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Mecklenburg Monsters #1
Fake Dating the Orc Professor
Nothing happened.
Well, Astrid blacked out and woke up in a strange bed, which is not how she thought her twenty-ninth birthday celebration would go. She does not usually get that drunk.
She’s in the bed of an orc professor, who says he slept on the couch and that they didn’t so much as kiss.
She kind of wishes they would have. Look at him. Look at his arms—hulking arms encased in tweed, his powerful body barely contained by his tidy exterior.
Add to that the awkwardness of the orc’s mother unexpectedly stopping by and making the assumption that Astrid is her son’s new girlfriend, and it’s like something out of a rom com. Not to mention Astrid is not getting any younger, so...
A fake relationship?
A mortifying meet-cute?
It’s a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Right?
A filthy-sweet poignant modern monster romance set in a small town and featuring one anxious nymph and one cinnamon-roll, glasses-wearing, bicep-bulging orc professor.
Well, Astrid blacked out and woke up in a strange bed, which is not how she thought her twenty-ninth birthday celebration would go. She does not usually get that drunk.
She’s in the bed of an orc professor, who says he slept on the couch and that they didn’t so much as kiss.
She kind of wishes they would have. Look at him. Look at his arms—hulking arms encased in tweed, his powerful body barely contained by his tidy exterior.
Add to that the awkwardness of the orc’s mother unexpectedly stopping by and making the assumption that Astrid is her son’s new girlfriend, and it’s like something out of a rom com. Not to mention Astrid is not getting any younger, so...
A fake relationship?
A mortifying meet-cute?
It’s a guaranteed happily-ever-after.
Right?
A filthy-sweet poignant modern monster romance set in a small town and featuring one anxious nymph and one cinnamon-roll, glasses-wearing, bicep-bulging orc professor.
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 12, 2023
135 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
About the author
Jove Chambers
37 books45 followersJove Chambers is the dark romance pen name for USA Today Bestselling author V.J. Chambers.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Val St. Crowe she writes sci-fi and fantasy.
She lives outside Shepherdstown, WV with her husband, son, and their kitty cat.
Under the name V.J. Chambers she writes mysteries, thrillers and horror.
Under the pen name Val St. Crowe she writes sci-fi and fantasy.
She lives outside Shepherdstown, WV with her husband, son, and their kitty cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 18, 2023
Realistic MCs making mistakes
Chambers loves to write complex characters. There is rarely a clear villain or even a clear answer to whatever problem the MCs are facing. I appreciate that because that’s what life is. The author made some BOLD moves that challenged a couple of romance tropes, but I thought it worked out for the better. The couple were sweet together and their personalities meshed well.
Spice: 5+ scenes
Triggers: child loss, miscarriage, mention of cheating
Chambers loves to write complex characters. There is rarely a clear villain or even a clear answer to whatever problem the MCs are facing. I appreciate that because that’s what life is. The author made some BOLD moves that challenged a couple of romance tropes, but I thought it worked out for the better. The couple were sweet together and their personalities meshed well.
Spice: 5+ scenes
Triggers: child loss, miscarriage, mention of cheating
March 18, 2023
DNF 50%. I very rarely give out 1-star reviews. This book made me mad. First of all there isn't really isn't any fake dating in the book. The book starts as the blurb says. FMC wakes up to the MCC's mom finding her in his bed the night after getting blackout drunk. The mom misunderstands the situation and assumes he's finally dating—exit mom. FMC offers fake meet the parents for dinner to ease the worried mom's mind. The MMC says no thanks, he doesn't need to lie to make his mom feel better. BUT there is mucho chemistry and they both want to see where things go. So they agree to start seeing each other including a date to the parents where they explain that things are SUPER new and casual. (This is precisely how the relationship is. Hence no fake dating. This book started off very sweet and I was rooting for them but the MMC had some personal issues he didn't want to tell the FMC about because it was too hard for him to talk about. This whole time he's pursuing her hardcore but also keeping her at arm's length because of all of those issues. as the best friend says, RED. FLADS! This is where things take a nose dive and I'm going to add in a spoilers blind here because this is where I start to get a bit unhinged.
with caution.
with caution.
January 20, 2023
The first 10% of the book were quite endearing. Initial rom-com set-up with lively conversations and interactions. I totally saw why they were drawn to each other and I believed it all. I even understood why Astrid couldn’t stay away from Valdi even though she desperately wanted family and Valdi told her right from the start that he’s absolutely not up to anything serious. It was known that it’s because he he’d been through the severe break-up, but without any details. So, the hero was mysterious and suffering and also quite honest with Astrid, so good so far.
But then the novel only got down and down. By the time the mystery about Valdi’s past’d been revealed, I was so annoyed with him and his indecision that it was really hard for me to sympathize with Valdi no matter how touching his story was.
There were no more interesting conversations between MCs, all their romance too soon became physics only and even that was not satisfying enough. It was not enough heat for me and I soon got bored with all that size-kinks.
The world-building is also quite disappointing. It’s our modern world but inhabited with monsters and fairy creatures. It was too little substance for me in character’s fairy nature to enjoy it for real. I guess it was a bit too metaphorical and cartoonish for me.
Honestly it was first romance where I was actually hoping the MCs would break up for good. But no, they got their HEA (which truthfully was not really believable even making allowances for the fabulousness of the world). 3/5
But then the novel only got down and down. By the time the mystery about Valdi’s past’d been revealed, I was so annoyed with him and his indecision that it was really hard for me to sympathize with Valdi no matter how touching his story was.
There were no more interesting conversations between MCs, all their romance too soon became physics only and even that was not satisfying enough. It was not enough heat for me and I soon got bored with all that size-kinks.
The world-building is also quite disappointing. It’s our modern world but inhabited with monsters and fairy creatures. It was too little substance for me in character’s fairy nature to enjoy it for real. I guess it was a bit too metaphorical and cartoonish for me.
Honestly it was first romance where I was actually hoping the MCs would break up for good. But no, they got their HEA (which truthfully was not really believable even making allowances for the fabulousness of the world). 3/5
March 9, 2023
Okay, so....I am surprised I liked it as much as I did? At about 50% in this was a one star or two star book for me. The MMC has a complicated past, and has left out some extremely important details that the FMC DEFINITELY should have been told before that moment. I don't understand why she went back to him after that. I wanted to rail at her and was really pissed at her stupid behavior. But then, by the end, things kind of work out? And in a believable way too, not overly perfect, just two people loving each other and getting lucky along the way.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THIS BOOK ‐
Fated mates are apparently not forever in this world? That was a big part of my anger with the MMC and FMC. The MMC has a fated mate and they are divorced but still see each other at events sometimes. I couldn't wrap my head around this, but it's just considered a quirk of biology. They were bondmates, they can feel the feelings of one another, but that's it and they can choose to go their separate ways and live happily apart from each other. So. Once I got over that concept, it was a less angering read.
Here come the spoilers:
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I really liked the perpective on male infertility. How the MMC felt he was broken and damaged because his genetic disease caused his kids to miscarry or die early. I see the female perspective of this in books and it was interesting to see a man's view. I'm not sure it was accurate or true to life, but it was a depiction that isn't often shared. That biological need is strong, and the FMC reminded him that thinking she could have his kids and he wasn't broken anymore was just a sign he definitely has more things to work though. But it was nice to see him get a happy ending.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THIS BOOK ‐
Fated mates are apparently not forever in this world? That was a big part of my anger with the MMC and FMC. The MMC has a fated mate and they are divorced but still see each other at events sometimes. I couldn't wrap my head around this, but it's just considered a quirk of biology. They were bondmates, they can feel the feelings of one another, but that's it and they can choose to go their separate ways and live happily apart from each other. So. Once I got over that concept, it was a less angering read.
Here come the spoilers:
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.
.
.
.
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.
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I really liked the perpective on male infertility. How the MMC felt he was broken and damaged because his genetic disease caused his kids to miscarry or die early. I see the female perspective of this in books and it was interesting to see a man's view. I'm not sure it was accurate or true to life, but it was a depiction that isn't often shared. That biological need is strong, and the FMC reminded him that thinking she could have his kids and he wasn't broken anymore was just a sign he definitely has more things to work though. But it was nice to see him get a happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2023
**DNF** Trigger Warnings I wish I had had ** Miscarriage, infant death and genetic disease**
Trigger warnings OMG
This made me angry and since I was reading it before bed gave me lovely nightmares.
I picked this up thinking it was a fun fluffy piece because... look at the title. What I got was an angsty sad book about a college professor with one hell of a past that he can't get over and a woman/nymph that accidentally falls a little too in love with him. She should back away running and he should have RED FLAG tattooed on his forehead. Oh and no fake dating in sight.
130 something pages in we get to read the back story and I would have like to have been warned somewhere that this got dark and sad.** Miscarriage, infant death and genetic disease**
I'm sure for some folks they want to continue to root for the couple but in this book universe there are such things as fated mates with a mental connection. Apparently that is not enough to keep a couple together. I'm struggling with how the new relationship between Valdi and Astrid can continue knowing that it will never be as strong as his connection to his ex-wife.
I went back to the Amazon blurb describing the MMC as a cinnamon roll and noticed no description of the sad, angsty things to come.
Not what I was looking for so I'll send it back and maybe take a closer look at the Goodreads reviews before digging in blindly.
Trigger warnings OMG
This made me angry and since I was reading it before bed gave me lovely nightmares.
I picked this up thinking it was a fun fluffy piece because... look at the title. What I got was an angsty sad book about a college professor with one hell of a past that he can't get over and a woman/nymph that accidentally falls a little too in love with him. She should back away running and he should have RED FLAG tattooed on his forehead. Oh and no fake dating in sight.
130 something pages in we get to read the back story and I would have like to have been warned somewhere that this got dark and sad.** Miscarriage, infant death and genetic disease**
I'm sure for some folks they want to continue to root for the couple but in this book universe there are such things as fated mates with a mental connection. Apparently that is not enough to keep a couple together. I'm struggling with how the new relationship between Valdi and Astrid can continue knowing that it will never be as strong as his connection to his ex-wife.
I went back to the Amazon blurb describing the MMC as a cinnamon roll and noticed no description of the sad, angsty things to come.
Not what I was looking for so I'll send it back and maybe take a closer look at the Goodreads reviews before digging in blindly.
January 11, 2023
Astrid, the female nymph lead, is very worried about approaching 30 without a partner and her eggs expiring. Out “celebrating” with a friend one night, she goes home with Valdemar, the male orc lead, who (she later finds out) is estranged from his fated mate due to literal genetic incompatibility. Valdemar is just looking for a fake date that will get his relatives to stop pitying him. Astrid hasn’t worked out how to say no. They’re awkwardly cute and maybe something more…
This story is female lead POV, well written, and takes awkward cuteness to a new level. I’ve found most of this author’s writing to have characters who make you wince with their poor social interactions. I empathised with both characters, understanding how and why they felt the way they did. I appreciated the slower relationship development. I enjoyed the resolution and the interesting approach that said fated mates are just biology.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
This story is female lead POV, well written, and takes awkward cuteness to a new level. I’ve found most of this author’s writing to have characters who make you wince with their poor social interactions. I empathised with both characters, understanding how and why they felt the way they did. I appreciated the slower relationship development. I enjoyed the resolution and the interesting approach that said fated mates are just biology.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review.
January 12, 2023
Finding What They Both Need . . .
Voices woke Astrid, a nymph speech teacher, who currently had a pounding headache. She was in a bed that wasn’t hers and not sure how she got here. When the bedroom door opens, she sees a surprised woman staring at her, and recognizes Valdemar, an orc college professor she had met at a bar the night before, now standing behind the woman who appeared to be his mother. When his mother assumes the two of them are dating, they agree to fake a relationship to appease their families.
This might turn out to be a good idea. Astrid’s issue is that her eggs are getting older and she should find a partner soon before they are no longer viable. Valdemar’s issue is that he was not compatible with his fated mate, whom he divorced two years previously, but he needs to appease his family so they quit drowning him in pity. If they can stop overthinking the issue, will Astrid and Valdemar find an actual HEA together?
Voices woke Astrid, a nymph speech teacher, who currently had a pounding headache. She was in a bed that wasn’t hers and not sure how she got here. When the bedroom door opens, she sees a surprised woman staring at her, and recognizes Valdemar, an orc college professor she had met at a bar the night before, now standing behind the woman who appeared to be his mother. When his mother assumes the two of them are dating, they agree to fake a relationship to appease their families.
This might turn out to be a good idea. Astrid’s issue is that her eggs are getting older and she should find a partner soon before they are no longer viable. Valdemar’s issue is that he was not compatible with his fated mate, whom he divorced two years previously, but he needs to appease his family so they quit drowning him in pity. If they can stop overthinking the issue, will Astrid and Valdemar find an actual HEA together?
April 4, 2023
Trigger warning ⚠ nessary
Ok so trigger warnings are so nessary here this book was good but I wished I was warned 1st I knew valdamar was hiding something I thought his wife had died didn't think it was he was separated bc of a death of a child and I really didn't see that the whole middle of the book was going to be able his ex wife's miscarriages and the lost of said child as someone who's miscarried yeah like was like a blow to the system. So yeah trigger warning are so needed and if they were there they need to be bigger and more prominent and the back and forth it felt like in the beginning that he was going to come out and say that she was his really fated mate but nope it felt like he settle with her and she with him bc hey she's a nymph dominant genes. And tye back and forth and the friend yeah it all a trigger but still a good book if you don't mind everything else that consumes the book after 55 percent.
Ok so trigger warnings are so nessary here this book was good but I wished I was warned 1st I knew valdamar was hiding something I thought his wife had died didn't think it was he was separated bc of a death of a child and I really didn't see that the whole middle of the book was going to be able his ex wife's miscarriages and the lost of said child as someone who's miscarried yeah like was like a blow to the system. So yeah trigger warning are so needed and if they were there they need to be bigger and more prominent and the back and forth it felt like in the beginning that he was going to come out and say that she was his really fated mate but nope it felt like he settle with her and she with him bc hey she's a nymph dominant genes. And tye back and forth and the friend yeah it all a trigger but still a good book if you don't mind everything else that consumes the book after 55 percent.
January 12, 2023
Great treatment of love, biology and fate
This sounds like just another fake dating to love romance, but it is so much more. It's a really lovely slow burn with great characters who feel real and situations that aren't always easy or fun. I love the author's take on fated mates and people's choices in who they love and want to spend their time with. It is so nuanced and thoughtful. Astrid (the nymph) is feeling the pressure of her eggs expiring. Valdemar has a mate he isn't compatible with. And they both have so many feelings and complications. Sometimes they get a bit too in their heads and start obsessing and spiraling. But it's great to see them together as they figure things out.
It is definitely a worthwhile read for a great romance that's more than was expected.
This sounds like just another fake dating to love romance, but it is so much more. It's a really lovely slow burn with great characters who feel real and situations that aren't always easy or fun. I love the author's take on fated mates and people's choices in who they love and want to spend their time with. It is so nuanced and thoughtful. Astrid (the nymph) is feeling the pressure of her eggs expiring. Valdemar has a mate he isn't compatible with. And they both have so many feelings and complications. Sometimes they get a bit too in their heads and start obsessing and spiraling. But it's great to see them together as they figure things out.
It is definitely a worthwhile read for a great romance that's more than was expected.
January 11, 2023
Astrid (h), a nymph speech teacher, meets Valdemar (H), an orc college professor, at a bar and the two seem to hit it off. She awakens to his mother finding her in his bed and assuming the pair are dating. But it turns out that nothing actually happened, though the two do enjoy one another’s company and find themselves pretending to be in a relationship to make their families happy. Their both looking for something very different from one another – she’s feeling the pressure of her biological clock and he’s not looking for anything deep after being divorced from his fated mate. A slow burn contemporary orc-nymph romance with bits of humor as they try to figure out if there’s a future together, familial pressures, and reproductive issues.
January 13, 2023
More Than I Bargained For
Astrid wakes up in Valdemar bed when his mom busts in. And this begins this anti-rom-com, anti-fated-mates, heartbreaking, perfectly imperfect romance that’s filled attraction and difficulties and exes and love and the acknowledgment that relationships take work. This book was not as light-hearted as expected, but I loved how real and human Astrid and Valdemar feel, with their pain and worries and love. Plus, I love it when a book has curse words specific to the world they’re set in - ‘tangles and briars’ might just make it into my lexicon! Rich and deep, this story leaves marks on your heart in a wonderful and thought provoking way.
Astrid wakes up in Valdemar bed when his mom busts in. And this begins this anti-rom-com, anti-fated-mates, heartbreaking, perfectly imperfect romance that’s filled attraction and difficulties and exes and love and the acknowledgment that relationships take work. This book was not as light-hearted as expected, but I loved how real and human Astrid and Valdemar feel, with their pain and worries and love. Plus, I love it when a book has curse words specific to the world they’re set in - ‘tangles and briars’ might just make it into my lexicon! Rich and deep, this story leaves marks on your heart in a wonderful and thought provoking way.
January 16, 2023
Despite the cover this is not a fluffy, happy, light read. Not at all.
And honestly I wasn't prepared for many of the issues that were brought up. As the FMC's friend says- RED FLAGS!
tons, and tons of red flags. And tons of real life issues that I just don't want to face/read about.
And despite me tearing up- repeatedly and not in a good way- this was a really good book. Though I would have liked it better if it were the fluffy, happy read I wanted originally- but this author can write.
And honestly I wasn't prepared for many of the issues that were brought up. As the FMC's friend says- RED FLAGS!
tons, and tons of red flags. And tons of real life issues that I just don't want to face/read about.
And despite me tearing up- repeatedly and not in a good way- this was a really good book. Though I would have liked it better if it were the fluffy, happy read I wanted originally- but this author can write.
February 9, 2023
I really was so excited to read this book, but everything about it kept falling flat and I couldn't connect with either character. There was so much arbitrary drama in all the wrong places and so much acceptance in all the wrong places and why aren't people angry and...what the heck? None of this felt connectable. I love the premise, but absolutely could not get into it-even thru the last page. I was still, "oh, are we done now? Ok".
April 11, 2023
Good but difficult to read
The plot in this book *chef kiss* amazing. Spicey points in the book, very spicy. Ultimately the story between the 2 characters was great. But it took a lot to get threw. A lot of the conversation cut off as interruption and it made the book feel skippy. I had to go back and reread stuff to make it make sense and to make sure i didnt miss something. Great book for slower readers .
The plot in this book *chef kiss* amazing. Spicey points in the book, very spicy. Ultimately the story between the 2 characters was great. But it took a lot to get threw. A lot of the conversation cut off as interruption and it made the book feel skippy. I had to go back and reread stuff to make it make sense and to make sure i didnt miss something. Great book for slower readers .
May 1, 2023
CW in first 50% - death of a child. Not sure about second half - DNF 50%.
Wow. The writing wasn't great, but I'm usually not a huge stickler for that if the story is good. Friends, the story was not good.
Based on the blurb, title and cover, I expected a cute rom-com. It was not even close. First, the title is a misnomer - there was no fake dating. Both main characters are pretty terrible and masochistic. Their relationship was toxic.
Yikes.
Wow. The writing wasn't great, but I'm usually not a huge stickler for that if the story is good. Friends, the story was not good.
Based on the blurb, title and cover, I expected a cute rom-com. It was not even close. First, the title is a misnomer - there was no fake dating. Both main characters are pretty terrible and masochistic. Their relationship was toxic.
Yikes.
March 4, 2023
I expected a lighter fluffier read based on the cover, title and blurb. There was more depth to this book than expected anc at times it was a bit bleak...see also trigger warnings below.
I feel that this book should have had trigger warnings...so here goes: there is talk of multiple miscarriages and child loss. Also some OW interaction (not cheating) - H and his ex wife. Cheating mentioned by h.
I feel that this book should have had trigger warnings...so here goes: there is talk of multiple miscarriages and child loss. Also some OW interaction (not cheating) - H and his ex wife. Cheating mentioned by h.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 5, 2024
Mmc has a fated mate who he loves and IS STILL ALIVE. They're just divorced cause of fertility issues but they have the magical mate bond and still love each other... umm??? Say what???
I'm laughing at how it ever got approved to be labeled as a romance. Is there a genre of super depressing, always 2nd best romance??
I'm laughing at how it ever got approved to be labeled as a romance. Is there a genre of super depressing, always 2nd best romance??
April 1, 2025
Angsty like whoa
I want really expecting this level of angst or heavy topics tbh. Most of the book was pretty depressing lol but overall it was still a good read. I like Joves romance, but this one was a bit heavier I think. Maybe check TWs if you're sensitive because there are some bombshells. The spice was pretty good.
I want really expecting this level of angst or heavy topics tbh. Most of the book was pretty depressing lol but overall it was still a good read. I like Joves romance, but this one was a bit heavier I think. Maybe check TWs if you're sensitive because there are some bombshells. The spice was pretty good.
July 10, 2025
In need of a CW but otherwise 5*s
Truly loved this book but I felt having a CW in the book would be helpful for others who might have issues with things addressed in the book. I was caught off guard and I understand that was part of the reason but I know others might feel uncomfortable or upset. Much love, please take care of yourselves!
Truly loved this book but I felt having a CW in the book would be helpful for others who might have issues with things addressed in the book. I was caught off guard and I understand that was part of the reason but I know others might feel uncomfortable or upset. Much love, please take care of yourselves!
November 14, 2025
Emotional Minefield
It's a well written book but at about 30% in huge emotional devastation happens and just keeps building along with the relationship and it wasn't at all what I thought I'd be getting myself into. Could use some serious Content Warnings about pregnancy loss, etc. for would be readers.
It's a well written book but at about 30% in huge emotional devastation happens and just keeps building along with the relationship and it wasn't at all what I thought I'd be getting myself into. Could use some serious Content Warnings about pregnancy loss, etc. for would be readers.
February 24, 2023
So many feels
I honestly don’t even know what to write. This book had me all over the place. Definitely a different and challenging take on the typical romance novel and the way they’re written, in a good way. Just a good, emotionally crazy, what the heck, kinda way.
I honestly don’t even know what to write. This book had me all over the place. Definitely a different and challenging take on the typical romance novel and the way they’re written, in a good way. Just a good, emotionally crazy, what the heck, kinda way.
March 30, 2023
I hated both the characters. This was not a love story, the only good thing was the sax was hot. I wanted to dnf it, but I was so close I forced myself to finish it. I would never recommend this book to anyone.
January 14, 2023
Tangles and Briars!!
Loved this book. Cute world and characters! Loved the professor. Touched on some real issues so check your triggers. Smokin hot smexy times!!
Loved this book. Cute world and characters! Loved the professor. Touched on some real issues so check your triggers. Smokin hot smexy times!!
January 25, 2023
Liked this story. Valdemar and Astrid were good together. Great chemistry and Valdemar had a sense of humor. Fun families.
January 29, 2023
Cute read that was a mesh of realistic situations and fantasy characters. Generally quite enjoyable.
February 13, 2023
Pretty good read and well written.
February 27, 2023
Angst, Trauma and so many red flags.
and not in a good way.
One star because it's a new concept for an orc book, one star because it should stay that way.
and not in a good way.
One star because it's a new concept for an orc book, one star because it should stay that way.
March 7, 2023
good
This was a good book. They both have baggage in their own way, but definitely him more. His is so sad and of course he struggles. But I liked their co-epiphany.
This was a good book. They both have baggage in their own way, but definitely him more. His is so sad and of course he struggles. But I liked their co-epiphany.
March 24, 2023
very nice
A ridiculously sweet modern day romance—with a couple twists. Gotta tell Fate to back off every once in a while. Nothing is pre-ordained. Or nothing should be.
A ridiculously sweet modern day romance—with a couple twists. Gotta tell Fate to back off every once in a while. Nothing is pre-ordained. Or nothing should be.
March 28, 2023
Enjoyable story with plenty of angst, a no clothes off rule and HEA
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews