Slow Burning Fire Review

 

Slow Burning Fire

Author: J.F. Jenkins

Hosted by: SupaGurl Tours 

 

Ever since super star, Arial Oakley, could remember, she's been in love with her hunky co-star Bryce Valentine. The only problem: Bryce has been in a relationship with another ac-tress for quite some time. Not wanting to be “the other woman”, Arial never pursued any of her feelings for him despite how well they connected.

When Bryce suddenly becomes single, both of their worlds are flipped upside down. To help him nurse his aching heart, Arial invites him back home to her family farm for some much needed peace and quiet from the paparazzi.

What neither of them expects is to fall in love: with the calm, with the country, with each other. But how much of it is real, and how much of it is a means to escape a broken heart?

 

 I rated Slow Burning Fire with THREE AND ONE HALF LEAVES. This book is about the average set of best friends that fall in love with each other. They don't want to ruin their friendship over being in love.  The real question is, can you really fall in love with your best friend and not risk ruining or losing your friendship? Ariel and Bryce have been best friends for nine years.  Bryce just got out of a serious relationship.  Ariel has always had feelings for Bryce and just being his friend and being in his life was enough to make her happy.  She would try to date other people but she only truly wanted Bryce. When Bryce is finally single, everything turns upside down for him and Ariel.  The story is fun and light and has a concept that is realistic. It has an engaging cast of characters and great chemistry between Ariel and Bryce. This is a fulfilling story about finding yourself and going after the one who really is made for you, even if he is your best friend. I recommend this to anyone who has fallen for your best friend or any one who is looking for a sweet read!

 

 

J.F. Jenkins

 

** Top 5 Most Epic Romance Couples**

Count Almasy and Katherine (from The English Patient): Normally, I don't root on the love affair in a story. I'm very much a: keep your vows and don't cheat! kind of gal. However, given the circumstances of this story, I can root for the affair. There's just something true and beautiful about their relationship. The movie doesn't do it justice.

Kal Drogo and Daenerys Targaryen (from Game of Thrones): Another couple that is not something I normally go for. She's basically sold into the marriage arrangement against her will. However, from the beginning, in the book I mean, Drogo is surprisingly tender and attentive to his wife's needs. She's never forced to do anything she doesn't want to, and he makes sure to express his love for her any way possible since they have a language gap between them. The show touches on it, but the book really elaborates on it so much better.

Tobias and Rachel (from Animorphs): This was a couple I wanted to grow old and get married and all that. Sadly, that isn't going to happen, but I can still dream. I won't explain further since that would be hugely spoiler filled for the series. You either know or you don't. What I love about them is the way they always stood together through everything despite the fact that they could have ended things.

Rogue and Gambit (from Xmen): Another couple that's been through thick and thin. What makes them great is that their love is real. I mean, they can't touch, so it isn't something charged from pure sexual attraction. They love unconditionally and whole heartedly, overcoming secrets and all kinds of obstacles. Love it.

Aladdin and Jasmine (from Aladdin): They're adorable. Hands down. I know, I could pick so many other great literary and movie couples, but they're just so cute. She keeps him in his place, he keeps her in hers, and they work together as a unit. Honesty is an important part to their relationship as well, and they love each other for who they really are.

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Don’t Let Go Blitz + Giveaway

Sadie Miller is attempting to change her ways and hide somewhere no one knows her former self. She only wants to finish her final year of college, obtain her degree, and get out from the hold of her affluent parents. Then she meets Brady Carsen, the lead singer of The Invisibles, a local band popular with the college crowd. She tries to stay away but quickly realizes that, although he might not be what she’s used to, he’s exactly what she needs and more importantly, everything she could possibly want.

Unfortunately, Sadie’s troubled past left her with insecurities that make her question Brady’s true intentions. And while Brady is convinced that Sadie is the one for him, he has his own secrets that he fears will be their undoing. If they want to be together, they will have to stand united and fight the outside influences that are threatening to tear them apart. Can they put their pasts behind them for good in order to secure their future?

The corner of his mouth turns up and my eyes fixate on how pink and wet his lips are from drinking the water. There’s a drop of water resting in the center of his pouty bottom lip and I have an immense urge to lick it. His hand cups my shoulder holding me in place, ready to pull me closer as I lick my lips in anticipation.

“Cut that smoochy shit out. It’s time to go up.” Rob throws the napkin between our faces, bringing me back to reality.

I blink and Brady’s soft brown eyes peer back at me. Our moment is over and disappointment fills me. What was I thinking? I told myself that this was not going to happen, but oh how I wonder how he tastes.

“Enjoy the show,” Brady says, looking from Jessa to me. “Please stay this time,” he whispers in my ear before he scoots out of the booth, jumping on the stage.

“Holy crap, Sadie. What was that?” Jessa asks, right after he leaves.

“What? Nothing.” I shake my head, still trying to figure it out myself.

“It was like you two were in your own world. Like the rest of us weren’t here,” she says, finishing her drink before flagging the waitress down.

I ignore her comment. I don’t know what to think about that. Brady has this pull over me, making it incredibly hard to keep my promise to myself. Just stick to the plan, I tell myself. Show, dinner and no more Brady after tonight.

Roni brings Jessa her drink and then the lights go down for The Invisibles to start playing. Aces has filled up in the time we have been sitting down. There is a line outside the window, waiting to pay their cover charge to see the show. I relax in the booth and the vinyl sticks to my arms. Thankfully, Jessa has moved over from me now that Rob is up on stage.

“Are you ready out there?” Brady’s voice fills the bar and Trey starts hitting the drums. Everyone cheers and rushes up toward the stage.

Surprisingly, my body starts moving to the beat. Every song he put on my iPod is embedded into my mind. It’s adorable the way he glances from the corner of his eye to make sure we’re still here. When the edges of his lips turn up at me, I melt into the sticky vinyl. The crowd around the stage jumps up and down while their heads bob back and forth to the beat of the music. Brady’s eyes divert back to them, showing them he’s there for their enjoyment and wants them to have a good time. He looks down to an eager girl right up front and smiles. She raises her hand and he reaches down in return, grasping a few of her fingers. A sudden pang of jealousy consumes me.

I can only see her black, short hair from the back. She has a smaller, more petite frame than me. Then the crowd engulfs her in around them and I can’t locate her anymore. But there was something in her body movements that makes me believe that she and Brady either have or had something in the past.

An hour later The Invisibles finish their set. Brady’s soaked grey t-shirt clings to his body, revealing all the creases around his muscles. He holds up his finger to me, telling me to give him a minute. I couldn’t keep count how many times he looked over during the show to see if I had deserted him like last time. The smile that absorbs his face when he knew I was still there was enough to make me want to jump on stage into his arms. He brings feelings out of me I didn’t think I possessed, or could exist inside of me.

Brady leaves the stage and the dark-haired girl follows him down the hallway and I wonder what is going on, but quickly remind myself it is none of my business. I will be out of his life after tonight anyway.

“Who’s the girl?” Jessa asks next to me.

“I don’t know,” I respond, stirring the small straw in my drink. I watch the nearly dissolved ice cubes spin around.

“Oh my god. You try to act all cool like he doesn’t make you all wet but look at you now.” She hits her shoulder to mine.

“What are you talking about?” I ask her, still staring at the nearly nonexistent ice cubes twirling around in my cup. I feel like them, nonexistent to the world. I no longer matter to anyone, or have any one important person in my life.

“Are you ready?” Brady waits on the outside of the booth with his hand out. He has changed his shirt to a long-sleeved blue Henley. “Or do you want to stay for the next band?” I glance up at him and all those thoughts that just filled my brain vanish when his perfectly straight white teeth gleam down at me. For some reason he makes me feel alive again.

Michelle Lynn has always been a reader, but her passion has become a full-blown addiction since her husband bought her a Kindle for Mother's Day. She's pretty sure that he regrets this on a regular basis. Especially when she has it propped up next to the stove while she cooks, which often results in a burnt dinner. Or when he loses sleep because the glow from the screen wakes him up when he rolls over at three in the morning. He does agree, however, that she uses this gift more than any other he has ever gotten her. She joking counters that, because of some of the steamy novels she reads, he also benefits more from this gift than any other he has gotten her. ;)

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids. She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write. With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends. But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.

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Vacationista Blitz + Giveaway

 

Vacationista by Tara Simone 

A broken heart. A ticket to paradise. A resort full of honeymooners ... the last thing newly single Patience De La Rosa needs if she's to find a candidate for a casual rebound. Her luggage catching a flight to Mauritius instead of Maui doesn't help matters and a maxed out credit card doesn't buy a girl a fresh pair of panties. Then there's the annoying weird guy, the one who's married to his laptop, sitting beside her at the pool. Odds for a fling improve when three single, sexy and willing candidates cross her path. Though Patience's luggage may be M.I.A., her breakup baggage crossed the Pacific with her. Will Patience cast it aside, throw caution to the tropical winds and indulge in island debauchery? Or will a tea leaf reader's prediction about her romantic excursions come true in unexpected ways?

"Vacationista is a sparkling romantic-comedy gem with one of the wittiest heroines I have read in ages! Full of zingy one-liners, clever quips and some of the best dialogue ever!" -NYT and USA Today Bestselling Author Lauren Blakely  

 The hotel phone rings and shakes me from my rage. Please let it be good news. Please let my luggage be here. I am so sick of wearing this peach tank top, what I wouldn’t do for a basic cotton tee. I cannot believe this shirt was ever my favorite. I answer the phone. “Hello?” “I need help,” a voice mumbles. “Who is this?” “The albino guy with the sunburn.” “It’s six o’clock in the morning. How did you know I was awake?” “I didn’t. I need help.” Huey’s room is actually one of twelve cottages that sit on a small cliff beyond the pool area looking out over the ocean. I use the term cottage loosely. Each one looks to be twice the size of the cottage I shared with Dan in Encanto. Floor to ceiling walls of privacy glass provide an unobstructed view of the ocean. Under a faux thatched roof is a private lanai with hammocks and patio furniture straight from the pages of a design magazine. The door to his unit is unlocked just as he said it would be. If the outside was impressive, the inside is jaw dropping amazing. This is ridiculous. The furniture is several notches above what was in Ted’s room. Really fluffy, deep cushioned cream colored sofas and chairs that I just want to jump onto and crawl up in. “Huey?” I call out. “I’m here.” His voice calls out from another area of the house. “I’m in the bathtub.” Hmmm. Generally if a man calls me to the bathtub I know what to expect. But this is Huey, and even though he is calling me to the bathtub, I don’t expect him to have any ulterior motives. Because it’s Huey. He’s not manipulative. I walk past the living room and through the sliding pocket doors that lead to the bedroom. To my left, a door is half open. I approach it carefully and stand just outside it without looking in. “What can I do to help?” “Come in.” “If you’re in the tub, I’d rather not.” “Have you never seen a man naked? Or are you just afraid you’ll be so overwhelmed by my sex god physique that you will jump me.” “The latter.” “I thought so. That is why everything provocative is covered. You will be safe in my presence.” I take him at his word and poke my head around the door. The tub is huge. HUGE. It’s one of those Jacuzzi tubs built for two. Huey is in it. His man parts are indeed covered from view by lots of bubbles and a tray that stretches across the width of the tub, on which sits his laptop. This is not surprising to me. What is surprising to me is that he is submerged in water and bubbles the color of dirt. “Why is the water brown?” “It’s tea.” He fishes around in the water and holds up three tea bags. “There are a hundred tea bags in here.” “Why?” “Because Google said so.” “For the burn?” “Yes.” “Where’d you get the tea bags?” “Room service.” “So you called me because what? You need cream and sugar?” “If I wasn’t in so much pain I’d laugh at your witty observation. But not right now.” “Fair enough. How can I help?” “I can’t type. My arms hurt too much to type any longer. And I have to get this done. I need you to type for me.” “I’m not getting in the tub.” “I wasn’t asking you to. Though now that you mentioned it, that could be interesting, the tub is built for two.” “Is it? I hadn’t noticed.” “Best you not get in, you won’t be able to keep your hands off me. You can sit there and type.” He points to an area of the bathroom out of my view. I step further inside the bathroom. There are two white chaises, just as fluffy as the sofa in the living room. “There is a living room in your bathroom,” I say. “I can’t fit a towel rack in my bathroom. And you have chaises in your bathroom.” “Technically, it’s not my bathroom. And if you help me I will buy you a towel rack that fits in your bathroom.” “Okay, Huey, I’ll type for you under two conditions.” “And they are?” “One, I get to order breakfast.” “For someone so thin, you do eat a lot. The room service menu is on the desk in the bedroom.” “And two, I’m out of here at ten to sit by the pool.” “Do you realize you continue to put yourself in grave danger?” “Of what?” “M-E-L-A-N-O-M-A” “Wow. You can spell big words. Impressive.” “I mean it. Why do you worship the sun? Don’t you know it’s bad for you?” “I’m twenty-six. I am allowed a vice or two. You’re like thirty-two going on sixty. Would you relax a little?” “I did relax. With you. In the pool. And look what happened.” “Okay, if you’re trying to make me feel guilty −,” “I am.” “It’s working. I’m going to go order breakfast, want anything?” “Orange juice.” “Really or are you being facetious?” “Orange juice and the buckwheat pancakes with chocolate chips and maple syrup, please.” I don’t know why he makes me chuckle but he does. He’s so formal and offbeat at the same time. I’m fairly certain he would have been the kid in my high school who had been tormented by the cool crowd. If I had known him then, I probably would have dismissed him, just as I did the first day at the pool. But in his own odd way, he’s kind of cool and fun and funny. “Hello,” I say into the room phone, “I’d like to place an order please.” “Yes, Mrs. Anders, what can we get you?” Why does everyone here think I'm married? Oh, right, because everyone here except me is part of a couple. I hate this place.

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Clover Release Day

Clover Watson wants more from life than what she can find on her daddy's farm in southern Oregon. Young, smart, and driven, she has a plan and she refuses to be distracted from her goals. After four years at the University of Washington in Seattle, she heads home for the summer with her diploma and an acceptance letter to graduate school at University of Portland. She's sure she’s got things all figured out. Except for Jake Feldman. He was one of her childhood friends, and she hasn't seen him since she left for college four years ago. This summer he's back in town and all grown up -- sweet, handsome, and completely smitten with Clover. At first, she thinks a harmless summer fling is the perfect reward for her hard work at school. But as the summer continues and their romance grows, Jake challenges everything she thought she knew about herself and her plans. When the end of summer comes, Clover is forced to evaluate what she really wants, but can she find a way to write Jake into her life? 

 

Braxton Cole lives in the Pacific Northwest where she spends most of her time holed up in her office writing stories. When she's not writing, she can be found riding her bike, hiking the fabulous local trails, chasing her kids, or wishing that her thumb was a little more green. She has a bad habit of killing what she tries to grow, but hasn't given up hopes of one day being a successful urban farmer. Braxton writes erotic romance because romance is the stuff that makes life great, and sex is fun. The two belong together, both in life and in fiction. 

She was sitting on the front steps when he pulled up, clearly showered and wearing a light summer dress instead of the skirt and tank top she’d had on earlier. Clover smiled softly when she got in. “You came back.” She sounded as uncertain, yet hopeful, about things as he felt. “Of course.” He kissed her cheek like she’d kissed his earlier and wished he had the nerve to move his mouth just a little to the side. That was all it would take to touch his lips to hers. Instead, he pulled back and shifted into drive. She settled into the middle seat right next to him with the length of her thigh pressed up against his. He much preferred to have her sit there than all the way over on the passenger side. He tried to sound casual, but he could feel his face flush with heat as he said, “I threw together some food in case we get hungry.” “That’s sweet, thank you.” She stretched up and kissed his cheek. For one stuttering, suffocating, perfect moment, her lips touched his skin. His eyes drifted shut and held perfectly still. So far, their exchanges had been relatively chaste, but he felt something shift inside him with that kiss. His crush was moving far too quickly into something solid and his chest swelled with fear and hope. She lingered there for several seconds, close enough for him to feel the whisper of her breath against his skin. When she finally pulled away, he stayed in that position, stunned immobile by her closeness. She squeezed his leg, kissed his cheek again, quickly this time, then pulled away completely. “So, where are we going?” He jerked into motion, embarrassed by his reaction. But what else could he expect? When a girl like Clover got close enough for him to smell the subtle fragrance of her shampoo and the lingering chlorine on her skin from the pool, well, something like that would always affect him. And this time it wasn’t just a girl like Clover; it was Clover herself. The crush he’d been cultivating for as long as he could remember had grown exponentially since he’d picked her up earlier that day. He cleared his throat as he pulled out of the parking lot. “I have no idea. Where do you want to go?” “Head south, toward the river.” “You got it.” Instead of holding her hand this time, Jake settled his arm around Clover’s shoulder. As he pulled onto the highway, she rested her hand on his leg. Unlike before, she didn’t play with his inseam. Rather, she let her hand lie in one place, low by his knee, with her fingers curled around the inside. It was for the best, he knew. The distraction of her hand sliding high up on his thigh while driving was simply too much to ignore. He’d nearly wrapped his truck around a pole while trying to corner on the way into town earlier. He didn’t need a repeat event. Still, he missed the feel of her hand exploring. If he could figure out a way to say it without sounding like an asshole, he’d tell her that she was welcome to touch him whenever and however she wanted. The fear that she might actually take him up on it was enough to keep him silent. For now, though, he was happy simply to drive down the road with her sitting next to him.

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Being There Review

Being There

Author: T.K. Rapp

Genre: Romance/New Adult

When Cass Howard was young, she never dreamed she would have the perfect job, living in New York, with an amazing man by her side.

That’s a good thing…because none of that ever happened.

Drew Alexander was the one person who knew Cass better than almost anyone, and the friendship that developed in high school carried them to college. Despite the distance, their bond grew stronger, revealing to each of them what they meant to each other. A series of fleeting moments and a string of failed relationships helped them realize that what they really wanted, what they needed, was each other.

But that was five years ago, and sometimes things just don’t work out.

Now twenty-five, Cass finds herself living in Houston, working at a small publishing house as an editor. By most accounts, she appears happy, however she has managed to avoid a true relationship, opting to channel all of her energy on work, despite protests from her best friend.

The only thing that can drag her away is the annual girls’weekend, which comes at the best possible time, because Cass has just learned life-altering news. With the most recent blow to her life looming overhead, will the getaway with her closest friends change her outlook on life? Or will her inability to put the past behind her stifle any chance she has of moving on? Will she ever be able to open up and let those who love her be there for her?

Oh.My.Goodness. Best book I've read in a long time! I rated Being There with FIVE LEAVES!! I'm not even sure where to start because I don't think my review will do it justice. I want to start off with saying that ALL of our FALLowers need to grab this book and give it a go. I LOVE Cass and Drew. From the beginning of the book, we find out that Cass Howard is very structured with the way she lives her life. She has everything in order and gives 110% with everything she does, including her work. Cass finds out very early on in this story that not all things in life can be controlled. She is thrown through a big loop and has to start working through these obstacles. Before she does this, she decides to go on a little get away with her best friend. This is when her past comes back and makes her question everything she knows.

In high school, Drew Alexander is the boy that every girl wants to be with. He is extremely popular and knows how to handle every situation with ease. When Drew and Cass end up working on a school project together, they become close friends and stay that way for a long time. Through all their ups and downs, they love each other as friends, but is there more?

This is such a wonderful story about friendship and love. This book shows us that sometimes we may have something in our past that didn't turn out the way we wanted, but we need to let go of grudges and mishaps from the past and learn to move on and trust again.

I can tell by this story that T.K Rapp has a beautiful style of writing. Everything flowed perfectly and smoothly. I suggest you set aside some time to read this book because the second you pick it up and start reading, you won't be able to put it down until the last page is finished! I sure can't wait to read more by T.K. Rapp!

I was born and raised in the Houston area. (I love Texas!) I never planned on leaving, but my husband had other plans...since he was in the military at the time.

I have had the opportunity to live in California, South Carolina and Virginia...and as much as I loved those places and the people along the way, I missed Texas! So we finally planted some roots and it's here I will grow old and die. (I'm not morbid).

I've had a lifelong love of journaling and writing, but never did anything with it...as far as sharing it. Until now. This year, I finally scratched a line off my bucket list (still not morbid), by writing my first book. I'm not sure if I can call it a novel or not, so I'll go with book.

There may be more to come...

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Fleet Week Review

Fleet Week

Author: Melody Montclair

Genre: Erotic Romance

Released: June 1, 2013

Publisher: Velvet Pony Press

 

 

 

When shy Midwestern transplant Gina gets dragged out to Fleet Week, NYC's hookup central, she expects to spend the night avoiding eye contact with annoying drunks. Instead she meets Tom, a Southern gentleman turned Navy sailor, who talks literature with her while their friends get schwasted. But he's only in town for one week, then he'll be sailing out of her life forever.

Gina's not normally the type to start something she can't finish. And Tom keeps insisting he doesn't want to drag her into his "mess," whatever that means. But when they strike on the perfect solution ― one week of total abandon before they part ways forever ― even practical, tight-laced Gina finds it hard to resist...

 

 

I rated Fleet Week THREE AND ONE HALF LEAVES! The book follows the story about Gina and Tom who meet during Fleet Week in New York City. For those of you who don't know what this is...(shame on you, by the way)... fleet week is when military ships dock for one week. During this time, crews are welcome to explore the city, while the public takes guided tours of the ships. This book reminded me of the "Anchors Away" episode from Sex In The City, where Carrie meets the sailor... (one of my favorite episodes). Anyways, this book was a great Sunday steamy and lovely afternoon read. Bathroom sex? YES, PLEASE! As Gina is working in New York, she meets Tom and they start seeing each other for the week. As the two get to know one another, their feelings grow, and they feel like they are meant to be in each other lives. We also learn Tom has some baggage to overcome. By the end of the book, you feel like the feelings between Gina and Tom are real and genuine. The book ends in a slight cliffy that will make you excited for the sequel.

 

 

 

Author of the Fleet Week series, and purveyor of fine smut. Melody has appreciated the varied sinful delights found between the pages of smutmance novels ever since spending most of high school and college in various long-distance relationships. Although, if you want to get technical, her dirty mind probably originated in freshman year Band Camp. yes, she played flute.

 

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Recklessly Blitz + Giveaway

Celebrating the release of Recklessly by A. J. Sand, the author is offering great prizes and an excerpt from the book!

  Title: Recklessly 

 Author: A.J. Sand  

Release date: August 28^th, 2013  

Genre: Contemporary Romance  

Age Group: Mature New Adult/Adult  

Wes Elliott just met his match…and she might actually burn his entire world down. Surfing and sex. This is Wes Elliott's life. And it's just the way he likes it. ` After seeing his parents stay in a loveless marriage his entire life, and burying away a heartbreak from his past, he knows where romance is best left: crappy chick movies. He'd rather lust and eventually leave, and that's exactly what the plan was when he met Lana Langston. Except…turns out she’s only in it for the thrills, too. She's always only in it for the thrills: life in the literal fast lane on her motorcycle, and the hot nights in forbidden places without the awkward talks in the mornings after. She's Wes Elliott in way tighter jeans. So, this should be perfect, right? But the more time Wes spends with her, the more he wants the nights to turn into mornings. And maybe even longer. Suddenly, it isn't so perfect for him anymore. And the things he thought were buried are digging themselves up. Now Wes is in a lot of trouble. He’s falling in love with the one girl who might be a bigger risk than even a guy who gets barreled by the most dangerous waves in the world is willing to take on. Can Wes and Lana figure out a way to make it work? Or is he headed for something far more reckless? Due to the sexual content, language and violence, this work is not recommended for readers under 18.            

 A.J. Sand grew up an only child whose parents bought her many, many books to keep her busy, so it was only natural that she would start writing her own stories. She is the author of “Documentary,” “Remake” and “Recklessly.” She lives just outside of Washington, D.C.

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