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Elevated Inferno: Monet's Moment
Monet Parker wasn't a sucker for a man in uniform. Even if he was a firefighter with dimples deep enough to swim in and ebony skin painted by the gods.
She was just trying to get her dream internship and prepare herself for a career in social robotics. She had no idea how her life would change with the simple push of a button.
When the elevator taking her to her interview at Real World Robotics stops, Monet isn't sure if she will live, let alone make her interview. She's rescued by Rhys Banks: the gorgeous hunk of a fireman. As much as their magnetism is palpable, Monet is trying to ignore her feelings. Focusing on her career and navigating her chaotic family drama is more than enough excitement for her. Still, it's hard to ignore #FiremanBae when her sister is hosting an Instagram Live video of the rescue and getting the whole internet buzzing.
What happens when the internet becomes a third wheel in Monet's love life? What happens when past hurts, career goals, and family baggage are in conflict with their desires? Will these distractions win out and quash the elevated inferno? Can Monet have it all, including love?
She was just trying to get her dream internship and prepare herself for a career in social robotics. She had no idea how her life would change with the simple push of a button.
When the elevator taking her to her interview at Real World Robotics stops, Monet isn't sure if she will live, let alone make her interview. She's rescued by Rhys Banks: the gorgeous hunk of a fireman. As much as their magnetism is palpable, Monet is trying to ignore her feelings. Focusing on her career and navigating her chaotic family drama is more than enough excitement for her. Still, it's hard to ignore #FiremanBae when her sister is hosting an Instagram Live video of the rescue and getting the whole internet buzzing.
What happens when the internet becomes a third wheel in Monet's love life? What happens when past hurts, career goals, and family baggage are in conflict with their desires? Will these distractions win out and quash the elevated inferno? Can Monet have it all, including love?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 1, 2022
14 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Carlotta Ardell
3 books27 followersCarlotta Ardell is an engineer, professor, researcher, speaker, and author. However, her most important roles are being a Christian, mother to her daughter, Kennedy, and wife to her husband, William. She has many technical publications and a book on multidisciplinary robotics.
During the 2020 pandemic and summer of social justice, she was inspired to work with other Black Women engineering professors to become a fiction book author. Engineering has a marketing problem and there has been a longstanding need to amplify, normalize and promote Black Women in STEM as they navigate through their everyday lives. Out of this mission, Catalyst Chronicles and First Responder Fairytales was born.
It is her hope that through these African American fiction and Black Romance novels, people will see themselves and aspire to learn and do more to diversify STEM.
During the 2020 pandemic and summer of social justice, she was inspired to work with other Black Women engineering professors to become a fiction book author. Engineering has a marketing problem and there has been a longstanding need to amplify, normalize and promote Black Women in STEM as they navigate through their everyday lives. Out of this mission, Catalyst Chronicles and First Responder Fairytales was born.
It is her hope that through these African American fiction and Black Romance novels, people will see themselves and aspire to learn and do more to diversify STEM.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 24, 2022
Elevated Inferno is a fantastic debut novel by Carlotta Ardell. From the start, I was really invested in the characters and the outcome of this book. Ardell crafted a world grounded in reality which made it easy for me to connect with everyone. The characters were crafted well. I know people like Monet and her sisters. I know people like Rhys and his family. It was very easy to connect with them. My favorite character was Mya. She was really the rock for Monet to lean on and I love that for her! Sisters aren't always shown as best friends, so this was refreshing.
I am not a lover of romance in and of itself, however, I really liked the way love was portrayed in this book. Ardell is not afraid to rock Rhys and Monet's entire world with drama and chaos! The situations they got into were very believable, but my jaw still hit the floor when this or that happened. I won't spoil it!
Overall, I would recommend this book. I love the representation of black love and it was super cool to see Monet in her lab! The STEM elements of the story were easy to understand and added to all the things that made Monet a genuine character. Her drive and dedication to herself and her work made me super proud!
This book is for people who love love, who love STEM, and who love a little drama to spice up their lives!
I am not a lover of romance in and of itself, however, I really liked the way love was portrayed in this book. Ardell is not afraid to rock Rhys and Monet's entire world with drama and chaos! The situations they got into were very believable, but my jaw still hit the floor when this or that happened. I won't spoil it!
Overall, I would recommend this book. I love the representation of black love and it was super cool to see Monet in her lab! The STEM elements of the story were easy to understand and added to all the things that made Monet a genuine character. Her drive and dedication to herself and her work made me super proud!
This book is for people who love love, who love STEM, and who love a little drama to spice up their lives!
June 16, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! The characters in this book are so relatable especially Monet. I can relate to hers in so many ways. I love how she was able to come into her own by the end of the book. The love story of Rhys and Monet was beautiful. From beginning to end, they overcame obstacles that most couples wouldn't make it through. This book gave me confidence that a black female can make it in the world of STEM with hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Her love for robotics and helping the world was palpable. I love how the author used Bible versus and their faith throughout the book. Without faith and God none of these things would be possible. I'm the type if I get into the book and like it I'll read it in one day and that's what I did. Kuddos to you Dr. Ardell. You got it with this one! I can't wait for the second book to come out.
July 23, 2022
Elevated Inferno - Carlotta Ardell
4 stars!
Used for Prompt 11 - A book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings
This is my very first ARC (advanced reader copy) for a book. The book is officially available on July 1st. The author is a Black Woman Electrical Engineering PhD professor in robotics who I have followed on Twitter for some time.
Ok, this book is very very touching. I found myself tearing up a little towards the end at the interactions between Monet and her family. All the characters are relatable and real, and the issues are relevant to our social medial landscape… and there’s a villain that’s SO easy to dislike!
Also… I love that MATLAB appears in a romance book. 🤓 and the lessons on not closing your heart and balancing what’s important in life.
The only things I’d comment on are that in the beginning narrative was a bit clipped, and I’d like to see more “environmental” description fleshed out. Overall a great & heartfelt first fiction book!
Can be used for prompts 3, 11, 19, 31, 42, 43, 50, 52
4 stars!
Used for Prompt 11 - A book with less than 2022 Goodreads ratings
This is my very first ARC (advanced reader copy) for a book. The book is officially available on July 1st. The author is a Black Woman Electrical Engineering PhD professor in robotics who I have followed on Twitter for some time.
Ok, this book is very very touching. I found myself tearing up a little towards the end at the interactions between Monet and her family. All the characters are relatable and real, and the issues are relevant to our social medial landscape… and there’s a villain that’s SO easy to dislike!
Also… I love that MATLAB appears in a romance book. 🤓 and the lessons on not closing your heart and balancing what’s important in life.
The only things I’d comment on are that in the beginning narrative was a bit clipped, and I’d like to see more “environmental” description fleshed out. Overall a great & heartfelt first fiction book!
Can be used for prompts 3, 11, 19, 31, 42, 43, 50, 52
June 25, 2022
I enjoy alien invasions,
high speed car chases, and post apocalyptic worlds. Romance was never my thing until now.
You may accuse me of having a typical male brain, whatever that means.
But I'm not one dimensional, I do like the softer things in life such as puppies and rainbows.
However romance novels were never my thing. I always thought of them as too sappy, too mushy, but when I read Elevated Inferno by Carlotta Ardell it changed my mind.
For one it's not mushy and two it's not sappy. It's probably because the author is a Robotics Engineer so she doesn't get lost in emotional dribble.
Elevated Inferno is hot, pun intended.
high speed car chases, and post apocalyptic worlds. Romance was never my thing until now.
You may accuse me of having a typical male brain, whatever that means.
But I'm not one dimensional, I do like the softer things in life such as puppies and rainbows.
However romance novels were never my thing. I always thought of them as too sappy, too mushy, but when I read Elevated Inferno by Carlotta Ardell it changed my mind.
For one it's not mushy and two it's not sappy. It's probably because the author is a Robotics Engineer so she doesn't get lost in emotional dribble.
Elevated Inferno is hot, pun intended.
July 7, 2022
Kudos to Carlotta Ardell for writing a book that nicely tells the love story of a beautiful couple -- Monet and Rhys -- while also highlighting the importance of Black women in the STEM field! Readers will root for the couple while especially being drawn to the brilliance of Monet who uses her robotic skills to help children with special needs. Rhys's personal qualities are also noteworthy. The book really serves two purposes: It gives us the romance that many of us long for in a great read while also demonstrating that STEM careers -- contrary to what we often see in society -- are for women of color, too. Black girls across the country will undoubtedly aspire to be like Monet!
June 24, 2022
Hooks you in from the very first pages! Monet Parker is a different but definitely relatable heroine! I am enjoying every moment of the book!
July 7, 2022
It has all of the trappings of a first novel but also the fervor of a professional writer's leap into the iridescence of novel writing. The story feels real yet pedantic. It will be reminiscent of lived experiences to a lot of readers, including me. Give it a chance. You'll be glad you did.
July 6, 2022
Elevated inferno makes you care about the characters as soon as you meet them. You immediately felt as if you were one of the Parker sisters cheering on your sibling. You can relate to these characters, they have goals and dreams and obstacles that are realistic! I enjoyed watching the romance develop between Rhys & Monet - and I was drawn to Mya because of her support and how I have experienced that type of relationship in my own life! Settle in grab some tea and fall in love with these characters and become a part of their world! You will not regret it! If you love STEM, Love LOVE and enjoy meaningful relationships, check this out!
June 29, 2022
I was drawn in by the way Elevated Inferno starts— by raising questions that I wanted get answered. The characters are well developed and very relatable, and the family dynamics are both realistic and understandable.
While developing the relationship between Monet and Rhys, the author was able to paint portraits of their friends and families that were positive, and was also able to show that different educational levels and careers choices did not keep them from loving and supporting one another. Carlotta Ardell was also able to subtly address issues that many women face (like being a female in a male dominated field) by weaving them seamlessly into the story.
Monet and Rhys’ decision to make their own career/ education choices in spite of their families’ expectations added more depth to the characters and intensified the story line.
This book is enjoyable in the way the story flows and in the way that positive images of the diversity within the African American culture are represented.
Read
July 2, 2022Elevated Inferno by first-time novelist Carlotta Ardell is splendid! I enjoy nestling in a warm bath with a good story. I was eager each night to return to how Monet and Rhys would end up. Monet reminds me of ME from juggling the demands of school with life to the fears of the heart. I laughingly remembered sending by courier a mason jar of the ugliest orange juice to a dude - it was carrot juice! Why didn't I send brownies? Read the book; you'll get it!
I am thankful to be an Advanced Reader. The story is well-written, answers all questions, and paints a clear picture of the characters. At times, the dialogue is a bit long-winded and preachy, but this reminds me of the wisdom we often receive from the elders.
I highly recommend Elevated Inferno - it's a story you'll want to discuss with friends, so buy two copies!
I am thankful to be an Advanced Reader. The story is well-written, answers all questions, and paints a clear picture of the characters. At times, the dialogue is a bit long-winded and preachy, but this reminds me of the wisdom we often receive from the elders.
I highly recommend Elevated Inferno - it's a story you'll want to discuss with friends, so buy two copies!
July 4, 2022
Elevated inferno such a good read! I love romantic novels, but rarely do I read good ones that capture a main character who is a Black woman engineer. I like how the characters were relatable and I was reading thinking I know people like that in the book. I enjoyed how it was romance, family drama and talks about research. Yes to seeing Black women in STEM in romance. 👏🏾
July 5, 2022
A wonderful read from a new author. Elevated Inferno is a book you won't want to put down and will find yourself rereading. Looking forward to more from the author.
July 1, 2022
10/10
I absolutely loved reading Elevated Inferno, not just because it's written by a phenomenal Black woman in STEM but because said author Dr. Carlotta Ardell is going after it all, just like her story's heroine Maya! This was the first book I've ever read that I related to, from excelling in a tech career, dating woes, family pressure, social media, rocking out to Megan Thee Stallion. Dr. Ardell did her thaaang ya'll. Please read and please let all of your friends know about this book.
I absolutely loved reading Elevated Inferno, not just because it's written by a phenomenal Black woman in STEM but because said author Dr. Carlotta Ardell is going after it all, just like her story's heroine Maya! This was the first book I've ever read that I related to, from excelling in a tech career, dating woes, family pressure, social media, rocking out to Megan Thee Stallion. Dr. Ardell did her thaaang ya'll. Please read and please let all of your friends know about this book.
June 28, 2022
Listen, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel. I love how the characters are so down-to-earth and relatable. As a young black woman, Monet strives to become comfortable with who she is amid the expectations of others. Yes, she is on her way to a successful engineering profession, but there are still some areas in which she is insecure. She is forging her path, and then comes Rhys Banks. One seemingly unfortunate incident leads her to become confident with her decisions. The story is so unpredictable and written so well. I hated for it to end. Several times I found myself smiling while I was reading. I highly recommend this book; you won't be disappointed.
January 21, 2024
As a graduate student completing my Masters in Healthcare Informatics, this story piqued my interest instantly.
Elevated Inferno: Monet's Moment by Carlotta Ardell is a contemporary romance that skillfully blends relatable family dynamics, internal dialogue and heartfelt emotions.
Monet's journey towards finding love while staying true to her ambitions is relatable and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and STEM.
Black women have made extraordinary contributions to the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. I love the fact that Monet was resilient in her efforts to stick to as well as uphold her values, including her intellect and trailblazing spirit.
A little historical realism in fiction is what makes it so wonderful. Future generations of Black women in STEM who are setting out on their own and leaving their mark will find inspiration in Monet's journey.
Elevated Inferno: Monet's Moment by Carlotta Ardell is a contemporary romance that skillfully blends relatable family dynamics, internal dialogue and heartfelt emotions.
Monet's journey towards finding love while staying true to her ambitions is relatable and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance and STEM.
Black women have made extraordinary contributions to the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes along the way. I love the fact that Monet was resilient in her efforts to stick to as well as uphold her values, including her intellect and trailblazing spirit.
A little historical realism in fiction is what makes it so wonderful. Future generations of Black women in STEM who are setting out on their own and leaving their mark will find inspiration in Monet's journey.
June 24, 2022
Its been a long time since I have come across a book that was a page turner! I truly couldn't put it down!! Elevated Inferno is truly a special story, not only because of how the Monet and Rhys met, but moreso the focus of the main character, Monet. As a woman in STEM and one that is full-figured, I could relate to Monet. There is a school of thought that if you are a woman in STEM, that you have no sense of style or dress frumpy, have trouble making friends unless they have a similar personality, have no sense of humor and good luck finding someone special. Add to the fact that not having what society deems as a typical body type...and well, you aren't expected to find anyone. Elevated Inferno turned all of that on its head and presented a character that I could finally relate to! But it also challenged me in that love can come from where you least expect it. You just have to be open to it. I'm looking forward to more books from Carlotta Ardell that blend STEM and romance!
July 1, 2022
I loved this story and I will be waiting for more novels from Carlotta Ardell!
This was my first time being invited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy. I'm a Black woman engineer, and maybe I was invited because the author is also a Black woman engineer. The author has weaved her expertise throughout this story -- her lived experiences, her personal values, family culture, social culture, characters shaped by real life -- and it was a joy to read because it's so real. I've lived some of those same experiences. Many reviews here say the characters are "relatable" and that's 100% accurate. Family can hold up a mirror for each of us like no one else on the planet 😊. Yet the story is not predictable. It's engaging. Exciting. Frustrating. A little bit scary. Compelling. Passionate. Heartwarming. Inclusive.
And "Im'ma need" a spinout book featuring Mya as the main character!
Five stars, and looking forward to more books from Carlotta Ardell.
This was my first time being invited to receive an Advanced Reader Copy. I'm a Black woman engineer, and maybe I was invited because the author is also a Black woman engineer. The author has weaved her expertise throughout this story -- her lived experiences, her personal values, family culture, social culture, characters shaped by real life -- and it was a joy to read because it's so real. I've lived some of those same experiences. Many reviews here say the characters are "relatable" and that's 100% accurate. Family can hold up a mirror for each of us like no one else on the planet 😊. Yet the story is not predictable. It's engaging. Exciting. Frustrating. A little bit scary. Compelling. Passionate. Heartwarming. Inclusive.
And "Im'ma need" a spinout book featuring Mya as the main character!
Five stars, and looking forward to more books from Carlotta Ardell.
July 5, 2022
Great debut novel! I’m not typically a romance reader - maybe I fall into a bit of a stereotype as a woman in STEM because sci-fi and fantasy are my typical genres, but I really enjoyed this romance. The characters felt way more relatable, which made me more invested in them. It also offered some long overdue representation and touched on tough topics in natural ways - challenges as a woman in STEM, black maternal mortality rate disparities, imposter syndrome, and more. My only constructive feedback is that some of the pacing felt fast - while this made it easy to devour the book, some of the issue resolution happened too quickly for me. I expect some of that will smooth out as Carlotta keeps writing and I get more into the genre so I look forward to more of the First Responder Fairytales!
December 20, 2023
I am giving this book a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Elevated Inferno! It felt so realistic and everyone in the story was extremely relatable. I felt myself not only relating to Monet and Rhys but also felt myself relating to so my other characters throughout the book as well!
I’m not very good at not giving any spoilers but then ending made my heart warm!🥰 And let me tell you how Monet is me in that epilogue 🤭😂
I really enjoyed this story even though I’m not usually a romance reader nor am I a stem girly! This book had me feeling like maybe I could be? lol
I did the audio of this book. Which is my only reason of giving it a 4 star instead of 5. I REALLY enjoyed the story, the characters, the conflict. Everything… But I didn’t particularly like the narrator’s readying style which made it harder to get through the book. Other AMAZING work Dr. Carlotta🥰🫶🏾
I really enjoyed Elevated Inferno! It felt so realistic and everyone in the story was extremely relatable. I felt myself not only relating to Monet and Rhys but also felt myself relating to so my other characters throughout the book as well!
I’m not very good at not giving any spoilers but then ending made my heart warm!🥰 And let me tell you how Monet is me in that epilogue 🤭😂
I really enjoyed this story even though I’m not usually a romance reader nor am I a stem girly! This book had me feeling like maybe I could be? lol
I did the audio of this book. Which is my only reason of giving it a 4 star instead of 5. I REALLY enjoyed the story, the characters, the conflict. Everything… But I didn’t particularly like the narrator’s readying style which made it harder to get through the book. Other AMAZING work Dr. Carlotta🥰🫶🏾
March 31, 2023
Very cute clean romance! Lots of Black girls in STEM magic. Although I don’t particularly relate to the conflicts, I thought they were well done - realistic and straight to the point. The drama was there but not drawn out which I appreciated. I really enjoyed the characters, specifically Mya, and I hope the next book centers on her story! My only gripe with the book is that it could’ve used a little more mushy/flowery writing. The writing was direct and to the point and I think some mor description or build up to the romance would’ve made it better. Overall, a really good read! I’d recommend it to anyone looking for lighthearted clean romance, those who enjoy books about Black girls in STEM and those who want romances that relate to religion.
March 10, 2024
This was a wonderfully written book! It did a great job of representing brown women as it relates to the struggles of biological clocks ticking, the STEM field, having more degrees than dates, as well as family drama. I loved seeing brown women being shown in such a positive light.
I loved that it was based in the city I grew up in so I was familiar with all the landmarks and places throughout!
Now for the book...
Romance is truly not my thing but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was. It was a beautiful love story that began with an elevator rescue. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved that the story had a happy ending for the two main characters! I am going to now check out the rest of Carlotta's catalog!
I loved that it was based in the city I grew up in so I was familiar with all the landmarks and places throughout!
Now for the book...
Romance is truly not my thing but I was pleasantly surprised by how good this book was. It was a beautiful love story that began with an elevator rescue. I thoroughly enjoyed it! I loved that the story had a happy ending for the two main characters! I am going to now check out the rest of Carlotta's catalog!
June 28, 2022
This debut is a heartwarming romance with characters who are Christian and surrounded by irritating, yet unwaveringly loving families. Rhys and Monet struggle when their complicated pasts threaten their future together, but learn that anything worth having is worth fighting for.
This was such a lovely story. Rhys and Monet were so good together and I love a gentle romance. Something else I absolutely loved was the fact that Monet is a black woman in STEM and as a black EE major I can so easily see myself reflected in this story. I look forward to this author's growth and the continuation of this series.
This was such a lovely story. Rhys and Monet were so good together and I love a gentle romance. Something else I absolutely loved was the fact that Monet is a black woman in STEM and as a black EE major I can so easily see myself reflected in this story. I look forward to this author's growth and the continuation of this series.
July 1, 2022
This book was amazing, once I picked it up it was hard to put down and I finished it within a few days. It was a great story about how a Black woman in STEM was able to balance career, family, friendship and love. This story debunked so many stereotypes about Black women in STEM about their ability to pursue interests and have healthy personal relationships while achieving their career goals. The characters in the story were well developed and very relatable. I loved that the author told great story about how it is possible for Black women in STEM to have the things she wants personally and professionally without it feeling "unrealistic" as stories in some romance novels.
July 25, 2022
I recommend this book and look forward to more in the series!
This was an easy read that keeps you engaged. All the different types of relationships and daily struggles Monet faces are relatable. Her navigation of those struggles is what makes you want to know her even more.
This is a 4 rather than 5 for me because I felt a missed opportunity in places where time jumps too far forward without the reader working through the problems with Monet. Instead there's a problem and she came up with a solution after thinking about it. I want to know her better and know what thoughts got her to that solution.
This was an easy read that keeps you engaged. All the different types of relationships and daily struggles Monet faces are relatable. Her navigation of those struggles is what makes you want to know her even more.
This is a 4 rather than 5 for me because I felt a missed opportunity in places where time jumps too far forward without the reader working through the problems with Monet. Instead there's a problem and she came up with a solution after thinking about it. I want to know her better and know what thoughts got her to that solution.
October 29, 2023
A beautiful love story about a fiooneee firefighter and a brilliant robotics graduate student who has to navigate her studies, social life and future career while also pleasing her socialite parents. With the help of her sisters and friends Monet manages to find a way to balance all aspects of her life and find the man of her dreams she didn’t even know she was dreaming of. The relationships between the characters and the topics highlighted such as the importance of black woman in STEM as well as breaking out of generational ways of thinking and living made this such an enjoyable and fun read
August 4, 2022
"Elevated Inferno" was a very unique and outstanding story lines. It presented many different situations that was introduced throughout the story, romance, family issues, work situations, problems in home and medical emergencies, etc. I would recommend this book because it include many of the issues into today's life situations. The young lady was concerned about receiving her master's degree although she shared her chance to put emphasis on her mind on others due to a crisis.
August 15, 2022
This was a great summer read for me! I enjoyed it mostly while in my hammock while camping and could hardly put it down. I have read a lot of romance novels, but this STEM romance is one of the few where I could actually SEE myself in the main character. I loved the HBCU connection and the leading man and lady are both very lovable and relatable, as are their families. As an editor, I appreciated how clean the copy was here, too. Very well-done debut! I highly recommend this book that will have you reminiscing about the story and characters, long after you read the final page.
November 14, 2022
Loved these relatable characters who are not perfect, who grow and are intentional about working on themselves and their relationship to support and bring out the best in each other. Awesome spotlight that "amplifies, normalizes, and promotes" Black Women in Robotics and STEM in general. Appreciated the nuances showcased in navigating the demands of family, friendship, career, and relationships in the public eye.
January 2, 2025
What a way to end my year end audiobook wrap up! I absolutely loved Monet and Rhys’ love story. This book was very relatable and realistic. I appreciated seeing Monet set boundaries with her body, her family, and her romantic relationship with Rhys. I love how Monet’s sisters showed up when she needed emotional support even after a fall out.
This was a great introduction to Carlotta’s work and I’m now a for lifer 😁
This was a great introduction to Carlotta’s work and I’m now a for lifer 😁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 27, 2022
Monet could be my student or my friend or both. It is refreshing to have a woman protagonist who is a realistic engineer engaged with her budding career while living a full life. The story drew me in quickly (I met my husband on an elevator!) and was just the diversion I needed right now. Romance isn't my most common genre but I think this novel will appeal to many.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews