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A Country Kind Of Love
307 pages, Paperback
Published November 28, 2023
31 people are currently reading
238 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Spencer-Skillen
10 books195 followersNicole Spencer-Skillen
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
📍 From Lancashire, currently sipping matcha in South Yorkshire.
📚 Writer of sapphic romance, dreamer of big dreams.
Hi, I’m Nicole — a 32-year-old writer, quote collector, basketball fanatic, and proud wife of 7 years. Originally from Lancashire, I now live in South Yorkshire with my incredible wife and our three chaos-loving dogs.
For the last decade, I’ve been crafting quotes, short stories, and LGBT novels — mostly for fun, always from the heart. When I’m not glued to my laptop with a cup of matcha in hand, you’ll probably find me hopping on a plane, watching / playing basketball, or dreaming up my next big story idea from the comfort of my sofa . . . or coffee shop.
Sapphic romance is more than a genre for me — it’s a mission. Growing up, I didn’t see myself in the pages I read. The world was full of heterosexual love stories (some of which I adored), but none quite hit home. So now, I write the stories I wish I’d had: honest, modern, relatable tales where queer women can finally see themselves as the main character.
My goal? To create an escape, a spark, or even just a little moment of connection for anyone who picks up one of my books — especially for the LGBT+ community who deserve to feel seen, celebrated, and swooningly in love.
A few fun facts:
🗽 If I could live anywhere, it’d be New York City — because why not dream big?
📖 Favourite book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks (yes, I own a first edition, and yes, I cried)
🏀 Ride-or-die Lakers fan
✍️ Favourite quote? Easy: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” (Thanks, Wayne Gretzky — and Michael Scott, kind of.)
Let’s connect — you can find me on Instagram @nss_writings. Come for the sapphic feels, stay for the travel pics and dog content.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 31, 2025
I usually prefer to read about older characters (Peyton is in her early twenties), but they were mature enough. The book is written entirely from Peyton’s point of view. Her relationship with Cleo is straightforward, with good chemistry. It was refreshing to see the drama unfold around them, relying more on external challenges for the relationship to survive the hostility of the merciless music industry. Not sure Peyton would makes it so easily irl though. The use of only one POV was perfect for showing Peyton’s growth and how she learns from her mistakes. It can be frustrating at times because Cleo is such an interesting character. Peyton won the roommate lottery with Jesse; I really liked his eccentricity and thoughtfulness. This book is more about Peyton’s journey than about romance, and I had a good time with my first read from Spencer-Skillen.
August 30, 2024
Ohhh Nicole has gone and done it again with an amazing love story! I definitely recommend this to everyone because it really does draw you in.
As someone with ADHD, I’ve always struggled with focusing on some books but this one? Read it within 3 days! I’m going to miss not reading their story, both Cleo and Peyton will be forever staying in my heart ❤️
As someone with ADHD, I’ve always struggled with focusing on some books but this one? Read it within 3 days! I’m going to miss not reading their story, both Cleo and Peyton will be forever staying in my heart ❤️
August 1, 2024
This book has a piece of my heart. Strong characters who you fall in love with. Sapphic romance crossed with country music everything I've wanted in a book !
January 9, 2024
This was my first read from Nicole and it won’t be my last! I really enjoyed the chemistry between the 2 FMCs and the fun supporting characters (cue Jesse)!
I wasn’t expecting the little emotional twist at the end of the book and I really enjoyed what it brought to the story.
I wasn’t expecting the little emotional twist at the end of the book and I really enjoyed what it brought to the story.
January 1, 2024
I absolutely adored everything about this book. The characters were relatable, the storyline was fantastic and had me gripped from the beginning! 💗
December 14, 2023
I am forever grateful to be part of Nicole’s ARC team - her books are always such fun + easy reads full of chemistry and wholesome friendship groups🥹
A COUNTRY KIND OF LOVE was no different and I ADORED it 👏🏽 there was such a clear connection between Peyton and Cleo, our two FMCs, and the sparks felt authentic from the moment they met. All the side characters were perfection, especially supportive, affectionate + fun Jesse (minus his pet tarantula🫠).
Cleo gave me major Ruby Rose vibes, which I was 👏🏽 here 👏🏽 for and the piano scene between them was EVERYTHING. I need more of these two.. maybe a sequel, please? 🙏🏼
Although I’m not normally a fan of a third person POV, I enjoyed Nicole’s exploration of its use in this plot and always appreciate an author moving outside their comfort zone.
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🎙️🫶🏽🌾
A COUNTRY KIND OF LOVE was no different and I ADORED it 👏🏽 there was such a clear connection between Peyton and Cleo, our two FMCs, and the sparks felt authentic from the moment they met. All the side characters were perfection, especially supportive, affectionate + fun Jesse (minus his pet tarantula🫠).
Cleo gave me major Ruby Rose vibes, which I was 👏🏽 here 👏🏽 for and the piano scene between them was EVERYTHING. I need more of these two.. maybe a sequel, please? 🙏🏼
Although I’m not normally a fan of a third person POV, I enjoyed Nicole’s exploration of its use in this plot and always appreciate an author moving outside their comfort zone.
𝑬𝒇𝒇𝒚 @𝒓𝒆𝒅𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒅𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌𝒈𝒊𝒓𝒍 🎙️🫶🏽🌾
December 9, 2023
Worth your time
A decent cuddle up on the sofa with a coffee type of read, low angst and hea what more do you need?
A decent cuddle up on the sofa with a coffee type of read, low angst and hea what more do you need?
July 7, 2024
First time reading a book from Nicole have to say more then likely buy more of her books. I loved all the little references to country music artists and just artist in general, also the reference to Station 19’s Maya Bishop👌🏻.
Tears were shed towards the end. Happy they got their happy ending. Such a good book!!
Tears were shed towards the end. Happy they got their happy ending. Such a good book!!
November 29, 2023
I love that this book is heavily focused around music and set in the word famous music city of Nashville. It was such a fun and atmospheric read and I had severe fomo.
If you didn’t know Cali Wilson’s lyrics and music is featured throughout this book which I thought was so fascinating and unique.
I loved the chemistry between Payton and Cleo right from the start and I loved how their relationship grow.
Jesse is the most wholesome and sweet roommate ever and I need him to be my best friend.
I will say I’m not a fan on books written in third person so it did make it difficult for me to get through although this is definitely a personal preference and not on the author
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Death of a parent ⚠️
A Country Kind Of Love is available now!
Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
If you didn’t know Cali Wilson’s lyrics and music is featured throughout this book which I thought was so fascinating and unique.
I loved the chemistry between Payton and Cleo right from the start and I loved how their relationship grow.
Jesse is the most wholesome and sweet roommate ever and I need him to be my best friend.
I will say I’m not a fan on books written in third person so it did make it difficult for me to get through although this is definitely a personal preference and not on the author
⚠️ Trigger Warning: Death of a parent ⚠️
A Country Kind Of Love is available now!
Rating:
🌟🌟🌟🌟
January 13, 2024
How great is that feeling you get when you discover a new author! Nicole Spencer-Skillen has somehow flown under my radar, but I was lucky enough to get my hands on A Country Kind of Love, and I could not put it down.
Peyton moves to Nashville in pursuit of becoming a songwriter. She meets Cleo, and the chemistry is undeniable. While she is busy falling in love, she is also desperately trying to make a name for herself by finding a label interested in buying her music. The thing is, she can sing as well as she can write, and it isn’t long before she is struggling to separate the two.
I loved how the romance between Peyton and Cleo began right away. Even as Cleo is struggling to make her own mark, she has Peyton’s back and is the perfect girlfriend. When Peyton started to make some questionable choices that were clearly going to lead to heartache, it became 1000% relatable. The overwhelming need to say yes and not let others down. Fear of choosing the wrong path. Peyton’s roommate Jesse helps to keep things light while also calling her on her bullshit, and he fits seamlessly into the plot.
A Country Kind of Love is beautifully written and has some gorgeous lyrics woven throughout. It’s the right amount of angst, learning to take chances, and moving forward without forgetting the past. You don’t need to be a country music fan to enjoy this story, so be sure to check it out.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.
Peyton moves to Nashville in pursuit of becoming a songwriter. She meets Cleo, and the chemistry is undeniable. While she is busy falling in love, she is also desperately trying to make a name for herself by finding a label interested in buying her music. The thing is, she can sing as well as she can write, and it isn’t long before she is struggling to separate the two.
I loved how the romance between Peyton and Cleo began right away. Even as Cleo is struggling to make her own mark, she has Peyton’s back and is the perfect girlfriend. When Peyton started to make some questionable choices that were clearly going to lead to heartache, it became 1000% relatable. The overwhelming need to say yes and not let others down. Fear of choosing the wrong path. Peyton’s roommate Jesse helps to keep things light while also calling her on her bullshit, and he fits seamlessly into the plot.
A Country Kind of Love is beautifully written and has some gorgeous lyrics woven throughout. It’s the right amount of angst, learning to take chances, and moving forward without forgetting the past. You don’t need to be a country music fan to enjoy this story, so be sure to check it out.
I received an ARC from the author and am leaving a voluntary review.
January 8, 2024
3.5⭐️
A Country Kind of Love is an incredibly wholesome sapphic romance set in the musical land of Nashville, TN. It tells the story of Peyton and Cleo and how they face the challenging world of country music together. There were things I really enjoyed about this book and some things that didn’t quite do it for me which lead to the rating. Here are my thoughts:
The Good:
I really enjoyed the friendship aspect of this story! Peyton and Jesse’s storyline was so wholesome and a lovely addition I didn’t expect going in. I also really enjoyed the way Peyton and Cleo’s relationship was done.
The Not So Good:
Throughout this story I found myself feeling a bit disconnected with the characters. During parts of the book there would be somewhat large time jumps without a ton of explanation which left me feeling a bit out of the loop. I think because of this I didn’t feel as invested in the characters stories as I would have liked!
Overall this was a cute and quick romance read! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. 🥰
A Country Kind of Love is an incredibly wholesome sapphic romance set in the musical land of Nashville, TN. It tells the story of Peyton and Cleo and how they face the challenging world of country music together. There were things I really enjoyed about this book and some things that didn’t quite do it for me which lead to the rating. Here are my thoughts:
The Good:
I really enjoyed the friendship aspect of this story! Peyton and Jesse’s storyline was so wholesome and a lovely addition I didn’t expect going in. I also really enjoyed the way Peyton and Cleo’s relationship was done.
The Not So Good:
Throughout this story I found myself feeling a bit disconnected with the characters. During parts of the book there would be somewhat large time jumps without a ton of explanation which left me feeling a bit out of the loop. I think because of this I didn’t feel as invested in the characters stories as I would have liked!
Overall this was a cute and quick romance read! I look forward to reading more from this author in the future. 🥰
January 4, 2024
Moving halfway across the country can be scary, but what if it's all to follow your wildest dream yet? That's exactly what Peyton has decided to do - from California to Nashville. She hasn't been out on her own, and this is something she doesn't just want to do, it's something she needs to do. Her goal is to prove herself as a songwriter for country artists, and Nashville is just the place to do it. What happens though when every door is slammed in her face and the opportunity to make it big seems to diminish the light in her?
Enter Cleo - a sort of broody, up and coming singer. She also wants to make it in the music world, but she's been having trouble writing. When they meet outside of the last studio that Peyton has been rejected from, will sparks fly...or was this just a chance meeting and they'll never see each other again?
Following your dream is hard, but staying on track to achieve that dream in the face of rejection is even harder. I felt like both characters showed growth throughout the story, and not in a quick way which truly spoke to not making everything happy go lucky in an instant. Nothing in life is that quick, and even though the story takes place over mere months, it doesn't feel like it. There's so much great give and take.
Enter Cleo - a sort of broody, up and coming singer. She also wants to make it in the music world, but she's been having trouble writing. When they meet outside of the last studio that Peyton has been rejected from, will sparks fly...or was this just a chance meeting and they'll never see each other again?
Following your dream is hard, but staying on track to achieve that dream in the face of rejection is even harder. I felt like both characters showed growth throughout the story, and not in a quick way which truly spoke to not making everything happy go lucky in an instant. Nothing in life is that quick, and even though the story takes place over mere months, it doesn't feel like it. There's so much great give and take.
January 7, 2024
✨book review✨
A Country Kind of Love by Nicole Skillen
⭐️ 4/5 stars ⭐️
Y’all know I am SUCKER for a book with sapphic MC’s, but also BASED in Nashville TN…MY HOME. Sign. Me. Up. 🤍✨
Nicole hit all the highlights of what makes Nashville, Nashville. I felt like I was walking around the city. There are just not enough queer country singers out there, and this book gives you all the representation you have been craving. Cleo is basically a queer woman wet dream of a human, like holy hot. 🥵
Peyton and Cleo’s chemistry is evident from their first encounter, reading their story of growing in the music world is just a sweet treat. Also amazing supporting characters that give you all the laughs. It’s available on KU, give it a download you won’t be disappointed. 🤍🤍
A Country Kind of Love by Nicole Skillen
⭐️ 4/5 stars ⭐️
Y’all know I am SUCKER for a book with sapphic MC’s, but also BASED in Nashville TN…MY HOME. Sign. Me. Up. 🤍✨
Nicole hit all the highlights of what makes Nashville, Nashville. I felt like I was walking around the city. There are just not enough queer country singers out there, and this book gives you all the representation you have been craving. Cleo is basically a queer woman wet dream of a human, like holy hot. 🥵
Peyton and Cleo’s chemistry is evident from their first encounter, reading their story of growing in the music world is just a sweet treat. Also amazing supporting characters that give you all the laughs. It’s available on KU, give it a download you won’t be disappointed. 🤍🤍
January 30, 2025
A Country Kind of Love is a fun and entertaining story about sapphic love and a passion for chasing dreams. The country music world comes alive, complete with original songs that add an extra touch of authenticity. It realistically explores the difficulty of making it on your own and navigating the choices between right and wrong. While the story didn’t fully resonate with me, it might be a great read for those who love music, romance, and finding their own voice.
January 7, 2024
A feel good sapphic romance!
This was such a fun and easy read with a really cute romance story! It was focused more on music, but I didn't mind it. Even though I'm not a big fan of country music, it was interesting learning about it more.
Peyton and Cleo were two amazing characters, and I loved their chemistry from the start. I would have loved more flirting at the beginning, but still it was great.
Definitely a book you need to add to your TBR!
A special thank you to the amazing author Nicole for the ARC!
This was such a fun and easy read with a really cute romance story! It was focused more on music, but I didn't mind it. Even though I'm not a big fan of country music, it was interesting learning about it more.
Peyton and Cleo were two amazing characters, and I loved their chemistry from the start. I would have loved more flirting at the beginning, but still it was great.
Definitely a book you need to add to your TBR!
A special thank you to the amazing author Nicole for the ARC!
June 26, 2024
I absolutely LOVED this book!
The chemistry between Peyton and Cleo was instant, and written in such a way you were instantly rooting for them from the moment you meet Cleo. Just like Peyton, you also are like "Hello, come back, you're perfect!"
I absolutely loved the characters - the depth behind them, the different backgrounds, histories and the friendships/relationships that blossomed.
From the first chapter I was excited for Peyton's journey, eager for her to succeed and make her dreams come true - face palming when she made a few mistake and screaming "GO GET YOUR WOMAN!". Honestly, I could not love them more. Jesse was brilliant, obsessed with his character. Constantly made me laugh and I just adored him. I kinda wish he was my older brother.
I loved the mix of emotions throughout the book - sadness, love, longing, happiness and so much laughter! Honestly this book had it all. Rom-com moments, drama without being TOO much, a hilarious roommate and two characters that compliment each other perfectly and of course, dreams coming true.
I will definitely be checking out the rest of Nicole's books, because I absolutely love her writing style and enjoyed every second!
The chemistry between Peyton and Cleo was instant, and written in such a way you were instantly rooting for them from the moment you meet Cleo. Just like Peyton, you also are like "Hello, come back, you're perfect!"
I absolutely loved the characters - the depth behind them, the different backgrounds, histories and the friendships/relationships that blossomed.
From the first chapter I was excited for Peyton's journey, eager for her to succeed and make her dreams come true - face palming when she made a few mistake and screaming "GO GET YOUR WOMAN!". Honestly, I could not love them more. Jesse was brilliant, obsessed with his character. Constantly made me laugh and I just adored him. I kinda wish he was my older brother.
I loved the mix of emotions throughout the book - sadness, love, longing, happiness and so much laughter! Honestly this book had it all. Rom-com moments, drama without being TOO much, a hilarious roommate and two characters that compliment each other perfectly and of course, dreams coming true.
I will definitely be checking out the rest of Nicole's books, because I absolutely love her writing style and enjoyed every second!
January 13, 2024
A new must read author to add to my list, I really loved this novel! Nashville, country music, sapphic love. It's got everything you could want in a romance book. Nicole Spencer-Skillen's writing style is so smooth, I was able to picture everything from how people looked to the scenery around them. I love Nashville and felt like I was there at times! I will have to take a trip sometime soon, this book just gets you in the mood to sit in a bar and listen to a local band trying to get famous, that's the best part about Nashville! Peyton and Cleo are opposites, but opposites attract in this fun-flirty novel. I loved all of the side characters as well, like Jesse and Peyton's family. There's just enough spice, but not too much that it's over bearing. I also loved that she put the song lyrics at the back of the book, it's a nice touch since the songs have such a big part of the story. I look forward to read more from Nicole in the future!
November 30, 2023
Another Hit
Wow, let me start by saying that I’m really not a fan of country music. Did that alter how I felt about this book…Nope, not one bit. While it is definitely a story about the genre and set in beautiful Nashville it’s still a beautiful story.
Our two main characters are just, wow, that instant attraction and connection really shines through the entire book. And the side characters, if I had a brother I’d want him to be Jesse…minus the spider of course.
I really, really enjoyed this book and had to begrudgingly put it down last night before I dropped my phone on my head. It hooks you in and leaves you wanting more. I didn’t think NSS could out do the If We Meet Again series, which I absolutely adore but this book it close on it tail.
So, even if you aren’t a massive fan of country music but love a good love story…give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
Wow, let me start by saying that I’m really not a fan of country music. Did that alter how I felt about this book…Nope, not one bit. While it is definitely a story about the genre and set in beautiful Nashville it’s still a beautiful story.
Our two main characters are just, wow, that instant attraction and connection really shines through the entire book. And the side characters, if I had a brother I’d want him to be Jesse…minus the spider of course.
I really, really enjoyed this book and had to begrudgingly put it down last night before I dropped my phone on my head. It hooks you in and leaves you wanting more. I didn’t think NSS could out do the If We Meet Again series, which I absolutely adore but this book it close on it tail.
So, even if you aren’t a massive fan of country music but love a good love story…give it a go, you won’t be disappointed.
January 26, 2025
Heart-warming book.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was pleasant and sweet. I loved both main characters and supporting one Jesse! Cleo and Payton have got a lot of love and support from him. His approach to life is inspiring. The chemistry between Cleo and Payton was so palpable and undeniable. I loved both romance and music in book. It is a great combination.
I enjoyed reading this book. It was pleasant and sweet. I loved both main characters and supporting one Jesse! Cleo and Payton have got a lot of love and support from him. His approach to life is inspiring. The chemistry between Cleo and Payton was so palpable and undeniable. I loved both romance and music in book. It is a great combination.
August 14, 2024
Such a wonderful read, great characterisation, beautiful storyline.
I enjoyed this more because it wasn’t just about a sapphic romance, there was more substance, there was multiple other stories going on, which made for a read that kept me gripped throughout. Although there were undertones of other themes, it didn’t feel overwhelming, we were introduced to enough characters without having to remind myself who everyone was.
You have the romance between the two mains characters (which I loved, seemed so authentic, and not rushed, realistic to so many real life love stories)
The storyline of wanting to make it as a songwriter/singer, and the realism behind it being a really hard business.
Moving to a new town and meeting people (although incredibly scary) it rings true to if you throw yourself out there you’ll be better than you ever thought.
Plus, I really loved Jesse, as a side character, he was just so lovable.
Would recommend to everyone!
I enjoyed this more because it wasn’t just about a sapphic romance, there was more substance, there was multiple other stories going on, which made for a read that kept me gripped throughout. Although there were undertones of other themes, it didn’t feel overwhelming, we were introduced to enough characters without having to remind myself who everyone was.
You have the romance between the two mains characters (which I loved, seemed so authentic, and not rushed, realistic to so many real life love stories)
The storyline of wanting to make it as a songwriter/singer, and the realism behind it being a really hard business.
Moving to a new town and meeting people (although incredibly scary) it rings true to if you throw yourself out there you’ll be better than you ever thought.
Plus, I really loved Jesse, as a side character, he was just so lovable.
Would recommend to everyone!
November 30, 2024
sweet little romance that was cliche but cute. didn’t feel like there were really that many high stakes so i cant say that i was too invested. an easy little read if you’re in the mood for something quick and gay!
February 24, 2025
This is different from your average romance novel. In some ways it read more like sapphic women's fiction because it focuses more on Peyton's career than her romance with Cleo.
While I enjoyed the romance aspect, I think it needed to be fleshed out more. Peyton and Cleo get together quickly, and we don't get to see much of them getting to know each other and falling in love. The breakup happens quite early in the story, and we see more romance after that, which isn't as compelling in my opinion.
My favorite character was Jesse even though he's a secondary character. I found his relationship with Peyton more interesting than Cleo's.
I was also a bit irked with all the summary in the epilogue.
Overall, I would have liked to see more buildup in the romance and the character arcs--with Cleo's viewpoint on the page--and less of the career startup stuff.
While I enjoyed the romance aspect, I think it needed to be fleshed out more. Peyton and Cleo get together quickly, and we don't get to see much of them getting to know each other and falling in love. The breakup happens quite early in the story, and we see more romance after that, which isn't as compelling in my opinion.
My favorite character was Jesse even though he's a secondary character. I found his relationship with Peyton more interesting than Cleo's.
I was also a bit irked with all the summary in the epilogue.
Overall, I would have liked to see more buildup in the romance and the character arcs--with Cleo's viewpoint on the page--and less of the career startup stuff.
December 31, 2023
A new trope I never knew I needed. This was another cute one by Nicole! I don’t normally like romance books but I’ve honestly loved everything she has written! I love how she branches off from your typical sapphic romance and creates a story that actually keeps you interested. I was completely invested in these characters and the details kept me hooked— I finished it in one day! So cute and I’ll definitely be recommending this to everyone!
February 24, 2025
One word! Beautiful!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews