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Shy
Christmas is painfully close, he can feel its glitter blurring his vision and its fifty-pound note confetti blocking his windpipe. It sucks to be single this time of the year – according to James Redland, who is a big shot hedge fund manager based in the City of London. He’s got a crush on a guy who works on a different floor of the same building. James loves everything theatrical, and he’s got a big secret.
Christmas is a wonderful blissful time, making you pretend the world around you isn’t just a dull cubicle, but a never-ending kaleidoscope of parties, shopping, mulled wine and gossip – according to Oliver Barnes who loathes his statistician job at a consulting firm with every fibre of his hedonistic soul, a job which is made just about bearable by the sweet Meghan Chen, his boss’s PA. That lady is Oliver’s BFF (best female friend) and essentially his ‘wingman’ in gay bars. Oliver has a big secret too and it’s not the one about him nearly becoming the father of Meghan’s baby.
Christmas is the most romantic time of the year, even if your shitty boyfriend’s idea of romantic is buggering off to Leeds to see his favourite football team being destroyed by total outsiders. It’s also the most appropriate time for falling in love according to Meghan Chen, who won’t cease her matchmaking attempts until her dearest Oliver has his gayest wedding in the whole world. Surely, sooner or later all that fucking around is going to turn into quality dating. Even if it takes years – though the right opportunity might have just presented itself. Or himself.
When Meghan intercepts Mr Redland’s shy glances towards her dearest Oliver, the rusty wheels of her devious mind’s severely underused marriage brokering mechanism start rolling with frantic speed. The office Christmas party deadline is around the corner after all. And a little meddling surely can’t harm when it’s for the good cause, or can it?
Christmas is a wonderful blissful time, making you pretend the world around you isn’t just a dull cubicle, but a never-ending kaleidoscope of parties, shopping, mulled wine and gossip – according to Oliver Barnes who loathes his statistician job at a consulting firm with every fibre of his hedonistic soul, a job which is made just about bearable by the sweet Meghan Chen, his boss’s PA. That lady is Oliver’s BFF (best female friend) and essentially his ‘wingman’ in gay bars. Oliver has a big secret too and it’s not the one about him nearly becoming the father of Meghan’s baby.
Christmas is the most romantic time of the year, even if your shitty boyfriend’s idea of romantic is buggering off to Leeds to see his favourite football team being destroyed by total outsiders. It’s also the most appropriate time for falling in love according to Meghan Chen, who won’t cease her matchmaking attempts until her dearest Oliver has his gayest wedding in the whole world. Surely, sooner or later all that fucking around is going to turn into quality dating. Even if it takes years – though the right opportunity might have just presented itself. Or himself.
When Meghan intercepts Mr Redland’s shy glances towards her dearest Oliver, the rusty wheels of her devious mind’s severely underused marriage brokering mechanism start rolling with frantic speed. The office Christmas party deadline is around the corner after all. And a little meddling surely can’t harm when it’s for the good cause, or can it?
- GenresLGBTM M RomanceChristmas
167 pages, Paperback
Published December 26, 2018
14 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Brad Tanner
14 books34 followersBrad Tanner had his heart broken and mended numerous times (twice actually). Now he reflects on the past in his stories.
Brad grew up as a shy and studious person. He never realized he was gay until his late twenties. Perhaps he just kissed the wrong kind of men before that.
Brad doesn’t rule out he might be an alien from Venus or a reincarnation of Leonardo. Of course, it must be someone great and gay and ahead of his time.
When he’s not at work or writing, Brad loves cuddling up with a good book and a man, not necessarily in that order.
He lives in Oxford, UK.
Brad grew up as a shy and studious person. He never realized he was gay until his late twenties. Perhaps he just kissed the wrong kind of men before that.
Brad doesn’t rule out he might be an alien from Venus or a reincarnation of Leonardo. Of course, it must be someone great and gay and ahead of his time.
When he’s not at work or writing, Brad loves cuddling up with a good book and a man, not necessarily in that order.
He lives in Oxford, UK.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 25, 2018
2.5-3 stars A fluffy light read... for me too light... I skipped most of the pages... seeking where Olie and James came in picture again. It was almost as Ollie’s friend Meghan was the main character.
The times they were together it did touched my slightly. Anyway it was a light and a feeling good, positive read, for this time of the year it can have a place on the holiday shelf.
It says it’s a comedy... I think maybe for British readers among us this read will be more appealing and approachable..
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
The times they were together it did touched my slightly. Anyway it was a light and a feeling good, positive read, for this time of the year it can have a place on the holiday shelf.
It says it’s a comedy... I think maybe for British readers among us this read will be more appealing and approachable..
Read and reviewed for LesCourt ARC team
December 15, 2018
2.5 stars
I was drawn to this by the setup where the protagonists are not just the couple that will get together, but also one of their best friends.
This was a nice read about James, who gets a new job where he meets Oliver. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but James's shyness keeps them from getting closer, which is why Oliver asks his best friend Meghan for help.
I liked Meghan and her chapters were fun to read, but... They felt completely pointless. The story could have been told just as well without her as occasional POV character. Her PoV chapters added nothing to the story, and possibly even distracted from the main plot by musing over her own boyfriend and daily routine that were of no consequence.
The plot revolves entirely about Oliver and James getting together. I liked some parts of how James's shyness was portrayed, but others felt weird. Equally weird felt the long theatre sequence in the middle of the book. It threw me off a bit, though the play itself was a lot of fun.
I also had trouble fully understanding the final conflict /drama - I didn't really get what the big deal was, but that's very subjective I guess.
I liked the way various aspects of gay culture were portrayed through Oliver and James, some more and some less prominently, though with that also came a few of the not-so-good sides, which sadly weren't addressed.
Overall a pleasant read that has a few issues.
There were some editing errors but as I was reading an ARC copy I'm assuming those will be gone in the final version.
Content warnings include: indirect fatphobia, anxiety; mentions of religion, homophobia
I received an ARC copy and reviewed voluntarily.
I was drawn to this by the setup where the protagonists are not just the couple that will get together, but also one of their best friends.
This was a nice read about James, who gets a new job where he meets Oliver. The two are immediately attracted to each other, but James's shyness keeps them from getting closer, which is why Oliver asks his best friend Meghan for help.
I liked Meghan and her chapters were fun to read, but... They felt completely pointless. The story could have been told just as well without her as occasional POV character. Her PoV chapters added nothing to the story, and possibly even distracted from the main plot by musing over her own boyfriend and daily routine that were of no consequence.
The plot revolves entirely about Oliver and James getting together. I liked some parts of how James's shyness was portrayed, but others felt weird. Equally weird felt the long theatre sequence in the middle of the book. It threw me off a bit, though the play itself was a lot of fun.
I also had trouble fully understanding the final conflict /drama - I didn't really get what the big deal was, but that's very subjective I guess.
I liked the way various aspects of gay culture were portrayed through Oliver and James, some more and some less prominently, though with that also came a few of the not-so-good sides, which sadly weren't addressed.
Overall a pleasant read that has a few issues.
There were some editing errors but as I was reading an ARC copy I'm assuming those will be gone in the final version.
Content warnings include: indirect fatphobia, anxiety; mentions of religion, homophobia
I received an ARC copy and reviewed voluntarily.
December 23, 2018
Didn't work for me, sorry but I was surely tired to laugh.
December 20, 2018
‘if you lack the power to forgive, you lack the power to love.’
Light, utterly sweet and a funny book. Shy James Redland and slutty Oliver Barnes made a cute couple.
The story has likeable MC's with Ollie's BFF, Meg, being his rock and real friend.
December 14, 2018
Truly Funny. The setup for this comedy is right there on the cover, and it is as funny as expected. Solid short-ish Christmas romantic comedy, definitely worth reading. Hoping to see a follow up, Mr. Tanner... ;)
December 15, 2018
3.5 stars
I want MORE please!! I really liked Ollie & James but I would have loved more of their background stories and more of their relationship.
I did like Meghan’s POV but maybe less of her and more of the boys. Saying that she’s funny as hell!
I want MORE please!! I really liked Ollie & James but I would have loved more of their background stories and more of their relationship.
I did like Meghan’s POV but maybe less of her and more of the boys. Saying that she’s funny as hell!
