Marine veteran Jake Wolfe only wants to build a winery and plant a vineyard overlooking the seashore. But his peace is shatteed wlhen he finds a treasure map revealing the secret location of a sunken ship full of gold doubloons. An outlaw motorcycle club wants the riches for themselves and will kill anyone who stands in their way.
Jake goes on a hunt to find and safeguard the historic ship and fortune, while running the biker gang out of town before it's too late. When someone reminds Jake that he's only one Marine veteran against an entire gang of hardened criminals, he says that simply makes it a target-rich environment.
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Mark Nolan is the author of the Jake Wolfe thriller series.
Book 1: Dead Lawyers Don't Lie Book 2: Vigilante Assassin Book 3, Killer Lawyer Book 4: San Diego Dead Book 5: Deadly Weapon Book 6: Key West Dead Book 7: Mission Target Book 8: Sea of Death Book 9: Lethal Fortune And: an FBI thriller titled, The Girl Who Escaped.
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There’s something irresistible about diving back into a world where danger lurks around every corner and justice depends on one man and his extraordinary dog. This latest instalment delivers that familiar rush. The tension builds from the start, tightening with every chapter, and the stakes feel higher than ever. It’s the kind of story that keeps your pulse up and your lights on a little later than planned.
Jake Wolfe is once again thrown into a situation that should have been simple — a quiet life, a new project, a chance to breathe — but trouble has a way of finding him. And when it does, he doesn’t hesitate. That’s what makes him such a compelling character: a former Marine with a sharp mind, a stubborn streak, and a moral compass that refuses to bend. He’s the kind of hero you trust to walk straight into danger because you know he’ll find a way through it.
And then there’s Cody — clever, loyal, and downright magical in the way he reads a room, a threat, or a heartbeat. He’s not just a sidekick; he’s a force of nature. Every scene with him adds an extra spark of intelligence and instinct that elevates the entire story. Together, Jake and Cody form a team that’s as formidable as it is heartwarming.
The blurb hints at a treasure map, a sunken ship, and a ruthless motorcycle gang hungry for gold, but that barely scratches the surface of the suspense waiting inside these pages. Secrets, danger, and high‑octane confrontations unfold with the precision of an author who knows exactly how to keep readers hooked. The tension is palpable, the twists sharp, and the pacing relentless in the best possible way.
The suspense is relentless, the tension palpable, and the twists land with precision. But what I love most is how the author balances it all with humour — those quick, witty exchanges and unexpected moments that break the tension just enough to remind you why you adore these characters. It’s that blend of danger, action, heart, and charm that keeps this series feeling fresh and addictive.
This is a gripping, high‑stakes thriller with razor‑edge suspense. Fans of the series will devour it, and newcomers will quickly understand why Jake and Cody have such a loyal following. Highly recommended — just don’t expect to get much sleep once you start.
Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe series by Mark Nolan. It is another action-packed and high stakes thriller full of danger, intrigue, mystery, murder, crime and investigation, military/government agency/police procedure, a dangerous MC gang, a treasure hunt, shipwreck diving, banter, tension, drama, violence, friendship, gripping developments, and more. Former marine turned lawyer and covert operative Jake Wolfe, his girlfriend Sarah Chance, and trusty companion, Cody, the highly intelligent and loyal ex-war dog plans for their vineyard are somewhat upended when a dangerous biker gang arrive in town. Their reign of terror begins to spread, and everything Jake holds dear could go up in flames if the threat isn’t ‘contained’. With a priceless treasure in the mix, Jake will need to use all his many skills if he is to mete out his own brand of justice and put a stop to the dangerous gang. Again, Mr. Nolan always manages to come up with intriguing and heart-pounding situations for Jake and Cody to deal with – weaving a riveting adventure with a complex, multi-layered storyline that grabs your attention right from the very start. However, having said that, I will say that this instalment didn’t ‘feel’ quite as polished as previous books – with lots of ‘telling’, instead of showing – plus a lot of repeated information and character ‘introduction’ details etc, that frustrated me and pulled me out of the storyline. But I do love Jake, Cody, Sarah (& Co), and their adventures - so thankfully these issues didn’t detract much from my overall enjoyment of the story. Bring on the next instalment! Happy Reading…
Jake was a marine who is now a US Marshall, a deputized Mexican federale- you name the law enforcement he's probably in it! He's a veteran cruising on his yacht and missions seem to find him when he least expects it. He, Sarah-his veterinarian girlfriend, and Cody - his K9 compatriot, are an unbeatable team. So, when a biker gang shows up in the peaceful town of La Paz, where Jake and crew are trying to put down roots, they don't take to kindly to the disruption that they bring. Ever watchful, Jake serves and protects the innocent as the gang brings crime to the town and a race to find a buried treasure. Jake has to ask for favors from his "lettered" contacts and to get there first. Will it be enough to keep the biker gang at bay or have Jake and crew finally meet their match? Who will remain standing at the end of this fight?
This was the first book that I have read in this series, and there was enough background given throughout that I didn't feel like I was missing anything story-wise. It was an intriguing, quick read. However, I also have a military background, so the acronyms didn't get me hung up in trying to understand what Jake was talking about or using. I liked how the author weaves fact and fiction together to make a seamless, believable story. Sarah was my favorite. She was soft and strong and took no crap. Jake in my mind was like a Jack Reacher, but in a stable relationship and had a dog. All in all, I enjoyed reading this book!
And we are back in Jake’s world. A world where this retired Marine veteran is never truly retired. In Lethal Fortune it’s no different. Jake gets a call he’s on the case. This time he’s tasked with extracting a congressman’s daughter who was brain washed and abducted by this cult leader she thought she was in love with. I got excited and thought that’s what this book was about, but that was just scratching the surface and was completed early on. It was only after returning from that mission that the winds turned and things hit the fan rather quickly. When a biker gang shows up in LaPaz is up to him and local police to find a way to drive them out. Only this time it gets personal. Where this Biker gang attacks his “family” and his start-up winery. How will they handle this situation with some truly dangerous people lurking around? How much time before Jake finds the weakness and makes his move? This is another adventure that keeps the reader on the edge of their seats. Frankly I love this series and am always wanting more. Jake, Cody, and Sarah make a balanced perfect trio of characters that carry the reader through these stories. It may be a series but doesn’t mean it needs to be read that way. Check it out, you may want to head back to the beginning when you’re done. Happy reading!
Lethal Fortune is book 9 of Nolan’s Jake Wolfe Thrillers, and I believe one of his best. Nolan takes great pains to research his novels. Lethal Fortune is filled with some impressive sea and air tech gadgetry, detective work, history, and linguistic translation. The book’s protagonist, Jake Wolfe is a former marine turned honorary US Marshall who assists the US and Mexican governments in keeping the bad guys at bay in the Sea of Cortez. Lethal Fortune begins with a daring rescue of a kidnapped congressman’s daughter and rapidly evolves into a showdown with a lethal motorcycle gang. Jake is again accompanied by his girlfriend/veterinarian Sarah, and his AED sniffing dog, Cody. Along the way they find time to plant a vineyard and dive for sunken treasure. (Oh, and let’s not forget Jake and Cody’s encounters with the mysterious grey wolf!)
Nolan’s writing is terse, which propels the reader forward and keeps the action rolling along. On occasion his protagonist is a bit strong on machismo, bordering on mansplaining in his interactions with his highly educated girlfriend. As a woman, I found that a bit annoying, however, that said, Lethal Fortune is a very entertaining, fast paced, fact, and action-packed book. 5 Stars.
Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan Jake Wolfe is an on-call fixer. His background as a Marine, and an assassin for the government has pulled him into a black operation whose deniability aspect targets enemies of the state. Jake accepts the responsibility of operating under a cloak of deniability because of his love for his country. Suffering from PTSD, Jake has times of intense vulnerability. Sarah, his veterinarian girlfriend, is one of the few people who can pull him back from the edge. This story is set on the Baja Peninsula. I did think that Cody, Jake’s wonder dog could have had a bigger role. Nolan made a major effort to ensure that this book could be read as a stand-alone. The book is part of a series but Nolan does an excellent job filling in back stories. I seldom read afterwords but Nolan is an exception. He provides explanations and definitions of many of the scenes or items in the book. I also like the extensive list of people he thanks for helping him in his research, and providing support. An outlaw motorcycle club provides a wealth of villains. I enjoyed the book and recommend it.
Lethal Fortune is the 9th book in the exciting and interesting series, Jake Wolfe Thrillers. Jake is a US Marine who adopted a retired war dog, Cody, to replace his own active duty deceased military dog. Now, a US Marshal, Jake accepts assignments from Washington to eliminate terrorists throughout the world. Jake is a dangerous enemy of international evil men and women and has access to many high-tech weapons and tracking devices. The equipment is used today by US government operatives, and it is interesting to look up descriptions of the actual items (e.g., unique drones, ocean submersibles, and special new aircraft). The bonds between Jake, Cody, and Jake’s veterinarian woman friend, Sarah, are strong but often threatened in the book series by enemies. In this book, the three friends are in Mexico setting up a vineyard Jake has always wanted. A motorcycle gang roars down from the US looking for trouble related to finding and stealing treasure in La Paz, Mexico waters. Jake, Cody, Sarah and friends take on the HD riding criminals.
So overall a good story….I mean I love a Cody and Jake adventure.. but it seemed maybe rushed or something with two or three different activities happening around the same time. I wondered if the bad guys would be more focused and what happened to the leader? Seemed he was just written off so why have him in the first place? Then Hector was recovered but nothing on him or retribution from the gang for that whole situation? Cryptic I know but I am trying not to reveal secrets. The whole thing seemed too easy. Okay Rant over!
I enjoyed the newish characters. As well as a few old ones we have met in the last couple books. Sarah is helping Jake out more and not being quite a damsel in distress so that is good. They work well together and with the addition of Cody…its a smashing trio! I liked the idea of the storyline because there were many ways the author could have taken us.
Overall I see growth in the characters and we have adventures on land and sea. A plethora of new devices/ideas are used and I as always like the notes in the back to share what is real and what is made up. So a good Jake and Cody but not my favorite. I still look forward to more.
Jake is wanting the relaxing life, all he wants to do is plant his vineyard and run his winery but when he discovers a hidden treasure map and a sunken ship, who would not want to go on an adventure to try and find the bounty.
As Jake pursues the lost treasure there are other hidden elements trying to find the bounty and destroy Jake but as he goes to try and get rid of the gang who is following him and to recover the treasure he discovers he is only one person fighting the world as usual.
With the gang of himself and Cody to save the day, can he solve the map and live a quiet life again.
I love this series, Mark's characters are engaging and the story offered is always full of adventure and twists and turns and this story does not disappoint. The suspense is always just enough to keep you just at the edge of your seat but driving you to read on to see what happens next.
The characters are brilliant together and the stories are interlaced with humour which breaks up the tension and makes it brilliant as a series. I can't wait to read the next book in this brilliant series.
This story is by an author that I have enjoyed reading from the first book I picked up. This story is also part of a series that can be read as a stand but I suggest reading the previous books as well. This will help with not only your enjoyment of this series but of the characters as well. Jake is back in another suspenseful adventure and one you don’t want to miss. He has hopes of building a winery but his dog finds a treasure map. Now he is faced with finding and keeping the treasure safe. The problem with this is that there is a motorcycle club who wants it too and will stop at anything to get it. Will Jake be able to stop them? I enjoyed the characters in this story. Jake has been my favorite of this series and continues to be. He is a strong, well written character that is determined. I also enjoyed watching the growth of this story which made it easy and entertaining to read. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story and is one of my favorites. I look forward to seeing what is next for this author. I highly recommend this book.
Lethal Fortune ( Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 9) By Mark Nolan
I always enjoy reading Mark Nolan books. As with all Mark’s books I find them a gripping read from the start to the end of book. Lethal Fortune is no different. As this book is part of a series I would recommend you read the whole series, not because you will miss out on background information, but they all are a great read. All books in this series can be read as stand alones. As with the other books in this series Jakes character is strong and I feel it strengthens throughout the book. We have another story with Jake which is to take us on another story of suspense and adventures. In this book Jake decides building a winery might be a good idea. How ever things could get put on hold when his faithful dog finds a treasure map. We also have a motor cycle club that decides they also want the map and will stop at nothing until they get it. Question is who will get the treasure? You really need to grab the series and read them, you will find yourself wanting to know whats happening on the next page.
In today’s sensational world, how do you write a plot that has the sensitivity and beauty of a winery and the danger of people who thrive on cruelty, and somehow make it seem almost romanceful? I think it reads that way to us because we need a hero now and then, a good person. That is, most of all, what Lethal Fortune is about.
It is a special author who keeps you eagerly waiting for a new book in a series. Nolan has done that again. His stories and his plots are attention-getters. His settings of open seas and high-tech boats make me wish I were there each time. But it is his characters that keep me coming back. I’m dying to know what they are up to. What will Jake be doing? Are he and Sarah still together, and more than anything, is Cody ok?
Oops, I let the cat out of the bag. It truly is Cody I worry about the most. This author is, after all, the one who created Cody. So maybe he’ll understand.
I have read and loved every book in this series. Hope Mark Nolan is busy on that boat (oops, yacht), lounging with his characters, writing the next book.
Jake Wolfe is a veteran who now works for the US government (sometimes) and others as needed. Jake also has an adorable service dog named Cody who is well trained and doesn't like people who do illegal things in any way. Jake and Cody are trying to live out their lives in peace and quiet with Jake's girlfriend, Sarah, on their yacht in Mexico, when he is contacted by the US government to help them retrieve a high-value person who has been kidnapped and transported to Mexico. When Jake and Cody rescue their high-value target, they inadvertently discover that there is a new round of trouble in town, in the form of a motorcycle gang. The motorcycle gang has crossed the border from the US to Mexico, with the intent of taking over the area while causing mass chaos and distress. When the motorcycle gang indicates that they are planning to search for lost treasure in caves, and other ways, it becomes a race against time to protect the treasure that may or may not exist from the criminal element. This is a good book if you like a thriller and cute dogs who have happy homes.
This is the 9th book in the Jake Wolfe series. This author amazes me every time with how they are able to keep creating unique stories for Jake and Cody. Yet again this is an action packed fast paced suspense thriller. Filled with danger, angst, a MC club, tales of hidden treasure and so much more which keeps the story captivating and makes it a page turner.
When a violent MC gang ride into town Jake’s plans of a quiet life on a vineyard goes by the wayside. As trouble seems to be happening all around him Jake knows he needs to rid the town of this MC Gang to protect everything he loves. However things are never that simple. With the added excitement and danger of a secret hidden treasure it is going to take all of Jake and Cody’s skills to stop this gang and protect everything they hold dear.
These books are gripping from the first page. I couldn’t put it down until the end. This author creates stories which twist and turn and are so layered that I can never guess what is going to happen next
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers) by Mark Nolan. This has become one of my favorite authors in thrillers. I love everything he writes and this series is no different. This is the 9th book in the series and while it can be read as a standalone I always recommend reading them in order to get a better feel for the characters and story. This is the continuing story of Jack Wolfe and his girlfriend Sarah and Jack's trusty dog Cody. Jack is a retired US Marine Black Ops and his dog Cody is also a retired military dog. Jack and Sarah decide they want to build a vineyard so they set out to do just that but in the process Cody finds a treasure map with clues so they have to look into the treasure map. They even end up diving for the sunken treasure. They also come across a Motorcycle club who knows about the treasure map and thinks they should have it. Will Jack & Cody be able to stop the MC Club and kick them out of town to save their town and treasure? Will Jack, Sarah & Cody ever be able to relax and enjoy their vineyard? Read this fast paced thriller to find out!
Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jack Wolfe Thrillers series. I have previously enjoyed many books in this series with veterans Jack and Cody taking on many exciting assignments. I particularly appreciate the sensitive approach to PTSD, which in this book includes an exploration of the therapeutic benefits of planting and tending crops.
There's plenty of excitement in Lethal Fortune, with a threatening motorcycle club and the possibility of some long-lost hidden treasure! There is a lot of cool tech involved, including an impressive seaplane, and I appreciate the amount of detail that brings this to life.
I like the dynamics between characters, and particularly how Cody's canine charm breaks down barriers! At this stage in the series there are plenty of recurring characters who readers can enjoy catching up with.
Lethal Fortune gets four stars from me! I would recommend the series to fans of action-packed stories and enjoy clever animal companions.
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers) by Mark Nolan. 4 of 5 Stars. This is another fast paced, action packed crime thriller in this exciting series, featuring Marine veteran Jake Wolfe. Jake hopes to build a winery overlooking the seashore along with girlfriend Sarah and their very clever dog Cody. However, when Cody finds a treasure map leading to a secret location where gold doubloons can be found, their monetary value brings the unwanted attention of an outlaw motorcycle club. The MC want the treasure and are willing to kill anyone in their way, whereas Jake and Sarah want to find the historic fortune to safeguard it. Whilst trying to run the biker gang out of town, Jake finds himself up against twelve hardened criminals. Once again I was swept up in Jake Wolfe’s latest adventure, and I felt fully immersed in the storyline and invested in the outcome. This is a real page turner and I look forward to the next book in the series!
I have skipped around this series and loved every bit of it. I figured I’d read them in order, but I haven’t. I wouldn’t say it’s confusing, but I probably would have gotten more from it if I had read them in order. However, that doesn’t make this book any less enthralling. From Chapter 1, I was hooked. Jake is enjoying his time in La Paz and starting a new venture into vineyard owning. He is spending his time with Sarah and Cody, who both balance him out well and keep him calm. Cody is by far the best dog ever. Sarah is very understanding and willing to put in the work to help Jake with his goals. In keeping La Paz the comfortable, calm area that they have come to enjoy, Jake is very protective. So when a motorcycle gang shows up in town and starts causing a ruckus, Jake is on it. Well honestly, Cody is the first alert to the danger, but then Jake is on it. I truly do enjoy these stories, and will continue skipping my way through the series at random.
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers #9) by Mark Nolan
This isn't the first book I've read by the author. The author has outdone themselves again in this book. Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe Thriller Series. It can be read as a standalone though the rest of the series is just as good. The writing will have you memorized and you won't want to put the book down.
Jake is back again and this time it's to rescue someone. His girlfriend Sarah and his dog Cody come along for the ride. Then they go to work for the Chief of Police in Mexico. They are planting vines in a vineyard. He says this when asked how he got the plants: “It worked out well for everyone. That winery earns a fortune from US tourists who visit, so the parking lot is more profitable than one field of vines when they have so many more.”
It is rare that a series can maintain momentum beyond a few books and yet, this book is the 9th in the series and it is just as good as the previous ones. From the moment I started reading this book I was pulled back into the characters with ease. It felt like I had just read about them, instead of feeling like I was having to familiarise myself with them again. I love how the author still makes it exciting to read about them, offering new little discoveries with each new book. This one is just as exciting and fast paced as the previous books. I found myself being swept up with the story and eager to find out which way it would turn. I still really enjoy the role of Cody in this series. For me, it highlights the significance animals actually have in our lives and the way he adds to the story is great. As usual, this is another great addition to the series overall.
Jake Wolfe along with his loyal friend, Cody, are back in Lethal Fortune, a high‑energy thriller that delivers action, danger, and a touch of treasure‑hunt adventure. They may be trying to build a beautiful seaside winery, but everything changes when he discovers a map leading to a shipwreck filled with gold doubloons. Unfortunately, a violent outlaw motorcycle gang is determined to claim the treasure for themselves. What follows is a tense, fast‑moving battle of wits, grit, and firepower as Jake races to protect the historic fortune and drive the criminals out of town. His dry humor shines through, especially when he shrugs off being outnumbered as merely a “target‑rich environment.” A quick, satisfying read for anyone who enjoys tough heroes, relentless villains, and nonstop action.
Jake is a former service man who has been recruited to help the government with secret missions. He and his service dog Cody were both injured during their tours of duty and bonded. Jake is tasked with stopping a group of biker gang members from terrorizing the small Mexican town of La Paz where Jakes wants to build his dream vineyard. The book is action packed from start to finish. We have little side trips to rescue a congressman’s daughter from the cult and to find sunken treasure. The bikers, especially Doyle, are everything you want in a nasty villain. Cody is the ultimate in trained dogs being able to both comfort victims and search out and help to disarm the bad guys. I am looking forward to reading more of Jake and Cody’s adventures.
I have read so many books by this author that I’ve lost count! Lethal Fortune is a good reminder of why I keep coming back. It definitely delivers the same fast-paced, action-packed storytelling I’ve come to expect. The Jake Wolfe Thrillers series has been such an interesting adventure, and I’m not sure how the author keeps each new one so fresh and unpredictable, but he sure does! Character development continues strongly in this installment as the bonds between Jake, Cody, and Sarah deepen even further. The pace of the story was perfect as it is a good balance of action, suspense, and a bit of humor. It’s super entertaining and easy read that everyone will enjoy. I can’t wait to see what this author has in store for us next!
I didn't realize just how many books were in this series. I have sporadically read about half of them and enjoyed each one. At first this book seemed a little daunting when I saw how many chapters there were. Do not let that deter you. The chapters are short and go by rather quickly. From page one you are thrown into some action when Jack, Sarah, and Cody save a senators daughter from a cult leader. Then just when Jack thinks he is going to get the time to start his winery and start planting the grapes for the vineyard, trouble comes knocking. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone but you get a good grasp of the characters if you read from book one. I can't pick one book from the series that I like the best but I can tell you that Cody is my favorite character.
Upon turning the first page of Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan, fellow reader, you will feel as if you are caught in a rip tide with dramatic waves of action washing over you one after another. I believe this is the best Jake Wolfe novel to date, but I say that as each one hits the booksellers. Not to worry, Author Nolan has a trick or two up his sleeve to land us safely back on shore. I do recommend reading the series from the beginning to understand each character fully, but each book is a standalone, so it is not necessary, only more fun. Now, I wonder how to coax Cody into delivering a bottle of that wine to me. That would be fun. Easy 5 stars.
Lethal Fortune is the 9th book in the Jake Wolfe series, but you don’t have to read them all or in order. This book is a stand-alone, although it does have overlapping characters. Jake and his girlfriend Sarah and retired K9 Cody are always finding new cases. Jake is a Marine vet who is often utilized as a US Marshall when duty calls. This book, like many in the series, take place in Mexico and the gulf. This book is full of adventure and suspense and a couple light hearted jokes in between. The author does his research and his books are always filled with fun facts. The events are not always the most believable situations, but I still always read them when I see a new one out.
Lethal Fortune was a really fun, fast-paced read. The story kicks off with Jake Wolfe planning to build a winery by the ocean, but things get wild when his search dog uncovers a treasure map leading to gold doubloons. From there it turns into an action-packed adventure with an outlaw motorcycle club also chasing the treasure. I liked the mix of treasure hunting, suspense, and Jake’s tough Marine attitude—his “target-rich environment” line definitely made me smile. The characters are engaging and the story moves quickly, which made it hard to put down. Overall, it’s an entertaining thriller with plenty of action and a bit of fun along the way.
Lethal Fortune by Mark Nolan, is a fantastic action book. Jake Wolfe is a military veteran who decides to make a go of a vineyard. With his dog Cody and his friend Sarah all is going good till Cody finds a treasure map. Then the game is on as a dangerous biker gang arrive in town and want that treasure. I really like the action of the book but the characters and the descriptions were amazing. I just picked this book up as a quick read for a break I was on. Now I need to get the rest of the series because its amazing!
4 Stars Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers Book 9) By Mark Nolan
Lethal Fortune is the ninth book in the Jake Wolfe Thrillers and is yet another action packed thriller that kept me turning the pages till the end. I love getting caught up in The Adventures of Jake and Cody and this one definitely checks all the boxes. Theres,danger suspense, mystery, murder and so much more. Find out what happens when a biker gang shows up in town.I highly recommend reading not just this book but the whole series. I look forward to reading more from this Author
Lethal Fortune (Jake Wolfe Thrillers) by Mark Nolan 5 Star Review Plans to build a winery are put on hold when his search dog finds a treasure map for long lost gold. Jake Wolfe needs to find the treasure without getting killed by an outlaw biker gang who want the treasure for themselves. This books is an attention grabber from the very first page. The ocean themed setting is a wonderful backdrop. I really enjoyed this book because it was entertaining and a quick one day read that left me wanting so much more.