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Demonborn #2
Mindless
Mindless with desire, tormented by evil…
Quinton Valtrez’s demonic powers tempt him toward the dark side, but he’s learned to channel them for good by working for national security. But a sinister force is stalking the South, one that he senses may be part of his own dark legacy. And he will do anything to destroy it…
Anything but succumb to the seductive reporter out to expose him.
Reporter Annabelle Armstrong is tough, independent and determined to unravel the real story behind Quinton Valtrez. For she suspects he is a cold-blooded assassin working for the government.
But nothing prepares her for the raw hunger his touch evokes – or the fact that he is part demon.
Quinton has never experienced such mindless dark hunger for a woman – but how could Annabelle possibly love a demon?
Then the killer targets Annabelle, and Quinton will risk everything – his life, his heart, even exposure – to save her.
Quinton Valtrez’s demonic powers tempt him toward the dark side, but he’s learned to channel them for good by working for national security. But a sinister force is stalking the South, one that he senses may be part of his own dark legacy. And he will do anything to destroy it…
Anything but succumb to the seductive reporter out to expose him.
Reporter Annabelle Armstrong is tough, independent and determined to unravel the real story behind Quinton Valtrez. For she suspects he is a cold-blooded assassin working for the government.
But nothing prepares her for the raw hunger his touch evokes – or the fact that he is part demon.
Quinton has never experienced such mindless dark hunger for a woman – but how could Annabelle possibly love a demon?
Then the killer targets Annabelle, and Quinton will risk everything – his life, his heart, even exposure – to save her.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 14, 2009
28 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Rita Herron
323 books949 followersUSA Today Bestselling and award-winning author Rita Herron fell in love with books at the ripe age of eight when she read her first Trixie Belden mystery. But she didn’t think real people grew up to be writers, so she became a teacher instead. Now she writes so she doesn’t have to get a real job.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
With over ninety books to her credit, she’s penned romantic suspense, romantic comedy and YA novels, but she especially likes writing dark romantic suspense and crime fiction set in small southern towns.
For more on. Rita and her titles, visit her at www.ritaherron.com. You can also find her on www.Facebook/ritaherron.com and Twitter.com/ritaherron.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
June 11, 2009
Quinton Valtrez is half human, half demon. Raised by monks to harvest and control his chi and his powers, to battle demons, he now works for Homeland Security and is a sniper assassin on the side. He kills bad guys without remorse, and is happy to live the life of a lonely recluse.
In Savannah, Georgia, for All Hallow's Eve - a time of year when the veil between the mortal and the demon worlds is thin - Quinton sees CNN reporter Annabelle Armstrong, who's after the real story about Quinton. When a bomb suddenly explodes and all hell breaks lose, with old-world vultures descending on the scene, they both stop to help people - which is when Annabelle sees Quinton lift a beam off a man without touching it.
Annabelle receives a text message telling her there'll be another bomb in another city; teaming up with Quinton, they go to Charleston where vultures have gathered, and begin tracking down the bomber and whoever is behind the series of attacks. While they hunt, Quinton and Annabelle feel the attraction between them growing - but he wants nothing more than to relieve his lust, and she isn't sure what Quinton is but knows he's dangerous.
As the lord of the Underworld and Quinton's father, Zion, orchestrates events through his Angel of Death, Quinton must fight his dark urges and embrace his powers and his good side, or join Satan's army of evil.
Okay, so I totally burst out laughing, writing that last sentence, but since it's very apt I'll leave it. I don't often give a 1 star rating to a book, and I always feel a bit mean about it, but I can't in good conscience do otherwise. I'm a big fan of paranormal romance, but this is joining Susan Krinard's Chasing Midnight, Brenda Joyce's Dark Seduction and Stephenie Rowe's Date Me Baby, One More Time as worst paranormal romance books I've read to date.
This book is so laden down with clichés it's sinking into bog. From the title to the characters to the prose, every cliché is here, sometimes even contradicting themselves. That's not my biggest complaint, though. Actually all my peeves with this book are tied.
An even worse problem is Herron's extreme case of Dramatic Sentence Syndrome. These are those short sentences that are used to dramatic effect, standing alone as their own paragraph. A few used sparingly can heighten tension and ratchet up the anticipation - and also alert you to the importance of what came before. When, like Herron, you use ten on every page, they not only lose all their effect but drive you INSANE! It was worse than Michelle Sagara in Cast in Shadow.
Dark Hunger was a chore to read, and the only reason I finished it was because I owed a review - when I really wanted to just throw it at the wall. Written better, it could have been good. The sex scenes were decidedly unsexy, being brief, lacking in emotional engagement and were incredibly boring. The characters were often suddenly possessed of knowledge they had no way of knowing, and conversations were disjointed, with characters making leaps of connection and other missing glaringly obvious ones. Quinton is the classic Byronic paranormal romance hero, all big and dark and brooding, who vacillates between "I want Annabelle, I'm so hot for her" to "I must keep my distance or she'll be hurt because of me", often coming to the decision not to seduce her only to turn around and, well, seduce her. With his hairy chest.
This book brought out the snob in me, I admit it. It tested my patience time and time again, and I lost all respect for Herron when I came across "irregardless". Yes, you read right. She also used "umbrage" instead of "homage" - the two have quite different meanings! I also had problems with the assertions about vulture behaviour - they don't bring death, they're just very good at finding it because they're scavengers - and I don't think there's been any case of a serial killer having Asperger's syndrome - I'd think that Asperger's would rule them out from the role, rather than encourage it. Being socially "deficient" doesn't mean they want to hurt people. I can imagine that more than a few people might feel insulted or offended at this as well.
So, a very disappointing book bordering on the ridiculous.
In Savannah, Georgia, for All Hallow's Eve - a time of year when the veil between the mortal and the demon worlds is thin - Quinton sees CNN reporter Annabelle Armstrong, who's after the real story about Quinton. When a bomb suddenly explodes and all hell breaks lose, with old-world vultures descending on the scene, they both stop to help people - which is when Annabelle sees Quinton lift a beam off a man without touching it.
Annabelle receives a text message telling her there'll be another bomb in another city; teaming up with Quinton, they go to Charleston where vultures have gathered, and begin tracking down the bomber and whoever is behind the series of attacks. While they hunt, Quinton and Annabelle feel the attraction between them growing - but he wants nothing more than to relieve his lust, and she isn't sure what Quinton is but knows he's dangerous.
As the lord of the Underworld and Quinton's father, Zion, orchestrates events through his Angel of Death, Quinton must fight his dark urges and embrace his powers and his good side, or join Satan's army of evil.
Okay, so I totally burst out laughing, writing that last sentence, but since it's very apt I'll leave it. I don't often give a 1 star rating to a book, and I always feel a bit mean about it, but I can't in good conscience do otherwise. I'm a big fan of paranormal romance, but this is joining Susan Krinard's Chasing Midnight, Brenda Joyce's Dark Seduction and Stephenie Rowe's Date Me Baby, One More Time as worst paranormal romance books I've read to date.
This book is so laden down with clichés it's sinking into bog. From the title to the characters to the prose, every cliché is here, sometimes even contradicting themselves. That's not my biggest complaint, though. Actually all my peeves with this book are tied.
An even worse problem is Herron's extreme case of Dramatic Sentence Syndrome. These are those short sentences that are used to dramatic effect, standing alone as their own paragraph. A few used sparingly can heighten tension and ratchet up the anticipation - and also alert you to the importance of what came before. When, like Herron, you use ten on every page, they not only lose all their effect but drive you INSANE! It was worse than Michelle Sagara in Cast in Shadow.
Dark Hunger was a chore to read, and the only reason I finished it was because I owed a review - when I really wanted to just throw it at the wall. Written better, it could have been good. The sex scenes were decidedly unsexy, being brief, lacking in emotional engagement and were incredibly boring. The characters were often suddenly possessed of knowledge they had no way of knowing, and conversations were disjointed, with characters making leaps of connection and other missing glaringly obvious ones. Quinton is the classic Byronic paranormal romance hero, all big and dark and brooding, who vacillates between "I want Annabelle, I'm so hot for her" to "I must keep my distance or she'll be hurt because of me", often coming to the decision not to seduce her only to turn around and, well, seduce her. With his hairy chest.
This book brought out the snob in me, I admit it. It tested my patience time and time again, and I lost all respect for Herron when I came across "irregardless". Yes, you read right. She also used "umbrage" instead of "homage" - the two have quite different meanings! I also had problems with the assertions about vulture behaviour - they don't bring death, they're just very good at finding it because they're scavengers - and I don't think there's been any case of a serial killer having Asperger's syndrome - I'd think that Asperger's would rule them out from the role, rather than encourage it. Being socially "deficient" doesn't mean they want to hurt people. I can imagine that more than a few people might feel insulted or offended at this as well.
So, a very disappointing book bordering on the ridiculous.
August 15, 2009
Dark Hunger is the second book in The Demonborn trilogy. I would have to say so far Dark Hunger is much darker and gritty than Insatiable Desire. If I had to categorize this book, I would have to say it is more urban than paranormal. While I instantly fell in love with the prior book and knew that it was the start of a great new series by Rita Herron, I did take pleasure in this latest offering in this series but just not as much as I did Insatiable Desire. Though I do believe Forbidden Passion the last book in this trilogy will be really good.
Quintan Valtrez is a skilled assassin. He is good at what he does but that might have something to do with the fact that he has demonic powers. No one knows about Quintan or so he thought.
CNN television reporter, Annabelle Armstrong will go to great lengths to get the scoop for a top story. It is All Hallows Eve, a night when evil can roam freely amongst humans. While out doing some recon, Quintan senses a pretense near by, when he turns, it is her...Annabelle. Before he can confront her as to why she is following him, a boat full of partygoers is blown up.
Annabelle knows Quintan is hiding something and she aims to find out what it is. Quintan and Annabelle will have to team up if they want to stay alive. The Dark Lord of the underworld wants Quintan by his side to rule, even if it means eliminating Annabelle from the equation.
Quintan Valtrez is a skilled assassin. He is good at what he does but that might have something to do with the fact that he has demonic powers. No one knows about Quintan or so he thought.
CNN television reporter, Annabelle Armstrong will go to great lengths to get the scoop for a top story. It is All Hallows Eve, a night when evil can roam freely amongst humans. While out doing some recon, Quintan senses a pretense near by, when he turns, it is her...Annabelle. Before he can confront her as to why she is following him, a boat full of partygoers is blown up.
Annabelle knows Quintan is hiding something and she aims to find out what it is. Quintan and Annabelle will have to team up if they want to stay alive. The Dark Lord of the underworld wants Quintan by his side to rule, even if it means eliminating Annabelle from the equation.
October 3, 2009
Sequel to Insatiable Desire, half angel/demon brother number two, Quinton, is an assassin for a secret government home security agency allowing Quinton to channel his demon-side's need for death into his sanctioned 'kills'. The heroine is a reporter Annabelle, who has been fed some hints on Quinton's occupation and is looking for a story, but the two come together when an otherworldly killer appears to be behind suicide bombing in three of the most haunted cities in the South.
I liked Dark Hunger and the second demon brother much better than the first brother Vincent and Vincent's story, Quinton even as an assassin was just more likeable for some reason. What I didn't like about the story, and Herron did this in the first book too, was that Quinton has a sexual encounter with two ladies who are not the heroine early in the book. My own quirk but this always puts me off a bit in a story that is supposed to be a romance - I think this type of attempt to up the erotic content dampens some of the potential build-up of sensual tension between the leads.
I bought Dark Hunger used, I didn't really like the first book that much and hadn't planned on buying this one at all, but after reading Dark Hunger I will likely look for the final brother's story, Forbidden Passion, coming March of 2010
I liked Dark Hunger and the second demon brother much better than the first brother Vincent and Vincent's story, Quinton even as an assassin was just more likeable for some reason. What I didn't like about the story, and Herron did this in the first book too, was that Quinton has a sexual encounter with two ladies who are not the heroine early in the book. My own quirk but this always puts me off a bit in a story that is supposed to be a romance - I think this type of attempt to up the erotic content dampens some of the potential build-up of sensual tension between the leads.
I bought Dark Hunger used, I didn't really like the first book that much and hadn't planned on buying this one at all, but after reading Dark Hunger I will likely look for the final brother's story, Forbidden Passion, coming March of 2010
September 24, 2009
Book three comes out April 2010. Even knowing this I started the book, and loved it. You do not need to go in order to understand the book and enjoy it. I am going to go back and read book one though, I loved the series and everyone in it that I want more of them. I can not wait for book three to come out next year.
I loved how this book was a romance, and paranormal suspense all in one book. It kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. Annabelle and Quinton are the perfect couple if you ask me, if you can get past the fact that he has special powers and is a demonborn. I was surprised on how sexual this book was, after reading the description I was looking for just a suspense paranormal, I have to say I was shocked at first at how much raw sex was in this book, but I think that it totally fit into this book and made it even better.
I loved how this book was a romance, and paranormal suspense all in one book. It kept you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what would happen next. Annabelle and Quinton are the perfect couple if you ask me, if you can get past the fact that he has special powers and is a demonborn. I was surprised on how sexual this book was, after reading the description I was looking for just a suspense paranormal, I have to say I was shocked at first at how much raw sex was in this book, but I think that it totally fit into this book and made it even better.
August 15, 2009
I love a good paranormal romance and the latest book to fit that description definitely did not disappoint. DARK HUNGER by Rita Herron was a wonderfully passionate story full of suspense and quite a bit of tasty action. Although this is the second in The Demonborn series, I believe that it could do quite well as a stand-alone novel. Rita Herron is the latest on my list of authors to keep an eye on and I can’t wait for the next The Demonborn to be released.
Quinton Valtrez has been battling his darker side for all of his life. Coming from a past full of pain and suffering with small spots of light and hope thrown in, he learned quickly to detach himself from emotion and feed his dark side without letting it consume him. Quinton is Demonborn, although he doesn’t yet know the specifics of it. He lives his life as a trained assassin, picking off the people at the heart of the chaos and destruction in the world. He has nobody to care for and nobody cares for him. That’s just the way he likes it.
Annabelle Armstrong is a beautiful blonde haired reporter. She has a tendency to catch men’s eye but most recently it’s Quinton eye that spots her. Led by tips from a mysterious person, Annabelle is on a mission to discover exactly who Quinton is. Based on her information, she views Quinton as a murderer and will do anything she can to expose his vicious man. All her plans change, however, when Quinton turns out to be anything but human and his darker side fades to allow her to see a bit of the goodness underneath. Now she’s faced with a choice, expose him and risk his life and hers or follow her heart and her body by giving herself to him.
Not every Romance out there does a great job of integrating the romantic element into a captivating storyline. Herron did just this in DARK HUNGER. Throughout the story we were led on a search to figure out which city the Underworld was targeting next, how to stop them, who these mysterious people are that are popping up in Quinton’s life, and who Quinton will decide to be when the time comes to make a choice. The story was complex with many different aspects to keep the mind occupied while the romance flowed freely throughout. The passionate scenes, when they did happen, were quite steamy. Herron has a wonderful way of creating beautifully written love scenes and yet still encompassing this hot spark between our two main characters throughout other parts of the book. Even something as simple as a glance between Quinton and Annabelle became full of desire.
As I mentioned earlier, DARK HUNGER is the second in The Demonborn series; however, I wouldn’t let this deter you from picking up the book. I always recommend reading a series in order and would recommend that again here, but if for some reason you wanted to jump ahead and just start with DARK HUNGER, I think that Herron’s backstory is suitable to understanding DARK HUNGER without having read Insatiable Desire.
Even a fantastic romance with beautiful scenes and a tension filled plot wouldn’t be terrific if the characters were duds. I’m happy to say that Herron created depth and complexity in Quinton and Annabelle. Both characters have history that we slowly get to discover, complex feelings and emotions that play out in their actions, and of course, an unexplainable hunger for each other. Sometimes we’ll see one great character and the other, either the male or female, doesn’t live up to that complexity. In the case of DARK HUNGER it seems that Herron was fairly equitable with Herron, creating strong characters in both her male and female leads. It’s no secret that more women read Romances than men, but I think in DARK HUNGER, Herron has created a book that can appeal to both sexes.
Fair warning time: This book most definitely has adult themes and adult scenes. I would give this a sensuality rating of 4 and recommend it for adults due to the language and graphic content. Also, some of the scenes might seem a little gruesome. These are few and far between, but they are there. I also wouldn’t say that they are gross, by any means, but on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being some Resident Evil fun, I would put DARK HUNGER at a 3.
DARK HUNGER was an entertaining book that occasionally had my heart pounding in anticipation and other times had my heart pounding as steam fogged up the windows. Seriously, I think steam may have actually come off of the pages. The action was intense; the plot full of tension, and Herron ensured that the characters really came to life. If there are lovers of passionate Paranormal Romance out there, this is the book for you.
Quinton Valtrez has been battling his darker side for all of his life. Coming from a past full of pain and suffering with small spots of light and hope thrown in, he learned quickly to detach himself from emotion and feed his dark side without letting it consume him. Quinton is Demonborn, although he doesn’t yet know the specifics of it. He lives his life as a trained assassin, picking off the people at the heart of the chaos and destruction in the world. He has nobody to care for and nobody cares for him. That’s just the way he likes it.
Annabelle Armstrong is a beautiful blonde haired reporter. She has a tendency to catch men’s eye but most recently it’s Quinton eye that spots her. Led by tips from a mysterious person, Annabelle is on a mission to discover exactly who Quinton is. Based on her information, she views Quinton as a murderer and will do anything she can to expose his vicious man. All her plans change, however, when Quinton turns out to be anything but human and his darker side fades to allow her to see a bit of the goodness underneath. Now she’s faced with a choice, expose him and risk his life and hers or follow her heart and her body by giving herself to him.
Not every Romance out there does a great job of integrating the romantic element into a captivating storyline. Herron did just this in DARK HUNGER. Throughout the story we were led on a search to figure out which city the Underworld was targeting next, how to stop them, who these mysterious people are that are popping up in Quinton’s life, and who Quinton will decide to be when the time comes to make a choice. The story was complex with many different aspects to keep the mind occupied while the romance flowed freely throughout. The passionate scenes, when they did happen, were quite steamy. Herron has a wonderful way of creating beautifully written love scenes and yet still encompassing this hot spark between our two main characters throughout other parts of the book. Even something as simple as a glance between Quinton and Annabelle became full of desire.
