Unsuitable Men

Commitment #2

by Nia Forrester

Beautiful, accomplished and a little uptight, Tracy Emerson thinks she has it all figured out, particularly when it comes to the kind of man she wants to end up with. And she knows for sure that Brendan Cole is not The One. First of all, he works in the music business, with rappers no less! His lifestyle is wholly unsuitable for a long-term partner, and not at all compatible with hers. But she can't help that she's incredibly attracted to him and also can't overlook that he's always treated her better than any man ever has. So what would be the harm in spending time with him until someone more appropriate comes along? But soon Brendan's spirit and spontaneity break down Tracy's walls and have her questioning whether her criteria for the perfect man might not be all screwed up. Then, to make matters worse, as secrets and lies from her past begin to unravel, Tracy wonders whether she might not also be a little screwed up, and not at all the kind of woman Brendan would want in his future . . .

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, African American, Contemporary Romance, Amazon, Friends To Lovers

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 15, 2012

About the author

I live in Philadelphia, PA where by day I work on public policy reform, and by night I read authors who move me, and write woman-centered fiction.

Reviews

[Michelle [Helen Geek] · Rating 4 out of 5]

06/10/2015 -- Re-read

I'll tell you again, I'm reading this series again. I'm enjoying it so much .. all over again!

I don't change my original ratings, but if I did, I'd go the full 5 Stars here rather than 4.5 Stars. Why? The characters.

Brendan and Tracy are good together. I think Brendan is the type of person that he'd be okay in any situation. Tracy though, she is a unique brand of crazy. She is crazy beautiful. She is crazy smart. She is crazy talented. She is just plain crazy. She is that person you'd like to hate, but when you get to know her, if you are lucky enough to get to know her, you'll quickly see that nothing about her is easy. She hasn't had an easy time of it and has learned to cope in her own way. So, you understand her. May not like her all the time, but that's okay.

The talent of a writer to give you a character like this and bring you full circle like she does is really amazing. You could so easily lose patience with the whole thing, but you don't because Nia Forrester won't let you go. Just crazy talent.

So, yeah, 5 Stars.

Happy Reading!

===================================
03/02/2013 --

Overall Rating = 4.5 Stars
Book Cover / Book Blurb = 2 / 4 = 3 Stars
Writer’s Voice = 4.5 Stars
Character Development = 5 Stars
Story Appreciation = 4 Stars
Worth the Chili = 5 Stars [A freebie for me, but $2.99 Amazon – not available B&N]

I have a new favorite author! What a pleasant surprise. I really enjoyed every aspect of this book. This is a story about people figuring shit out. Pretty simple, but the author does it in a way that just pulls you in.

A few things that really worked for me:
1 -- The characters were real. Brendan is the loveable, successful guy we all know. He has it all and he is just so nice, we love him anyway. On cloud nine and is at a point in life where he is searching for someone to settle down with. Someone to share things with. Not permanent, permanent, but permanent right now. Tracy is that beautiful needy person. Not Brendan's first pick, but someone he can't resist. She never seems to be happy and is somewhat self-destructive. She is that girl, because she is so beautiful, we just don't sympathize much with. Maybe we should... Watching these two work it out is the crux of this whole story. Very tempestuous and heartwarming. I wanted them to be happy and have all life's wonderful things.

2 -- One of life's most difficult lessons is one we struggle to learn ... we really don't pick who we love. This story paints this beautifully. These two have struggles trying to be to each other what they "think" the other needs. Eventually, they figure out, what they are really trying to do is make this person into an ideal. Another lesson, you can't make someone love you the way you envision love. They need to figure this out for themselves and then, you need to figure out if you can be okay with it. The author handles this beautifully. She makes me feel these people and their struggle. I never once imagined they could ever be happy with anyone else.

3 -- The backdrop is the music industry. Young, rapping, sparkles and spangles, bright lights, big city, the whole thing. It doesn't play a huge part in the story, but just enough to give you some insight. Interesting for me. So not my world.

4 -- I got it as a freebie on Amazon!!

There were only a few minor things interfering with complete perfection:
1 -- Minor editing issues. Very minor, but noticeable.

2 -- I lost patience, many times, with Tracy. I'm pretty sure this was supposed to happen based on this character, but she wore me out. A little less of this, I think I could have handled just fine.

3 -- The cover is a bit puzzling. Not sure it does much for the book, at all. Also, this is the second in a series. No mention of a first book when you buy, or decide to read. I'm going to go back and read the first one now, but just need to know, this is a second. And, the characters from the first are woven throughout this book. It really is a series.

I really liked this story. I'm not the target demographic, so my enjoyment is that much more important. This is a story about a black, early thirties couple in an industry pretty foreign to me. I'm none of those things, and enjoyed this story tremendously. I'm planning to DEVOUR this writer's complete back-list.

I just finished a novella finishing up Brendan and Tracy . I'll review in a minute. Just as lovely as this one. Not a fluke. This writer has talent. Love when I find little treasures like these.

Ms. Forrester, if you ever need beta readers, or need ARC reviews?? Pick me! Pick ME!!! Just sayin'!

You will not be disappointed in this book if you give it a real chance. I enjoyed it from the very first paragraph.

Happy Reading!

[Delaney Diamond · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, my. I’ve found another author to love. I’m so lucky! Thanks to my Kindle, I’m finding all these amazing writers. I can only think of one word to describe this book: Wow.

In this novel, we have an intimate portrayal of the relationship between Brendan and Tracy. Initially friends, they have a one-night stand and end up not taking it any further. This was basically Tracy’s fault. Fast forward to when the story starts, and Brendan’s dating and the ugly green monster of jealousy raises in Tracy’s head.

Forrester does a good job of establishing the voice of each character, even though written in third person. Even without the cues, I knew when it was Tracy's POV vs. Brendan's. I felt like I got to know each character very well, too—not only by their thoughts, but their actions, too.

Brendan was…perfect. Even near the end when he had difficulty dealing with Tracy’s past, I understood. He was a nice guy—the kind of man you hope you meet and fall in love with. But he also had a harder side, which I enjoyed reading about, too. There’s something sexy about a possessive man—someone who’s “all in” with his feelings. He talked dirty during sex and didn’t like the idea of anyone hurting his woman. He wanted to protect Tracy and was willing to physically hurt anyone who dared harm her.

Tracy was…interesting. She was certainly damaged, and it made me sympathetic toward her. She was beautiful and successful, but filled with a deep hurt from her childhood. Still, sometimes I just wanted to strangle her for pushing Brendan away and testing his love when it was so unnecessary. She obviously needed him, loved him, and depended on him. He made her feel secure and special, and yet she constantly tried to mess it up. SMH. I don’t know how he put up with her except to say he really loved her. Love is patient, love is kind and all that.

But again, I understood. It’s hard to reverse years of self-destructive behavior in a short time. She had to learn to love herself and free herself to love Brendan.

Tracy’s best friend, Riley, gave her some good advice: “Brendan’s not the guy you use to figure your sh*t out. Brendan’s the guy you hope you get once you have figured your sh*t out.” Bam! (Translation: Don’t let this good man get away!)

I desperately wanted these two to work out. This book has an HFN ending, which while it had them together, wasn’t good enough for me, so I created my own HEA ending in my head. Now I need to go back and read the story of how Riley and Shawn met and fell in love. They were too cute.

I highly recommend this book for romance lovers. You won’t be disappointed.

[Bookish.Midnight. and. black · Rating 2 out of 5]

toxic relationship
she is afraid of being rejected so she rejects and when he moves one she is jealous and wants him back

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Another solid book in the 'Commitment' series, although not the best in the series IMO. This is the story of Tracy and Brendan. For much of the book I found it hard to like Tracy, even though I knew her issues stemmed from a difficult childhood. But her low self-esteem and her poor decision-making frustrated me. But as the book developed and more was revealed about Tracy's past, I warmed to her and felt more sympathetic. Plus, I respected that she was actively trying to deal with her issues instead of pushing them away all the time. And she is Riley's best friend (from Commitment) so that also made me feel there must be something more to Tracy. Cos Riley really has her head screwed on right.

Brendan is just gorgeous. What a great guy. Hot, intelligent, a real mover and shaker in the music world. Formerly Shawn's manager (from Commitment) and now his business partner. He is just so patient and understanding with Tracy. And they really love each other.

There are a few twists and turns to the story before Tracy and Brendan finally decide they will really do this and be together in a relationship. The book ends on a sweet HFN. Luckily the sequel, Maybe Never is already available so I can get straight into it. I already knew there were further issues they had to deal with before their final HEA, because I've read some of the later books in the series already.

So, this one was enjoyable, but as I said earlier, not the best one of the series.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's amazing how Nia Forrester can create such realistic characters. In this story I could relate to all of them and their emotions and feelings. I felt like I knew them personally.

At first, I liked Tracy then I felt sorry for her because of her past, then she just made plain sick of her the way she toyed back and forth with Brendan. I don't know how Brendan put up with her and fell in love with someone who kept him on emotional rollercoaster ride that always landed him on the floor. Tracy exhausted me so much that I don't even wanna read the sequel. She never could be in or out she always rode the middle line with Brendan, and she was such a hypocrite.

This story was well written with a cast of colorful and well developed characters but this was not my favorite by Nia. It just didn't have enough excitement for me. At times, it seem to drag. Overall I enjoyed it and loved Brendan and Shawn and Riley but Tracy..didn't like her at all.

I would still recommend this one to Nia Forrester fans.

[Lisette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Shocking twist!!!

I don't know where to begin! First let me say, Nia Forrester is a magician with her pen(or keys). This book started off with Tracy being a completely over the top self righteous person to me. She seemed very much high brow and all were peasants beneath her and I did not like her! Now Bemdan on the other hand...he was an absolute doll to me. Kind, patient, loving, funny and accepting. But by the end of the story the ROLES REVERSED!!! I was taken by surprise at how much Tracy grew on me and how Brendan disappointed me. The story is so well written and actually beautiful except for the way it ended. But that is my own feelings. I definitely think this is a story that anyone who reads it will thoroughly enjoy, but those same people will probably have different perspectives about the characters AND the resolution of their confict.

[Deloris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracey had an idea of what an unsuitable man was and she thought it was Brendan, but did she ever consider herself an unsuitable woman is the question. This book is a love story Tracey falls in love with Brendan in this book and who could blame her ,with him she experiences love for the first time in her life from a man. The most important lesson in love is love of self she learns that too. Brendan has wanted Tracey from the first time he saw her and when given a chance he tried his best to make her his when he found out her secrete he had to decide if it was something he could live with. My only complaint about this book is that it ended when I felt there was still more to tell.

[Byron Washington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the first book in this series was much longer, allowing a more in depth storyline and a full unveiling of the main characters, I enjoyed this book, much, much more.

I went through something like Brendan dealt with and I responded in much the same way. Thirty three years later I truly know, the heart wants what the heart wants.

More than worth the cost!!👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥

[reneeNaDaCherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy fights her attraction to Brendan. Yes, they had a one time slip but she continues to be in denial of her feelings. Brendan clearly finds her alluring and out waits her indecision to be with him. Who will end up in a full bloom romance next?

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes follow ups, and reading the stories of characters you were introduced to in previous books do not live up to expectations, but this one certainly delivered tenfold. If you read Commitment you know there was an underlying sexual chemistry between Brendan and Tracy, but the flames that these two blazed on the pages was pure 5 alarm. There were quite a few shockers about Tracy's past. But when everything was broken down, I could see exactly why she behaved the way she did sometimes. Brendan's behavior was much more shocking to me. The way he just walked away from certain situations was quite surprising, but he redeemed himself in the end. Ultimately I loved this book, and wished there were more friends to read about in this group because I am thoroughly enjoying Nia Forrester's work. If her next book is anything like its predecessors she is sure to have another hit on her hands.

[Srg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great story by Ms. Forrester. I call Tracey a beautiful mess! Isn't that what it's like sometimes for the people that are deemed the most beautiful by societal standards? Oh what we find when we look beneath the surface. I loved her take on this. You will enjoy the story between Brendan and Tracey. It's not a typical love story. They have a unique story to tell and Ms. Forrester tells it well. I've read all three of her books and from what I surmise, she is telling each one from different angles. We get to know Brendan and how he feels but not as deeply as we got to know Shawn. I feel like with Ms.Forrester everything is done with purpose so there was probably good reasoning for that. The fun part as a reader is thinking about the characters and why they played the role that they did. Good writing-deep writing-encourages that.
As a fan of the series, I hope Chris S. gets a story. He was a background character in both books but his presence is so powerful, passionate, and dominate. Happy reading! You will enjoy this book!

[D.lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is what I'm talking about. I loved Brendan and Tracey story. It was the perfect length and it had me craving more.

Yeah Tracey got on my nerve with her issues, however I could relate. I could feel her inter-spirit fight against the guard around her heart. Mommie Dearest(Tracey's mother) was a bitter hot mess. Her life was a product of her own making. I'll just say be careful what you ask for, because it is really not what you think. Brendan worked my last nerve too. After all it took for him and Tracy to get together and he wants to trip of stuff that happened before they met....Dude get over yourself with that foolishness.

It was also great catching up with Shawn,Riley and lil Cullen. This was a great story, which left me wanting more, just the way I like it. Bravo....I definitely recommend it.

[Natasha Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this book not really caring too much for Tracy. She is the type of character that I would normally hate and not even like the book. The author did a good job of making me dislike and like Tracy. I couldn't hate her even though she was a hypocrite. She did things I didn't like but Brendan would just tell her to stop trippin. It made me do the same and not get too upset with Tracy. At first I couldn't understand Tracy men problems. I guess I had to think of high school days with peer pressure, rumors, and reputations. Once you start you get used to it and can't stop. The only time Brent made me mad was not being honest with Meghan. I could understand him trying to decide if he could handle Tracy's past. I knew I finally liked Tracy when she talked about getting over the past and not needing to be reminded by him. I could see her growth.

[Shonnie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated the heroine more than the wimpy hero

I chose this rating because I absolutely hated the heroine. There was no way for her to redeem herself. Once she gave her backstory I felt no sympathy and didn't wish to hear anything else about the self-absorbed queen. How much can you read I'm prettier than everyone. And....how in the world does the hero fall in love. He was also a turn off because he was emotionally abused but yet he stayed and still wanted to pursue this ice queen.

When she slept with the stranger she met at the bar I got pissed at the wimpy hero for coming to her aid (because she felt dirty). She knew what she was doing when she let that man come to her house (that she just met). Sorry no sympathy and wish I wouldn't have read this book because it has turned me off the author.

[Angelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second novel by Ms.Forrester that I have had the pleasure of reading. This is a GREAT follow-up to her novel Commitments.
Bringing the same HEAT and PASSION to the pages as her first novel, Tracy and Brendan went through many ups and downs before finally realizing that they were indeed “together” regardless of what their minds told them when it was the heart that truly mattered.

There were several times where I couldn’t believe some of the turns their relationship took before they got it together, those where the times I wanted to shake Tracy and slap Brendan, so you know when a book brings out those types of emotions in you it was DEFINTELY a page-turner…..Keep up the GREAT work Ms. Forrester looking forward to reading more from you.

[Books Rock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy, the heroine, was so hilarious (read: stuck up, a little cold) in the other book Commitment, that I didn't expect much depth from her. So it was good to peel back and see beyond her designer duds, slightly snotty attitude, and well put together exterior and get to know her a little more.

Oh, and it was so good to see how things have progressed for Shawn and Riley. Wow. Shawn has really, really, settled down and I'm so happy for them. They've found their groove as a couple. Riley was always living up to her potential, and now Shawn is, in every way - as a business man, a husband, a father, and a friend. Really cool.

[Synithia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. At first I didn’t like Tracey. As the story unfolded and I got to know her character I connected with her. It didn’t take me any time to connect with Brendan. His character was realistic and thought in the same way I would expect real men to think. Their issues could have been resolved early in the book with one good conversation, but the author did a good job of showing their internal struggle with admitting how they felt. Therefore, I wasn’t annoyed that they couldn’t resolve their issues. Although the ending wasn’t completely resolved, I didn’t feel cheated. I felt they found their place and could easily imagine them together for a long time.

[Sophie Sealy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great follow-up to "Commitment". I thought Riley and Shawn's story can not be outdone but it was. I absolutely love Tracy and Brendan's story. As a couple I thought they were perfectly matched. Tracy's issues are issues of many women and Brendan's response was one of a few men. Going through self-loathing, self doubt and at times worthlessness can render a woman weak but to encounter a man as strong as Brendan as he learns to deal, cope and accept her as she is makes this story that much more endearing. This story made me cry, laugh, pine, hope and cry some more. This book will be become the one that recommend the most. Ms Forrester has easily become one of my top five favorite authors.

[Ana T · Rating 4 out of 5]

A real novel [real books\ˈnä-vəl\ : Fictional prose narrative of considerable length and some complexity that deals imaginatively with human experience through a connected sequence of events involving a group of persons in a specific setting], not just some chick lit. It portrays the tumultuous relationship between Tracy and Brendan. She's beautiful, independent, hard-ass full of herself, or maybe not so much. He's strong, independent, a charmer, forever playboy who comes to realize that just maybe settling down is not really settling nor down...

[Andrea Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

In true Nia Forrester form, this is a story of forgiveness of self first before you can entertain the idea of moving forward. A sordid present is always explained by a sordid past. Ms. Forrester's ability to execute continuity and realistic storied lives without being contrived and sappy is a rarity which keeps me on amazon searching for the next release. Pick this one up if you want to be driven through every human emotion and still plea for more. Tracy and Brenden's story will not disappoint.

[Mrs. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Suitable Relationship

I knew that at some point Brendan and Tracy would come to realize and accept that the two of them were meant to be. The reasoning behind Tracy's bad girl persona was not what I expected. Shawn and Riley's appearances helped to bolster the story. The drama with the relationship, and then the not a relationship was too funny. Overall I liked the HEA ending..

[Nasiruddin Al-Mahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love love loved this couple and their story!!

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I loved it more this time around. Brendan and Tracy were such a special couple.

[Teresa Mcmillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Journey

Brendan and Tracy finally decide to throw caution to the wind and start spending time together without putting a label on their relationship. I’m enjoying this series.

[Jessica Terry · Rating 3 out of 5]

NOPE.

So...my rating or thoughts hereafter have nothing to do with the writing itself. Ms. Forrester's writing is dope. This was all about the story.

Honestly, I was ticked off and annoyed for probably 60% of this book. I did not like Tracy even a little bit. She was stuck-up, spoiled, childish, and petty. And strangely, I felt little to no sympathy for her even after her issues were revealed, which is unlike me; I'm usually the first to show empathy. I think by then, I was just over her.
While I loved Brendan in the previous book, he got on my nerves to no end in this one. He'd SAY he wasn't fooling with Tracy, then go running as soon as she called. She'd throw one of her juvenile tantrums, and even if he checked her, in the next minute he was doing stuff like giving her a key to his place. There was no accountability for her bratty behavior; him getting annoyed or even mad at her for a few minutes was nothing, because in the end he usually ended up giving her what she wanted regardless of how wrong she was, and fed into her entitled-because-I'm-beautiful behavior. The smug smiles she'd give afterwards were telling. He let her get away with way too much, in my opinion, and I found it anything but endearing. Usually I root for couples to stick together through their issues and not run at the first hiccup, but not in this case. I really wanted him to leave her alone.

In 'Commitment' Riley and Shawn were FAR from perfect, and they were maddening, but their story was easier to swallow in part because there were actual consequences when one of them messed up, which made it more realistic. They didn't just fuss for a second then be over it. Some of my favorite moments in this one weren't the romance, but stuff like Riley checking Tracy for her behavior, or the moments with Shawn and his new son. They weren't even the main characters but I enjoyed their parts more than those of the ones that were.

This was one of the rare instances where I did NOT want the couple to end up together, especially after how Brendan treated Meghan (and how he still dealt with Tracy after how Tracy treated Meghan). Maybe because I've been in Meghan's position far too many times myself to ride for Brendan after that, especially when he had practically no remorse for it. I was ticked off to the point where I just started skimming in the latter parts just to be done with it.

If the next book is about them (as I've seen it mentioned it was), I doubt I'll read it. I'm just turned off on this couple. I'll certainly be reading plenty of other books by Ms. Forrester, though.

[~♥*Marianna*♥~]

I just can’t get into Tracy. I know she’s supposed to have an epiphany at some point but that moment is not here yet and I have to just suffer through her mindset. She fucked Brandon, treated him like shit afterward and when he put up boundaries and stopped flirting with her she has the gal to feel upset! Angry! That he’s not panting after her!

She consistently competes with women, thinks insulting things about his current girl and does shit like remind him about that one night they spent together and then goes to leaves to sleep with another man in front of him. The TOXICITY. It’s too much.

She wants the true love that her best friend has but she has this woe is me attitude about it and ranks men into unsuitable and suitable categories completely superficially.

She is impossible. She has the balls to invite a stranger over for sex, try to kick him out and is SHOCKED and TERRIFIED when he acts like the asshole he is and assaults her(mildly). She’s so scared of that little bit of disrespect that she got but is somehow supposed to be this one night stand girl? Those two just don’t go together. If you’re sleeping with strangers you expect to get shit on. You prepare yourself. You have contingency plans. And you don’t just fucking crumble into a trembling chihuahua when you’re confronted with a man’s nastiness. You better fucking stand up for yourself or at least be able to call an asshole an asshole and brush it off as not concerning you. But no.. she just runs into Brandon’s arms and feels upset that he might not want her to stay too long.

He doesn’t say that. She imagines this. She’s an insecure mess in a bombshell package. This isn’t fun. Someday I might stick through it to her revelation but I’m not here for it today.

Stalled: 31%

[Gen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh, I just didn't like Tracy, which makes the fact that book 3 is about her and Brendan a daunting thought.

If you're someone who can deal with a wishy washy lead character who DOES have a reason for why she acts this way, but even though she makes six figures, lives in NYC so should be able to find a black female therapist to help her work out her issues she doesn't. That is frustrating as hell to me.

If you can deal with the above you will love this. For me, it's frustrating to see people who have significant issues that causes problems in their personal relationships (friend group AND romantic) and we get a supposed HEA without the issue truly being addressed. That is not realistic. Especially since we only got the mention of therapy in the last 8% of the book.

Also, with all their problems, this relationship seems to be a whole lot of sex and very little genuine communication between the two.

Maybe it will be some more working through the BS in book 3.

[Tisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Ugh! I just knew I was going to be swayed over to Tracy. Having met her in the Robyn and Chris stories, I knew she was a handful and had a slick mouth.

While I still dislike her. I understand her more.

Her reaction to Meghan was annoying and so petty. And I love that Brendan held her accountable for her actions. His ability to check her respectfully, makes me love them together.

Now if only he would’ve handled Kelvin. Because sir had too much disdain for also being a willing participant with a “slut”. I hate men like him.

This was a really good story. Once again, Nia addresses the things in a way that these people become real and their world and drama is easy to get lost in. What a gifted writer!

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a class by herself! Nia Forresters' stories are unlike any other author I've encountered. She gives it to you straight with no chasers, hearts and flowers be damned! And that's what I love most about everything I've read from her. Flawed characters, real life issues, while owning up and facing problems is just the tip of the iceberg in what you will find in any of her reads. And I have to say it's quite refreshing that the road to HEA isn't as smooth as some make it out to be. Real obstacles and stumbling blocks aren't just swept under the rug either. Loving everything I've read thus far!!

[Chelley Rene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nia Forrester has a really good way of making the most realistic characters. These feel like people I know. It was so many points I wanted to knock Brendan and Tracy head together like please just get it together. This man was down bad and she was so oblivious but also down bad. I do think they solved a lot of issues with sex and not actually conversations but knowing her history they really need to go to therapy together and separately. . i also loved seeing Riley and Shawn again and seeing how happy they still are