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Midlife Changes Bite
ingle women over forty are not without options. Yes, some might settle for a meager existence, if that's what life has handed them—but the strong ones will actively look for a change.
Lucinda Green left her job in Ohio, looking for change and adventure.
She found them both, in spades.
Some say, "Be careful what you ask for."
Others say, "You'll never know until you try. The worst that can happen is you get told, 'no'."
That is just SO not true.
Lucinda doesn't take no for an answer, but then again, her midlife change might just be a little different than—everyone else's.
MIDLIFE CHANGES BITE starts a brand new series in the Midlife Adventures world starring forty-two year old Lucinda Green, who tends to be slightly feistier, friskier, and steamier than Roxie. (If you've been reading her ongoing series)
Lucinda's story takes place in the same world, at the same time as Roxie's, and occasionally shares characters. As you can tell from the cover, there are biters involved—Vampires and vampire gods, to be exact. Shifters, witches, magick, and spirits live by the same 'rules' in both series, making them feel familiar.
**Note: This is a 70% rewrite of an earlier title - Lucinda's Midlife Change - adapted to fit here at the suggestion of readers. Where Roxie fits perfectly in Paranormal Women's Fiction #PWF, Lucinda is more #PWR Paranormal Women's Romance.
Lucinda Green left her job in Ohio, looking for change and adventure.
She found them both, in spades.
Some say, "Be careful what you ask for."
Others say, "You'll never know until you try. The worst that can happen is you get told, 'no'."
That is just SO not true.
Lucinda doesn't take no for an answer, but then again, her midlife change might just be a little different than—everyone else's.
MIDLIFE CHANGES BITE starts a brand new series in the Midlife Adventures world starring forty-two year old Lucinda Green, who tends to be slightly feistier, friskier, and steamier than Roxie. (If you've been reading her ongoing series)
Lucinda's story takes place in the same world, at the same time as Roxie's, and occasionally shares characters. As you can tell from the cover, there are biters involved—Vampires and vampire gods, to be exact. Shifters, witches, magick, and spirits live by the same 'rules' in both series, making them feel familiar.
**Note: This is a 70% rewrite of an earlier title - Lucinda's Midlife Change - adapted to fit here at the suggestion of readers. Where Roxie fits perfectly in Paranormal Women's Fiction #PWF, Lucinda is more #PWR Paranormal Women's Romance.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
147 people are currently reading
28 people want to read
About the author
Leigh Raventhorne
7 books66 followersLeigh Raventhorne lives in southeastern Michigan, United States. She's a country girl who loves animals, and loves to read and write. Currently, she's into writing snarky, humorous, PWF novels (Paranormal Women's Fiction) starring midlife female characters. She likes including her beloved animals in her stories. #Who'sDamnStoryIsItAnyhow?
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
November 6, 2020
Interesting Story
The story was interesting. It goes way back in time to the beginning of man, with the cromagnum caveman. A God, Gaia, shaped mankind, and selectived one she found who was smarter, curious. She made him a God. Gaia was a vampire, and her lover and protege became the first made vampire, the vampire God. This story is told to the heroine in modern times, as he is healing her from an attack by another vampire. I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I did not connect with the H\h. He told the h his history with little emotion, just a tale. He referred to humans as "herd" and his issue with vampires was not the killing of humans, but the exposure of his kind to humans. Other than his protectiveness of the h, he showed little emotion and came across as quietly arrogant, not boastful, but expecting deference as his due. I guess maybe that describes his type of God. I had a problem with the h too. I liked her in the beginning when she had the guts to walk away from a job that was taking advantage of her. And I liked the way that she moved to Florida and immediately found four friends to jog with. But when her friend Connie was killed by a vampire during the attack on her, the h was sorry, felt bad for about 5 seconds, then did not give her dead friend a second thought. There was a lot going on in the h's life at that time, But it seemed cold to me. I think there was so much backstory on the H that there was insufficient time in the story to make the main characters likeable. With him, not having much in the way of a relationship for 50,000 years or so, I can understand the disconnect with his emotions. But it still left me with little feeling towards the main characters. It may be interesting to see how the H\h develop in the next book.
The story was interesting. It goes way back in time to the beginning of man, with the cromagnum caveman. A God, Gaia, shaped mankind, and selectived one she found who was smarter, curious. She made him a God. Gaia was a vampire, and her lover and protege became the first made vampire, the vampire God. This story is told to the heroine in modern times, as he is healing her from an attack by another vampire. I rated this book 4 stars instead of 5 because I did not connect with the H\h. He told the h his history with little emotion, just a tale. He referred to humans as "herd" and his issue with vampires was not the killing of humans, but the exposure of his kind to humans. Other than his protectiveness of the h, he showed little emotion and came across as quietly arrogant, not boastful, but expecting deference as his due. I guess maybe that describes his type of God. I had a problem with the h too. I liked her in the beginning when she had the guts to walk away from a job that was taking advantage of her. And I liked the way that she moved to Florida and immediately found four friends to jog with. But when her friend Connie was killed by a vampire during the attack on her, the h was sorry, felt bad for about 5 seconds, then did not give her dead friend a second thought. There was a lot going on in the h's life at that time, But it seemed cold to me. I think there was so much backstory on the H that there was insufficient time in the story to make the main characters likeable. With him, not having much in the way of a relationship for 50,000 years or so, I can understand the disconnect with his emotions. But it still left me with little feeling towards the main characters. It may be interesting to see how the H\h develop in the next book.
May 20, 2021
I really wanted to like this more. It's great that it's intertwining with Roxie's Midlife Adventures (now that series I do enjoy) but I don't care much about the two protagonists. He finds crying unattractive, it's ugly. Both are just cold......
Whatever happened to the other friends she made in Florida?
I seem to not get the distances she was travelling. Even if the town she's in is fictional, North Florida/Jacksonville is at least a 5 hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia. And "the drive to Atlanta went by quickly", huh curios..... I did like the scenes when he was fighting but I wish him to be more emotional. Is he even attracted to her or does he really like her? He was very callous about Lucinda, not wanting to get involved with humans and wondering if Celeste is the better choice......
Anyway, I would still try the next book in this series just to see if it's better.
Whatever happened to the other friends she made in Florida?
I seem to not get the distances she was travelling. Even if the town she's in is fictional, North Florida/Jacksonville is at least a 5 hour drive to Atlanta, Georgia. And "the drive to Atlanta went by quickly", huh curios..... I did like the scenes when he was fighting but I wish him to be more emotional. Is he even attracted to her or does he really like her? He was very callous about Lucinda, not wanting to get involved with humans and wondering if Celeste is the better choice......
Anyway, I would still try the next book in this series just to see if it's better.
February 1, 2021
This is an almost complete rewrite of the previous version of this book. It definitely has a little more depth this time for the MC and less jumping around from the different POV's than the original. It is a bit more steamy toward the end than Roxie's Midlife Adventures, but it's tastefully done, IMO.
Can't wait for the next in series!
Can't wait for the next in series!
November 2, 2020
Lucinda is ready for a change. Quitting her job, packing a few essentials and she is off to Florida seeking...something. She is up to trying new adventures. Who says life slows down after forty! How much change is Lucinda willing to endure? Will a handsome vampire help?
November 14, 2020
Holy Guacamole, Leigh!!!!!!!!
This was AWESOME! I LOVE this one more than Roxie's, and that is saying a lot as I loved her story so much. Damn the research you had to do for this, I can't even imagine. Wonderful job Hon, Wonderful!!!
This was AWESOME! I LOVE this one more than Roxie's, and that is saying a lot as I loved her story so much. Damn the research you had to do for this, I can't even imagine. Wonderful job Hon, Wonderful!!!
October 30, 2020
Phenomenal!
Quite unlike any other book in this genre. So cleverly worked and held me every step of the way. I just hope that book two is just around the corner.
Quite unlike any other book in this genre. So cleverly worked and held me every step of the way. I just hope that book two is just around the corner.
October 30, 2020
New adventure
What a new adventure she walked into. Immortal with a gorgeous god as a partner. I can't wait to see how the next chapter in her life goes.
What a new adventure she walked into. Immortal with a gorgeous god as a partner. I can't wait to see how the next chapter in her life goes.
November 23, 2021
3.5 stars, good base for future books, but mixed feelings
Well, I’m not sure what to say here! I’ll start by saying that I did enjoy reading this, it’s different from other pwf books - I like that - and although some of the characters from Roxie’s series are in it later on, it’s very different from that series. Tbh I think some readers who are reading and enjoying that one will struggle with this one. It’s def darker and written in a more detached way, which does suit the story and fits with Nicholas’s character, based on what we discover he is. I didn’t think the writing was stilted, but it was more formal, again which suited this story. Lucinda I kind of liked, but there wasn’t, for me, enough depth of character to love or connect with her. What happens to her is definitely interesting though! I started to become more involved with the story and characters as I read more, but then there was one of Nicholas’s internal dialogues where I was like, no! He did not just think that! And then, following shortly after that, I was thinking, no! He did not just do that! The gift, fine, the ‘extra’ not fine - you’ll understand if you read this book, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away! That being said, I did understand that, again, because of who/what he is, why he thought what he thought then did what he did, but I mentally stepped back a bit from the story at that point and didn’t really step back in again.
It is written very well and makes a good base going forward for more in the series. As I said previously, I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. However, I’m intrigued to see where it goes in future books, so I’ll be reading the next one when it comes out. I’m interested enough in this different side to/part of, the world of the original Roxie series to hope that I become more invested in the main characters as the storyline progresses. At this moment the jury’s out on that, but I’m open minded enough to read the next book and see which way I’ll go, how I’ll be feeling about it after. I’d give 3.5 stars if that were an option.
Well, I’m not sure what to say here! I’ll start by saying that I did enjoy reading this, it’s different from other pwf books - I like that - and although some of the characters from Roxie’s series are in it later on, it’s very different from that series. Tbh I think some readers who are reading and enjoying that one will struggle with this one. It’s def darker and written in a more detached way, which does suit the story and fits with Nicholas’s character, based on what we discover he is. I didn’t think the writing was stilted, but it was more formal, again which suited this story. Lucinda I kind of liked, but there wasn’t, for me, enough depth of character to love or connect with her. What happens to her is definitely interesting though! I started to become more involved with the story and characters as I read more, but then there was one of Nicholas’s internal dialogues where I was like, no! He did not just think that! And then, following shortly after that, I was thinking, no! He did not just do that! The gift, fine, the ‘extra’ not fine - you’ll understand if you read this book, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away! That being said, I did understand that, again, because of who/what he is, why he thought what he thought then did what he did, but I mentally stepped back a bit from the story at that point and didn’t really step back in again.
It is written very well and makes a good base going forward for more in the series. As I said previously, I enjoyed this book, but I didn’t love it. However, I’m intrigued to see where it goes in future books, so I’ll be reading the next one when it comes out. I’m interested enough in this different side to/part of, the world of the original Roxie series to hope that I become more invested in the main characters as the storyline progresses. At this moment the jury’s out on that, but I’m open minded enough to read the next book and see which way I’ll go, how I’ll be feeling about it after. I’d give 3.5 stars if that were an option.
April 4, 2021
Captured My Imagination
I have read most of the Women’s Paranormal offered on Kindle Unlimited, a new genre I discovered at the beginning of the COVID Pandemic. The Fab 13 who started this genre are, of course, fab and thankfully, many other writers are jumping in and writing these stories where the heroine is forty plus, going through a life change (along with menopause) and discovering her new, magical self along with unexpected adventures, paranormals and more than a few handsome men who love them as they are 👍.
In the last few weeks I had gone through a number of books, some I had to end at the +/- 20% point because I didn’t like them and some I finished because I almost liked them but found the plots simplistic or they had lots of annoying editing errors or both. Unlike these last few books, I found this one so refreshing, the exact word that came to mind at about the 20% mark. When I stopped to analyze why I was thinking that specific word I realized it was because it’s written in the active, first person rather than the passive third and the premise is unlike any other I have come across yet: an Ancient Vampire Immortal (a Mythical God) who falls for a mortal and wants to make her an Immortal too? Very Zeus like.
I was totally delighted when the main characters land in New Orleans and I recognized Jeremy’s campground and some of the residents I really liked from a previous series, that was so unexpected.
Every time I had to stop reading I looked forward to picking up where I left off and can’t wait to read more adventures in this series.
I have read most of the Women’s Paranormal offered on Kindle Unlimited, a new genre I discovered at the beginning of the COVID Pandemic. The Fab 13 who started this genre are, of course, fab and thankfully, many other writers are jumping in and writing these stories where the heroine is forty plus, going through a life change (along with menopause) and discovering her new, magical self along with unexpected adventures, paranormals and more than a few handsome men who love them as they are 👍.
In the last few weeks I had gone through a number of books, some I had to end at the +/- 20% point because I didn’t like them and some I finished because I almost liked them but found the plots simplistic or they had lots of annoying editing errors or both. Unlike these last few books, I found this one so refreshing, the exact word that came to mind at about the 20% mark. When I stopped to analyze why I was thinking that specific word I realized it was because it’s written in the active, first person rather than the passive third and the premise is unlike any other I have come across yet: an Ancient Vampire Immortal (a Mythical God) who falls for a mortal and wants to make her an Immortal too? Very Zeus like.
I was totally delighted when the main characters land in New Orleans and I recognized Jeremy’s campground and some of the residents I really liked from a previous series, that was so unexpected.
Every time I had to stop reading I looked forward to picking up where I left off and can’t wait to read more adventures in this series.
June 10, 2021
Brilliant, I absolutely loved it!
I had already read Roxie's story, which I highly recommend. It helps you know and understand the people that appear & what was already going on in New Orleans. I think the author did a great job of taking a story she had already written & adding in elements of the world she had created for Roxie. I imagine that is hard to do. It is a bit weird that Necho can turn into a woman too. However, I keep reminding myself of the great analogy that Loki can do that to. Since he is the god of chaos. For understanding Loki read the Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan. I really enjoyed Lucinda. I love that Nicholas could really see who she was & loved her for how she appeared when he first met her. I was a little shocked at how easy it was for Lucinda to just leave with Nicholas & never look back. However when you consider what she gets in return I think it was worth it. And to be able to choose what you want to look like. I'd say Black Widow! That would be awesome. However, I have a feeling when Celeste & Lucinda meet again, Celeste is going to be jealous & pissed!
I had already read Roxie's story, which I highly recommend. It helps you know and understand the people that appear & what was already going on in New Orleans. I think the author did a great job of taking a story she had already written & adding in elements of the world she had created for Roxie. I imagine that is hard to do. It is a bit weird that Necho can turn into a woman too. However, I keep reminding myself of the great analogy that Loki can do that to. Since he is the god of chaos. For understanding Loki read the Magnus Chase series by Rick Riordan. I really enjoyed Lucinda. I love that Nicholas could really see who she was & loved her for how she appeared when he first met her. I was a little shocked at how easy it was for Lucinda to just leave with Nicholas & never look back. However when you consider what she gets in return I think it was worth it. And to be able to choose what you want to look like. I'd say Black Widow! That would be awesome. However, I have a feeling when Celeste & Lucinda meet again, Celeste is going to be jealous & pissed!
May 25, 2021
Disappointing read
After reading the authors other series this was a huge disappointment for me. Sloppy storyline that lacked depth, I couldn’t connect with the characters and there was just so much that left unexplained it was ridiculous.
Jewellery that makes you run fast?? Seriously? A BFF who is killed, you are spirited away by a ‘vampire like’ god and yet no one reports you missing, you just abandon your car and belongings and no one asks questions?
The alleged god thinks you are beautiful as your middle aged curvy self but proceeds to make you skinnier anyway, because you will be perfect that way.
I couldn’t stand the docile main character who just went along with everything without questioning, it just made it impossible for me to get in to the storyline.
After reading the authors other series this was a huge disappointment for me. Sloppy storyline that lacked depth, I couldn’t connect with the characters and there was just so much that left unexplained it was ridiculous.
Jewellery that makes you run fast?? Seriously? A BFF who is killed, you are spirited away by a ‘vampire like’ god and yet no one reports you missing, you just abandon your car and belongings and no one asks questions?
The alleged god thinks you are beautiful as your middle aged curvy self but proceeds to make you skinnier anyway, because you will be perfect that way.
I couldn’t stand the docile main character who just went along with everything without questioning, it just made it impossible for me to get in to the storyline.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2021
wow!
I was devistated, I wanted more. Very invested in this series and it also kept my mind looking for more and trying to guess and appreciate that I really, really wanted more . this series is going to be one that readers cannot put down. My opinion is that this series is going to be one that readers will rate 5stars consistently. I also feel your audience of readers will be kept guessing and requesting that this story continues for a long time. More or less reading like the never ending story of someone's life. A biography. To me it was as if I were in a different world, a new life of the intrigue. If I could give rating of more than 5 stars , I would most definitely do so. Excellent!
I was devistated, I wanted more. Very invested in this series and it also kept my mind looking for more and trying to guess and appreciate that I really, really wanted more . this series is going to be one that readers cannot put down. My opinion is that this series is going to be one that readers will rate 5stars consistently. I also feel your audience of readers will be kept guessing and requesting that this story continues for a long time. More or less reading like the never ending story of someone's life. A biography. To me it was as if I were in a different world, a new life of the intrigue. If I could give rating of more than 5 stars , I would most definitely do so. Excellent!
April 8, 2021
It's different...
The writing style of this book is a little stiff and almost formal, and it takes some getting used to. After reading and loving the author's other series, Roxie's Midlife Adventures, I was somewhat shocked. But after a while it seemed to fit the characters, and while I didn't love it, I understood it.
I recommend reading the first four books of the other series I mentioned before reading this one because there's some crossover. You won't be lost, but things will be more fun.
The writing style of this book is a little stiff and almost formal, and it takes some getting used to. After reading and loving the author's other series, Roxie's Midlife Adventures, I was somewhat shocked. But after a while it seemed to fit the characters, and while I didn't love it, I understood it.
I recommend reading the first four books of the other series I mentioned before reading this one because there's some crossover. You won't be lost, but things will be more fun.
March 17, 2021
Loved it!
I'm gutted I've finished it! I haven't enjoyed a book to this extent for a long time, that feeling of being lost because I have finished it. I found this so refreshing and loved the storyline. A whole new twist on the paranormal novel, the romance was just the perfect amount, not smothering the story one bit. I have only two questions, how quickly can I get the next book and where can I find my own god Nicholas?
I'm gutted I've finished it! I haven't enjoyed a book to this extent for a long time, that feeling of being lost because I have finished it. I found this so refreshing and loved the storyline. A whole new twist on the paranormal novel, the romance was just the perfect amount, not smothering the story one bit. I have only two questions, how quickly can I get the next book and where can I find my own god Nicholas?
March 22, 2021
Excellent!
Really loved this book! I wasn't really sure what to expect of this book. I knew it had different characters from the 1st few, and held off reading because I loved Rosie so much. But....sorry I did! This was a great book. Lots of interesting twists and turns....with vampires and more!!! 😆 I'd been hoping to find out more about the lone vampire in Roxie's world. This should lead there!!! Can't wait for the next!!! ❤❤❤
Really loved this book! I wasn't really sure what to expect of this book. I knew it had different characters from the 1st few, and held off reading because I loved Rosie so much. But....sorry I did! This was a great book. Lots of interesting twists and turns....with vampires and more!!! 😆 I'd been hoping to find out more about the lone vampire in Roxie's world. This should lead there!!! Can't wait for the next!!! ❤❤❤
April 5, 2021
Just say NO to Lucinda!
I wanted to love this book like I do Roxie's But...I couldn't even finish it. The dialog felt forced, not humorous. Lucinda was not that likeable or interesting even with her jewelry. Did she copy Roxie? The Vampires, just NO! They had bits from every one I've read about & they were not the good bits. It felt like Lucinda's story was tortured out of her.
I wanted to love this book like I do Roxie's But...I couldn't even finish it. The dialog felt forced, not humorous. Lucinda was not that likeable or interesting even with her jewelry. Did she copy Roxie? The Vampires, just NO! They had bits from every one I've read about & they were not the good bits. It felt like Lucinda's story was tortured out of her.
April 5, 2021
Fun, creepy, different
I've read all of Leigh's books to date. This one is different from the others but in the same world. I LOVE it. I want more! The image on the cover shows fangs so I assumed vampires would be in play for the heroine. Yes and no to where I thought it would go. So many twists. That ending was fantastic but such a hook for the next book too. Yes!!
I've read all of Leigh's books to date. This one is different from the others but in the same world. I LOVE it. I want more! The image on the cover shows fangs so I assumed vampires would be in play for the heroine. Yes and no to where I thought it would go. So many twists. That ending was fantastic but such a hook for the next book too. Yes!!
April 4, 2022
I loved this book and can’t wait for more!
I read this book after reading the author’s series about Roxie. Her stories pull you in from the first chapter and it’s awesome to have storylines about the fabulous forties instead of adolescent high school drama. You really need to check out the rest of her works.
I read this book after reading the author’s series about Roxie. Her stories pull you in from the first chapter and it’s awesome to have storylines about the fabulous forties instead of adolescent high school drama. You really need to check out the rest of her works.
March 20, 2021
So good
I wasn't sure what to expect, since this was my first book by Leigh Raventhorne. I am so glad I took the chance. The book is really good! Even better it's a new, fresh scenario. I'll be back for more.
I wasn't sure what to expect, since this was my first book by Leigh Raventhorne. I am so glad I took the chance. The book is really good! Even better it's a new, fresh scenario. I'll be back for more.
March 23, 2021
Being me more Lucinda
One of the best vampire books I've ever read! I wasn't sure when I started reading this book, but entree Nicholas and BAM i was hooked. Book 2 can't be released soon enough.
One of the best vampire books I've ever read! I wasn't sure when I started reading this book, but entree Nicholas and BAM i was hooked. Book 2 can't be released soon enough.
April 29, 2021
Amazing new book. I hope this turns into a series.
This book kept me guessing from the first chapter. It was a real treat to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking for more by this author!
This book kept me guessing from the first chapter. It was a real treat to read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Looking for more by this author!
July 3, 2021
It was a struggle to give two stars. I really wanted to love this book, because I loved the books with Roxie. I found it impossible to connect with the characters and pretty much disliked all of them.
November 11, 2021
2 Stars
Extremely disappointing story- the authors other stories have been fun reads, this story was like someone reciting uninteresting facts. There is nothing to make you care about the characters or plot.
Extremely disappointing story- the authors other stories have been fun reads, this story was like someone reciting uninteresting facts. There is nothing to make you care about the characters or plot.
February 7, 2021
Wow!
Can't wait for Lucindas continuing adventures as she learns more about being a god among vampires! So cool! Lol! Bite!
Can't wait for Lucindas continuing adventures as she learns more about being a god among vampires! So cool! Lol! Bite!
February 16, 2021
Midlife Changes Bite
A totally different storyline than I think of read before. Very enjoyable and can’t wait for book2. A midlife vampire/god story.
A totally different storyline than I think of read before. Very enjoyable and can’t wait for book2. A midlife vampire/god story.
February 18, 2021
A new perspective
Midlife Changes Bite offers a new perspective on vampires, God's and their life styles! Thanks, Leigh Raventhorne for the thoroughly enjoyable story!
Midlife Changes Bite offers a new perspective on vampires, God's and their life styles! Thanks, Leigh Raventhorne for the thoroughly enjoyable story!
March 26, 2021
Hooked
They have done it again. I was hooked until the very last word. Leave em begging for more! Lucinda Green has a wild ride ahead of her and I am here for it!
They have done it again. I was hooked until the very last word. Leave em begging for more! Lucinda Green has a wild ride ahead of her and I am here for it!
April 11, 2021
Great Read!
This book was so good. The new version of vampires was so refreshing. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
This book was so good. The new version of vampires was so refreshing. I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next one.
April 29, 2021
Interesting book
Lots more thought provoking than I anticipated. A very, very different way of looking at the paranormal world. I will be looking for the next book.
Lots more thought provoking than I anticipated. A very, very different way of looking at the paranormal world. I will be looking for the next book.
May 30, 2021
I tried to read it. The heroine ??!! Was painfull. The story uninteresting I kept skipp ing chapter's to find a reason to keep reading.
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