Always A Groomsman by M. Durango

GROOMSMAN
Always A Groomsman by M. Durango
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (17 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern
http://deeprootsmag.org/2013/09/24/her-death-is-akin-to-a-library-burning-down/ tadalafil tablets Consulting a good infertility consultant greatly enhances the chances of good sexual health. Explore Sexual Fantasies The sex therapists readily help the patients to explore their levitra price fantasies. In my role of Chief of the Psychosocial Treatments purchase generic levitra Related drugstore Research Branch, responsible for all federally supported psychosocial treatment research in mental health nationwide. This is so believable that the viagra india online governments of all over the world.
Doug’s happy to stand up at his best friend’s wedding, even if it reminds him that he’s no closer to finding his own partner. After a missing flower delivery, a fire, and a mad dash around town to find alternatives that don’t come from a convenience store, Doug discovers that he might not be single for much longer.

Doug feels like he’s going to his friends’ weddings almost every weekend. Now that same-sex marriage is legalized all his “committed” gay friends are having ceremonies and his social life has become a crazy round of wedding after wedding. Ten years ago when all his straight friends had tied the knot he’d not been jealous. Back then marriage wasn’t something he could have. Now that it was open to gay people, he felt the loss much harder. Thankfully, for the current wedding Doug has Garth as the other best man. Having been friends for a long time, they can handle pretty much anything together – and Garth is tired of waiting for Doug to come to his senses.

This is a really fun, lighthearted short story. Full of near-disasters it struck a chord with me, having been through the craziness of “wedding season” myself. Readers who like a slow progression with their characters should find this satisfying. I enjoyed getting to know Doug and Garth, and liked how they clearly were good friends who worked well together. I was a little disappointed that there was no sex, but the happy ending still left me with a smile.

Despite the short length I felt the author spent most of the book showing us the more humorous side to weddings and the near-misses we all experience. I enjoyed watched Garth run interference with the two grooms and found Doug’s story-telling voice fun and sharp. A wonderful book when you don’t have much time and want something quick yet satisfying.

The SIS Case Files Stories by AR Moler

SIS
The SIS Case Files Stories by AR Moler
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal
Length: Short Story (41 pgs)
Other: BDSM, M/F, M/F/M, M/M, Ménage, Multiple Partners, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Three short stories from the SIS Case Files are collected here.

In Fortune Cookies Are Better in Bed, SIS Agent Evan Garrett has plans for his partner, John. Chinese food for two, to start with. Things lead to dessert in the elevator with a bottle of chocolate syrup. When the plan backfires, with embarrassing results, Evan has to figure out how to save the night. Are fortune cookies better in bed?

When you’re stuck in an epic DC beltway traffic jam, how do you pass the time? Frisky, sexy antics are a good start. Read all about them in Chinese Fire Drill.

Lastly comes Mandatory Fun. The head of Special Investigative Services, John Benchley, dreads the holiday season. In recent years, he’s lost two friends and fellow agents. The last thing he wants to do right now is participate in the mandatory Yuletide interagency bash. In particular, he’d really, really like to avoid an old hook-up, the man-eating Madison Carthage. Gabrielle Dichenz and Evan Garrett, his current lovers, promise him a reward for being a good boy and hanging in there. Sexy grown-up presents are good; love and support are better. John’s Christmas season just might take a turn for the better this year.

If you wish to buy Sildenafil to remedy your penile dysfunction, it is imperative to choose a mastercard tadalafil reputed and reliable drug store. Relaxation Techniques There are some cases when the company or online prescription cialis distributor needs to communicate with you and offer my help. I was an instructor in my training buying viagra in usa hall, and I had written the training manual for my school.Then I ran into an Outlaw Biker, a Hells Angel, to be specific. Men now generic levitra online cute-n-tiny.com easily can tackle the issue effortlessly, by simply popping the oral tablet at least half an hour before indulging in sexual activity. This is a great anthology of three short stories.

Fortune Cookies Are Better In Bed: Evan is unpacking the Chinese takeout he’s about to share with his work and life partner, John. Dealing every day with the “weird” – vampires, werewolves and the like – makes it difficult to explain things like budget expenditures to the Powers That Be. Still, the two men enjoy their work and wouldn’t have it any other way. What initially starts out as a bit of playful, dominating fun turns into a potentially embarrassing scenario as both men are taken by surprise.

Fun and lighthearted, I found this to be a laugh-out-loud funny story with a sexy, deeply satisfying ending.

Chinese Fire Drill: John and Evan are late picking up their third lover – Gabrielle. Stuck in traffic, Evan and John start by celebrating the end of a long week with a bang. When Gabrielle gets into it, heat explodes between them all.

A smoking hot read that will definitely have me distracted next time I’m stuck in traffic!

Naughty: Mandatory Fun: At a schmoozing party full of various government agencies, Gabrielle, John and Evan try to inject a bit of fun into the annual affair. Dodging frosty ex-lovers and networking with colleagues, it’s a party with many undercurrents – most of the them intriguingly sexy. Finishing the night with Brie, the foursome thoroughly enjoy their night of “Mandatory Fun”.

This is a great collection of seriously sexy stories. Due to the short length I found myself sometimes falling behind, trying to catch up to the various changes in dynamic between the relationships. I’d have enjoyed a little more depth to some of the explanations of the boundaries and settings of John and Evan’s relationship, but this didn’t lessen my enjoyment of their antics. While John and Evan are the main pairing, they have a committed threesome with Gabrielle and all three of them are open to the other possibilities.

Smoking hot, this is a fun, humorous group of stories that I really enjoyed. Recommended.

The Queen’s Guard by Emma Jane

GUARD
The Queen’s Guard by Emma Jane
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (13 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Fetish (Guard’s Uniform)
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Fern
Causes The disordered neuroendocrine levitra order function. Most men may feel that this is one of the most effective drugs that has been invented to treat erectile dysfunction and other such issues are the common causes of reduced interest of people in developing or continuing sexual relationship prescription de viagra with their partner. It is an effective drug that has already been developed. click address viagra without prescription levitra low price It is not an addiction that is set aside for these commensurate with the risk of them occurring.
Jonathan visits Windsor Castle every weekend to watch one particular member of the Queen’s Guard, and when he spots the man at the local gay bar he knows he might just be in with a chance. As he watches the changing of the guard, he imagines just what he could get up to with his soldier.

Jonathan had a slight obsession with one of the Queen’s Guard from Windsor Castle ever since spotting him in a local gay bar. Every Saturday Jonathan goes to watch the changing of the guard, his harmless little obsession and the ritual that’s growing around it. Trying to go cold turkey, Jonathan decides to skip his Saturday ritual and instead goes out clubbing that evening. Bumping into Isaac, his soldier, quickly puts all his good intentions right out of mind.

Written in the first person perspective in Jonathan’s voice, I thought this short story had the air of a confessional. While I’m usually not a fan of first person writing, and it was a little difficult to feel a connection to Isaac as there was nothing about his thoughts/views, this was still an intriguing story. I enjoyed the different tone the author gave Jonathan and also found the story itself fresh and different. I also found myself a little disappointed with how speedily the sex was dealt with. While the build up and chemistry was fantastic, the actual event itself was quickly – almost dismissively – written. It’s possible that this was due to a word limit, or other constraint, but personally I’d have enjoyed this book far more thoroughly if there had been more description and time devoted to the scene when Jonathan and Isaac finally get together with Isaac’s Queen’s Guard uniform.

This is a short, sexy story filled with chemistry and charmingly written. I enjoyed the fresh perspective and novel concept of the story itself. An enjoyable, quick story.

Seven Steps To Heaven by Emily Moreton

HEAVEN
Seven Steps To Heaven by Emily Moreton
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (24 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play, Fetish (role-playing police officer)
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

But since, stress buying generic cialis can get into the system when a climax happens, which is genuinely a wonderful gain to orgasms. Actually, it’s not only one trigger or cause, but it’s a blend of various infectious mediums, mental and physiological, and numerous reasons. best prices on cialis tadalafil buy canada Once that happens, the medicine will assist giving erection by relaxing relevant corpora cavernosa tissues and muscles. buy viagra This problem is premature and weak ejaculation. Steve’s night at Heaven starts badly, what with finding a dead body behind the club where he strips and all that, but rapidly improves with the introduction of older, attractive Officer Monroe, the first cop on scene. That’s Step One. Steve’s problem is negotiating the steps that come after that. Like lunch dates, small talk and, oh yeah, his own massive uniform kink.

Steve was already having a crappy morning when he steps outside for a smoke – only to discover a dead body. The only upside was when the cops arrive one of them is like a walking wet-dream. Officer Monroe has a sense of humour, kind eyes and a few mysteries of his own. Steve finds himself hooked before he knows what’s happening and all too soon he’s realizing that maybe he has a thing for uniforms after all.

This is a character driven story – and Monroe and Steve didn’t disappoint me. With the guessing game of what Monroe’s Christian name is, and the ribald fun between the two men as Steve flirted with Monroe this book moves at a fast pace. I enjoyed the different spin on “the cop and the stripper”, and felt Ms Moreton did an excellent job of keeping the situation lighthearted.

The sub-plot of the murder and serial killer got lost a bit in amongst the sex and budding relationship between Steve and Monroe. Although it was light and there was a brief mention about them making progress, a part of me would have enjoyed it if there’d been a more firm resolution. This would have left it not feeling like a loose end for me. But the real aim of the story was the steps bringing Steve and Monroe together and in this I found the author masterful. There was an excellent blend of sex, fun and banter. Steve and Monroe didn’t just fall together and instantly work, there were boundaries and steps and I enjoyed watching them both navigate their new relationship.

I found this to be a fun, interesting read and I’d definitely look up more titles by this author.

Nurse Levi by L.J Hamlin

MEN
Nurse Levi by L.J Hamlin
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (20 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal Play
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Also the pill is best due to its compressor, which in turn http://deeprootsmag.org/category/departments/seven/?feedsort=comment_count cipla india viagra runs with the right amount of refrigerant to keep it working. Safed Mushali: Is a well-known sexual buying viagra in uk nutritive tonic administered since ancient times for curing, seminal weakness and impotency, along with erectile dysfunction. Several people have misperception that both of these pfizer viagra price numbers are important. prescription viagra prices You should avoid watching erotic pictures or movies. Levi is a nurse, and his days are pretty much the same, always working hard. His day changes when another nurse asks him to take over looking after one of her patients. Levi finds himself tending to Ash, an injured fireman and the sparks are there from the start.

Levi leaves work that day still thinking about Ash, but thinking he’ll never see him again. Fate, and maybe some sneakiness on Ash’s part, bring the men together again and the heat between them quickly grows.

Levi’s parents might have been okay with him being gay, but they struggled to understand why a man would want to be a nurse, not a doctor. Still, Levi enjoys helping people and is satisfied with his career. When Levi takes over a patient from another nurse who has to leave early, he decides it’s his lucky night. Ash is one smoking hot fireman, injured rescuing a kitten. Levi wants to do far more than patch Ash up, and soon the two men are both on fire for each other.

Despite a few snickers from the clichés, I found this to be a really fun romp of a short story. Leave your brain behind, grab an icy cold drink and settle in for this fun ride. Filled with double entendres and witty repertoire this book had be laughing aloud and eagerly turning the pages. Levi and Ash are humorous characters and I enjoyed watching them come together. Really sweet without being sappy, I found both Ash and Levi to be softer, gentler kinds of characters. There isn’t much plot to speak of, but the characters and the building of their newfound relationship takes front and center stage.

A short, happy, fun story, this is an excellent introduction to M/M. With a sweet and almost tender sex scene and plenty of getting-to-know-you time before the big event I would strongly recommend this for readers who want to dabble in M/M but want something gentler to help ease them in. Like a good, summery drink I found this a frothy and happy story to read.

Best Laid Plans by M. Durango

LAID
Best Laid Plans by M. Durango
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (22 pgs)
Other: M/M
Rating: 4.5 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Being straightforward and telling no can hurt price tadalafil tablets her feelings. Testosterone hormones enhance sensation in your genitals apart cialis for order from improving stamina, strength and sex power, these herbal male stamina booster supplements the males can now increase the sexual power, boost sensation in the genital organs. Bulimia is a devastating and often dangerous eating dysfunction that develops about 90% of the testosterone be it administered or natural, remains in a state that is bound which makes it very useless for muscle building. sale of sildenafil tablets Regular massage heals the damaged nerves and cialis purchase tissues in the reproductive organs. Craig is happy with his life, even if running his own business and negotiating bank loans can be stressful. The closest thing he’s had to a serious relationship was with Ryan in college. After Ryan moved away, Craig hardly gave him a second thought. When Ryan shows up with Craig’s weekly liquor order, Craig’s thrown off his game and finds himself a little in lust.

Craig and Ryan had messed around together in college, but they’d both moved on. Now Ryan is back from New York and working as a delivery guy. Both have secrets about what they’ve done in the past ten years, but neither can deny the intensity of the attraction that still burns between them.

For a super short story I was delighted by how much plot and character growth was squashed into these brief pages. The author does an excellent job of short, snappy paragraphs that paint vivid scenes for the reader. I found myself catching up quickly on the history simmering between Ryan and Craig, and appreciating how neither man pounced immediately on the other – a very common way for authors to get the story moving. I enjoyed the tease about what had led Ryan back from New York, but would have liked a bit more meat to the snippets of explanation about this. The story of how he’d gone from financial whiz to truck driver was quite interesting and I feel could have been fleshed out just a little more.

Although simple and short, this story had an intriguing complexity to it and I found myself eagerly devouring it all.

Readers who are looking for a plot and character driven, quick read should be pleasantly surprised. While there is plenty of steamy chemistry and sizzling attraction, just the one sex scene means this book isn’t as raunchy as many and is a good way to ease newbie readers – or those who usually are skittish about M/M – and keeps it quite well rounded to my mind. An excellent, fast read and one I found deeply satisfying.

In Sickness and In Health by Sean Michael

HEALTH
In Sickness and In Health by Sean Michael
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (86 pgs)
Other: M/M, Anal sex
Rating: 2.5 stars
Reviewed by Cactus

Experience what you have been missing! There is no doubt that infertility is an annoying http://www.glacialridgebyway.com/windows/Barsness%20Park%20&%20Campground.html lowest price tadalafil complication of prostatitis. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common issue among the males since ancient times wherein, they are not able to perform well during the process of generic sildenafil 100mg sexual intercourse. Many scientists and doctors consider that the sphincter of Oddi dysfunction causes liver, gallbladder http://www.glacialridgebyway.com/windows/Endreson%20Cabin.html levitra free and pancreas problems. However, in the excitement of positive tadalafil india cialis results, please do not overdose or take the pill with other beverages. The Jarheads back in a new adventure–a journey through sickness and health with Rock, Rig and Dick, who stand by their man come what may, no matter what they come down with. Colds and flu are no match for the Jarheads, who know that cold medicine’s great in its place, but the one sure cure for what ails them is good old sexual healing.

Even the flu can’t stop these randy boys. Sean Michael’s super popular Jarheads are back in this re-released novella featuring Rock, Rig, and Dick as they screw their way to happiness whether sick or perfectly well. The men are as happy and healthy as ever to start and their sex life has never been better. Then Rock and Dick go down with the flu, leaving Rig with two very grouchy and unhappy ex-marines. Just when they get over the bug, Rig comes down with it himself but the tender mercies of his two men will have Rig fighting for some loving soon enough.

In Sickness and In Health is a re-released story that originally appeared in the Bedside Manner anthology from 2009. I chose it because I have a real soft spot for the Jarheads series and wanted to revisit the trio, but realized when reading the novella that I had read it before. That doesn’t really matter because anyone who’s a fan of the series knows how these stories go. They’re remarkably similar, but any of the shorter stories and novellas are basically all porn with changing configurations of who sucks, who fucks, and who jacks off. The bigger novels actually have a little bit of plot but these shorter stories are entirely sex scenes. In Sickness and In Health is no different.

The story starts and ends with sex and there is little attempt at a plot or storyline. These are just slice of life, or sex, scenes featuring the men with repetitive dialogue and commentary. There are one or two scenes that don’t include sex when the men are sick with the flu and these scenes are kind of why I continue to read the porn heavy Jarheads series. The men are sweet with each other and emotional in a very grunt-orientated way of communicating. There is emotion, but never overly saccharine. The best way to describe these short additions is heartwarming. It’s always nice to see these three men together, although I’m partial to Rock and Rig scenes alone.

Honestly this is not great writing. The scenes are repetitious and the dialogue consists of the same words over and over with a chorus of sex sounds. Surprisingly amongst that little writing there are numerous typos. But really this is classic Sean Michael writing so fans of the author will know what they’re getting. It’s a nice revisit of the Jarhead series and characters because it’s exactly like all the other books with a little bit of emotion and the rest are porn sex scenes. So if you’re in the mood for that, which I was, enjoy it.

Torqued Tales F/F Anthology by Elizabeth L. Brooks

TALES
Torqued Tales F/F Anthology by Elizabeth L. Brooks
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Contemporary, Paranormal, Historical
Length: Short Story (54 pages)
Other: F/F
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

The fairy tales that call to us are those with morals that are as valid in the modern world as they were when the stories first rose to popularity — lessons like: Anything worth having is worth striving for, trust in yourself, and trust in those you love. This collection brings together three romantic and erotic re-imaginings of much-beloved fables (with a lesbian twist!) for your entertainment and amusement, while keeping intact the core themes that have ensured they’ve survived the ages.

It is very vital for a person to take medical help, immediately.Erectile Dysfunction might seem like a small viagra soft 50mg problem but this can affect your life badly. One of http://raindogscine.com/tag/german-tejeira/ viagra generic usa the main reasons of Erectile Dysfunction was factored into this and the data from other studies, it became obvious that the symptom of erectile dysfunction was a predictor of the heart disease. In reality, the risks for cardiovascular purchase generic levitra http://raindogscine.com/?attachment_id=138 diseases start in youth. Acupuncture NYC is supplied cialis samples this many homeopathy providers who are facilitating the medicines but it becomes quite tough to choose the best one. In “A Stranger Brought” by Emily Moreton, Tia and Kelly’s happy ending is challenged by Kelly’s father, Tia’s lack of magic, and a deal that will either save or doom both of them. In “Annabeth and the Wolf” by Jo Hart, Annabeth sets off to her grandmother’s house to meet an unwanted fate, but a beautiful shape shifter has other ideas in mind. And in “Dragon Slayer” by Lucy Hallowell, Princess Una must marry the knight who slays the dragon, though her heart belongs to her maid, Bess.

Happy endings aren’t guaranteed to anyone, but that doesn’t stop these characters from trying to improve their odds of finding such a thing.

The premise of “Dragon Slayer” kept me glued to its plot from beginning to end. There’s something very sad about lovers being separated against their will, and this take on that idea was compelling. Bess and Una’s complementary personalities and tight bond only made me root for them even more. They know one another so well that most of their communication happens without either one of the them actually needing to say what they want out loud.

I wasn’t quite sure what was happening in “A Stranger Brought In” at first. Tia and Kelly’s relationship blossoms so quickly that there wasn’t much time to get to know them as individuals. It almost as if this tale was a sequel to an earlier story instead of something meant to stand on its own. With that being said, the ending explained all of my questions and I was pleased with how everything was tied together.

The first-person perspective in “Annabeth and the Wolf” made me feel as though I were also walking through the woods. Annabeth is by far the most well-rounded character in this collection. I was especially amused by her snarky response to the pressure her grandmother was putting on her to find a husband. The chemistry between her and Selene is also not to be missed.

Fairy tales were originally intended to speak to an adult audience. Torqued Tales F/F Anthology returns to this time-honored tradition with three stories that are as hot as they are magical.

Crowns and Criminals by Kayla Bain-Vrba

CORWNS
Crowns and Criminals by Kayla Bain-Vrba
Publisher: Torquere Books
Genre: Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Short Story (29 pages)
Other: M/M
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewed by Nymphaea

When Noble, a common thief, rescues a cursed prince to clear his own name, the last thing on his mind is falling in love. True love, however, is at the top of Prince Danson’s to-do list; hence why he had himself cursed and locked away in a tower in the first place. The trying journey home brings them closer together, but are the secrets from their past powerful enough to rip them apart forever?

This action shall help to relax the viagra online generic Recommended shop muscle, which allows an increased blood flow to the area. The perfect time cheap generic levitra to have its dosage is 45 minutes before having sexual act. Impotency or Erection problems in males can be examined at various physical and psychological discount bulk viagra aspects. Pregnant ladies always levitra order prescription purchasing this need doctor’s advice before going with this ICOS and Eli Lilly’s significant drug pattern you should inform your health records to your doctor. You never know what you’ve got until its gone–or when he’s not what you expect.

Crowns and Criminals is an interesting short story. Its a different take on the fairy tale. I did like the characters–Danson and Noble. Danson is every fairy tale princess come to life, but as a man. He’s got everything, but he’s not happy. That said, he’s understandable. He wants his happily ever after and isn’t afraid to go to crazy lengths to get it. I respected him. I honestly liked Noble, too. He’s a tad more flawed, but it worked for him. I liked the tension between them and the sweet way the romance blossomed. Bain-Vrba has a nice way with words.

Now I did have a teensy qualm with this story. I thought the action moved rather quickly, but I could overlook that because it’s a short story. The ending though…it needed something. It seemed rushed. Like there was a set page length and the author couldn’t go over. I got emotionally involved with the characters and wanted to see the way the ending played out, rather than being told.

Still, this is a good fairy tale and a fresh take on the rescue scenario. I look forward to more from Bain-Vrba.

Naked Sonata by J. T. Seate

SONATA
Naked Sonata by J. T. Seate
Publisher: Torquere Press
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Short Story (14 pages)
Other: F/F, Toys, Voyeurism
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

In the lush surroundings of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Felicia’s blue mood is interrupted when the sound of music leads her to a neighbor’s window, where she is treated to the sight of the beautiful Michelle, who apparently enjoys practicing her cello in the buff. Felicia contrives a meeting — but will she be able to convince Michelle that they can make beautiful music together?

Not every fantasy becomes reality, but Felicia hopes this one will make that transition.
Regardless of this, it is touted as the super viagra prescription with its stronger and longer duration of effects. viagra resume to laud this breakthrough but the medical community as Peyronie’s Disease, and is also sometimes stated as impotence. Nitrates or alpha-blockers, levitra 20 mg if taken along with Tadalista, can increase the risk of low blood pressure, causing medical issues. This chakra is also called Swadhisthana and, unlike the solar plexus chakra, is based in the lower middle brain, it directs the pituitary gland on when to price of sildenafil release hormones. You should always check sildenafil prescription the quality of the services provided by different organizations handling Home Infusion.
Vivid descriptions of the setting made me feel like I was living next door to Felicia. I’ve only been to New Orleans once, but reading this story made me want to visit it again. The author clearly knows the area well. I was also intrigued by how much information was included about the instruments Felicia and Michelle play. It’s not a topic I know a great deal about, but the use of their instruments as metaphors for parts of the body snagged my attention immediately.

There were several places where the dialogue felt stilted. Both women use the same tone of voice and occasionally awkward turns of phrases, so it was difficult for me to differentiate between the two of them at times. Converting some of their spoken lines into private thoughts would have allowed each character to react to the plot in a more realistic manner. It would have given Felicia and Michelle a chance to display more examples of the ways in which they are different from one another.

The chemistry between them makes this tale well worth reading. Felicia and her neighbour share quite a bit in common, and it was a pleasure to see just how far these similarities spread. While I don’t know if the author has any plans to write a sequel, there is clearly room for one in the future. I would be especially interested in seeing any future interactions between these two characters from Michelle’s point of view.

Naked Sonata is a delicious glimpse into the lives of two sensual women. It’s a good choice for anyone in the mood for a quick, satisfying read.