"To find out what a story's really about,' the Librarian said,

'you don't ask the writer. You ask the reader."


- SNOW & ROSE by Emily Winfield Martin


Showing posts with label Harper Teen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Harper Teen. Show all posts

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Release Day (Excerpt and Giveaway): UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT (The Jamieson Collection #3) by Angie Stanton (YA)



by Angie Stanton
Release date: May 5th, 2015
Published by Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary Romance
Format: Paperback, eBook

SUMMARY

After an embarrassing stint on a reality-TV music competition years ago, Riley vowed never to sing again. Now she's behind the scenes, working at the prestigious Sound Sync recording studio, and life is looking up. But then Garrett Jamieson, the oldest brother in the famous Jamieson brothers band, crashes into her world.

Garrett has hit rock bottom, and he is desperate to reinvent himself. After calling in a few favors, he ends up working at Sound Sync to learn the ropes of record producing from the industry's best. And he can't believe his luck when he discovers that Riley has been keeping a secret — she is an amazing singer. By producing her album, he's sure to top the record charts again. But Garrett is forced to use every trick in his arsenal to persuade the sassy girl to record.

Riley refuses to sing — or even entertain the thought of it — and sparks fly as Garrett finally meets his match. But in the heat of the moment, one stolen kiss changes everything. 

Will Riley be the first person to finally rein Garrett in, or will Garrett succeed in getting Riley back under the spotlight?


PURCHASE LINKS



EXCERPT

Chapter 1

Garrett’s head pounded, and not from the hangover that would greet him with the sunrise, but from being slammed against the wall. Or maybe it was from the few punches that came later when he crashed to the floor of Ye Ole Boston Brew Pub and knocked his head on the beer-stained tile.

He rubbed his unshaven face, and dried blood flaked into his hand. Great. He needed a shower and an aspirin, but the Boston city jail offered neither. Where the hell was Peter? It had been over an hour.

The sharp edge of the narrow bench he lay on cut into his back, making his already battered body even more sore. He only hoped the other guy felt worse. The jerk had the audacity to call him washed up. For Christ’s sake, he was only twenty-two. He’d accomplished more in the last five years than that asshole would in a lifetime.

Reaching for his phone, he remembered the cops had taken it, along with his wallet and keys. Damn it.

“Garrett Jamieson,” a bored cop with thinning hair announced, unlocking the cell. “You’re free to go.”

“About damn time,” Garrett huffed, rising slowly. He tugged his shirt into place, smoothed back his hair, and followed the officer down a long corridor past several cells with other perps. He couldn’t wait to get away from this hellhole. The officer opened a solid metal security door, and Garrett walked through, relieved to be free.

In the far corner of the waiting room, studying the Most Wanted posters, his brother waited, wearing faded jeans and a gray T-shirt.

“Hey Peter,” he called. “See anyone you know?”

Peter turned with a smirk on his face and his hair still ruffled from bed. “Just checking to make sure your ugly mug isn’t up here.”

Garrett sneered. “It wasn’t my fault.”

“Never is.” Peter sighed. “You realize this is becoming an annoying habit. You’re lucky your Jag is still in the shop from your crash last week, otherwise you might have added drunk driving to your record.”

“Stop acting like an old woman.”

“You have more to worry about than me. Dad isn’t going to be happy about this.”

“No reason Dad needs to hear about it.”

“You’re kidding yourself if you think you can keep this under wraps. A couple of photographers are outside. You’re busted. Again.”

Garrett stepped to the counter and signed his discharge papers.

“At least I know how to live a little. You’re tied down to a ball and chain.”

His brother grinned with a smile that melted millions of young girls’ hearts. “Well, I happen to have the hottest ball and chain on the planet.”

Garrett rolled his eyes as he collected his personal effects. Peter was so in love it made Garrett ill. It’s not like he wasn’t glad for his brother, but Peter and Libby were so damned happy all the time, he wanted to puke.

“Yeah, and you’re missing out on the best years of your life,” Garrett snapped.

“How’s that? I’ve been watching you drink yourself into oblivion, rack up speeding tickets, and pick a fight every chance you get. You don’t look too happy to me.”

“You ever think that maybe you’re to blame?”

“How do you figure that?” Peter asked, opening the door to exit the police station and ducking his head as cameras flashed.

“Seriously?” Garrett stopped suddenly. “You’re the one who broke up the band.”



GIVEAWAY

(Bumbles and Fairy-Tales will not be held responsible for any lost, damaged, unclaimed, etc. prizes.)



ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Angie Stanton


Angie Stanton never planned on writing books — she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural America with her brothers’ 4-H pigs as pets, she found that dance didn’t quite work out. Instead, she became an avid daydreamer.

After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history. 

When not writing, she loves watching natural disaster movies, going to Broadway musicals, and dipping French fries in chocolate shakes.



Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #125: THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE by Patrick Ness (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!
The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 


What I'm currently waiting for... 


by Patrick Ness
Expected release date: October 6th, 2015
Published by Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook


U.S. Hardcover Book Cover
SUMMARY

What if you weren’t the Chosen One?

What if you’re not the one who’s so often the hero in YA fiction; who’s supposed to fight the zombies, or the soul-eating ghosts, or whatever this new thing is, with the blue lights and the death? 

What if you were like Mikey? 

Who just wants to graduate and go to prom and maybe finally work up the courage to ask Henna out before someone goes and blows up the high school. 
Again. 

Because sometimes there are problems bigger than this week’s end of the world and sometimes you just have to find the extraordinary in your ordinary life. 

Even if your best friend might just be the God of mountain lions.





UK Hardcover Book Cover

Why I'm waiting for THE REST OF US JUST LIVE HERE...

First - I'm not the "Chosen One"??? 

Second - because it's Patrick Ness!!!
Who wrote A Monster Calls and broke me for forever...
I need to read more of his words!

Lastly - because I don't know what the US cover is going to look like yet, and I don't care!
And you all know that I'm a cover snob - so, this means a lot! lol



SO, what are you waiting for right now!?!?


Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday #124: DON'T EVER CHANGE by M. Beth Bloom (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine.

This is where we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released!!!
The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night!!!
And, quite possibly, to make our shelves look pretty too :) 


What I'm currently waiting for... 


by M. Beth Bloom
Expected release date: July 7th, 2015
Published by Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Eva has always wanted to write a modern classic — one that actually appeals to her generation. The only problem is that she has realized she can't "write what she knows" because she hasn't yet begun to live. So before heading off to college, Eva is determined to get a life worth writing about.

Soon Eva's life encounters a few unexpected plot twists. She becomes a counselor at a nearby summer camp — a job she is completely unqualified for. She starts growing apart from her best friends before they've even left for school. And most surprising of all, she begins to fall for the last guy she would have ever imagined. But no matter the roadblocks, or writer's blocks, it is all up to Eva to figure out how she wants this chapter in her story to end.

Perfect for fans of E. Lockhart, David Levithan, and Rainbow Rowell,Don't Ever Change is a witty, snarky, and thought-provoking coming-of-age young adult novel about a teen who sets out to write better fiction and, ultimately, discovers the truth about herself.



Why I'm waiting for DON'T EVER CHANGE...

First - the main character is a writer who wants to write a modern classic!

Second - there will be snark!

Lastly - the bookcover!!! because it's YA!!!
and even though I don't know much about this one, it's calling out to me and I want to read it now!!!



What are you waiting on this week???




Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #107: A WICKED THING by Rhiannon Thomas (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting for...


by Rhiannon Thomas
Expected release date: February 24th, 2015
Published by: HarperTeen
Genre: Young Adult Fairytale Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY


Rhiannon Thomas's dazzling debut novel is a spellbinding reimagining of Sleeping Beauty and what happens after happily ever after.


One hundred years after falling asleep, Princess Aurora wakes up to the kiss of a handsome prince and a broken kingdom that has been dreaming of her return. All the books say that she should be living happily ever after. But as Aurora understands all too well, the truth is nothing like the fairy tale.


Her family is long dead. Her "true love" is a kind stranger. And her whole life has been planned out by political foes while she slept. 


As Aurora struggles to make sense of her new world, she begins to fear that the curse has left its mark on her, a fiery and dangerous thing that might be as wicked as the witch who once ensnared her. With her wedding day drawing near, Aurora must make the ultimate decision on how to save her kingdom: marry the prince or run.


Rhiannon Thomas weaves together vivid scenes of action, romance, and gorgeous gowns to reveal a richly imagined world … and Sleeping Beauty as she’s never been seen before.



Why I'm waiting on A WICKED THING...

This! This is what real fairytales are all about!

Let's face it. In reality, there are no happy endings.
I've often wonder how these princesses always fall in love with these strangers just because he broke the spell with a kiss - how is that true love? 

Often, fairytales are about mythical creatures or exaggerated unlikely stories, but, they almost always have a moral lesson. And A Wicked Thing sounds like it is going to finally give us an honest "ending" to Aurora's awakening.

Cannot wait to get my hands on it!!! 



SO, what are you dying to get your hands on?!?!?!

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #103: RED QUEEN by Victoria Aveyard (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)


What I'm waiting for...


by Victoria Aveyard
Expected release date: February 10th, 2015
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Mare Barrow's world is divided by blood - those with red and those with silver. Mare and her family are lowly Reds, destined to serve the Silver elite whose supernatural abilities make them nearly gods. Mare steals what she can to help her family survive, but when her best friend is conscripted into the army she gambles everything to win his freedom. A twist of fate leads her to the royal palace itself, where, in front of the king and all his nobles, she discovers a power of her own - an ability she didn't know she had. 
Except... her blood is Red.

To hide this impossibility, the king forces her into the role of a lost Silver princess and betroths her to one of his own sons. As Mare is drawn further into the Silver world, she risks her new position to aid the Scarlet Guard - the leaders of a Red rebellion. Her actions put into motion a deadly and violent dance, pitting prince against prince - 
and Mare against her own heart.

From debut author Victoria Aveyard comes a lush, vivid fantasy series where loyalty and desire can tear you apart and the only certainty is betrayal.


Why I'm waiting for RED QUEEN...

The cover!!! I have no words... mesmerizing!!!

I'm all for fantasy, love it!!!

BUT, whenever I hear "Red Queen" I always think of THE Red Queen from Alice in Wonderland. 


"Curiouser, curiouser..."


What are you waiting for???

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #101: GEEK GIRL by Holly Smale (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 



This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)




What I'm waiting for...


Geek Girl #1
by Holly Smale 
Expected release date: January 27th, 2015
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Geek + runway = a hilarious runaway hit! 
This bestselling UK debut is full of humor and high-fashion hijinks — 
and now it’s coming to America.

Harriet Manners is tired of being labeled a geek. So when she’s discovered by a modeling agent, she seizes the chance to reinvent herself. There’s only one problem: 
Harriet is the definition of awkward. 
Does she have what it takes to transform from geek to chic?

Geek Girl is the first book in a hilarious new trilogy. It was also the #1 bestselling YA debut of 2013 in the UK, where it was shortlisted for the Roald Dahl Funny Prize and won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize for Best Book for Teens. With all the humor and fabulous shenanigans of Louise Rennison’s Confessions of Georgia Nicolson and Meg Cabot’s The Princess Diaries, Geek Girl is about to become an international superstar.


Why I'm waiting for GEEK GIRL...

First of all, LOOK at that cover!!!
You all must know by now that I do judge books by their covers, and I absolutely adore this one!

This book had me by its title too! 

AND, I've heard so much about this trilogy! I'm happy to see it finally coming to the U.S.


SO, what are you waiting for???

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #96: NO PLACE TO FALL by Jaye Robin Brown (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 

This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)



What I'm waiting for...


by Jaye Robin Brown
Expected release date: December 9th, 2014
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

Amber Vaughn is a good girl. She sings solos at church, babysits her nephew after school, and spends every Friday night hanging out at her best friend Devon’s house. It’s only when Amber goes exploring in the woods near her home, singing camp songs with the hikers she meets on the Appalachian Trail, that she feels free — and when the bigger world feels just a little bit more in reach.

When Amber learns about an audition at the North Carolina School of the Arts, she decides that her dream — to sing on bigger stages — could also be her ticket to a new life. Devon’s older (and unavailable) brother, Will, helps Amber prepare for her one chance to try out for the hypercompetitive arts school. But the more time Will and Amber spend together, the more complicated their relationship becomes . . . and Amber starts to wonder if she’s such a good girl, after all.

Then, in an afternoon, the bottom drops out of her family’s world — and Amber is faced with an impossible choice between her promise as an artist and the people she loves. Amber always thought she knew what a good girl would do. But between “right” and “wrong,” there’s a whole world of possibilities.


Why I'm waiting on NO PLACE TO FALL...

A sweet contemporary!
Good girl trying to find her place in the world, dipping her toe in being more independent and taking a nibble on the wild side! 

The cover is also sweet! But seems a bit misleading - I had high hopes that the summary would say or hint to something about a possible road trip....?
Or is the cover just a metaphor for the 'journey' in finding herself???

What do you think??


What are you waiting for??? 

Saturday, August 2, 2014

Stacking the Shelves #68 (July Book Haul Part 2)


Happy August!!!
Holy moly, can you believe that it's August already!
One more month before school starts around here, and we're dreading it already, lol!
Lots of yummy bookish things going on, and I've been on cloud nine over it all...

First, I've teamed up with Book Outlet to help spread the word on their latest sales and promos!
Right now, don't miss out on their 25% off YA sale!!!

Next, a few really unique blog tours are coming up soon -
some DIY stuff and recipes will be done! Along with another tour where I'll be sharing my unique encounter with the main character! AND, another where I get to share my creative side with a very unique journal! Fun stuff!!!

And lastly, I've finally caught up with a lot of my reviews and such, hoping to get ahead now and attack my huge TBR for August and September sooner than I planned :)


I'm participating in Tynga's Reviews STACKING THE SHELVES today!!!


*What I received for review...
From Harper Teen: 
- ILLUSIONS OF FATE (ARC) by Kiersten White
- A NEW DARKNESS (The Starblade Chronicles #1) (ARC) by Joseph Delaney
- THE JEWEL (The Lone City #1) (ARC) by Amy Ewing
- ECHOES OF US (The Hybrid Chronicles #3) (ARC) by Kat Zhang
- THE PERILOUS SEA (The Elemental Trilogy #2) (ARC) by Sherry Thomas

From Soho Teen: 
- THE UNFINISHED LIFE OF ADDISON STONE (ARC) by Adele Griffin

From Zest Books/HMH: 
- STICKY FINGERS: DIY Duct Tape Projects by Sophie Maletsky
- THE GREEN TEEN COOKBOOK by Laurane Marchive and Pam McElroy

From Blogging for Books: 
- REASONS MY KID IS CRYING (PB) by Greg Pembroke (A)
- JUST MY TYPO (PB) by Drummond Moir (A)

*What I received in book-trades...
- A LITTLE SOMETHING DIFFERENT (ARC) by Sandy Hall (YA)
- OF BEAST AND BEAUTY (HB) by Stacey Jay (YA)


*What I purchased...
- SOME BOYS (PB) by Patty Blount
- TMI (PB) by Patty Blount
- SEND (PB) by Patty Blount
- THORNHILL (Hemlock #2) (HB) by Kathleen Peacock
- THE BONE SEASON (HB) by Samantha Shannon (A)
- THROUGH THE WOODS (PB Graphic Novel) by Emily Carroll (YA)

What's been distracting me from reading: 

Our impromptu family trip to Barnes and Noble :) 
The family that reads together buys more books!!! 

My boys!!!
(Big Boy, Baby Nephew, Baby Boy, Boy #2)
 Book signing at the Book Revue for Patty Blount!!!
Author of SEND, TMI and SOME BOYS!

I hope you've had a marvelous week in books too :) 
xoxo

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #91: STRAY by Elissa Sussman (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 


This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)

What I'm waiting for...


by Elissa Sussman
Expected release date: October 7th, 2014
Published by: Greenwillow
Genre: Young Adult
Format: Hardcover, eBook


SUMMARY

“I am grateful for my father, who keeps me good and sweet. I am grateful for my mother, who keeps her own heart guarded and safe. I am grateful for my adviser, who keeps me protected. I am grateful for the Path, which keeps me pure. Ever after.”

Princess Aislynn has long dreamed about attending her Introduction Ball, about dancing with the handsome suitors her adviser has chosen for her, about meeting her true love and starting her happily ever after.

When the night of the ball finally arrives and Nerine Academy is awash with roses and royalty, Aislynn wants nothing more than to dance the night away, dutifully following the Path that has been laid out for her. She does not intend to stray.

But try as she might, Aislynn has never quite managed to control the magic that burns within her-magic brought on by wicked, terrible desires that threaten the Path she has vowed to take.

After all, it is wrong to want what you do not need. Isn’t it?



Why I'm waiting on STRAY...

It's said to be a mix of... 
"The Handmaid's Tale and Wicked with a dash of Grimm and Disney thrown in!"

YES to ALL!!!


SO, what are you waiting for this week???


Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Giveaway: THE ART OF LAINEY by Paula Stokes (YA)


It's time for a giveaway!!!

The very sweet and generous Paula Stokes,
author of THE ART OF LAINEY,
sent me this to share with my readers! 


THE ART OF LAINEY
by Paula Stokes
Release date: May 20th, 2014
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult Contemporary
Format: Paperback, eBook


SUMMARY

Soccer star Lainey Mitchell is gearing up to spend an epic summer with her amazing boyfriend, Jason, when he suddenly breaks up with her—no reasons, no warning, and in public no less! Lainey is more than crushed, but with help from her friend Bianca, she resolves to do whatever it takes to get Jason back.

And that’s when the girls stumble across a copy of The Art of War. With just one glance, they're sure they can use the book to lure Jason back into Lainey’s arms. So Lainey channels her inner warlord, recruiting spies to gather intel and persuading her coworker Micah to pose as her new boyfriend to make Jason jealous. After a few "dates", it looks like her plan is going to work! But now her relationship with Micah is starting to feel like more than just a game.

What's a girl to do when what she wants is totally different from what she needs? How do you figure out the person you're meant to be with if you're still figuring out the person you're meant to be?

See my review here!

GIVEAWAY

To enter:
- Please fill out the rafflecopter form below. 
- Must be 13yo+ to enter.
- U.S. only, sorry!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Paula Stokes

Paula Stokes is half writer, half RN, and totally thrilled to be part of the world of YA literature. She started out writing historical fiction under a pen name and is now branching out into other YA genres.

When she's not working (rare), she's kayaking, hiking, reading, or seeking out new adventures in faraway lands. She's petted tigers, snuggled snakes, snorkeled with stingrays, and once enjoyed the suction-cuppy feel of a baby elephant's trunk as it ate peanuts from her palm. Her future goals include diving with Great White sharks, learning Krav Maga, and writing a whole slew of novels, not necessarily in that order.

Goodreads / Website/Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #83: ILLUSIONS OF FATE by Kiersten White (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 


This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)


What I'm waiting on... 


by Kiersten White
Expected release date: September 9th, 2014
Published by: Harper Teen
Genre: Young Adult
Format: Hardback, eBook


SUMMARY


“I did my best to keep you from crossing paths with this world. And I shall do my best to protect you now that you have.”

Jessamin has been an outcast since she moved from her island home of Melei to the dreary country of Albion. Everything changes when she meets Finn, a gorgeous, enigmatic young lord who introduces her to the secret world of Albion’s nobility, a world that has everything Jessamin doesn’t—power, money, status…and magic. But Finn has secrets of his own, dangerous secrets that the vicious Lord Downpike will do anything to possess. Unless Jessamin, armed only with her wits and her determination, can stop him.



Why I'm waiting on ILLUSTIONS OF FATE...

Because!!! It's Kiersten White!!!
I really enjoyed her Paranormalcy trilogy!!!

Described as "Downtown Abbey meets Cassandra Clare"... with romance?!
I am so in on this!!!


SO, what are you waiting for this week???

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Waiting On Wednesday #82: POISONED APPLES: POEMS FOR YOU, MY PRETTY by Christine Heppermann (YA)


"Waiting On Wednesday" is a weekly meme hosted by  Breaking the Spine. 


This is were we get to 'spotlight' books that we are anxiously waiting to be released! The ones that we are dying to get our hands on and read into the wee hours of the night and, quite possibly, to make our shelves look all pretty too :)


What I'm waiting on... 


by Christine Heppermann
Expected release date: September 2014
Published by: Greenwillow Books
Genre: Young Adult Poetry
Format: Hardback, eBook


SUMMARY

Poisoned Apples: Poems for You, My Pretty, will be published by Greenwillow Books in September, 2014. 

Poisoned Apples has been called:
"A bloody poetic attack on the beauty myth that's caustic, funny and heartbreaking" (E. Lockhart) 

A "powerful and provocative exploration of body image, media, and love." (Rae Carson)

"Simply phenomenal. Heppermann’s honest voice grabs the reader with urgency. This collection is a champion for teens and adults who see our world as an advertisement for perfection that doesn’t exist. Readers will want to read these poems aloud over and over again." (A. S. King)


Why I'm waiting on POISONED APPLES...

Even though an official summary has yet to be released by the publisher, 
this book of poetry sounds epic! 
Look at all those quotes! Such high praises!

And the cover, oh my, I am in love with the cover!

"Curiouser, curiouser..." 


SO, what are you waiting for this week?!?!

 
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