Stunning in audio, stunning in print, this book can do no wrong.
I'll admit that I think I liked the ebook version a bit more at the beginning.[image]
Stunning in audio, stunning in print, this book can do no wrong.
I'll admit that I think I liked the ebook version a bit more at the beginning. Some of the jokes are better in print (I literally laughed out loud when I read them in print but the puns don't carry over well in audio), but that can't be avoided. However, the more I listened, the more I was hooked. Joe Jameson really delivered with the voices, and he interpreted the story beautifully. Once again, at the final few minutes, I decided that I wanted it to go on forever. It's just that good.
A wonderful, heart-melting book that has good reason to be on my favorites list.
Melanie Hansen should be very proud of Trusting a Warrior, which is another stellar book in the Loving a Warrior series. Though it is a ve*4.5 stars*
Melanie Hansen should be very proud of Trusting a Warrior, which is another stellar book in the Loving a Warrior series. Though it is a very serious book about suicide and grieving, it also had a stand-out romance and an emotionally-packed plotline.
Right off the bat, I was supremely impressed that we got a bisexual male MC in a M/F romance. when I say that is rare, I mean it is rare. I can count on one hand the number of times I've read bi-men out of the context of a M/M romance. I was extremely excited, and I loved how Melanie Hansen portrayed Geo's sexuality without any bi-erasure. Geo is a bi man, and proud of that fact, and it wasn't glossed over. Beautifully done.
If you've read the other books in the series, you'll remember Lani. I don't think you need to have read the previous books, but it helps you know the side characters' backstories. I really liked how Lani was portrayed in this book, and I enjoyed seeing all of her relationships evolve though the course of this story. Lani is hurting from both the loss of her brother and the loss of her long-time relationship, plus an unplanned pregnancy, and the author unpacked her trauma with grace. I felt like I got to know Lani very well, and I loved how her relationship with Geo grew organically.
Geo was going through an equal amount of trauma. His backstory was no less difficult, and I liked how he also got the page-time to unravel his web of emotions. Parts of his story were difficult to read, and I'll admit that I cried at times, but it's not truly a Melanie Hansen book if my emotions aren't put through the ringer.
My only criticism would be that the romance took a slight backseat to the emotional journey that both characters were going through, but I still think that Melanie Hansen did a remarkable job juggling everything. If I'm being perfectly frank, nothing will ever hold a candle to Point of Contact for me from Melanie Hansen, but I think this book was pretty outstanding. It felt personal, to me, like Melanie Hansen had a deep connection to this storyline.
A sexuality discovery story with best friends-to-lovers and a slow, slow burn... yes, please.
Whew, my first read from Briar Prescott and I *4.5 stars*
A sexuality discovery story with best friends-to-lovers and a slow, slow burn... yes, please.
Whew, my first read from Briar Prescott and I fell in love! This was the low-angst romance I needed in my life right now. A sweet, sweet infinitely slow burn, pining for daaaaaaaays, and a demisexual MC. I seriously was in heaven.
Just a warning: The Happy List are not for those who are easily frustrated. It takes a VERY long time for the relationship parts of the story to get going. Sure, I sometimes hate it when we get two MCs who just won't SHARE their feelings, and it gets even worse when one is entirely clueless, but it honestly worked for me here. There was a lot of very sweet chemistry-building and a TON of sexual tension build-up, and I ate that up. I also think that moving from friendship to attraction was just such a paradigm-shift for Gray that he just didn't see it at first. Kai was infinitely patient or just too roped in to stop, but he had to suffer a lot before he saw his attraction being returned. Stick with the story and your patience will be rewarded, I promise.
Anyone who knows my reading tastes knows I love a story when a character is exploring their sexuality for the first time, and man, I was satisfied here. I love it when a character realizes their attractions and goes all in. Gray was confused at first, but once he figured himself out, he was raring to so (same, buddy, same). The book had the perfect amount of steam, and the sex scenes worked. I always like a book more when it doesn't lead with sex, and so it worked out for me here.
Add to the story a very sweet romance-y ended, and you got me hooked. My 2020 happy list has this book on it, that's for sure.
Finally, finally I get to join the Bridgerton love-train! After reading most of the books in the series and giving many low ratings, at las*4.5 stars*
Finally, finally I get to join the Bridgerton love-train! After reading most of the books in the series and giving many low ratings, at last I found one that I adore. When He Was Wicked was the unrequited love, high sexual tension, friends-to-lovers book that I needed.
I have most of this series in paperback, and I have to say, though I'm a total Kindle reader devotee, I love having these romance-y romances in print. They feel more authentic that way, for some reason. Maybe it was my mood, maybe it was just a really well-done book, but either way, When He Was Wicked felt nearly perfect.
I tend to dislike Julia Quinn's male MCs, but I really loved Michael Sterling. I adored his broken-hearted rake persona, and I loved how respectful he was of his cousin and Francesca. Francesca was private and quiet, but I loved her slow-burn romance with Michael. Though he had loved her for years, I adored how her attraction unfolded over time and how she remained in love with John but opened her heart to Michael.
A swoony, heart-clenching romance, and, for me, by far the best in the Bridgerton series to date.
I had no expectations going into Spoiler Alert as I'd never read anything by Olivia Dade, but I was Blown. Away. Truly. The story really resonated witI had no expectations going into Spoiler Alert as I'd never read anything by Olivia Dade, but I was Blown. Away. Truly. The story really resonated with me on a few levels, and I couldn't put it down. It was just excellent, emotional, funny, well-written romance with a smart, geeky fan-fiction plotline and a sex-positive, plus-sized female MC.swoon
I adored both MCs, but the male MC, Marcus, really spoke to me. Right away, I noticed some clues about Marcus that touched me. The fact that he was dictating all of his texts, how he listened to audiobooks all of the time... my mind sniffs out these details like a hound. I don't think it's a big spoiler, but right away I knew that Marcus was dyslexic (and he reveals these details very early on in the story).
I don't like to share too many personal details online, but both of my young children are dyslexic. It's a long, hard road to diagnose and get the proper educational help for kids with learning disabilities, and it's something that many kids are suffering with, all over the world. The emotions I felt when reading about Marcus's childhood and his struggles with reading tore me apart. I loved, loved, loved that the author created neurodivergent characters and fully fleshed them out. I thought of my children growing up and reading romance books with people like them in them. I thought of how we view people who make grammatical errors or who read slowly and with mistakes. This book showcased all of that beautifully, and made it just a facet of Marcus. Marcus who was externally and internally beautiful and complex and shy and learning. I obviously stan, so hard.
The female MC, April, was also just lovely, smart, beautiful character. I really liked how the author made her not just curvy, but a big girl, who wanted and fought to be loved just as she was. She was desirable and sexual and I ate up every work. I loved reading about her complex relationship with her parents, coworkers, and the fan-fiction community. I related to her in many ways as well, that feeling like you have a double life for pursuing what is considered a niche passion and not wanting it to affect you professionally. Her pains hurt me, and I was exhilarated by her triumphs. I adored her.
The romance was also just insanely swoon-worthy. Sure, there is deception there (hence, the major tension in the story), but these two just fit together. I rooted for them from the start, and I liked how they were both flawed in their relationship but worked through it all and came out stronger.
I loved everything from the spotlight on fat-phobia to learning disabilities to geeky passions to family issues. It was all of that, plus make it FUN.Spoiler Alert was so fun that I read it in one sitting, all 400+ pages. It was my first experience with Olivia Dade and now I can't wait for more.
Clearly, Spoiler Alert really resonated with me on a personal and emotional level. After weeks of being unable to focus on reading, it had my undivided attention, which is saying a lot. I think it was a powerhouse of a story, and one of my favorite contemporary romances of the year. Total winner.
I've been reading Jay Hogan for some time now, but she really hit her stride with Off Balance. Though it tops out at nearly 400 pages, it i*4.5 stars*
I've been reading Jay Hogan for some time now, but she really hit her stride with Off Balance. Though it tops out at nearly 400 pages, it is a beautifully written, powerful romance, and it was exactly the kind of book I love to read.
I have a deep love of romance books that feature characters living with a chronic illness or a disability. Working in the medical field, I know a lot about rare diseases, but this book was my first experience with Ménière’s disease. I found Judah to be an extremely compelling MC, and his struggle to find his place and purpose after his dance career was ruined by the inner ear disorder was both moving and fascinating to read about.
I also loved Morgan and how he complemented Judah. He didn't run away from his feelings, and I adored how communicative and responsive he was with Judah. I liked how the author weighed Morgan's memories and time spent with his wife with his new feelings for Judah, and I think Jay Hogan struck the perfect balance in the story.
Their romance was, gah, just so good! Yes, there was a lot of initial attraction, but it built-up over time in a gorgeous way. There wasn't any manufactured drama or silly misunderstandings, and it felt extremely real and special.
I was meh about the mystery aspect of the book, and I often think the author tries to cram suspense into her contemporaries unnecessarily, but it for sure gave a little momentum to the end of a long book. I would have been happy with just a relationship-focused contemporary, but I got enough of that to make me very happy.
Jay Hogan wrote her strongest book to date with Off Balance. It felt perfectly New Zealand-y, just like her other stories, and like a great, small town romance. I adored it, and I can't wait to read more in this sure to be special series.
I'm a big fan of K.M. Neuhold's "Four Bears Construction" series, and I've read each and every one. I mean, what's n*4.5 stars*
Oh, I adored this one.
I'm a big fan of K.M. Neuhold's "Four Bears Construction" series, and I've read each and every one. I mean, what's not to like?? Hairy bears finding love and showing sweet, sweet vulnerability. Count me in, every time. I've been eagerly awaiting Screwed with the promise of Ollie's long awaited HEA, and I was NOT disappointed.
I see some mixed reviews from my friends, but I was grinning the entire time I was reading. I love, love, love a slow-burn, wake-up-married plotline with a just one bed!! plot twist to boot. Those are seriously like crack plot devices for me, and I was hooked.
Ollie was so sweet, and I loved the opposites-attract vibe I got between him and Daniel. They were so great together, and I adored how we got to see their relationship progress over a series of months. We got great depth of character and relationship development. I also, and this is a minor thing, like that we got some more mainstream, less porno-sounding names for these dudes.
Just a really nice way to wrap up the series, Screwed was a romance-y, romance for those of us who love these beefy, loveable guys. I'm a happy camper.
One of my favorite Christina Lauren books ever, In a Holidaze was the super-sweet, friends-to-lovers Christmastime romance that my heart and mind needOne of my favorite Christina Lauren books ever, In a Holidaze was the super-sweet, friends-to-lovers Christmastime romance that my heart and mind needed right now. I adored it, and stayed up until 5 am to finish.
I have a guilty pleasure confession: I love Groundhog's Day.
Yeah, I know, some people hate it, but it always strikes me as extremely romantic, and I'm a sucker for Bill Murray. So when I read the description for In a Holidaze, I knew I needed it. And it was everything I had hoped it would be.
In a Holidaze is a low-angst, cozy, sweet read. There are lots of supporting characters (important friends and family), and instead of the plot feeling cluttered, it all made sense. I really liked the role that everyone played in the story, and I felt like I knew this family intimately.
I also fell head-over-heels for both MCs. Mae was extremely relatable, and I loved her comedic, screw-up moments as well as her honest, tender moments. She was just funny and vulnerable. Andrew was sort of the perfect male MC, but I loved him anyway. Sometimes, perfect characters are extremely annoying because real people have flaws, but Andrews's flaws are more subtle so you get to know him as a whole person the longer you read. They were magical together, and I bought the chemistry immediately.
The story is lovely and atmospheric, and felt like a glass of hot cocoa for my soul. You will want to make out in a closet, make snowmen in snowy weather, and reach for your true dreams after reading this story. It felt Christmas-y and hopeful. I couldn't get enough.
The epilogue was the perfect icing on the cake, and I had tears in my eyes through the final pages. It was worth not sleeping all night to finish the story.
An outstanding story from the talented Christina Lauren, and a book I will reread often in the coming years. It made me feel happy, and I bet it will make you happy too.
Melissa and The Vicar is a raw, sexual, angsty historical romance with a bisexual female MC and a virgin male MC. There was so much to love in this story, and though the plot was messy at times, I couldn't put it down.
There is a lot to unpack with this book, and S.M. LaViolette never lets us have it easy. This isn't a simple story with a titled man falling in love with a Madame and then they all live happily ever after. There are lies, there is waffling back and forth, and the path to this marriage and HEA is not at all easy. It felt real to me, honestly, and I'm glad the author put these characters through so much to get that authentic feeling.
The highlights of the story for me was the scorching hot sex scenes in this story. Magnus is a very studious pupil, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how sex-positive the story ended up being. The chemistry between these two MCs is electric and their sex life is no missionary-only, that's for sure. Fire.
My one complaint is that the plot felt overly complicated at times, but I often see that with this author. Truly, I didn't mind it much because all of the pieces fell into place, and it was almost beautifully messy. This author has such a way with words that she wins me over, every time.
Erotic, painful, difficult, and lovely, Melissa and The Vicar captures the whole range of emotions and shows the true depth of S.M. LaViolette's talent. I couldn't get enough.
Dances Long Forgotten wasn't even a blip on my radar until I started seeing this stream of 5-star reviews from my friends. I'm not a huge novella fan,Dances Long Forgotten wasn't even a blip on my radar until I started seeing this stream of 5-star reviews from my friends. I'm not a huge novella fan, so I was tempted to pass by this one, but I'm so happy I didn't. Dances Long Forgotten by Ruby Moone was lovely in every way.
I was leary of the fact that there are essentially 2+ couples in the story, but the author handled everything seamlessly. I was, admittedly, much more invested in Hugo's story, but I enjoyed the modern-day romance of James/Dylan as well. However, Hugo stole my heart. He was so vulnerable and endearing.
It's amazing how Ruby Moone was able to pack so much emotion into a novella, but she certainly did. I have a feeling that I'll be inhaling this entire series.
A powerful and brisk history of racism in America and beyond.
My local community is doing a township-wide read of books about racism, and t*4.5 stars*
A powerful and brisk history of racism in America and beyond.
My local community is doing a township-wide read of books about racism, and this was the first selection. To be honest, if I had read this book a couple of years ago, I would have been much more shocked by it's contents. I have since educated myself on a lot of aspects of history that my formal education did not touch upon. After reading Stamped from the Beginning: The Definitive History of Racist Ideas in America, I just feel incredibly frustrated and more convinced than ever that we ALL need to be taught how our society has formed itself to make it harder for Black people to succeed, and we ALL need to be a part of dismantling that construct.
The book itself was informative and, dare I say, entertaining to read, if incredibly humbling and depressing. How little we've advanced in all of these years. I consumed it in one sitting. I wish some of the chapters were a little longer as it felt like it was moving at break-neck speed at times, but an enormous amount of information was packed in this tidy book.
An excellent book club selection and a must-read for someone who wants to learn more about the true history of America.
I was truly not expecting to love it. I've had mixed experiences with Alexis Hall in the past, and I honestly didn't Boyfriend Material spoke to me.
I was truly not expecting to love it. I've had mixed experiences with Alexis Hall in the past, and I honestly didn't know he could be so funny. This book is hilarious, especially if you like kind of snarky, British humor, and I found myself laughing out loud to myself in bed, shoulders positively shaking (my husband did not appreciate this).
But that's how this book gets you. Under the humor lies the feels.
The emotions that I felt for these characters snuck up on me, and before I knew it, I was hooked. I really couldn't stop reading, and I stayed up nearly all night to finish.
I know it sounds cliche, but I laughed, I cried, and I would do it all over again.
It's funny, because plot-wise, nothing much happens in the story. It's sort of a meandering series of events in the MC's life where nothing seems to go quite right. The MC screws everything up time and time again, and puts his foot in his mouth so many times it might as well be permanently lodged there. However, he grows on you. The main characters are so multilayered that they feel like real people, and the secondary characters are so unique and well-conceived that you'll want them to have their own stories.
This story has self-righteous vegans, dung beetles, banana curries, dick pics, posh/idiot co-workers, and humor woven around each and every thing that makes it all come together effortlessly. But while you are laughing, be prepared for the feelings, a surprising amount of angst, and the strong, strong chemistry to hit you right when you least expect it. These guys are great for each other, baggage and all, and I was rooting for them like I haven't in a long time. But don't read this story if you are expecting steam, because this story is fade-to-black. However, I didn't mind the lack of steam with this one.
My favorite Alexis Hall book to date, Boyfriend Material delivered right when I needed it to most. I think the author did something special with this story.
I loved, loved this book in a squeeze-your-heart-stay-up-all-night kind of way. It moved me to tears at parts, and I didn't want it to end.
You need I loved, loved this book in a squeeze-your-heart-stay-up-all-night kind of way. It moved me to tears at parts, and I didn't want it to end.
You need a tiny bit of an open-minded to read this one, and be receptive to the ideas of eastern philosophy, chakras, tantric sex (where, apparently, you don't ever *physically* come and the sex just goes on... and on...), and lots of meditation. I'll admit, this isn't an area of expertise for me, so I have no idea if Eli Easton got any of the facts right, but it seemed all legit. *shrugs*
More important than the nitty gritty details, I simply found this book to be immensely satisfying. We get a lovely MC who needs healing from his devastation after losing his wife to cancer. We get a sexuality discovery story (!!!), an age-gap, lots of intense, soul-shaking eye contact, and emotions so powerful that it made me cry. I just loved this couple and their journey to one another. Plus, foodie details galore. I need to finally try some kombucha for myself.
The story is a little slow and meandering, but I loved the relationship-focused plotline and the overall vibe of the story. It was the Eli Easton book I needed in my life right now.
A lovely, emotional, powerful read that mixed lots of spirtuality with sexuality, The Redemption of River was everything I hoped it would be.
I love everything Octavia E. Butler writes. Though not every story was 5-stars from me, this collection of short stories was quality writing. Just reaI love everything Octavia E. Butler writes. Though not every story was 5-stars from me, this collection of short stories was quality writing. Just really true perfection here. Made me want to re-read Octavia Butler's entire body of work.
Bloodchild- 4 stars Very intense. I find it interesting that the author says in the discussion that this isn't a commentary on slavery because that is what it felt like to me. Sickly fascinating, I couldn't stop reading. My first time seeing mPreg outside of a romance book.
The Evening and the Morning and the Night- 4.5 stars I'm very interested in inherited diseases and chromosomal abnormalities, so this story was very well suited for my tastes. I right away pinpointed which diseases the author based her fictional syndrome on, and it felt extremely possible, in a horrifying way. The more mind-altering aspects of the story towards the end were a bit iffy for me, but I still found it to be brilliant.
Near of Kin- 4 stars Difficult for me to review without spoilers. The topic of this story is a personal no-go area for me, but I think the author handled the situation delicately and with such skill that I ended up enjoying the story anyway.
Speech Sounds- 3.5 stars Truly painful to read. This is a bleak story that came from a place of pain. It's a post-apocalyptic world with almost no hope and no happiness. It was hard to read, even if the writing moved me. I can't say that I really enjoyed it that much.
Crossover- 3 stars Short. I didn't quite get this one.
Positive Obsession- 5 stars I was really moved by this essay. Powerful. All the stars.
Furor Scribendi- 5 stars I'm not a writer but this really inspired me. Just motivational, tight writing. Short but perfect.
Amnesty- 4.5 stars God, this just made we want a full-length story. I can't get over how Octavia Butler immediately sucks me in and doesn't let me go. Such an interesting alien species she created. i wanted more.
The Book of Martha- 4.5 stars Chilling in its own way, but something to really think about. I loved Martha's shifting perspectives as to the physical appearance of God and the decisions that she makes. Another winner and another fascinating story.
I'm a huge, huge Minerva Spencer/S.M. LaViolette fan, and I read everything she writes. She delivered another riveting romance with The Fo*4.5 stars*
I'm a huge, huge Minerva Spencer/S.M. LaViolette fan, and I read everything she writes. She delivered another riveting romance with The Footman that was nearly impossible to put down.
The Footman doesn't pull any punches. If you don't like your main character doing some very morally questionable behavior and having to redeem himself with chapters of intense grovelling, then this book might not be for you. I happen to like those scenes where a character royally screws up and then has to beg for forgiveness. Bring on the grovel-porn! The male main character was relentless in his quest for revenge, and I found it all to be an intensely compelling read.
I loved the female MC, though it was painful to read what she had gone through in her life. I admired her so much, and I lauded her desire to be a physician and help others, despite her physical limitations. She was so interesting and so strong.
Though this book reached 350 pages, it absolutely flew by. I couldn't stop reading, and I would have read all night to finish it. It takes a very skilled author to craft a long book that is also well-paced. Though the plot edged on too-complicated at times, it still reined it in enough to be a cohesive and thoroughly satisfying read.
My only qualm is that I still felt a bit suspicious of Stephen, even at the end. He screwed up so epically that I still questioned his moral compass. However, I thought the romance was lovely and, I'll admit, I'm a sucker for a red-headed MC. I'm weak! But he really has a lifetime of begging ahead of him...
A must-read for fans of S.M. LaViolette, I can't wait to read more in this series.
Why is this series so addictive?? It doesn't make sense, but I could NOT put Prince's Master down.
Ah, the magic of Alessandra Hazard. She throws in time jumps, a million POVs, a plot that is fairly confusing (don't read this as a stand-alone), but she has me, hook, line, and sinker. She grabs onto me with her sexy little stories of magic and mind-tricks and grumpy, grumpy masters and doesn't let me go. She is a sorceress, I swear.
If you wanted Castien Idhron's story and were curious about him from the previous books, you will adore this story. True, there is sooooo much denial happening and so much manipulation, but I love a closed-off, hard-to-read male MC (yes, probably a huge internal flaw of mine... let's ignore that). The story kept me wanting to read more and more, and I just couldn't get enough of the dynamic between Castien and Eridan.
And the sex... gah! Just one squirm-in-your-seat scene after another. *sigh*, Alessandra Hazard just gets me.
Is this book technically perfect? No, not even close. Do I care? No, not even close.
My only question is when is the next one coming out?
Angsty, angsty pain that hurts so good, Lisa Henry wrote a book that pulls no punches and was extremely hard to put down. The Parable of *4.5 stars*
Angsty, angsty pain that hurts so good, Lisa Henry wrote a book that pulls no punches and was extremely hard to put down. The Parable of the Mustard Seed is a beautiful story that will stay with you for a long time.
Honestly, I wouldn't have thought that I would have enjoyed this book as much as I did. To start, it is extremely angsty with no easy fixes, which means that there is no "magic sex button" that makes all the pain go away. The pain is real, the trauma is real, and it's an ongoing issue throughout the story.
Also, I don't usually like stories where the love is already established. True, the dynamics of the relationship between the two MCs changes over the course of the story, but the love they have for each other is a constant in their relationship, no matter the form. I usually go for books that take us through first meeting to a slow-burn love story, but this wasn't that type of novel.
Also, there are a lot of flashbacks, which also doesn't usually work for me. I didn't mind it here, and it gave me a lot of insight to their characters.
I was awed and disturbed by this story. Parts were a bit hard to read, but I found it to be endlessly interesting and nearly impossible to put down. I read it straight through, practically all in one sitting. I loved the love that I felt between the two MCs, and I loved that we got a POC MC. There was a lot to love in this story.
If you are in the mood for an intense but rewarding read with a hard-fought HEA (yes, it's there, I promise), The Parable of the Mustard Seed is exactly what you are looking for.
As always, Talia brings it with the curvy girl rep and with dynamic, diverse characters. I love that she played with wealth and class issues in this story, and that we got a main character dealing with chronic pain. As a dentist, I work with patients with fibromyalgia, and I know how they often feel that their largely invisible illness is minimized. I loved how the author explored that in her book.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown is a very character-focused story, and I always adore that. We got to see two people with real issues and real trauma discover themselves as individuals and as a couple. There are disagreements and some drama, but it didn't feel fake or manufactured. It all felt very real. Both MCs were relatable and likeable, and I enjoyed getting to know the interesting Brown family.
I listened to this story in audio, and I think that Adjoa Andoh did a very nice job narrating the book. My only issue is that her voice sounded a little older than the characters at times, and I thought her male voice could have been a big more masculine, but I eventually settled into her narration and really enjoyed it. I would listen to another story narrated by her again, any time.
A lovely contemporary romance read by the reliable Talia Hibbert. I'm excited to see what the other, spunky Brown sisters have in store for me with their stories.
I've read many, many books on weight loss and dieting over the years, mostly to try to get healthier and in order to understand my body better[image]
I've read many, many books on weight loss and dieting over the years, mostly to try to get healthier and in order to understand my body better because I'm a science geek. This book outshines them all.
It takes a lot convincing to change your mindset from the ingrained "calories in, calories out," but Dr. Fung is very compelling. Listening to his book changed my whole mindset about food, sugar, and fake sugar (which is my true weakness). It was truly life changing.
An excellent book with lots of science to back it up. You'll never look at food the same way again.