Lindy Pepper Bean

The beautiful neighbor he had known for about half a year suddenly asked him if he wanted to be together. Liu Xin'an considered for a brief few seconds before nodding with a smile. But a few days later, she disappeared without a trace. Late, she reappeared on television. Liu Xin'an: So the girlfriend I liked turned out to be a big-time celebrity?

When she was rejected by her fiance, everyone laughed at her. Little did they know, she actually loved her fiance's uncle, a trillionaire tycoon, for a long time. Later, she had four doting brothers, numerous secret identities, and a husband who was madly doting on her. Fu Shiyan smirked, pulling her into his embrace, "Dear, when shall we have our third baby?"

Thirty years ago, A meteor fell, revealing God's ruins! A God stepped out from it and started to feed on humans. From that day forth, humanity became the prey of the God, All except for me! Because I feed on God.

**This book is a dark romance and contains abusive and mature content.** In a world where power and passion collide, Lily Anderson finds herself entangled in a web of deceit and desire with Ethan Blackwood, a man of enigmatic charm and ruthless ambition. Their tumultuous relationship is a battleground of wills and wits, where Lily struggles to maintain her dignity and autonomy against Ethan's domineering control. As they navigate through a series of encounters that test the limits of trust and betrayal, a question lingers in the air: Can love flourish in the shadows of manipulation, or will it wither under the weight of dark intentions? Throughout their journey, the dialogue between Lily and Ethan is peppered with moments of tension and revelation, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of their relationship: "I'm not finished," Lily glared at him defiantly, reaching for another bottle from the ice bucket. With a resounding crash, Ethan upended the entire bucket, his eyes darkening with barely contained fury. "Get the hell out of here, all of you!" He snarled, his face contorted with rage. How dare they ogle his woman like that? "You belong to me. Your body, your time, your very existence—all of it is mine to do with as I please," Ethan growled, his face mere inches from hers, asserting a claim that Lily vehemently resisted. "I don't belong to anyone," she spat, her voice trembling. "Least of all a monster like you." "You'll learn, Lily. One way or another, you'll learn your place," Ethan's lips curled into a cruel smile, promising a future of struggle and submission. "I'll do anything you want," Lily whispered, her soul fracturing with each syllable, as she made a choice that would change her life forever. "Because my name is Ethan Blackwood," he said, a statement that carried with it a weight of power and a promise of consequences yet to be seen.

There was a popular comic that captured the hearts of readers not because of its plot, but rather the bromance between the two protagonists, a crown prince and a duke. Their friendship & mutual trust led fans to ship them endlessly, with countless fanfiction stories ranging from dating to marriage or even incorporating omegaverse settings. One particular m-preg fanfic novel became extremely popular among fans, where the previously cold duke becomes pregnant. But the popularity of both the original comic and this novel caused everything to become unbalanced, until something strange happened - these works of fiction turn into real worlds that collided, creating an error that connected them together. In the world of the comic: Carlton from the fanfic world gazed up at his husband with longing eyes. "Husband..." He pouted, "Why don't you kiss me today?" Alaric from the comic world recoiled slightly and goosebumps broke out over his skin as he moved away. "Please don't come close to me..." He said tersely. Meanwhile, in another world: Alaric from the fanfic world, pulled his beloved Carlton into a warm embrace and peppered kisses on his cheeks. "Darling, are you mad at me?" Alaric asked affectionately. "It's okay, you're still cute." He leaned down to whisper into his ear before continuing. "But don't forget to comfort all our children, they think you're mad at them." Suddenly, seven children barged into the room and called out to their fathers. "Father, Daddy!" they exclaimed. Carlton's frozen expression spoke volumes about his state of mind as he tried to process what was happening. His murderous gaze fixed on Alaric as he muttered through gritted teeth. "Whose children do you say they are....?"

Content: [Matured] “Brother Abubakar.” Soliat’s hardened nipple brought a moan to her lips. “You’re too conscious, it’s driving me insane.” He brushed a thumb to her lips. “Let me ask you a question, what I did at the party, did you like it?” Her heart hitched and she did not know her nipple would harden more than it already had, except it did. “Answer me.” Slowly he trailed a hand from her face down to her neck, then her cleavage to in between her breasts, pushing the towel downward. “I—we—it was in a public place, I—I don’t know.” He eyes left his finger and the assault it was committing to look at her face. “Would you know if I did it again?” He did not wait for her to reply and dragged off her towel, kissing her to the bed. “Brother Abubakar,” she moaned. “It’s Abubakar now.” He broke the kiss to say. He peppered light kisses on her cheek and trailed it to the sweet spot on her neck. “I will touch you, Solia, but I won’t go all the way, is that okay with you?” He covered her breasts with his hand and her reply came in soft moans. “Ahh!” She whimpered when his finger pinched her nipple and a pleasure pain swept through her. “There’s a thin line between pain and pleasure, darling, and if you let me, I’ll show you.” Then he replaced his torturing hand with his mouth. “Abubakar.” She arched her chest so that his warm mouth would completely cover her aching bud. “That’s more like it, moan for me some more.” He gave her hardened bud a torturously slow lick while his hand manifested on the other peach. His hand travelled down her body, twirling on her skin and caressing her waist. “Do you like this, Solia?” “Yes, Brother—“ He bit her nipple. “Shall we try that again, do you like this, Solia?” “Yes, Abubakar.” Super hot, right? why not check out the book! It started with an idea and ended in the loving arms of a Muslim widow. Edegbe’s journey up north took a twisted turn and landed him in a dire situation where he had to choose between his friendship and love. In a frigid northern state, Edegbe finds that death is rife and normalcy is a luxury, but he is adamant and fights against all odds to achieve success. What he achieved instead is a dazzling relationship with a Muslim widow whose twin brother is madly in love with a woman whose interest, for a short while, laid with his friend. Edegbe let the drastic turn of event lead him, until he had to choose between his friend and the woman of his heart. Will Edegbe abandon his love, the woman who made the terrible things about the north bearable, or will he forfeit his friendship of many years? Please support with your gifts and votes.

*For entertainment only* Just another introverted teenage girl who faces unwanted yet surprising and sometimes enjoying adventures so hang in and know her. Since I want to tell someone about my life .

Struck by lightning, she woke up in a world that had never heard of tofu. Armed with modern knowledge and a plate of ambition, Lin Wei is ready to turn a humble bean into a culinary empire. But can a single mother survive jealous neighbors, scheming rivals, and the lure of ancient royalty? In a land where tradition rules, she’s about to rewrite the recipe for success—one block of tofu at a time.

Sequel to Guide to raise my cutie husbands. Mo Qiang, an architect was chosen by the fairy of nature who brought her to the world of interstellar where she was punished to revive the nature that she has destroyed with her own hands while creating architecture that she thought was paving way for the future. Now, stuck with a nature-reviving system in a world full of poisonous gases and intergalactic stuff where she has to start from the very beginning and plant more forest and crops while creating a liveable world for the humans, Mo Qiang was suffering. But it sounds easy right? No! In her path she has three villainous husbands, all three of them want to kill her such that they will be able to marry her capable sister after kicking her away who was trashy and good for nothing. Mo Qiang has nothing against them, in fact, she is more than willing to divorce them after securing her life and raising her favourability in their hearts such that they will not kill her but —— Why are they coming for her now? Hello, you all wanted to marry her sister right? Excerpt: “ Here you go,” said Mo Qiang as she pushed the divorce agreement looking at her first husband who was gentle but poisonous like a snake. “ I have already signed the document of our divorce, you can take a look —-wait, why are you taking your clothes off?” The mer looked at her and smiled gently as he took off his glasses and said, “ Looks like my wife is not happy with me not giving birth to our child, don’t worry I will work hard tonight.” Mo Qiang: “…..” I do not want you to work hard! Take second! “ Take this and sign it,” said Mo Qiang, this time more fiercely as she looked at her second husband who was reading a script for his film. “ I am sure you want to divorce me right? I have already signed —-woah! What are you putting me on the bed for?” She asked while looking at the gorgeous face. Her second husband stared down at her and with a blank expression and voice as cold as water said, “ I have to practice a love-making scene, help me, dear wife.” Mo Qiang: “……” This movie that you are shooting is based on the Zerg apocalypse, don’t lie to me! With whom are you going to make love with? A Zerg? Take third! “ Huff, huff..this is the divorce agreement, sign it... I know that your company does not allow idols to date so here sign it,” she said to her third husband who was practising his dance moves. The mer who was dressed in a loose silk shirt and sweat dripping down his body took a look at the document that she was handing him and then hugged Mo Qiang. A second later she heard his sniffling voice while he peppered kisses on her neck, “ Wife you do not want me? Is that the new idol who attracted your attention, I knew it! I will take care of him!” “Put down that knife will you!” And why is the third prince of the imperial family who hated her to the bones coming after her with flowers? She already has her hands full! ….

In a desperate bid to save his family, our main character steals a name Samuel Wright, a life, and a chance to chase the legend of golden eggs across the sea. But as guilt weighs heavy and danger looms in every shadow, Samuel must decide how far a thief can go before he loses everything—including himself.

In the town of New Haven, there is a new threat. Seven elite families form the global Council to hunt anomalies(monsters) , with New Haven’s power players—the Nez, Fezziwig, and Bellini families—at its core. Jon Fezziwig, inherited the curse of the sun from his bloodline, is drawn to the enigmatic Harper Bellini,she is very impulsive and sometimes cunning, she is a magician unaware of her heritage. Their connection sparks conflict with Cassius Nez, Harper’s sadistic boyfriend and Jon’s ex-best friend. Meanwhile, Jon’s half-brother Noah, has the raven bloodline curse, he battles his monstrous nature while investigating the town’s dark secrets. Alliances blur as betrayals and curses ignite a deadly game of power, magic, and survival.

Raven Blackwood, a once-celebrated actress, finds herself grappling with the harsh realities of fame and the brutal fall from grace that comes with scandal. At the height of her career, she was catapulted into stardom with her breakout role in a blockbuster film. However, her meteoric rise soon spiraled into a whirlwind of pressure, addiction, and controversy, leaving her career in tatters. As the story begins, Raven is stepping out of a car, blinded by the flashes of paparazzi cameras, their voices a chaotic blend of accusations and curiosity. She enters a bustling reception area, feeling out of place and overwhelmed by the drastic change in her life. Her mind drifts back to her days of fame, the intense scrutiny, and the eventual downfall as she struggles to reconcile her past with her present. In a state of emotional and physical exhaustion, Raven falls into a deep sleep, only to be plagued by nightmares of her downfall—banned by her company, shunned by the industry, and drowning in debt due to contract violations. Her dreams take a surreal turn when she is transported to a mysterious white space, encountering two other individuals, Lindy and Dan, who introduce her to the "system space."

A secret mission was all it took for Elise to gain the infamous twins, Azael and Reuel's attention and from then on, there was no stopping them. While the twins want her, Elise wants nothing to do with them. Amidst the growing infatuation and feelings, Elise has even to protect herself from the danger she has unknowingly put herself into. ---------------------------------------------------------------- “You were ours the day you stepped inside our club,” Azael said as he strode towards her and Elise took a step back instantly. “I belong to no one.” She declared as she maintained her gaze on him. But her wavering voice gave her away and Azael arched his lips, taking it as a challenge. “Are you sure, darling? Why does your heartbeat say otherwise?” Reuel approached her from behind and Elise was now trapped between the twins. “I…” Elise licked her lips as she maintained her gaze on the man before her while her mind was focused on Reuel’s wandering hands that were inching towards her waist. “You what, gorgeous?” Azael probed as he smirked at her evilly and Elise was lost in his mysterious depths instantly. “Tell us you want us, Elise.” Reuel urged from behind. “Tell us, baby. Tell us you want us as much as we want you.” Azael ran a finger along her arm and goosebumps peppered on her skin instantly. “Tell us, Elise.” And that was all it took for Elise to surrender. “I want you.” ---------------------------------------------------------------- This book contains mature content including violence and sexual themes. It is also a reverse harem romance and explores many different aspects of BDSM. Read at your own discretion. This book will be posted on RoyalRoad

She can hear her, she's there, her long salt and pepper hair packed in a bun atop her head, with her forest green-eyes staring straight at her, she can hear her, she's smiling, she said her name is Ailsa. That's not Genevieve first time seeing her, but that's the first time she's talking to her. Pretty, that's what came to her mind. She Can HEAR her. "VieVie!" Came a voice from above where Genevieve is. She doesn't know maybe she's tired of hearing that name or if she's happy, but sitting down, she realized she's alone. Ah!, she left, Ailsa left. Clair told her no one is named Ailsa in the house, that it's only her, Genevieve and Mark that's in the house, but Genevieve knows that she sees Ailsa almost once every two days and today was her first time talking. But??? Who's Ailsa? Ah! But Ailsa can hear her?!

Liuliu opened her eyes, and suddenly the surroundings felt ancient. The people, the bed she was lying on, everything screamed of ancient times. Liuliu felt a piercing headache. No, she begged, please don't let this be time-travel. I don't do that! Like it or not, on her first day after traveling through time, Liuliu had experienced a harsh awakening - apparently, her husband had inflicted an injury on her that left her with a broken head. The main character had fled, and sadly, Liuliu had to take her place. Thus, her journey into the real-life drama of time-travel commenced. The following day, after being informed about the incident, her family appeared furiously on the scene. The sight of her raging family, all brandishing butcher knives, sent a shiver of terror down Liuliu's spine. Liuliu's family brought her back home to recuperate. Her father sternly warned that if her husband's family didn't come to get her within three days, he would go to them instead. Liuliu trembled at the threat. Mercifully, on the third day, her husband’s family did come to get her, including her playboy brother-in-law. "Sister-in-law, how about coming home with me? After that, we can try our luck in town. Did your parents give you any silver?" The fourteen-year-old brother-in-law had learned to gamble from his elder sister-in-law, who had not been in the house for long. Now, he was not only there to pick her up, but also to gamble! "Fifth brother, these books are for you!" Liuliu handed over several books borrowed from the Academy to the bookworm fifth brother as she was passing by to gamble. She got them by climbing the wall and had even borrowed some books. The books, of course, couldn't say no. Her younger sister was being bullied by her husband's family. Liuliu, along with her playboy fourth brother and bookworm fifth brother, went to help her. It was then that Liuliu realized they had encountered a jerk who beat her sister's husband to a pulp, and official divorce papers were handed over. "Little sister, once we're free of this crooked tree, we have an entire forest to explore. Let your sister-in-law show you around!" Liuliu was deeply satisfied. After all, anyone who disrespected her loved ones deserved a beating! Recommendation for the new 2021 book "Tough Daughter-in-law from the Rural Area". Come and support, enjoy the read!

"Junior Brother Qin, do you want a wife or not?" A well-meaning senior martial brother of Qin Changqing's brought a wife to him, and Qin Changqing had no reason to refuse. Qin Changqing unexpectedly arrived in this world, diligently cultivated for thirty years, yet still remained useless. Well, he decided to give up his cultivation, get married, and have children. That would be great!

# chief assistant Zhao Chuchu was reborn in a time before the apocalypse. As soon as the space was filled with supplies, something fell from a high altitude and killed her. Then, she transmigrated, becoming a small villager in an unknown dynasty. She started this new life by taking out the natives, dealing with the plague, and becoming a divine doctor in one fell swoop. Using her fists, she gained high status. She bullied those scums until they cried for their mommy and begged for mercy. She produced large quantities of rice, beans, and sweet potatoes… She could do everything, and she earned a lot of money with that. Everyone watched as she reconciled with Xiao Xiucai. They watched until a baby was born, as well as until Xiao Xiucai became the top scholar and smoothly became the Chief Minister. Then, everyone waited for the day the Chief Minister would divorce his wife, who went through hardships in life with him. They waited and waited until the couple had grown old, the two living together for the rest of their lives.

Entering into a no strings attached relationship with her boss was supposed to be just that. No string, no feelings, just sex. But somehow Elle caught feelings, and then to save her life, she has to marry her mafia boss, Gio Romano. How can she continue hiding her feelings for him when they are now married? And is Gio really as unaffected as he seems to be? ... excerpt... "Took you long enough," She shot him an irritated glare, standing and turning her back to him. Opening her locker to pretend like she was looking for something. If she continued looking at the devilish smirk of his, she might just jump him, and that was not why she was there. A hand came around her waist, pulling her back into a solid wall of muscle and she let out an involuntary squeak. Warm breath ghosted the side of her as he neck as huffed" Why so angry, cara mia?" Back to chest as she was, his deep baritone reverberated through her body and Elle felt herself instantly relax, leaning more of her weight onto him as he peppered the side of her neck with kisses. This was not good, she had to focus, she was here to quit. No smooth words or delightful kisses would change her mind...

Gods and demons are everywhere in the Grand Desolate World. Jiang Lan finally becomes a disciple of Kunlun Mountain; specifically—the only disciple of the Ninth Summit. Knowing the dangers outside, he decides to stay hidden in the Ninth Summit’s Netherworld Cave and cultivate in seclusion. With a unique sign-in system unknown to everyone else, Jiang Lan acquires several divine powers, Dharma treasures, and other aids to enhance his cultivation along the way. His current goal is to keep his actual cultivation level a secret, remain a low-key Kunlun disciple and stay out of harm’s way until he is strong enough to take on any obstacles. Only when he emerges from his cultivation after some time does his Master bring him an important message: Kunlun has found him a fiancée.

# MOE # BIGSHOT # HEROINE CUTE BABY # VICIOUS Song Liangjiang married Chu Jingmo because of a mishap. After their marriage, Chu Jingmo suddenly disappeared. Three years later, they met again at a reception. Song Liangjiang was so shocked that she felt her soul leave her body for a moment. However, Chu Jingmo, a CEO, lightly said, “Miss Song, have we met before?” Song Liangjiang came back to her senses and she replied with a smile, “Of course not.” On the way back, Chu Jingmo closed his eyes to relax, but muttered slowly to himself, “Song Liangjiang… That’s a familiar name.”His assistant answered hesitantly, “She’s your wife, sir. To be precise, your former wife. Your mother made the decision to divorce you both a year ago.”Chu Jingmo: “...” He leaned back and relaxed once more. “Bring her to my room tomorrow. I want to talk to her.”At the same time, a miniature version of Chu Jingmo was eating at home. “Mommy, we don’t need Daddy.”

Reborn in 2009, this is an era where Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are competing, and Lindy, as a young player from the youth training, has to play against Real Madrid at the beginning...

ONLY INTRO! READ 1ST BOOK ON AMAZON AND BARNES AND NOBLE MAY 1ST The humans have ruined everything! The sun; RUINED! The weather; RUINED! They've even ruined toast! (Who puts BEANS on BREAD!!!) So, the gods and goddesses that govern the world must take control and fix each and every thing the humans have screwed up! And, with the help from a trashy priest in north London, they might just be able to fix it before the higher ups find out and their all snapped away! But... there's one issue. Somber priest, Nicholas, fell asleep one night, not expecting to be woken up in a new body, in a new room, and in a new century! After having been chosen to save the world, Nicholas must dorn the identity of Xue Leiyin, prince of Lijiang Dynasty! Without factories, cars, beans, and toast, Xue Leiyin must wander the world that he governs while protecting himself from the grimy hands of angels, vampires, and incubi! ONLY INTRO! READ 1ST BOOK ON AMAZON AND BARNES AND NOBLE MAY 1ST

(This is a multiple person P.O.V so place be warned) "Eldories: Rebellion of the Ascendant" is a tale of divine defiance, cosmic forces, and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to challenge the celestial order.

**MATURE Themes, Language, & Content** “Wait, this has to be a joke... I’m expected to share a dorm room with a man? I was supposed to room with other women!” She screeched while holding the sides of her head. “A man?” The male eyed her up and down, “Did you think I was human?” “Of course, you’re human. Things like vampires, werewolves, demons, fairies, and such don’t exist. So, what else could you be other than a human being?! Don’t be preposterous!” “Last I checked, demons exist,” he coldly replied, looking offended. She snorted as she crossed her arms in disbelief, “What? You expect me to believe that? Yeah, right... Are you trying to tell me that you’re like a demon or something?”. “LIKE a demon? No, no... I AM a demon, and my name is Xinith,” he lowered his voice as he crossed the room toward her. She stepped back until her back was against the door, “That is utter bullshit. Now back up, you creep!” “No,” he said in a much lower tone, “not until you believe me. Do you want proof? Then say that magic word you humans like to use so much to find us.” One of her hands was reaching into her back pocket, where she kept a small pepper spray bottle. He noticed her hand and gripped her wrist tightly, enough that he overpowered her and pinned not just one, but both of her wrists overtop her head. “You shouldn’t have done that, little one,” he growled, his face nearing hers. The room suddenly felt like it was closing in on her. Her heart was racing, and it felt like it was in a pinball machine, causing physical pain in her chest. Her lungs felt like they were drowning, and her eyesight kept fading in and out. She immediately tried thrashing herself around but to no avail. She was having a panic attack, and he was the cause of it. --- Alex was ready to start the next chapter of her life: College! Little did she know that the administration would mistake her for being a male student and place her in the men’s dorm because of her name. She gets stuck with the single suite that has only one bedroom but two beds! Even worse, she finds out that her dormmate is a demon?! What would happen if the two had a budding romance? Is her demon dormmate just using his powers to lure her in, or is she feeling something real? Only time will tell...

~Updates Saturdays and Sundays 'My Beloved' He called her, Kaylani was not having any of it , But just how easy was it to escape the clutches of a 3000 year old creature of the night with the hots for you? _______________ "Do you really think all of this can keep me out?" Kelevi asked, taking in the garlic curtains and red beans sprayed everywhere with deep amusement. "If that doesn't work, this will." Kaylani replied with determination, brandishing the wooden dagger fiercely in the air. "Ah...You would stake me?" Kelevi gasped with mock horror, watching as Kaylani's eyes narrowed in that familiar manner they always did when she was seething in anger. "If you do not leave, I will." Kaylani promised solemnly, Kelevi chuckled darkly as he took another step closer to Kaylani, watching as she equally retreated another step back. Kelevi took note of the wall behind Kaylani, lips stretching into a smirk revealing his glinting sharp fangs as he realized she would soon run out of steps to take away from him. "I came with a proposal... dump that boyfriend of yours and come to me." Kelevi stated as though it was the most natural request to ask your neighbor to leave her four year boyfriend for a vampire. "Why would I even do that?" Kaylani seethed, "Because you rightfully belong to me Lani and no one else... because he can never satisfy your darkest desires like I can." Kelevi said in a deep, guttural tone, eyes dark with desire. "What do you know about my desires?" Kaylani challenged, tone still as cold and fierce as it always was. "I will have you writhing in pleasure beneath me, your pleasure trove dripping wet, chanting my name as though it was your last prayer as I take you over and over again till you forget where I end and where you begin." Kelevi swore, his words sending a jolt of desire right down to Kaylani's core. *Cover art sourced from the internet, all credits to the original artist*

"Seriously? This is what you have decided to go with? Alright, then." Lauren took two courageous steps near him, almost staring into his red eyes. "Kill me!" She challenged him in almost a whisper, which echoed in his ears. Elliott eyes grew dark, his pupils dilated, taking in the sight of the brave girl still standing staring at him. The scent of human blood wafted towards him, causing his fangs to protrude and his mouth to water. He could feel the thirst raging within him. "You aren't taking it seriously, are you?" He questioned, frustrated — like she had never seen him before. He looked down and shook his head harder, trying to get rid of the newfound desire to devour her. Lauren could feel anger burning inside her. "Why should I? When you are talking like some psychopath... Well, just so you know, if I'm in danger, you're in danger too. And what if I spill the beans about you being a vampire? Think about that." Lauren raised her eyebrows as she stared at him, amused at herself. 'I'm doing it great. I just need to stay away from him after this,' she thought. He stopped then, motionless for a moment. Seconds seemed to pass by as Elliott took his very own sweet time to answer her. The corner of his lips curved upward as he bend down towards her level, stared straight in her big charcoal eyes. "A lowly human like you, who can just threaten us with warnings like this, and then obviously will not expose something that will result in their own life." His words were sharp as knives. It was hard to know, if he was insulting her or warning her. Elliott chuckled, and his eyes, which turned just dark red, stared into hers, where his were much darker than hers. He noticed the fear, confusion, and ego that had been shaken now. Elliott cleared his throat. "I don't understand you," he told her suddenly, his black-magic voice so quiet that she had to strain to hear him. She narrowed her eyes at him, not trusting herself to speak, and she was still deciding the best course of action when he said "Aren't you afraid? The demon will come for you," he observed her reaction and noticed how she gasped in what looked like a slight emotion of fear. But she retracted her expression and showed her brave side, while he knew how her breathing were working. "Why do you save me?" — - Most of the chapters are above 1500 words . - 1 super gift 3 chapters next day. — Other Books: Ruins Of The Glory (ongoing) Thee Spark (upcoming)