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Claimed by Rafa
Rafa didn’t think much of the human female when his prince first claimed her for a mate, but her strength of character soon wins him over. He watches with jealous eyes as the love blossoms between them, especially when she begins to swell with the prince’s child. When Rafa’s shaprata begins to mature, and the time arrives for him to claim a mate, he decides to return to Earth to claim a human of his own.
Aaliyah was left devastated when her best friend went missing. Abby was last seen hiking with her faithful German shepherd near one of Oregon’s mountain lakes. Six months later, Aaliyah receives a phone call, the woman on the other end claiming to be Abby, and she wants Aaliyah to drive up to the same lake to meet her … alone.
Emotionally, Aaliyah isn’t as strong as Abby. She’s had a rough childhood and considers herself damaged goods. When the alien tries to claim her, she rejects their union, not sure she is capable of loving a man, even if it means Rafa might die.
Aaliyah was left devastated when her best friend went missing. Abby was last seen hiking with her faithful German shepherd near one of Oregon’s mountain lakes. Six months later, Aaliyah receives a phone call, the woman on the other end claiming to be Abby, and she wants Aaliyah to drive up to the same lake to meet her … alone.
Emotionally, Aaliyah isn’t as strong as Abby. She’s had a rough childhood and considers herself damaged goods. When the alien tries to claim her, she rejects their union, not sure she is capable of loving a man, even if it means Rafa might die.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2020
About the author
Denna Holm
61 books143 followersA retired FEI competitor in dressage, Denna has earned her United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medals.
When an injury forced her to retire from training and showing horses, she turned her attention to her second passion in life, writing. Soul of a Warrior, a science fiction romance, was published by Crimson Cloak Publishing in 2016 and is available through Amazon. It's true what they say about a new door opening when another closes.
Married with three adult children and five grandchildren, Denna and her husband Lee make their home in the beautiful state of Oregon. They enjoy spending their summers in the mountains, fishing, hiking, and hunting for mushrooms.
When an injury forced her to retire from training and showing horses, she turned her attention to her second passion in life, writing. Soul of a Warrior, a science fiction romance, was published by Crimson Cloak Publishing in 2016 and is available through Amazon. It's true what they say about a new door opening when another closes.
Married with three adult children and five grandchildren, Denna and her husband Lee make their home in the beautiful state of Oregon. They enjoy spending their summers in the mountains, fishing, hiking, and hunting for mushrooms.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 14, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed Claimed By Rafa (Raiden Warriors Book 2). Definitely a standalone. I read this book without having read Book 1.
Another fantastic book by Denna Holm, whose writing is excellent, as is her world-building. Her characters are engaging and believable. I felt for Aaliyah, who has had a difficult life. Now, she has to make decisions for her future life.
It is also Rafa’s story. He must claim a mate. He’s travelled to Earth specially to find Aaliyah. If she rejects him, he will die, and not just from a broken heart.
Time is of the essence as they journey from Earth through space to new worlds.
I recommend this fast-paced book to those who love fantasy, sci-fi and a great love story.
A definite 5 Star read.
Another fantastic book by Denna Holm, whose writing is excellent, as is her world-building. Her characters are engaging and believable. I felt for Aaliyah, who has had a difficult life. Now, she has to make decisions for her future life.
It is also Rafa’s story. He must claim a mate. He’s travelled to Earth specially to find Aaliyah. If she rejects him, he will die, and not just from a broken heart.
Time is of the essence as they journey from Earth through space to new worlds.
I recommend this fast-paced book to those who love fantasy, sci-fi and a great love story.
A definite 5 Star read.
June 17, 2020
Rafael Abeden watched his best friend and future king, Nicolai, as he happily spun his laughing mate in circles. He wished he had that kind of relationship. His kind were unable to mate with females of their own kind because their offspring were too weak. Soon Rafa would have to look for his own mate as the shaprata beneath his tongue was starting to swell. He had to find a mate or die. Nicolai had his ship prepared immediately for their trip to Earth to find Rafa’s mate. He only had about 3 months to make this happen.
Aaliyah Walker (“Liyah”) had only had one friend, Abby, and she lost her when Abby had gone to the mountains to pick mushrooms and never came back. She had just received a phone call from Abby to meet her at the lake without telling anyone. Abby told her about her own alien capture but Liyah obviously didn’t believe her. When the men suddenly appeared, she freaked out and Rafa gave her an injection to knock her out. Abby was furious at him. With Liyah’s horrible abusive history, she would be terrified. She had forced into things all her life. She would not react well to this. But she agreed that if Rafa would be patient, not put any pressure at all on her, she would go along with them on taking her back to the ship. But Rafa didn’t have much time. He would never hurt his mate, but his patience would be stretched to the limit as his own death got closer. How would he win her over in such a short time? Liyah had experienced a very difficult life. Could she learn to trust Rafa and be able to make some difficult decisions for her future with him?
The author is amazing at building a world around the reader to make the story come alive. The characters were very well portrayed and realistic. It seemed difficult for Abby to convey to Nicolai and Rafa how an abused female needed patience and gentleness to build the trust before a relationship could be accepted. And they did not adequately convey the repercussions to their kind if Rafa did not mate quickly. The suspense, of course, adds to the excitement of the story line. Grab your copy and cheer for Liyah as she finds the strength she needs to overcome her horrible past and reach out for a better life with someone who will treasure her.
Aaliyah Walker (“Liyah”) had only had one friend, Abby, and she lost her when Abby had gone to the mountains to pick mushrooms and never came back. She had just received a phone call from Abby to meet her at the lake without telling anyone. Abby told her about her own alien capture but Liyah obviously didn’t believe her. When the men suddenly appeared, she freaked out and Rafa gave her an injection to knock her out. Abby was furious at him. With Liyah’s horrible abusive history, she would be terrified. She had forced into things all her life. She would not react well to this. But she agreed that if Rafa would be patient, not put any pressure at all on her, she would go along with them on taking her back to the ship. But Rafa didn’t have much time. He would never hurt his mate, but his patience would be stretched to the limit as his own death got closer. How would he win her over in such a short time? Liyah had experienced a very difficult life. Could she learn to trust Rafa and be able to make some difficult decisions for her future with him?
The author is amazing at building a world around the reader to make the story come alive. The characters were very well portrayed and realistic. It seemed difficult for Abby to convey to Nicolai and Rafa how an abused female needed patience and gentleness to build the trust before a relationship could be accepted. And they did not adequately convey the repercussions to their kind if Rafa did not mate quickly. The suspense, of course, adds to the excitement of the story line. Grab your copy and cheer for Liyah as she finds the strength she needs to overcome her horrible past and reach out for a better life with someone who will treasure her.
May 18, 2020
The writing and editing of this novel was clean, with few if any typos that I caught in the ARC version of the manuscript. The world building was excellent, with me the reader getting a vibrant look at this intergalactic society and many different alien species. The characterization was excellent, with both hero and heroine being vibrant, sympathetic individuals. The development of the romantic relationship was natural and organic, and sensitively done considering the trauma in the heroine's past. the plot and pacing was exciting, with me turning pages rapidly to find out what was going to happen next. This novel contains medium angst and high stakes, which is one of my preferred narrative structures for a romance novel. This novel used the Mars Needs Women trope, the Abused Heroine trope, and the Mating Bond trope. I really enjoyed the longer length of this sci-fi romance. Many are too short, in my opinion. The world building, plot, and pacing were four stars in this novel. The characterization and the development of the romantic relationship were also four stars. The combined score of this novel was therefore four stars. This novel ends on a Happy Ever After ending instead of a cliffhanger, so that is a big plus to this novel. I recommend this novel to fans of sci-fi romances that use the Mars Needs Women tope and read a bit like an adventure novel or travelogue. I plan to buy myself a keeper copy of this novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2020
Hated the beginning, loved it by the end
This has *Spoilers* !
Long-term trauma, child abuse, rape, mental health, drugging, dishonesty, scars, and cultural differences play major roles in this story. Hated the alien's mating process. There's no consent, and the female is INJECTED WITH AN APHRODISIAC and this is just the only way the whole species mates! Of course, the unlucky woman in this scenario reacts badly to being abducted by aliens (surprise, aliens exist!), drugged, and forced to share room/bed/clothes with the large stranger that DRUGGED HER! Then, everyone hides the truth from her, including her so-called best friend. I couldn't stand the first half of the story because of the noncon and lying. I was also frustrated by the female lead's mulishness and... stupidity? Sure, her introduction to intergalactic civilizations and travel was badly presented, but OMG SPAAAACE!
However, the tables get turned big time. The problematic elements are recognized and handled. Remorse, honesty, empathy, and communication happen. Crazy adventures ensue! Eventually, things work out and... I would like to read more of this world. It ended TOO SOON!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This has *Spoilers* !
Long-term trauma, child abuse, rape, mental health, drugging, dishonesty, scars, and cultural differences play major roles in this story. Hated the alien's mating process. There's no consent, and the female is INJECTED WITH AN APHRODISIAC and this is just the only way the whole species mates! Of course, the unlucky woman in this scenario reacts badly to being abducted by aliens (surprise, aliens exist!), drugged, and forced to share room/bed/clothes with the large stranger that DRUGGED HER! Then, everyone hides the truth from her, including her so-called best friend. I couldn't stand the first half of the story because of the noncon and lying. I was also frustrated by the female lead's mulishness and... stupidity? Sure, her introduction to intergalactic civilizations and travel was badly presented, but OMG SPAAAACE!
However, the tables get turned big time. The problematic elements are recognized and handled. Remorse, honesty, empathy, and communication happen. Crazy adventures ensue! Eventually, things work out and... I would like to read more of this world. It ended TOO SOON!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2021
Started the series with the second book.
Rafa and Aaliyah. I did not read the first book; I started with this book. Good world building. I enjoyed the characters of Rafa and Aaliyah. *spoiler* But her history was dark with abuse and neglect. Her power was taken as a child and en again here as she is mated without consent. She had reasons for her distrust and feelings of betrayal. However Rafa sacrifices to give her peace and feels the guilt associated with removing her choice. He tries to make her life easier, make her feel loved and protected.
While I enjoyed the book it was slow at times.
As a woman of color I was drawn to the cover. I enjoy sci-fi romances so I was excited to read the book. I appreciate when authors recognize that there are many different types of humans when world building instead of one demographic. There was a bit of stereotyping here though - language, victim, color related to the Djinn - but it was overcome for me at least by a nice story and of course a HEA. I look forward to reading the next one.
Rafa and Aaliyah. I did not read the first book; I started with this book. Good world building. I enjoyed the characters of Rafa and Aaliyah. *spoiler* But her history was dark with abuse and neglect. Her power was taken as a child and en again here as she is mated without consent. She had reasons for her distrust and feelings of betrayal. However Rafa sacrifices to give her peace and feels the guilt associated with removing her choice. He tries to make her life easier, make her feel loved and protected.
While I enjoyed the book it was slow at times.
As a woman of color I was drawn to the cover. I enjoy sci-fi romances so I was excited to read the book. I appreciate when authors recognize that there are many different types of humans when world building instead of one demographic. There was a bit of stereotyping here though - language, victim, color related to the Djinn - but it was overcome for me at least by a nice story and of course a HEA. I look forward to reading the next one.
August 12, 2025
This story grips from the very first chapter, combining the excitement of alien romance with an emotional depth that makes the characters feel real. Rafa’s journey from indifferent observer to a man determined to claim love for himself is compelling in its own right, but it’s the complexity of Aaliyah that elevates the story. Her vulnerability is not written as weakness rather, it’s a testament to how scars from the past can influence the way we approach love.
The reunion setup a mysterious phone call from a missing best friend injects instant suspense and keeps the pages turning. The descriptions of the alien customs and Rafa’s inner conflict provide a fascinating cultural backdrop, giving weight to the central romance. What truly shines here is the emotional push-and-pull between desire and self-protection, between tradition and free will. This isn’t just a story about claiming a mate it’s about whether love can truly heal the deepest wounds.
The reunion setup a mysterious phone call from a missing best friend injects instant suspense and keeps the pages turning. The descriptions of the alien customs and Rafa’s inner conflict provide a fascinating cultural backdrop, giving weight to the central romance. What truly shines here is the emotional push-and-pull between desire and self-protection, between tradition and free will. This isn’t just a story about claiming a mate it’s about whether love can truly heal the deepest wounds.
August 12, 2025
At its core, this novel is about more than alien traditions or interplanetary politics it’s about two people confronting their fears and choosing whether to risk everything for love. Rafa’s growth is particularly satisfying; he begins as a jealous bystander to another’s happiness, but his determination to find a mate leads him straight into a relationship that challenges his every assumption.
Aaliyah is a standout heroine. Her pain and self-doubt are so authentically portrayed that readers will ache for her, yet her quiet resilience keeps her from ever becoming a passive character. The phone call from her supposedly missing friend is a masterstroke of tension-building, pulling her and the reader into a dangerous and emotional journey. Together, Rafa and Aaliyah navigate attraction, mistrust, and the weight of choices that could change both their lives forever. The romance is slow-burn yet intense, with emotional payoffs that feel wholly earned.
Aaliyah is a standout heroine. Her pain and self-doubt are so authentically portrayed that readers will ache for her, yet her quiet resilience keeps her from ever becoming a passive character. The phone call from her supposedly missing friend is a masterstroke of tension-building, pulling her and the reader into a dangerous and emotional journey. Together, Rafa and Aaliyah navigate attraction, mistrust, and the weight of choices that could change both their lives forever. The romance is slow-burn yet intense, with emotional payoffs that feel wholly earned.
August 12, 2025
The worldbuilding in this book is rich without ever overshadowing the human story at its center. The alien customs, the concept of shaprata maturity, and the dire consequences of rejection are all intriguing in themselves, but it’s the emotional stakes that make this story unforgettable. Rafa’s longing isn’t a simple desire it’s tied to his very survival, creating a powerful urgency in every interaction with Aaliyah.
Aaliyah’s reluctance is grounded in her past, and her emotional journey feels organic. She isn’t easily swayed by charm or passion, which makes her eventual moments of vulnerability all the more moving. The suspense surrounding her missing friend Abby serves as a perfect parallel to her own sense of being lost, and the lake meeting scene is charged with tension and foreboding. This is a romance for readers who want to feel the ache, the heat, and the hard choices love sometimes demands.
Aaliyah’s reluctance is grounded in her past, and her emotional journey feels organic. She isn’t easily swayed by charm or passion, which makes her eventual moments of vulnerability all the more moving. The suspense surrounding her missing friend Abby serves as a perfect parallel to her own sense of being lost, and the lake meeting scene is charged with tension and foreboding. This is a romance for readers who want to feel the ache, the heat, and the hard choices love sometimes demands.
August 12, 2025
From the first page, this book promises more than a typical alien-meets-human romance, and it delivers on every level. The pacing is masterful starting with mystery, layering in attraction, and then raising the stakes with cultural imperatives that demand resolution. The emotional intensity between Rafa and Aaliyah is electric, heightened by the knowledge that rejection could cost him his life.
Aaliyah’s characterization is a breath of fresh air in the genre. She is not a blank slate waiting to be swept off her feet; she is a woman with history, hurt, and a strong sense of self-preservation. Her inner battles are just as gripping as the external threats. Rafa’s determination to win her heart is tender, persistent, and tinged with a vulnerability that makes him more than just the archetypal alpha. The result is a love story wrapped in mystery and suspense, one that leaves the reader breathless until the final page.
Aaliyah’s characterization is a breath of fresh air in the genre. She is not a blank slate waiting to be swept off her feet; she is a woman with history, hurt, and a strong sense of self-preservation. Her inner battles are just as gripping as the external threats. Rafa’s determination to win her heart is tender, persistent, and tinged with a vulnerability that makes him more than just the archetypal alpha. The result is a love story wrapped in mystery and suspense, one that leaves the reader breathless until the final page.
August 12, 2025
Few alien romance novels manage to blend high stakes with heartfelt emotion the way this one does. Rafa begins as a man convinced he knows what he wants claim a human mate and bring her into his world. But Aaliyah is not a woman who simply surrenders to fate. Her life has been shaped by loss and hardship, making her wary of giving her heart to anyone, let alone someone from another world.
The plot is beautifully paced, with each chapter peeling back layers of both characters. The mystery surrounding Abby’s disappearance and the eerie summons to the lake create a constant undercurrent of tension. Rafa’s desperation is palpable, especially as the bond between them deepens and he faces the possibility that rejection could mean his death. For readers who crave romance infused with danger, longing, and a touch of the otherworldly, this book delivers from start to finish.
The plot is beautifully paced, with each chapter peeling back layers of both characters. The mystery surrounding Abby’s disappearance and the eerie summons to the lake create a constant undercurrent of tension. Rafa’s desperation is palpable, especially as the bond between them deepens and he faces the possibility that rejection could mean his death. For readers who crave romance infused with danger, longing, and a touch of the otherworldly, this book delivers from start to finish.
May 15, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A brilliant book. After reading the first book in the series I was excited to read this one.
SPOILER/TRIGGER WARNING there are parts where rape and child abuse come up more than once, if this is a trigger for you then I wouldn’t advise reading it.
Other than that it was a great read, the main characters have a lot to work through and traitors to find. They do though and they have a happily ever after. If you haven’t read the first book then do, it would be very difficult to follow the characters and storyline otherwise. It was very well written, the plot following on nicely from the first. I look forward to reading the next book 8n the series when it comes out.
A brilliant book. After reading the first book in the series I was excited to read this one.
SPOILER/TRIGGER WARNING there are parts where rape and child abuse come up more than once, if this is a trigger for you then I wouldn’t advise reading it.
Other than that it was a great read, the main characters have a lot to work through and traitors to find. They do though and they have a happily ever after. If you haven’t read the first book then do, it would be very difficult to follow the characters and storyline otherwise. It was very well written, the plot following on nicely from the first. I look forward to reading the next book 8n the series when it comes out.
June 28, 2020
This book is well written. It is book two. Unfortunately if you have any triggers about abuse it might be rough for you. Rafa fell in love with Aaliyah. He stated the mating process without her permission. If she doesn’t complete the claiming of his mate he could die. She has been abused on so many levels she has rebellious behaviors from the abuse. Rafa takes her a healer to learn how to help her. In order Help her they are blue to have him relive her fear and abuse. Now with this reversal, she is free From the anguish but he is now. Can she convince him that she wants to be with him and he as a warrior learn to overcome her issues he’s aquired?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2020
First book I've read from this author and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Abby calls her friend and tells her to go up the same mountain trail and she would meet her there. Rafa shows up and instead of giving Liyah a chance to make up her mind Rafa injects her and knocks her out. What the aliens don't understand is how some of the human woman are abused by there men. Liyah was one of those women. What Liyah doesn't understand is the rush to mate for Rafa before he dies. Woo, talk about pressure. Will Liyah mate with Rafa before his time expires? Read to find out. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2020
Out of this World
First I have to say, THIS book will definitely have an effect on you.
I had to really, REALLY tread softly but quickly through certain parts of this book.
Second, this is the first time I have ever read anything from this author, and this definitely not the last.
Every page of this book will have you begging, crying and shaking your fist for more. It will even have you feeling every pain and every pleasure.
Great thing about this book is you’ll definitely feel the chemistry.
Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
First I have to say, THIS book will definitely have an effect on you.
I had to really, REALLY tread softly but quickly through certain parts of this book.
Second, this is the first time I have ever read anything from this author, and this definitely not the last.
Every page of this book will have you begging, crying and shaking your fist for more. It will even have you feeling every pain and every pleasure.
Great thing about this book is you’ll definitely feel the chemistry.
Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
June 29, 2020
Liyah and Rafa
Rafa's shraprata was maturing and he needs to mate soon. Abby wanted to see her best friend on earth, so it was a good excuse to find a mate while the were there. It just happened that it turned out that Aaliyah was Abby's best friend and his mate.
Having been abused as a child, Liyah doesn't do relationships. A lot of love, patience and understanding will be needed to mend her heart.
Rafa's shraprata was maturing and he needs to mate soon. Abby wanted to see her best friend on earth, so it was a good excuse to find a mate while the were there. It just happened that it turned out that Aaliyah was Abby's best friend and his mate.
Having been abused as a child, Liyah doesn't do relationships. A lot of love, patience and understanding will be needed to mend her heart.
July 2, 2020
This is the second story in this stand-alone series. While there is an overall story-line across the series, each book seems able to be read individually. In this particular story, the female lead has been physically and emotionally abused (some of which is depicted in the story) and now has been abducted and claimed by an alien race. She and her abductor must come to terms with her past while fighting against a new enemy.
June 17, 2020
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Rafael wants a mate like his friends does. Rafael wants to go to Earth to find his mate. Aaliyah Walker did not like to go out in the public because of her friend Abby disappearing for one thing. Now would be the time to get the book. I will be getting more from this author.
January 4, 2021
This book was full of warriors, other worlds and myths?.... And full of suspence....
A great book that kept my attention from the beginning! It had a nice length and did not feel like it ended to soon, like some books feel like....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great book that kept my attention from the beginning! It had a nice length and did not feel like it ended to soon, like some books feel like....
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 17, 2020
This is an amazing sci-fi romance! I loved it! It is sweet and steamy, written with emotion and filled with lots of adventure!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 18, 2020
Calmed by Rafa
Great series, both books were wonderful. Looking forward to t the next ! Rich wonderful characters that quickly becomes friends . I cannot say enough good about these books
Great series, both books were wonderful. Looking forward to t the next ! Rich wonderful characters that quickly becomes friends . I cannot say enough good about these books
July 1, 2020
A lazy read.
This book starts slow, the storyline was interesting. But by the time you feel ready to give up reading the book picks up and catches your interest. The problem that I had was I had to read half of it before it catches you
This book starts slow, the storyline was interesting. But by the time you feel ready to give up reading the book picks up and catches your interest. The problem that I had was I had to read half of it before it catches you
January 26, 2021
Loved it. Great read. More please and soon. @@@@@@@@@@@@#@@#################
Hurry with the rest of the books. Can't wait to read them. Love the story being told. Thanks. Great characters.
Hurry with the rest of the books. Can't wait to read them. Love the story being told. Thanks. Great characters.
January 31, 2022
Great story.
I enjoyed reading this story. It was very interesting bringing new characters into this world. The more I read about the Raiden Warriors the more complicated they become. I would recommend this book to anyone.
I enjoyed reading this story. It was very interesting bringing new characters into this world. The more I read about the Raiden Warriors the more complicated they become. I would recommend this book to anyone.
April 26, 2022
Better than the first book
I liked this book better than the first book. Hopefully the future of Raiden will be brighter. It was just kind of interesting how the story played out in the end.
I liked this book better than the first book. Hopefully the future of Raiden will be brighter. It was just kind of interesting how the story played out in the end.
June 24, 2020
An amusing and interesting read, with excellent character development. Would recommend this book to anyone
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 14, 2021
The second book of the Claimed series, this was a well written book about Aaliyah accepting Rafa as a mate. She haa endured a very tragic upbringing and has decided to label all men as vile. Can Rafa change her view? Discover how the turning events change Aaliyah into learning more about herself and the bravery that even Rafa finds admirable. I am looking forward to the rest of the series!
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews