for cynics. By page two the reader can easily be involved in this fast-paced read from a new to me author.
Rating: 4.5stars
August 16, 2020
𝘿𝙤𝙚𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙮𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙚𝙡𝙨𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙠 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙘𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙠-𝙖𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙚𝙣𝙣𝙖 𝙈𝙞𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙧 ?
April Hart is running from her wedding after discovering that her second fiancé is a drug Lord. The only person she can trust now is her past boyfriend/fiancé,Clay Archer.
After two years, border patrol agent Clay Archer still feels the sting of being dumped by April, without any real explanation, a week before their wedding. Now she suddenly reappeared in his life on the run from her second fiancé Jimmy Verdugo.
Clay already has a problem on his hands when a headless body is found in a tunnel nearby US-Mexico border. At the same time, a severed head is found on his porch the same day April shows up.
Clay never forgets April Hart even she broke his heart. Whereas, April loves Clay with all her heart and thinks she’s protecting him. On the other hand, April’s brother is a real problem due to his drug addiction and possible engagement with Jimmy Verdugo.
As it is a suspenseful romance, it is somewhat feels like a slow paced and hurriedly wind-up story towards the end. Although there is a attraction between April and Clay it doesn’t overpower the book to turning it into full blown romance and certainly the suspense maintains till the end. Thus, it is a fun and page-turning read. Highly recommended for Harlequin fans.
April Hart is running from her wedding after discovering that her second fiancé is a drug Lord. The only person she can trust now is her past boyfriend/fiancé,Clay Archer.
After two years, border patrol agent Clay Archer still feels the sting of being dumped by April, without any real explanation, a week before their wedding. Now she suddenly reappeared in his life on the run from her second fiancé Jimmy Verdugo.
Clay already has a problem on his hands when a headless body is found in a tunnel nearby US-Mexico border. At the same time, a severed head is found on his porch the same day April shows up.
Clay never forgets April Hart even she broke his heart. Whereas, April loves Clay with all her heart and thinks she’s protecting him. On the other hand, April’s brother is a real problem due to his drug addiction and possible engagement with Jimmy Verdugo.
As it is a suspenseful romance, it is somewhat feels like a slow paced and hurriedly wind-up story towards the end. Although there is a attraction between April and Clay it doesn’t overpower the book to turning it into full blown romance and certainly the suspense maintains till the end. Thus, it is a fun and page-turning read. Highly recommended for Harlequin fans.
May 6, 2020
This was a fast-paced beginning to a new series! Just the way I like it! The author immediately grabs you and takes you into the world of the border agents between Arizona and Mexico. It's not pretty. I've lived in that very area so I know the challenges that come there but I don't really know the things the agents have to deal with on a day to day basis. This book deals with the drug trade but there are many other things the agents deal with. I am grateful for all they do because it's very hard. In this book, April and Clay have a history but they haven't seen each other for 2 years when they were supposed to get married but April walked away. She never Clay why and he was left wondering. Well, now, April was getting married again but found out on her wedding day that the guy was in the drug trade himself so she escapes and runs to Clay! April's brother is a piece of work! He is so dependent on April and she just can't quit helping him, even though Clay tells her to cut him loose! Anyway, there is a ton of action and lots of questions as to who is who and what is what! I recommend it!
May 27, 2020
Right before the wedding April learns to the true nature of her soon to be husband status of being a drug lord and makes a break for it. Straight into the guy she also left in the last Clay Archer who is a boarder patrol agent. Clay already had a problem on his hands when a body is found and a head is on his porch the same day April shows up. Now he's on a mission to solve his case and keep April safe.
Loved this book there was so much going on to keep readers intersted. From the moment things start and shes on the run you can't help but wonder how things came to this point and how it will continue from then on. I loved that although there was attraction between the two it didn't overpower the book to turning it into a full blown romance because there is a case to be solve and past grievences to be aired out in the open. I loved watching as they pieced things together as concern for her possibly missing brother who is known to be a bit of trouble and it might be that his trouble really came to bite him in the butt this time. Overall great mystery, suspense, thriller type book I really enjoyed it.
Loved this book there was so much going on to keep readers intersted. From the moment things start and shes on the run you can't help but wonder how things came to this point and how it will continue from then on. I loved that although there was attraction between the two it didn't overpower the book to turning it into a full blown romance because there is a case to be solve and past grievences to be aired out in the open. I loved watching as they pieced things together as concern for her possibly missing brother who is known to be a bit of trouble and it might be that his trouble really came to bite him in the butt this time. Overall great mystery, suspense, thriller type book I really enjoyed it.
May 30, 2020
Attention grabbing intrigue! With the first book in her brand new Holding the Line series Carol Ericson delights her reader with a reunion story full of action, danger and mystery!
Clay Archer is solid and dependable ... so April knows he's just the person to run to when she finds out her soon to be husband is a drug lord. Clay never expected a reunion with the only woman he ever loved ... especially with her in the wedding dress she planned to promise herself to another man in.
April walked away from Clay because she felt like she had to. Now she's back and has to redeem herself ... but how can she when the danger that was lurking back then is still right there around every corner?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a high octane level of mystery swirling around romantic tension. The characters were all easy to connect with and the interwoven story line really thrilled. I'm excited to see what comes next in the series.
Clay Archer is solid and dependable ... so April knows he's just the person to run to when she finds out her soon to be husband is a drug lord. Clay never expected a reunion with the only woman he ever loved ... especially with her in the wedding dress she planned to promise herself to another man in.
April walked away from Clay because she felt like she had to. Now she's back and has to redeem herself ... but how can she when the danger that was lurking back then is still right there around every corner?
I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a high octane level of mystery swirling around romantic tension. The characters were all easy to connect with and the interwoven story line really thrilled. I'm excited to see what comes next in the series.
May 20, 2020
Surprise! Not the same cliché. When you read enough intrigue, suspense sometimes the premises are the same and run together. I enjoyed this plot. There is definitely intrigue, misplaced obligation and the sad tale of what does happen at the border with the cartel. Dog lovers unite! I am in love with Denali :) Clay was a tad more open to shades of gray then I expected which made one think. April seemed a little ditzy a time or two but in reality had the smarts. I did want to shake her for her sense of obligation! Evasive action had a twist or two that really upped my enjoyment of this book and I am excited to see where Carol Ericson takes this series. I thank the author for the arc. I freely volunteer my thoughts and opinions. I recommend this book to anyone who loves intrigue, romance, suspense and a mystery.
May 27, 2020
April Hart is running for her life. She has discovered that her fiancé is not the man she thought he was. Instead, he is a drug lord. With only the clothes on her back (a wedding gown at that) she takes off. The only person she can trust now is her old boyfriend, Clay Archer. Clay also happen to be a border patrol agent. But Clay isn’t exactly thrilled to see April. When she left, she also left him with a huge hole in his heart. He doesn’t want to give him the chance to hurt him again. Now they have to find a way to work together. Can broken hearts be mended?
A thriller, a love story, an action-packed ride of adventure. This book checks all the boxes. This is the launch of a new series for Carol Ericson…can’t wait to read the next.
A thriller, a love story, an action-packed ride of adventure. This book checks all the boxes. This is the launch of a new series for Carol Ericson…can’t wait to read the next.
June 2, 2020
I received this book for free for an honest review.
This is not your typical 'bride runs out on her wedding day' book. I thought it would be and didn't hold much hope for the story of April and Clay, but I was wrong.
April not only bails on her current wedding, but she did the same thing to Clay two years prior. Now, when she's desperate to escape her bridegroom, she turns to Clay. When he learns that she's running from a dangerous family, Clay is determined to protect her.
Drug cartels, dead bodies, this book has it all. Clay and April are dodging danger at every turn and they have big trouble resisting each other.
Great characterizations, great story line with lots of suspense and danger - all things I like in a book. I would recommend this one for a good read.
This is not your typical 'bride runs out on her wedding day' book. I thought it would be and didn't hold much hope for the story of April and Clay, but I was wrong.
April not only bails on her current wedding, but she did the same thing to Clay two years prior. Now, when she's desperate to escape her bridegroom, she turns to Clay. When he learns that she's running from a dangerous family, Clay is determined to protect her.
Drug cartels, dead bodies, this book has it all. Clay and April are dodging danger at every turn and they have big trouble resisting each other.
Great characterizations, great story line with lots of suspense and danger - all things I like in a book. I would recommend this one for a good read.
May 20, 2020
This one does not take any time at all getting into the action but then it is good better before the deed was done. April has quite the dilemma with it also though opening the door for a second chance if the paths go they way it should. Clay thinks he will have control as he takes care of April but the heart wants what the heart wants hahaha. Anyways this will not be without pitfalls that have the drama that created them. The gas is suspense and mystery that has romance in the mix too. The bodies will also have you questioning and keeping those pages turning. A good way to escape the turmoil in today with a page.
June 22, 2020
First in the Holding the Line series in which April Hart skips out on her second wedding and takes refuge in her first fiance's place, surprising them both.
But Clay Archer is a border patrol agent and she knows he'll be able to keep her safe from her most recent fiance, a man she's discovered is a drug pusher and involved in the drug war along the US-Mexico border.
What she hasn't figured out is exactly how her younger brother, a user, is involved, but when his actual actions become clear, not only is Clay in danger, but so is she. I guess that proves one should never trust one's own relatives.
But Clay Archer is a border patrol agent and she knows he'll be able to keep her safe from her most recent fiance, a man she's discovered is a drug pusher and involved in the drug war along the US-Mexico border.
What she hasn't figured out is exactly how her younger brother, a user, is involved, but when his actual actions become clear, not only is Clay in danger, but so is she. I guess that proves one should never trust one's own relatives.
June 20, 2020
Romantic suspense is usually a genre I enjoy, so Evasive Action should've been right up my alley, but try as I might, I could not get into this book. I think my problem lay with April. I'm not much for a damsel in distress type, plus the whole runaway bride thing. I can't be the only one who wanted Clay to send her packing as soon as he made sure she was safe. That's mostly what it boils down to for me. I just did not like April. At all. This is the first in a series, but given my experience with this book, I don't think I'll be continuing.
May 6, 2020
This author has written intrigue, twist, and turns into a story that will have you reading until the end.
April never thought she would be a runaway bride twice. After overhearing her fiance talking to another she knew her only option was to run. So she runs to the only person she thinks can help. As the end unfolds and the truth comes out will April and those who help her make it out with their lives?
Great romantic/suspense read.
April never thought she would be a runaway bride twice. After overhearing her fiance talking to another she knew her only option was to run. So she runs to the only person she thinks can help. As the end unfolds and the truth comes out will April and those who help her make it out with their lives?
Great romantic/suspense read.
June 2, 2020
This was a well-written, entertaining book. April runs from her wedding and goes to Clay for help. She had left him at the alter two years before, so he is determined to protect his heart, but can't stop himself from helping keep her safe. The action was fast-paced and the story gained my attention and held it. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
June 20, 2020
Evasive Action
Carol Ericson
A story that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go until end. A late night read with twists and turns to keep you holding your breath as it plays out.
Love a border patrol agent story where he comes through for the heroine even though she had hurt him in the past. Definitely a must read series.
Carol Ericson
A story that grabs you from the start and doesn’t let go until end. A late night read with twists and turns to keep you holding your breath as it plays out.
Love a border patrol agent story where he comes through for the heroine even though she had hurt him in the past. Definitely a must read series.
June 26, 2020
Main character was hard to sympathize with. She jilted her former fiancé and then got in a sticky spot with her new fiancé and ran back to the first. Weird lovers triangle. The way the character is written makes it hard to get behind her or her actions. Decent book, but could have been more.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. These opinions are my own.
I received an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review. These opinions are my own.
July 22, 2020
Complementary copy given for honest review and opinion from Netgalley. This is another awesome book by Carol Ericson. I love the suspense. I love the history. I love the romance. This book takes you through drug rings and family ties but wraps you up in the past romance that saves them all. Love it!!
July 7, 2020
I just felt that Clay was too good for April. I didn't like her. I really wanted Clay to find someone better. Also, even understanding April's point, I hate when the characters lie to each other.
This book is the first in the series but I will not read the others.
This book is the first in the series but I will not read the others.
December 14, 2020
This was a pretty good book. The story was well paced. The main characters were really exciting to follow on their journey. I hadn’t read this author before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was not disappointed!
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
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June 1, 2020Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Holding the Line (Book #1)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Holding the Line (Book #1)
Read
June 1, 2020Categories
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Holding the Line (Book #1)
Suspense, Thriller, Romantic Suspense
Miniseries
Holding the Line (Book #1)
July 31, 2020
Well-written, but I predicted the twist before I was halfway through. The characterization was good, and the premise interesting
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews