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One Way Out: Scout Ledger Thriller
It’s the case that will change the course of her life.
Scout Ledger has no place left to run.
And there’s only ONE WAY OUT.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer Scout Ledger has a job to do. One she’s not happy about. Instead of safeguarding America’s borders from terrorists and criminals, she’s forced to deport law-abiding parents to keep bureaucrats satisfied. Scarred by her own hard upbringing, she knows only too well how frightened these dispossessed families feel.
When her chance comes to hunt down a drug kingpin, she moves in fast and hard. But she’s dragged into a dark and dangerous world, forced to betray those she should protect.
Can she really put everything on the line to win this fight? It’s life or death. And Scout Ledger is the only one who can make them pay.
ONE WAY OUT is the first novel about a fascinating new hero with an exhilarating set of skills. This fast-paced story with authentic and highly-developed characters will keep you glued to the pages as you root for Ledger’s fight for justice against a ruthless enemy.
Scout Ledger has no place left to run.
And there’s only ONE WAY OUT.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer Scout Ledger has a job to do. One she’s not happy about. Instead of safeguarding America’s borders from terrorists and criminals, she’s forced to deport law-abiding parents to keep bureaucrats satisfied. Scarred by her own hard upbringing, she knows only too well how frightened these dispossessed families feel.
When her chance comes to hunt down a drug kingpin, she moves in fast and hard. But she’s dragged into a dark and dangerous world, forced to betray those she should protect.
Can she really put everything on the line to win this fight? It’s life or death. And Scout Ledger is the only one who can make them pay.
ONE WAY OUT is the first novel about a fascinating new hero with an exhilarating set of skills. This fast-paced story with authentic and highly-developed characters will keep you glued to the pages as you root for Ledger’s fight for justice against a ruthless enemy.
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2021
17 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
About the author
Elleby Harper
35 books105 followersElleby Harper was born in England and raised in Australia. She has also lived in North America. She has previously worked as a medical receptionist, a croupier in a casino, an exhibition curator, a librarian and a journalist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
September 26, 2021
This is book one of the Scout Ledger Thriller series and brings a new character into the author’s arsenal. Scout is the daughter of a soldier, Captain Gene Ledger and his wife Autumn, a Wall Street finance whizz, after her adoptive father met her in the aftermath of a roadside bombing in Bosnia in 1996. They managed to finally adopt her and bring her to America a few years alter and she got into gymnastics until she had a huge growth spurt. She rebelled somewhat after the death of her mother and only returned home when she was eighteen, only to follow him into the army, leaving after ten years deciding she wanted to be able to make more of a change to people’s lives. She joined Homeland and is now an Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer (ICE), but left working with a boss, ‘Whip’ Bogel, who takes great pleasure in whipping his team into submission, and doesn’t like that Ledger won’t put up with his paternalistic language and isn’t male! The last one probably his biggest issue with her, as he takes the other three men in the team out for drinks, leaving her to finalise the paperwork for their upcoming bust, believing that is a punishment for her trying to question who they were going out to arrest. Bogel seems to like to find the easiest illegals to deport, those who are working, paying taxes, raising children and so on, rather than any that might be a danger to their country and borders and who need to be removed asap.
She is left to call Sheriff Dallenbach over in Oyster Bay, where the woman Maria Garcia works, to inform him of their actions and arranges to meet with him, when he dangles details of a much bigger fish, for ICE to apprehend. By meeting with the sheriff when she should have been on stakeout with her partner CC, she draws the wrath of Bogel and is sent to stakeout the two oyster handling factories for the next week all by herself! Something she was quite interested in doing, since it would give her the opportunity to checkout this suspect the sheriff had pointed her way. She finds that Dean Woodle has an identity as a white male but also setting him quite a ways from Oyster Bay. The sheriff has seen him at the factories a lot and when Ledger starts her surveillance, she spots a blacked out truck, which matches his license plates, in the carpark and meeting with some of the workers multiple times a day. There isn’t a rise in drug crimes in Oyster Bay, but there certainly is all along the coast around there. The sheriff believes he is running drugs and it turns out he isn’t a run of the mill dealer, but a drug kingpin with links to a powerful family in Mexico. She runs things through official lines to cover herself and make sure her boss doesn’t interfere. She even gets approached by a journalist for the Washington Witness, who is doing a story on the high number of illegals who have suddenly disappeared from their everyday lives.
The two matters are linked, with the drug kingpin forcing illegal workers to move his drugs for him, knowing he can easily blackmail them into action, or reveal their status and location to ICE. Ledger is entering a world far more dangerous than she was prepared for, as she tries to gain the true identity of the man pretending to be Woodle. She is soon left in a situation where she has no choice but to betray her fellow officer’s location, knowing this man will kill them and return to kill her as well. None of them are getting out alive, unless Ledger can get herself out of there and she has the guilt of knowing there was nothing she could do to stop this maniac from hurting those she should be protecting. Everything she has been trained to do and expect goes out the window when she sees what this man and his companions are capable of. Her own life is on the line and she will have to dig deep and rely on something she last did when she was eighteen, if she is to escape and gain justice for her colleagues and make these men pay for what they have done. Someone in town has made a deal with the devil and will soon be made to pay in their own way when Ledger gets a hold of them. A visitor brings sad news and Ledger is left wondering what to do with her life, but knows that she can’t continue doing what she was doing. This job was nothing like she expected and it wasn’t dangerous criminals they were deporting to keep the country safe. I think Ledger may well be on the way to a new and more liberating career, more under her own control. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out! I
She is left to call Sheriff Dallenbach over in Oyster Bay, where the woman Maria Garcia works, to inform him of their actions and arranges to meet with him, when he dangles details of a much bigger fish, for ICE to apprehend. By meeting with the sheriff when she should have been on stakeout with her partner CC, she draws the wrath of Bogel and is sent to stakeout the two oyster handling factories for the next week all by herself! Something she was quite interested in doing, since it would give her the opportunity to checkout this suspect the sheriff had pointed her way. She finds that Dean Woodle has an identity as a white male but also setting him quite a ways from Oyster Bay. The sheriff has seen him at the factories a lot and when Ledger starts her surveillance, she spots a blacked out truck, which matches his license plates, in the carpark and meeting with some of the workers multiple times a day. There isn’t a rise in drug crimes in Oyster Bay, but there certainly is all along the coast around there. The sheriff believes he is running drugs and it turns out he isn’t a run of the mill dealer, but a drug kingpin with links to a powerful family in Mexico. She runs things through official lines to cover herself and make sure her boss doesn’t interfere. She even gets approached by a journalist for the Washington Witness, who is doing a story on the high number of illegals who have suddenly disappeared from their everyday lives.
The two matters are linked, with the drug kingpin forcing illegal workers to move his drugs for him, knowing he can easily blackmail them into action, or reveal their status and location to ICE. Ledger is entering a world far more dangerous than she was prepared for, as she tries to gain the true identity of the man pretending to be Woodle. She is soon left in a situation where she has no choice but to betray her fellow officer’s location, knowing this man will kill them and return to kill her as well. None of them are getting out alive, unless Ledger can get herself out of there and she has the guilt of knowing there was nothing she could do to stop this maniac from hurting those she should be protecting. Everything she has been trained to do and expect goes out the window when she sees what this man and his companions are capable of. Her own life is on the line and she will have to dig deep and rely on something she last did when she was eighteen, if she is to escape and gain justice for her colleagues and make these men pay for what they have done. Someone in town has made a deal with the devil and will soon be made to pay in their own way when Ledger gets a hold of them. A visitor brings sad news and Ledger is left wondering what to do with her life, but knows that she can’t continue doing what she was doing. This job was nothing like she expected and it wasn’t dangerous criminals they were deporting to keep the country safe. I think Ledger may well be on the way to a new and more liberating career, more under her own control. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to find out! I
September 23, 2021
Adopted Bosnian refugee finds a way to make a difference - 5 stars
Scout Ledger sees her mother murdered in Bosnia. A US soldier manages to adopt her but the violence of her tender years is hard to overcome. While Scout eventually gets to the USA, her interest in being a world-class gymnast is thwarted when she grows too tall. Scout excelled in the military and joined Homeland Security as an officer of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Scout trains in a sport called Parkour to keep herself fit and agile. She overcomes some irritations with calming exercises and inward thinking. Her adoptive father encouraged her to help with muscle cars and develop mechanical skills.
Her story is gripping. The injustices that see sees are clear. Scout takes it upon herself to go beyond her assignment. After learning from the local sheriff that there is a possibility of drug-related activity, Scout investigates, disguises and fights her way to finding out about people who disappear in a small seaside town.
When faced with murderous intent, Scout does not back down. In fact, she concentrates on ways to use her athleticism to get out of tight situations, so much so that she goes well beyond the letter of the law.
One fascinating vignette has Scout keeping small children "entertained" in a police station while their father tries to help his wife who is expected to be deported as a result of an ICE raid.
This troubling story is worth your while. Highly recommended.
Scout Ledger sees her mother murdered in Bosnia. A US soldier manages to adopt her but the violence of her tender years is hard to overcome. While Scout eventually gets to the USA, her interest in being a world-class gymnast is thwarted when she grows too tall. Scout excelled in the military and joined Homeland Security as an officer of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Scout trains in a sport called Parkour to keep herself fit and agile. She overcomes some irritations with calming exercises and inward thinking. Her adoptive father encouraged her to help with muscle cars and develop mechanical skills.
Her story is gripping. The injustices that see sees are clear. Scout takes it upon herself to go beyond her assignment. After learning from the local sheriff that there is a possibility of drug-related activity, Scout investigates, disguises and fights her way to finding out about people who disappear in a small seaside town.
When faced with murderous intent, Scout does not back down. In fact, she concentrates on ways to use her athleticism to get out of tight situations, so much so that she goes well beyond the letter of the law.
One fascinating vignette has Scout keeping small children "entertained" in a police station while their father tries to help his wife who is expected to be deported as a result of an ICE raid.
This troubling story is worth your while. Highly recommended.
September 23, 2021
Absolutely Amazing and I learned some new words lol! Scout Ledger has such a horrible beginning to her young life but she wants to make the world a better place. Scout has trained her body to do such fantastic things, it is called Parkour, it is something I had never heard of but after learning what it means I think I possibly saw it used in movies . If you haven't heard of it I will let you learn for yourself while you read this book. Ms. Harper has given us an eye opening story, not just with the amazing storyline but also with a side story about oysters that I found very interesting. I love how Scout met her dad, the relationship they have and their time together. This book is much more than just a police case or an ICE case. Scout works for ICE which is a government agency that looks for illegal immigrants. It is a story of life that will touch your heart, get your heart pounding with the suspense and make you smile at the relationships. I highly recommend this book to anyone! I didn't realize this was the first book in a new series about Scout and I can hardly wait to read more!!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.
September 24, 2021
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officer Scout Ledger has seen a lot of violence as a child. She was born in Bosnia. She saw her mother killed. A US soldier adopts her and brings her to America.
She develops unique skills. She is always for the mistreated and the underdogs. She will go above and beyond her duties and doesn't worry about herself. Her job is to deport law-abiding citizens and separating children from their parents. She doesn't like having to do this. People are disappearing from Oyster Bay. Why? What is happening to them? She gets involved with the drug world. Will she find the drug kingpin? This is a fast-paced story with a lot of action and suspense. It is a page-turner. You will have a hard time putting it down. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well constructed, and the story is well written. This will be another winning series for Elleby.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
She develops unique skills. She is always for the mistreated and the underdogs. She will go above and beyond her duties and doesn't worry about herself. Her job is to deport law-abiding citizens and separating children from their parents. She doesn't like having to do this. People are disappearing from Oyster Bay. Why? What is happening to them? She gets involved with the drug world. Will she find the drug kingpin? This is a fast-paced story with a lot of action and suspense. It is a page-turner. You will have a hard time putting it down. Characters are fleshed out, the plot is well constructed, and the story is well written. This will be another winning series for Elleby.
I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author and I'm voluntarily posting a review. My opinion is entirely my own.
September 21, 2021
This is an introductory book to a new series. Scout Ledger is a complex person with an interesting history. She is currently working with ICE and wants to help people. Instead she is concerned that she is harming families. She gets an assignment that allows her to investigate some unsavory characters. She is trying to work within her boundaries, but she takes some unorthodox moves. Her investigation gets her into some dangerous situations but she's a talented and resourceful officer.
Scout, or Ledger, as she is known in the book, has some interesting skills that very very of us have. They work to her advantage.
This is an exciting book and I'm looking forward to reading more about her. The book ends with her having some interesting potential pathways. I'd like to know which one(s) she chooses.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review.
September 22, 2021
An explosive introduction to a new series…
In today’s world one is often expected to tow-the-line -- when you work for others, you do as you are told or pay the consequences. But, what about the consequences of going against your better judgment?
Scout Ledger is an ICE Agent caught up in this dilemma. We learn of her challenging past and her development of unique skills forging her to become one tough, quick-minded, and physically fit woman with a strong compassion for those who have been mistreated.
This story is the introduction to Scouts true character and the eventual direction that she chooses to take. She seeks answers and justice and won’t back away from danger. This mystery/thriller will keep you turning pages with dramatic action and pull at your heartstrings. It will arouse your curiosity as to what will become of this dynamic heroine in more books to come in this intriguing new series.
In today’s world one is often expected to tow-the-line -- when you work for others, you do as you are told or pay the consequences. But, what about the consequences of going against your better judgment?
Scout Ledger is an ICE Agent caught up in this dilemma. We learn of her challenging past and her development of unique skills forging her to become one tough, quick-minded, and physically fit woman with a strong compassion for those who have been mistreated.
This story is the introduction to Scouts true character and the eventual direction that she chooses to take. She seeks answers and justice and won’t back away from danger. This mystery/thriller will keep you turning pages with dramatic action and pull at your heartstrings. It will arouse your curiosity as to what will become of this dynamic heroine in more books to come in this intriguing new series.
October 6, 2021
Fantastic, original new series
The prologue had me captivated by this new heroine before the actual mystery was even introduced! She was a Bosnian war orphan brought to the U.S. and adopted by the soldier who found her. She has a strong moral code and identifies with marginalized people due to her own past. Add an unusual talent that helps her in dangerous situations and you have a very unique protagonist. The mystery focuses on Immigration and Customs officers which is unusual as well. It was fast paced, full of danger, tension and intrigue. The mystery had had a good deal of complexity for a shorter story and a some very dramatic moments. We also learned a lot about Scout’s family and childhood in this origin story. I can’t wait for the first full length book in the series.
The prologue had me captivated by this new heroine before the actual mystery was even introduced! She was a Bosnian war orphan brought to the U.S. and adopted by the soldier who found her. She has a strong moral code and identifies with marginalized people due to her own past. Add an unusual talent that helps her in dangerous situations and you have a very unique protagonist. The mystery focuses on Immigration and Customs officers which is unusual as well. It was fast paced, full of danger, tension and intrigue. The mystery had had a good deal of complexity for a shorter story and a some very dramatic moments. We also learned a lot about Scout’s family and childhood in this origin story. I can’t wait for the first full length book in the series.
January 20, 2022
Elleby Harper introduces us to a new heroine in One Way Out. Scout Ledger, an officer of Immigrations and Custom Enforcement – ICE – has a strong sense of right and wrong, after all she has seen quite a bit of violence growing up in war torn Bosnia and seeing her mother killed. Luckily for her, a US soldier adopted her and brought her back to the States. This is perhaps part of the reason she tries to correct injustices. When a mother is about to be deported, she will uncover a….well read the book. It is quite good. Great characters and a strong storyline make this a wonderfully crafted thriller. I am looking forward to reading the next one in what will be an incredible series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 22, 2021
Elleby Harper has created a fascinating character in Scout Ledger, an ICE officer who has a strong sense of what’s right and what isn't. When she’s sent to arrest a law abiding mother of two because she entered the country legally it feels wrong, even if it sounds right. When Ledger arrives in the town she finds a lot more going on than just an illegal immigrant. Why are so many people from the same ethnic group vanishing? I enjoyed this first book of what I hope will become a long running series. I especially liked Scout herself and as the book progresses we learn more and more about her. It’s a fun, well written, fast paced read that builds to a tension filled finale.
September 29, 2021
A fresh new series, introducing a very likable lead character, Scout Ledger. Although this is a new series with a new character, the issues addressed are timeless and super relevant in society today! Plenty of action envelopes the reader into Scout's difficult past and how she handles herself to overcome the dilemmas she faces. This is not JUST ANOTHER kick-ass vigilante, she addresses and stands up for what's right! Period! A fast-paced and enjoyable read with thoughtfully written and well-developed characters that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Looking forward the book two. I highly recommend the amazing book.
September 21, 2021
Excellent thriller
This book is action packed from beginning to end with a likeable hard as nails yet empathetic female lead character. Scout Ledger takes on the bad guys without worry to her own health and she shows that she cares for the underdog. This book is filled with action and ends with a better understanding of the main character Scout as we delve into her sad history which ultimately made her into the strong independent woman she is today. I high ly recommend this book.
This book is action packed from beginning to end with a likeable hard as nails yet empathetic female lead character. Scout Ledger takes on the bad guys without worry to her own health and she shows that she cares for the underdog. This book is filled with action and ends with a better understanding of the main character Scout as we delve into her sad history which ultimately made her into the strong independent woman she is today. I high ly recommend this book.
September 23, 2021
Having read other Elleby Harper books (Bex Wynter series) I was looking forward to reading the 1st in this new Scout Ledger series and was not disappointed. You are introduced to Scout, an ICE agent, and soon find out she is forthright in her opinions on what is right and wrong. She leads her life in that way and I suspect her adventures will continue with a fair mix of ups and downs for her remaining true to her beliefs. Her background story is maybe the root of her beliefs. Well worth reading, I look forward to many more Scout Ledger books
September 23, 2021
A great intro to this new series. Gritty, thrilling, with good action scenes. This book reveals Scout's backstory, of how she ended up in America and in her present job at ICE. Not quite fitting in, she gets on with her job reluctantly but revels in following a different lead, down a path of destruction and narcotics.
She has some tough choices to make and a heart breaking ending that will spur her in a different direction.
I loved the story. It's more descriptive than previous books by this author but I liked this, as it set the scene for her life, going forward.
She has some tough choices to make and a heart breaking ending that will spur her in a different direction.
I loved the story. It's more descriptive than previous books by this author but I liked this, as it set the scene for her life, going forward.
September 29, 2021
One Way Out is a great read. In the last half of the book, I think I was reading at the edge of my seat. I was scared for the heroine, Scout. I liked Scout. I found myself cheering her on even before I knew much about her. I love smart, courageous women who are justice seekers. This first book in a new series lifts up issues such as welcoming immigrants, respecting people of Romani descent, equality for women, humanizing people who do not think like us, etc. I hope many people read it!
I read this book as an ARC. My review is given voluntarily and enthusiastically.
.
I read this book as an ARC. My review is given voluntarily and enthusiastically.
.
November 18, 2021
ellby introduces us to her new heroine
The start. Of a new series is always a struggle , the devoted reader loyal to the old guard has to accept a completely different character sometimes it’s the point where everything changes in their relationship with the author as the transition can go badly , I personally can reference a few that ended my attraction to a certain writer but I think this stands alone from previous novels and her style remains true to her history , I shall certainly look forward to the next edition of Scouts life story
The start. Of a new series is always a struggle , the devoted reader loyal to the old guard has to accept a completely different character sometimes it’s the point where everything changes in their relationship with the author as the transition can go badly , I personally can reference a few that ended my attraction to a certain writer but I think this stands alone from previous novels and her style remains true to her history , I shall certainly look forward to the next edition of Scouts life story
September 22, 2021
Once again Ms. Harper has created an awesome and exciting story for her readers to find themselves caught up in. There is plenty of action, the characters aren't overdone, but relatable and fully fleshed out. Ledger is stoic, compassionate, determined, and bad news for the bad guys. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can't wait to see what adventures the next one brings. Like all of Ms. Harper's writing, I highly recommend this series.
September 21, 2021
kudos Elleby
I was greatly amazed at this new character of Elleby’s! We have a beginning of this war-torn child and the mindset she carries with her daily! Awesome read that requires you to turn page after page and to let your spouse wait supper til you find a good place to pause.
I was greatly amazed at this new character of Elleby’s! We have a beginning of this war-torn child and the mindset she carries with her daily! Awesome read that requires you to turn page after page and to let your spouse wait supper til you find a good place to pause.
September 22, 2021
What a way to start a new series! This was a fast-paced, interesting read, that I found I did not want to put down! Great, multi-faceted characters. Suspenseful and thrilling. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
September 23, 2021
This is a wonderful new thrilling series!
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
Wonderful well written plot and story line that had me engaged from the start.
Love the well fleshed out characters and found them believable.
Great suspense and action with wonderful world building that adds so much to the story.
Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down.
Can't wait to read more of these.
Recommend reading.
September 28, 2021
One Way Out
Elleby Harper is one of my favorite authors!!! Her new character Scout Ledger is awesome and I look forward to the next book she's in - Dead Witness. I believe I've read everything Elleby has written to date and greatly enjoyed her storylines, characters & writing style. Chris Pilgrim
Elleby Harper is one of my favorite authors!!! Her new character Scout Ledger is awesome and I look forward to the next book she's in - Dead Witness. I believe I've read everything Elleby has written to date and greatly enjoyed her storylines, characters & writing style. Chris Pilgrim
September 21, 2021
People are disappearing from Oyster Bay. Drugs and a crooked mayor. ICE officer Scout Ledger has the job of deporting law biding citizens and separating children from parents. Ledger is involved with dangerous people in the drug world. A page turning thriller.
September 23, 2021
Elleby Harper has created a new female character in Scout Ledger. Scout uses her parkour skills to get herself out of a situation she finds herself in while trying to escape from the Kingpin on Oster Bay.
September 23, 2021
Scott Ledger, a feisty new character who fills the pages with truth, honesty, and fearless adventure.
A heroine that I look forward to knowing better. This is another "slam dunk" for Elleby Harper.
Highly Recommended.
A heroine that I look forward to knowing better. This is another "slam dunk" for Elleby Harper.
Highly Recommended.
Read
September 29, 2021Not her usual characters so it took me a while to familiarise with scout and her origins. What a build up though and what an ending!!! Loved this book but lost a night’s sleep because I couldn’t put it down
October 15, 2021
A new book series and a new author for me. And I really enjoyed the storyline and the characters and I hope there’s gonna be more in the future!! I like the author’s imagination and the way she unraveled the plot.
September 23, 2021
Elleby Harper One Way Out ARC
This a great start for a new series of books with a great new character this is fast moving with lots of action can’t wait to read book 2
This a great start for a new series of books with a great new character this is fast moving with lots of action can’t wait to read book 2
September 23, 2021
A well written story with lots of action. I couldn’t put it down, keep your tissues handy for the end.
September 23, 2021
Thank you for the free Arc
Totally exciting
Action packed
Love the characters
Totally exciting
Action packed
Love the characters
September 24, 2021
What a great book. I really enjoyed it. Very well written, page turner, great characters. Love it. Good job.
September 27, 2021
An interesting new character from Elleby Harper.
This is a cleverly crafted story that moves along at a rapid pace, with some next twists in it.I'll be looking out for a sequel.
This is a cleverly crafted story that moves along at a rapid pace, with some next twists in it.I'll be looking out for a sequel.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews