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Once Upon An Office Romance
All Bernadette Parker wants is a promotion. All Damian Wells wants is to redeem himself. Finding love is not on the agenda.
"A Cute Hallmark-esque Read." Bernadette Parker is sick of playing second fiddle to the office favorite Diane. It's time she stands up and takes credit for her own work. Even if it means confronting the new hottie boss with the heartthrob good looks, and broody demeanor. Bernadette has never been very good at promoting herself, self-deprecation is more her jam, but this time she is determined to put on her big-girl-panties, march right out there, and insist she be given the promotion she knows she deserves! That is, if she doesn’t lose her nerve first. Oh why can't she be more like her brave, life-affirming, fun-loving big sister?
Damian Wells has problems of his own. He may look every bit the man in charge, but secretly, he doesn't know a thing about business. He's spent the last ten years back-packing across Europe, majoring in flirting with women, after dropping out of his ivy league college. Now he needs to find an associate to help him look good, at the upcoming weekend conference in picturesque Aspen. But who could help him shine on both the slopes and in the boardroom?
Then in walks smart, business-savvy Bernadette Parker. Could she be the answer to all Damian troubles?
The one person able to help him win over the head of the company—who also happens to be his disapproving father.
Once Upon An Office Romance is the first in a series of workplace based romcoms following the employees of LOVE BYTES—the world's biggest on-line matchmaking business—all fictitious, of course.
This is a sweet, light-hearted, feel good romantic comedy, containing no swearing, and no explicit sex on the page.
"A Cute Hallmark-esque Read." Bernadette Parker is sick of playing second fiddle to the office favorite Diane. It's time she stands up and takes credit for her own work. Even if it means confronting the new hottie boss with the heartthrob good looks, and broody demeanor. Bernadette has never been very good at promoting herself, self-deprecation is more her jam, but this time she is determined to put on her big-girl-panties, march right out there, and insist she be given the promotion she knows she deserves! That is, if she doesn’t lose her nerve first. Oh why can't she be more like her brave, life-affirming, fun-loving big sister?
Damian Wells has problems of his own. He may look every bit the man in charge, but secretly, he doesn't know a thing about business. He's spent the last ten years back-packing across Europe, majoring in flirting with women, after dropping out of his ivy league college. Now he needs to find an associate to help him look good, at the upcoming weekend conference in picturesque Aspen. But who could help him shine on both the slopes and in the boardroom?
Then in walks smart, business-savvy Bernadette Parker. Could she be the answer to all Damian troubles?
The one person able to help him win over the head of the company—who also happens to be his disapproving father.
Once Upon An Office Romance is the first in a series of workplace based romcoms following the employees of LOVE BYTES—the world's biggest on-line matchmaking business—all fictitious, of course.
This is a sweet, light-hearted, feel good romantic comedy, containing no swearing, and no explicit sex on the page.
- GenresWorkplace RomanceRomance
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2021
20 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 30, 2021
1.75 you're the yin to my yang stars
NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM AN OFFICE ROMANCE
After checking the ratings, I realized this one is a "hit or miss" book. Sadly, it was a big miss in my case, so I won't make it long.
The story in itself was a bit frustrating, but my main concern lied with the characters.
Bernadette was very inconsistent and a bit bland. At the beginning, she stated promotions shouldn't be awarded based on appearance and then went on talking about what she should change in herself seconds later - Nancy, you're the same😒 It was painful to see her calling her sister everytime she felt lost, just so we could see how much better, more adventurous and funnier Beasley was. Her sister didn't seem to get her at all actually...
Damian had a bad relationship with his father - his boss and the biggest jerk alive, please someone slap him! - and an unhealthy need to prove his worth to him. It was understandable, okay, but it didn't mean he could be rude to Bernardette everytime he was in a bad mood. He wasn't mercurial, nooo he was just awful. The worst is that he liked the girl and wanted to impress her at some point. So how did we end up with this kind of behaviour?!
I still enjoyed the last 40-50 pages, thanks to a few twists and turns. The book's ton was lighthearted and there were a few nice moments, but it just didn't work for me.
This honest review has been written after receiving an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM AN OFFICE ROMANCE
After checking the ratings, I realized this one is a "hit or miss" book. Sadly, it was a big miss in my case, so I won't make it long.
The story in itself was a bit frustrating, but my main concern lied with the characters.
Bernadette was very inconsistent and a bit bland. At the beginning, she stated promotions shouldn't be awarded based on appearance and then went on talking about what she should change in herself seconds later - Nancy, you're the same😒 It was painful to see her calling her sister everytime she felt lost, just so we could see how much better, more adventurous and funnier Beasley was. Her sister didn't seem to get her at all actually...
Damian had a bad relationship with his father - his boss and the biggest jerk alive, please someone slap him! - and an unhealthy need to prove his worth to him. It was understandable, okay, but it didn't mean he could be rude to Bernardette everytime he was in a bad mood. He wasn't mercurial, nooo he was just awful. The worst is that he liked the girl and wanted to impress her at some point. So how did we end up with this kind of behaviour?!
I still enjoyed the last 40-50 pages, thanks to a few twists and turns. The book's ton was lighthearted and there were a few nice moments, but it just didn't work for me.
This honest review has been written after receiving an advanced reading copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
December 21, 2021
This is so bad I want to give [it] a zero but that’s not possible so I give [it] a one.
*potential spoilers?*
Decided to give this one a go since it had no reviews, goodreads synopsis, ratings or anything AND traditionally I’m a sucker for office romance plotlines. It also helps that this book is a really short read so I truly went into this book not knowing what to expect. Given this, I’m amazed at how a book managed to be so disappointing and anger-inducing given I wasn’t even expecting anything from it. 😑
Initially at the start of the book I really struggled to get through it bc the dialogue is just very cringe in my opinion. I struggle to believe people actually call someone hot “McDreamy-Screamy” let alone their boss but since cringe is kind of the main ingredient used in most contemporary novels, I decided to just let this go.
Okay at the start the female mc Bernadette is complaining about how some employee Diane “stole her promotion” but then her only reasons against Diane are Diane’s physical attributes.
“Sure, Diane is built like a bombshell—a 1940s bombshell—with all the curves in all the right places. Wasn’t that the lyrics to a song once? But her perky double-D breasts and 26-inch waist shouldn’t be the reason she gets all the promotions. Not to mention, her newly acquired set of collagen butt implants. Which, no doubt, she purchased with the last raise I got for her.”
I’m pretty sure this statement set feminism back 15 years by reinforcing the whole “women use their bodies for career progression” and the excessively sexual description of Diane makes it sound like she were written by a misogynistic man. I can literally pull apart problematic quotes from every second page like
“”Nevertheless, you have something she doesn’t, Parker,” I tell myself proudly. “And that is brains.””
And
“I’m so tired of doing all the work around here while she gets all the accolades, sitting at her desk, buffing and filing and painting her nails all day!”
Please what is with all this women hating on women stuff 😭😭😭 if Diane really doesn’t deserve the promotion that message can be conveyed WITHOUT using her feminine qualities it’s as simple as saying “she didn’t do the work”.
This is followed by Bernadette talking about how she’s rounder than Diane and fails to convince the reader that she isn’t self pitying herself (this sounds almost like fat phobia to me but I don’t have the grounds to make that claim). Seriously she’s also described with having glasses AND stutters when talking which adds onto the whole “I’m not like other girls”&”pick me, choose me, love me” vibe this chic is radiating. As far as I know NOBODY has been into this since the 2012 wattpad y/n era.
“We all know Diane’s body parts were purchased.” She grins. “Some of us just know for how much.”
Please please PLEASE can we stop writing and reading books where women hate on other women. Who CARES if Diane chose to get implants for herself it’s her body AND her choice AND it’s what makes her happy and therefore NOT a valid reason to discredit Diane. The reason this is pissing me off so much is bc right after they’re complaining about Diane using her body for a promotion, one employee tells BERNADETTE TO DO THE SAME 🤬🤬🤬 seriously wtf is this hypocrisy
“”In other words, don’t be afraid to use what your mama gave you to the best of your advantage.” She winks and shifts her breasts upward.”
Anyways that was just what I thought about the first chapter. I decided to give the rest of the book a go and it didn’t get much better and overall, And in the kindest way possible, I've read 50+ books this year and this was easily the most disappointing
{All quotes used in this review are from the novel}
*potential spoilers?*
Decided to give this one a go since it had no reviews, goodreads synopsis, ratings or anything AND traditionally I’m a sucker for office romance plotlines. It also helps that this book is a really short read so I truly went into this book not knowing what to expect. Given this, I’m amazed at how a book managed to be so disappointing and anger-inducing given I wasn’t even expecting anything from it. 😑
Initially at the start of the book I really struggled to get through it bc the dialogue is just very cringe in my opinion. I struggle to believe people actually call someone hot “McDreamy-Screamy” let alone their boss but since cringe is kind of the main ingredient used in most contemporary novels, I decided to just let this go.
Okay at the start the female mc Bernadette is complaining about how some employee Diane “stole her promotion” but then her only reasons against Diane are Diane’s physical attributes.
“Sure, Diane is built like a bombshell—a 1940s bombshell—with all the curves in all the right places. Wasn’t that the lyrics to a song once? But her perky double-D breasts and 26-inch waist shouldn’t be the reason she gets all the promotions. Not to mention, her newly acquired set of collagen butt implants. Which, no doubt, she purchased with the last raise I got for her.”
I’m pretty sure this statement set feminism back 15 years by reinforcing the whole “women use their bodies for career progression” and the excessively sexual description of Diane makes it sound like she were written by a misogynistic man. I can literally pull apart problematic quotes from every second page like
“”Nevertheless, you have something she doesn’t, Parker,” I tell myself proudly. “And that is brains.””
And
“I’m so tired of doing all the work around here while she gets all the accolades, sitting at her desk, buffing and filing and painting her nails all day!”
Please what is with all this women hating on women stuff 😭😭😭 if Diane really doesn’t deserve the promotion that message can be conveyed WITHOUT using her feminine qualities it’s as simple as saying “she didn’t do the work”.
This is followed by Bernadette talking about how she’s rounder than Diane and fails to convince the reader that she isn’t self pitying herself (this sounds almost like fat phobia to me but I don’t have the grounds to make that claim). Seriously she’s also described with having glasses AND stutters when talking which adds onto the whole “I’m not like other girls”&”pick me, choose me, love me” vibe this chic is radiating. As far as I know NOBODY has been into this since the 2012 wattpad y/n era.
“We all know Diane’s body parts were purchased.” She grins. “Some of us just know for how much.”
Please please PLEASE can we stop writing and reading books where women hate on other women. Who CARES if Diane chose to get implants for herself it’s her body AND her choice AND it’s what makes her happy and therefore NOT a valid reason to discredit Diane. The reason this is pissing me off so much is bc right after they’re complaining about Diane using her body for a promotion, one employee tells BERNADETTE TO DO THE SAME 🤬🤬🤬 seriously wtf is this hypocrisy
“”In other words, don’t be afraid to use what your mama gave you to the best of your advantage.” She winks and shifts her breasts upward.”
Anyways that was just what I thought about the first chapter. I decided to give the rest of the book a go and it didn’t get much better and overall, And in the kindest way possible, I've read 50+ books this year and this was easily the most disappointing
{All quotes used in this review are from the novel}
December 22, 2021
I received a free ARC of this book and am leaving a voluntary and honest review.
*Possible spoilers ahead*
What did I just read? Let me begin by saying around halfway through, I took a screenshot at every time I cringed, serious mistakes I found, or times when there was always a better word choice.
I want more detail about the company. I have no clue what the company is, what it does, and what this 'Bag Me a Billionaire' program is. From a book that is severely TELL instead of show, you'd think more detail would be put into the company, especially since there was so much of the numbers and the percentages and everything Damian had to speak of in the big executive meeting.
We have no world-building. The characters are severely lacking, too. I HATE the sister. She has little-to-no presence [thank God] but she has cerebral palsy for no reason because we never see it impact her. Ever. Because our only visual with her is a couple of phone calls and texts. If you're going to add that to the character, do something with it. And I get that her whole personality is 'go for it! Jump off that cliff!' but her sister comes to her with issues that could get her fired from a job she loves multiple times, and her response is still "Kiss him!" and her counterargument to the possibility of getting fired is "When's the last time you kissed a guy that hot?".
The main characters had flaws but only Damian's issue was prominent. Bernadette was supposed to have a crazy fear of heights but we never see it even though she skis down a mountain, and have social anxiety that is only shown in bouts of ridiculous stuttering in the beginning, and somehow manages to step in front of a room of executives and go over the company's statistics. Without stuttering. Damian had severe issues with his dad and we see it all the time, cool, but why was he growling so much? Why was he growling in general? And he kept getting angry and taking it out on Bernadette? Even though he liked her? I also hated their word choice. Instead of a curse word, both characters would turn to English like "rubbish" and "bum" for no reason. No. Reason.
I despise what happened to Diane. Who cares if she's had plastic surgery done. Why is Bernadette's only issue against her because of her physical attributes? And stealing her work, but most of her rant in the beginning was because Diane flaunted her body. Why does there have to be women v women in the office place anyways? Wasn't the owner of the company the main villain anyway?
Why were all the executives jerks? They were all sleazy and cheaters and were awful, awful people. And they were mocking Damian in the meeting - which, he had no clue what was going on, but why were their characters written like that.
There was the 'only one bed' trope. It was poorly done. First, in the newlywed cabin, there was no bathtub? So Bernadette attempted to sleep in the shower, and Damian eventually slept on the floor. But... they mentioned couches. It was clarified Damian was too tall for the couches, but - why didn't Bernadette sleep on one? And they didn't even end up sharing a bed.
I get the point of having both characters stutter all the time and have anxiety, but it's poorly done and only appears in the beginning. They stammer to the extent where I'm having whatever is worse than second-hand embarrassment, and then it vanishes.
I honestly feel like this book was a waste of my time. I was so excited for the office romance trope, but there was no worldbuilding, the characters were awful, there were so many mistakes and bad sentences and I cannot.
Let's play a game! It's called: bad word choice/sentences that I had to take a screenshot of; a compilation with bonus sarcastic comments. It's really long, so it's under the spoiler.
*Possible spoilers ahead*
What did I just read? Let me begin by saying around halfway through, I took a screenshot at every time I cringed, serious mistakes I found, or times when there was always a better word choice.
I want more detail about the company. I have no clue what the company is, what it does, and what this 'Bag Me a Billionaire' program is. From a book that is severely TELL instead of show, you'd think more detail would be put into the company, especially since there was so much of the numbers and the percentages and everything Damian had to speak of in the big executive meeting.
We have no world-building. The characters are severely lacking, too. I HATE the sister. She has little-to-no presence [thank God] but she has cerebral palsy for no reason because we never see it impact her. Ever. Because our only visual with her is a couple of phone calls and texts. If you're going to add that to the character, do something with it. And I get that her whole personality is 'go for it! Jump off that cliff!' but her sister comes to her with issues that could get her fired from a job she loves multiple times, and her response is still "Kiss him!" and her counterargument to the possibility of getting fired is "When's the last time you kissed a guy that hot?".
The main characters had flaws but only Damian's issue was prominent. Bernadette was supposed to have a crazy fear of heights but we never see it even though she skis down a mountain, and have social anxiety that is only shown in bouts of ridiculous stuttering in the beginning, and somehow manages to step in front of a room of executives and go over the company's statistics. Without stuttering. Damian had severe issues with his dad and we see it all the time, cool, but why was he growling so much? Why was he growling in general? And he kept getting angry and taking it out on Bernadette? Even though he liked her? I also hated their word choice. Instead of a curse word, both characters would turn to English like "rubbish" and "bum" for no reason. No. Reason.
I despise what happened to Diane. Who cares if she's had plastic surgery done. Why is Bernadette's only issue against her because of her physical attributes? And stealing her work, but most of her rant in the beginning was because Diane flaunted her body. Why does there have to be women v women in the office place anyways? Wasn't the owner of the company the main villain anyway?
Why were all the executives jerks? They were all sleazy and cheaters and were awful, awful people. And they were mocking Damian in the meeting - which, he had no clue what was going on, but why were their characters written like that.
There was the 'only one bed' trope. It was poorly done. First, in the newlywed cabin, there was no bathtub? So Bernadette attempted to sleep in the shower, and Damian eventually slept on the floor. But... they mentioned couches. It was clarified Damian was too tall for the couches, but - why didn't Bernadette sleep on one? And they didn't even end up sharing a bed.
I get the point of having both characters stutter all the time and have anxiety, but it's poorly done and only appears in the beginning. They stammer to the extent where I'm having whatever is worse than second-hand embarrassment, and then it vanishes.
I honestly feel like this book was a waste of my time. I was so excited for the office romance trope, but there was no worldbuilding, the characters were awful, there were so many mistakes and bad sentences and I cannot.
Let's play a game! It's called: bad word choice/sentences that I had to take a screenshot of; a compilation with bonus sarcastic comments. It's really long, so it's under the spoiler.
September 7, 2021
Love love love!
This is the style I love: fun, lighthearted, escape-worthy! The main character, Bernadette, she’s socially awkward, klutzy, shy and insecure, but smart! And I loved her! And there’s dual POV, so we also have Damian’s perspective, and I also liked him. One thing about his life I could also really relate to! I also liked Beasley, Bernadette’s sister, she’s fearless and fun! And of course I disliked the lazy, nasty Diane. And the boss’s boss. Yes, a lovely, fun, bubbly book! That provided me with many smiles and laughter! It’s exactly what I want in a rom com: lots of fun, lighthearted (which isn’t to say there isn’t any depth, because there is! Lots of depth! But it’s in a bubbly way so that’s why it still feels lighthearted), and relatable characters made all the better by the contrast of some mean characters on the sideline.
Favorite quote “…it shouldn’t be survival of the fittest when it comes to business. It should be whose heart is in it the most.” I agree! And that’s why I liked both Bernadette and Damian so much!
This is the style I love: fun, lighthearted, escape-worthy! The main character, Bernadette, she’s socially awkward, klutzy, shy and insecure, but smart! And I loved her! And there’s dual POV, so we also have Damian’s perspective, and I also liked him. One thing about his life I could also really relate to! I also liked Beasley, Bernadette’s sister, she’s fearless and fun! And of course I disliked the lazy, nasty Diane. And the boss’s boss. Yes, a lovely, fun, bubbly book! That provided me with many smiles and laughter! It’s exactly what I want in a rom com: lots of fun, lighthearted (which isn’t to say there isn’t any depth, because there is! Lots of depth! But it’s in a bubbly way so that’s why it still feels lighthearted), and relatable characters made all the better by the contrast of some mean characters on the sideline.
Favorite quote “…it shouldn’t be survival of the fittest when it comes to business. It should be whose heart is in it the most.” I agree! And that’s why I liked both Bernadette and Damian so much!
October 30, 2021
Rcvd an advanced reader copy from Hidden Gems for giving my two cents. Not bad of a read. It wasn't my cup of tea. We meet Bernadette who works at a matchmaking company who's ideas are always stolen by the pinup at work...ugh and to top it off the new boss is smtg to look at. When her arch nemesis doesn't know what is in the report she claimed as her own, the boss decides to take her to a conference in Aspen. Damien is thr new boss...so to speak...after her brothers timely demise with his ex-fiance...he has sworn off women but the quiet smart redhead has gotten to him. And he doesn't know how to act around her. Will Aspen be their downfall of thr company or will their shared attraction ruin it. But there are outside forces at work to ruin them.
November 1, 2021
(This is an ARC reader honest review) It was cute, but a little misleading.
It starts in an office, and they are a boss/worker, but 90% of it isn't set in the office at all. It also says it's opposites attract, and honestly aside from their previous jobs, they're not that different, they're pretty similar. It definitely it's more into a misunderstanding and boss/worker tropes.
That being said, still cute. I liked the idea, and it was good pacing, for the most part. I wasn't a huge fan of the male character, but I did like the female character. Either way, it was an entertaining read, fitting for the upcoming winter.
It starts in an office, and they are a boss/worker, but 90% of it isn't set in the office at all. It also says it's opposites attract, and honestly aside from their previous jobs, they're not that different, they're pretty similar. It definitely it's more into a misunderstanding and boss/worker tropes.
That being said, still cute. I liked the idea, and it was good pacing, for the most part. I wasn't a huge fan of the male character, but I did like the female character. Either way, it was an entertaining read, fitting for the upcoming winter.
July 15, 2022
I couldn't make myself finish this one. I used to hate not finishing a book, but I've realized I only get so much time to read, and I shouldn't waste it on something I'm not enjoying. The start of the book with Parker talking to herself in the bathroom was just embarrassing. I had to read her say "I ahhh" so many times in her first conversation with Damian. Then the first introduction to Damian's thoughts is almost as bad. He's not even close to what I like my heroes to be. The writing wasn't bad, I just didn't enjoy the characters. This was a first for me from this author, but I would be willing to give her another read.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
November 4, 2021
Bernadette and Damian appear to be opposites... she's sweet, hard-working, brains and... a pushover to the office bully Diane. Damian is gruff (and gorgeous) with a history as a playboy. What quickly comes to light is how out of place he is in his new job as CEO, and how awful his father truly is. These two are both broken souls who see something in each other - even if it is forbidden. There are some whacky moments and some that pulled on the heart strings. Enjoyed watching these two come into their own and fight back against the bullies.
September 6, 2021
I just finished Once Upon an Office Romance and really loved it. Bernadette is the shy, overlooked genius of the office. Her greatest for is, of course, the drop dead beautiful villain Diane. All Bernadette wants is the big promotion she's worked so hard to get and oh, maybe the hunky new boss. Damien is the reformed playboy and now boss of Love Bytes. He's trying to finally win his father's approval. The story has many twists and turns but is a light hearted rom-com. I highly recommend it!
September 6, 2021
When Bernadette is forced into attending a weekend conference with her boss, she had no idea what she was getting into!
I loved this book! From hearing both sides of the tale to a natural progression of the story, it kept my attention the whole way. There were some small shockers but they fit the story well.
I was not offered anything for my review, this is in my own words.
I loved this book! From hearing both sides of the tale to a natural progression of the story, it kept my attention the whole way. There were some small shockers but they fit the story well.
I was not offered anything for my review, this is in my own words.
September 6, 2021
At first I didn't think I was going to like this book. It seemed to be another "mean girl messes with nerd girl and boy is oblivious". I'm glad I kept reading. Boy was not oblivious to the mean girl's antics and recognizes that the nerd girl really did all the work. Also he has a thing for smart women. A fun, HEA romance where everyone gets what they deserve.
November 2, 2021
This was fantastic!! I laughed and swooned and felt extremely happy reading this RomCom!! It was just so sweet, although there is definitely some romantic tension and some people trying to road block the relationship, but who can get in between “the Yin to my Yang”?!! I’d definitely read another book by this author!!
If you enjoy a good RomCom you will love this one, I highly recommend it!!
If you enjoy a good RomCom you will love this one, I highly recommend it!!
September 5, 2021
This story takes office rivalry to the extreme.
You have the good girl vs the bad girl and throw in one hot boss.
There is quite a bit of humour in this story and I really enjoyed reading about the characters inner struggles.
You have the good girl vs the bad girl and throw in one hot boss.
There is quite a bit of humour in this story and I really enjoyed reading about the characters inner struggles.
August 3, 2025
I thought the book was alright. I thought it was just a bit too much for me. Both characters were just so unsure and anxiety driven. It was just a bit overwhelming for me. Other than that, I did enjoy reading from both POV. 3.5 stars
September 19, 2021
Fun Romance
This is a fun and charming little love story with fun and adorable characters that will have you rooting for happily ever after.
This is a fun and charming little love story with fun and adorable characters that will have you rooting for happily ever after.
October 14, 2021
cute
Cute and fun read. I enjoyed the book but was not blown away by the story. I needed some light reading and this book fit the bill!
Cute and fun read. I enjoyed the book but was not blown away by the story. I needed some light reading and this book fit the bill!
October 26, 2021
Payback comes wonderfully!
Damien and Bernadette come together beautifully and create a lovely sweet romance. They face fears and bully’s alike. Wonderfully written.
Damien and Bernadette come together beautifully and create a lovely sweet romance. They face fears and bully’s alike. Wonderfully written.
November 6, 2021
Can Bernadette and his new boss, Damian, nail the annual conference and save the company his father wants to destroy? They will learn to trust each other in the slopes and in life. Sweet
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews