Tag Archives: Vivian Winslow

Wild Poppy (Wildflower #4) by Vivian Winslow-Review

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WILD POPPY (Wildflower #4) by Vivian Winslow-a review

Wild Poppy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca /

The daughter of a renown media mogul, Poppy Koslowski has her life turned upside down overnight when her father is indicted for a massive fraud that leads to the loss of her family’s fortune. In the wake of the scandal, Poppy moves to Paris at the behest of her aunt, the Countess Domel, who, unbeknownst to Poppy, intends to find a wealthy husband for her niece in order to ensure her future. Poppy, however, has her own dreams of finishing school and realizing her goal of becoming an award-winning journalist. When she meets Henri Olin, the passionate and seductive illegitimate son of one of France’s most powerful politicians, his political and social ideology introduces Poppy to a world very different from her own. Yet, Poppy ultimately learns that everything comes at a price, even love. After suffering a devastating loss, Poppy finds herself alone and virtually penniless, and is forced to make her way back to America to piece together the remnants of her life in New York City. There, she rediscovers her passion once again, only to be confronted with yet another life choice, one that will forever shape her destiny.

REVIEW

5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Be still my freaking aching heart VIVIAN WINSLOW! Give a reader a warning next time why don’t you hunny! I was a freaking mess of emotional goo by the end of this book and I have to say you delivered some serious “AHA” moments here. This out of all of the books I have reviewed for you is my absolute FAVE!

Wild Poppy by Vivian Winslow is a contemporary romance and the fourth book in her “Wildflowers” Series. I suppose you do not have to read the previous 3 to appreciate this book, but I will say that you will be missing out on a great experience if you do not. This book is about a character in previous books that is very influential and understanding why she is the way she is was the best part of this book for me. You can totally love the story for what it is, but you will enjoy it so much more understanding the history.

Poppy Koslowski is the daughter of a prominent couple, privileged and her direction is mapped out for her. When her father is arrested her mother and her are left with nothing and Poppy is sent away to Paris to stay with her aunt. She meets and falls in love with a man named Henri who shows her a life she never could have imagined possible. But not all is as it seems and before we know it she is desolate and alone again. Her next step in life takes her across the ocean where she is hoping to put the pieces back together and live her dream of becoming a journalist. She however is afforded an opportunity that can shape the rest of her life and she is left with a question of living for the now or for the future.

Ok so not quite the best synopsis of what this story is about, but I am not ruining any of the story for you an quite frankly I want to review something far different than mapping out how this story happened. I want to review what Vivian so wisely did here. Vivian laid out a “life lesson”, “heart vs security”, “what would you do” kind of story. So much has been thrown at Poppy in her young life. So much hurt and pain, cruel life lessons that one has to wonder how she picks herself up and carries on. How does one believe in dreams and love when one has been beaten down? This book really made me stop and think. Would I want a life of maybe’s and happiness, or of security and a colder existence? After what this strong woman went through I can only imagine how hard of a choice that is. I tell ya Vivian, I sure understand Poppy a whole heck of a lot more in the previous books now.

Poppy is one of the best female characters I have read in a while. She is multi-layered and while naive (that comes with her age), she is developing into a very strong woman. I am really looking forward to the next book and I am really anxious to see what decisions are made next. Excellent story flow with some yummy scenes, and I love that we travelled the world a bit as well.

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Uncovering Camila (Wildflowers #3) by Vivian Winslow-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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Uncovering Camila (Wildflowers #3) by Vivian Winslow-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

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UNCOVERING CAMILA
Wildflowers #3
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: June 27, 2016

Uncovering Camila

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Add to your GOODREADS shelf

Camila Cohen is a highly ambitious and driven third-year NYU law student who works as a part-time bartender to help pay her way through school. She prefers no-strings attached relationships, afraid that anything serious could get in the way of her goals. But when chef Eliseo Perez ditches her for a job in Miami, she realizes even a casual arrangement can leave you feeling burned. Just as Camila’s close to accepting a position at the high-powered law firm of Sullivan & Moore (more appropriately known by its initials, S & M), her uncle Arthur, the head of the Cohen Real Estate dynasty, makes a proposal that compels Camila to question the career path she’d always assumed would be right for her. As she attempts to balance her busy final year of law school with her bartending job, what should have been a random Tinder date for a hot hook-up leads to something unexpected. Meeting the incredibly brilliant and handsome Marshall James forces Camila to face her greatest fears and realize that creating a life for herself means making decisions that could potentially hurt the ones she loves.

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

One thing I really LOVE about being a reviewer here at The Reading Cafe is experiencing authors bloom in their personal art. I have reviewed Vivian Winslow many times now, and I have seen a distinct positive change in her writing style. She has always been a great author to me, but when I pick up one of her books, it’s almost like she has author “tells”. Through these “tells” I can say she has bloomed. It’s not reflective of her story as it is her writing style. Maybe that sounds strange, and I have totally confused you (my mind can be a real confusing place sometimes LOL), it’s just something that hit me as I was enjoying this particular book of hers.

Uncovering Camila by Vivian Winslow is the third book in her “Wildflower” series. You can read this as a stand alone if you choose, but I have to say, one of these “tells” that I am talking about it is Vivian’s way of weaving characters from from previous stories into her current one. She is VERY GOOD at this, and when you feel invested in not just the main characters, but in the secondary characters as well, it gives you a richer experience of the story being told. Uncovering Camila revolves around Camila Cohen and Marshall James.

We experienced Camila getting her heart broken in a previous book, so it’s believable when we discover that Camila has sworn off relationships and wants to concentrate on her law degree and her bartending job. She has been hurt, is guarded, has had to work very hard to get where she because nothing comes easy to her .. quite frankly she is one tough cookie! One tough cookie who is about to have her world rocked by a well intending cousin.

Marshall is smexy, a lawyer, from a wealthy family, strong in ambition but not so much that he is annoying about it. He is also smexy .. I know I said it again, but it’s because he really really is! LOL Marshall is ready for a progressive step in life, and has agreed to a blind date with our Camila. Only problem is .. Camila didn’t realize she was on one until she is well and truely on it! BAHAHAHA Loved that!

Marshall proceeds to friend Camila before loving her (class act right there readers) yet when the loving started, WOWEE! Very “telling” of Vivian’s style as well! Both have issues to sort through and Camila suddenly finds herself questioning her choices and has to face making decisions where someone will be hurt. Including herself.

I loved both Camila and Marshall and I believed in this pairing. It was a mature pairing, and one that was “sweet” before it was “hot”. I can go on about angst in the story, but you can read that for yourself. While it was present, it was the relationship of these two that took front seat for me! My only small negative would be it took a little while for this story to get going. I do assure you though, that when it did, it took off from there.

Another great option to read this summer, but I would go the extra step and read Vivian’s other books first. I promise you will enjoy this one all that much more for it!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T.

Uncovering Camila Teaser

excerpt

 

 

“Soooo, the host,” he says. “Obviously single, no kids . . . .”
Camila shrugs. “Someone new to the school. I’m not in any of his classes, so I don’t know much about him.”
“You’re being weird. You’re always about extraneous details, and now you can’t say the man’s name or look at me.”
“What? I’m making you a cocktail.” Camila forces herself to look at Jared.
He regards her suspiciously. “You’re a terrible liar, my friend. I’ll figure out what you’re hiding.”
It takes all of one second when he sees Marshall walk into the apartment.
“Oh my God, it’s Mr. Gucci,” he whispers into Camila’s ear.
“Shut up. This isn’t the time.”
“Oh, it totally is,” he replies and heads into the adjacent kitchen to introduce himself to Marshall.
“Good evening. I’m Jared. I work with Camila over at L,” he says, hinting he recognizes Marshall from the bar that night.
“It’s great of you to come.” Marshall casually extends a hand.
“Remind me of your drink of choice, and I’ll be sure to keep your glass full tonight.”
“Yeah, that’d be great. You know how to mix a Metropolitan?”
The bartender suppresses a smile. “Funny. Camila really enjoys those too. I’ll be right back.”
“You fucked him didn’t you?” Jared wags a finger at his friend.
“How can you tell? You spoke to him all of two minutes.”
“While you hid in here like a scaredy cat. What happened? Buyer’s remorse? Hard to imagine though.” He turns in the direction of the kitchen and shakes his head. “No way. With that mouth, the way he stands, and his posture. He’s definitely good in the sack.”
Camila makes a face. “I didn’t realize he was my Professor.”
“I thought you said you weren’t in any of his classes.”
“I dropped it on the first day when I saw him. But what’s worse. He’s my faculty advisor for Law Review.”
“That’s classic,” Jared laughs out loud. So loud it gets Marshall’s attention. He spots Camila standing by the bar. “Oh, hey C.,” he begins to say then clears his throat. “Camila, I didn’t realize you were here.”
“I came early to help Jared set up,” she says, finishing her drink in one gulp.
“This is worse than my cousin’s bar mitzvah down in Palm Springs,” Jared groans to Camila when she approaches him for another drink.
“It may kill you to hear this, but this is one of the better networking parties I’ve been to,” she replies.
“That guy in the corner talking to your boyfriend looks like my Uncle Mordy.”
Camila slaps his arm. “Shut up already. And that man happens to be the foremost expert in Trusts and Estates in the country. I think Oprah is his client.”
“Seriously, honey. You do not belong with this crowd. You are so downtown cool, and they’re uptown uptight.”
“For your information, I just spoke with a woman who runs a legal aid office in the Bronx. She said her work was ‘rewarding’. How many people ever say that about their jobs?”
“Most teachers, except middle school ones, and saints.” Jared leans on his elbow. “So fine, not all lawyers are like my Uncle Mordy. But most of them are.” He checks his watch. “Cover for me a minute. I’m going to the bathroom.”
“I thought I was paying Jared to work, not you.” Marshall says.
“He’s taking his Union fifteen,” Camila answers wryly.
“I guess I can’t interfere with that. I would hate to get a letter from a union lawyer.” He holds up his glass. “Would you mind? I think I prefer your Metropolitans to his anyway.”
“I told you it’s because I don’t sweeten it. Besides, I could use something to do.”
“You’re not giving up so quickly, I hope. There are plenty of attorneys I can introduce you to.”
“So this was a plan to get me to consider a different line of work.”
“Not a plan as much as a hope. But I know better than to interfere in your life. You know what you want.”
Camila looks up when she hears that last word. “Up until recently I would’ve agreed with you. But I realized that I’ve been confusing need with want. I need a job. I don’t know if I want the one I thought I did.”
Marshall furrows his brow. “That’s a tough one. You want to talk about it?” He looks around at the party. More people have arrived. Students are always game for free alcohol, as he knew they would be. However, if he could, he’d snap his fingers and make them all disappear so he could be alone with Camila.
“Maybe later,” she says vaguely, pouring his drink into a clean glass.
Marshall drops five dollars into a tip jar. “Later then.”

“I’m glad you came tonight,” Camila says as she stacks the shakers and places them into a small box. “It was nice to have a friend around.”
“Students are terrible tippers, but you know I’d do anything for you,” Jared replies. He hooks a cord around the box of alcohol and stands. “At least I got to check out your secret boyfriend.”
Camila slaps his thigh. “Shh. He is not.”
“Oh please. You and Felicity should start a club. You guys can make a SLAM book and write Felicity + Todd and Camila + Marshall on the cover. This is so junior high with your sad, longing faces.” He presses his cheeks down. “A crush on your professor, and a crush on your boss, I swear I am living in the middle of a young adult drama.”
“Oh come on. You said they’re probably sleeping together. That’s not happening here.”
Jared puts a hand on his hip. “You’re lying to me, and you’re lying to yourself. I can see what’s going on. My vision is 20/10.”
“Enough. You’re being weird.”
“Pot, kettle, honey. I’ve known you for seven years, and I’ve never seen you act this strange.”
“But he’s my professor,” she whispers as the catering staff bustle around her, clearing out the dishes. Most of the party has emptied out with the exception of a few lawyers who seem to be friends of Marshall’s.
“No he isn’t. He teaches at the law school where you happen to be a student. I’m not an idiot. That’s gray area at best, but still within acceptable boundaries. And I should know a thing or two about boundaries because I’m always breaking them.” Jared hands her the container with the shakers. “Walk down with me and wait while I get a cab.”

 

About the Author

Vivian WinslowElizabeth Ann Hayes writes Romance under the pen name Vivian Winslow. Elizabeth was born in San Diego, California but has spent most of her adult life as the consummate wanderer. Her nomadic life took her abroad to Paris, Madrid, London, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, and São Paulo. After eleven moves across four continents over a span of seventeen years, her journey brought her back to New York City in 2011 where, despite the chaotic pace, she’s managed to make it home for herself and her family.

Since 2014, Elizabeth has published nine novellas in her Gilded Flower Trilogies as well as two installments of Wildflowers, a New Adult series of standalone novels. These contemporary romance books are female-driven with strong, beautiful and intelligent women as well as diverse characters, reflecting her own multi-cultural heritage.

Social Links:

Website: http://www.vivianwinslow.com
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/vivianwinslowauthor
Twitter – https://twitter.com/VivWinslow
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/VivWinslow/
Amazon page – http://amzn.to/1p4dE3N
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/u/0/+VivianWinslow760/posts
Instagram – https://instagram.com/vivwinslow
Tumblr – http://vivwinslow.tumblr.com
Medium – https://medium.com/search?q=vivian%20winslow
Spotify – https://play.spotify.com/user/vivwinslow

Spotify playlist for Uncovering Camila
https://open.spotify.com/user/vivwinslow/playlist/6Aeao0ntFKPcoAvqQfV5jR

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Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers #2) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

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Forbidden Rose (Wildflowers #2) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

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Forbidden Rose
Wildflowers #2
by Vivian Winslow
Release Date: February 29, 2016
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Forbidden Rose

99¢ ebook:   Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk /

Rosa Cruz, the fiery and ultra-sexy heiress of the Mama Linda Latin foods empire, is determined to create something on her own and not rely solely on her family’s name and legacy. For her new upscale restaurant in the trendy Wynwood neighborhood of Miami, she enlists the help of her childhood friend, the hot, young Cuban-American chef, Eliseo Perez, who’s already made a name for himself on the New York culinary scene. Despite Rosa’s reservations about a forbidden workplace romance with her new employee, not to mention longtime friend, the chemistry between them is undeniable. When the cooking starts, things quickly heat up in the kitchen and the bedroom. But with Eliseo’s troubled past coming back to haunt him, can Rosa and Eliseo hold onto love and keep the restaurant from going up in flames?

REVIEW

4.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

OOHH nothing like a good book that brings some Cuban heat inside the kitchen, bedroom and ultimately life. Forbidden Rose by Vivian Winslow, is the second book in her Wild Flowers series (this is also a spin off of two other series she has written .. be sure to check them out as well) and focuses on Rosa Cruz and Eliseo Perez. I remember meeting Rosa in previous books, as she is the sister of the Cruz brothers who had parts in the previous series, and I have to say she is a character that you won’t forget.

Rosa is from a wealthy Cuban family that thinks because she is the youngest, a woman and taken care of, all she needs to do in her life is marry, make babies and bask in her privilege. HA! Rosa is the furthest thing from all that. She is so smart, independent, has a mind for business, beautiful, and ultimately the whole gosh darn spitfire package. She is going to open her restaurant, live and embrace her life the way she wants to, and all without using her family name.

Eliseo is a hot passionate chef that Rosa decides to hire in her restaurant. He is also a childhood friend, a chef that creates some serious amazing food, is sexy as all that, and has one massive secret past that can hurt him badly. He also can’t seem to fight this pull that he has to his boss and before we know it, sparks are flying and heat ignites into fire!

I am not going to get into the details of the plot as you will have to read the book to appreciate that yourself, but I will discuss the characters. Vivian is known to write some angst filled in depth characters. In this book, while yes, there was angst, I just really felt the power of a determined couple. These two complimented each other perfectly. I LOVE that Rosa decided to walk a path all on her own and without having to use her families name and money. There is a sense of respectability in that. I usually fall head over heals for a smexy book boyfriend, but this book introduced me to a new book lady crush. Rosa really made this book as far as I am concerned!

My only complaint was that it was a little dry in the beginning, but in saying that, when it took off, I felt bad for anyone who dared to interrupt my reading time! LOL I suppose you do not HAVE to read the other books in this series, but if you don’t, you do miss out on some back story and a few really great books to read! I strongly recommend this book to all but especially to readers who have a taste for Cuban characters with lots of heat! WINK!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Click HERE for Rachel’s review of BLOSSOMING FLOWER -book one in Vivian’s WILDFLOWERS series.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T

excerpt

Lily clears her throat again. “So, you want to tell me what you have going on with your new chef?”
Rosa can hardly mask her surprise. “Who told you?”
“Your face,” Lily chuckles into her glass. “You look like some lovesick schoolgirl when you look in that direction.”
Rosa shakes her head and in a low voice says, “You are sworn to secrecy.”
Lily makes an X over her heart. “Absolutely.”
“I’m in love.” Rosa immediately purses her lips, hoping to swallow up the words that just fell out of her mouth.
Her sister-in-law hugs her. “I’m so thrilled for you. You deserve to find someone who makes you happy.”
“Yeah, except it won’t work.”
“Why not?”
“He works for me.”
“And? If you’re really in love, there has to be more a deal breaker than that,” Lily insists.
“It’s just . . . it’s complicated. In any case, it’s over.”
Lily snaps her fingers. “1, 2, 3. Like that?”
Rosa nods.
“I don’t believe you. If you really love him, then you have to find a way to make it work. Like I did with your brother.”
“But you two didn’t have so much baggage or family drama.”
Lily tilts her head at Rosa, as if to say, “Look at who you’re talking to.” Between a double-crossing Brazilian ex-lover who nearly ruined their wedding, and an interfering mother, she’d brought plenty of baggage to the relationship.
“But you made it work.”
“Real relationships based on real love always require work. There’s no getting around it.”
“Yeah, but . . . .”
“You’re finding excuses, Rosa, because you’re scared. I turned down your brother at first because I was scared. Consider your life, not as a series of moments, but in a larger context. If you can see yourself with him, experiencing something profoundly satisfying in the long term, I’d say it’s worth the risk. Whatever problems you have in the moment will always resolve themselves in time.”
Rosa leans against the stone pillar, taking a real cocktail off the tray of a passing waiter. She knows Lily’s right. But how to make it work without compromising the restaurant? That’s the question she can’t answer.
Lily kisses her sister-in-law’s cheek. “Unfortunately, I have to go talk to that couple over there.” She nods in the direction of an older gentleman and woman looking admiringly at the sculpture. “Just remember what I said. And keep in mind, a man who could do what he did to your neck may be worth keeping in your life.”
She winks as she walks away. Alejandro separates himself from a conversation as soon as he notices his wife heading toward him. Rosa can’t help but smile at the gesture. That’s commitment.
“If I remember correctly we met somewhere around here,” Juan says approaching Rosa. In his hands are two freshly made doughnuts. The idea that he may break his daily calorie intake by eating one of them makes her grin.
Rosa looks out toward the water and nods. “I think you’re right.” She takes one of the doughnuts out of his hands and takes a bite. The scent and taste of the pastry reminds her of the morning she spent with Eliseo. What she wouldn’t give to relive that time. Maybe when he asks, “Are we?” She’d respond with, “No, we’re not finished.”
“You have a bit of . . . ,” Juan runs a finger over her lip to gather a bit of the guava jelly. He licks his finger.
It’s like a scene from a predictable romantic comedy. The hot leading man standing with a gorgeous woman, who doesn’t realize just how beautiful she is to him, reminiscing over their first flirtation over a warm doughnut. Of course a kiss is expected to follow, maybe a laugh at the memory of how that night was the first of many nights together that led to them falling in love without realizing it—your typical romance trope. It’s all fantasy, Rosa realizes. A very beautiful one, but a fantasy nevertheless.

About the Author

Vivian WinslowVivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job and her incurable wanderlust. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years.

New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of fashion, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her eating at the newest restaurant in her beloved Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.

Website: http://www.vivianwinslow.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8183361.Vivian_Winslow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivianwinslowauthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VivWinslow
Blog: http://www.vivianwinslow.com/blog

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Blossoming Flower (Wildflowers #1) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

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Blossoming Flower (Wildflowers #1) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Book Tour

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BLOSSOMING FLOWER
Wildflowers #1
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult,contemporary, erotic, romance
Release Date: October 19, 2015

Blossoming Flower

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

In the wake of the collapse of her father’s business empire, Flor, the gorgeous twenty-one year-old daughter of disgraced former Brazillionaire Gustavo de Lima, is forced to forge her own path in life. Flor decides that none of it—the private jets, the vacation homes and the luxury cars—were real. Or at least they really didn’t matter. The only thing that’s real for Flor is her love of horses and her desire to go to veterinary school. Heading into her final year of college, Flor seeks out the help of an unlikely benefactor to secure a summer internship working with horses. Arriving at the secluded Belo Horizonte ranch, Flor is awed not only by the majestic beauty of the place, but also by handsome cowboy and skilled horse trainer, Collin Taylor. Yet nothing is quite as it appears on the surface. When the hidden past is revealed, will love end up blossoming for Flor?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Blossoming Flower by Vivian Winslow is the first book in her Wildflowers series which is a spin off of her Gilded Flower series. A wonderful contemporary romance with more mystery and lies that blends in with the previous series beautifully. Bringing back a character that one loves to hate, Vivian allows us to to become reacquainted with familiar characters and story lines while introducing us to a whole other branch of the story.

Flor is the daughter of Gustavo de Lima (he is the man we love to hate and hate to love from the previous series). Trying to hide from the scandal that is unfolding by her fathers incarceration and ruin, Flor is determined to move on with her life without all the privileges money enabled her to have. After seeing Poppy (remember Lily and Dahlia’s bad mommy?? LOL), Flor decides to spend her summer on a ranch where she knows she’ll feel more free with the horses she connects to so easily.

Collin Taylor is one moody dude. Having been brought up on this ranch and having quite the past himself, he does all he can to fight off his attraction to this Brazilian beauty that has come to the ranch. When he realizes that there is more to Flor than meets the eye he decides a friendship is possible. Having secrets of his own, Collin finds it way to bask in Flor’s company and before we know it the inevitable happens.

With secrets, mystery and betrayal blanketing the entire ranch, Flor comes to realize that not all is as it seems. Is the love that Collin and Flor share enough to allow then to ponder a future, or will her name de Lima once again make her run for the hills?

Another solid book by Vivian Winslow. A little slow at times, but her love scenes certainly make up for any of that. The chemistry between Flor and Collin was HOT and so believable and I absolutely loved all the secondary characters. I enjoyed meeting Gustavo and Poppy once again and I dare say that I am not thinking this story is done just quite yet. I would recommend reading The Gilded Flower series first as it’ll add to your understanding of where Flor comes from and how she became to be the person she is. I do suppose you could read this as a stand alone but you would miss out on so much if you did!

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel

Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/user/vivwinslow/playlist/3Spgf47w10a8MLDvzZQoKs

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Guest Post beige

The 5 books my HEROINE loves best and why …

Flor is a lover of classic literature, and her love of books is peppered in throughout the story (probably because I’m such a booklover as well).

1. Daisy Miller by Henry James – Flor loves the story of the naïve Daisy’s adventures in Europe. She can relate to the young woman’s desire for fun and freedom while ignoring the societal rules she’s expected to follow.

2. Nana by Emile Zola – Flor studied French Literature at her Swiss boarding school. Sex and prostitution in 19th century Paris fascinated Flor, who grew up sheltered by her parents.

3. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens – Flor is no stranger to life’s ups and downs, much like Pip, the main character. The humor, passion and humility with which he learns to navigate his world serves as an escape to Flor as she attempts to ignore her own family issues.

4. The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood – Flor defines herself as a feminist. This dystopian tale was an awakening for Flor who found it offered a new perspective on the double standard of living in a male-dominated world, such as living in Brazil.

5. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez – Beautifully written story of the Buendía family over several generations. It made Flor aware of how history tends to repeat itself and question how and when she may be subject to her own family’s destiny of misfortune.

About The Author beige

Vivian WinslowVivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job and her incurable wanderlust. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years.

New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of fashion, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her eating at the newest restaurant in her beloved Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.

Website: http://www.vivianwinslow.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8183361.Vivian_Winslow
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vivianwinslowauthor?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VivWinslow
Blog: http://www.vivianwinslow.com/blog

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The Violet Trilogy by Vivian Winslow- Book Tour and Promotion

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The Violet Trilogy by Vivian Winslow-Book Tour and Promotion

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THE VIOLET TRILOGY
by Vivian Winslow
Release Date:May 20, 2015
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

The Violet Trilogy

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date May 20, 2015

Appearing in The Lily and Dahlia Trilogies of Vivian Winslow’s incredibly steamy Gilded Flower Series, Violet Rai, or Vi, is Lily and Dahlia Baron’s sharp-witted BFF, who is always up for a party and a hot guy. But, in The Dahlia Trilogy, there are hints that Vi’s world is quickly coming apart.

Wild Violet (Book 1): In this flashback story, Vi, the strikingly beautiful daughter of an Indian business magnate and English supermodel, is enjoying a privileged lifestyle in New York City while a college student at NYU. Yet, in her senior year, Vi learns that her strict and traditional father intends to force upon her an arranged marriage and a career working for his conglomerate in Dubai. When Vi is paired with sexy Spaniard, Andrés Costas, in her ballet class, not only does she find herself falling for him, but he introduces her to a shockingly different world—one that offers her the prospect of escaping her father’s plans, but at a price.

Hidden Violet (Book 2): With her hidden past about to be exposed, Vi turns to her longtime friend and confidant, Thomas Squires, for help. Yet, they may just risk exposing their feelings for each other in the process. When Lily’s engagement to Alejandro is threatened by ex-lover Gustavo, Vi is forced to come clean with her best friend and possibly destroy the lives of those she loves. Now that her secrets are no longer hidden, Vi faces the most difficult challenge yet—how to build a new life for herself outside of the shadows.

True Violet (Book 3): Things are heating up for Vi in Dubai, and it’s not just the desert climate. Vi is starting to come into her own—having the hottest sex of her life and poised to take over her father’s multinational conglomerate. Yet, her suspicions are confirmed when she uncovers a plot to destroy not just her but her best friends’ lives. With an unlikely ally, Vi seeks to ruin those behind the plot. Will Vi be able to have it all and find her lasting happiness in the arms of the man she loves?

* Each trilogy of The Gilded Flower Series may be read independently, though the background from the earlier trilogies may be helpful to the reader. The Lily Trilogy is the first in the series, followed by The Dahlia Trilogy and then The Violet Trilogy. The entire Gilded Flower Series is now available.

••••••••••••••••••

 

 

 

Other Books in the Gilded Flowers Series:

The Lily Trilogy

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1GPSEkU
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1H1VqZQ
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1AG0Jqh
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Ppy7Is
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1Re3BoM
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1EhXSUY

 

The Dahlia Trilogy

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1Qo0wRG
Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1KMOnmd
Amazon CA: http://amzn.to/1Ihzjih
B&N: http://bit.ly/1Ppy7bp
Kobo: http://bit.ly/1AG1b7P
GooglePlay: http://bit.ly/1JR4HVg

excerpt

 

 

Sweat drips down Vi’s chest as they finish the barre work. Despite every window being open, there’s no respite from the heat for the dancers who pack in the two adjoining studios. Even in the summer, the class is full of people trying to keep up their skills for possible auditions, with the exception of Vi who does it because it’s one of the only times she’s able to feel happy and free. She takes in the mix of people as she gulps down her water—men and women, mostly in their twenties, although some teenagers who look like they could be ten years-old, the majority of them beautiful, and all of them with absolutely gorgeous dancer bodies. She tosses her water back into her bag and takes her place in front of the mirror.
“Today, half of you go there,” the instructor says in a thick French accent, making a slicing motion with his arm to divide the class and pointing to the other space. The dancers move obediently. Monsieur Renard appears to be about sixty-five and has perfectly coiffed silver hair that goes well with his perfect posture. Despite being dressed in pants and a collared shirt, he doesn’t have a drop of sweat on him. “The rest of you will be paired off. Pas de deux.”
Vi searches the room for a partner. This isn’t what she signed up for today. She likes M. Renard’s class because he demands perfection and complete control from his dancers. Every position, hip movement and alignment always has to be just right. It forces her to focus, to allow her thoughts and self-doubt to melt away and for those ninety minutes to just be. But it’s too late to leave. She doesn’t back down from a challenge.
“Mademoiselle Rai,” M. Renard points to her. “Why are you not with someone? Or is your partner invisible?” He chuckles and turns to talk to the pianist.
She smiles back and with her hands on her hips says, “Seems no one finds me worthy to be his partner. Perhaps you would like to be my partner, Monsieur Renard.”
He smiles and laughs, revealing yellow teeth stained from cigarettes and coffee. “Mademoiselle Rai, if I were younger, I would have you for a partner and you would not forget that experience.” He approaches her and says, eyeing her up and down, “Malheureusement, my youth is gone and the women along with it.” Not taking his eyes off Vi, he reaches out toward the right with his arm and snaps his fingers. “Monsieur Costas. Dance with Mademoiselle Rai. You are both beautiful. You will fit well together.”
Pointing to the girl who was originally paired with him, M. Renard instructs her, “You go dance with the others.”
Vi glances over at her new partner gliding toward her, ignoring the dirty look from the female dancer.
As soon as he reaches her, he places his hands on her waist and says, “You’re the lucky one who gets to dance with me today.”
She chuckles as she moves her feet and arms into fifth position. “The same can be said of you, Monsieur Costas.”


 

 

About The Author

Vivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job and her incurable wanderlust. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years.
New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of fashion, the arts and especially food. If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her eating at the newest restaurant in her beloved Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach.

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Black Dahlia (Gilded Flower #5) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Blog Tour

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Black Dahlia (Gilded Flower #5) by Vivian Winslow-Review and Blog Tour

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Black Dahlia
Gilded Flower #5
by Vivian Winslow
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic
Release Date: November 13, 2014

Black Dahlia

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

Add to your GOODREADS shelf.

Click HERE for read Rachel’s review of BLUE DAHLIA by Vivian Winslow

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 13, 2014

BLACK DAHLIA IS THE SECOND INSTALLMENT OF THE DAHLIA TRILOGY OF THE GILDED FLOWER SERIES.

Grieving from a tragic loss, a deeply depressed Dahlia retreats with her sister Lily and best friend Vi to a sun-soaked Indonesian paradise to heal. There, she meets soulful surfer Kai, who’s seeking to escape from the demons of his own past. Can the spiritual and physical connection between them put back together the pieces of Dahlia’s shattered heart?

••••••••••••

REVIEW: 4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

WOW … Miss Vivian .. where did that come from and how am I suppose to write a review without giving away all the best parts? LOL

Well this is going to be a quick review. Out of respect to Vivian Winslow I am just going to comment on a few things.

Black Dahlia is the fifth book in Vivian Winslow’s Gilded Flower series. This has been a different series in the sense that come the fourth book it branches off with a different heroine but still has the other characters from the first three books. I would recommend you absolutely read the fourth book before this one, but if you are going to do that, then snag the first three too and get a back story.

This book was by far her best one of the series. Right from the beginning you are snagged with the “WOW Factor”. This novel had remnants of her first novel of this series where self discovery, healing and personal reflection really shine through. The sexy scenes certainly are sexy and the bitchy … bitchy! LOL This is another short read (less than 100 pages) and again for so little pages there is so much story. Still a little choppy and rushed, I have to say that though, it didn’t take away from this story all that much.

I’m so sorry … I have literally given you nothing about the storyline … it’s on purpose. 😉

HAPPY READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T

Q&A

1. If you were a dessert, what would you be?

Oooh. Definitely something salty and sweet. There’s a dessert at Big Gay Ice Cream down on the Lower East Side called the Salty Pimp. It’s a soft serve vanilla cone with drops of Dulce de Leche and covered in chocolate. I love anything you eat with your tongue.

2. What 3 things are essential in your bedroom for a sexy/romantic night in?

Music is a must. I change it up quite a bit depending on my mood. Also, the right man (I’m married so that’s a given : )). And, depending on our mood, a toy, prop or just us. Sorry, that’s 2-2 ½ things. Oh, I guess sleeping children. There’s nothing romantic going on when they’re awake.

3. What do you like about writing erotic romance?

I like that I can take my characters to the edge of and beyond their limits. I also get to define what those limits are. The beauty of digital publishing is that there are no set parameters for a particular genre. So it’s been a lot of fun incorporating various elements from other genres (women’s fiction, suspense, etc.) and creating really hot sex scenes to go with them. It’s pure freedom, which for a writer is extremely difficult to find and balance.

4. If you could sleep with any of your characters who would it be?

Ahem. No disrespect to the hot man in my life or to those I write about. I’ve had sex with them all (in my head, except for my husband), and the one I think I’d come back to time and again is Alejandro. He’s a true alpha. Not overly dominating in the way that readers have come to expect because of books like 50 Shades. Rather, he’s confident and secure in his masculinity and is completely self-possessed. To me, that’s what makes a true alpha male. They’re not necessarily assholes or dominants. I think those qualities can often confuse what makes a man a sexy alpha versus a crazy, stalker with low self-esteem masked as an alpha. Oh, and it doesn’t hurt that when I picture him, I see William Levy. So hot.
And confession. Gustavo is a close second. Just once though. I’d have to get it out of my system. Lol.

5. Spanking, yes or no.

Abso-fuckin’lutely. Caveat. Can’t be overdone or done every time. Then it’s just abuse, which is so not hot.

6. Do you like to be tied up. If so, why and with what?

Same answer as above. I have an adventurous spirit, and I’m usually game for anything. Whatever is around can work, like a t-shirt. I’m usually a fly-by-the seat-of- her-pants kind of person so sometimes you have to just work with what you have.

7. What do you use for inspiration for your love scenes?

Personal experiences aside, I have quite an imagination. : ) I’ve been writing love scenes since I was a young girl. If I’m feeling a need for a kick-start, I’ll listen to sexy music, which varies depending on the scene, if it’s animalistic or sensual. I might also read a scene from a sexy book. It doesn’t hurt to look at some hot guys on the Internet. But that’s a last resort. It’s important to connect with the character and figure out what kind of lover he is, for example, rough, gentle, confident, or dominating, and then go from there. While the books are centered on the female characters, their sexual experiences are defined just as much by the men they are with as it is by them. It’s a mutual scene, so it does take two to make it work.

8. Which character has surprised you the most and why?

Gustavo, without a doubt. He’s played so many roles in my mind throughout The Gilded Flower series. I never conceived him to be a villain. Originally, I wanted him to be an open and intense lover for Lily, one who would challenge her and force her to grow and face her fears. As the series progressed, he kept appearing, and thus his role had to change. I secretly hoped he would be her HEA until mid-way through Calla Lily when I realized that wasn’t going to happen. So then he needed to assume a new role. As the series continues, his story deepens and becomes more nefarious. I love it, and I appreciate how his character is so malleable like that. Makes him even more appealing. Amoral characters don’t lose their sex appeal (most of the time).
A close second is Dahlia. I expected a lot out of her, but now that I’ve written the end of her Trilogy, I just want to hug her for how far her character has come.

About The Author Black and White

Vivian WinslowVivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years. New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of shopping, the arts and especially food.

If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her indulging in pizza on the Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach. .

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

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Blue Dahlia by Vivian Winslow-Review and Blog Tour

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Blue Dahlia (Gilded Flower #4) by Vivian Winslow-Review And Blog Tour

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Title: Blue Dahlia
Author: Vivian Winslow
Genre: Erotic Romance
Release Date: October 16, 2014

Blue Dahlia

ONLY .99¢ : Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/

About The book: Release Date October 16, 2014

New York socialite Dahlia Baron is falling for her Latin lover, Rodrigo Cruz, the scion of the Mama Linda Latin foods empire, and hopes to take the relationship to the next level. But there’s a dark secret that she must deal with first in order to truly give her heart to him. When Dahlia visits the man from her past, will the undercurrents of her emotions let her go to Rodrigo or will they pull her back to the one person who stands between them?

Blue Dahlia is the first book in the second trilogy of Vivian Winslow’s Gilded Flower series, featuring Lily Baron’s free-spirited twin sister, Dahlia.

REVIEW:

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Blue Dahlia by Vivian Winslow is the fourth short read of her Gilded Flower series but this time the series changes focus from socialite Lily Baron to her sister Dahlia. Have to say, while Dahlia didn’t start off as such a great character in this series, she has completely won me over through out and this book in particular, you come to really appreciate her depths.

Dahlia Baron is in love. Wanting to start her life with her Latin hunny Rodrigo in Miami, Dahlia promises to join him as soon as she takes care of a few urgent matters. Little does Rodrigo know that her urgent matter consists of a failed marriage and a devastating loss. Wanting an official divorce, Dahlia heads out to California to face her husband Shane. After many years of separation and secrets, Dahlia is taken a back when old wounds are not so old and a once suppressed love bubbles to the surface. Shane is still the man she loves, yet he seems older and wiser and unwilling to give her up easy.

This is a quick indulgent read (less than 100 pages) and it’s jammed packed full of hot sizzle, sincere loving moments and a feeling of being torn in two by two wonderful men. You sense Dahlia blooming before your eyes (excuse the pun .. I couldn’t resist … LOL) There is an abruptness in the writing and a hurry feeling through the story. I would of liked to be teased a little more but I will say for such a short story, Vivian really did a great job writing “so much story”. I am left with wanting more and excited to see where Dahlia goes next.

I have a feeling the bottom is about to drop out once again ……

HAPPY READING!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Rachel T. 

 

Excerpt

 

 

Dahlia leads Rodrigo up a wide flight of stairs and through a small photography exhibition with a sleepy guard standing by the entryway. They cross the empty room to an unmarked door. She produces a key card and swipes it.
“How?” Rodrigo begins to ask.
She replies with a wink and closes the door behind them. “This is where they keep the pieces waiting to be sent to the storage facility,” Dahlia whispers as they walk past rows of cloth covered paintings and wooden crates. As they reach the end of the corridor, Dahlia pulls Rodrigo into the last row.
Without hesitating, he draws her mouth to his, their kiss all-consuming. His hot tongue finds hers and takes the kiss so deep it sends electricity through her body. He always knows what she needs in the moment. Today, she wants all of him. She needs his reassurance.
He cups her face with his hands and gently tugs on her lower lip with his teeth. The desire in his eyes leaves her core throbbing for him. She moans as she feels his generous erection press up against her.
Rodrigo’s hand moves under her skirt, grabbing and kneading her ass before hitching her leg around his waist. Without missing a beat, she leans back against the wall to allow him better access to her snatch.
He smiles seductively, licking his bottom lip as his hand goes exploring, palming her clit. He presses his lips hard against hers, and she relishes in the heady feeling his kisses give her. Her hips begin to move to the rhythm of his fingers, as he glides them in and out of her wet, hot love tunnel.
Dahlia gasps as he begins to move faster. “I want you inside me,” she whispers, her breathing strained by the excitement of the moment. She can’t get enough of him. “Love me now.”
Dahlia playfully bites and licks his neck as she runs her hands through his thick dark hair. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else, baby.”
Rodrigo brusquely lifts her by her ass, and she wraps her legs around him. He moans as he sinks his hard cock into her.
He moves slowly at first, enjoying the tightness of her cunt. Dahlia closes her eyes as he plunges deeper into her core. She likes that he takes it slow with her, his fullness becoming all that she can feel, overwhelming her senses.

 

About The author

Vivian WinslowVivian Winslow was born and raised in Southern California. Before becoming a writer, she made a career out of moving around the world every couple of years thanks to her husband’s job. She currently lives in New York City with her husband and two elementary school age children, and is grateful to finally have a place to call home for more than two years. New York is the perfect city to indulge her love of shopping, the arts and especially food.

If she’s not at home writing or running around the city with her kids, you’ll most likely find her indulging in pizza on the Lower East Side or having a cocktail at her favorite bar in Alphabet City. That said, she’s still a California girl at heart and would gladly trade in her heels for a pair of flip-flops to catch a sunset on the beach. .

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads   

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Tiger Lily (Gilded Flower #3) by Vivian Winslow-a review

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Tiger Lily (Gilded Flower #3) by Vivian Winslow-a review

Tiger Lily

ebook .99¢ -> Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

About the book: Release Date July 20,2014

Weary from battling a hostile takeover attempt of her family’s company, Lily seeks a distraction in Todd, an erstwhile bartender with a large trust fund and magical tongue. Meanwhile, a connection seems to be developing between Lily and Alejandro, a wealthy and gorgeous Cuban-American, whose brother, Rodrigo, is dating Lily’s twin sister, Dahlia. When Alejandro unexpectedly rebuffs Lily one night, she is deeply dismayed. But, after seeing Alejandro’s picture with a gorgeous Latina model in the gossip pages, Lily thinks it wasn’t just a misunderstanding. When the sisters and brothers reunite in Aspen for a ski weekend, will Lily’s heart remain frozen or will the fire between her and Alejandro rekindle and melt away the ice?

••••••••••••••••••

3.5 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Tiger Lily by Vivian Winslow is the last book of her trilogy that follows Lily Baron’s road to self discovery. I tell you, Lily really bloomed with strength and purpose in this final short story. Starting out as a socialite and having her every move dictated by her status in society, it was really great to experience her full circle to maturity and self worth.

We were left with a big revelation in the last book, and Lily has to address which path she is going to take despite this revelation. Her family’s company is draining her while she assumes the acting CEO position, and selling this company has become a real option. Gustavo (her older lover that she feels betrayed her) is still pursuing her and will not take no for an answer so it is up to Lily to make her position clear regardless of the strong attraction and magnetic pull she feels towards him. Todd, her ever reliable bed buddy is always on call for those extra stressful days (man can those two fire up the sheets .. or should I say cool them off .. pass the mint ice cream please … LOL). It is however, her sisters boyfriend brother who is calling to her heart. Alejandro rouses something in Lily that isn’t based on lies, or one night stands and I tell you this man is the real deal. He is sweet and sensitive and a total keeper and Lily is quite hurt when her advances are first rejected. It is however, all laid out when a ski trip reunites our couple and the magic is flowing.

This is another quick read and a tidy ending for Lily Baron. I love that Vivian Winslow leaves us with anticipation for other characters in this story .. namely Lily’s sister Dahlia. I did find this story rushed and a little abrupt chapter to chapter. I prefer a more natural flow, but in saying that it was very easy to follow the story and fall in love with some of the characters. Vivian is quite talented at writing some steamy scenes as well .. my toes may have curled a time or two!

HAPPY READING!

Reading Order
Gilded Lily
Calla Lily
Tiger Lily

Reviewed by Rachel T

Copy supplied by the author

about the author

vivian winslowFollow: Goodreads / Facebook

Having spent most of the last two decades abroad, Vivian Winslow currently resides in New York City with her husband and two grade school-aged children. Her stories are heavily influenced by her ex-pat experiences. The Gilded Flower Series is her first foray into erotic romance.

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