As I mentioned earlier, DARK HUNGER is the second in The Demonborn series; however, I wouldn’t let this deter you from picking up the book. I always recommend reading a series in order and would recommend that again here, but if for some reason you wanted to jump ahead and just start with DARK HUNGER, I think that Herron’s backstory is suitable to understanding DARK HUNGER without having read Insatiable Desire.
Even a fantastic romance with beautiful scenes and a tension filled plot wouldn’t be terrific if the characters were duds. I’m happy to say that Herron created depth and complexity in Quinton and Annabelle. Both characters have history that we slowly get to discover, complex feelings and emotions that play out in their actions, and of course, an unexplainable hunger for each other. Sometimes we’ll see one great character and the other, either the male or female, doesn’t live up to that complexity. In the case of DARK HUNGER it seems that Herron was fairly equitable with Herron, creating strong characters in both her male and female leads. It’s no secret that more women read Romances than men, but I think in DARK HUNGER, Herron has created a book that can appeal to both sexes.
Fair warning time: This book most definitely has adult themes and adult scenes. I would give this a sensuality rating of 4 and recommend it for adults due to the language and graphic content. Also, some of the scenes might seem a little gruesome. These are few and far between, but they are there. I also wouldn’t say that they are gross, by any means, but on a scale of 1-5 with 5 being some Resident Evil fun, I would put DARK HUNGER at a 3.
DARK HUNGER was an entertaining book that occasionally had my heart pounding in anticipation and other times had my heart pounding as steam fogged up the windows. Seriously, I think steam may have actually come off of the pages. The action was intense; the plot full of tension, and Herron ensured that the characters really came to life. If there are lovers of passionate Paranormal Romance out there, this is the book for you.
August 21, 2025
When her mother died and her father abandoned her in his grief, the heroine turned her focus and devotion to uncovering the truth. Single minded in her pursuit of a story, she's turned her sights on an assassin and disclosing him to the world.
The hero has lived a life of solitude. Spending his childhood in the company of monks who near tortured him in their pursuit of training him to fight his demons, the hero has grown up believing that he is better off alone. He always had and will always have the dark cravings for sex and violence thanks to his demon father but he's channeled those urgings into a functional life- well function as much as a sex driven assassin can be. He kills bad guys for the government and is pleased with his work. He has a code he lives by and though his life would be considered lonely to other people, to him it is the perfect life. Then he meets her. The strong hungry sexy reporter who seems to be gifted in throwing him off balance and distracting him- two very dangerous things in his profession. The day they meet face to face is the day that a terrorist attack laced with strong demonic presence forces the two to come together in a bid to prevent further attacks. The hero is first ordered to kill the heroine as her persistence in exposing him is dangerous to the organization he works for. But he can't do it. Not just because of his own personal and confusing feelings towards her but because she is not evil. But she must be forced to see reason. Her thirst for the truth is likely to see her killed. But she is driven and worse, she is intelligent and clever, able to keep him on his toes and be a very skilled investigator which is something the hero needs. It seems they are always one step behind this evil force and more people will die if they do not find a way to stop it. The last thing he needs is to catch feelings for this woman. He's already got to deal with the knowledge he has not only 1 but 2 brothers who suffer from the same darkness as he does. He tried to convince himself it's just sex and nothing more but the idea of her hurt or killed because of her association with him is something that disturbs him greatly. And he's willing to sever ties if it means the woman he loves is safe from the dangers that surround him.
This book did not match the fire and passion of the previous book. While the first book had sexual tension and repressed feelings of love, this book, I felt, only held sexual attraction and at best mutual caring and companionship. I didn't much feel love between these two characters. Sexual awareness? Hell yes. The hero was a sex fiend but he's a demon so who can blame him? The heroine however was surprising in her sexual aggressiveness. They also, at times and clearly at the end had a caring relationship and it was obvious that they had developed past just desire and into something deeper. But I never got love. I got friendship. Which i mean, could have worked in a fiction novel NOT a romance. Sadly, I was a bit bored with the overall plot as well. It was a frantic search for answers to prevent more mass killings but it was rather slow in pacing considering and it got repetitive. I also had a problem with the characters. Not so much the hero because he was such a complex mix or good and bad. I enjoyed the play of dark and light in his personality and the fact that he would be both. He was a killer and he enjoyed it but he also used that craving for violence to kill bad guys. He was antisocial and untrusting of everyone around him but at the same time, he was quick to help needy people affected by the attacks even when it risked his exposure. And he cared for the heroine even though he convinced himself he wasn't capable. The heroine was the problem. First off, right off the bat, I HATE reporter characters. I find them obnoxious and oblivious to common sense and reason. The 'thirst' for the truth ALWAYS leads them into making stupid decisions and they arrogantly believe they are entitled to answers. This heroine was no different. She was supposedly so clever yet she openly and aggressively targeted a known killer and didn't think for a second that her life would be in danger because of it. If not for the hero’s moral code, she would have been offed in the first chapter. She was horribly dull as a character too. She didn't have any real substance to her and other than her very open sexual desires, she was very background. Overall, I found this book a bit of a downer which is sad because I so liked the first book. Perhaps this author will redeem herself with the 3rd installment.
The hero has lived a life of solitude. Spending his childhood in the company of monks who near tortured him in their pursuit of training him to fight his demons, the hero has grown up believing that he is better off alone. He always had and will always have the dark cravings for sex and violence thanks to his demon father but he's channeled those urgings into a functional life- well function as much as a sex driven assassin can be. He kills bad guys for the government and is pleased with his work. He has a code he lives by and though his life would be considered lonely to other people, to him it is the perfect life. Then he meets her. The strong hungry sexy reporter who seems to be gifted in throwing him off balance and distracting him- two very dangerous things in his profession. The day they meet face to face is the day that a terrorist attack laced with strong demonic presence forces the two to come together in a bid to prevent further attacks. The hero is first ordered to kill the heroine as her persistence in exposing him is dangerous to the organization he works for. But he can't do it. Not just because of his own personal and confusing feelings towards her but because she is not evil. But she must be forced to see reason. Her thirst for the truth is likely to see her killed. But she is driven and worse, she is intelligent and clever, able to keep him on his toes and be a very skilled investigator which is something the hero needs. It seems they are always one step behind this evil force and more people will die if they do not find a way to stop it. The last thing he needs is to catch feelings for this woman. He's already got to deal with the knowledge he has not only 1 but 2 brothers who suffer from the same darkness as he does. He tried to convince himself it's just sex and nothing more but the idea of her hurt or killed because of her association with him is something that disturbs him greatly. And he's willing to sever ties if it means the woman he loves is safe from the dangers that surround him.
This book did not match the fire and passion of the previous book. While the first book had sexual tension and repressed feelings of love, this book, I felt, only held sexual attraction and at best mutual caring and companionship. I didn't much feel love between these two characters. Sexual awareness? Hell yes. The hero was a sex fiend but he's a demon so who can blame him? The heroine however was surprising in her sexual aggressiveness. They also, at times and clearly at the end had a caring relationship and it was obvious that they had developed past just desire and into something deeper. But I never got love. I got friendship. Which i mean, could have worked in a fiction novel NOT a romance. Sadly, I was a bit bored with the overall plot as well. It was a frantic search for answers to prevent more mass killings but it was rather slow in pacing considering and it got repetitive. I also had a problem with the characters. Not so much the hero because he was such a complex mix or good and bad. I enjoyed the play of dark and light in his personality and the fact that he would be both. He was a killer and he enjoyed it but he also used that craving for violence to kill bad guys. He was antisocial and untrusting of everyone around him but at the same time, he was quick to help needy people affected by the attacks even when it risked his exposure. And he cared for the heroine even though he convinced himself he wasn't capable. The heroine was the problem. First off, right off the bat, I HATE reporter characters. I find them obnoxious and oblivious to common sense and reason. The 'thirst' for the truth ALWAYS leads them into making stupid decisions and they arrogantly believe they are entitled to answers. This heroine was no different. She was supposedly so clever yet she openly and aggressively targeted a known killer and didn't think for a second that her life would be in danger because of it. If not for the hero’s moral code, she would have been offed in the first chapter. She was horribly dull as a character too. She didn't have any real substance to her and other than her very open sexual desires, she was very background. Overall, I found this book a bit of a downer which is sad because I so liked the first book. Perhaps this author will redeem herself with the 3rd installment.
August 22, 2015
Quinten Valtrez a demon born man raised by monks after his mother ridden with heartbreak and pain leaves him at the doorsteps of his protectors. Quinten being body and mind trained by monks served time in the military and is now part of a secret Homeland Security team called the Ghosts. He lives and breathes to take out and eliminate the evil in this world including his own kind, demons. feels no remorse for his kills, he’s dead inside, empty, only the walking shell of a demon born man. His fate is sealed to walk alone in life, he’s dangerous and evil follows him as he knows he is being hunted by his evil father Zion, the leader of the underworld. Then one night he happens upon a woman so alluring he can’t resist meeting her eye, she’s more beautiful than anything he’s ever seen and then it happens. A terrible explosion killing hundreds of innocent people and the start of a chain of events that will thrust him and this woman together.
CNN reporter Annabelle Armstrong is hard on a case, one’s she been working for a while and she now has a name. A killer, a man supposedly working with Homeland Security but she knows he’s more, there is more to this man and she is determined to track him down to find out the truth. Is he the assassin that is responsible for the killings of terrorists or is he more than meets the eye? What she doesn’t count on is the alluring appeal this man has, the powerful sensual draw that will take hold of her own body and mind to the point of seduction and surrender.
Do demons really exist? How about ghosts? Does the dead really roam the earth at night feasting on innocent human prey? These are all questions that have crossed our miniscule minds at one time or another especially if you’re a fan of the paranormal. This book will take you into the world of the unknown, a world where demons do exist, where shape shifters are real, and what about the infamous ‘City of the Dead’ we love and know as New Orleans. Do creepies walk in the night? Does Voodoo exist, is it even possible?
If you love paranormal then this is a must read and you’re going to love it. The author takes you into the world of the unknown, the unseen, well to most of us anyway. I don’t discount anything personally, I’m not saying I’ve seen anything remotely close to demons or ghosts but I do believe wholeheartedly in Heaven and Hell, so is the possibility not real?
This author has written a superb story with good solid characters that will draw you in and immerse you into their world to keep you glued to the pages of this book. The book flows at a great pace, no hang-ups and the editing was exceptional. The question you will ask yourself will be, ‘Is this really fact or fiction’?
I loved it story and would like to read more in this series, I’m really interested in Dante’s story and also Vincent’s story with his clairvoyant wife mate.
Yes, this is an older book with the first publishing in 2009 but hey, a buck and Dollar General and Nathan Kamp on the cover; I just couldn’t resist purchasing this one and giving it a whirl. I’m glad I did, as it proved to be a great read.
CNN reporter Annabelle Armstrong is hard on a case, one’s she been working for a while and she now has a name. A killer, a man supposedly working with Homeland Security but she knows he’s more, there is more to this man and she is determined to track him down to find out the truth. Is he the assassin that is responsible for the killings of terrorists or is he more than meets the eye? What she doesn’t count on is the alluring appeal this man has, the powerful sensual draw that will take hold of her own body and mind to the point of seduction and surrender.
Do demons really exist? How about ghosts? Does the dead really roam the earth at night feasting on innocent human prey? These are all questions that have crossed our miniscule minds at one time or another especially if you’re a fan of the paranormal. This book will take you into the world of the unknown, a world where demons do exist, where shape shifters are real, and what about the infamous ‘City of the Dead’ we love and know as New Orleans. Do creepies walk in the night? Does Voodoo exist, is it even possible?
If you love paranormal then this is a must read and you’re going to love it. The author takes you into the world of the unknown, the unseen, well to most of us anyway. I don’t discount anything personally, I’m not saying I’ve seen anything remotely close to demons or ghosts but I do believe wholeheartedly in Heaven and Hell, so is the possibility not real?
This author has written a superb story with good solid characters that will draw you in and immerse you into their world to keep you glued to the pages of this book. The book flows at a great pace, no hang-ups and the editing was exceptional. The question you will ask yourself will be, ‘Is this really fact or fiction’?
I loved it story and would like to read more in this series, I’m really interested in Dante’s story and also Vincent’s story with his clairvoyant wife mate.
Yes, this is an older book with the first publishing in 2009 but hey, a buck and Dollar General and Nathan Kamp on the cover; I just couldn’t resist purchasing this one and giving it a whirl. I’m glad I did, as it proved to be a great read.
June 9, 2009
Author Rita Herron is an award-winning author of more than thirty suspense, paranormal, and contemporary romance novels including: A Breath Away, The Eye Witness, In a Heartbeat, Last Kiss Goodbye, Say You Love Me, Don’t Say a Word, Marry Me Maddie, Collecting Evidence, Under His Skin, Undercover Avenger, Epiphany, Silent Surrender, Silent Night Sanctuary and Up In Flames. In 2007, she was nominated for two Romantic Times Reviewers Choice Awards, including a Career Achievement Award.
CNN News Reporter Annabelle Armstrong doesn’t believe in the paranormal. She deals in cold, hard truth, black and white- and she’ll do anything to deliver a story. So when she’s sent to track down Quinton Valtrez, a man long suspected of being a coldhearted assassin, the truth is even more shocking than she expected. Quinton has been fighting his demonic powers since childhood. Now working for Homeland Security in a private Ghost Cell, he uses his powers for good. Neither one can afford the overwhelming desire they feel for one another, nor can they afford the distraction. Demons want to draw Quinton into a life a pure evil and are using Annabelle to do it. After investigating a series of attacks, seemingly directed at them, they must work together to achieve the impossible or lose everything.
This book is listed as Book Two in the Demonborn Series, with Insatiable Desire coming before and Book Three’s title and release to be announced. I was especially intrigued by this story because to me, it was a strong romantic suspense with paranormal elements. I found the characters and their actions to be highly believable and relatable. The setting, which takes you through areas of the south such as Savannah, Charlestown and New Orleans, was well crafted and researched. The plot flowed smoothly, drawing you in at every chapter until the end. This is not a series that you need to read Book One before attempting the second. I liked that we were able to get inside not only the heads of the good guys, but the demons as well. I will never look at a vulture the same again, and I fear I learned way more about them than I desired. I can also truly appreciate an author who can fashion in great humor where appropriate. It’s no surprise why Rita Herron has been capturing readers for as long as she has.
Dark Hunger, by Rita Herron, is another winner for her fans and a fine welcome into the paranormal romance genre.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
CNN News Reporter Annabelle Armstrong doesn’t believe in the paranormal. She deals in cold, hard truth, black and white- and she’ll do anything to deliver a story. So when she’s sent to track down Quinton Valtrez, a man long suspected of being a coldhearted assassin, the truth is even more shocking than she expected. Quinton has been fighting his demonic powers since childhood. Now working for Homeland Security in a private Ghost Cell, he uses his powers for good. Neither one can afford the overwhelming desire they feel for one another, nor can they afford the distraction. Demons want to draw Quinton into a life a pure evil and are using Annabelle to do it. After investigating a series of attacks, seemingly directed at them, they must work together to achieve the impossible or lose everything.
This book is listed as Book Two in the Demonborn Series, with Insatiable Desire coming before and Book Three’s title and release to be announced. I was especially intrigued by this story because to me, it was a strong romantic suspense with paranormal elements. I found the characters and their actions to be highly believable and relatable. The setting, which takes you through areas of the south such as Savannah, Charlestown and New Orleans, was well crafted and researched. The plot flowed smoothly, drawing you in at every chapter until the end. This is not a series that you need to read Book One before attempting the second. I liked that we were able to get inside not only the heads of the good guys, but the demons as well. I will never look at a vulture the same again, and I fear I learned way more about them than I desired. I can also truly appreciate an author who can fashion in great humor where appropriate. It’s no surprise why Rita Herron has been capturing readers for as long as she has.
Dark Hunger, by Rita Herron, is another winner for her fans and a fine welcome into the paranormal romance genre.
Kelly Moran,
Author and Reviewer
August 21, 2009
Dark Hunger is the second in Rita Herron’s Demonborn Trilogy. In it we meet Quinton Valtrez. Quinton is not your average man - he’s half human / half demon - and can hear your thoughts. He was orphaned as a child and was raised by monks who helped train him in controlling his powers in order for him to battle the demons that would eventually taunt him into turning evil and returning to the underworld. He presently works for Homeland Security as a deadly assassin, part of an unacknowledged division in the government. He is able to balance his darker needs by killing bad guys - he does this without any remorse and is happy with his life.
Annabelle Armstrong is a reporter for CNN and she has one mission - to expose Quinton Valtrez for the killer that she knows he is. She has received various mysterious tips and they all lead to the same thing - Quinton is a bad guy and a murderer and she will do anything to get the scoop even if it means getting closer to him in order to achieve her goal. But as bombs start going off in Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans - it is up to Quinton to discover who the culprits are behind these evil acts. As Annabelle starts questioning his motives and his humanity - she is put in a position where she’ll have to choose between exposing Vincent or following her heart.
Quinton and Annabelle were both very strong and very likeable characters. I loved how they both did everything in their powers to fight the attraction that they feel for one another but in the end they could not stop the inevitable. Although Quinton is described as a half-demon, for some reason he did not come off as a dark character - on the other hand, I found it endearing that he had such soft spot for Annabelle. As for it being part of a series, I can definitely say that you do not need to read the first book Insatiable Desire (although these characters do have cameo appearances). It was very easy to read and just as easy to understand this demon infested world they were living in. Ms. Herron does a fantastic job in keeping the reader anxious to see just what will happen next. She intertwines all the action with just enough romance to keep you satisfied. I loved the scene with the surveillance camera =P Very sexy!
It was intense, action-packed and full of steamy scenes that will have you turning the pages quicker just to get to those juicy moments. All in all, this is fantastic reading for you paranormal romance lovers.
Annabelle Armstrong is a reporter for CNN and she has one mission - to expose Quinton Valtrez for the killer that she knows he is. She has received various mysterious tips and they all lead to the same thing - Quinton is a bad guy and a murderer and she will do anything to get the scoop even if it means getting closer to him in order to achieve her goal. But as bombs start going off in Savannah, Charleston and New Orleans - it is up to Quinton to discover who the culprits are behind these evil acts. As Annabelle starts questioning his motives and his humanity - she is put in a position where she’ll have to choose between exposing Vincent or following her heart.
Quinton and Annabelle were both very strong and very likeable characters. I loved how they both did everything in their powers to fight the attraction that they feel for one another but in the end they could not stop the inevitable. Although Quinton is described as a half-demon, for some reason he did not come off as a dark character - on the other hand, I found it endearing that he had such soft spot for Annabelle. As for it being part of a series, I can definitely say that you do not need to read the first book Insatiable Desire (although these characters do have cameo appearances). It was very easy to read and just as easy to understand this demon infested world they were living in. Ms. Herron does a fantastic job in keeping the reader anxious to see just what will happen next. She intertwines all the action with just enough romance to keep you satisfied. I loved the scene with the surveillance camera =P Very sexy!
It was intense, action-packed and full of steamy scenes that will have you turning the pages quicker just to get to those juicy moments. All in all, this is fantastic reading for you paranormal romance lovers.
August 14, 2009
Synopsis:
A paranormal thriller and love story, Rita Herron introduces us to reporter Annabelle Armstrong whose current assignment is to uncover the mystery behind the dangerous Quinton Valtrez. Annabelle suspects that Quinton is a killer but must follow him to find proof. The night that they meet, Quinton surprises her. Not only does Annabelle find herself deeply attracted to him, but she watches him save lives during an emergency. Quinton isn't what she'd expected but she has enough sense not to get romantically involved with him. As it becomes apparent that the first emergency was a bomb attack, Annabelle works with Quinton to find the killer before more destruction follows.
Quinton Valtrez is painfully aware of his demon blood. He has been subjected to training and discipline to overcome his dark side since he was a orphaned as a child. Quinton chose a job with a secret government agency that maximizes his skills and innate talents. When Annabelle Armstrong tracks him looking for a story, she becomes a risk to his secrets and his group. Quinton is ordered to kill her. But Quinton rebels and saves her instead.
Throw into this mix, Quinton's father, the demon Zion, who wants his sons to join forces in his play for power. Zion authorizes his minions to take action that will force Quinton and his brothers to accept their heritage.
Review:
As a paranormal romance, Dark Hunger is full of action and suspense. Throughout the novel both Annabelle and Quinton battle their attraction to each other. Quinton doesn't come across as a dark character despite the warnings and his history. It may be that Annabelle softens him or that he hasn't realized his good side. I found Quinton's slow self acceptance to be the most interesting part of the book and look forward to the next book in the series.
Warning: Dark Hunger has a number sexually explicit scenes.
Publisher: Forever (August 1, 2009) 320 pages.
Courtesy of Hatchette Books Group.
A paranormal thriller and love story, Rita Herron introduces us to reporter Annabelle Armstrong whose current assignment is to uncover the mystery behind the dangerous Quinton Valtrez. Annabelle suspects that Quinton is a killer but must follow him to find proof. The night that they meet, Quinton surprises her. Not only does Annabelle find herself deeply attracted to him, but she watches him save lives during an emergency. Quinton isn't what she'd expected but she has enough sense not to get romantically involved with him. As it becomes apparent that the first emergency was a bomb attack, Annabelle works with Quinton to find the killer before more destruction follows.
Quinton Valtrez is painfully aware of his demon blood. He has been subjected to training and discipline to overcome his dark side since he was a orphaned as a child. Quinton chose a job with a secret government agency that maximizes his skills and innate talents. When Annabelle Armstrong tracks him looking for a story, she becomes a risk to his secrets and his group. Quinton is ordered to kill her. But Quinton rebels and saves her instead.
Throw into this mix, Quinton's father, the demon Zion, who wants his sons to join forces in his play for power. Zion authorizes his minions to take action that will force Quinton and his brothers to accept their heritage.
Review:
As a paranormal romance, Dark Hunger is full of action and suspense. Throughout the novel both Annabelle and Quinton battle their attraction to each other. Quinton doesn't come across as a dark character despite the warnings and his history. It may be that Annabelle softens him or that he hasn't realized his good side. I found Quinton's slow self acceptance to be the most interesting part of the book and look forward to the next book in the series.
Warning: Dark Hunger has a number sexually explicit scenes.
Publisher: Forever (August 1, 2009) 320 pages.
Courtesy of Hatchette Books Group.
August 17, 2009
Dark Hunger by Rita Herron is an explosive paranormal romance that will leave you drooling with desire round every turn. A tall, dark and sexy hero that will drive our heroine into a tizzy. See that hunka, hunka on the cover, well that only gives you a little insight into the lip smacking, tongue tingling deliciousness of our hero. Our heroine is in for the fight of her life on all fronts. Desires, passions, cravings, damn them all!
Quinton is a respected team member of our National Security. A man who is half human, half demon with a sex appeal that even the blind could not ignore. He is also an assassin and a damn good one at that. He is as skilled a killer as he is a lover. Damn those bad boys are always the alluring types.
Annabelle our heroine is a reporter who is hell bent on getting the major career breaking story to bring her up in the ranks at her network and have her boss finally start to take her seriously. Receiving mysterious messages she is lead to Quinton and it may just cost her, her life in the process of achieving her goal and exposing the real killer of bad guys.
Will Quinton be able to carry out his orders and kill Annabell before she exposes him and his team? Will Annabell be able to turn in Quinton for that major career change before he can capture her desires and passions? Hmm.......makes for a tasty tale me thinks!
Quinton is a respected team member of our National Security. A man who is half human, half demon with a sex appeal that even the blind could not ignore. He is also an assassin and a damn good one at that. He is as skilled a killer as he is a lover. Damn those bad boys are always the alluring types.
Annabelle our heroine is a reporter who is hell bent on getting the major career breaking story to bring her up in the ranks at her network and have her boss finally start to take her seriously. Receiving mysterious messages she is lead to Quinton and it may just cost her, her life in the process of achieving her goal and exposing the real killer of bad guys.
Will Quinton be able to carry out his orders and kill Annabell before she exposes him and his team? Will Annabell be able to turn in Quinton for that major career change before he can capture her desires and passions? Hmm.......makes for a tasty tale me thinks!
August 23, 2009
Annabelle Armstrong, a reporter for CNN, feels that Quinton Valtrez is hiding something; she feels he is an assassin and plans to prove it. When finally meeting him however, she is very strongly attracted to him. Quinton is a half-breed demon who supresses his dark side in order to live a good life. He uses his gifts to help Homeland Security hunt down paranormal predators. He also finds himself attracted to Annabelle, much to his chagrin. They soon learn of an upcoming attack that they both wish to prevent, so they team up in order to stop it, all the while fighting an irresistable mutual attraction.
This book is basically about the age old fight of good vs. evil, but done in an interesting way. I don’t usually read romantic suspense, but I decided to give this one a shot when it was offered up as a blog tour through Hachette Book Group. The romantic subplot is at the forefront of the novel, superseding the suspense and fantasy portions, which made it much easier for me to enjoy.
This book is basically about the age old fight of good vs. evil, but done in an interesting way. I don’t usually read romantic suspense, but I decided to give this one a shot when it was offered up as a blog tour through Hachette Book Group. The romantic subplot is at the forefront of the novel, superseding the suspense and fantasy portions, which made it much easier for me to enjoy.
May 14, 2012
Really 2.75 Rating,
This review will be brief, since this book has already been thoroughly reviewed already. I didn't enjoy this installment as much as the first book in this trilogy, Insatiable Desire. Although this book was darker and grittier than its predecessor, I found it to be extremely predictable and too conveniently coincidental. I mean, I could see every move coming; it was as if the plot was transparent. I can usually handle very predictable books but there has to at least be an interesting plot to supplement. In spite of my feelings for this particular installment, I simply would like to know how the series ends. Therefore, I have decided not to scrap the series and will be reading the last book in this trilogy Forbidden Passion due out 4/2010; which will focus on Quinton's twin Dante, who supposedly was raised in the underworld.
I also recommend:
Blood Magic: A Novel
If Angels Burn: A Novel of the Darkyn
Witch Heart (Elemental Witches, Book 3)
Must Love Hellhounds
Demon's Kiss (Compact of Sorcerors, Book 1)
This review will be brief, since this book has already been thoroughly reviewed already. I didn't enjoy this installment as much as the first book in this trilogy, Insatiable Desire. Although this book was darker and grittier than its predecessor, I found it to be extremely predictable and too conveniently coincidental. I mean, I could see every move coming; it was as if the plot was transparent. I can usually handle very predictable books but there has to at least be an interesting plot to supplement. In spite of my feelings for this particular installment, I simply would like to know how the series ends. Therefore, I have decided not to scrap the series and will be reading the last book in this trilogy Forbidden Passion due out 4/2010; which will focus on Quinton's twin Dante, who supposedly was raised in the underworld.
I also recommend:
Blood Magic: A Novel
If Angels Burn: A Novel of the Darkyn
Witch Heart (Elemental Witches, Book 3)
Must Love Hellhounds
Demon's Kiss (Compact of Sorcerors, Book 1)
November 11, 2009
Dark Hunger is the second book in a trilogy by Rita Herron, set in a modern-day world with a backdrop of demons pulling the strings. Three brothers are demon-born but redeemable, and each book tells a different sibling’s tale.
Quinton, trained by monks and the army, uses his demonic skills to fight terrorism and save lives. But there’s a dark hunger for violence and death hiding under his cool efficiency. And when reporter, Annabelle Armstrong, gets too close, all hell, or at least, Quinton’s evil father, breaks loose.
There are some really amusing scenes as the protagonists try to deny their attraction to each other. But true love, and physical love, are very determined players in this tale, and both will be needed to keep Quinton from the dark side.
I skipped the odd scene here and there, where the romantic details grew too clinical for me, but that’s my loss. Dark Hunger’s certainly an intriguing tale, and I’m sure Insatiable Desire and Forbidden Passion will be just as good.
Quinton, trained by monks and the army, uses his demonic skills to fight terrorism and save lives. But there’s a dark hunger for violence and death hiding under his cool efficiency. And when reporter, Annabelle Armstrong, gets too close, all hell, or at least, Quinton’s evil father, breaks loose.
There are some really amusing scenes as the protagonists try to deny their attraction to each other. But true love, and physical love, are very determined players in this tale, and both will be needed to keep Quinton from the dark side.
I skipped the odd scene here and there, where the romantic details grew too clinical for me, but that’s my loss. Dark Hunger’s certainly an intriguing tale, and I’m sure Insatiable Desire and Forbidden Passion will be just as good.
August 16, 2009
Quinton isn't human. While he hasn't embraced the demon inside, he hasn't fought it either. When Annabelle, a hot young reporter sets her sights on exposing Quinton, she soon finds herself knowing a little too much about this mysterious man. A fire ignites between them and threatens to explode. Will they both set fire or will they be able to do the smart thing and douse it before it spreads out of control?
If you like hot and spicy, relentless romance, this book is for you. Racy and sexy in the best possible way. I absolutely loved it!
If you like hot and spicy, relentless romance, this book is for you. Racy and sexy in the best possible way. I absolutely loved it!
November 20, 2009
On some levels it's quite predictable, he's a part-demon, she's a reporter, sparks fly when they get together, but he's got issues about his demonic urges and she doesn't know if she can trust him.
It's interesting, I didn't really connect with her but he was quite an interesting character. Very readable though, it kept me up for a while last night.
It's interesting, I didn't really connect with her but he was quite an interesting character. Very readable though, it kept me up for a while last night.
June 12, 2014
Great read, couldn't put it down
Rita Herron writes a great story. Quinton is a ghost for the government by trade but by heritage he is the son of Zion the devil himself He meets Annabelle and together they try to solve the mystery of who's. blowing up buildings in several cities and why dark creatures are trying to take over the earth. intense and well written a great read
Rita Herron writes a great story. Quinton is a ghost for the government by trade but by heritage he is the son of Zion the devil himself He meets Annabelle and together they try to solve the mystery of who's. blowing up buildings in several cities and why dark creatures are trying to take over the earth. intense and well written a great read
Want to read
September 27, 2009Dark Hunger (Demonborn) by Rita Herron (2009)
Want to read
October 18, 2009i read the previous book before this (Insatiable Desire) and can't wait to read this one!!!
January 21, 2010
So far going slowly...normally I'm pulled right in, this one I really have to work at.
January 22, 2014
could have been so much more.
March 11, 2015
Fantastic
Enjoyed the entire book. Can't wait to to read Dante's story.
I love Rita Herron books. So far every book I read was fantastic.
Enjoyed the entire book. Can't wait to to read Dante's story.
I love Rita Herron books. So far every book I read was fantastic.
September 14, 2015
kept me wanting
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