It started with a stolen kiss. A brief flirtation between two strangers. Until reality intruded. He was a part of the Irish mob, and my father had other plans for me.
In the three years since, I’ve lived in a hell of secrets and lies, leaving me a broken, shattered version of my former self. Then, I come face to face with Jack again. The man who will either become my savior or my destruction.
Jack
My Irish family has spent years rescuing women trafficked by the Polish mafia. I’ve been a protector. A defender. Saved countless women.
A twist of fate puts a woman from my past directly in my path. When I discover she’s in danger, I’ll destroy anyone in order to save her, too.
LK Shaw is the bestselling author of sexy, sinful suspense. She resides in South Carolina with her high maintenance beagle mix dog, Miss P. An avid reader since childhood, she became hooked on historical romance novels in high school. She now reads, and loves, all romance sub-genres, with sci-fi romance and dark romance being her favorite. LK enjoys traveling and chocolate. Her books feature hot alpha heroes and the strong women they love.
Another amazing book in this series that has become one of my favorites. Jack meets this mysterious woman and they share a kiss and after three years he still hasn’t forgotten her. They happen to cross paths but she is now married to a man that is old enough to be her grandfather. Aurora has lived three years in an abusive relationship and she has kept it a secret until she finally tells her aunt. Her husband doesn’t respond kindly to her telling so he ends up beating her and she ends up in the hospital. Jack finds out and assumes the responsibility of protecting her. Can she escape her husband or will he find her and finish the job of killing her? Also will the attraction Jack and Aurora have for each other be acted upon. To find this out I highly recommend this book you will not be disappointed.
I’m loving this series beyond words! Jack & Aurora’s story is a great addition to this world.
Jack & Aurora had off the charts chemistry! I loved their banter. Jack & Aurora were imperfectly perfect for each other. They were just what each other needed.
I am having a hard time letting go of these characters and their world. I’m excited to get to visit again soon.
Jack Donnelly was at Francesca and Giovanni's wedding reception when he catches a glimpse of a woman sneaking away. As a member of the Irish mob he was only in attendance because his sister Brenna had married the leader of the Italian mob, but he was bored out of his teeth and following this woman was just the distraction he needed.
Aurora had to get away from everyone so she could breathe. She was a distant relative of the Ricci family and attending a syndicate wedding was one of the few times all the family could gather. She finally found a balcony on the other side of the house when she was joined by a gorgeous man.
When he kissed her Aurora was so upset at the hand dealt to her that she jabbed her knee into his family jewels and escaped. Why had he given her a glimpse of what could have been after her father had sold her off in marriage to a man who was old enough to be her grandfather.
Loved this book! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. The Donnelly and Ricci families joined in a familial alliance when Emilio married Jack's sister Brenna. Jack and Aurora. What a story. Jack is enraged when he finds out how Aurora's husband has been treating her.
As with the previous books in his series, we have tons of mafia action and physical and sexual abuse that must be overcome. LK Shaw writes an amazing blend of violent mafia action and strong alpha men who have to hide their rage as they try to heal and save the women they love. Highly recommend!
How could a slow burn story be so hot? The story of Aurora and Jack was both heartbreaking and up lifting. I know it may seem hard to believe when you first start this story, but Aurora evolves into Rory, a strong, amazingly funny woman who isn't afraid to make her choices and state her mind. And Jack loves her for it. And he doesn't beat his chest and insist things have to be his way. But he's there to support her and encourage her and never allow her to think he doesn't care for her. This is a bit of a departure from the usual marriage as a business decision story and I LOVE IT. The author is able to evoke such emotions from her characters I feel as if I know them and I'm crying and laughing along with them. Looking forward to the rest of the Donnelly stories.
I absolutely loved Jack and Rory's story! From their first interaction to them meeting again, this story was captivating. I loved how he took control of the horrible situation they find themselves in but how she stands up for herself. The sexual tension that builds between them is palpable! Great job LK!
Este ARC me fue dado a cambio de una reseña honesta.
Creo que el 2022 será un año muy bueno para la lectura, lo empecé con furia al tener ya 3 libros leídos. Pero es que apuntarse para un blog tour, o hacerle publicidad a la salida de un nuevo libro, me parece una gran forma de empujarme a leer. Por eso empecé esta serie, debo confesar que me salté los libros 2 y 3, pero lo bueno de estas historias es que pueden leerse como libros individuales. Tal vez en algún momento los lea, en especial el tercero. Pero acá estamos con la reseña de Irish Devil, cuarto libro de la serie Brooklyn Kings.
Esta es la historia de Aurora "Rori" y Jack Donnelly quienes se conocieron en una boda, pero por cosas del destino no vuelven a verse hasta 3 años después, ya que ambos de una forma u otra son parte del mismo círculo social. Como siempre pasa en esta clase de series a todos los protagonistas los une algo, en este caso hay vínculos familiares, Jack es hermano de Brenna y Aurora es prima de Emilio Jacob, ambos protagonistas del primer libro.
Todo va bien con ese primer encuentro entre lo que cabe, pero conforme te adentras a la historia comienza el lado feo de la misma, Aurora es una mujer casada que está sometida a un abuso que la ha dejado convertida en una sombra de su anterior ser. Jack no encuentra un sentido a su vida, más allá de apoyar a su familia en su guerra contra la mafia polaca. De esa forma ambos al encontrarse de nuevo consiguen ver una luz al final del túnel, a pesar de que es ese encuentro lo que casi mata a Aurora.
Debo darle puntos a la autora por el desarrollo de su narrativa, en el primer libro la sentía algo superficial y hueca, necesitaba mas detalles a pesar de usar la primera persona para contar los hechos. Luego de 2 libros más podemos ver el avance de sus palabras, sin embargo debo hablar de varias cosas puntuales.
Primero es el cliché eterno de esta clase de series de tratar de repetir la formula que hizo popular a la misma, Jack y Aurora son casi la misma pareja que Brenna y Emilio, con la diferencia de sus pasados y sus presentes. Pero el que ambas sean chicas jóvenes mientras que ellos ya están o rozan sus 30 es poner los mismos detalles. Luego tenemos esa manía de mantener a las protagonistas vírgenes hasta que al fin están con su amor en este caso el protagonista.
Lo otro es querer retratar a Jack y Emilio como los super buenos, sencillamente porque no están de acuerdo con la violencia de género, ya vamos a llegar a ese importante punto de la historia. Hay que recordar que ambos son jefes de familias muy poderosas de la mafia, romantizar esa clase de vida jamás es bueno. Pero es algo que se mantiene, sigo sin encontrar un libro que sea más realista a la hora de hablar de la mafia.
Ahora sí, mi mayor problema con este libro es el trauma de Aurora gracias a la violencia de género que sufrió a manos de su esposo. Puede que haya algo de spoilers acá pero es que es imposible no nombrarlo. Le doy puntos a la autora por querer retratar esta clase de personajes que representan a muchas personas que han sufrido violencia, abusos y violaciones a manos de sus parejas. Pero lo que no me termina de convencer es la rapidez con la que ella lo supera y que todo haya sido gracias a Jack.
A ver, no está bien, tú nueva felicidad no puede estar en las manos del primer hombre que te mira bonito o te trata de forma diferente a como te trató tu agresor. Romantizar la recuperación de una mujer que ha sufrido esta clase de abusos, es una de las cosas que no ayuda las victimas. La recuperación de esta violencia va a depender de la victima en sí, pero es mentira que va a ser gracias a enamorarte de nuevo o revivir un amor antiguo.
Hasta que no puedas amarte, aceptar el pasado y perdonarte a ti misma para que puedas soltar la culpa que tienes, la cual jamás debió existir tú eres la victima, no podrás amar a alguien completamente. Entiendo que esto es ficción, pero hay que estar conscientes de los hechos como son, una persona no puede recuperarse de la noche a la mañana de esto. Anexando que las ultimas escenas y con las que se cierra este libro me parecieron muy innecesarias, pero por supuesto había que agregarlas debido al género en el que está esta serie.
Brooklyn Kings me recuerda exactamente las razones por las que dejé de leer contemporáneo, pero este tipo de series son perfectos para olvidarnos de las historias densas y pesadas que tanto me gustan. Ya has leído alguno de estos libros o una serie parecida, déjame un comentario.
Wow! I am loving all the stories in the 'Brooklyn Kings' series so far. This story was about Brenna's brother Jack and the beauty he met at Francisca and Gio's wedding. Three years after they met they run into each other again and he realizes she is married to a man who is way older than she is. He also notices that she acts and looks a lot different than she used to. Actually, Aurora's new husband has been abusing her and she does not know how to get out of the situation. When a major incident happens to her, Jack vows that he will protect her and find some way to help her situation. I loved this book because it had me on the edge the whole time while reading it. It was not as steamy as some of the previous stories in this series but that did not hamper my opinion on the story at all, in fact, Aurora was still married so I felt that this was a really good option in writing the story. I loved all the anticipation the story provided and was very happy with the ending. I can't wait to read Paddy's story next! I received a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
If you are looking for a slow burn, story of instant connection and the love it takes to overcome trauma, then… this book is for you.
At first, I was unsure on how to rate this book. The couple spent the first half of the book apart, but the second half is so beautiful and uplifting. Once I understood how it served the character development and narrative, I was so in. I dislike books that brush aside trauma to make way for spic. I was pleasantly surprised this was not the case in Irish Devil.
Jack and Aurora meet by chance at a wedding where he steals a kiss from her, which she quickly made him pay for. But there was an instant connection and neither forgot each other until they meet again 3 years later. By then she is a totally different person having had to endure her husband’s physical abuse. I loved how loving, understanding, and patient Jack was with Aurora allowing her toto have and feel her trauma.
Although I understand and appreciate that having them separated for the first half of the book, I do wish they’ve had more interactions. I just needed more because I loved them so much.
"You make it hard to stay in control." "Is losing control such a bad thing?" "Yes." "Why?" "Because I want this moment to last. If I lose control I'm afraid it'll end far too soon. I plan on savoring you. Taking my time."
I was waiting for Jack's happily ever after!! I absolutely LOVED this book! Jack is such a little devil, I love how he only has a soft spot for Aurora. And Aurora!! She is one of the strongest women I have ever read about. I loved her story, I loved how she fought for her freedom at the end. She is seriously so inspiring.
I also LOVE how Francesca plays such a great role in this book. She is really my favorite character from the Brooklyn Kings series so I was so happy to see her again.
This was such a quick read! Mostly because it kept me on my toes, wanting more! I absolutely loved it!!
Irish Devil by L.K. Shaw is book 4 in the Brooklyn Kings Series. This is the story of Jack Donnelly and Aurora 'Rory'. I have read the previous books which did add to my enjoyment of this one, but you can make it a standalone if you wish to do so. Jack attends the wedding reception of Francesca and Giovanni (from The Beast I Can't Tame) and he meets Rory. They share a kiss before she runs off. Now in their present day (about 3 years) Rory has been in an abusive relationship with an older man her father married her off too. The latest attack has her in the hospital and she is back in the site of Jack. Jack is a protector and he goes all out to keep Rory safe. I loved their story and have really enjoyed this series. I can't wait to read more from the series and this author.
The Brooklyn Kings series keeps getting better! I was snagged right from the start when Jack intrudes on Aurora’s peace with a stolen kiss and Aurora leaves him bowled over! Fast forward three years and when Jack meets Aurora again, she is anything but the warrior he always remembers from their past. Aurora’s aunt may be the catalyst to turning her life around but Jack provides the steps despite the turmoil it produces. As I turned each page, I rooted for Jack to break through Rory’s broken defenses and wondered how the turmoil by Rory’s husband would play out. LK pulls out the perfect plot twist to leave you reeling and wanting more all at the same time!
Danger is amidst and I loved Jack for taking charge and taking Aurora into his protection. Their connection is palpable and its made even more exciting by what she is facing. I devoured this and couldn't put it down.
Jack and Aurora meet at a typical mafia wedding by chance. Aurora is promised to another, but Jack just cannot get this feisty little devil out of his mind. Three years later they meet again by fate. She was the one that got away, so how far would you go for the one you have fallen for? This book is fantastic for its chemistry and of course the mafia men with guns!
Rory’s story is heartbreaking. She’s a sassy spitfire when we first meet her but skip ahead three years and she’s a shell of her former self. Jack thinks of her often but he’s shocked at the change when they meet again. Everything about her life has changed for the worse since their first meeting. Her life became a nightmare when her father sold her in an arranged marriage to clear some debts. She lives with unimaginable horrors every day of her marriage and faces certain death if she tries to escape.
Jack doesn’t care that her husband is a friend of ours and wants to make her problems disappear. He cares about Rory and will risk Jacob’s wrath for interfering in family business. The union between the Irish and the Italians, solidified by Brenna and Jacob’s marriage, will be jeopardized at best, possibly obliterated if Jack acts without permission but nothing matters to him except her safety.
The realities of Rory’s life are painful and the suspense is crushing. There’s a distinct lack of action and waiting involved in solving this problem which creates insane tension but it’s so very good. Jack is the perfect hero every woman deserves and nobody deserves that kind of unconditional love more than Rory. I loved everything about their story because these characters grabbed me from the first page. There’s a great supporting cast including Brenna and Jacob and I never get enough of this world.
This book was unputdownable! Once I started I just couldn’t stop. This slow burn anguish filled story is truly intense and gripping. I loved that Jack and Aurora’s story wasn’t based how sex. But just one small kiss. A kiss between two strangers that was never forgotten, that carried through for three years. Until fate brought them face to face again. Jack Donnelly son of the head of the Irish mob is fierce and deadly. He loves his family and he’s always surrounded by them. His job is kill or be killed. Jack has always something going on between his work and his family. But still there is a void within him. Aurora that girl is freaking awesome. She has so much inner strength and so much determination. She’s a survivor and a fighter. She may have been bent but she never broke. I think that one little kiss that happened years back kept her going. Jack and Aurora were so stunning together. Their connection and bond started from something sweet and innocent and bloomed into something so strong and unbreakable. I loved them together! She filled his void and he filled her with strength. I loved how Ms. Shaw developed the characters. How she showed how they relied on each other. But also showcased how strong and vehement Aurora is. I also loved how the author based their relationship on one little kiss but it was so powerful and so unforgettable and from that started a beautiful blooming love story.
Another fantastic addition in what has become one of my all time favorite series . From the moment I started this series I found myself not only becoming so invested in the wonderful characters but the flawlessly written stories as well . Each book is so unique and each couple so intriguing. It’s not often you find a series that grabs your attention so completely and just sucks you right in , but this series has done just that for me .Irish Devil is such a beautifully written romance so full of suspense, action , heartache, humor , some very emotional moments and topics , it’s the type of story that grabs onto you so tightly, tugs at your heartstrings and pulls you right in . Jack and Aurora , I was just so intrigued by both of their characters. Aurora , my heart especially broke for her and everything that she has to endure while married to a man who abuses her . But once Jack comes into her life all the changes . The chemistry and the sexual tension between them is just undeniable. The witty banter , the steamy moments , the surprises you will not see coming are only a few things that make this such a awesome story . I don’t want to give to many details away as I truly believe that to appreciate how phenomenal this book is you should go into it with a open mind and experience what a amazing job L.K Shaw has done once again .
Aurora came face to face with Jack at an event, and they had a stolen kiss that was intense, but that was it for them for a cool minute since Aurora's father had a marriage arranged for her. He comes across her some time later, and she's a shell of the girl she used to be, and no one knows why. Even her aunt/best friend had no clue as to what was going on until she forced Aurora to come clean, and it almost cost Aurora her life since her nasty old husband had been beating her around the clock but had completely gone over the edge. Jack had never forgotten the girl Aurora used to be so he was quite confused about it all. This is where I got upset, see Emilio (head of the syndicate) was a distant family member to Aurora, but he was more worried about the business aspect that Aurora's husband brought than this young woman, but thankfully, Brenna (Emilio's wife and Jack's sister) had no problem helping Aurora get out of there. I really think the L.K. Shaw did a great job with Aurora's state of mind after everything as she had been abused mentally & physically for years as I could feel her pain & fear bleed through the pages. Anyway, I love this series so much, and I hope there's more in the very near future! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Another sexy romance, if hard won, in this thrilling mafia series. A bit darker than the previous stories but the romance is just as fabulous as the others. Jack meets Aurora at a wedding and their chemistry is instant and hot with a kiss to remember. But Aurora is an Italian mafia princess and promised to another man. That’s hands off for Jack but can’t forget the feisty woman. My heart broke for Aurora. Her life is a nightmare with her evil husband. She endures horrific encounters with the nasty beast. Three years later Jack and Aurora meet again and their feelings are still strong but Jack knows all is not well with Aurora. But interfering in her life could cause a war between the Italian and Irish families and impact their alliance. Jack is ready to do what it takes to help Aurora but at what cost? This is the 4th book in the Brooklyn Kings mafia series and each story is a stand alone but you’ll want to read them all. Every one of these books has a female character who is fabulous and fierce as Aurora. I loved when Aurora found her strength in this slow build love story. The dynamic between Jack and his brothers is absolutely fantastic and I look forward to more of this outstanding series. The danger is intense and the romance is forbidden and passionate. Worth the read!
Aurora met him at a wedding and there was a very brief flirtation between strangers and a stolen kiss. But he was part of the Irish mob and her father had different plans for her life. She was then married to another man, left to herself a shadow of who and what she was the result of torture and abuse. Then she met Jack again and he was either going to be the end of her or the one to save her. Jack has spent years rescuing women who have been trafficked by the Polish mafia saving countless women. Then he sees Aurora again and on seeing how much danger she is in he decides to destroy anyone he has to in order to save her.
This was a really dramatic story centred around Aurora and Jack. I loved the way that they met and his protectiveness around her even though he did everything he could to be honourable (unlike the man she was married to). The love they had for each other was pure and the gang involvement was just a complication that had to be navigated. I loved the way that the Irish and the Italians were honourable even though they were also ruthless. Easy to read and understand. Contains explicit sexual content.
This is my favorite of the series so far! I know I’ve said it before but I love LK Shaw’s writing style. The stories just flow and there’s never a dull moment.
I have to say I’m a fan of insta-love. Jack and Aurora meet at Gio and Francesca’s wedding. The connection is instant. After sharing a brief kiss, Aurora disappears leaving Jack to search for her the rest of the celebration.
Three years later, they are both still thinking about the night they met and the kiss they shared. Aurora is in an abusive arranged marriage and Jack is organizing raids to save women from trafficking.
Jack and Aurora reunite at a family christening and the sparks are still between them. Aurora is then hospitalized by her husband’s hands and she decides it’s enough. Jack becomes her knight in shining armor.
Jack is so loving and patient in Rory’s presence but to Emilio, the leader of the Italian syndicate, he is fierce and protective of her. I love a man that can be gentle and intense for the ones they love. Rory’s character grows so much in this story. From bold to meek to strong again…..ugh yes girl!!
Oh my goodness we finally have one of the Donnelly brothers and boy it starts out with sexy, Irish devil Jack Donnelly. L.K. Shaw starts us with Jack, who by all means seems to be the perfect killing machine in the war between the Armenians and the trafficking that is going. The thing is it takes a woman like Aurora to show us a side nobody has seen including himself. Aurora and Jack are two souls who bring out the good and bad for each other. Jack is a a crossroads so to speak and Aurora is a big fork in his life he didn't see coming. The thing is that Aurora is perfect for him in every way bringing out a softer side of him nobody knew existed in him. Now Aurora is one brave woman for what she is going through and my heart just breaks with what she goes through. L.K. Shaw shows us tha she is not the only one that is hurt and pain because in a way Jack feels that too which is just wow. Loved it and loving the Donnelly's but seeing Brenna, Giovannia and Pierce was a great treat.
"I received an eBook copy from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own."
Wow Wow Wow Wow, those are my initial thoughts. I'm going to be honest here, I've never really been into the mafia romance books, but I figured I would give it a try. I was able to get an ARC of this book, and let me say I am grateful I did. I sat down to read the book, and I said I was only going to read a little bit. I looked up and it had been an hour and I was over halfway through the book. Needless to say, I accidently finished it in one day.
Definitely a bit of a dark romance, so trigger warning before you read the book, but if that what you are into I would recommend this book. Jack and Aurora have the most wonderful chemistry, and every time they were together my heart would SWOON.
Jack's protective persona pulled me in and made me fall in love with him. Aurora's character was freaking TESTED, but she's so strong, I love her too.
To reiterate, as a person who doesn't gravitate towards mafia romance, I definitely recommend this book either way. It's absolutely wonderful, and be warned, once you start the book you can't stop.
I am loving this series – this book was fantastic! Slow-burn romance with intense chemistry, great banter, and wonderful characters. I loved Jack and Aurora and their story is both heart-breaking and heart-warming in the end. I loved how protective Jack was towards Aurora. He was ready to break all the rules, go against his own family, do whatever he had to do to see her safe and cared for. I loved Aurora’s spunk at the beginning the book and my heart broke for her with what she had to endure. The stakes are high for Jack – possibly causing a war between the families, as well as going against his own and with Aurora it is literally life and death. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow as she healed and I love how Aurora came into her own at the end.
Being in the mafia world, this book includes violence, intense action, heavy drama, abuse, and a sizzling chemistry, slow-burn romance. From start to finish it’s a gripping read that will pull you in and leave you wanting more.
Having read the three previous installments in this series i couldn't wait for more! I've been looking forward to this fourth book ever since it was announced. I picked it up as soon as i could and got right back into the Brooklyn Kings world. I so enjoyed it!
Aurora and Jack's journey captured my attention right from the beginning! From their memorable first meeting i couldn't wait to see how things would play out for these two. I felt for Aurora so much and wanted to hug her through my kindle. I admired her strength as well. Jack's determination to keep her safe got to me and he stole my heart.
I felt so much from beginning to end with these characters!
With Irish Devil, Ms.Shaw has created such a good read with so many feels that will pull you in! I am already looking so forward to diving back into this world with the fifth installment, Irish Rogue!
*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from Valentine PR / the author*
A great 5 star story that had me hooked from the beginning to the end. A page turner.
Jack meets this nameless women who literally knees him in the groin, he fell in love at first sight to never see her again form 3 years. Years later, he sees her again but she’s not the fiery women he first met. He will stop at nothing to make her safe.
I really enjoyed this series so far but this story was something else. It was hard to read at times but the connection between Jack and Aurora was amazing. It was highly entertaining and captivating. It’s a mafia romance with heroes that are just plain amazing. Bottomline this is a must read.
It could be read as a standalone but for better enjoyment read them all in order. Told in a dual POV with an HEA. I highly recommend this story and series.
This is a continuation of the Brooklyn Kings from LK S haw. Earlier the focus of the series was the Italians and now this book is the beginning of the Irish side side of the mafia. Jack kissed Aurora "Rory" 3 years earlier, now she is in an abusive marriage which landed her in the hospital. With her friend and Jack's help she is separated from said husband and filing for divorce from said husband. Her life is in danger and Jack is trying to protect her. The story is intense and Rory continues to be in danger. There is a twist at the end of the story that is unexpected, which is normal for Ms. Shaw's books. I loved reading this book and am anxious for the next story. The stories are about different couples and can be read alone but is much better reading in order.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy for an honest and voluntary review
This book was amazing!! I highly enjoyed Aurora and Jack’s story ♥️ My heart absolutely broke for Rory!! She had a moment of happiness, that gave her hope, while she had to endure a horrific time in her life. When Rory and Jack find their way back to each other, the story becomes about hope and second chances 🥰 Aurora is sold into an arranged marriage to an abusive husband. Before she is married, she shares an unforgettable kiss with a handsome man. She eventually comes back, and her and the handsome man Jack, see each other again. This time, Aurora is different, she’s afraid and broken down. Jack has no intention of letting Rory go this time…… I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AS WELL AS THE WHOLE SERIES 💙🖤
This book out of the series is a tad darker than the others and just as wonderful. We have Jack who meets Aurora at a wedding. He makes a move to kiss her and she knees him in the family jewels but it is a kiss that they both will remember for years to come. Aurora is promised to another man and being related to the head of the Italian mafia she is very off limits for Jack but when her secrets come to light Jack has this innate urge to whatever it takes to protect her. Aurora endures horrible things at the hands of her current husband but with no other options she has to go with it but she finds her inner strength as the story proceeds to help herself become stronger, healthy, and happy. Will Jack’s attraction with Aurora cause him a war with the Italians because of the pact they have with them? Can they find a way to get Aurora out of her horrible situation and make her safe? The chemistry they have is so much there but with so much against them will they find a way to be together? This book was emotional and Jack was pure perfection. I can’t wait to see what will happen next.