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True Hearts #2
Dear Everly
Dear Everly,
We promised each other forever, and now that’s gone. My memory of you is our daughter. I said I would never move on, but something happened. Someone moved into the house next door. She works at our daughter’s preschool. Everywhere I go, she’s there. My forever is changing now… I’m falling in love with her. Loving her means forgetting you. Loving her means letting you go. Loving her... means everything to me.
I love you endlessly,
Jake
We promised each other forever, and now that’s gone. My memory of you is our daughter. I said I would never move on, but something happened. Someone moved into the house next door. She works at our daughter’s preschool. Everywhere I go, she’s there. My forever is changing now… I’m falling in love with her. Loving her means forgetting you. Loving her means letting you go. Loving her... means everything to me.
I love you endlessly,
Jake
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 31, 2017
955 people are currently reading
1002 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 333 reviews
November 3, 2017
Spoilers ahead:
I liked reading this book. It was very well written and fast paced. There were some sweet and funny moments that I enjoyed.
I didn't connect to the main characters at all. I couldn't feel their love for each other.
The hero was a total ass. Sure he had his sweet moments with his daughter, and he told the heroine that he loved her over and over again. But he also hurt her, needlessly. From the beginning he was rude to her, always letting her take the blame for everything. Some things were really cruel. And afterwards he just apologized and told her he didn't mean it and everything would be all right. I didn't believe him to be sincere.
And our heroine was letting him walk all over her. She was there for him, always. When he needed her to be a babysitter so he could go on a date with a different woman (nothing happened, just a few drinks), when he was in his kind of mood being mean and so on. She just stood there, told him she loved him, and that she would always be there for him and his daughter. She was so understanding and supporting, never loosing her temper. She just cried a lot, alone in her house.
And the ending was, well, just there. We don't get to see how they made a life with each other. If they married or had other kids. There wasn't any talk about the future. It wasn't satisfying enough.
I liked reading this book. It was very well written and fast paced. There were some sweet and funny moments that I enjoyed.
I didn't connect to the main characters at all. I couldn't feel their love for each other.
The hero was a total ass. Sure he had his sweet moments with his daughter, and he told the heroine that he loved her over and over again. But he also hurt her, needlessly. From the beginning he was rude to her, always letting her take the blame for everything. Some things were really cruel. And afterwards he just apologized and told her he didn't mean it and everything would be all right. I didn't believe him to be sincere.
And our heroine was letting him walk all over her. She was there for him, always. When he needed her to be a babysitter so he could go on a date with a different woman (nothing happened, just a few drinks), when he was in his kind of mood being mean and so on. She just stood there, told him she loved him, and that she would always be there for him and his daughter. She was so understanding and supporting, never loosing her temper. She just cried a lot, alone in her house.
And the ending was, well, just there. We don't get to see how they made a life with each other. If they married or had other kids. There wasn't any talk about the future. It wasn't satisfying enough.
October 6, 2023
Misery porn.
Ye gods.I went into this fairly blind on a FB rec (stupid, stupid, stupid) not realizing that the Everly in the title is the H's dead wife. I honestly thought...well I didn't think.
The H writes heartbreaking letters to his dead wife until the bitter end. Honestly a better, more romantic and more enjoyable romance would be to resurrect her somehow because no way in hell is the heroine ever going to measure up.
I can buy a second chance romance, but this isn't it.
The one star is for how unbelievably depressing this was.
Ye gods.I went into this fairly blind on a FB rec (stupid, stupid, stupid) not realizing that the Everly in the title is the H's dead wife. I honestly thought...well I didn't think.
The H writes heartbreaking letters to his dead wife until the bitter end. Honestly a better, more romantic and more enjoyable romance would be to resurrect her somehow because no way in hell is the heroine ever going to measure up.
I can buy a second chance romance, but this isn't it.
The one star is for how unbelievably depressing this was.
November 20, 2017
His wife died two years ago and her things are still as she left them. The bed of them messed up as she woke up on the day she died, the clothes hanging in the closet and the shampoo in the bathroom, etc...
Two years have passed and he is still in mourning. He created a shrine with things from his wife.
It was a painful reading and the path it took too long until he resolved to give a chance for our heroine.
Our heroine behaved like a doormat and accepted all the shit he did to her. He said and did things that left her badly hurt. But she always came back for more.
I think the dead wife's always going to be the third party in their relationship and that our heroine has no self esteem.
I had the urge to shout to our heroine to run and never look back.
When the story ended I was exhausted and depressed.
---------------------
Two years have passed and he is still in mourning. He created a shrine with things from his wife.
It was a painful reading and the path it took too long until he resolved to give a chance for our heroine.
Our heroine behaved like a doormat and accepted all the shit he did to her. He said and did things that left her badly hurt. But she always came back for more.
I think the dead wife's always going to be the third party in their relationship and that our heroine has no self esteem.
I had the urge to shout to our heroine to run and never look back.
When the story ended I was exhausted and depressed.
---------------------
"We didn’t break up. We didn’t call it quits. We didn’t take a break. We didn’t hurt each other, Everly. We were ripped apart."
ogro==>"I had made the new neighbor cry."
Kissed but felt guilty==>"I turned my head slightly and the kiss felt inevitable. At that exact second I had a feeling that someone was watching us. I swore that if I spun around I would see Everly sitting in her chair on the deck, watching. She would be crying, knowing that my heart was…"
Wrong Name==>“It’s okay, Ev. The situation…” I stopped. I shut my eyes. I just called her Ev. Short for Everly. I saw the look on Emily’s face. “Shit,” I whispered."
"Somewhere in my mind I pictured Everly breezing right by me."
“Jake. I’m not mad. I just don’t know anything about it. What happened. Her name is beautiful. “Ever-” “Don’t,” Jake growled. His nostrils flared. “Don’t ever speak her name. Ever.”
“If I hurt you or something, I’m sorry,” I said. “I’m just trying to figure out my place.” “Your place is next door,” Jake said. “Not in my… not in my business. Heart. Nothing.”
"I want you to know you’re not her goddamn mother and you never will be."
"I want you to put up a fucking for sale sign and be done with it all. That’s the right thing for you to do."
"caught sight of the bedroom. Right as I had left it. Nothing touched. Nothing moved. Everything in the exact same place from the day it all happened."
Date with OW==>"This was going to be my first date since my first date with Everly."
“I, uh, hate to do this, Emily, but I need someone to watch Sadie. So I can go out.”
"She didn’t know it was a date because I didn’t tell her. And why didn’t I tell her?"
“I wasn’t out with Paul. I misled you into believing that. I was out on a date, Emily.”
"The craziest kiss I could remember. The hottest sex I could remember. Yet I felt fucking guilty…"
Emily ==>"I would have to accept that he would forever be in love with two women. I would be the other woman,"
"Everly, you know everything about me. I’m not a mystery to you. And you’re not a mystery to me. It’s perfection when we’re together."
"I shut my eyes and wished I could smell her. Just one more time."
"But I want you to know that when I say I love you endlessly I mean it. I forever mean it. No matter what happens next. I forever mean it.”
"I looked over at Emily. Sitting in her chair."
Kicked to the curb==>“Get out,” he said. “Just get out right now. You don’t get to come into this house and act like you own it.” “What are you talking about?” “You sat in her chair,” Jake said. “You put the dressings in the wrong spot. You tried to help so much. Just stop it. And now the room?”
“Go home, Emily. Right now.” “Jake… I don’t want to…” “I didn’t ask,” he said. “I’m telling you to go.” “I didn’t"
“Emily,” he said. “Just go. This is what I warned you about. Get the hell out of my house before I call the police.”
"A beautiful woman in a long t-shirt. My t-shirt. There was only one other woman that wore my t-shirt the following morning."
"I still have your shampoo in the shower. Sometimes I smell it. Sometimes it makes me cry."
"Everything in the room was there because of you. You designed it all for our little girl. There will come a day when she wants different covers or different pictures on the wall but I’ll never get rid of them. I’ll make sure you stay with us, Everly."
“Jake… she’s beautiful.” I looked at Jake. “Sadie is her twin.”
"I’m sorry, Ev. I hope this doesn’t mean I’m hurting you. I just want what’s best for everyone. You know I’ll never stop loving you. I’m sorry for how badly I fucked all this up after you were gone."
"I fucking loved her. I really fucking loved her. In a way that was hard to explain but a way that really got to me."
"All you needed to do was be there for her. Be her goddamn friend. Not her mother!”
89%==>“Don’t tell me how to raise her,” I growled. “Ever.”
93%==>“My heart is broken, Em.” I touched his chest. “I know it is.” “There’s no faking with me. I don’t know when things will ever change."
"My hand and my heart, my soul and my life, everything I have is now yours. My daughter loves you. I love you."
94%==>"Everly’s clothes were put into totes and stored away too. When I stepped into the closet, I smelled her. I grabbed everything I could and hugged it, screaming as loud as my lungs would let me, Everly’s clothing muffling my screams. I collapsed to the floor, covered in her clothes and stayed there until Emily found me."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 2, 2017
My God!! What can I say about Dear Everly?! Well, first off, it's painful to read. It's emotional. It's heartbreaking. It's really sad. But, there are flashes of light, mainly in the most adorable little girl named Sadie and her stuffed unicorn named Bo. And when the hero and the heroine finally get together, I was cheering. But, their road to get to that point was like I said - painful, emotional, heartbreaking and sad.
Jake has lost his wife Everly and has still not gotten over it two years later. He's just coasting through life, taking care of his daughter, Sadie, and going to work. He writes Everly letters every day and it's painfully obvious that he still loves her. Misses her as if his heart is with her and he will never be whole again. But, then, a ray of something happens when Emily moves in next door. At first, she's just an annoyance, a distraction, but Sadie bonds with her immediately, and Emily with Sadie. And when Emily starts working a few days a week at Sadie's school? Yep, Jake can see the ties forming immediately and it bothers him. REALLY bothers him. Makes him angry. Makes him furious that he's noticing someone other than his daughter. Someone other than his dead wife that he misses so much, loves so much. So he lashes out at Emily, with really cruel words. And damn, I felt for her! But it's like she's one of those weeble wobble things we had as kids where a punch or a kick makes her wobble a bit, but never knocks her down. She just takes Jake's hits and keeps standing. She's there for him even when he's a giant ass to her. She's there for Sadie because she's fallen in love with her (and with Jake). But how can Jake even think of being with Emily when his heart so clearly belongs to Everly? Everly whom he still writes letters to, still misses 24 hours a day, still loves with all his heart?
Sigh...Dear Everly was such an emotional read, so damn heartbreaking that I absolutely felt Jaxson and London's pain through my Kindle. I can't imagine this must have been easy for either of them to write. But, it's a beautiful read when it's all said and done, and I'm so grateful to have read it. Thank you Jaxson and London for this amazing story.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
Jake has lost his wife Everly and has still not gotten over it two years later. He's just coasting through life, taking care of his daughter, Sadie, and going to work. He writes Everly letters every day and it's painfully obvious that he still loves her. Misses her as if his heart is with her and he will never be whole again. But, then, a ray of something happens when Emily moves in next door. At first, she's just an annoyance, a distraction, but Sadie bonds with her immediately, and Emily with Sadie. And when Emily starts working a few days a week at Sadie's school? Yep, Jake can see the ties forming immediately and it bothers him. REALLY bothers him. Makes him angry. Makes him furious that he's noticing someone other than his daughter. Someone other than his dead wife that he misses so much, loves so much. So he lashes out at Emily, with really cruel words. And damn, I felt for her! But it's like she's one of those weeble wobble things we had as kids where a punch or a kick makes her wobble a bit, but never knocks her down. She just takes Jake's hits and keeps standing. She's there for him even when he's a giant ass to her. She's there for Sadie because she's fallen in love with her (and with Jake). But how can Jake even think of being with Emily when his heart so clearly belongs to Everly? Everly whom he still writes letters to, still misses 24 hours a day, still loves with all his heart?
Sigh...Dear Everly was such an emotional read, so damn heartbreaking that I absolutely felt Jaxson and London's pain through my Kindle. I can't imagine this must have been easy for either of them to write. But, it's a beautiful read when it's all said and done, and I'm so grateful to have read it. Thank you Jaxson and London for this amazing story.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
no-way-jose
February 21, 2018UPDATE: 02/21/1918: this is a review that brings a different angle to this story and I think I have to agree with her. Maybe the female mc has really a mental problem. Maybe she’s just the kind who needs,wants, crave a relationship and need to feel part of something. No matter how and in what degree. 1st, 2nd, 3rd best. It doesn’t matter. Maybe what she really needed was some psychological therapy. Because really thinking about she acts like a sick person. Anywho, this review just gave me food for thought.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Another dead partner trope being a main character in a book where the heroine is a desperate doormat and the hero treats her like dirt. And she accepts because, well...he's grieving after all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Another dead partner trope being a main character in a book where the heroine is a desperate doormat and the hero treats her like dirt. And she accepts because, well...he's grieving after all.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
dnf
November 10, 2017I just couldn’t keep reading it. Emily came off as super desperate and acted like a doormat, and Jake was hot/cold and hurtful, and it was just unnecessary no matter what his situation was.... Bummed, but hopefully it works for others!
November 6, 2017
No need to write a review. The below review is exactly what I would have wrote. 🙃
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
February 20, 2018
1.5*. The H's grief over the loss of his love and the mother of his child is actually quite well portrayed. It depicts the stuff of soul mates. It's been two years or so when the H and the h meet. We see the the H continuing to struggle with grief as the 'romance' unfolds. It really didn't seem much of a romance. The pacing on the romance was off, too quick for someone in his position and the I love you's didn't seem believable. Especially on his part. The H was often a douche and cruel yet always underlined by his internal struggle and h as needy and a complete doormat. She allowed him to get away with a lot and her motives didn't stand up to scrutiny. She just wanted to fit into his life in what ever way he would allow it, even though he kept pushing her away. Often with cruel words. She was the OW in the romance not the h. There was too little too late to try and save that impression.
November 7, 2017
I wanted to put down this book after the first few chapters because I thought its too deep and real...and it was, gosh it was real, as real as it can get within its category.
But it was also: beautiful, honest, hard and sweet ...a real rollercoaster ride..! And I loved it ..and I am so glad I was stubborn and won the war within myself and didnt give up on the book in the beggining. I hated those damn letters and after the last chapter I cant imagine a better way for this book, for the feelings ..
If you are in a need of a little romance laced with death, grief, the real life and its feelings well you should grab this baby.!
Xx Love Leticia
But it was also: beautiful, honest, hard and sweet ...a real rollercoaster ride..! And I loved it ..and I am so glad I was stubborn and won the war within myself and didnt give up on the book in the beggining. I hated those damn letters and after the last chapter I cant imagine a better way for this book, for the feelings ..
If you are in a need of a little romance laced with death, grief, the real life and its feelings well you should grab this baby.!
Xx Love Leticia
February 20, 2018
Man, this one gave me some confused emotions. I'm a pretty empathetic person. I try on the metaphorical shoes of other people (real and imagined) regularly, and can usually grasp another's perspective, even when I don't agree. There are, of course, limits to this ability, but generally it serves me well.
So, I've been in love with my hubby since I was 15 years old and we are creeping up on 22 years of marriage. Books like this obviously make me ponder the loss of him, and no question, I'd be shattered. Devastated. Angry.
Not unlike Jake.
There's no time-table for grief.
However, as much as I can sympathize with Jake's plight, I felt like the time-table was off in this story. I felt it was rushed, forced, and therefore unhealthy. It took away from the sweetness that is needed to float the "dead spouse" trope. All I felt was the grief and the anger. I mean the grief was well written and painful, but the balance was missing. I didn't buy that first kiss, it was all wrong, and honestly the romance aspect went downhill from there. Jake was an ass to everyone but Sadie, and Emily was a doormat.
So, I've been in love with my hubby since I was 15 years old and we are creeping up on 22 years of marriage. Books like this obviously make me ponder the loss of him, and no question, I'd be shattered. Devastated. Angry.
Not unlike Jake.
There's no time-table for grief.
However, as much as I can sympathize with Jake's plight, I felt like the time-table was off in this story. I felt it was rushed, forced, and therefore unhealthy. It took away from the sweetness that is needed to float the "dead spouse" trope. All I felt was the grief and the anger. I mean the grief was well written and painful, but the balance was missing. I didn't buy that first kiss, it was all wrong, and honestly the romance aspect went downhill from there. Jake was an ass to everyone but Sadie, and Emily was a doormat.
January 3, 2018
This book was quite good. I am not sure I always loved the flow but I really enjoyed it and got into it. I felt sometimes like Emily might have been selling herself short but perhaps not. Was also surprised by her hidden story. I had mixed feelings about whether that was reaching and perhaps unnecessary. Sadie was cute as can be so hard not to love her. Jake - my heart broke for him. For his tragedy and how deeply he buried himself. I certainly didn’t think he treated Emily very nicely sometimes but that is likely realistic. I love that they all found each other.
March 6, 2020
2.5 stars
The book very much resides in the "hero's still hung up on dead ex" trope which can be tricky to do well. For me personally, there has to be just the right balance of "out with the old and in with the new" which can be tough to do. This is part of the True Hearts series, which has been hit or miss with me. They are all free on KU, and have free audio with audible escapes.
*spoilers are tagged but will not be hidden in the Goodreads app.*
Jake is a single dad to 4-yr old daughter Sadie; two years after the death of his beloved fiancée, Everly, he is still struggling with accepting his loss. He's broody and curt to pretty much everyone, and has a GIANT chip on his shoulder. He's easily offended, and quick to lash out. He is a great father, and very attentive to his daughter.
Emily has just lost her beloved grandma, and her only family. After years of putting her life on hold to be her primary caregiver she is finally striking out on her own, and moves in next door to Jake and Sadie. She is extremely lonely, and has some heavy baggage that she eludes to but we do not find out what it is until towards the end.
This book didn't work for me for a couple reasons...
First, the writing style was a bit "flowery" for me. The h is a poet, so we get pages of her colorful poems sprinkled throughout the book, and all the descriptions are elaborate like this....
I walked to the railing and took a deep breath of semi-warm air and the smell of grass. I loved those weeks right before things got into summer mode. When everything was still freshly blooming and the excitement lingered in the air for summer.
Next, I did not like the flow of the book. The story constantly has timeouts as Jake has his random flashbacks every time something reminds him of Everly. (which is a lot) He also writes her daily letters, so we get several of those sprinkled throughout as well.
Finally, and most importantly, I couldn't get invested in their "love" story because it didn't feel authentic. Both of these characters are carrying some MAJOR emotional baggage which causes him to be a jerk and her to be needy, and accepting of any affection. I didn't feel that he was cruel, or her a doormat...just that they were damaged and not in a place mentally for a healthy relationship. All three of them needed major therapy.
Overall, the bones were good, but somewhere in all the wordy prose, and choppy flow I lost my connection to the MC's, and felt emotional distanced. It was sad, and emotional, but I didn't cry...it didn't feel real. The story ends rather abruptly, it is hinted that Jake is taking steps to healing, but we are left with no "peek" into their future.
The book very much resides in the "hero's still hung up on dead ex" trope which can be tricky to do well. For me personally, there has to be just the right balance of "out with the old and in with the new" which can be tough to do. This is part of the True Hearts series, which has been hit or miss with me. They are all free on KU, and have free audio with audible escapes.
*spoilers are tagged but will not be hidden in the Goodreads app.*
Jake is a single dad to 4-yr old daughter Sadie; two years after the death of his beloved fiancée, Everly, he is still struggling with accepting his loss. He's broody and curt to pretty much everyone, and has a GIANT chip on his shoulder. He's easily offended, and quick to lash out. He is a great father, and very attentive to his daughter.
Emily has just lost her beloved grandma, and her only family. After years of putting her life on hold to be her primary caregiver she is finally striking out on her own, and moves in next door to Jake and Sadie. She is extremely lonely, and has some heavy baggage that she eludes to but we do not find out what it is until towards the end.
This book didn't work for me for a couple reasons...
First, the writing style was a bit "flowery" for me. The h is a poet, so we get pages of her colorful poems sprinkled throughout the book, and all the descriptions are elaborate like this....
I walked to the railing and took a deep breath of semi-warm air and the smell of grass. I loved those weeks right before things got into summer mode. When everything was still freshly blooming and the excitement lingered in the air for summer.
Next, I did not like the flow of the book. The story constantly has timeouts as Jake has his random flashbacks every time something reminds him of Everly. (which is a lot) He also writes her daily letters, so we get several of those sprinkled throughout as well.
Finally, and most importantly, I couldn't get invested in their "love" story because it didn't feel authentic. Both of these characters are carrying some MAJOR emotional baggage which causes him to be a jerk and her to be needy, and accepting of any affection. I didn't feel that he was cruel, or her a doormat...just that they were damaged and not in a place mentally for a healthy relationship. All three of them needed major therapy.
Overall, the bones were good, but somewhere in all the wordy prose, and choppy flow I lost my connection to the MC's, and felt emotional distanced. It was sad, and emotional, but I didn't cry...it didn't feel real. The story ends rather abruptly, it is hinted that Jake is taking steps to healing, but we are left with no "peek" into their future.
November 6, 2017
“But I felt like I was Jake’s mess. And he was mine. And that… Well that just felt perfect.”
Dear Everly … where do I even begin?! This is the first I’ve read by author duo London Casey & Jaxson Kidman. To say I loved this book is not enough. You know when you read a book, and it continues to resonate with you days after you’ve finished it? That is exactly how I feel.
Jake, Jake, JAKE. He is a tortured soul. The only light in his life after a traumatic loss is Sadie, his daughter. These two made my heart melt! You couldn’t help but feel the unconditional love between these two. Then, there was Emily; next door neighbour, smart, kind, and looking for a fresh start. I think what I enjoyed most about Jake & Emily was how truly raw, and relatable, their feelings were. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cry at numerous points throughout this read (I’m not crying, you’re crying).
Thank you to Casey & Kidman for creating and sharing this emotional story! It was a wild ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Book babes, don’t hesitate and pick up Dear Everly TODAY.
Dear Everly … where do I even begin?! This is the first I’ve read by author duo London Casey & Jaxson Kidman. To say I loved this book is not enough. You know when you read a book, and it continues to resonate with you days after you’ve finished it? That is exactly how I feel.
Jake, Jake, JAKE. He is a tortured soul. The only light in his life after a traumatic loss is Sadie, his daughter. These two made my heart melt! You couldn’t help but feel the unconditional love between these two. Then, there was Emily; next door neighbour, smart, kind, and looking for a fresh start. I think what I enjoyed most about Jake & Emily was how truly raw, and relatable, their feelings were. I would be lying if I said I didn’t cry at numerous points throughout this read (I’m not crying, you’re crying).
Thank you to Casey & Kidman for creating and sharing this emotional story! It was a wild ride, and I wouldn’t change a thing. Book babes, don’t hesitate and pick up Dear Everly TODAY.
January 8, 2018
Mental
I don't know where to start. I just couldn't stand her. She is the type to sleep with a married man. If he showed any kindness she would have taken it as something else. She would flirt and flirt until he slept with her. I could also see her as a stalker if things didn't work out. When she told her story about her ex I really thought this girl is just mental. Who stays with a guy who tells you over and over you will always be second best to his first wife. She just like "I understand" its fine crap. I think in a normal circumstance if he went to grieve normally he would have never picked her. She just wouldn't leave him alone. I didn't buy the good act from her. She is just creepy.
I don't know where to start. I just couldn't stand her. She is the type to sleep with a married man. If he showed any kindness she would have taken it as something else. She would flirt and flirt until he slept with her. I could also see her as a stalker if things didn't work out. When she told her story about her ex I really thought this girl is just mental. Who stays with a guy who tells you over and over you will always be second best to his first wife. She just like "I understand" its fine crap. I think in a normal circumstance if he went to grieve normally he would have never picked her. She just wouldn't leave him alone. I didn't buy the good act from her. She is just creepy.
November 1, 2017
First, I was gutted by this story. Second, I absolutely loved this story. Third, Make sure you have a box of tissues near when reading this story.
The story of Jake and Emily has me still sniffling and after I finished reading it. I am trying to review without giving away the most important parts, which is most of the story.
OK here goes. The cover is amazing and says so much for the story and about the story. Just reading the prologue is gives me an insight to how much love was freely given to another, a new life and love was added and then one lost.
Jake has been raising his daughter for two and a half years alone. He has done this selflessly, with the help of day care, a sitter, and his friend Mitch. He hasn't dated let alone looked at another woman. He's a broken angry man.
Emily has taken care of her grandmother since the day she needed her too. She has selflessly cared for her, loved her until she passed. The only home she was raised in, has been sold and Emily is starting a new life on her own.
She hopes to continue writing and finding a new life, in her new home, next door to the home of a father and young daughter.
But the neighbor and his daughter draw her into their life….
The story of Jake and Emily has me still sniffling and after I finished reading it. I am trying to review without giving away the most important parts, which is most of the story.
OK here goes. The cover is amazing and says so much for the story and about the story. Just reading the prologue is gives me an insight to how much love was freely given to another, a new life and love was added and then one lost.
Jake has been raising his daughter for two and a half years alone. He has done this selflessly, with the help of day care, a sitter, and his friend Mitch. He hasn't dated let alone looked at another woman. He's a broken angry man.
Emily has taken care of her grandmother since the day she needed her too. She has selflessly cared for her, loved her until she passed. The only home she was raised in, has been sold and Emily is starting a new life on her own.
She hopes to continue writing and finding a new life, in her new home, next door to the home of a father and young daughter.
But the neighbor and his daughter draw her into their life….
November 2, 2017
Jack is left heartbroken after the death of Everly, and is left alone to be a single dad to their little daughter. He is unable to move on from this tragedy, and writes letters daily to Everly. Emily has also suffered a loss and moves into the house next door to Jake. These two seem destined to cross paths, and Jake is not always pleasant to Emily. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed!
This collaboration of authors’ is extremely gifted, and brings us some amazing stories. In my opinion, this is my favourite to date! This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was hooked throughout. This is one of those stories which remain with you when you have finished, and is worth so much more than the 5 stars allowed! Awesome work!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!
This collaboration of authors’ is extremely gifted, and brings us some amazing stories. In my opinion, this is my favourite to date! This story is a rollercoaster of emotions, and I was hooked throughout. This is one of those stories which remain with you when you have finished, and is worth so much more than the 5 stars allowed! Awesome work!!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book!
November 17, 2017
This was a heart-wrenching story that tore at you. Made you see the dark and light side of forever, of an endless love.
I love the story and writing but I had a hard time falling for Jake. I understand all the weight he carried but that didn't give him the right to be a jerk. Repeatedly. I'm all for alpha males but he was mean.
I loved Emily and understood her but man did I want her to get mad, at least once. But I will admit I really liked her ability to be kind and patient in hard situations. It was refreshing to find a character that is so level headed, not losing her cool and understood life was about the little things.
Jake and Emily have been through so much and I hope there will be more books on them because they deserve their happily ever after. They deserve forever.
I love the story and writing but I had a hard time falling for Jake. I understand all the weight he carried but that didn't give him the right to be a jerk. Repeatedly. I'm all for alpha males but he was mean.
I loved Emily and understood her but man did I want her to get mad, at least once. But I will admit I really liked her ability to be kind and patient in hard situations. It was refreshing to find a character that is so level headed, not losing her cool and understood life was about the little things.
Jake and Emily have been through so much and I hope there will be more books on them because they deserve their happily ever after. They deserve forever.
November 2, 2017
A beautifully written story about tragedy and heartbreak and learning to love again. It totally wrecked me, yet I loved every minute of it.
From that very first page, I was hooked, and was sent on such an emotional journey that at times I felt drained. This book deals with loss and grief in such a sensitive way, you just can’t help but feel Jakes pain.
I have read a couple of books from this author duo but this one is hands down their best yet. I highly recommend you give this one a go, it is so worth it.
From that very first page, I was hooked, and was sent on such an emotional journey that at times I felt drained. This book deals with loss and grief in such a sensitive way, you just can’t help but feel Jakes pain.
I have read a couple of books from this author duo but this one is hands down their best yet. I highly recommend you give this one a go, it is so worth it.
November 12, 2017
What an amazing story and truly heartbreaking. The emotions...raw, real and exposed. The love this father has for his daughter is endless and unconditional. Jake as a princess was priceless and the most endearing moment ever. Great read and tissues are required.
July 10, 2018
?!?!!
I'm not sure in what universe, modern thinking country, city or town any young, beautiful woman (and I'm going to presume Emily was beautiful since she caught Jake's eye, as well as inspired him to growl it to himself every time he looked at or thought of her) would allow herself to behave like such a DOORMAT the way the book portrayed her reactions and actions around Jake. She basically took every cruel insult and innuendo he threw at her and responded with encouragement, positive, glowing compliments about how wonderful he was as a survivor, father, man. Please, give me a f***ing break!
However, this is fiction. Authors are allowed "creative license" and inspirational freedom to write what sells, and while this might trigger hearts, roses and chocolate candy romantics to ooh and aah Jake's masculine ruggedness and caveman technique, I'm appalled an educated, American female like Emily fell for his crap. She didn't appear that desperate for a man, and aside from her traumatic and past tragedy, she was not psychologically off balance enough to believe she deserved such demeaning treatment. I stand by my belief that her behavior is not a normal one - I do not know of any woman who wasn't abused or traumatized who would take his hot/cold treatment, no matter how appealingly attractive he was, or inspired heartache and compassion at his absolute devotion to his little girl. Then again, it's fiction. Two stars for an interesting format (Jake's dear Everly diary added to Emily and Jake's POV).
I'm not sure in what universe, modern thinking country, city or town any young, beautiful woman (and I'm going to presume Emily was beautiful since she caught Jake's eye, as well as inspired him to growl it to himself every time he looked at or thought of her) would allow herself to behave like such a DOORMAT the way the book portrayed her reactions and actions around Jake. She basically took every cruel insult and innuendo he threw at her and responded with encouragement, positive, glowing compliments about how wonderful he was as a survivor, father, man. Please, give me a f***ing break!
However, this is fiction. Authors are allowed "creative license" and inspirational freedom to write what sells, and while this might trigger hearts, roses and chocolate candy romantics to ooh and aah Jake's masculine ruggedness and caveman technique, I'm appalled an educated, American female like Emily fell for his crap. She didn't appear that desperate for a man, and aside from her traumatic and past tragedy, she was not psychologically off balance enough to believe she deserved such demeaning treatment. I stand by my belief that her behavior is not a normal one - I do not know of any woman who wasn't abused or traumatized who would take his hot/cold treatment, no matter how appealingly attractive he was, or inspired heartache and compassion at his absolute devotion to his little girl. Then again, it's fiction. Two stars for an interesting format (Jake's dear Everly diary added to Emily and Jake's POV).
February 21, 2018
Ugh!! The only reason I finished this book is because I hate to not finish a book.
But oh my gosh I hate this whole thing, there wasn’t one bit that that truly enjoyed.
The hero is a selfish arse who believe that because tradagy has befallen him he now has free pass to be the worlds biggest d£&k! He treats the heroine like dirt the whole way through the book, including using her as babysitter while he goes on a date with another woman after kissing her! His treatment of his work colleagues is appalling! He hits one guy and fails to see a problem! He use a another woman for date and blows up at her when he works out this isn’t who I want!! All in all the guys a ass!!
The heroine is pathetic, I’m sorry that’s all there is to it, she lets a guy use her and walk all over simply because something bad happened to him. Now I agree that some leeway could be given to start with but he just out right uses her!! And she lets him and then blames herself brilliant!
I got feed up off hear her moan as well, poor me life’s so difficult,blah blah blah. We get it you’re a mug who helps create 90% of all the problems in your world.
But oh my gosh I hate this whole thing, there wasn’t one bit that that truly enjoyed.
The hero is a selfish arse who believe that because tradagy has befallen him he now has free pass to be the worlds biggest d£&k! He treats the heroine like dirt the whole way through the book, including using her as babysitter while he goes on a date with another woman after kissing her! His treatment of his work colleagues is appalling! He hits one guy and fails to see a problem! He use a another woman for date and blows up at her when he works out this isn’t who I want!! All in all the guys a ass!!
The heroine is pathetic, I’m sorry that’s all there is to it, she lets a guy use her and walk all over simply because something bad happened to him. Now I agree that some leeway could be given to start with but he just out right uses her!! And she lets him and then blames herself brilliant!
I got feed up off hear her moan as well, poor me life’s so difficult,blah blah blah. We get it you’re a mug who helps create 90% of all the problems in your world.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2018
Jake and Emily and Sadie and Everly Have My Heart
Some romance stories live in a far off place of happy, pretty people. And that's okay. But this story is something else entirely. This story lives in a place that's so real. It's not gritty and ugly; rather, it's messy and sad, heartbreaking and life-affirming.
This book is sad at times. You will cry. My experience was that I shed more tears for the hope and the beauty and the overcoming than I did over the abject tragedy.
There's plenty of happy too. There's incremental triumphs and flirty teasing. There's learning and growing and unconditional love.
Absolutely recommended. Best and most cleansing cry I've had in a long time.
Some romance stories live in a far off place of happy, pretty people. And that's okay. But this story is something else entirely. This story lives in a place that's so real. It's not gritty and ugly; rather, it's messy and sad, heartbreaking and life-affirming.
This book is sad at times. You will cry. My experience was that I shed more tears for the hope and the beauty and the overcoming than I did over the abject tragedy.
There's plenty of happy too. There's incremental triumphs and flirty teasing. There's learning and growing and unconditional love.
Absolutely recommended. Best and most cleansing cry I've had in a long time.
November 7, 2017
this is more of a 3.5 star review. I really did enjoy the book but was at times frustrated with Emily. She was far too understanding and calm. Jake was so hurtful at times and she was allowed to feel hurt over his actions, but she was way too overly understanding. Yes he is working through something terrible but that doesn't mean that Emily has to just accept his hot, cold, and sometimes cruel behavior. She is allowed an emotional response,
August 10, 2022
DNF. H was was still mourning his wife and was just hot and cold which is understandable…what’s not understandable was the h who was so spineless and a doormat she took every damn thing he threw… not for me
December 28, 2017
The best thing about this book was the cover.
August 14, 2019
Boring. The h annoyed the hell out of me. Ended up skimming.
November 15, 2017
EMOTIONAL, GRIPPING, & DIVINELY ENTERTAINING !!!
Title: Dear Everly
Author: Jaxson Kidman & London Casey(Karolyn James)
Designation: Full-Length Contemporary Romance(373 pages), Standalone, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: Five Tug-At-My Heartstrings, Divinely Entertaining Stars*****
Where do I begin? For one of the few times in my life, I can't find the words to describe how I feel about a book. Without a doubt, Dear Everly by Jaxson Kidman and London Casey is one of the best books I've read... and not just this year. Oh no, this is one of the most emotionally moving books I've ever read, and I've read thousands and thousands of books in my 65 years. And surprisingly, Dear Everly doesn't even fall into any of my favorite romance tropes, it's in a class of its own. It doesn't follow any of the rules of traditional romance... yet, it's absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying there aren't a few mistakes in grammar and punctuation because they're there, but they're small and insignificant compared to the raw, heartfelt emotions exploding from the pages of this book. And the characters... they were absolutely divine. I fell head over heels for the two protagonists, Jake and Emily. I say two because that's what everyone always expects but, in reality, there were three major players in this heartwrenching tale, and the third was from a woman who only had a voice through the shadow of memory from a heartbroken husband... but it was still strong and affected the future of three lives. Jake is a widower, single father, and grease monkey, trying to raise his four-year-old daughter, barely managing to survive and holding onto his sanity by a thread after the tragic loss of his wife. He's rude, gruff, impolite, inconsiderate, foul-tempered, discourteous and most days, a complete jerk, but not with his daughter Sadie. His entire world revolves around his little princess and for that alone, Jake won my heart. Jake was imperfectly perfect. And Emily... well, simply, she was perfect, perfect for Jake and his daughter. She was kind, sweet, loyal, loving and giving, and so wise for her years. That's not to say she didn't have a few problems of her own because she did, but that's what made this story so great - the imperfections. The imperfections made it real. This story meant a lot to me because I understood it, I felt it, I experienced it, I lived it. You see, I became part of the lives of two young children many years ago, and it was the greatest gift I've ever been given. It probably saved my life. So yes, this story was really special to me. I won't waste your time by trying to analyze the components of this story and tell you what I thought the authors did right and what they did wrong because in this case, none of it really matters. But what I will do is give you a piece of advice and a recommendation. If you read one story this week, this month, this year, heck, in your lifetime, read this book. If you love raw, heartfelt, emotional, sob-your-eyes-out, unconventional, unforgettable, and beautifully written contemporary romance filled to the brim with laughs, love, heartache, hope, redemption, and characters that will demand your undivided attention and completely capture your heart, then this book is screaming your name. This story will remind you that tomorrow belongs to no one, each day is a gift and sometimes, no matter how much we try, forever can't be forever.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain adult themes, explicit language, and dreamy sex. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I've read several of Kidman and Casey's stories but Dear Everly is my favorite. Jaxson Kidman and London Casey have become a dynamic writing duo that delivers some of the most well crafted and emotional romance I've ever read. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Once I started reading, I could not stop. I sat glued to my seat, white-knuckling my ereader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as the time flew as quickly as the pages. I snickered, snorted, sniffled and sobbed through the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied, and well entertained. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read.
Title: Dear Everly
Author: Jaxson Kidman & London Casey(Karolyn James)
Designation: Full-Length Contemporary Romance(373 pages), Standalone, NO Cliffhanger
Reading Platform: Kindle Unlimited
My Rating: Five Tug-At-My Heartstrings, Divinely Entertaining Stars*****
Where do I begin? For one of the few times in my life, I can't find the words to describe how I feel about a book. Without a doubt, Dear Everly by Jaxson Kidman and London Casey is one of the best books I've read... and not just this year. Oh no, this is one of the most emotionally moving books I've ever read, and I've read thousands and thousands of books in my 65 years. And surprisingly, Dear Everly doesn't even fall into any of my favorite romance tropes, it's in a class of its own. It doesn't follow any of the rules of traditional romance... yet, it's absolutely perfect. Don't get me wrong; I'm not saying there aren't a few mistakes in grammar and punctuation because they're there, but they're small and insignificant compared to the raw, heartfelt emotions exploding from the pages of this book. And the characters... they were absolutely divine. I fell head over heels for the two protagonists, Jake and Emily. I say two because that's what everyone always expects but, in reality, there were three major players in this heartwrenching tale, and the third was from a woman who only had a voice through the shadow of memory from a heartbroken husband... but it was still strong and affected the future of three lives. Jake is a widower, single father, and grease monkey, trying to raise his four-year-old daughter, barely managing to survive and holding onto his sanity by a thread after the tragic loss of his wife. He's rude, gruff, impolite, inconsiderate, foul-tempered, discourteous and most days, a complete jerk, but not with his daughter Sadie. His entire world revolves around his little princess and for that alone, Jake won my heart. Jake was imperfectly perfect. And Emily... well, simply, she was perfect, perfect for Jake and his daughter. She was kind, sweet, loyal, loving and giving, and so wise for her years. That's not to say she didn't have a few problems of her own because she did, but that's what made this story so great - the imperfections. The imperfections made it real. This story meant a lot to me because I understood it, I felt it, I experienced it, I lived it. You see, I became part of the lives of two young children many years ago, and it was the greatest gift I've ever been given. It probably saved my life. So yes, this story was really special to me. I won't waste your time by trying to analyze the components of this story and tell you what I thought the authors did right and what they did wrong because in this case, none of it really matters. But what I will do is give you a piece of advice and a recommendation. If you read one story this week, this month, this year, heck, in your lifetime, read this book. If you love raw, heartfelt, emotional, sob-your-eyes-out, unconventional, unforgettable, and beautifully written contemporary romance filled to the brim with laughs, love, heartache, hope, redemption, and characters that will demand your undivided attention and completely capture your heart, then this book is screaming your name. This story will remind you that tomorrow belongs to no one, each day is a gift and sometimes, no matter how much we try, forever can't be forever.
Did I like this book? No, I LOVED it! Would I recommend it? You bet and I am but only for adult readers since it does contain adult themes, explicit language, and dreamy sex. Will I read this author again? Absolutely! I've read several of Kidman and Casey's stories but Dear Everly is my favorite. Jaxson Kidman and London Casey have become a dynamic writing duo that delivers some of the most well crafted and emotional romance I've ever read. And finally, was I entertained? Completely! Once I started reading, I could not stop. I sat glued to my seat, white-knuckling my ereader with my heart fluttering wildly in my chest as the time flew as quickly as the pages. I snickered, snorted, sniffled and sobbed through the entire book but by the end, I was happy, satisfied, and well entertained. Fabulous entertainment and an awesome read.
August 26, 2025
Wow, just fucking wow! I'm in ch.24 the Hero is a POS lol. He was supposed to help the heroine paint her upstairs rooms, but cancels on her for another OW (Kelly w/ blue eyes and blonde hair... at this point i don't even know what Emily looks like, what's her eye and hair color? What does she look like? But, we sure know what the OW looks like? Be for real) oh and he had Emily babysit his kid while he went on this date. And, don't even get me started on the heroine, she wants to act strong and tell the Hero off when he disrespects her (which is often) but she's a DOORMAT.... she folds faster than a lawn chair 💺.
In ch.25 Hero tells heroine he lied to her about going out with friends, instead he when out on a date because heroine when on a "date" ( that she didn't even know was a date. A date that lasted 5 minutes) this man is childish 💀 😂. Was the heroine mad? If she was i couldn't tell...because she slept with him for the first time that night (see what I mean doormat 😒)
In ch. 30 the Hero blows up on the heroine and kicks her out of his house and threatened her to call the police on her if she doesn't leave, all of that BS —because she sat on the late wife's chair, because she tried to help him clean up after they ate and put everything in the wrong place, and what broke the camels back? Wait for it ... because she when inside the master bedroom hahahaha. This dude doesn't need to date anyone, he needs therapy including Emily... shit even the little needs therapy.
I'm at ch.39 and yeah I wouldn’t forgive the Hero he used a secret the heroine had confined in him against her, to hurt her, to stab her in the heart just because Emily answered Sadie's questions about the angels with the truth (she didn't know Hero had lied to his kid about it). The worst part is Jake's monolog while delivering his blows 😑. There's no coming back from that especially when he was doing it deliberately just to hurt her and push her away. This would make any woman leave and never look back but not this desperate doormat of a heroine... nah, bitch was eager to kiss ass 🤣.
Just finished the book and idk where all these 5 stars came from? Jake was a jerk throughout the whole book... when he and Emily had s3x he was thinking about Everly even in the fucking Epilogue it was dead wife he was thinking about lol. Emily will be FOREVER the placeholder until Jake could reunite w/ Everly. Btw, there was no groveling, and u still don't know what Emily looks like. There was no description of her looks... idk if i missed it 😕. Anyway.... bye
In ch.25 Hero tells heroine he lied to her about going out with friends, instead he when out on a date because heroine when on a "date" ( that she didn't even know was a date. A date that lasted 5 minutes) this man is childish 💀 😂. Was the heroine mad? If she was i couldn't tell...because she slept with him for the first time that night (see what I mean doormat 😒)
In ch. 30 the Hero blows up on the heroine and kicks her out of his house and threatened her to call the police on her if she doesn't leave, all of that BS —because she sat on the late wife's chair, because she tried to help him clean up after they ate and put everything in the wrong place, and what broke the camels back? Wait for it ... because she when inside the master bedroom hahahaha. This dude doesn't need to date anyone, he needs therapy including Emily... shit even the little needs therapy.
I'm at ch.39 and yeah I wouldn’t forgive the Hero he used a secret the heroine had confined in him against her, to hurt her, to stab her in the heart just because Emily answered Sadie's questions about the angels with the truth (she didn't know Hero had lied to his kid about it). The worst part is Jake's monolog while delivering his blows 😑. There's no coming back from that especially when he was doing it deliberately just to hurt her and push her away. This would make any woman leave and never look back but not this desperate doormat of a heroine... nah, bitch was eager to kiss ass 🤣.
Just finished the book and idk where all these 5 stars came from? Jake was a jerk throughout the whole book... when he and Emily had s3x he was thinking about Everly even in the fucking Epilogue it was dead wife he was thinking about lol. Emily will be FOREVER the placeholder until Jake could reunite w/ Everly. Btw, there was no groveling, and u still don't know what Emily looks like. There was no description of her looks... idk if i missed it 😕. Anyway.... bye
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2017
Dear Everly is by far the best writing that the Casey/Kidman duo have done, thus far. This book is about Emily, Jake and Sadie.
Emily is relocating and attempting to start over in life. She has been a caretaker to her grandmother due to her recent decline in health. After her grandmother passes away, she has no one and feels lost. She is excited to have a new house, but questions if it is home. While returning to her career of writing poetry, she also starts a part time job at a daycare. Emily is a saint. She is kind, caring and is always friendly with people she comes across. Despite having gone through numerous hard times, she still is optimistic towards the idea of love and when she feels it she is determined to not let go of it.
Jake is a wonderful hero. He is a mechanic by trade and co-owns the garage he works at. Besides being a mechanic, he is a father to an extremely intelligent and lovable four-year-old, Sadie. She is adorable, yet innocent and steals the scene at times. Jack and Sadie have suffered a huge and devastating loss in their life. Together they are trudging through their daily existence. Jake feels an extreme amount of pressure weighing down on his shoulders.
Dear Everly is a hauntingly beautiful, gut-wrenching, heart breaking and heartwarming story. Part of this story is beautifully expressed through letters written to Jake’s deceased wife. As a reader, I truly felt the struggle of a man forever in love with his wife, yet trying to move on as well.
Jake and Emily together took you on an emotional roller coaster. You truly feel what they are feeling throughout the whole book. There is no way you can’t read this book and not get choked up at some point.
Rating: Excellent, excellent book. 5 Stars (Plus) without a doubt.
Emily is relocating and attempting to start over in life. She has been a caretaker to her grandmother due to her recent decline in health. After her grandmother passes away, she has no one and feels lost. She is excited to have a new house, but questions if it is home. While returning to her career of writing poetry, she also starts a part time job at a daycare. Emily is a saint. She is kind, caring and is always friendly with people she comes across. Despite having gone through numerous hard times, she still is optimistic towards the idea of love and when she feels it she is determined to not let go of it.
Jake is a wonderful hero. He is a mechanic by trade and co-owns the garage he works at. Besides being a mechanic, he is a father to an extremely intelligent and lovable four-year-old, Sadie. She is adorable, yet innocent and steals the scene at times. Jack and Sadie have suffered a huge and devastating loss in their life. Together they are trudging through their daily existence. Jake feels an extreme amount of pressure weighing down on his shoulders.
Dear Everly is a hauntingly beautiful, gut-wrenching, heart breaking and heartwarming story. Part of this story is beautifully expressed through letters written to Jake’s deceased wife. As a reader, I truly felt the struggle of a man forever in love with his wife, yet trying to move on as well.
Jake and Emily together took you on an emotional roller coaster. You truly feel what they are feeling throughout the whole book. There is no way you can’t read this book and not get choked up at some point.
Rating: Excellent, excellent book. 5 Stars (Plus) without a doubt.
November 5, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Oh my goodness if you are in the mood for a book that will just gut you and have you bawling like a baby this is the book for you. This story is still on my mind and I still tear up. However reading the book is so worth it so don't let my tears scare you away from it. Jake lost Everly and is now a single father to their daughter. He no matter what can not move on and writes letters to Everly every single day. Emily becomes Jake's neighbor and is not stranger herself to loss. This is the beginning of Emily and Jake's story and that is all you are getting out of me as I do not want to spoil a thing about this beautiful book. Read it. You will not regret it at all.
Oh my goodness if you are in the mood for a book that will just gut you and have you bawling like a baby this is the book for you. This story is still on my mind and I still tear up. However reading the book is so worth it so don't let my tears scare you away from it. Jake lost Everly and is now a single father to their daughter. He no matter what can not move on and writes letters to Everly every single day. Emily becomes Jake's neighbor and is not stranger herself to loss. This is the beginning of Emily and Jake's story and that is all you are getting out of me as I do not want to spoil a thing about this beautiful book. Read it. You will not regret it at all.
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