Saturday, 30 December 2017

2017 Top Reads and all 5 star reads

So another book year has come to a close. Every year I am blown away by some amazing reads from some amazingly talented authors and 2017 was no different. I read 381 books by  210 different authors in 2017 of which 33 were five star reads (8.6%). 33 books that made my ever stingy fingers click on that 5 star rating. 33 books that are totally different in their own way but share one thing in common, for me they were exceptional. Whether it be emotional, suspenseful, hilarious or thrilling, each of these books, for me, were perfect and touched me in some form or another.  

I don't hand 5 stars out willy nilly, the more I read, the more I review, the more I blog my 5 stars get fewer and fewer. I do find I am more picky and choosy but this is because my ratings are defined by some outstanding books. The authors are delivering and are pushing our expectations and laying new benchmarks to rate other books. This is a good thing though, authors are honing their craft and making their books stand out. A win win for us readers.

And for that "author" my list includes both published and indie and if it wasn't for those indie reads, my year wouldn't have been half as fulfilling or entertaining.


So in close I would like to thank all those authors that have contributed to another fantastic reading year, thank you for your blood, sweat and tears that have been poured into every book, every page and every word. This reader appreciates it.

Some fun facts:-

1) According to Goodreads I have read 87,403 pages (I question it's accuracy though)

2) According to Goodreads my average rating is 3.8

3) I made a vow last year to read more new/new to me authors. This year I read 77 (20%). Of those 77, I actually went back and read some of their back catalogue once I found a gem. In fact, for a few of them I have now read all their books!

 4) In my top 10 reads of 2017 there are 3 new to me authors and two of them were debut books!!

1) My TOP read of 2017 goes to Drive by Kate Stewart


There are not enough superlatives to describe how much I loved this book. This is by far my top Rock Star book EVER!! As I have said in the past, this author NAILS emotion, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Her words have the power to decimate me and then carefully put me back together.  Kate Stewart is one author who I have championed for a LONG time and yet, to me, she still hasn't got the recognition she deserves. This year, Drive did amazingly well, in fact you are probably sick of seeing me post about it. But, here I go again lol. If you have not read this book, seriously, PICK IT UP!! It is amazing. It is a book not to be missed.

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/10/review-teaser-excerpt-drive-by-kate.html

Paperback UK: http://amzn.to/2ygO17S
Paperback US: http://amzn.to/2wSsOj4


2) The Idea of You by Robinne Lee


Robinne Lee is a DEBUT author and delivered the best older woman/younger man book I have ever read. This is a trope that is not written enough and one that I always crave. This was a huge age gap and yet, not once was I creeped out. Young rock star and divorced single mom who meet backstage at a concert. This book is TO DIE FOR. It spanked every single one of my emotions, it was real and did not follow a formula, it truly is one of a kind. 

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/09/review-idea-of-you-novel-by-robinne-lee.html



3) The Fourth Monkey (A 4MK Thriller) by JD Barker


I have really been into my crime thrillers this year and have read quite a lot of them. This is another DEBUT book and I was blown away. Usually with a crime thriller you can see it coming, or at least the general gist of what is going to happen. This book had me ON THE EDGE OF MY SEAT the whole time of reading and I cannot wait for more from this author. 

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/review-fourth-monkey-4mk-thriller-by-jd.html



4) 180 Seconds by Jessica Park


Ever since Flat Out Love I have been a huge fan of Jessica Park. Jessica Park has her own unique brand of wit that is smattered throughout her books all the while interspersed with some extremely intelligent writing that has this reader hooked from first to last word. Her character connection is always on point and her stories are never cookie cutter, nor do they follow current tropes and over done cliches. You always know you are going to get a unique story and this one was one of my faves from this author.

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/04/release-day-blitz-review-180-seconds-by.html


5) The Queen and the Cure (Bird & Sword Chronicles #2) by Amy Harmon


I am not really a fantasy reader but I am a huge fan of Amy Harmon. Amy Harmon is one of those authors whose writing I have just clicked with. Once again, Amy Harmon is one of those authors that always goes against the grain with her unique stories. No cliches, no cookie cutter, just an honest read from the heart, one that will have you glued to every page from start to finish.

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/05/release-day-blitz-review-queen-and-cure.html



6) Mists of the Serengeti by Leylah Attar


This book is SIMPLY STUNNING. Leylah Attar has mastered the art of visceral scene setting as she transports you to the Serengeti with one of the most heart felt romances I have ever had the pleasure of reading. This book plays out like a film as you can feel the sand at your feet, the animals surrounding you and sense the smells surrounding you. Immersion reading from this literary masterpiece.

My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1897187784?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2jNiIcK
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2kFHX1M


7) Dear Life by Meghan Quinn


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/01/blog-tour-review-dear-life-by-meghan.html



8) Tate & True (Temptation Series 5 & 6) by Ella Frank


Slightly cheating here, but both these books were released in the year and both were easy 5 star reads. I adore my M/M books and I love everything about Ella Franks writing, no matter the genre she finds herself writing in. Out of the hundreds and hundreds of M/M books that I have read, these two characters and the ones that I measure all M/M's by. The intense connection that these two have radiates off every page and I have been consumed by their love story for years. When Ella Frank decided to resurrect these two by writing an extra three books about them, I was nervous. However, the last three books in this series are like the hugest extended epilogue in the history of epilogues and I am so glad that she decided to revisit my favourite gay couple.

My reviews:

Tate: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/09/blog-tour-review-excerpt-tate.html
True: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/12/blog-tour-review-true-temptation-series.html


9) Confessions of a Carpool Captive by Dawn L Chiletz


This is one of the funniest books I have read this year. Dawn L Chiletz was a new to me author and I have now read her whole back catalogue. I adore this authors writing style and the fact that she does not follow the usual tropes and her stories are always unique and inherently captivating. 

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/03/review-confessions-of-carpool-captive.html



10) The Cycle (A Violence Begets Novel) by PT Denys


A friend recommended to me the first book in this duology, Violence Begets. She was not from the book world, but a mum in the playground who shares the same passion as me and we compare notes most mornings on books we have read. When I read Violence Begets I was in awe. PT Denys nails emotion, she nails character connection and she ripped my heart out with this M/M. This series is more than a M/M though, this is how young kids discover their own sexuality and the repercussions of such. I was worried about a second book, but I needn't have. These characters made their mark in the first book but were truly indelible by the end of this one.

My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/07/review-cycle-violence-begets-2-by-pt.html



***IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER ~ OTHER 5 STAR READS***


To Have It All by BN Toler


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/01/release-day-blitz-review-excerpt-to.html



The Ghostwriter by Alessandra Torre


My review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2136349865?book_show_action=false&from_review_page=1

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2wpmY8T
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2fFzduH


The Butterfly Project by Emma Scott


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/03/review-butterfly-project-by-emma-scott.html



Animal (A Prisoned Spin Off) by Marni Mann


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/03/release-day-blitz-review-giveaway_23.html



A Thousand Letters by Staci Hart



Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2kJG2eY


The Gravity of Us (Elements #4) by Brittainy C Cherry


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/04/blog-tour-review-gravity-of-us-elements.html



Most of All You by Mia Sheridan


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/10/release-day-review-most-of-all-you-by.html



Wish You Were Here by Renee Carlino


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/08/blog-tour-review-excerpt-wish-you-were.html

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2uGkFgI
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2wWDm0c


Beard in Mind (Winston Brothers #4) by Penny Reid


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/08/blog-tour-review-excerpt-giveaway-beard.html



My Best Friends Ex by Meghan Quinn


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/blog-tour-review-my-best-friends-ex-by.html



The Hard Truth About Sunshine by Sawyer Bennett


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/03/blog-tour-review-excerpt-hard-truth.html

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2mxg5jv
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2lAk5AR


Captain by Lauren Rowe


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/05/release-day-blitz-review-captain-by.html

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2qIzS2t
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pBEw22


Dane by Leddy Harper


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/05/release-boost-review-dane-by-leddy.html

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2qrQxq5
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2pTA5vJ


Found Underneath (Finding Me #2) by KL Kreig


My review:  http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/05/release-day-blitz-review-found.html



Dating-ish (Knitting in the City #6) by Penny Reid


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/blog-tour-review-excerpt-dating-ish.html



Wrecked by Jeannine Colette


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/release-day-blitz-review-wrecked-by.html



Redemption by Stephie Walls


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/release-day-blitz-review-giveaway.html



The Knocked Up Plan by Lauren Blakely


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/release-day-blitz-review-excerpt_23.html

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2s2DfNU
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2s2FtwH


Forgetting You, Forgetting Me (Memories from Yesterday #1) by Monica James


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/06/release-day-blitz-review-forgetting-you.html



Ripple Effect (Complete Series) by Keri Lake


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/07/release-day-blitz-review-giveaway.html

Amazon UK:  http://amzn.to/2tWciw9
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2tyJg6N


I Do(n't) by Leddy Harper


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/08/release-day-blitz-review-i-dont-by.html



Trading Yesterday by Kahlen Aymes


My review: http://www.theromancecover.com/2017/11/release-day-review-trading-yesterday-by.html

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Tuesday, 26 December 2017

Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt ~ True (Temptation Series #6) by Ella Frank

SBPRBanner-TRUE-RB-2

TRUE, the final book in The Temptation Series by Ella Frank and the highly anticipated wedding between Logan Mitchell and Tate Morrison is available now!

TRUE-FINAL

Book Description:


True - adjective: That which is accurate or exact.
I dare you to try.
I think you’re my truth.
Terrify me.
Marry me.
Marry me.
Marry me...Four years ago, Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and challenged him to see it differently.
He dared Tate to try a kiss, when normally he wouldn’t have.

He begged him to take a chance, when he probably shouldn’t have.
But most importantly, he asked Tate to trust that he would love him, and he did. From that moment on, Tate realized exactly what his life had been missing—Logan.
Happily-ever-afters come in many different forms. But for Tate Morrison, there’s only one ending he wants. The one where the guy marries the guy and true love conquers all.
Now all he has to do is tell Logan.
Join Logan and Tate as they finally realize what the rest of us knew all along. That they belong together for better or worse—always.

Buy Links:
(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TRUE

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ApV7rB

Our Review:

Reviewed by Donna ~ 5 stars
***ARC received for an honest review***


“I swear I couldn’t love you more than I do right now, and yet I know I will tomorrow.”


This is an extremely bittersweet book, two men that I have followed from the very beginning, getting the ending neither knew they wanted, yet thoroughly deserved. Logan and Tate are the two men that I use as my benchmark for any other MM. The emotional connection I have to these guys is seriously off the charts and their all-consuming love for one and other and their fire and passion with each other just emanates from every single pore. Ella Frank has wormed these two men into my heart and soul and I feel that I have experienced their journey along with them as a best friend looking in. Ella Frank has brought these two men to life with a love for each other so strong that you cannot help but feel it through every single page, every exchange, every look.


“Your brother, he totally changed my life…He walked into it and it hasn’t been the same sine – it’s been better.”


For me, True was incredibly emotional, happy, happy, happy tears by the bucket load as the culmination of Logan and Tate’s relationship comes to its natural conclusion. We pick up exactly where we left off in the last book, at the winery, as a proposal is made and the answer of course, is a resounding yes. From there life snowballs as family are told and wedding preparations are made.


“As long as you were both breathing, it was never going to be too late for you.”


You cannot help but get totally invested as these two come to terms with getting married in the first place and the family taking over in all the excitement. These two are so hopelessly in love with each other though, that not even meddling family, albeit well meaning, can burst their bubble and as long as they have each other, that is all that matters.


“He makes you a little bit stupid, Logan Mitchell. And that makes me ridiculously happy.”


There was a fantastic introduction to something I never saw coming as Ella Frank gears us readers up for Robbie’s spin off series. To say that the appetite has been well and truly whetted is a huge understatement.

Ella Frank took a huge gamble in revisiting these two men after she had already given them a happy ending, leaving the endless possibilities up to the imagination of the reader. However, the last three books in this series have been one huge epilogue and only cemented these two as a forever couple, that on paper, should never have worked, yet in the Temptation world, worked with every fibre of their being. Never have two men been more suited and as I said above, these are the two men that I will forever measure all other MM’s by.


“I love you…With you there are no walls or boundaries, just the endless possibility of things being better than the day before.”


Ella Frank, I cannot thank you enough for bringing these two men into my life. Six seriously amazing books that have delivered one of the greatest love stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.


Excerpt:

LOVE. IT’S FUNNY how one four-letter word can bring on such an onslaught of emotions. Happiness, desire, anger, even fear, Tate Morrison thought, as he sat at the tiny table in the empty bar of the Lynley Winery and tried to calm his erratic heartbeat. It could make those who were the most honest with their emotions run scared, while at the same time bring forth a determination in the most unlikely of people. That was something he had discovered ten minutes ago back in their suite when Logan had stood before him naked and uttered, “Just tell me how you want me, Tate. I’m yours.” That was when he’d run. Tate had practically tripped over his feet in his hurry to be free of the suddenly suffocating confines of that bathroom. And now, as he sat alone replaying Logan’s words, he stared down at the crumpled paper he’d grabbed from his wallet and studied the words in his shaking hands. His stomach knotted, then flipped over on itself time and time again, and Tate willed himself to breathe. The last thing he needed was to pass out from a panic attack, but that was exactly what was happening. He was panicking. And the reason? The reason was as clear as day. He was the dumbest motherfucker on the planet. Yeah, he was. Fucking hell. He’d heard that love made people do some stupid shit before, but this… God, what if I can’t fix this? What if Logan doesn’t want me like that anymore? The thought made him want to be sick. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to stop the room from spinning, but all that did was bring to mind Logan back in the bathroom, beautiful as always, looking at Tate for some kind of indication of what was running through his head. And what had Tate given him? Nothing. He’d just fled. Damn it. Tate shoved the piece of paper into his pocket, along with the pen he’d grabbed from the side table back in their suite, no longer able to look at it. What had he done to them? How had he let fear of the unknown possibly ruin this? And as the memories flooded him again… I dare you to try. I think you’re my truth. Terrify me. Marry me. …he was more than aware that it was that one, the last one, that didn’t have the right ending. He’d really messed this up, but he could make it right and wanted to, more than he wanted his next breath. He placed his head in his hands and shut his eyes, trying to gather some semblance of control so he could go back, find Logan, and do the one thing he realized he should’ve done all along. It wasn’t until he heard the sound of padded feet on the hardwood floor that he looked up to see that he didn’t need to go and find Logan, because he had tracked Tate down instead. With the fire flickering behind him, the sharp angles of Logan’s cheeks and jaw only enhanced a face Tate loved more than he thought possible, and when Logan pulled out the chair opposite him and reached across the table to take his hands, Tate couldn’t believe it had taken his brain this long to catch up and get to where it now firmly was. “Hey,” Logan said, his eyes roaming over Tate’s face, no doubt for signs, clues as to why he’d run away. “Hey,” Tate replied, and then lowered his gaze to their hands, marveling over the strength he found there when they were joined. Exactly…together, not apart. Always and forever, together. “What are you doing out here?” Logan asked, and Tate swallowed as he felt Logan tighten his grip. “I, uhh…” “Tate?” Logan said before Tate could give any kind of response. “What are you doing out here?” Tate withdrew his hand and ran it through his hair, and as Logan continued to watch him, he felt his nerves kick in. “Back there in the bathroom…” he started, and then stopped. As he thought over his words, Tate wondered if there was even a way to explain how badly he’d screwed this all up, but knew the only way he’d ever know was to try. “I had a thought. It was more of a moment, I guess. A flash of us. Of all we are and will be and— Shit, I sound crazy, don’t I?” Logan’s eyes narrowed, but he shook his head. “You don’t sound crazy. But you are freaking me out a little. Were the things you were thinking good things, at least?” Tate frowned and then shot Logan an apologetic look. The last thing Tate wanted was to worry him more—it was the exact opposite. “Yeah, of course. I should’ve probably started with that. Everything about you was good. Perfect, really, but me…” “What about you? You’re pretty fucking perfect from where I’m sitting. And back there in that bathroom, trust me, you looked better than any of those naked statues on the wall.” Tate tried for a smile but knew he didn’t quite pull it off when Logan asked, “What is it, Tate? Come on; you know you can tell me anything.” Okay, this is it, Tate thought, as he swallowed and then shifted in his seat, glancing over at the fire for a moment to gather his nerve. Then he turned back to Logan and asked, “Am I too late?” At Logan’s confused expression, Tate knew he didn’t understand what he was asking. So he reached into his pocket where he’d shoved the piece of paper, and then put it on the table. He smoothed his hand over it, lovingly tracing his fingers over the name he now wanted as his own, and then pushed it over in front of Logan. As Logan stared down at it, Tate watched him read over the words on the paper, waiting for a reaction, and when Logan looked up, Tate asked again, “Am I too late?” Logan blinked several times, and Tate held his breath, wondering if he was too late. But then something miraculous happened: Logan shook his head. The blood rushing around Tate’s head made his ears ring as he tried to comprehend what Logan was telling him, but he still hadn’t said a word, so Tate pulled the pen from his pocket and leaned over to circle the name he hadn’t been able to stop looking at ever since he’d found the piece of paper. As Logan looked down again, Tate saw a huge grin split his lips. “So what do you think? Can the world handle two Mr. Mitchells?”

True-AN

Other Books in Series:

Try (Temptation #1)


Take (Temptation #2)


Trust (Temptation #3)


Tease (Temptation #4)

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TeaseTempt

Tate (Temptation #5)


About the Author: 


Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!” A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips. 

Connect with Ella:

Join Ella’s Newsletter – www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn
Website – www.ellafrank.com
Twitter – @EllaFrank2012 Facebook - www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31
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Thursday, 21 December 2017

Release Day Blitz ~ True (Temptation Series #6) by Ella Frank

SBPRBanner-TRUE-RB

TRUE, the final book in The Temptation Series by Ella Frank and the highly anticipated wedding between Logan Mitchell and Tate Morrison is LIVE!

TRUE-FINAL

Book Description:

True - adjective: That which is accurate or exact.
I dare you to try.
I think you’re my truth.
Terrify me.
Marry me.
Marry me.
Marry me...
Four years ago, Logan Mitchell walked into Tate’s life and challenged him to see it differently.
He dared Tate to try a kiss, when normally he wouldn’t have.
He begged him to take a chance, when he probably shouldn’t have.
But most importantly, he asked Tate to trust that he would love him, and he did. From that moment on, Tate realized exactly what his life had been missing—Logan.
Happily-ever-afters come in many different forms. But for Tate Morrison, there’s only one ending he wants. The one where the guy marries the guy and true love conquers all.
Now all he has to do is tell Logan.
Join Logan and Tate as they finally realize what the rest of us knew all along. That they belong together for better or worse—always.

True-AN

Buy Links

Read Today!
(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TRUE

Add to GoodReads: http://bit.ly/2ApV7rB

Start the Series Today!
(Free in Kindle Unlimited) 

Try (Temptation #1) 



Take (Temptation #2) 



Trust (Temptation #3) 



Tease (Temptation #4)
(Free in Kindle Unlimited)

Amazon Universal: http://mybook.to/TeaseTempt


Tate (Temptation #5)
(Free in Kindle Unlimited)


About Ella Frank: 


Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust. Her Exquisite series has been praised as “scorching hot!” and “enticingly sexy!” A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction and lives with her husband in Portland, OR. You can reach her on the web at www.ellafrank.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ella.frank.author Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips. 
Connect with Ella:

Join Ella’s Newsletter – www.bit.ly/1hEYtgn
Website – www.ellafrank.com
Twitter – @EllaFrank2012 Facebook - www.facebook.com/ella.frank.31
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Monday, 18 December 2017

Cover Reveal ~ Signed by Marni Mann

SBPRBanner-Signed-CoverReveal

Signed by Marni Mann 
Release Date: January 25th, 2018 
Genre: Erotic Romance

MMSignedBookCover6x9_MEDIUM

Book Description:

A one-night stand with James Ryne, the hottest actress in LA, was a night I’d never forget… 

James: I can’t stop thinking about you. 
           Brett: I didn’t know America’s sweetheart was such a dirty girl. 
James: It gets better. 
           Brett: You’re too young for me. 
James: Eighteen’s the age of consent. 
           Brett: The things I want to do to you right now… 
James: Are you ever going to tell me who you really are? 
           Brett: The best you’ve ever had. That’s all you need to know. 
James: When are you coming back to LA? 
           Brett: Next week—and you’d better not be wearing panties. 
           Brett: What the hell did I just watch? 
James: Oh my God, Brett! It’s going viral! 
James: My life is ruined. My career. My reputation. 
James: Are you there? 
James: Will you let me explain? 
James: Brett? 
            Brett: Forget everything I said before. Forget us.

I tried to forget her…until she walked into my office, begging to get signed.
MMSignedBookCover6x9_BW_380.jpg

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2kB65TU

About the Author:

Best-selling Author Marni Mann knew she was going to be a writer since middle school. While other girls her age were daydreaming about teenage pop stars, Mann was fantasizing about penning her first novel. She crafts sexy, titillating stories that weave together her love of darkness, mystery, passion, and human emotion. A New Englander at heart, she now lives in Sarasota, Florida with her husband and their two dogs who subsequently have been characters in her books. When she’s not nose deep in her laptop working on her next novel, she’s scouring for chocolate, sipping wine, traveling to new locations, and devouring fabulous books.

Connect with Marni:


Stay up to Date with Marni by signing up for her newsletter here: http://marnismann.com/about/ 

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