December 26, 2018
Die Geschichte hätte, trotz der Kürze, echt Potential gehabt. Leider gab es ein paar Wendungen, die ich eher absurd fand. Und ja, ich mag es nicht wenn man mir die Tür zum Schlafzimmer zuschlägt, wenn man sich ENDLICH gefunden hat. Aber Kapitel vorher wird noch ein Sexdate eines der Helden in aller Epic beschrieben. 'wtf-moment'
December 15, 2018
I enjoyed the characters.
James, Ollie and Meghan were all a delight to read.
The each had their own qualities... James the shy, quiet man, Ollie the outspoken one and Meghan the best friend that loves to meddle or in her case likes everything organised 🤣
I enjoyed their banter and humour.
I would of loved to of had more of James and Ollie’s POV.
I felt like their story lacked a little and we could of had so much more from them!
The story line was good. As I said I did enjoy the story but it was a little lacking for me!
James, Ollie and Meghan were all a delight to read.
The each had their own qualities... James the shy, quiet man, Ollie the outspoken one and Meghan the best friend that loves to meddle or in her case likes everything organised 🤣
I enjoyed their banter and humour.
I would of loved to of had more of James and Ollie’s POV.
I felt like their story lacked a little and we could of had so much more from them!
The story line was good. As I said I did enjoy the story but it was a little lacking for me!
December 16, 2018
Brad Tanner's Shy is definitely full of humor.
It's full of wit and banter, including a funny play.
James and Oliver are sweet, but poor James is so darn shy that he can't be himself around the other man. It's adorable and charming that James is completely confident and self-assured except around a guy he likes.
Meghan tries to get them together, but her plans doesn't seem to work out as intended. I enjoyed her role a lot, but I could have done with less of her and more of the men instead.
Shy is a fun read, but it definitely lost my attention at times. I enjoyed the play, but it also seemed a little drawn out.
December 17, 2018
So a festive Romcom by Brad Tanner- yes please!
A compelling tale penned by a genius wordsmith... this book has everything that you want to see in a festive romance but it did have undercurrents of more serious issues, making this much more than your everyday Christmas tale.
We have James who has sometimes crippling shyness especially in certain circumstances... a very real issue for some people... no matter where you’re from, who you love or what you look like, this is something that most can relate to on some level.
We have Oliver who is very much more outspoken than James, and when both of these guys are within the same vicinity, you have immediate chemistry!
It is this that causes James to become scared and you wonder if this is something he will be able to deal with in the future.
We also have Meghan, Ollie’s bestie, oh Meg how I loved you...she straightforward, she’s sassy and she’s not afraid of using all her wiles to get what she wants... and what she wants is James & Ollie together forever! I loved her chapters and I thought this female POV was spot on and added to the story by giving it an extra dimension... I kinda want her to be real so I can be her friend!
With these three main characters you are guaranteed lots of fun & frolics along the way.
This is a very well written story, it was very witty and fun with some definite LOL moments, but it also had some surprises for the guys and the readers along the way, thus making it a very well rounded story that is certain to tickle your fancy and provide that much needed Christmas spirit!
So thanks again Brad for making me smile, at times I sat open mouthed whilst reading this book and I was with Meg rooting for the boys like their own personal cheerleader!
Read it and I dare you not to love it just as I did.
A compelling tale penned by a genius wordsmith... this book has everything that you want to see in a festive romance but it did have undercurrents of more serious issues, making this much more than your everyday Christmas tale.
We have James who has sometimes crippling shyness especially in certain circumstances... a very real issue for some people... no matter where you’re from, who you love or what you look like, this is something that most can relate to on some level.
We have Oliver who is very much more outspoken than James, and when both of these guys are within the same vicinity, you have immediate chemistry!
It is this that causes James to become scared and you wonder if this is something he will be able to deal with in the future.
We also have Meghan, Ollie’s bestie, oh Meg how I loved you...she straightforward, she’s sassy and she’s not afraid of using all her wiles to get what she wants... and what she wants is James & Ollie together forever! I loved her chapters and I thought this female POV was spot on and added to the story by giving it an extra dimension... I kinda want her to be real so I can be her friend!
With these three main characters you are guaranteed lots of fun & frolics along the way.
This is a very well written story, it was very witty and fun with some definite LOL moments, but it also had some surprises for the guys and the readers along the way, thus making it a very well rounded story that is certain to tickle your fancy and provide that much needed Christmas spirit!
So thanks again Brad for making me smile, at times I sat open mouthed whilst reading this book and I was with Meg rooting for the boys like their own personal cheerleader!
Read it and I dare you not to love it just as I did.
May 1, 2022
All over the place.
This sounded so good based on the blurb, but it was one of the most unreadable things I've come across in awhile. The trio of perspectives was unnecessary and only made the story more scattered and hard to follow. I found zero comedy in this, just tons of manufactured drama and cringe levels of moments meant to be funny and failing. The only good thing that I can say is that I didn't notice any grammatical issues as I scrolled through. The plot and story structure are trash, but spelling and punctuation looked right.
I don't really want to critique the story because I would need more than the character limit for reviews to drag everything I disliked, but there are 2 things that I have to point out as fatally ruining this. First, James' "shyness," how it was portrayed, his over the top bumbling because of it and how, despite it, he happily goes TMI with Meghan when they first meet. Second, Oliver's "sluttiness" which I guess was meant to contrast James' shyness but, again, it's written to an extreme that makes him more a characiture than real character and his explicit hookup with a random guy halfway into this absolutely killed it as a romance between James and Oliver.
This sounded so good based on the blurb, but it was one of the most unreadable things I've come across in awhile. The trio of perspectives was unnecessary and only made the story more scattered and hard to follow. I found zero comedy in this, just tons of manufactured drama and cringe levels of moments meant to be funny and failing. The only good thing that I can say is that I didn't notice any grammatical issues as I scrolled through. The plot and story structure are trash, but spelling and punctuation looked right.
I don't really want to critique the story because I would need more than the character limit for reviews to drag everything I disliked, but there are 2 things that I have to point out as fatally ruining this. First, James' "shyness," how it was portrayed, his over the top bumbling because of it and how, despite it, he happily goes TMI with Meghan when they first meet. Second, Oliver's "sluttiness" which I guess was meant to contrast James' shyness but, again, it's written to an extreme that makes him more a characiture than real character and his explicit hookup with a random guy halfway into this absolutely killed it as a romance between James and Oliver.
December 30, 2018
An interesting book the writing was okay. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. I found the story and characters likeable. Even though I could see were the author was going with the characters I still didn’t get to know them as much as I would’ve liked. James and Oliver are the MC’s of this book. I did have a few problems with these characters even though I did like them. They just didn’t seem real to me. One kept running the other was in love at first sight and acted like he was in an already existing relationship. There is no relationship building between these two until the end of the book and even that is minimal. Meghan is a third MC but not in a romantic relationship with James and Oliver. Which although I did like seeing things from her side. I think that it took away from James and Oliver because a third of the book was about her and her thoughts and life. Overall, I liked the idea of the story but as written it didn’t quite work for me. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.
December 30, 2018
Okay
The blurb doesn't really represent this book correctly. While all of it is somehow mentioned in the story, it is presented differently. Ollie seems to easily get attracted to hot guys. James is attracted to Ollie, but extremely shy and scared to say anything. Meghan was Ollie's friend and now a co-worker who is tired of having to take care of all the males in her life.
Meghan helps James and Ollie find a way to connect and get to know each other. The guys have some communication problems and need to come clean to each other. When Ollie's past comes out it could ruin everything that they worked so hard for.
I liked the story, but I wish that things were done a little differently. I get Meghan, but she comes across as a character that wasn't fully throughout. Give it a try and see what you think.
I received an ARC of this book from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
The blurb doesn't really represent this book correctly. While all of it is somehow mentioned in the story, it is presented differently. Ollie seems to easily get attracted to hot guys. James is attracted to Ollie, but extremely shy and scared to say anything. Meghan was Ollie's friend and now a co-worker who is tired of having to take care of all the males in her life.
Meghan helps James and Ollie find a way to connect and get to know each other. The guys have some communication problems and need to come clean to each other. When Ollie's past comes out it could ruin everything that they worked so hard for.
I liked the story, but I wish that things were done a little differently. I get Meghan, but she comes across as a character that wasn't fully throughout. Give it a try and see what you think.
I received an ARC of this book from LesCourt Author Services. This is my honest opinion and review.
December 14, 2018
A festive romantic comedy
James and Oliver are both so sweet, and poor Meghan just wanted to help bring the two together. I loved her meddling and ideas to get the two to meet and talk. It’s too bad her ideas don’t work the way she planned.
James is awkwardly shy to the point it’s a problem for him when it comes to dating. Put him in front of a group of people for a business meeting and he’s good to go, but put him in front of Ollie and he runs.
Meghan won’t give up thanks to her pushy friend Ollie who just wants a chance with the shy sexy James. But, when all seems to be going well, Ollie messes up by keeping a very important secret from James.
I really enjoyed this story. I especially enjoyed the inner thoughts of all the characters. It helped to make everyone more real and easily relatable. This is my first book by Brad Tanner and won’t be my last.
James and Oliver are both so sweet, and poor Meghan just wanted to help bring the two together. I loved her meddling and ideas to get the two to meet and talk. It’s too bad her ideas don’t work the way she planned.
James is awkwardly shy to the point it’s a problem for him when it comes to dating. Put him in front of a group of people for a business meeting and he’s good to go, but put him in front of Ollie and he runs.
Meghan won’t give up thanks to her pushy friend Ollie who just wants a chance with the shy sexy James. But, when all seems to be going well, Ollie messes up by keeping a very important secret from James.
I really enjoyed this story. I especially enjoyed the inner thoughts of all the characters. It helped to make everyone more real and easily relatable. This is my first book by Brad Tanner and won’t be my last.
December 27, 2018
*DNF*
I tried three times with this book, eventually having to give up after Chapter 11 that just completely turned me off of the character and writing.
I struggled to connect to the characters and didn't find myself enjoying anything that was going on with the story. There was a basis that the two MC's could have built on but there was so much to'ing and fro'ing, falling in love so quickly with barely a conversation had that I found most hard to believe.
I will always recommend that everyone gives a book a chance as we all have our own likes and obviously, others have enjoyed it but this book just isn't for me.
I received an ARC and am giving an honest review.
I tried three times with this book, eventually having to give up after Chapter 11 that just completely turned me off of the character and writing.
I struggled to connect to the characters and didn't find myself enjoying anything that was going on with the story. There was a basis that the two MC's could have built on but there was so much to'ing and fro'ing, falling in love so quickly with barely a conversation had that I found most hard to believe.
I will always recommend that everyone gives a book a chance as we all have our own likes and obviously, others have enjoyed it but this book just isn't for me.
I received an ARC and am giving an honest review.
December 30, 2018
This was a cute story with a lot of humor. I really liked Oliver, and I wanted him to find his HEA with James. James was the shy guy, so I understood him running from Ollie the first couple of times they met, but the continuous running got annoying for me. I also had mixed feelings about Meghan, who I liked but found a little too sure of herself at times.
There were some fun moments here, and I did want the men to work through their issues and find their happiness together. It just seemed like it took a long time to get there. I like this author, and I will continue to read his books. This just wasn't one of my favorites.
There were some fun moments here, and I did want the men to work through their issues and find their happiness together. It just seemed like it took a long time to get there. I like this author, and I will continue to read his books. This just wasn't one of my favorites.
December 16, 2018
The plot and the story are really nice. I was drawn to the blurb immediately. And Ollie and James are good characters with their own characteristics and quirks. But I think Meghan is the added bonus and the hidden jem in this book.
I found the writing a little disconnected, or messy, at times. I don't know how to explain it, but I had some difficulty following the story flow at a couple of times, perhaps due to digressions that felt a bit unnecessary.
All in all the book is pleasant and funny to read.
I found the writing a little disconnected, or messy, at times. I don't know how to explain it, but I had some difficulty following the story flow at a couple of times, perhaps due to digressions that felt a bit unnecessary.
All in all the book is pleasant and funny to read.
December 16, 2018
3.5*
I read this book and the comedy was exactly what I was expecting it to be. James, Oliver, and Meghan really knew how to crack you up with their antics.
I get this was a holiday sorry but I felt like I missed seeing them develop that relationship after their first date and then it pretty much then jumped to an epilogue. I would have liked more of their pasts and more of them spending quality time together getting to know each other.
I read this book and the comedy was exactly what I was expecting it to be. James, Oliver, and Meghan really knew how to crack you up with their antics.
I get this was a holiday sorry but I felt like I missed seeing them develop that relationship after their first date and then it pretty much then jumped to an epilogue. I would have liked more of their pasts and more of them spending quality time together getting to know each other.
December 16, 2018
Shy was such a beautifully written and wonderful journey
I laughed I cried I fell in love with these amazing characters
I felt everything the l felt the laughter tears and heart warming moments and sometimes laughed to i cried
Shy was a fun cute intriguing and addictive and the characters were amazing
I was hooked from beginning to end of this amazing Christmas story
My heart was so full of love by the the I finished this story
I laughed I cried I fell in love with these amazing characters
I felt everything the l felt the laughter tears and heart warming moments and sometimes laughed to i cried
Shy was a fun cute intriguing and addictive and the characters were amazing
I was hooked from beginning to end of this amazing Christmas story
My heart was so full of love by the the I finished this story
December 16, 2018
Shy by Brad Tanner is a fun holiday romantic comedy. Hilarious dialogue and fun moments made this a delight to read.
James is the adorable shy man, while Oliver is outspoken, with the well meaning but meddling BFF Meghan. The story was entertaining and the characters likeable.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
James is the adorable shy man, while Oliver is outspoken, with the well meaning but meddling BFF Meghan. The story was entertaining and the characters likeable.
I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
December 22, 2018
This is my first book by this author and i enjoyed it very much. James and Oliver were easy to related to and fall in love with. My only real negative to this book, was I felt it was a little longer than it needed to be, but still a very enjoyable read. Thanks for the arc and I recommend reading it.
December 26, 2018
I absolutely LOVED this adorable, sweet, engaging, charming, quirky, hilariously snarky, poignant, cute, and grab-you-by-the-feels story. I must admit that, at times, certain characters made me want to shake some sense into them, and certain moments had me laughing my rear end off. I was hooked from beginning to end, and will be rereading this marvelous gem over and over again.
December 16, 2018
Absolutely adorable and a fun read. I enjoyed the characters as they made me giggle through their antics. Meg is an absolute scene stealer, bringing in her own words of wisdom, snark, and general all around best friend.
December 17, 2018
This is a sweet ,low angst Christmas story about a very shy man Jason, his crush Ollie who wants him just as bad and Ollie's hyper organised Best Female Friend, who helps these two clueless men get together.
I enjoyed this short Christmas offering, recommend if you want sweetness this season.
I enjoyed this short Christmas offering, recommend if you want sweetness this season.
December 20, 2018
This is the first I have read by Brad Tanner and I am not disappointed. This is such a funny and cute Christmas story. This is definitely a great read to just want feel good and laugh. I love seeing Ollie and Meghan during James outside if his shy shell. Definitely going to read by this author.
December 26, 2018
Unfortunately, this did not work for me. I felt like I was jumping around between the characters and felt no connection to them, the writing just wasn't for me. I pretty much skimmed the last half of the book just to actually finish it.
January 7, 2020
Unfortunately, this one didn't work for me. I just couldn't get into it and ended up skimming most of the story.
TAGS
-- Holiday/Christmas -- office romance -- couldn't connect -- no real spark between the MCs... James & Oliver
December 16, 2020
This was wonderful.
A low angst Christmas story, about two men who work in the same office block.
Secrets and miscommunication are all part of the story, and with the switch between the two men and Meghan, Oliver’s BFF, the story weaves gently along.
Really lovely evening read.
A low angst Christmas story, about two men who work in the same office block.
Secrets and miscommunication are all part of the story, and with the switch between the two men and Meghan, Oliver’s BFF, the story weaves gently along.
Really lovely evening read.
December 16, 2018
super cute, short, funny, and quirky story. . fun bff.. fun guys and a lot of cute shyness. i liked it
December 18, 2018
I enjoyed the premise of this book. It was written well. I sometimes got lost in the story a bit. I couldn't keep the 2 MC apart but that's on me. I would read more by this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews