Betting on her Best Friend (Friends to Forever, #1) by Gina L. Maxwell

Betting on her Best Friend (Friends to Forever, #1) Reviews

• 
  • Lisa •

  THREE SIN CITY STARS.
  
  "What happens in Vegas might not stay in Vegas ..."
  
  
  
  Gina Maxwell has always been an easy read, sexy fix for my tastes. there hasn't been a book that this author has written that hasn't made me swoon one way or another and I'm largely convinced that this author has romance running right through her veins. As for 'Tempting her best friend' what's not to fall in love with? Everything was pointing in the right direction and I was looking forward to time spent with a Maxwell novel. Did it deliver? Of course it did, this author always brings the 'R' for romance in her stories, however it didn't quite have that winning zing that I've experienced with her writing with her previous work. But there's no need to fret a likeable 150 plus page novel is not one to be missed and you can be sure that you'll be in for a 'friends to lovers' treat that's worth getting lost in.
  
  No longer happy waiting on the sidelines for her best friend to notice her, Alyssa Miller is ready to make some must needed changes. Instead of waiting around for a love that she has labeled as 'never going to happen' this beauty is on her way to Vegas to scratch the itch that her best friend won't. Arriving in Vegas ready to find the perfect one night stand Alyssa is shocked to find that Her partner in crime and long term crush has followed her all the way to sin city, so with temptation in the way and a burning desire for each other will Alyssa and Dillion finally get what they've both been craving for or will they ruin a friendship that means the world to them? Sounds like a treat doesn't it? And for a romance addict like myself I hardly ever get tired of the 'friends to lover' writing plot in fact it's one of my favourites, the anticipation, the supposed unrequited love, the heartache. It all makes the perfect reading experience just to my liking and if there is any author that can make a story come to life then Gina Maxwell is it.
  
  Why not five?
  As likeable as this story was I needed more, I had just got myself settled into the story and it was all over. I would have liked more of the detail, a little extra insight into this couples history and friendship. This short novel had all the Usual ingredients that I normally fall instantly in love with and overall it was still a winning quickie it just didn't quite bowl me over.
  
  Final thoughts ...
  I love those books that are an 'easy filler', a book that is a quick to read in between fix. That's exactly what Gina Maxwell has delivered here complete with a cute story line, loveable characters and a happily ever after that will leave you with a gigantic grin on your face. Fans of this author will not be disappointed and I'm sure others will enjoy this short novel too, enjoy ... Kisses.
  
  
  
  *ARC generously provided by entangled publishing in exchange for an honest review.*
• 
  Lana ❇✾DG Romance❇✾

  3.5- 4 What Happens in Vegas Stars
  
  

  To love someone is to know fear. Gut-wrenching, soulcrushing fear. Fear that your love won't always be enough. Fear that something terrible could rip them away from you. There are dozens, hundreds of scenarios, but they all come down to the same thing: when you love someone with all your heart, the scariest thing imaginable is having to live without them.

  
  
  If you're looking for an easy, romantic, steamy and cute read, you really can't go wrong with this book. The friends to lover trope is a tried and true method, and never fails to bring on a smile to my face, especially when it's written by the fabulous Gina Maxwell. Gina puts her own spin on falling for your best friend with a little bit of Vegas craziness thrown in, a masquerade ball and a sexy Tarzan. Curious?You'll have to read it find out more ;)
  
  But I can give you a spoiler free cliff's notes...
  
  Alyssa Miller has been in love for her best friend for years. Heck, they're practically acting like a married couple considering they live next to each other and see each other on a daily basis. Oh, except without the sex... and the never ending line of women that frequent her neighbor's apartment.
  
  Alyssa would love for Dillon to see her as something other that his sexless best friend, but she's giving up hope. Her libido has certainly had enough of it. Batteries will only get a girl so far.
  
  Tired of her risk-free and boring life, Alyssa decides that a weekend at a Romance book convention is the key to solve her dry spell. A steamy night spent with a sexy cover model she'll never have to see again after seems just the key. Too bad Dillon is not exactly on board with that idea...
  
  Dillon Alexander has always had feelings for his best friend, but he's not the commitment sort and he knows he's not what a woman like her needs. But when the idea of Aly with another man brings out his inner caveman? Let's say a man will go to great lengths to resolve a situation; like follow her to Vegas and propose that he be the man to scratch her itch...no complications or strings need apply
  

  Then, in the privacy of her room, he'd give her exactly what she wanted: excitement, passion, and multiple orgasms. Batteries not required.

  
  And when the man puts his plan into action? Well let's just say Alyssa never stood a chance
  
  So what happens?
  What starts of as this
  
  Turns into a whole lot of this
  
  I loved the setting of Vegas and all the fabulous side characters that were introduced. While this wasn't anything I haven't really read before, it was entertaining from beginning to finish. A little cute, a little sexy, sometime a touch cheesy, but still wonderful. An angst light, fluffy and romantic read that will appeal to all lovers of contemporary romance.
  
  I hope that Dillon's twin will be getting a book next. This is just one of those light and easy reads that are perfect for in between reads or just when you need a cute and uplifting romance.
  
  **ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review**
  
  For more reviews visit
  
  
• 
  Lucinda - I JUST LOVE TO READ

  REVIEW NOW POSTED
  
  FFS I just typed my review and now it is gone!!! Somebody just shoot me please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  
  Ok lets try again! :( -----> This Girl is not very happy!
  
  STARS - 4 STARS
  POV - DUAL
  HEA: Yes
  LINK:
  http://amzn.to/VbXB73
  
  I love this Author, Gina Maxwell is such an talented writer. This book is very different from her other series but I still loved it.
  
  Here is my Alysssa:
  
  
  
  This is my Dillon:
  
  
  
  Alyssa and Dillon has been best friends for the last 18 years! They met when she was 6years old and Dillon 8 years old. They now live next to each other.
  
  They both have feelings for each other. Alyssa is too chicken shit to do anything about it she has giving him some hints but he just doesn't get it. LOL! Dillon has feelings for her but doesn't want to accept it. And so they go on. They both FEAR to commit to a relationship because they do not want to make the same mistakes their parents made.
  
  
  
  Alyssa is tired of Dillon man whoring himself out. Each month he has a new girlfriend. She decides to go to Las Vegas for a book convention and while she is there why not work in a one night stand to get over this massive crush she has on Dillon. Will Dillon follow her of wait for her at home?
  
  ************
  
  Favourite Quotes / Lines
  
  - "He'd give her exactly what she wanted: excitement, passion, and multiple orgasms. Batteries not included :)"
  
  "What happens in Vegas might not stay in Vegas."
  
  "So, Elvis Marilyn Monroe, a bride, and a gay guy walk into the Vegas airport."
  
  *ARC provided by Author in exchange for honest review*
  
  BLOG:
  http://ijustlovetoread.wordpress.com/...
  
  FACECBOOK PAGE:
  www.facebook.com/ijustlovetoread1
• 
  Claire

  4 - So, Elvis, Marilyn Monroe, a bride, and a gay guy walk into the Vegas airport... Stars!
  
  Tempting her Best Friend, was a really enjoyable, sexy read. There were a few giggles thrown in for good measure and as usual Gina Maxwell's sassy writing style pulls the reader into the adventure.
  
  Dillon and Alyssa have been best friends forever, living next door too each other and pretty much sharing every aspect of their lives. Well, that is every aspect except in the bedroom, Aly takes the plunge to try and remedy this as she has secretly been in love with Dillon for longer than she cares to admit and tries to attempt seduction, but things don't go to plan, so decides to head to Vegas for a weekend of no-strings sexy fun at the 18th Annual Romance Lovers Convention.
  
  Dillon is not impressed with her idea of sexy-times with random strangers so promptly jumps on a plane to offer her a better solution. After rescuing her from the arms of a dashing pirate, things get interesting pretty fast.
  
  "Give me the weekend to show you how easy this can be between us. To convince you to come to me when you need this instead of going to someone who doesn't even care about you."
  
  
  
  This was a quick, easy, read. I liked Dillon and Alyssa, the drama wasn't too heavy, and it is the perfect novella for the beginning of a series, and let's face it if Gina Maxwell has written it you know you are in for a treat.
  
  "As long as you're in my arms. I'll always be okay."
  
  
  
  ARC generously supplied by Entangled, for the above honest review.
  
• 
  Kara

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• 
  ✦❋Arianna✦❋

  3-3.5 STARS
  
  
  
  Tempting Her Best Friend is a sweet and funny friends to lovers story.
  
  Alyssa (24) has been in love with her best friend, Dillon, for years. They know each other since they were kids and they are friends since then. They live next to each so Alyssa has to watch Dillon rotate through an arsenal of women. Even if they aren’t a couple Alyssa and Dillon act like one most of the time.
  
  Dillon (26) has been in love with Alyssa since forever, but he doesn’t want to accepts this feelings and he thinks he doesn’t deserve Alyssa. Also, Dillon doesn’t do relationships. And both have some fears…
  
  

  "No way in hell was he going to lose her. She belonged with him."

  
  
  Alyssa decides to go to a book convention where she plans to spend a weekend with a hot man to get over Dillon, one steamy, no-strings-attached tryst. When Dillon finds out about Alyssa plans he decides he will be the only one who give Alyssa a steamy, hot night. So…he fallows her in Las Vegas..
  
  

  "...in the privacy of her room, he'd give her exactly what she wanted: excitement, passion, and multiple orgasms. Batteries not included."

  
  
  What follows is a cute, funny storyline with entertaining side characters, little drama and of course steamy moments between Alyssa and Dillon.
• 
  Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**

  
  ***2 Stars***
  
  Friends to lovers is my favoritest trope in all the land. Add to that some secret pining, and you've got me salivating.
  
  Unfortunately, while both of those things are in this book, what's not here is chemistry. I felt absolutely NOTHING between Aly and Dillon. And the best friends aspect? They've been best friends for 18 years, and I didn't feel any of that history.
  
  What should have been a fun and sexy friends to lovers novella, ended up feeling too forced and formulaic.
• 
  moi, k.y.a.

  Reading Slump’a girmeyi inatla reddederken okuyacak bir şeyler arayışı içindeydim. Yazarın okuduğum diğer serisine güvenerek başladım kitaba ve oldukça memnun edici bir sonuçla kapattım kitabı.
  
  Uzun süredir arkadaş olan ama birbirlerine karşı hislerini kabul etmeyen Dillion ve Alyssa Vegas’a gidiyor. Günahın Şehri’nde ateşli bir maceraya girişiyorlar.
  Çok tatliş, çok eğlenceli bir kitap olmuş. Havaalanı sahnesi aşırı güzeldi, bayıldım.
  
  Seri, her kitabın farklı bir yazar tarafından kaleme alındığı tarzda bir seri ve diğer yazarları tanımıyorum. Sanırım devam etmem ama yazarın diğer kitaplarını okumak için çok beklemeye gerek yok.
  

  Oh, I see,” she bit off. “And just who do you suggest I get to attend to my ‘needs,’ hmm? You?”
  “Yes.”
  “See, even you won’t—” His response hurtled into her brain a little late but still hit her with the force of a cannonball to the chest. She shook her head. No way. She’d heard him wrong. Her subconscious was projecting answers that would quell her out-of-control, starved-for-action libido. “You said ‘no,’ right?”
• 
  Lynsey A

  I was recommended this book on Twitter because is loosely based on one of my favorite TV ships, Oliver and Felicity or Olicity on the CW's Arrow. Since they are currently not together and going through some angsty things this is just what I needed to help me through! ;)
  
  Although this book is loosely based on Olicity I did see some similarities to them. There is a scene where Dillon cups Alyssa's face with both his hands to kiss her and that is something that Oliver does to Felicity. It also takes place in Vegas which is where Felicity is from in the show.
  
  All in all this was a cute story. Nothing really stood out to wow me but I enjoyed this read. It is a shorter story so it is a pretty quick read.
  
  
• 
  Carla Krissinger

  A little bit different style of book for Mizz Maxwell! And I freaking LOVED it!
  
  Tempting Her Best Friend was a fast and fun read. A weekend day at the beach with your toes in the sand and your eyes in a book!
  
  I love when a book can make me laugh and laugh I did. Hard. There were some parts where I laughed so hard I snorted and you KNOW that makes for a great time! It also has the romance factor, the steam factor, the heartbreak factor (but luckily for those of us who aren't masochists, it's very brief) and of course, the fairytale come alive. Almost!
  
  You definitely don't want what happened in Vegas to stay in Vegas with this book.
  
  
• 
  Ptiteaurel

  J'avais hâte de lire ce roman car il parlait d'un thème qui me parlait beaucoup à savoir les conventions de romance. Je m'attendais à une romance sympa et fraîche et au final , je reste sur ma faim car les événements vont trop vite et ne laissent pas de place à la surprise.
  
  Chronique complète
  https://thelovelyteacheraddictions.bl...
• 
  aimee (aimeecanread)

  A bit too cliche and dramatic for my taste.
• 
  monica ♪

  3 – Friends with Benefits – Stars
  
  
  
  
  Alyssa and Dillon have been friends for 18 years. Alyssa has feeling for Dillon for years but he seems never sees her more than just a best friend. Dillon doesn’t do relationships, he just does casual sex but avoids commitments. Alyssa feels sick with Dillon’s behavior that always comes home with different girls every night. Alyssa wants to do casual sex too because she’s horny and feels lonely. She decided to go to Vegas to try to forget and clear her feelings for Dillon by hooking up with total strangers.
  
  And then Dillon who is actually cares about her more than just a best friend, and is protective toward her, doesn’t want Alyssa to hook up with strangers because he knows she deserves better than just one night stands. So he goes to Vegas too and offers himself to be that guy who will give her pleasure so she won’t feel horny and lonely again.
  
  
  
  But apparently what happen in Vegas doesn’t always stay in Vegas…
  
  ::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::.::
  
  I’m a fan of friends-to-lover stories I enjoyed this book but too bad apparently this book is one of those books that very well developed at first but has a ‘average’ ending that makes the whole story becomes just a ‘meh’ to me.
  
  I still don’t understand people who get all freak out when someone tells them the L-word. Why don’t you just feel happy because someone you love actually love you as much as you love them??
  
  
  
  I don’t like Alyssa’s reaction when Dillon confessed her his feelings.
  Although I’m not a big fan of 3rd person POV, but I enjoy reading this. The sex scenes are so hot but unfortunately I don’t feel satisfy with the ending.
  
  
  
• 
  Jessica Hull

  3 - 3.5 stars
• 
  Ellen

  Another audio-book I found on Spotify, so I caved and listened. This was a cute book!
  
  Very quick audio-book, which I liked. But I do wish there was a bit more spice. It had some steamy moments, which I liked, but it could use more. Given that's just could've been a me thing lol
  
  I think the story line was good! Two best friends that have kept their feelings for one another to their selves for years. I love that type of trope. I could see why people wanted more background of the two, but I don't think it was needed. I think it was meant to be a short story, it's something that was focused on.
  
  This story is for 18+, there were steamy scenes! With that being said, I think more people would've like this if they listened to it. I can see how reading this would've made me feel differently. I honestly don't think I would've liked it as much.
  
  Overall, it's a quick, spicy love story that I enjoyed!
  
• 
  Jessica

  Okay, I didn’t like this one. It started poorly but it did get better, writing-wise. The two main things I disliked: 1) the characters, and 2) the plot. If you want a book purely for the physical wants of characters and the two things I listed are just unimportant details, this book will probably suit you fine. I need one or the other, preferably both of the things I listed. I have liked Gina L. Maxwell before but this book wasn’t it for me.
• 
  K.K.

  This was short, really cute and perhaps very silly. The story-line was pretty common and predictable but the author did so well in writing it that I couldn't help but give it a full 5 stars!! I especially loved how her characters always did the right things in my opinions.
  
  Spoilers!
  
  Alyssa and Dillon were best friends for almost 2 decades. They were friend who almost practically married couple without sex. And as you might expected, they were in love with each other but both didn't know it. Why? because Dillon thought that she was too good for him and Alyssa thought that Dillon friend-zoned her. Why? because they were both too stupid to realise they like each other... true but that was not really it. You see... they both had curses... family curses... which was silly but totally understandable. Alyssa was born from a single-mom family and so was her mother, her grandmother and her great grand mother... they were all women who loved men who didn't seem to love them back or stayed with them. Alyssa was determined to break this curse by being with the man who would love her and never leave her. Unfortunately for her, despite her feeling for him, Dillon was not that person.. or so he said. Dillon also had a family curse... his father curse... He believed that he was a fruit fallen not far from the tree. Meaning, he believed he was just like his father, a selfish man who could never settled down. so in his believe, he became a manwhore and kept telling himself that way. So despite the fact that he had been in love with Alyssa since forever he thought that he would never be the one for her. Silly them! Everything was fine for them until something was not enough anymore.
  
  Alyssa wanted more and she thought Dillon would give her more but Dillon disappointed her with his answer. He was unwilling to have any long-term relationship and Alyssa ended up losing all hope for his love so she decided to give up. Good for her that she had a back-up plan, a last minute one but a still a plan. To have a one-night stand with hot model cover at the book conference she was going in Vegas. She would get over Dillon for good. Her plan was solid and all but nothing went according to plan. Bad or good for her, Dillon refused to let some unknown guy give his 'best friend' the best night of her life. He decided to be the one who quench her thirst. He might not able to let her know that he loved her but he sure as well could help her with her 'need'.
  
  They came up with an agreement. What happens in Vegas stay in Vegas... or not.
  
  This book was silly good and Damn romantically cute. I truly loved the ending. I really liked Ms. Gina L. Maxwell Endings. They were quite perfect in my opinion. So far I loved her ending the most. Other than the fact that the characters were so damn cute and very decisive, the story was simple and very much enjoyable.
  
  
• 
  Pat

  
  I have read every one of Ms. Maxwell's novels and in each one her writing talent shines. In this novel, her humor is at it's best.
  
  Alyssa Miller is a statistician by day and a lover of romance novels the rest of the time. She is also in love with her best friend, Dillon Alexander. He has been her best friend since she was six and he rescued her from bullies; he was eight. Unfortunately, they are best friends, with no benefits. Alyssa and Dillon live next door to each other. They do fun things together, she cooks fabulous meals and they watch terrible TV. On weekends his town house door opens and closes on beautiful women, who don't spend the night and often slam his door!
  
  Dillon Alexander is a foreman for his father's construction company. He feels he has the best of both worlds, a best friend who "gets" him and a bevy of beauties willing to put up with his no strings attached life style. Well, most of the time their willing, sometimes they end up very unhappy with him, hence doors slamming. The only down side to this, he's fallen in love with Aly.
  
  Alyssa is heading to Las Vegas to a Romance Readers Convention, a perfect weekend getaway which she is trying to convince Dillon to attend with her. She shows off her Las Vegas Barbie clothes, hoping to get a reaction. Her ace in the hole is telling him she's going to hook up with a male cover model, for one of those "no strings" hook ups. He's speechless, in shock, but totally screaming NO in his head. He runs into his sister Maddie the next day, his older twin ( six minutes) and she immediately knows something is causing his black mood. After he explains, she kindly lets him know what an idiot he is, and pushes him to go to Vegas. He's on the next flight.
  
  What follows is a hilarious cast of characters, lead by Trent, the party planner for the casino, not to mention Marilyn Monroe, of course Elvis and a few more. In the midst of this there is sizzling sex, wonderful banter between Dillon and Ally, the Bond Girl name game and I know for a fact I will never look at Creme Brûlée without thinking about this story! If your looking for a sweet sexy love story, with lots of laughter, this is the book for you!
  
  I received this eBook from the author for an honest review.
  Pat Fordyce
  
• 
  She Hearts Books

  Aly and Dillon are the best of friends without the benefits. Living next door to each other, they have dinner together almost every night, and spend time on the couch watching reality tv. That's just not enough for Aly anymore as she has been in love with him for a long time. Her original plan was to rope him into going with her to Vegas for a romance convention, but after his reaction she decides instead that it's time to give up on him and she is going to go after her very own cover model to have one of those what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas moments. Upon hearing this plan, Dillon has a comeapart and proceeds to go home to have his very own epiphany. He needs to go to Vegas and get the girl.
  
  Now there is just so much I loved about this book. Who doesn't love a best friend to forever love book? And one written by Gina is golden I tell ya. Golden. She can write the hell out of a romance and don't even get me started on the steamy scenes she writes just way too well. One of the things I love about this book is that she made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. Loud enough to get looks from my warrior across the room.
  
  A few of the things that made me LOL...
  
  
  
  So a guy goes to a romance author event to get his girl and ends up in a Tarzan costume. Wait till you read this...HILARIOUS!
  
  
  
  Holy Elvis and Marilyn carchase! Won't even say anymore. You have to experience this one on your own.
  
  Favorite sexy moment involving candy on a stick goes to...
  
  
  
  I will never look at a unicorn lolly the same way again...EVER.
  (Gina...my warrior would like to thank you for the candy isle inspiration. A REALLY BIG thank you.)
  
  I give Tempting Her Best Friend 5 hearts!
  
  
  
  
• 
  Virginia

  Gina is one of my favorite authors. She sure knows how to write romance. Like all of her other books, she has a hit on her hands with Tempting Her Best Friend. It’s fun, flirty, romantic, steamy, has great characters and little angst. It’s the perfect quick read that you won’t be able to put down.
  
  Tempting Her Best Friend is the story of best friends in love with each other, but neither knows the other is in love with them. It’s a bit of a thing to get them together but once they are, it’s great in every way. Alyssa and Dillion are perfect together!!! They have great dialogue; fun together and HOT, steamy sex. And I do mean HOT. And the supporting characters. Oh my god. They are fantastic!!! They add to the story sooo much.
  
  The whole book is amazing but I have to give Gina props for her humor in this one. Holy hell Gina is witty. She really had me cracking up. Tempting Her Best Friend has so many funny lines and moments. You will love it.
  
  The story is told in alternating POVs, my favorite way read, and you will enjoy every minute of it. Grab it now!!!
  
  For more reviews go to
  www.lovenbooks.com
• 
  Otterpuss

  A fun sexy read with belly-laugh out loud moments.
  I loved Alyssa and Dillon and their connection to each other. I absolutely love friend-to-lover stories and this was one of the best I've read in a very long time.
  Being someone who is blissfully happily married to their childhood best friend and sweetheart, their story touched my heart and brought memories flooding back to me. I felt my heart swelling with emotion more than once as Alyssa and Dillon's journey reminded me so much of mine and my husbands.
  I absolutely adore Gina, and her books never, ever disappoint.
  
  I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Raj

  1 star
  
  I was so excited to read this but then..I saw that it was written in 3rd person so I was kind of hesitant to read it, but I read it anyway...
  
  The writing style was okay, the plot was okay, the story's not that exciting, no funny scenes, no heavy drama...
  
  So back to the writing style.. I do read novels written in 3rd Person but it's rare for me to be impressed with it. I didn't feel detached to the characters, but I also didn't feel attached to them. That's one of the reason why 3rd Person POV is not my thing, if you're not really good at it, you're creating this huge ass barrier between the characters and the reader...
• 
  That Scottish Chick

  This was the perfect rainy Sunday afternoon sitting in your pjs munching on Ben and jerrys read for me.
  I just love a good best friends to lovers read and Gina L.Maxwell did a fantastic job of this book,
  Before I knew it the book was finished and so was my Ben and jerrys(I don't know what one I was more upset about)my only issue with this book was I wanted more and that certainly isn't a bad thing
  
• 
  Whitney Anderton

  This was an ok read. It was quick & easy. The blurb sounded enticing, and the story started off well. But, the heroine completely gave me whiplash. She says one thing & then when it may happen she acts completely out of left field. I just guess it was drama for the sake of drama but I felt it took away from the story because it took her all of five minutes to change her mind. If you're looking for something short & not very meaty this fits the bill, but not much else.
• 
  Emma ~ The Indecisive Reader ~

  3.5
• 
  Laura Wright

  Oh my DOG!!! Read this in one damn night. Loved it. Gina's dialogue - especially dude dialogue - kills!
• 
  Jackdaw ☄ Bronteroc

  Five Crème brûlée Stars!
  Finally I read (after so much crap) an alpha male who isn't an a-hole and a heroine who doesn't suffer from TSTL.
  How refreshing!
• 
  Caroline

  I enjoyed this book and I have done with most of Gina maxwell books so well done. The characters were great and I loved how the relationship progressed and ended. xx
• 
  Mycoton32

  14/20 -
  https://www.leslecturesdemylene.com/2...