Review – He Falls First

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

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He Falls First

Colburn Brothers #1

by Jill Shalvis

Blurb:

No one is going to convince her to fall in love again…

Ryder Colburn has his hands full running the family business and caring for the ailing father who’s a virtual stranger from the cold, heavy-handed man he used to be. He’s got zero free time for hobbies or women. Or so he thinks until one walks into his life… and the path of an oncoming car.

Ryder doesn’t mind playing the hero for the skittish, scarred chef Penny. Maybe it’s the secrets in her eyes or the scar on her chin. Whatever the reason, he’s compelled to get closer.

Penny’s learned her lesson and now she’s paying the price. That’s why she’s sharing a dilapidated house in a tiny California town with her feisty grandmother and tween brother living off the leftovers from her catering job. It’s a far cry from her dream life. But who needs dreams… or love… or sex when there’s amateur plumbing projects to tackle and breakfast casseroles to bake?

One thing’s for sure, she’s never falling in love again. Not even with the sexy, snarky contractor who keeps testing the walls she’s built.

*****

Review:

These two are absolutely adorable together. I loved Penny’s sass and Ryder’s calm competence and the way they play off each other so well as he romances her within her comfort zone. It’s just the sweetest and made my heart go all squishy. Both of them have issues to deal with stemming from someone abusive and it’s his experiences that help him woo her.

Maybe there could have been more to address Ryder’s relationship with his father and the scars that an abusive childhood can leave, buuuut there are 3 more Colburn siblings so I’m going to hope that we get more as the series continues. And I definitely am looking forward to what comes next with this family of loud, big personalities with hearts just as big.

He Falls First has moments of humor and fun but also vulnerability, hurt, and loss. There is so much charm in these families/friends as they provide support, love, and the occasional push when it’s needed. I gotta say, Shalvis always knows how to reel me in – by giving me entertaining, lovable, real characters. And in this case a cursing parrot … 😆

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).

Look for Jill’s bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit http://www.jillshalvis.com for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.

Connect with Jill:
https://www.tiktok.com/@jillshalvis
http://instagram.com/jillshalvis
http://facebook.com/JillShalvis

~

Review – 12 Dates of Christmas

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

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12 Dates of Christmas

Christmas Falls Season 2 #3

by Brigham Vaughn

Blurb:

Leo Fenner needs a Christmas miracle …

Charmed by the small town, and weary the big city dating scene, Leo moved to Christmas Falls in hopes of finding love like his college friend, Hayden.

Nick Morgan had the love of his life and lost her, but is determined to help others find their happily ever after with his matchmaking service.

His website needs work though, and Leo is just the man for the job.

The web developer signs up for Nick’s matchmaking service to get a feel for what the process is like, all while secretly hoping it’ll bring him the love of his dreams.

But as Nick and Leo work together, the sparks between them are impossible to ignore.

Too bad there’s a few little problems.

For one, Nick’s never fallen for a man before. And, oh yeah—those dates he’s planning for Leo? They’re supposed to be with other guys …

Christmas Season 2 revisits a small town that thrives on enough holiday charm to rival any Hallmark movie. It’s a multi-author M/M romance series.

Content Warning: This book contains scenes discussing the unexpected death of a spouse, grief, and moving on.

*****

Review:

I was super excited to see that Hayden’s friend, Leo, got his own book and I really liked him as a character. He’s a romantic and so upbeat & happy – well, most of the time. He’s really struggling to find his person, which is one of the reasons he moved to Christmas Falls. Nick also really loves how Leo finds the good in just about everything, even facing his bad dates with humor.

Nick on the other hand is a bit more sedate and while he loves love, after the death of his wife he is settling for finding everyone else The One. And then Leo bursts into his life. I liked that while Leo may have had a crush on Nick pretty much right away that it took Nick a little longer. He might be clueless and need a little help (and screws up a bit) he does get there but that made it more realistic for me. I also appreciated that Vaughn made him bisexual as opposed to a bi-awakening. Not that I don’t love those too, but here the growth is Nick letting go of his past relationship and moving into a new one.

12 Dates is sweet, with a few moments of spice. A slow burn burn with warmth, humor (I actually laughed out loud listening to it), and lots of holiday cheer. And just like with Scrooge You, James Edward Jones has a great voice to be reading such a feel good holiday treat.

Spotlight – Rematch

05 Tuesday Aug 2025

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Rematch

Stingrays Hockey series

by Marci Carr

Blurb:

One night, one kiss, and a spark hot enough to melt the ice.

Preston’s all in on his hockey career as a Stingray, and Chelsea’s just about to start a new adventure in Paris—until an unforgettable night at an Ugly Christmas Sweater party changes everything. A few drinks, some dirty jokes, and a kiss under the mistletoe leads to a night of toe-curling, name-forgetting, no-strings-attached fun.

They part ways in the morning, no regrets—just a sizzling memory they both assume will fade.

A year later, Chelsea’s in Baltimore, launching her dream bakery—and navigating life with a baby she never saw coming. The father? Mystery man from that one unforgettable night. What she really didn’t expect? Him walking through her door, very real, very sexy… and very much still capable of making her forget how to breathe.

Preston hasn’t been able to get her out of his head. Now that he knows the truth, he’s not going anywhere. The question is—can they turn one accidental night into a real shot at forever?

Buy Link:

https://maricarr.com/rematch/

*****

Author Info:

Virginia native Mari Carr is a New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller of contemporary sexy romance and romantic suspense novels. With over two million copies of her books sold, Mari was the winner of the Romance Writers of America’s Passionate Plume award for her novella, Erotic Research. She has over a hundred published works, including her popular Wild Irish and Compass books, along with the Trinity Masters series she writes with Lila Dubois.

Connect with Mari Carr: 

https://maricarr.com

~

Spotlight – Make Me Yours

01 Friday Aug 2025

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Make Me Yours

Chicago Railers Hockey Series

by Jennifer Sucevic

Blurb:

Steele Sanderson has always been my safe place.
My best friend.
My constant.
My person.
So when I walk in on my boyfriend—who also happens to be my boss—screwing a colleague on his desk, it’s Steele who picks up the pieces.

Now I’m living in his penthouse, crashing in his guest room, and working as his assistant while I figure out what’s next. Every day, I tell myself this is temporary. That just because he looks at me like I already belong to him doesn’t mean I actually do.

Except… Steele doesn’t see it that way.
To him, I’ve always been his.
The only one he’s ever wanted.
The only one he’s ever loved.
He’s protective.
Possessive.
And done waiting.

I keep telling myself that crossing the line could ruin everything—that risking our friendship isn’t worth it. But when he offers a friends-with-benefits arrangement, promising to give me everything I’ve secretly craved, how can I possibly say no?
It doesn’t take long for the lines between us to blur.

Now I have to decide—keep pretending nothing’s changed or finally give in to the man who’s been right in front of me all along.

Make Me Yours is a swoony, boy-obsessed, friends-to-lovers steamy romance with close proximity, undeniable tension, and a hero who has always been all in. It’s the first book in the Chicago Railers series and can be read as a standalone.

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon: https://bit.ly/4mTgOr0

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/438v1sn

*****

Author Info:

Jennifer is the USA Today Bestselling Author of King of Campus. She currently resides in Michigan with her husband, kids, a dog named Rocky, and a kitten named Lily. After pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in History from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, a Master’s Degree in Educational Psychology also from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee, she spent five years working as a high school counselor before moving out of state with her family. She enjoys reading, writing, and traveling. Please contact Jennifer at jmolitor6@hotmail.com. Connect with Jennifer on facebook- https://www.facebook.com/jennifer.suc… or check her out on Wattpad- https://www.wattpad.com/user/jsucevic. Jennifer can also be found on Tumblr at jsucevic (inspiration board).

Spotlight – Playing for Keeps

31 Thursday Jul 2025

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Playing for Keeps

Seattle Hawks Ice Hockey, Book 4

by Dakotah Fox

Blurb:

JAY

One night in a bar when I met the most beautiful woman

Where we danced soft and slow, her body close to mine 

I had no idea who she was. We thought we were strangers…

Until the spell was broken and I realized she’s my best friend’s little sister

Jade Jones…

She saw me at my darkest hour all those years ago

And she never ran away

Now we’re meeting again in Vegas for her brother’s wedding

And the embers between us burn brighter than ever 

I never knew it could be like this

It scares me if I’m even worthy of her love

But she chases the demons away, demons I thought were long gone 

When I’m with her, I can’t deny it, we’re breaking all the rules 

And what happens in Vegas may just not want to stay there 

JADE

Seeing my brother’s best friend again was a shock

He’s a hockey star now, with that boyish charm and sexy smile 

But I’m cautious, I’ve been hurt before

I made it clear I won’t date a hockey player 

And he’s a notorious ladies’ man of the ice

It’s just the way he is, at least, until now

I’m in Seattle trying to get my life together

Quitting my job for a chance at my passion 

But there’s one thing I can’t get out of my mind

Jay Jefferson…

And my brother’s wedding is looming 

I’m the maid of honor, Jay’s the best man 

We can’t deny the attraction anymore

Our Vegas weekend quickly turns to passion 

And the lines we blurred may just be the ones to save us 

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/PlayingForKeepsBook4

Available in KU 

*****

Author Info:

Dakotah Fox is a new author of contemporary and small-town romance. She enjoys walking and hiking with her pups, finding new tea haunts, and is a qualified yoga instructor.

When she’s not writing she enjoys finding a good book to curl up with, loves watching Beauty and the Geek and is the Queen of planning. You can find her living a quiet, fulfilled life in Western Australia’s Northwest with her beloved doggies.

Connect with Dakotah Fox:

https://linktr.ee/dakotahfox

Review – Biggest Player

30 Wednesday Jul 2025

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Bestselling author Sara Ney scores with a fiery romance about online dating, where a single mom and a football pro ignite sparks when they swipe right—even though they know it’s all wrong.

Biggest Player

Not Yours #2

by Sara Ney

Blurb:

Margot’s a busy single mom juggling teaching, parenting, and trying not to die alone. Dating apps? Total nightmare. But desperate times call for desperate swipes, even if they make her break out in stress hives. When she matches with a guy who looks too good to be true, she’s convinced he’s a walking red flag—or worse—a catfish.

Dex is hot, and he knows it. A quarterback with a killer smile and looks to spare, he’s a good guy looking for a long-term relationship. He wants what his friends have: someone to come home to…and if they’re naked when he gets there, even better. When he logs on for a casual scroll, he’s not expecting to meet her. One swipe, and suddenly he’s hooked.

Margot’s convinced he’s a catfish. Dex has zero dad bod and no dad energy. But their sizzling back-and-forth leaves them both thinking “what if.” After a surprise run-in leads to a mind-blowing (and soggy AF) kiss, their opposites-attract energy skyrockets. Can they find a way to make it last?

Buy Link:

https://books2read.com/BiggestPlayerSNKU

Available in KU

*****

Review:

I’m so torn on this one. I was amused by the text interactions between Dex & Margot. They are funny and I can actually see them bantering like that together. I also loved Wyatt and her precocious interactions with people, especially Dex.

I think the biggest issue is that Ney kinda struggled with Dex as a character. He comes across as a big, dumb dog – he’s playful & fun but sometimes not all that bright and really makes a mess of things occasionally. Buuuut he’s also 25, hasn’t really been in an adult relationship, and has been catered to for years. He’s young & dumb & proud so … *shrug*

Margot shows a lot of patience with him and he does have redeeming moments. To me, he’s genuine in his feelings for her & his responsibility for what happens, but I can see why readers want more from him. Especially at the end. I can also see, tho, why he’s appealing to her. Yeah he’s hot & rich but he’s also enthusiastic about things, fun to be around, and is attentive.

I think part of the issue is that Margot is a single mom, a little older, and seems to have her stuff together. And Dex is her complete opposite. He’s reaching a point where he wants to grow up a bit and get involved with someone for real, I think he just needs time 🙂 Overall, Biggest Player is fun and flirty, you just need to be good with some pretty big moments where you want to smack Dex or sit him down for a talking to.

(Standalone story in a series.)

Review – Over the Moon

29 Tuesday Jul 2025

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A Small Town, Hockey, Forbidden, Standalone Romance from USA Today and Amazon #1 Bestselling Author, Laura Pavlov.

Over the Moon

Rosewood River series

by Laura Pavlov

Blurb:

Hockey is my first love. And I’m coming off the best season of my life.

In the process of scoring the winning goal that gave us the Stanley Cup I tore my MCL, and I’ll need to spend the next few months recovering.

Eloise Gable, the team’s new physical therapist, has been sent to Rosewood River to help me heal and get me ready for the new season.

Yet, she doesn’t seem all too happy about the situation.

In fact, she can’t stand me most days.

It doesn’t stop me from staring at her any chance I get.

She’s beautiful and brilliant, but she’s got her guard up the minute I get close.

Eloise is a distraction I wasn’t prepared for.

Did I mention that she’s also my coach’s daughter?

But after a long run together in the summer heat, our built up tension snapped.

We end up stripping down and jumping in the river.

It seemed like the logical thing at the time.

The problem is, Eloise Gable is completely off limits.

But I’m a professional hockey player, and in my world, limits were meant to be pushed.

Hockey may be my first love, but after falling for my coach’s daughter—it’s definitely not my last.

Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited

https://geni.us/overthemoon1

Paperback: https://geni.us/OvertheMoonPB

Audible: https://bit.ly/4lFEjTc

Hardcover: Coming Soon!

Add to Goodreads: https://bit.ly/4hK7dyX 

*****

Review:

**minor spoilers**

Is this a hockey romance? Probably not enough for those looking for one. Is it a romance involving a hockey player? Yes, indeed, and one where when he finally falls he falls hard. Not that he was a player, more just one that didn’t have serious relationships. But his momma taught him right and he proves himself to be supportive & caring.

While the first part is all sorts of fun & flirty & slowly falling in love, once they get home there are complications with the team. While we pretty much know how things are going to play out, telegraphed well in advance, it still works for me. And when their secret is revealed some people prove themselves to be good eggs and some are very, very definitely rotten.

Seeing Clark in his element, both in his hometown and at the arena, is great and Eloise fits in perfectly. The friendship that develops between her and the girls is sweet, especially the way they (along with Clark) support her when she needs it. I love the Chadwicks. They are quirky and funny and full of big personalities, and the way the family opens their arms and embraces everyone brings all the feels. I enjoy coming back to them time & again.

(There are a few moments with Bridger, who is the hero for the next story, where he crosses a line into bullying. He’s got a backstory there that is interesting and I’m going to trust Pavlov to bring a good story but it may be difficult for some.)

Spotlight – Too Good to Be True

25 Friday Jul 2025

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Too Good to Be True

by A. S. Kelly

Publication date: July 23rd 2025

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, LGBTQ+, Romance

Blurb:

Seth Graham needs help. His eccentric job and troubled past will not help him get custody of his nephews. With their grandmother now stepping in to claim them, Seth needs a solution.

Seth can’t bear another loss. He has already said goodbye to too many people; he can’t give up the only family he has left.

Rowan Kennedy doesn’t need anything, especially not another lost cause. His career is finally taking off, and the last thing he has time for is helping a young single father desperate to keep his kids. He has no interest in getting caught up in a custody battle, especially when he’s never even had a real family of his own. He doesn’t know what it’s like to have someone willing to fight for you with everything they have.

But Seth is desperate, and Rowan seems to be his only chance, and these children need a home, love and something Rowan never had: a father who would give anything to see them happy. Plus, Seth is bloody adorable, with his dimples and his blue eyes and the way he creates chaos even when he sleeps, and his sweetness and his desire to be the father the children deserve. And then there’s the way he practically begs Rowan not to walk away now that falling in love might actually be on the table…

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/236606769-too-good-to-be-true

Amazon: https://shorturl.at/5oWoE

Kobo: https://shorturl.at/Aj02m

Apple: https://shorturl.at/MRdVY

Google: https://shorturl.at/iIOdH

Nook: https://shorturl.at/iXpB

*****

Excerpt:

“I don’t know what… I’m not usually emotional.”

It’s bullshit. I’m usually so emotional. 

Why do I lie? Why do I care what he may think of me?

“Try taking deep breaths and drinking some more water.”

I do as he says while he takes off his glasses and lays them on the desk, revealing his beautiful green eyes to me. 

I had not noticed them before.

I have a weakness for green eyes.

And I have a soft spot for strong men, with strong arms and tough looks, the kind you hope will be tender inside and in private and only with you.

Am I fantasising about my lawyer? 

“First, starting tomorrow, please switch to decaffeinated.”

“What? Oh, the coffee. Sure. Decaf. Duly noted. Sorry. I was distracted for a moment.”

“Second, stop apologising. You won’t go anywhere with that attitude.”

“Oh… O-okay, I’ll try.”

“Will you try?”

“I will do my best.”

He sighs, his face tense.

“They will tear you apart in court.”

How does he think this revelation will help my agitation?

“Work on it. A lot.”

“I will work on it,” I assure him.

“And third…”

Oh God! Is there also a third point? I don’t think I can even do the first two!

“I’m very sorry for your loss.”

“Oh.”

I didn’t expect this, and I don’t react well to unexpected things.

“Please don’t cry again.”

“I’m sorry.”

The lawyer gives me a dirty look.

“Oh god! I’m so, so sorry!”

He shakes his head several times, but I could swear I see him lifting one corner of his mouth.

“I’ll calm down, I swear.” I take another tissue and blow my nose again. “I can’t control my tongue and tears when I’m agitated. I will do my best to be careful. I solemnly promise.”

“I’m not comfortable with tears.”

“Oh, sure, I understand. I’m not comfortable with tears, either. Especially if they are my own.”

This time, he laughs. He can’t hide it!

Although it was not my intention to make him laugh, I must say that I don’t mind him in this role at all.

There. Another point against me.

Mr Kennedy can laugh, and he does it well. I don’t know if it’s possible to do it badly. I mean, that’s something positive in itself, isn’t it? Unless he laughs at me, then it becomes something else entirely.

*****

Author Info:

A. S. Kelly writes Rom-Com, Romantic Fiction and Family Saga.

Avid reader, hopeless romantic, lover of yoga, knitting and home baking.

She was born in Italy but lives in Ireland with her husband, two children and a cat named Oscar.

https://www.authoraskelly.com/

https://www.instagram.com/authoraskelly/

https://www.facebook.com/ASKellyAuthor

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/a-s-kelly

https://twitter.com/askelly_writes

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/21195166.A_S_Kelly

Newsletter: authoraskelly.com

*****

Giveaway:

$25 Amazon gift card

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d04251235993/

*****

Spotlight – Lead Me Knot

25 Friday Jul 2025

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Lead Me Knot

Peachtree Pass #2

by S.L. Scott

Blurb:

Sometimes the temptation is too much to deny.

Falling into bed with my best friend’s brother was an accident.

What happened right after… not so much.

With abs more defined than the Texas Hill Country and a killer smirk I can’t ignore, the “boy next door” is all grown up and too hot for his own good.

My heart races for a man who’s forbidden.

My breath catches each time his hand brushes against mine.

His heated glances melt me, leading me closer to temptation.

One night together has us desperate for more. But we have no desire to give this small town something to talk about—or worse, upset his sister.

But when a new tyrant of a landlord threatens my family’s business, I need a miracle.

Call it a marriage of convenience or a friendly favor, but he comes through for me. The diamond ring on my finger gets me out of a jam but also has us confronting our feelings.

Did I just make a deal with the devil? Or am I actually falling in love with my husband?

New York Times bestselling author, S.L. Scott, brings readers her newest sharp-witted, great banter filled ranch romance. With characters causing quite the stir in their small town of Peachtree Pass, readers are going to fall in love with not only this setting but along with the characters in this coming home story.

Buy Link:

https://geni.us/LMKAm

Available in KU

*****

Author Info:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, S.L. Scott, writes character driven, heart-racing suspense, and swoony romances that will leave you glued to the page. With stories ranging from witty beach reads to heart wrenching and heart healing, her stories are highly regarded as emotional, relatable, and captivating.

Her books are more than escapes for the voracious readers of today. They are journeys of the heart that always come with a happily ever after reward at the end.

For more information, visit her website and sign up for her newsletter. She also loves to connect with readers on social media.

Connect with S.L. Scott:

https://linktr.ee/s.l.scott

~

Spotlight – Falling Stars

24 Thursday Jul 2025

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Falling Stars

Wild At Heart Series

by Lex Martin

Blurb:

Falling for the guy who broke my heart years ago wasn’t on my to-do list when I snuck into his condo. 

Maverick Walker was my best friend, my safe place—the boy I trusted with my whole heart—until one reckless kiss in high school ruined everything. Now, he’s an NFL football player, and I’m a struggling small-town hair stylist, newly single and expecting a baby. With my ex gone and someone vandalizing my business, my life feels like it’s crumbling beneath me. 

When my best friend Paige suggests hiding out in Maverick’s swanky condo to regroup while he’s recovering from an injury in New York, it seems like a lifeline.

Except he comes home. Unexpectedly. When I’m half-dressed.

Now I’m stuck in his orbit again, unprepared for the way he still makes my heart race. Maverick is charming, ridiculously hot, and as off-limits as ever. But I have bigger problems than his smoldering smile—like figuring out who’s targeting me and why they won’t stop. 

As the threats escalate, so do Maverick’s protective instincts. But with his life in New York and mine in Texas, our worlds couldn’t be further apart. And yet, with danger closing in, his arms are the only safe haven I have left.

But how do I let him protect me without risking my heart again—when loving him feels as out of reach as a falling star? 

Falling Stars is a single mom, forced proximity, friends to lovers romance with second chance vibes. If you enjoy charming cowboys, sassy heroines, or secretive small towns, this book is for you!

Buy Link:

EBOOK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsEbook

PAPERBACK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsRegPPBK

DISCREET PAPERBACK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsDiscPPbk

Available in KU

*****

Author Info:

Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of Varsity Dads, Texas Nights, and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romance novels, the steamy kind she hopes readers love but her parents avoid.

She’s always been obsessed with writing, starting in elementary school when she would pen short stories and make her father read them. (Afterward, he’d have to take her tests, but he was a good sport and did them without complaint.) 

In high school, when she wasn’t playing basketball, she wrote emo poetry (that won awards, go figure) and worked on the school newspaper.

She later became a nationally-certified high school English teacher and freelance journalist but decided she’d rather write romance novels than tests or city hall articles.

Lex loves coffee, rom coms, pen hoarding, planners, and college football. She married her almost college sweetheart (they met right after graduation), and she’s still obsessed with him, especially when he writes her songs.

She currently resides in her hometown of San Antonio with her husband, twin daughters, a bunny, and their new puppy. Drop her a line at lex (at) lexmartinwrites.com. She loves hearing from readers.

Lex is represented by Kimberly Brower of Brower Literary & Management.

Connect with Lex Martin:

https://shor.by/6VIR

~