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Tidal #1
Wake
FROM POPULAR GAY ROMANCE AUTHORS K. EVAN COLES AND BRIGHAM VAUGHN
A love worth the wait
Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright room together as Harvard undergraduates. An immediate friendship forms, but as the years pass it deepens into something neither man understands. As attraction simmers under the surface, lines begin to blur. When they move back to Manhattan, they gradually slip into the lives their families have envisioned for them.
Both men marry, but in time, Riley realizes he’s ended up in a passionless relationship like his parents’ while his career takes center stage. Although he loves his wife, Carter misses the emotional and physical connection he shared with Riley.
The weight of Riley’s feelings and his growing discontentment with his life eventually push him to tell Carter the truth about how he feels. Shocked and unable to face his own feelings, Carter rejects Riley.
As each man comes to terms with the lies they’ve told themselves, each other and the people around them, they find their lives changing in ways they never imagined. They soon discover that the truths they’ve been longing to tell shake the foundations of their friendship.
Reader Advisory: This book contains polyamory and infidelity, expressions of homophobia by multiple secondary characters, divorce, scenes of M/F/M intimacy, references to parental neglect, disownment, one brief scene involving a physical altercation.
Publisher’s Note: Calm, the sequel to Wake, will be available to pre-order in August 2017.
261 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2017
About the author
K. Evan Coles
20 books264 followersK. Evan Coles is a mother and tech pirate by day and a writer by night. She is a dreamer who, with a little hard work and a lot of good coffee, coaxes words out of her head and onto paper.
K. lives in the northeast United States, where she complains bitterly about the winters, but truly loves the region and its diverse, tenacious and deceptively compassionate people. You’ll usually find K. nerding out over books, movies and television with friends and family. She’s especially proud to be raising her son as part of a new generation of unabashed geeks.
K.'s books explore LGBTQ+ romance in contemporary settings.
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/308e1be9c54a/colessignup
K. lives in the northeast United States, where she complains bitterly about the winters, but truly loves the region and its diverse, tenacious and deceptively compassionate people. You’ll usually find K. nerding out over books, movies and television with friends and family. She’s especially proud to be raising her son as part of a new generation of unabashed geeks.
K.'s books explore LGBTQ+ romance in contemporary settings.
Newsletter signup: https://mailchi.mp/308e1be9c54a/colessignup
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
November 10, 2017
This could have packed quite an emotional punch if the authors had shown us. Instead they told. In my opinion that creates distance between reader and character. Great characters helped this along even though I didn’t like how Carter treated Riley. I also think Carter’s marriage collapse happens very quickly, they go from happy to not in a couple of chapters and I wasn’t convinced. Also wouldn’t it be refreshing if family stepped up, surprised everyone and stood by their children? Then there wouldn’t be the prerequisite conflict and drama I suppose. I get very tired of constantly reading about homophobic, arsehole parents.
If you are looking for lots of sexy times you won’t find them here. Most of the on page sex is M/M/F and is only briefly described. Still it’s something to be aware of if you really don’t like M/F pairings in an MM book. This is more about the building emotional connection between the MC’s than smoking hot sex scenes.
I am about to read book two but at this point I am not sure I want Riley and Carter together as a couple. As I said before there are some great secondary characters as well as a few caricatures and I am curious enough to want to know how it all turns out.
I really hate trying to rate a .5* book because sometimes that’s exactly what they are. Unfortunately, GR doesn’t give you the option.
*3.5 Stars* rounded down
If you are looking for lots of sexy times you won’t find them here. Most of the on page sex is M/M/F and is only briefly described. Still it’s something to be aware of if you really don’t like M/F pairings in an MM book. This is more about the building emotional connection between the MC’s than smoking hot sex scenes.
I am about to read book two but at this point I am not sure I want Riley and Carter together as a couple. As I said before there are some great secondary characters as well as a few caricatures and I am curious enough to want to know how it all turns out.
I really hate trying to rate a .5* book because sometimes that’s exactly what they are. Unfortunately, GR doesn’t give you the option.
*3.5 Stars* rounded down
May 3, 2017
In my humble opinion, the authors have written a compelling, engrossing, and wonderful story about the tumultuous and complicated decades-long friendship between Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright. It was so heartbreaking, and make-me-want-to-scream-in-frustration to watch both men deny their true feelings for each other, dragging others into the ticking time bomb that will eventually blow up in their faces, leaving grief, pain, and utter devastation in its wake. I was hooked from the very first page, and stayed up until 6am because I just could not put it down.
April 30, 2017
All the stars to Wake, the story of two men, Carter and Riley, who meet as Freshmen at Harvard and form a bond that goes way beyond friendship, and continues after they both return to New York City to settle into the lives they are expected to live and the family businesses they are expected to join.
They have only one problem. The feelings they have for each other and any possible relationship they could have is frowned upon in their world, so it becomes something hidden, exciting and secretive, until they're forced to stop.
I agonized with them over decisions they made. I got angry with them, but basically I wanted them to be happy in an impossible situation.
K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn have written a fabulous book and I can hardly wait for what comes next for Carter and Riley.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
They have only one problem. The feelings they have for each other and any possible relationship they could have is frowned upon in their world, so it becomes something hidden, exciting and secretive, until they're forced to stop.
I agonized with them over decisions they made. I got angry with them, but basically I wanted them to be happy in an impossible situation.
K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn have written a fabulous book and I can hardly wait for what comes next for Carter and Riley.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 21, 2017
Precedo mi comentario advirtiendo (o recordando) que no me gustan las series, las evito cuanto puedo o en su defecto, busco aquellas en las que las novelas 'aguantan' como libros independientes, dicho sea esto, no quiero ni explicar la cara de gili que se me quedó cuando llegué al final de esta novela, la primera de al menos una más, tengo mis dudas de que la historia mejore, pero bueno, eso es algo personal. Señores, no se quien fue el lumbreras que ha dejado esa información para el amargo final, pero en serio, es desconcertante llegar a semejante momento y leer : hahah pringados, nos vemos en agosto, sí bueno, eso está por ver guapín.
Otro de los motivos por los que he decidido darle dos (y soy generosa porque la narración es correcta) es el contenido, para situarnos, los dos protas se conocen en la uni, dos niños pijos 'forzados' a ser heteros (●￣(ｴ)￣●) que desde ese momento deciden que es buena idea ir compartiendo tías porque es la 'única' manera de poder tocarse *gasp*, De ahi en adelante es un polvo detrás de otro salpicado de escenas que pretenden hacernos sentir lástima por estos dos idiotas, y sí, digo idiotas porque parece casi imposible que nos quieran vender a semejantes chicos como interesantes o intelectuales (bueno, a uno de ellos le gusta la ópera, rápido, adivinad a cual de los dos, exacto, al que se define como 'gay' primero LMAO) Y no me entendáis mal, no tengo nada contra los tríos en todas sus diferentes combinaciones, pero si estoy con MM quiero eso, MM.
A estas alturas sólo quiero dejar una mención especial a las mujeres de la cosa: son todas y cada una de ellas un estereotipo, desde la 'scort' que pasa de ser el centro del trío a amiguísima mariliendres, a la mujer materialista del gay que la deja, a la abnegada esposa y amantísima madre de dos niños (claro, a ésta casi nos obligan a tenerle lástima) pasando por la madre inhumana y homófoba. En fin, que si os van los culebrones situados en el Uper East Side llenos de personajes imposibles y escenas predecibles (porque la del final mientras Carter observa a Riley (...) estaba cantada. Dudo mucho que me lea la segunda parte, básicamente porque los personajes me caen gordos, todos ellos y sin excepción. En fin, ahí se fueron tres horas de mi vida. (₍ˀ˟͈͈͈᷄ළ˟͈͈͈᷅ˁ₎)
Otro de los motivos por los que he decidido darle dos (y soy generosa porque la narración es correcta) es el contenido, para situarnos, los dos protas se conocen en la uni, dos niños pijos 'forzados' a ser heteros (●￣(ｴ)￣●) que desde ese momento deciden que es buena idea ir compartiendo tías porque es la 'única' manera de poder tocarse *gasp*, De ahi en adelante es un polvo detrás de otro salpicado de escenas que pretenden hacernos sentir lástima por estos dos idiotas, y sí, digo idiotas porque parece casi imposible que nos quieran vender a semejantes chicos como interesantes o intelectuales (bueno, a uno de ellos le gusta la ópera, rápido, adivinad a cual de los dos, exacto, al que se define como 'gay' primero LMAO) Y no me entendáis mal, no tengo nada contra los tríos en todas sus diferentes combinaciones, pero si estoy con MM quiero eso, MM.
A estas alturas sólo quiero dejar una mención especial a las mujeres de la cosa: son todas y cada una de ellas un estereotipo, desde la 'scort' que pasa de ser el centro del trío a amiguísima mariliendres, a la mujer materialista del gay que la deja, a la abnegada esposa y amantísima madre de dos niños (claro, a ésta casi nos obligan a tenerle lástima) pasando por la madre inhumana y homófoba. En fin, que si os van los culebrones situados en el Uper East Side llenos de personajes imposibles y escenas predecibles (porque la del final mientras Carter observa a Riley (...) estaba cantada. Dudo mucho que me lea la segunda parte, básicamente porque los personajes me caen gordos, todos ellos y sin excepción. En fin, ahí se fueron tres horas de mi vida. (₍ˀ˟͈͈͈᷄ළ˟͈͈͈᷅ˁ₎)
May 3, 2017
There is so much I could say about this wonderful story, but I don’t want to give too much away. Carter and Riley first meet as freshmen roommates at Harvard and forge a bond that goes beyond friendship. After they finish their grad degrees in business, they both return to their New York City homes to pursue their chosen careers. Though they both grew up in high society, their families were very different, though their parents expected great things from both of them. As they work their ways into the workforce, their emotional lives become a roller coaster ride.
Suffice it to say these two men stole and then broke my heart, especially Riley. There was so much of their journey that made me think about my own brother and how he felt he had to hide who he really was through his whole life. My heart just broke for Riley when he tells his wife, “I don’t want to be an old man and realize I wasted my whole life never really loving someone.” I was glad when he came to that realization, no matter what the consequences—though I wish it had been sooner to avoid some of the heartache—because my brother never did. Such a sad existence!
In the end, all I really want is for these two to be happy, whether it's together or not. Though, I really hope it's together. They have so many things working against them: family expectations, high-profile jobs. Looking forward to reading the sequel to see how these men work things out.
Suffice it to say these two men stole and then broke my heart, especially Riley. There was so much of their journey that made me think about my own brother and how he felt he had to hide who he really was through his whole life. My heart just broke for Riley when he tells his wife, “I don’t want to be an old man and realize I wasted my whole life never really loving someone.” I was glad when he came to that realization, no matter what the consequences—though I wish it had been sooner to avoid some of the heartache—because my brother never did. Such a sad existence!
In the end, all I really want is for these two to be happy, whether it's together or not. Though, I really hope it's together. They have so many things working against them: family expectations, high-profile jobs. Looking forward to reading the sequel to see how these men work things out.
May 7, 2017
These two authors are evil. -_- The torture they put these guys through and the torture they put ME through! Even though I really do like some angst. HA! And friends to lovers. YAS! They are hitting all of my buttons.
This is a story of two guys on a long road of hiding and secrets. It's a book of heartache, love, denial, care, and coming free.
God my heart just pained for Riley over and over. And there were many times I got frustrated with Carter. As I read my heart ached more and more for both of them. You can feel their desire and love for one another on the pages while reading. Both of them are so scared of what could happen if they truly could just be.
Riley though, he realizes he wants to be free and takes the chance. *hugs him hard*
The writing collaboration between K. Evan & Brigham is seamless. Their writing pulls you in. You care and feel for the guys and what's going to happen. I shook my phone a few times thinking *maybe* someone could feel it. ;)
Another character I'd come to adore was Dan. He is the guys' former college roommate and close friend. I loved all the scenes with him. You can see how his friendship with both guys goes deep and is full of care.
I definitely can't wait to know what's going to happen next. Especially with that ending. Ahhhhh!! Like I said at the beginning they like to torture. *side eyes~gimme the next book already*
This is a story of two guys on a long road of hiding and secrets. It's a book of heartache, love, denial, care, and coming free.
God my heart just pained for Riley over and over. And there were many times I got frustrated with Carter. As I read my heart ached more and more for both of them. You can feel their desire and love for one another on the pages while reading. Both of them are so scared of what could happen if they truly could just be.
Riley though, he realizes he wants to be free and takes the chance. *hugs him hard*
The writing collaboration between K. Evan & Brigham is seamless. Their writing pulls you in. You care and feel for the guys and what's going to happen. I shook my phone a few times thinking *maybe* someone could feel it. ;)
Another character I'd come to adore was Dan. He is the guys' former college roommate and close friend. I loved all the scenes with him. You can see how his friendship with both guys goes deep and is full of care.
I definitely can't wait to know what's going to happen next. Especially with that ending. Ahhhhh!! Like I said at the beginning they like to torture. *side eyes~gimme the next book already*
May 31, 2017
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
I was quite impressed with this book. It’s unique and it took risks, but it all came together remarkably well. The book has a few different areas that all converge together, but at the heart of it is the relationship between Riley and Carter. We get point of view from both characters and the shift happens fairly smoothly, but we do get a bit more from Riley than we do from Carter. The book opens with a prologue of Riley confessing his feelings to Carter and then flashes back to their early friendship. The flashback style worked really well here and it would not have had nearly the same impact if we had not been able to see their friendship develop. The men have an epic friendship that happens immediately and they just clicked from the moment they met. They notice each other, yet don’t have a name for what they are feeling. The book doesn’t get into labels too much but tries to illuminate the fact that these guys are truly something special to each other. They simply seem inevitable. There were a few times that this part of the story read as if we were there in the moment and there were other times where it did read as if it was the past and there was just a small noticeable difference at times.
Both men know that their families would never approve of them having a relationship with each other, but neither of them are even quite there yet themselves. They have their lives sort of mapped out for them and this kind of deviation from the plan is unacceptable. So they marry women, and while Carter is happier than Riley, they both still feel a sense of loss that they can’t let themselves give a name to. So here’s the thing with this book. The men find a woman to have regular threesomes with and she’s basically the buffer between them trying to get what they want. Riley is resistant at first because he knows he will only fall harder and he truly longs for there to be no one between him and Carter. This all happens while the men are married, so if that’s a hard limit than this is not the book for you. For me, it worked exceptionally well for the story being told and highlighted the deep longing coupled with sexual tension, indecision, and their internal struggles that run deep.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
I was quite impressed with this book. It’s unique and it took risks, but it all came together remarkably well. The book has a few different areas that all converge together, but at the heart of it is the relationship between Riley and Carter. We get point of view from both characters and the shift happens fairly smoothly, but we do get a bit more from Riley than we do from Carter. The book opens with a prologue of Riley confessing his feelings to Carter and then flashes back to their early friendship. The flashback style worked really well here and it would not have had nearly the same impact if we had not been able to see their friendship develop. The men have an epic friendship that happens immediately and they just clicked from the moment they met. They notice each other, yet don’t have a name for what they are feeling. The book doesn’t get into labels too much but tries to illuminate the fact that these guys are truly something special to each other. They simply seem inevitable. There were a few times that this part of the story read as if we were there in the moment and there were other times where it did read as if it was the past and there was just a small noticeable difference at times.
Both men know that their families would never approve of them having a relationship with each other, but neither of them are even quite there yet themselves. They have their lives sort of mapped out for them and this kind of deviation from the plan is unacceptable. So they marry women, and while Carter is happier than Riley, they both still feel a sense of loss that they can’t let themselves give a name to. So here’s the thing with this book. The men find a woman to have regular threesomes with and she’s basically the buffer between them trying to get what they want. Riley is resistant at first because he knows he will only fall harder and he truly longs for there to be no one between him and Carter. This all happens while the men are married, so if that’s a hard limit than this is not the book for you. For me, it worked exceptionally well for the story being told and highlighted the deep longing coupled with sexual tension, indecision, and their internal struggles that run deep.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
May 19, 2017
5 + Stars
We start this journey with Riley and Carter when they meet on the first day of their freshman year of college, at Harvard University. These young men both come from very similar backgrounds. They are both the sons of wealthy, New York business men, who expect them to graduate college, join the family business, find a nice girl from the same elite circle to marry and produce an heir to carry on the family name. Throughout this journey over the first six years of their friendship, the roommates grow closer and the bond of friendship strengthens, yet the lines start to blur as well, when they begin joining one another in bed with women. They make sure it's always with a woman between them, so the lines are never fully crossed. After graduation and over the next decade, the two revert back to just being friends, until Carter decides he'd like more, but what happens when Riley decides he isn't satisfied with having Carter just once a month and he definitely doesn't want a woman between them?
I. Couldn't. Put. This. Book. Down!!! My stomach remained knotted up with anxiety, frustration and heartache throughout the entire story, but still I couldn't stop reading.
The struggle these men face is heartbreaking, especially Riley, yet Riley is so brave and I was beyond proud of him for standing up to everyone in his life, including Carter and declaring that he would no longer live a lie. He knows he could lose everything, but finding true love and happiness, whether with Carter, or with someone else, is more important than anything else. More important than his career, family or even the man he loves, Carter.
Now let's talk about Carter. I'm torn, because while I know he loves his wife and I understand he doesn't want to lose his family and career, it makes me angry that he abandoned his best friend in his time of need to save his own skin.
I'd normally say I want to see the MC's to end up together, but truthfully, all I really want to see in the next leg of their journey is for Riley to be happy. To find that special someone that makes him all warm inside and who will love him like he deserves to be loved.
This was an enjoyable if angsty read that is well-written and paced well. The collaboration between the authors is seamless and I'll be sitting impatiently on the edge of my seat, perhaps tapping my foot, waiting for the next book. Highly recommended!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
We start this journey with Riley and Carter when they meet on the first day of their freshman year of college, at Harvard University. These young men both come from very similar backgrounds. They are both the sons of wealthy, New York business men, who expect them to graduate college, join the family business, find a nice girl from the same elite circle to marry and produce an heir to carry on the family name. Throughout this journey over the first six years of their friendship, the roommates grow closer and the bond of friendship strengthens, yet the lines start to blur as well, when they begin joining one another in bed with women. They make sure it's always with a woman between them, so the lines are never fully crossed. After graduation and over the next decade, the two revert back to just being friends, until Carter decides he'd like more, but what happens when Riley decides he isn't satisfied with having Carter just once a month and he definitely doesn't want a woman between them?
I. Couldn't. Put. This. Book. Down!!! My stomach remained knotted up with anxiety, frustration and heartache throughout the entire story, but still I couldn't stop reading.
The struggle these men face is heartbreaking, especially Riley, yet Riley is so brave and I was beyond proud of him for standing up to everyone in his life, including Carter and declaring that he would no longer live a lie. He knows he could lose everything, but finding true love and happiness, whether with Carter, or with someone else, is more important than anything else. More important than his career, family or even the man he loves, Carter.
Now let's talk about Carter. I'm torn, because while I know he loves his wife and I understand he doesn't want to lose his family and career, it makes me angry that he abandoned his best friend in his time of need to save his own skin.
I'd normally say I want to see the MC's to end up together, but truthfully, all I really want to see in the next leg of their journey is for Riley to be happy. To find that special someone that makes him all warm inside and who will love him like he deserves to be loved.
This was an enjoyable if angsty read that is well-written and paced well. The collaboration between the authors is seamless and I'll be sitting impatiently on the edge of my seat, perhaps tapping my foot, waiting for the next book. Highly recommended!!
* Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. *
May 30, 2017
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
4.5*s of angst and complicated...
This is a really difficult book to review - it is brilliant, but so sad. It is fun and sexy and then cold and depressing. Overall it is a book which will not leave your mind in a while - and given we have to wait until August for the conclusion, it is, for me, going to be like an earworm niggling away until I get an answer.
First off, there is a warning in the blurb about the issues that arise and may cause offence - so be warned and don't read if those things offend you. For me it added to the desperation of the situation, and given the length of time the story covers, it is easy to understand why things happened, even if they are not always what one would expect of the men. And it definitely makes you think about how you would behave in their shoes. I loved the way that the story is revealed, moving backwards and forwards, and from lead to lead seamlessly. Not once was I unsure as to where, when or who was the focus of the chapter - and the writing was the richer for the clarity. Trying to predict what might happen, to watch as they snatch an intimate moment, that they deny themselves again given the pressure from every corner.
This book is a rich, complex and demanding read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the concluding installment and get some kind of resolution for what currently seems a no win scenario.
4.5*s of angst and complicated...
This is a really difficult book to review - it is brilliant, but so sad. It is fun and sexy and then cold and depressing. Overall it is a book which will not leave your mind in a while - and given we have to wait until August for the conclusion, it is, for me, going to be like an earworm niggling away until I get an answer.
First off, there is a warning in the blurb about the issues that arise and may cause offence - so be warned and don't read if those things offend you. For me it added to the desperation of the situation, and given the length of time the story covers, it is easy to understand why things happened, even if they are not always what one would expect of the men. And it definitely makes you think about how you would behave in their shoes. I loved the way that the story is revealed, moving backwards and forwards, and from lead to lead seamlessly. Not once was I unsure as to where, when or who was the focus of the chapter - and the writing was the richer for the clarity. Trying to predict what might happen, to watch as they snatch an intimate moment, that they deny themselves again given the pressure from every corner.
This book is a rich, complex and demanding read, and I cannot wait to get my hands on the concluding installment and get some kind of resolution for what currently seems a no win scenario.
May 23, 2017
I have read Brigham Vaughn a number of times and truly loved her creativity and style. K. Evan Coles is new to me and shockingly, this is her debut. The fact you can't tell that by reading Wake speaks volumes of K. Evan's talent.
What I loved most about this book was watching Carter and Riley's relationship growth. It's so rare we see new relationships form into mature ones these days. I can probably count on one hand the number of books I've seen this in. When a relationship begins I'm always curious about what happens next and we see this here. And, these two authors make us eager for more with that ending!
Brigham and K. Evan's put these boys through all the emotions and bring to the forefront the intolerance that still very much exists.
As a reader, each emotion is felt deeply. Sadness for Riley, frustration for Carter, Their friendship and the never ending love. Even secondary characters were written amazingly *cough* Dan *cough* He's brilliant and you won't be able to not love him.
There's a great originality to this story and the writing is flawless. This is a huge win for me.
What I loved most about this book was watching Carter and Riley's relationship growth. It's so rare we see new relationships form into mature ones these days. I can probably count on one hand the number of books I've seen this in. When a relationship begins I'm always curious about what happens next and we see this here. And, these two authors make us eager for more with that ending!
Brigham and K. Evan's put these boys through all the emotions and bring to the forefront the intolerance that still very much exists.
As a reader, each emotion is felt deeply. Sadness for Riley, frustration for Carter, Their friendship and the never ending love. Even secondary characters were written amazingly *cough* Dan *cough* He's brilliant and you won't be able to not love him.
There's a great originality to this story and the writing is flawless. This is a huge win for me.
June 1, 2017
I've been a fan of Brigham Vaughn's writing for a few years now. Ms. Coles is new to me. Together they have written one powerhouse of a book. I was moved by, and related to, the heartbreak that eventually engulfed each of the main characters, Carter and Riley, as they navigated through years of a closet relationship. Meeting while attending college, their story took us for fifteen years of a developing relationship as they went through college, married other people, fought feelings with varying degrees of denial that ranged from unconscious repression of feelings to hiding for the sake of friends and family. That one breaks the chains and comes clean in his life before the other does is heartbreaking to watch. I loved how both authors have infused these characters with feelings and actions that ring true on every level. To say I felt their pain is putting it mildly. Now I have to wait at least 2 months before I can even pre order the next book in the series. I'm going to find that difficult. These authors have captured me heart with this book. Brilliant in it's angst, it has won me over and I eagerly await the outcome. Thanks, ladies!
October 25, 2017
A new to me set of authors, K Evan Coles & Brigham Vaughn wrote a book and a sequel 'WAKE' and 'CALM' that I read in December. These are "MM romance" and contain explicit homo-erotic sex scenes so if that's not your bag, skip on down to my next rec. I haven't read much "MM" (as we say in the romance world) for a while. It's not my usual go-to or favorite sub genre, and I got turned off by some books that I picked up that were too much sex and too little plot. But this set of books has a lovely balance, and includes characters you truly sympathize with.
It's about two men who meet in college who, up until then, considered themselves heterosexual. It's their long journey to a realization that labels like "gay" or "bi" or "straight" truly shouldn't matter in the grander scheme of happiness. It's a circuitous route, and includes the Big NO-NO (or so I've been told by readers of my own books): "CHEATING." So if you were with me until now, you are free to skip down to my next recommendation. We all like different things in our fiction and I prefer mine on the realistic side so the particular reason these authors included marital infidelity felt, well, real to me. And believe me, the people involved pay consequences for it. People are hurt by it, including themselves.
But I digress. It's what I do.
WAKE is book 1 and introduces us to Carter and Riley at Harvard. A couple of guys rich enough to never have any material worries, even though their parents on are the spectrum of shallow to mostly absent to utterly hateful. Both guys are hot and sexy (as is required). And they become fast friends. Riley wants more, or at least he admits that to himself a lot sooner than Carter does. But as lives of wealthy and powerful families do, theirs move on a trajectory towards "taking over the family business" and marrying a woman, making some kids and being if not happy, at least content with a Manhattan apartment and plenty of dough in the bank.
They are not (happy), of course, and the authors treat this unhappiness with what I found to be a deft hand. Not overdoing the internal moaning or whinging, balancing it with what both men really do know are lives blessed with people who care about them and, as I've said, a ton of money to cushion any blows....see my review of CALM (the sequel) for more!
It's about two men who meet in college who, up until then, considered themselves heterosexual. It's their long journey to a realization that labels like "gay" or "bi" or "straight" truly shouldn't matter in the grander scheme of happiness. It's a circuitous route, and includes the Big NO-NO (or so I've been told by readers of my own books): "CHEATING." So if you were with me until now, you are free to skip down to my next recommendation. We all like different things in our fiction and I prefer mine on the realistic side so the particular reason these authors included marital infidelity felt, well, real to me. And believe me, the people involved pay consequences for it. People are hurt by it, including themselves.
But I digress. It's what I do.
WAKE is book 1 and introduces us to Carter and Riley at Harvard. A couple of guys rich enough to never have any material worries, even though their parents on are the spectrum of shallow to mostly absent to utterly hateful. Both guys are hot and sexy (as is required). And they become fast friends. Riley wants more, or at least he admits that to himself a lot sooner than Carter does. But as lives of wealthy and powerful families do, theirs move on a trajectory towards "taking over the family business" and marrying a woman, making some kids and being if not happy, at least content with a Manhattan apartment and plenty of dough in the bank.
They are not (happy), of course, and the authors treat this unhappiness with what I found to be a deft hand. Not overdoing the internal moaning or whinging, balancing it with what both men really do know are lives blessed with people who care about them and, as I've said, a ton of money to cushion any blows....see my review of CALM (the sequel) for more!
September 10, 2017
Carter Hamilton and Riley Porter-Wright room together as Harvard undergraduates, they're similar yet so very different. Both from very affluent families, Carter's family is close, and interested in what he does and where he's going, as long as that's not anywhere near homosexuals, thank you very much, Thank goodness their son Carter is not gay and doesn't associate with any.
Riley's parents are arctic cold and disinterested, they're all about appearances and social connections. Being or aligning oneself with a homosexual is a social death knell and deadlier than winters in Siberia. But that's not really an issues is it? because Riley is as straight as an arrow.
The young men form a friendship that spans more than fifteen years and throughout their journey through Harvard and beyond, they blur the edges of what defines the word friendship. By the time they graduate they've explored threesomes and both LOVE the heady closeness it provides to them where they can touch each other under the guise of being straight men. Without admitting to anyone, especially not each other, both men grow to yearn more from the other man, though Riley has reflected upon his feelings enough to know he is madly, hopelessly and deeply in love with Carter, Carter doesn't want to open the lid on his feeling for Riley, because doing so will be like opening Pandora's box.
By the time they're in the thirties, Carter is married to Kate and his work, and has two children, he would tell you he's happily married, but he needs more. More threesomes with Riley who he's missing and doesn't really want to explore the reasons why that it.
Riley has his own issues, married to a carbon copy of his mother, he's lonely and more in love with Carter as each day passes. When Carter suggests they restart their threesomes Riley succumbs as it's a way to be close to Carter without giving himself away. Six months in and he can't stand it anymore, his life is a sham and who he loves is not Alex his wife, but his best friend.
Riley, in the bravest move of his life, comes out and the declaration implodes his life. Carter, reeling from this revelation, steps back from Riley, he can't afford to be exposed or linked in anyway to suggestions that he is gay, he has his entire life hanging vulnerable and if anyone was ever to find out about his and Riley's sexual history, well he could kiss everything goodbye.
What follows in the fall-out of Riley's brave decision to finally be true to himself is gut-wrenching. For a man who has been lonely all his life and only close to one other person Carter, when he loses almost everything, he is beyond shattered. as he is exiled and ostracized, Riley stumbles alone for months, dying just a little bit inside everyday, relying on his work for something to divert his mental demons and his heart ache.
At a New years Eve party thrown by Natasha, their female escort in their previous covert adult threesomes, Riley meets Will, a respected Lawyer who is out, sexy, interesting and interested in Riley. Will is the perfect man where Riley can finally explore his desire for men.
This is a cliff hanger, Calm is book 2 which is not out yet so we don't know the outcome of what happens when Carter finally realizes that his life has gone down the tubes with the loss of his best friend. In the months after he drops Riley like a hot potato his mental well-being takes a dive as he tumbles into depression over the loss of his best friend. It get so bad, even good-natured decent kind Kate is talking lawyers.
Book 1 ends when Carter, out wandering the streets, ends up at a bar he and Riley used to meet at for after work drinks and through the window he sees Riley with another man. It's enough to wake Carter up to what he may have lost.
If cheating is an issue, then probably don't read. There is lots of marital cheating going on and it's not especially nice to see (even though I want Riley and Carter to be together) particularly when Kate, who is decent and kind doesn't deserve to be treated that way.
Riley's parents are arctic cold and disinterested, they're all about appearances and social connections. Being or aligning oneself with a homosexual is a social death knell and deadlier than winters in Siberia. But that's not really an issues is it? because Riley is as straight as an arrow.
The young men form a friendship that spans more than fifteen years and throughout their journey through Harvard and beyond, they blur the edges of what defines the word friendship. By the time they graduate they've explored threesomes and both LOVE the heady closeness it provides to them where they can touch each other under the guise of being straight men. Without admitting to anyone, especially not each other, both men grow to yearn more from the other man, though Riley has reflected upon his feelings enough to know he is madly, hopelessly and deeply in love with Carter, Carter doesn't want to open the lid on his feeling for Riley, because doing so will be like opening Pandora's box.
By the time they're in the thirties, Carter is married to Kate and his work, and has two children, he would tell you he's happily married, but he needs more. More threesomes with Riley who he's missing and doesn't really want to explore the reasons why that it.
Riley has his own issues, married to a carbon copy of his mother, he's lonely and more in love with Carter as each day passes. When Carter suggests they restart their threesomes Riley succumbs as it's a way to be close to Carter without giving himself away. Six months in and he can't stand it anymore, his life is a sham and who he loves is not Alex his wife, but his best friend.
Riley, in the bravest move of his life, comes out and the declaration implodes his life. Carter, reeling from this revelation, steps back from Riley, he can't afford to be exposed or linked in anyway to suggestions that he is gay, he has his entire life hanging vulnerable and if anyone was ever to find out about his and Riley's sexual history, well he could kiss everything goodbye.
What follows in the fall-out of Riley's brave decision to finally be true to himself is gut-wrenching. For a man who has been lonely all his life and only close to one other person Carter, when he loses almost everything, he is beyond shattered. as he is exiled and ostracized, Riley stumbles alone for months, dying just a little bit inside everyday, relying on his work for something to divert his mental demons and his heart ache.
At a New years Eve party thrown by Natasha, their female escort in their previous covert adult threesomes, Riley meets Will, a respected Lawyer who is out, sexy, interesting and interested in Riley. Will is the perfect man where Riley can finally explore his desire for men.
This is a cliff hanger, Calm is book 2 which is not out yet so we don't know the outcome of what happens when Carter finally realizes that his life has gone down the tubes with the loss of his best friend. In the months after he drops Riley like a hot potato his mental well-being takes a dive as he tumbles into depression over the loss of his best friend. It get so bad, even good-natured decent kind Kate is talking lawyers.
Book 1 ends when Carter, out wandering the streets, ends up at a bar he and Riley used to meet at for after work drinks and through the window he sees Riley with another man. It's enough to wake Carter up to what he may have lost.
If cheating is an issue, then probably don't read. There is lots of marital cheating going on and it's not especially nice to see (even though I want Riley and Carter to be together) particularly when Kate, who is decent and kind doesn't deserve to be treated that way.
August 22, 2017
~ 4.5 Stars ~
Wake by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn was quite a journey. I found, as I read, that I had to put the book down for a day or two and process before continuing. It was long, but no part of the book seemed unnecessary.
One thing I appreciated about this book was how the authors took risks. There are topics which will certainly hit sensitive spots for readers: cheating, divorce, abandonment, emotional neglect, but these are real things and happen every day. Just because this is a romance novel doesn’t mean that the authors should create perfect characters free from the weaknesses and flaws that people exhibit in real life.
The story takes place over decades and, through them all, Riley and Carter explore each other beyond the boundaries of best friends. At first, their dalliances were the stuff of college experimentation, jerking off together and such, but it escalates into something more, although it never transcends into a full relationship. This is where the tension in the story lies. One character is clearly in love with the other. While there are feelings both ways, neither seems willing to take the final step and admit what’s going on for what it is. Instead, they capitulate to family expectations and responsibilities, both coming from wealthy and public families and having names to protect. This draws even more people into the mess they are creating for themselves.
I found the characters to be complex, neither fitting precisely into the expectations I would normally have. Riley seems far more willing to explore his feelings for Carter, but he’s reticent to verbalize them. Carter, on the other hand, initiates much of what they do together. His actions speak louder than his words, but those words never come. And when the going gets tough, he definitely displays a weakness that made him less likable. I loved him so much up to that point and wanted so much for him and Riley to get together that I was able to overlook his choices, since they were realistic and came from a sincere place. Towards the end, we get to see the price he has to pay for the choices he’s made, which further helped in keeping him a likable person.
When the inevitable happens and crisis emerges, I found myself unable to put the book down. The action and emotions are so compelling I simply couldn’t stop to find out what would happen. As an odd twist, the authors chose to send the book in an unexpected way. This is no typical romance and it isn’t wrapped up with a pretty bow at the end. Instead, they leave us with one hell of a cliffhanger, wondering where the lives of Riley and Carter will go.
At around the 90% mark, I was like, how are they going to wrap all of this up? The closer I came to the end, the more I wondered what might happen. To their credit, the authors didn’t force an ending. We’re left with lots of possibilities but no clue as to the direction the story will continue. For that, we’ll have to read the next installment, Calm, now available for pre-order at Amazon and early purchase from Pride Publishing.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
Wake by K. Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn was quite a journey. I found, as I read, that I had to put the book down for a day or two and process before continuing. It was long, but no part of the book seemed unnecessary.
One thing I appreciated about this book was how the authors took risks. There are topics which will certainly hit sensitive spots for readers: cheating, divorce, abandonment, emotional neglect, but these are real things and happen every day. Just because this is a romance novel doesn’t mean that the authors should create perfect characters free from the weaknesses and flaws that people exhibit in real life.
The story takes place over decades and, through them all, Riley and Carter explore each other beyond the boundaries of best friends. At first, their dalliances were the stuff of college experimentation, jerking off together and such, but it escalates into something more, although it never transcends into a full relationship. This is where the tension in the story lies. One character is clearly in love with the other. While there are feelings both ways, neither seems willing to take the final step and admit what’s going on for what it is. Instead, they capitulate to family expectations and responsibilities, both coming from wealthy and public families and having names to protect. This draws even more people into the mess they are creating for themselves.
I found the characters to be complex, neither fitting precisely into the expectations I would normally have. Riley seems far more willing to explore his feelings for Carter, but he’s reticent to verbalize them. Carter, on the other hand, initiates much of what they do together. His actions speak louder than his words, but those words never come. And when the going gets tough, he definitely displays a weakness that made him less likable. I loved him so much up to that point and wanted so much for him and Riley to get together that I was able to overlook his choices, since they were realistic and came from a sincere place. Towards the end, we get to see the price he has to pay for the choices he’s made, which further helped in keeping him a likable person.
When the inevitable happens and crisis emerges, I found myself unable to put the book down. The action and emotions are so compelling I simply couldn’t stop to find out what would happen. As an odd twist, the authors chose to send the book in an unexpected way. This is no typical romance and it isn’t wrapped up with a pretty bow at the end. Instead, they leave us with one hell of a cliffhanger, wondering where the lives of Riley and Carter will go.
At around the 90% mark, I was like, how are they going to wrap all of this up? The closer I came to the end, the more I wondered what might happen. To their credit, the authors didn’t force an ending. We’re left with lots of possibilities but no clue as to the direction the story will continue. For that, we’ll have to read the next installment, Calm, now available for pre-order at Amazon and early purchase from Pride Publishing.
Reviewed by Taz for The Novel Approach
May 13, 2017
Well done, ladies!! I loved everything about this book. Following Car and Ri's "friendship" for so many years made me feel like I know them now. I swooned, laughed, and cried with them. I guess I'm saying I love them both even if I really wanted to smack their heads together a time or two. It's sad to me that anyone struggles to come out but I what Riley went through to get where he's at in the end is so very real for so many people. Now I just need more More MORE!!! Please tell me I am getting more!!!
Read
August 15, 2017Good stuff.....!
Review coming soon.....
Review coming soon.....
Read
May 13, 2022I got totally absorbed
In these characters and this slow-burn. TW for cheating, homophobia and depression. Two poor little rich boys but their story feels so real.
In these characters and this slow-burn. TW for cheating, homophobia and depression. Two poor little rich boys but their story feels so real.
July 31, 2017
This is one of the most compelling stories of this genre I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The push and pull and struggle of denial of true feelings these two men go through was completely heartbreaking to witness. The theme of this book is very heavy. It is by no means a light book and I felt frustration and sadness all throughout reading. Riley and Carter meet as freshmen roommates at Harvard and their deep friendship spans 15 years. We see both these young men grow and cope with their relationship blossom into something more than friendship. Something both young mean have difficulty accepting and understanding. We get inside both Riley and Carter's mind. And I felt like I was right there on the journey with them. These two authors did an excellent job with this story and I am very eager to read the sequel. If I could give this story more than 5 stars I would gladly do so. I read this book in one sitting with out any breaks. I just couldn't put it down!
Some readers may be put off by the infidelity and MFM threesomes but it help shapes the story and is crucial to the journey of discovery of Riley and Carter's attraction towards each other and characterizations.
Some readers may be put off by the infidelity and MFM threesomes but it help shapes the story and is crucial to the journey of discovery of Riley and Carter's attraction towards each other and characterizations.
September 23, 2017
Gay romance is at its best when both the guys are married to women. Nothing says gay relationship like heterosexual relationships!
September 3, 2026
Really loved this duet. The angst and the characters were fantastic! The ending could have been condensed somewhat but I still loved it.
May 9, 2017
I have been a fan of Brigham and K's work for several years now. Separately and together. They did not disappoint with this new piece of work. Right from the start I could tell that Carter and Riley's story was going to take me on an emotional ride. The prologue really set the tone for me. I love angst, I love drama, and I love two tortured souls who just make me want to scream. This has it all, because besides developing some really great characters the writing is superb. I am really looking forward to the next book.
September 20, 2017
Even though by the end of this story I was left adrift and wanting for resolution for Riley and Carter, I still really enjoyed Wake's angst-ridden storyline and wonderful characters. With the prologue giving a glimpse into the uncertain and pained future of both men, I already knew it was going to be a tense and rocky ride.
While at times the pace of the story might seem to drag, it was actually necessary for the authors to cover the different segments of the mens' lives at length to show the progression of their deeply connected friendship and the eventual emotional and physical relationship the develops between the two best friends. Seeing both of their feelings evolve, then watching as they let life drive them apart and dealing with the angst and tension made for a really great read--if a bit frustrating when you know Riley and Carter really belong together.
Their story is not resolved in this book, so keep that in mind when you start reading; it continues on in Calm, so when Wake finishes you'll find an uncertain future with a lot of loose ends. Even so, the complexity of the characters and the fact that as a reader you'll know there is much more to come for them will have you wanting to know more and to make sure they get their happy ending just like I wanted.
Wake was an excellent story that really grabbed my attention, and though I was left wanting and needing at the end it was still a 5-star read for me. The writing and characters are just that good where even though there's no resolution between Riley and Carter and there's more drama and angst without any hope for happiness in sight, this is still a fantastic read that left me wanting for more. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content (M/F/M), and as the extended blurb on Goodreads states, there's also infidelity and other adult situations as well.
While at times the pace of the story might seem to drag, it was actually necessary for the authors to cover the different segments of the mens' lives at length to show the progression of their deeply connected friendship and the eventual emotional and physical relationship the develops between the two best friends. Seeing both of their feelings evolve, then watching as they let life drive them apart and dealing with the angst and tension made for a really great read--if a bit frustrating when you know Riley and Carter really belong together.
Their story is not resolved in this book, so keep that in mind when you start reading; it continues on in Calm, so when Wake finishes you'll find an uncertain future with a lot of loose ends. Even so, the complexity of the characters and the fact that as a reader you'll know there is much more to come for them will have you wanting to know more and to make sure they get their happy ending just like I wanted.
Wake was an excellent story that really grabbed my attention, and though I was left wanting and needing at the end it was still a 5-star read for me. The writing and characters are just that good where even though there's no resolution between Riley and Carter and there's more drama and angst without any hope for happiness in sight, this is still a fantastic read that left me wanting for more. This story is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content (M/F/M), and as the extended blurb on Goodreads states, there's also infidelity and other adult situations as well.
July 1, 2017
It's rare for me to read a story straight through, but I could not put this book down! It's not easy to write great chemistry but K Evan Coles and Brigham Vaughn nailed this relationship. I loved the friendship, bromance, and passion between these two. The side characters were wonderfully rounded and added a compelling depth to the story. I cannot wait to devour book two.
September 23, 2017
Too much angst for me and cliffhanger. Don't get me wrong, it's well written reason why all this angst made me completly depressed...
0-mm-books-i-own-and-to-be-read
October 26, 2021*************************************
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 6, 2017
I have been a fan of Brigham Vaughn for a few years now and she has never let me down. K Evan Cole is a new author to me that is definitely on her way up. Put the two together and we are blessed with an amazing journey of friendship, lust, hesitation, fear, and heart. After only a couple of chapters, I knew that if I was smart I would put Wake aside until the second book was released so I wouldn't be tortured with waiting but I was also already sucked in and couldn't even begin to contemplate the idea of putting it aside, so I continued on and simply put - I LOVED IT!! I can't imagine not having read it even with the possibility of a lengthy wait to finish Carter & Riley's journey of friendship & freedom to be themselves.
Now, as for the boys, I love them both and I feel for them at the turmoil they both are facing trying to come to terms with who they are. Having said that, Carter definitely tries my patience more than once, talk about a character that needs a good shaking or a sharp whack to the back of the head but I love him anyway. That's about the extent of any spoiler hints you are going to get out of me but I will add that Wake will keep you hooked from beginning to end, it was pure torture when I had to put my kindle aside when pesky daily tasks such as work, eating, and sleep reared their ugly head.
As a straight woman, it's easy for me to pass judgement and say to Carter and Riley, "just admit it, be yourself" but I cannot even begin to fathom what either are facing in the society they live in so I can't stress enough to go in reading Carter and Riley's journey with an open mind and full heart. You just might walk away, not only having experienced a very entertaining heart-warming tale of friendship but you might also learn something about yourself along the way.
As I started with, Brigham Vaughn has never let me down and after Wake I can safely say I'll be saying the same about K Evan Coles in a couple years down the road.
Now, as for the boys, I love them both and I feel for them at the turmoil they both are facing trying to come to terms with who they are. Having said that, Carter definitely tries my patience more than once, talk about a character that needs a good shaking or a sharp whack to the back of the head but I love him anyway. That's about the extent of any spoiler hints you are going to get out of me but I will add that Wake will keep you hooked from beginning to end, it was pure torture when I had to put my kindle aside when pesky daily tasks such as work, eating, and sleep reared their ugly head.
As a straight woman, it's easy for me to pass judgement and say to Carter and Riley, "just admit it, be yourself" but I cannot even begin to fathom what either are facing in the society they live in so I can't stress enough to go in reading Carter and Riley's journey with an open mind and full heart. You just might walk away, not only having experienced a very entertaining heart-warming tale of friendship but you might also learn something about yourself along the way.
As I started with, Brigham Vaughn has never let me down and after Wake I can safely say I'll be saying the same about K Evan Coles in a couple years down the road.
May 11, 2017
This book is utterly amazing, and I find the best part about it is that you are brought into these mens lives like you are living with them! It is very rare to be able to develop characters that way, and to show their flaws as well as their strengths in a way that we will still love them, but these tow authors do it beautifully!
Riley and Carter share a history that those close to them know nothing about, the truth is they were once more than just best friends, and one of them at least, would be more than that now, even though they are both settled with families. One of them is willing to come out of the closet and live the life he should have long ago, but will he have to live it without the one he wants most?
You really have to read this book, and it ends in such a way that you are aching for the next book
( not too long to wait, early release is in August) but that in no way should keep you from reading this book, it is amazing and you will fall in love with Riley and Carter just like I did!
Riley and Carter share a history that those close to them know nothing about, the truth is they were once more than just best friends, and one of them at least, would be more than that now, even though they are both settled with families. One of them is willing to come out of the closet and live the life he should have long ago, but will he have to live it without the one he wants most?
You really have to read this book, and it ends in such a way that you are aching for the next book
( not too long to wait, early release is in August) but that in no way should keep you from reading this book, it is amazing and you will fall in love with Riley and Carter just like I did!
May 6, 2017
I loved this book! K. Evans Cole and Brigham Vaughn have written a wonderful story. Reading Carter and Riley's story of friendship was so beautifully written. I loved the way we got snapshots of how their relationship developed in college. Reading about the struggles they each faced was so hard to read because I felt so much for these characters. Then there were times they frustrated me so much with the decisions they made I just felt like throwing my copy to the ground. While I couldn't personally relate to everything they experienced, I connected so much with them that it hurt to read the pains they go through. I can't wait to read the next book and see where Carter and Riley's journey will lead them. It won't be an easy journey for either one because of the decisions they made in the past, but I do hope they each find happiness.
April 6, 2024
The Calm before the Storm
Carter and Riley a imperfect pair. Friends turned adventurers in s** turned strangers all over the course of almost 2 decades. When Riley and Carter first met they had great chemistry as friends and then over time Riley started to develop different feelings but they weren't acted upon. They then found a common ground that only opened the flood gates. Eventually adulthood gave way to marriage kids and of course secrets that went from being buried to resurrecting like a zombie. Now Riley and Carter faced the biggest challenge of all the truth and how it will affect them as individuals, friends and their respective lives.
Carter and Riley a imperfect pair. Friends turned adventurers in s** turned strangers all over the course of almost 2 decades. When Riley and Carter first met they had great chemistry as friends and then over time Riley started to develop different feelings but they weren't acted upon. They then found a common ground that only opened the flood gates. Eventually adulthood gave way to marriage kids and of course secrets that went from being buried to resurrecting like a zombie. Now Riley and Carter faced the biggest challenge of all the truth and how it will affect them as individuals, friends and their respective lives.
January 3, 2023
beautiful and full of heartbreak
Oh my - this one hurt my heart. Such a beautiful story about 2 friends in love with each other. But it is also a story about courage and fighting against expectations - both your own, your family and the society’s. It is about coming to terms with your true self and being brave enough to search for true happiness and love. I can’t wait to see where Riley and Carter are going from here!
Oh my - this one hurt my heart. Such a beautiful story about 2 friends in love with each other. But it is also a story about courage and fighting against expectations - both your own, your family and the society’s. It is about coming to terms with your true self and being brave enough to search for true happiness and love. I can’t wait to see where Riley and Carter are going from here!
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