Tag Archives: Breathless

Breathless (Texas Nights 1-3) by Lex Martin-Review Tour

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Breathless (Texas Nights 1-3) by Lex Martin-Review Tour

 

BREATHLESS
Texas Nights #3
by Lex Martin
Release Date: February 18, 2020

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 18 2020

The boy next door has always made her breathless.

Joey… I wouldn’t say I ran away exactly—twenty-two is too old for that. I’d call it self-preservation.

I have one objective: protect my heart from the boy next door who has no clue I’ve loved him my whole life, even with a front row seat to his revolving bedroom door.

My escape plan almost worked. Except I left one thing behind.

Logan Carter hijacked my heart, and now it’s time to get it back. This time for good.

Logan…I wouldn’t say I’ve been lying this whole time—not about everything. Not about how much I miss my best friend, and definitely not about how pissed I am that she left with hardly a goodbye.

She’s the last person I ever expected to ghost me, and her absence left a gaping hole in my chest.

When Joey Grayson steps off that bus, I know I’ll do anything to keep her home, and that means finding out the truth. But I’m not sure how to tell her my truths when I’m living so many lies

•••••••••

REVIEW: Friends to lovers…

I officially worship at the bookshelf of Lex Martin!

The third in the Texas Night series, Breathless is a heartwarming, uplifting romance of friendship, family and love.

We are welcomed back with characters from the first and second books, but even more so we get the story of Joey and Logan.

Logan Carter has always been known as the ladies man of the brothers, and while that is true, no one knows the real him. No one but Joey.

Joey AKA Josephine, his lifelong best friend. A best friend that just returned from a six month trip to Florida. A trip that Logan has hated.

Joey ran away from Logan, to clear her head and to try and get over the man who she has been in love with for as long as she remembers. As if that works, after retuning home, the drama kicks off right away.

The spark that has always been there between these two is finally burning…but will secrets come a calling and drown that spark before it can burn bright.

Join Logan, Joey and the rest of the Carter brood as they navigate family drama and secrets that may just ruin the entire of the family.

This book has it all, romance, friendship, family and vulnerability. Once you start this book you won’t want to put it down, the pages will just call you right back!

—————-

SHAMELESS
(Texas Night #1)
by Lex Martin
Release Date: April 26, 2016

ebook FREE Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

Brady… What the hell do I know about raising a baby? Nothing. Not a goddamn thing.

Yet here I am, the sole guardian of my niece. I’d be lost if it weren’t for Katherine, the beautiful girl who seems to have all the answers. Katherine, who’s slowly finding her way into my cynical heart.

I keep reminding myself that I can’t fall for someone when we don’t have a future. But telling myself this lie and believing it are two different things.

Katherine… When Brady shows up on a Harley, looking like an avenging angel—six feet, three inches of chiseled muscle, eyes the color of wild sage, and sun-kissed skin emblazoned with tattoos—I’m not sure if I should fall at his feet or run like hell. Because if I tell him what happened the night his family died, he might hate me.

What I don’t count on are the nights we spend together trying to forget the heartache that brought us here. I promise him it won’t mean anything, that I won’t fall in love.

I shouldn’t make promises I can’t keep.

••••••••••

REVIEW: Sweet, sexy and oh so yummy.

This was one of the first books by Ms. Martin I have had the pleasure of reading, and let me tell you I am hooked! A small town, Texas romance that is guaranteed to get all engines firing.

Brady is a Harley riding, hunk covered in muscles and tattoos. What’s better than that?! Originally from Boston, the tattoo artists heads to a small town in Texas after his brother and sister in law pass away. Now book peeps, this where the book gets good. Overwhelmed and out of his mind in grief, he enters into his brothers home to find his niece Isabella, a niece that he and his family thought had died with her parents, but that’s not all he finds..

Katherine is holding it together by the skin of her teeth. Her life long best friend, Melissa is gone, along with Melissa husband, and now she is holding their child waiting to meet a man she has never laid eyes on. Although she has drama of her own, Kat can’t leave the poor baby alone. When a Harley rolls up the farms drive, Kat doesn’t know what to expect, but Brady was not it.

Brady is awestruck when he meets Kat, but she quickly becomes his saving grace when it comes to caring for his niece. Their connection and chemistry spark to life, and neither know what to do with. Join Brady and Kat on their journey as they both cope with the loss of family, find love and a new beginning.

————

RECKLESS
(Texas Nights #2)
by Lex Martin
Release Date: February 20, 2018

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo (Paper) / Google Play

Tori…
For the record, I’m not going to hook up with my boss.

I’m a lot of things—a screwup, a basket case, a flunky. But when I take a nanny job to be near my pregnant sister, I swear to myself I’ll walk the straight and narrow, which means I cannot fall for my insanely hot boss.

I don’t want to be tempted by that rugged rancher. By his chiseled muscles or southern charm or the way he snuggles his kids at bedtime. Ethan Carter won’t get the key to my heart, no matter how much I want him.

Ethan…
Between us, she’s the last thing I need as I finalize my hellish divorce.

What sane man trying to rebuild his life wants a hot nanny with long, sexy hair, curves for miles, and a smart mouth? A perfectly kissable, pouty mouth that I shouldn’t notice.

My focus is on my kids and my ranch, not the insufferable siren who sleeps in the room next to mine. It doesn’t matter that she wins over my kids in a heartbeat or runs my life better than I do. Tori Duran is the one woman I can’t have and shouldn’t want, no matter how much I crave her.

••••••••••

REVIEW:The second in the Texas Night series, Reckless is a book of second chances, warm embrace and scorching sexiness.

Ethan is newly divorced and struggling to keep his ranch and children going. His ex-wife up and left, and he still doesn’t understand why. He needs help, he just wasn’t expecting Tori to be the help me really needed.

Tori, a fiery but vulnerable young woman trying to live down her past and start anew. After her sister Katherine gets her an interview as a nanny for a neighbor, she reluctantly takes her up on it. Tori wants to be close to her sister as she is heavily pregnant and family means everything to her. When she meets Ethan she is knocked off her feet, she wants to dislike him, she wants to stay angry, she’s DOESN’T want to want him like she does. His children; Mila and Cody burrow their way into her heart and slowly the connection she and Ethan share blooms.

…but what happens when his ex comes calling? Tori’s past comes to rear it’s ugly head. Join the pair as they explore their new connection, experience a new beginning and learn to love all over again.

I loved this book, the first in the series I would recommend reading, while you can read this as a stand-alone it would be best to read the first as to get the full experience of all the characters. It’s safe to say that I can’t wait for Logan’s book!!!

copies supplied for review

reviews by Sarah L.

Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of the Texas Nights series (Reckless/Shameless) and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romances, the sexy kind with lotsa angst, a whole lotta kissing, and the hot happily ever afters. A former high school English teacher and freelance journalist, she’s lived all over the country but currently resides in her hometown of San Antonio with her husband and twin daughters.

To find out more about her upcoming projects, visit lexmartinwrites.com.

To get an email alert when she releases a new book, paste this into your browser: http://bit.ly/2DrPcUi

Connect with Lex:

Website: https://www.lexmartinwrites.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LexMartinAuthor/

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/336647169822184/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexlaughs

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexlaughs/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7792877.Lex_Martin

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/lex-martin

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Yd9PhG

Newsletter Signup: https://www.lexmartinwrites.com/subscribe

 

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Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

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Sacrifice (Elemental #5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

Sacrifice

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 30, 2014

Earth. Fire. Air. Water.

One misstep and they lose it all. For the last time.

Michael Merrick understands pressure. He’s the only parent his three brothers have had for years. His power to control Earth could kill someone if he miscalculates. Now an Elemental Guide has it in for his family, and he’s all that stands in the way.

His girlfriend, Hannah, understands pressure too. She’s got a child of her own, and a job as a firefighter that could put her life in danger at any moment.

But there are people who have had enough of Michael’s defiance, his family’s ‘bad luck’. Before he knows it, Michael’s enemies have turned into the Merricks’ enemies, and they’re armed for war.

They’re not interested in surrender. But Michael isn’t the white flag type anyway. Everything is set for the final showdown.

Four elements, one family. Will they hold together, or be torn apart?

•••••••••••••

REVIEW: SACRIFICE is the fifth full length and final(?) novel in Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary, young adult Elemental paranormal series focusing on the four Merrick brothers. Although each of the storylines includes all four brothers and an ensemble cast of characters (including Sacrifice), SACRIFICE focuses on the eldest brother and earth elemental, twenty three year old Michael Merrick.

In the world of the supernatural Elementals-water, fire, earth and air-there is also a group known as the Guides. As with any paranormal storyline, the Guides are the requisite evil whose mission is to rid the world of all Elementals. The Merrick family has been targeted for destruction but the who and the how is a constant mystery. As Michael struggles to keep his family together, following the murder of their parents five years earlier, he is fighting a losing battle when the police and the fire department suspect one or all of the Merricks in a series of fires, explosions and deaths. The Department of Family Services has been notified and it is time for the Merrick brothers to find another home.

The romance aspect of the storyline is limited because the focus finds Michael striving to keep control of his element while all around him death and destruction thrive. As the body count increases, he becomes the number one suspect when the investigators find Michael at every crime scene. Michael has been set up but who is the one behind all of the threats.

The writing is simple. The storyline has some graphic violence and numerous deaths including someone close to the Merrick family. No one is safe when the Guides come hunting for the Elementals. The world building continues with the familiarity of the Elemental power and the continuous destruction by the Guides. Even those connected to the Merrick family will find themselves at a disadvantage and a target for destruction.

SACRIFICE is the supposedly the final instalment in Brigid Kemmerer’s young adult, ELEMENTAL series. It does not end on a happily ever after but a happily ever after –for now. There is no resolution to the family situation and Michael’s relationship with Hannah points in another direction now that the truth has finally been revealed. Brigid does not wrap up the series with a pretty little bow but with a ‘sh*t happens and everyone must move on’ kind of attitude. I would hope that there will be a few more novellas to wrap up the storyline-perhaps an epilogue that looks to the future and what has happened to the Merrick brothers in the intervening time.

The copy I received included the three Elemental Series novellas–ELEMENTAL (the introduction), FEARLESS and BREATHLESS (see review below).

Reading Order
.5 Elemental
1. Storm
1.5 Fearless
2. Spark
2.5 Breathless
3. Spirit
4. Secret
5. Sacrifice

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

____________________

BreathlessBREATHLESS
(Elemental 2.5)
by Brigid Kemmerer

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 2013

Click HERE for our interview with AXEL JORDAN-the cover model for Breathless and Spark by Brigid Kemmerer

Too many secrets. Not enough time.

Nick Merrick is supposed to be the level-headed one. The peacemaker. Since it’s just him and his three hotheaded brothers against the world, that’s a survival tactic.

But now he’s got problems even his brothers can’t help him survive.

His so-called girlfriend, Quinn, is going quick as mercury from daring to crazy. Meanwhile, Quinn’s dancer friend Adam is throwing Nick off balance, forcing him to recognize a truth he’d rather shove back into the dark.

He can feel it—the atmosphere is sizzling. Danger is on the way. But whatever happens next, Nick is starting to find out that sometimes nothing you do can keep the peace

REVIEW: BREATHLESS is the third novella in Brigid Kemmerer’s contemporary, young adult (YA) Elemental paranormal series focusing on the four Merrick brothers whose powers specialize in the four elements-water, air, fire, and earth. Breathless is the introduction to Nick Merrick’s storyline and one that gives the reader a closer look at Nick’s reluctance to accept Quinn as his permanent ‘girlfriend’.

Brigid Kemmerer touches on a topic that can be controversial for young adult and teens. When Nick Merrick finds himself torn between what society expects and what he feels for another young man he knows that he isn’t the only one with similar feelings. Confusion about his new found attraction to Adam is the beginning of the next stage in Nick’s young life.

The secondary characters play a small role throughout the story but the focus is on Nick’s conflicted feelings. His emotional stability is dependant on his family and friend’s acceptance, and the acceptance of the young man who is the recipient of Nick’s new found feelings.

Copy supplied by Netgalley.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Axel Jordan-Interview with the Musician and Model

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Axel Jordan-Interview with the Musician and Model

Today, at The Reading Cafe, we would like to introduce musician and model Axel Jordan. Hope everyone enjoys getting to know today’s cover model !!

TRC: Hi Axel and welcome to The Reading Cafe.

We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Follow Axel: Twitter / Facebook / Website/

Axel Jordan 1AXEL: Sure thing! I’m a musician. Born and raised here in NYC. I keep myself pretty busy. Constantly studying music; my craft. And castings around the city.

TRC: What were your goals and aspirations growing up?

AXEL: I was also a performer of some sort. Even as a little kid, I knew I wanted to sing at the top of my lungs. I was either going to be a performer or a veterinarian. I love Animals. Always have.

TRC: Will you please tell us about how you got started in the modeling/cover modeling business?

AXEL: Fortunately, I was blessed and modeled as a kid. It allowed me to meet a lot of people. As I grew up I still maintained contacts with my agents and work pretty consistently. It’s a great way to keep myself busy, make some money and meet a lot of people.

SparkTRC: You recently appeared on the covers of Brigid Kemmerer’s SPARK and BREATHLESS. Many YA and romance novels use the cover model as the
depiction of the storyline hero. What do you say to all of the ‘fans’ who imagine YOU -Axel Jordan- as their storyline hero?

AXEL: To that I say, Thank You. It’s quite flattering when I receive messages about how readers relate the characters to me. I can
personally relate to both characters, Nick & Gabriel, so I take it as a compliment.

TRC: Do you know the number of novel covers that your image has appeared?

AXEL: To date, I’ve appeared on the cover of 4 novels.

TRC: What was your first PUBLISHED cover and by which author?

BreathlessAXEL: The first were the covers of Brigid Kemmerer’s novels.

TRC: At times, there has been a stigma surrounding the male model and the romance-cover industry. But the popularity of the paranormal romance and YA (Young Adult) storylines has skyrocketed in the last few years. What is your opinion about the recent popularity and the very busy industry of the ‘romance and young adult cover model’?

AXEL: I think in the past, YA stories weren’t as honest as they are today. In today’s society, young adults are actually talking truthfully about their feelings and encounters. They aren’t hiding behind the idea of what is considered to be “Right” or “Wrong”. Whether it’s on TV shows or in novels, you’re really getting a close idea of how the minds of young adults actually work. As an artist, I personally believe in living your truth. All day, everyday. So I give it two thumbs up*!

TRC: Have you ever had a photo shoot that went completely wrong?

AXEL: Completely wrong, No. But I’ve certainly had shoots where things weren’t going right. But it’s a job and I’m pretty dedicated to work so I pull it together and make it work.

Axel Jordan2TRC: Nudity in modeling or acting can be controversial. Some pictures can cross the line between sexuality and pornography. What would you tell young models just entering the business about nude modeling?

AXEL: Not always and not all models, but often times models are looking for recognition and are looking to be the best they can be. That can sometimes leave you open to be taken advantage of. Truth is, yes, modeling is about knowing your body. It’s about sexuality and sensuality. But it’s also about confidence. Know yourself and know your boundaries. I always say, know the job and know your worth. If Calvin Klein called and wanted me to shoot partially nude or nude, I would consider it. Till then, no thanks.

TRC: What is your most embarrassing moment?

AXEL: I don’t know if I have any. I can roll with the punches and tend to find humor in most things. So, I’m not easily embarrassed

TRC: When you are not modeling what can we find you doing-in other words-what is your ‘day job’? 😉

Axel Jordan 3AXEL: I’m a musician. Currently working on an album. Released my debut single on iTunes a while back. Go check it out. Via my website
AxelJordan.com or on iTunes. Song is titled “Release You”

Click HERE and download a copy of RELEASE YOU for only .99cents from iTunes.

TRC: What three (3) things would you like to accomplish in the next ten (10) years?

 

 

AXEL: In 10 years ….
– Receive many Grammy’s
– Travel the world. Several Times over.
– Start a family. This one will be closer to the 10 year mark though.

TRC: What is something that few people (if any) know about you?

AXEL: I love to go to Live Stand-up Comedy shows. Oh, and I’m a total Sci-Fi geek.

TRC: Would you please tell us what you do to relax?

AXEL: I run. I run a few times a week. Either outside (if its nice out) or indoors, I can just zone out for 6-miles. It clears my head andeverything just makes sense afterwards.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

AXEL: ummmm nope. I think you pretty much covered it all.

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food

– Pizza

Favorite Dessert

– Cake

Favorite TV Show

– Game Of Thrones

Last Movie You Saw

– Frozen. On a plane yesterday.

Dark or Milk Chocolate

– Milk

Secret Celebrity Crush

– Mila Kunis

Last Vacation Destination

– Puerto Rico

TRC: Thank you Axel for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on all of your success and we look forward to many more covers.

AXEL: Thank You! I Look forward to sharing more with ya’ sometime.

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Burn (Breathless #3) by Maya Banks-a review

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Burn (Breathless #3)  by Maya Banks – a review

Burn

Book 3 in the Breathless Trilogy

About the book: Release Date August 6, 2013

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

Ash, Jace, and Gabe: three of the wealthiest, most powerful men in the country. They’re accustomed to getting anything they want. Anything at all. For Ash, it’s the woman who changes everything he’s ever known about dominance and desire…

When it comes to sex, Ash McIntyre has always explored his wilder side—extreme and uncompromising. He demands control. And he prefers women who want it like that. Even the women he’s shared with his best friend, Jace.

But Jace is involved with a woman he has no intention of sharing. And now even Gabe has settled into a relationship with a woman who gives him everything he needs, leaving Ash feeling restless and unfulfilled.

Then Ash meets Josie, who seems immune to his charms and his wealth. Intrigued, he begins a relentless pursuit, determined she won’t be the one who got away. He never imagined the one woman to tell him no would be the only woman who’d ever drive him to the edge of desire.

Review:

Ash has given his best friends and business partners, Jace and Gabe hell over falling in love and settling down. After all, their motto for years has been play hard and live free. And he had no plans in giving up on their mantra. Oh, but fate has different plans for Ash….

Burn begins with a chance, albeit brief, encounter between Ash and Josie in the park. Josie is there sketching and Ash just needed a breath of fresh air. And, what a breath he got. After their initial encounter, Ash becomes obsessed with finding out all that he can about Josie and the man she belongs to. Because when Ash wants something, he stops at nothing to get it.

Josie is a bit of a free spirit. She is an artist and jewelry designer and doesn’t do the regular nine to five. She has broken it off with her boyfriend and has fallen on hard times. Her art isn’t selling and she has to make her rent. Little did she know that her trip to the pawn shop would be life-changing. Once she heads back to the pawn shop to buy back her mother’s jewelry, she discovers that it has been purchased by someone and there is no way to get it back. Until she leaves the shop and runs into Ash, who immediately tells her he’ll give her back her jewelry……..for a price. Dinner. She is apprehensive, but will do anything to get the only thing of her mother’s she has left, and to get to know a bit more about the man before her.

Once they meet for dinner, Ash lays it on the line. He wants her to be his in every way. Josie finds his offer intriguing and knows that she will be his, but asks for a few days to wrap her head around the idea. They part ways, with her telling him she’ll be in touch in a couple of days with her decision. However, when Ash doesn’t hear from her in several days, he sets out to find her. And, what he finds leaves him cold. Seems Josie’s ex wasn’t happy about her dumping him and he physically attacked her. Ash packs her up immediately and takes her to his apartment, where he takes care of her and doesn’t rush her into anything. He gives her that one night, because the next? She will be his.

They embark on their relationship and they are both happier than they could have ever imagined. They fall into a routine that suits them both. Josie’s art is selling and she feels that she can take care of herself, if need be. Even though Ash would never allow it, she has a sense of independence and starts to fall in love with him, and he with her. She’s introduced to his friends, Gabe & Mia, and Jace & Bethany, and loves how close they all are. She can finally imagine a long term relationship with Ash, until she discovers what she thinks is a betrayal that sends her reeling. And, when she confronts Ash and goes back to her old apartment, they are both devastated. Only they had no idea of the events that would play out. An old threat returns and the actions taken against Josie not only threaten her being with Ash, but threaten her very life…..

I liked the first book in this trilogy, Rush. I loved the second book, Fever. I absolutely ADORED Burn! I knew that Ash’s would be my favorite. He is estranged from his family and had made his own way and his own fortune. Something that his family did not like. He was always the laid back, easy going one of the trio. But, I just knew that there was more beneath the surface. God, I love it when I’m right!! Even though he and Josie’s relationship developed quickly, it worked. I loved them together. The “old threat” that returned?? I DID NOT SEE THAT ONE COMING!! And, it affected them all, in one way or another. Of course they closed ranks and took care of business. Some of the best scenes in all three books are the girls’ nights out. Seriously!! The books are worth reading, if only for those scenes alone! They are hysterical and so much fun to read. I have my fingers crossed that Maya Banks will at least do a novella that lets us check in on this trio and their wives to see how things are going. The worst part of this being the third book of the trilogy? It’s over…………. Well done, Maya Banks. Very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie M.

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SUFFOCATE (Breathless) YA by S.R. Johannes

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SUFFOCATE (Breathless Novelette) YA by S.R. Johannes

SUFFOCATE (The Breathless Novelette Series #1) YA by S.R. Johannes

SUFFOCATE is a short story (May 2012 release)  introducing the premise to S.R. Johannes new young adult The Breathless Novelette series.

Eria Stevenson is excited. Today her father, Dr. Duke Stevenson will step out of the artificial eco-system that for centuries everyone on the planet has called home. The promise of another life outside of the Biome will be greatly increased if the suit lives up to the hype and testing that her father and his young assistant Ash have worked so diligently trying to perfect. With the thousands of spectators in attendance, Duke enters into a world of the unknown, only to find himself suddenly in a fight for his life.

Eria is stunned. Everyone around appears oblivious to the horror that is claiming her father. But with sudden clarity Eria knows what was happening to her father is no accident.

Ash has been taken hostage. Blamed for the accident, he has been imprisoned in a holding room, while the soldiers and security hunt for Eria. Escape is not an option when the only safe place is outside the Biome where no human is able to survive. But Ash has one more hurdle, to access the computer data surrounding the EcoSys projects and the bio-suit, only he finds more damning information then he first thought possible. Knowing there was only one remaining suit, Ash and Eria will have to make a decision that could end one of their lives. But what Ash reveals to Eria will make the young woman re-consider everything anyone has ever told her. Has her entire life been a lie?

SUFFOCATE is a great short story. Fast paced, interesting premise and a curve-ball that no one saw coming. I am looking forward to reading the next book in S.R. Johannes’ Breathless series-Eria is in for the ride of her ‘life’.

reviewed by Sandy

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