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The Dating Series #12
A Date with an Elf
New York Times and USA Today bestselling authors Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover come together for a sexy new series that delivers romance for every season!
Hang the mistletoe and toss some tinsel, it’s time to put the ho-ho-ho in the holidays!
The lights are strung, and the quaint little town of Meadowbrook has never looked more merry and bright. For local artist, Bree, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The snow is falling, holiday shoppers are out full force, and the town square festivities have begun.
Dressed in full elf attire, Bree is working as Santa’s helper when she spots Caleb, her high school sweetheart, in line with his daughter to meet the jolly ole elf. Times and circumstances may have changed, but her desire to sit on Caleb’s lap is stronger than ever. Not wanting to land on the naughty list, she adjusts her stockings and tries to keep thoughts of his sugar plums out of her mind.
Recovering from a painful loss, Caleb thought his sleigh rocking days were long since over. Yet when his precocious daughter, Alyssa, sees the twinkle Bree brings to her dad’s eye, she arranges a hot cocoa date for him and the sassy elf.
Will more than jingle bells be rocking when the pair reunites, or will Caleb have an extra blue Christmas?
Hang the mistletoe and toss some tinsel, it’s time to put the ho-ho-ho in the holidays!
The lights are strung, and the quaint little town of Meadowbrook has never looked more merry and bright. For local artist, Bree, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. The snow is falling, holiday shoppers are out full force, and the town square festivities have begun.
Dressed in full elf attire, Bree is working as Santa’s helper when she spots Caleb, her high school sweetheart, in line with his daughter to meet the jolly ole elf. Times and circumstances may have changed, but her desire to sit on Caleb’s lap is stronger than ever. Not wanting to land on the naughty list, she adjusts her stockings and tries to keep thoughts of his sugar plums out of her mind.
Recovering from a painful loss, Caleb thought his sleigh rocking days were long since over. Yet when his precocious daughter, Alyssa, sees the twinkle Bree brings to her dad’s eye, she arranges a hot cocoa date for him and the sassy elf.
Will more than jingle bells be rocking when the pair reunites, or will Caleb have an extra blue Christmas?
102 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2020
27 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Heidi McLaughlin
124 books7,420 followersHeidi McLaughlin is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author of The Beaumont Series, The Boys of Summer, and The Archers.
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
In 2012, Heidi turned her passion for reading into a full-fledged literary career, writing over twenty novels, including the acclaimed Forever My Girl.
Heidi’s first novel, Forever My Girl, has been adapted into a motion picture with LD Entertainment and Roadside Attractions, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe, and opened in theaters on January 19, 2018.
To stay connected with Heidi visit www.facebook.com/authorheidimclaughlin or heidimclaughlin.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 16, 2020
Amazon
Bree loves Christmas, and her season is just about to become brighter when she spies her high school sweetheart, and his adorable daughter home after their shared loss. Will Caleb play Santa to her elf? Will Alyssa be upset when she sees how much joy Bree brings to her dad?
Seeing Bree has brought all those old feelings back in Caleb's heart. Will his daughter mind sharing her dad with someone new this Christmas? Or is she like many children who don't want to see their father with someone other than their mother? Only time will tell, but Caleb's feelings don't want to be pushed aside this holiday season after seeing Bree in her elf's uniform...
A Date with an Elf is the perfect way to relax a bit this holiday season. It's sweet and sexy, and Caleb, Bree and Alyssa are an adorable new family getting a second chance for love. No Scrooges in this story!
ARC via Buoni Amici Press for an honest review.
Review: Live Through Books Blog.
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December 14, 2020
Bree’s Grandfather had always been the town Santa and she was his Elf but now that he has passed away she is carrying on the tradition which is how she reunites with Caleb and meets his daughter Alyssa. When Caleb left his hometown after high school he had no intention of returning but when his life takes a tragic turn he moves back with his daughter to be close to his family.
Bree and Caleb knew each other in high school but now that they are adults they chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever and with the help of a precocious matchmaker they may get the happy ever after they all deserve.
This is a heartwarming story that reminds you of the magic of the holiday season.
Bree and Caleb knew each other in high school but now that they are adults they chemistry and connection between them is stronger than ever and with the help of a precocious matchmaker they may get the happy ever after they all deserve.
This is a heartwarming story that reminds you of the magic of the holiday season.
December 14, 2020
I so love feel good holiday romance and A Date with an Elf gave me all the warm and fuzees.
Bree runs the local art gallery in town and unbeknownst to the town some of the paintings are her own work. She also prides herself on finding new talent and helping them get a start. Bree loves the holiday and her and her late father always dressed up her Dad as Santa and herself as his trusty elf. So in tribute to her dad she continues with the suit being passed to her father's friend and she still being the elf.
Caleb is a web designer that lost his wife last year to a car accident. He is now raising his young daughter and moving back to his hometown to be closer to his mom. Bree and Caleb ran in the same circle in high school but it was never the right time for them...till now. This was an emotional, sweet and romantic story with just a touch of the naughty!
Bree and Caleb are ready to get you into the holiday spirit.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Bree runs the local art gallery in town and unbeknownst to the town some of the paintings are her own work. She also prides herself on finding new talent and helping them get a start. Bree loves the holiday and her and her late father always dressed up her Dad as Santa and herself as his trusty elf. So in tribute to her dad she continues with the suit being passed to her father's friend and she still being the elf.
Caleb is a web designer that lost his wife last year to a car accident. He is now raising his young daughter and moving back to his hometown to be closer to his mom. Bree and Caleb ran in the same circle in high school but it was never the right time for them...till now. This was an emotional, sweet and romantic story with just a touch of the naughty!
Bree and Caleb are ready to get you into the holiday spirit.
~~Michele McMullen ~~
December 25, 2020
After losing his wife, Caleb moved with his daughter Alyssa to his hometown to live closer to his parents, and quit his job in a large company in order to dedicate more time to his daughter. He meets again with an old high school classmate, Bree, while she plays the elf helper to Santa in the town square. In the past he wanted to have something else with her but the opportunity never came. But as they spend time together and see how well Bree and his daughter are getting along, he decides that the time has come to move on with his life and give himself a new chance in love.
Bree thus gets the family she always wanted.
It’s a deliciously sweet story, I 😍Alyssa. The perfect ending to a great series.
Bree thus gets the family she always wanted.
It’s a deliciously sweet story, I 😍Alyssa. The perfect ending to a great series.
May 22, 2023
Bree and Caleb knew each other from high school. They bump into each other and the attraction is instantly is there. Caleb is also a single dad. This was cute read.
Narration by: Amelia Mendez.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Narration by: Amelia Mendez.
I received this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
December 22, 2020
Short and sweet. Reunited high school friends.
December 30, 2024
Cute and romantic
December 15, 2020
This story is just so Christmasy and sweet. It’s got all the perfectness- a small town, a single dad hottie, a smart and talented heroine, and they were each other’s high school crushes?! Gah! I adored it. The perfect Christmas read!
December 14, 2020
This little novella is really a sweet and sexy little story of old high school friends meeting up about 10 years after high school. It was the perfect little holiday story to put a smile on my face. No drama or angst to deal with. One of my favorites from this series.
January 28, 2023
From the first 45 seconds or so, I felt like I already knew exactly where this book is going … I was, unfortunately, correct, as it’s one of a zillion, for the most part, though it’s a little odd at times. A direct quote is, ‘One thing I loved about my grandfather, is his beard was real.’ Really? Of aaaalllll the reasons to love your grandfather, you go with something so superficial as … his beard is real? Is this a thing? Honestly, it feels more like one something the author just said to put words down, without bothering to stop and think if it made any sort of sense.
I was surprised to discover 2 authors were involved in this book’s production, considering it seemed to be thrown together with zero effort, and then the fact that a really terrible narrator was approved, by not one, but at least two people. Weird.
Thankfully this book can be listened to in under an hour because, it’s borderline torture.
0 stars.
Audio
The audio production is bad:
-Narrator sounds like she’s underwater … or something.
-Narrator has a really odd way of talking, pausing several times per sentence and inserting distracting inflections in random spots instead of where punctuation should be calling for.
-Awful, high-pitched voice, extremely painful to listen to.
0 stars on this front.
I was surprised to discover 2 authors were involved in this book’s production, considering it seemed to be thrown together with zero effort, and then the fact that a really terrible narrator was approved, by not one, but at least two people. Weird.
Thankfully this book can be listened to in under an hour because, it’s borderline torture.
0 stars.
Audio
The audio production is bad:
-Narrator sounds like she’s underwater … or something.
-Narrator has a really odd way of talking, pausing several times per sentence and inserting distracting inflections in random spots instead of where punctuation should be calling for.
-Awful, high-pitched voice, extremely painful to listen to.
0 stars on this front.
December 15, 2020
4 star
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, second chances, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below they are part of this series in case you want to read those books(s) first
A Date for Midnight (The Dating Series, #1)
A Date with an Admirer (The Dating Series, #2)
A Date for Good Luck (The Dating Series, #3)
A Date for the Hunt (The Dating Series #4)
A Date for the Derby (The Dating Series #5)
A Date to Play Fore (The Dating Series #6)
A Date with a Foodie (The Dating Series #7)
A Date for the Fair (The Dating Series #8)
A Date for the Regatta (The Dating Series #9)
A Date for the Masquerade (The Dating Series #10)
A Date with a Turkey (The Dating Series #11)
This is Bree and Caleb’s story. Bree is excited about the holiday season. She is working as an elf when she sees her high school crush. He suffered a loss and is now taking care of his daughter. He moved back home to get help. These two can feel the pull but after losing the one he loved will he want to risk his heart again? Can she start something is he is not all in?
I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, second chances, and heartbreak.
If you have not read the below they are part of this series in case you want to read those books(s) first
A Date for Midnight (The Dating Series, #1)
A Date with an Admirer (The Dating Series, #2)
A Date for Good Luck (The Dating Series, #3)
A Date for the Hunt (The Dating Series #4)
A Date for the Derby (The Dating Series #5)
A Date to Play Fore (The Dating Series #6)
A Date with a Foodie (The Dating Series #7)
A Date for the Fair (The Dating Series #8)
A Date for the Regatta (The Dating Series #9)
A Date for the Masquerade (The Dating Series #10)
A Date with a Turkey (The Dating Series #11)
This is Bree and Caleb’s story. Bree is excited about the holiday season. She is working as an elf when she sees her high school crush. He suffered a loss and is now taking care of his daughter. He moved back home to get help. These two can feel the pull but after losing the one he loved will he want to risk his heart again? Can she start something is he is not all in?
I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.
I recommend this book.
December 17, 2020
I am not sure how to express how much I loved this book!!!
Bree loves everything about Christmas. She volunteers to be an elf at the towns holiday celebration every year because of the memories she has with her grandfather playing Santa. She owns her own art gallery and even sells many items that she has painted herself. This year though she is missing something in the gallery and is still on the hunt of that special items. Will she find it in time?
Caleb is struggling because of a major lose. He decides to move back home with his young daughter. When he remembers the Christmas celebration in the center of town he takes Alyssa and happens to see Bree doing what she has always done. Will he be able to overcome his grief? Will Alyssa final see her dad happy again? Caleb also has a secret up his sleeve that may just help Bree.
When Bree and Caleb start talking again will things stay as friends or will it become more? I will say the chemistry between this two was hot.
I loved this whole series and really hope there is more to come.
Bree loves everything about Christmas. She volunteers to be an elf at the towns holiday celebration every year because of the memories she has with her grandfather playing Santa. She owns her own art gallery and even sells many items that she has painted herself. This year though she is missing something in the gallery and is still on the hunt of that special items. Will she find it in time?
Caleb is struggling because of a major lose. He decides to move back home with his young daughter. When he remembers the Christmas celebration in the center of town he takes Alyssa and happens to see Bree doing what she has always done. Will he be able to overcome his grief? Will Alyssa final see her dad happy again? Caleb also has a secret up his sleeve that may just help Bree.
When Bree and Caleb start talking again will things stay as friends or will it become more? I will say the chemistry between this two was hot.
I loved this whole series and really hope there is more to come.
December 15, 2020
I like Bree. She’s a community gal who loves tradition and art. And Christmastime really is the best time to fall in love.
Alyssa, I don’t get a good read on because I can’t tell how old she is. Caleb says she’s eight going on eighty, but she’s in a booster and small enough for him to pick up. She is a sweet girl who latches on to Bree like a girl who wants a mother figure. I loved how considerate Bree is of their loss and doesn’t try to replace Alyssa’s mother.
Caleb is a good guy. He dropped everything to look after his daughter and give her a good life. His self-doubt was reasonable and his yearning to do the best for her, admirable.
The relationship between Bree and Caleb happens quickly but it seems to work for them. They worked as a team well and made this a wonderful end to a fantastic series.
Alyssa, I don’t get a good read on because I can’t tell how old she is. Caleb says she’s eight going on eighty, but she’s in a booster and small enough for him to pick up. She is a sweet girl who latches on to Bree like a girl who wants a mother figure. I loved how considerate Bree is of their loss and doesn’t try to replace Alyssa’s mother.
Caleb is a good guy. He dropped everything to look after his daughter and give her a good life. His self-doubt was reasonable and his yearning to do the best for her, admirable.
The relationship between Bree and Caleb happens quickly but it seems to work for them. They worked as a team well and made this a wonderful end to a fantastic series.
December 16, 2020
I've been with this amazing & brilliant series from the jump & don't want it to end, but I'm guessing all good things must come to an end though I'm a tad sad about it. Bree has had a tradition of playing an elf during the Christmas season, but this year, things take a turn. Caleb has a big loss in his life making him a single father so he has moved home to be near family again for help. Oh, and he was Bree's high school crush. These two feel a pull towards each other, but his loss has made him wary of ever giving his heart out again, but he didn't count on his adorable daughter to get involved. It's amazing how this dynamic duo actually fit so much into this story without making it too much, as this second chance story has heartbreak (obviously), and secrets tied up in a laughter bow. So yeah, another awesome addition to this amazing series! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
April 22, 2025
*A Date with an Elf* by Heidi McLaughlin was the perfect way to wrap up the 12-month series. I’ve enjoyed every seasonal story along the way, and this final one brought just the right amount of heart, humor, and holiday cheer. Bree was such a fun character—creative, festive, and just the right amount of sassy. Seeing her run into Caleb, the one that got away from high school, while working as an elf was the perfect setup for a feel-good, second-chance romance.
I liked how Caleb’s daughter, Alyssa, played matchmaker most adorably. The connection between Bree and Caleb still had that spark, and watching them find their way back to each other made for a cozy, satisfying read. This story gave all the wintery, small-town romance feels I was hoping for, with just enough emotion to make it meaningful. It’s a great addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading…enjoy!
I liked how Caleb’s daughter, Alyssa, played matchmaker most adorably. The connection between Bree and Caleb still had that spark, and watching them find their way back to each other made for a cozy, satisfying read. This story gave all the wintery, small-town romance feels I was hoping for, with just enough emotion to make it meaningful. It’s a great addition to your book collection.
Happy Reading…enjoy!
December 14, 2020
This is the final installment in the Dating series by Heidi McLaughlin and L.P. Dover, and I’m telling you, this one was my favorite. I loved the characters, the story, the writing.
You know, I keep rewriting this review because I don’t want to give this charming Christmas story away. I want you to read it, to love it as much as I did. It really touched my Grinch like heart today. A couple of times the story even brought a tear to my eye.
Really, if you like charming, sweet, Christmas romances, you’ll love this story. I didn’t want to leave Meadowbrook, Alyssa, Caleb, or Bree behind. I can’t recommend the entire series enough, it’s made my 10 best books of the year (the whole series).
**I was given an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
You know, I keep rewriting this review because I don’t want to give this charming Christmas story away. I want you to read it, to love it as much as I did. It really touched my Grinch like heart today. A couple of times the story even brought a tear to my eye.
Really, if you like charming, sweet, Christmas romances, you’ll love this story. I didn’t want to leave Meadowbrook, Alyssa, Caleb, or Bree behind. I can’t recommend the entire series enough, it’s made my 10 best books of the year (the whole series).
**I was given an ARC of this story and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 16, 2020
Caleb has made the decision to move back to his hometown following his wife's death. He's not sure how long he'll stay until he locks eyes with Santa's helper and the lone elf in town, Bree. When even his daughter begins to fall under Bree's spell, he knows this Christmas could be the beginning of the rest of his life.
Bree is not expecting to fall in love this Christmas, but when her former high school classmate moves back home, she's surprised to feel a spark between them. Bree's left wondering if she ever had any say in the matter when her heart decides way in advance that she, Caleb & Alyssa fit perfectly together.
This is nice story that keeps you in the holiday spirit.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Bree is not expecting to fall in love this Christmas, but when her former high school classmate moves back home, she's surprised to feel a spark between them. Bree's left wondering if she ever had any say in the matter when her heart decides way in advance that she, Caleb & Alyssa fit perfectly together.
This is nice story that keeps you in the holiday spirit.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
December 16, 2020
A date with an Elf is magical!
I have loved all the novellas in this series but this one is my favorite. When Caleb ends up back in the hometown he never planned on returning to, he certainly wasn’t looking for love. As fate would have it he runs into his old friend Bree. Bree is the local art gallery owner and Santa’s helper “elf”. When Bree meets Caleb’s daughter Alyssa it seems as if Caleb starts to see Bree in a different light. As they get to know each other again you will feel the magic of Christmas. I absolutely loved this feel good novella...pick it up and you will too.
I have loved all the novellas in this series but this one is my favorite. When Caleb ends up back in the hometown he never planned on returning to, he certainly wasn’t looking for love. As fate would have it he runs into his old friend Bree. Bree is the local art gallery owner and Santa’s helper “elf”. When Bree meets Caleb’s daughter Alyssa it seems as if Caleb starts to see Bree in a different light. As they get to know each other again you will feel the magic of Christmas. I absolutely loved this feel good novella...pick it up and you will too.
December 20, 2020
Caleb & Bree...
Bree puts an elf costume and helps Santa out in her hometown. She loves spreading cheer. One day she sees her crush from when she was younger. He is back in town and for once he sees her.
Caleb is back home a single father, needing the help of his parents. He decides they need some cheering up or miracle and go visit Santa when he sees Bree.
I thought this was a sweet, fun holiday story. I loved that Bree gets a second chance to go after her crush. These two have such an amazing connection. A hit for me!
Bree puts an elf costume and helps Santa out in her hometown. She loves spreading cheer. One day she sees her crush from when she was younger. He is back in town and for once he sees her.
Caleb is back home a single father, needing the help of his parents. He decides they need some cheering up or miracle and go visit Santa when he sees Bree.
I thought this was a sweet, fun holiday story. I loved that Bree gets a second chance to go after her crush. These two have such an amazing connection. A hit for me!
May 12, 2021
Moving back to his hometown to be closer to his family in order to help raise his young daughter after the tragic death of wife, Caleb is so not in the holiday spirit. Too much pain and too many memories have kept him from enjoying the season. That is until he makes a connection with Bree. Filled with the true meaning of Christmas and memories of family and love, Bree helps heal not only Caleb but brings joy to the young girl who is missing her mom. Can you find love after tragedy? Filled with hope and love this was the perfect ending to the series.
December 14, 2020
Caleb and Alyssa were a duo made to make Bree Christmas wish come true.... Well a wish put in the universe by her niece to Santa and one she asked him to work real hard on.
Who would have thought, nosey townspeople making a eight year olds and making her father happy to be home. Their hearts were heavy but a new place and old friends made it all come together. I am sad to see it end but Heidi and LP ended with a cheer everyone needed this holiday season.
Who would have thought, nosey townspeople making a eight year olds and making her father happy to be home. Their hearts were heavy but a new place and old friends made it all come together. I am sad to see it end but Heidi and LP ended with a cheer everyone needed this holiday season.
December 16, 2020
Who are Mary-Anne and Bree? How do they know one another? What does each of them do for a living? Who are Lindsay, Brittany, Justin, and Mark? How do they all know one another if at all? I fell in love with Caleb and Alyssa. Especially Alyssa! Where are they from? How does Bree know Caleb? What do we find them all getting up to this Christmas season? Read and see!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
December 14, 2020
OMG I have loved this whole series and what a way to wrap it up with a sweet, wonderful, and heartwarming Christmas story! Bree and Caleb are such wonderful characters and Caleb’s daughter Alyssa is a cutie! Together they just work and it’s such a beautiful thing. I enjoyed every special moment of their story!!
December 16, 2020
Magical
The story embodies the spirit of Christmas. This one is by far my favorite out of this series. The way it's filled with so much live and happiness melts my heart. What a fabulous way to close it out. Such a shame to have this end. I really want more. Heidi and LP have given us twelve wonderful stories. Spectacular job ladies.
The story embodies the spirit of Christmas. This one is by far my favorite out of this series. The way it's filled with so much live and happiness melts my heart. What a fabulous way to close it out. Such a shame to have this end. I really want more. Heidi and LP have given us twelve wonderful stories. Spectacular job ladies.
December 17, 2020
Bree and Caleb knew each other in high school. Unbeknownst to her, Caleb had a crush on her. Now, years later, he is back home and trying to move on with his daughter as a single dad. He runs into Bree and feels an instant spark. She embraces both he and his daughter with open arms. It was a quick, easy holiday read. Nice way to end the year for this series.
April 1, 2021
A Date with a Elf has insta love, happiness, sadness and Santa! Caleb and Bree reconnect years after high school and their attraction is instant. Caleb moved back to his hometown with his daughter Alyssa during Christmas season. They run into Bree when they were visiting Santa and the rest is history.
February 2, 2023
Bree has always played Elf , with her now deceased Grandfather, who played Santa. She is carrying on the tradition which is how she reunites with Caleb and meets his daughter Alyssa.
Bree and Caleb knew each other in high school. As adults their chemistry and connection is stronger than ever.
This is a sweet and sexy story.
I enjoyed the narration of Amelia Mendez
Bree and Caleb knew each other in high school. As adults their chemistry and connection is stronger than ever.
This is a sweet and sexy story.
I enjoyed the narration of Amelia Mendez
December 14, 2020
Bree is an artist looking for new talent in her hometown. Caleb is coming back home wanting to make a better life for him and his daughter. Brees best friends daughter asks Santa for something really special. Hopefully Santa comes through!
December 14, 2020
This story is such a Hallmark movie story!
Bree and Caleb knew each other as kids. They see each other again - in there small town - and instant lust! Add in a cute little girl and you have a hit!
I enjoyed this one very much!
Bree and Caleb knew each other as kids. They see each other again - in there small town - and instant lust! Add in a cute little girl and you have a hit!
I enjoyed this one very much!
December 15, 2020
A Christmas romance that will make you feel merry and bright! Get ready for your heart to melt as Alyssa, Caleb and Bree remind us all what it's like to find our holiday spirit. Five stars for this Hallmark worthy collaboration.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews