Normal price will be $4.99. If bought separately the series is worth $12.** The Love Game : His challenge? Make her fall in love with him. Her challenge? Play the player. Until life changes the rules of the game.Maddie Stevens hated Braden Carter on sight. Arrogant, egotistical, and the playboy of the University of California, Berkeley, he's everything her brother Pearce has taught her to despise. So why, when the girls challenge her to play the player, doesn't she say no? She doesn't know either. Playing for Keeps : She's in love with him. He's trying not to love her. One night changes everything.Aston Banks never meant to get close to Megan Harper - not even for that one night. Haunted by a childhood he refuses to face, he knew she could break through every wall he'd ever built and tear them down without even realizing she was doing it.Betraying Braden by starting a relationship with Aston wasn't on Megan's to-do list, but the second she sees a glimpse of someone other than the arrogant ass she's come to know, she can't walk away. The Right Moves : Her past is wrought with demons. His past is full of heartbreak. Yet he's the one person that can remind her what it means to live.Abbi Jenkins never thought she would leave the walls of the mental institution that's housed her for the last year. Now she has, but that doesn't mean she's forgotten everything Pearce put her through.Blake Smith left London for one reason and one reason only. Running from the heartbreak of his past was never something he wanted to do, but with constant reminders everywhere he turned, it became his only option. When he arrives in New York City, he vows he'll keep the promise he made to his sister and get into Juilliard.Lines blur as their pasts are wrenched into the open, and they have to ask themselves whether they're too broken to ever to be fixed, or if they're the healing the other needs. Worth the Risk : She lost a part of her soul when he died. He lost his right hand man, his ultimate partner in crime. But it's that tragedy that might just push them together.If Kyle Daniels regrets anything, it's not being home the night his best friend died or going home for his funeral. Leaving Berkeley and heading back to Verity Point, Oregon, for the summer feels like returning to a hollow cave without Cameron there. The only thing that makes it bearable is the knowledge that Roxanne, Cam's younger sister, is still there.Roxy Hughes isn't the same girl he left behind six months ago. Destroyed by losing her older brother, her downward spiral has been uncontrollable. Alcohol and sex is her escape - complete oblivion being the only place she can forget the agony of that night. Because she's the only one that truly knows it.Kyle always promised Cam that if anything happened to him he'd protect Roxy, but one kiss takes his need to protect her to a whole new level. Now, she's more than just his best friend's sister. She's everything he wants, and he's everything she doesn't know she needs. But if he doesn't figure out a way to pull her from the deep, dark hole she's dug herself, she might just end up the same way as her brother.

    Laugh, cry and fall in love with the entire Mathews family in this all inclusive box set. Includes No More Wasted Time, Shayla's Story, The Perfect Someday, and Surviving Broken. NO MORE WASTED TIME After losing her husband to a sudden heart attack, Tess Mathews escapes to Bora Bora to lay her husband and sorrow to rest. What she doesn’t expect is a new beginning. Tom Clemmins is an A-list actor whose life revolves around work and an onslaught of women. He travels to Bora Bora for a much-needed break. Tom has a few ideas of how he’ll enjoy his vacation, but love isn’t one of them. Until he sees Tess. Reserving a private shark-feeding excursion to scatter her husband’s ashes into the lagoon, Tess is furious when Mr. Hollywood bribes his way onto the boat, leaving her no other choice but to share the boat ride. Tess is torn between tremendous guilt and zealous lust when their boat ride turns into a week full of romance and desire neither thought imaginable. Utterly smitten with a woman for the first time in his life, Tom casts his commitment phobia aside and whisks Tess off to Malibu where he introduces her as his “girlfriend” on the red carpet. As the paparazzi besiege, can Tess survive the media blitz that ensues in order to find her second chance at love? SHAYLA'S STORY ~ People come into your life for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime ~ A Reason… Questioning her relationship with a man who worships politics more than her, Shayla Clemmins escapes reality for the seductive sunsets of Greece. There she finds exactly what she didn’t know was missing from her life, but fears she’ll lose him to her past. A Season... John Mathews works hard and plays even harder. When he finds a new passion in the sensual warmth of Greece, he discovers that one lust-filled weekend of romance is just not enough. A Lifetime... With Shayla’s past catching up to her and an anonymous threat to her future, can she and John make a lifetime together? THE PERFECT SOMEDAY Tracy Mathews lives life by the perfect moral code. After graduating magna cum laude in Marketing, she travels to the fabled churches of Santorini to capture the picturesque sunset, only to find a masquerade wedding about to begin. Tracy is persuaded by her younger sister to crash the ceremony. While donning a mask in Greece, she encounters a magnetically charming, handsome Italian, who entices her deepest desires. After a brief and mysterious rendezvous with future promises made, she returns home only to realize her dreams of the perfect man have been shattered—until an unexpected job opportunity presents itself in Italy. Vincent is a fifth generation winemaker in the rolling hills of Tuscany. On the verge of losing his family’s estate, will Tracy Mathews, an up and coming marketing entrepreneur, be exactly what he needs to save his family heritage and his broken heart? SURVIVING BROKEN ~ Sometimes you have to go through hell to find your heaven ~ Most women have a wish list when it comes to what kind of man they want to date. JC Mathews used a strict set of guidelines as a safety net to keep herself out of trouble and out of love. On hiatus from the bright lights and speculative gazes of her career in the fashion industry, JC lets her guard down...only to the wrong man. After escaping Italy and the hands of her abuser, she returns to Malibu to recover. The last thing she expects to find is a large, gorgeous intruder swimming naked in her pool. Reed Rider left Texas and his broken heart behind in order to settle his aunt’s affairs after her death.

    From the funny and sweet to the steamy and heartfelt, this collection has eight full-length fun, romantic love stories hand-picked to bring a smile to your face while you’re lounging out in the sun this summer. Together, this **limited edition** collection is priced at over 95% off retail for each of the novels sold individually! An incredible value that will be available until July only so get yours today!COLLECTION INCLUDES: On Any Given Sundae -- by USA Today Bestselling Author Marilyn Brant Finding the Right Girl -- by NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Violet Duke Sweet to You -- by iBooks and Barnes & Noble Bestselling Author Jessie Evans Unafraid -- by USA Today Bestselling Author Melody Grace Love Love -- by Amazon Bestselling Author Beth Michele Tempting Love - Haley & Eddie -- by Amazon Bestselling Author Melanie Shawn Not Over You -- by NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Marquita ValentineAnd in her much-anticipated indie debut, Samhain bestselling author Erin Nicholas with the never-before-published novel, Getting Out of Hand.

    Not to mention I’m packing a sizable bulge below the belt. It’s a combination that drops panties on a regular basis. Yay, me, right? But my cock, troublemaker that he is, has been confined to my trousers by my business partner. A concession I agreed to, and one that’s never been hard to enforce until Emery moves in across the hall. She’s smart, young, determined, and sexy as hell. I want a taste. I won’t stop until I’m buried deep inside the succulent new-in-town brunette. After being warned about my past, she does her best to steer clear, but I’m about to show her that underneath it all, I’m a guy with a heart of gold and a cock of steel. My name is Hayden Oliver, and this is my story. Book 2, Monster Prick: Over my dead body. That's what I told Gracie when she informed me of her plan to pick some random guy she met online to get rid of her pesky virginity. If anyone is touching her, it's going to be me. I shouldn't even be considering it, but I can't get it out of my head: her, under me, begging me. *** Arrogant. Cocky. Prick. Those are the words I'd use to describe my older brother's dangerously handsome best friend. When he learned of my plan to kick off my white cotton briefs, ditching my good girl persona once and for all by losing my virginity to the first eligible bachelor I could find, he flipped out. Said over his dead body. He says if anyone's going to do it, it's going to be him. I hate that I'm even considering his offer. But I am ... I sooo am. Ever since he suggested it, all I can think about is his cocky smile on those full lips as he's driving in to me. But if we cross that line ... will I ever be able to go back? MONSTER PRICK, a sexy romantic comedy, is a spin off novella from SCREWED, but can be read as a standalone, as it features a new couple.

     These brothers play the game…but the women know the score… Included in this collection are: Breakaway (Jase) Faceoff (Tag) One Man Advantage (Logan) Hat Trick – The Hellers are Home for the Holidays Offside (Matt)

     The Love series is a coming of age, new adult, contemporary series with a HEA, that is not typical. This series is raw and real. It will remind you of yours or someone you knows, first love. The Wrapped series is a single mothers love story with a younger man. It is a contemporary, rocker, second chance, sexy suspense filled series that will have you on the edge of your seat. The Burning Souls series is a rocker and small town girls love story. It is raw, gritty, and suspense filled as well.

    But then – in the years before she went to art school in Paris – she was a shy, awkward teenager with frizzy hair, a flat chest and a massive crush on the boy across the street, Cole Marlowe. Too bad her incredibly hot neighbor only had eyes for Layla. 
Cole is now a confident, laid-back attorney who’s even hotter than he used to be. He’s planning to stay single while working his way up the corporate ladder – until he’s knocked off course by a chance run-in with Emma. 
Everything is different between Cole and Emma now. He finally sees her in a way she only dreamed of, and their hot chemistry is fueled by a growing friendship. But Emma’s deception of her sister – who wants Cole for herself – and the secret Cole’s been keeping for more than a decade threaten to tear apart what’s only just begun. Because sometimes the only thing standing in the way of now is then. Now and Again (Now Series, #2) Once again, 26-year-old Layla Carson has the attention of a man eager to satisfy her. Ben Montrose, the hot, confident cop who gets off on frustrating her, is eager to show her just how arresting he can be. But as a reforming sexaholic, Layla’s sworn off casual hookups, and doesn’t miss the days of her early 20s –much. 

Ben’s caught off-guard when the sexy, outspoken attorney turns him on and then turns him down. But the confident former Marine knows he can handle the simple seduction of a beautiful woman. He finds Layla’s weak spot – competition, which he happens to share – and challenges her to a game that could make them, or destroy them. 

As they compete to crown the master of seduction, Ben and Layla discover there’s more to their game than power and foreplay. But as the stakes go up, they realize the game has changed, and they both stand to lose more than they bargained for. Now and Forever (Now Series, #3) Now that Emma and Layla Carson have landed the men of their dreams, it’s time for happily ever after. Or is it? 

Emma’s with childhood crush Cole Marlowe, and Layla finally found Mr. Right in alpha cop Ben Montrose. But both couples face unexpected obstacles that will test their relationships. Layla and Emma find solace in each other as battle lines are drawn, and they rediscover the close friendship they lost over Cole. 

It’s all on the line as the sisters struggle to find the answer to the most difficult question they’ve ever faced: is the love they have now meant to last forever? 
** Warning** This book contains adult language and situations.

    Cocky, arrogant and super wealthy—women were eating out of his hand as soon as his tight ass crossed the threshold of our office. But not me. I knew better. When we were forced to go to Paris together for an assignment, I wasn’t interested in his seductive smile, his sexy accent or his dirty laugh. I wasn’t falling for his charms. Until I did. Until Paris. Until he was kissing me and I was wondering how it happened. Until he was dragging his lips across my skin and I was hoping for more. Paris does funny things to a girl and he might have gotten me naked. But Paris couldn’t last forever. Promised Nights I’ve been in love with Luke Daniels since, well, forever. As his sister's best friend, I’ve spent over a decade living in the friend zone, watching from the sidelines hoping he would notice me, pick me, love me. I want the fairy tale and Luke is my Prince Charming. He’s tall, with shoulders so broad he blocks out the sun. He's kind with a smile so dazzling he makes me forget everything that’s wrong in the world. And he's the only man that can make me laugh until my cheeks hurt and my stomach cramp. But he’ll never be mine. So I’ve decided to get on with my life and find the next best thing. Until a Wonder Woman costume, a bottle of tequila and a game of truth or dare happened. Then Luke's licking salt from my wrist and telling me I’m beautiful. Then he’s peeling off my clothes and pressing his lips against mine. Then what? Is this the start of my happily ever after or the beginning of a tragedy? Indigo Nights The only thing better than cake is cake with a side of orgasms. Dylan James has no expectations when it comes to relationships. He uses women for sex and they use him for his money and power.It's quid pro quo and he's good with that. It works. Beth Harrison has been burned. She's tired of the lies and the game playing that men bring and has buried herself in her passion--baking which keeps her out of the reach of heartbreak. As she begins her career as a TV baker, a new world opens up to her. Dylan and Beth both know that casual sex is all about giving what you need to get what you want. Except that sometimes you give more than you need to and get everything you ever wanted.

    This omnibus bundle edition includes SOMETHING WILD, SOMETHING RECKLESS, SOMETHING REAL, as well as a bonus epilogue short story, SOMETHING BEAUTIFUL, available exclusively in this compilation.SOMETHING WILDSamuel Bradshaw is a man with a reputation—the kind of reputation that should have me running the other way. Instead, it has me searching for the shortest distance to his bed. I won’t be the starry-eyed girl who thinks she can change a man like Sam, and despite what he thinks, forever is not what I need. I need the things he makes me feel, the way he turns me on, and the promise of pleasure in his eyes. I need SOMETHING WILD.SOMETHING RECKLESSHe talks dirty to me, but I don’t know his name.He wants to tie me up, but I don’t know his face.He turns me on, but I couldn’t point him out in a crowd.I’ve fallen for an anonymous stranger, and now the anonymity ends. I want more than typed secrets and texted promises. I want something reckless. Heat. Passion. The thrill of being entirely possessed.Because I suspect this anonymous stranger isn’t a stranger at all.SOMETHING REALAfter everything blew up on Christmas, Liz walked away from me, and I let her. She said she needed space and a chance to pursue her dreams. But we both knew she was running from the mess she made. Now the political campaign she used as an excuse to leave is bringing us back together and I’m proving to her what she really needs—not just the hot nights, greedy hands, and undeniable physical chemistry. What she really needs is something real. What she really needs…is me.~~~Praise for the Reckless and Real Series"Holy!!! A MUST read!!!!" -Worth the Read Blog"This book has the sexy times and the crazy twists and turns we've come to expect from Ms. Ryan." -UnapologeticallyBookish"[L]ove, lies, betrayal, and secrets [...] will for sure have you sitting on the edge of your seat." -Jennifer H. at Book B!tches Blog"Sweet mother of great stories, this had it all! Romance, chemistry, sexy times [...] mystery, heartache and most importantly: SAM BRADSHAW." -Celeste at The Book Hookup"Pieces of mystery were weaved into the plot with plenty of angst and lust to keep me glued to the story." -Crystal at Reading Between the Wines Book Club"Lexi Ryan has done it again! Creating another hot and steamy story complete with an emotional connection that is so passionate that it is quite simply unforgettable." -Christine at Shh Mom's Reading"Sam is a dirty talker and Lizzy is his perfect match. I *LOVE* them together. They are smokin' hot." -Kim at Kimberly Faye Reads

    Ten authors are bringing you more of your favorite stories and sneak peeks at future books in Night Shift 2. Pucks, Sticks, and Diapers by Toni Aleo - First came love, then came the NHL, then came Baylor and Jayden with a baby carriage. Secret prequel bonus scene by Kindle Alexander - A man must reveal his deepest secret to keep the ones he loves. Max excerpt by Sawyer Bennett - The Carolina Cold Fury’s hot new star shows his bad-boy teammates that even nice guys can score big in this steamy hockey romance. Nights with Him bonus epilogue by Lauren Blakely - Life for Michelle and Jack in Paris is about to get busier... Forbidden Nights bonus epilogue by Lauren Blakely - The night before Casey and Nate's wedding... Enshrine prequel by Chelle Bliss - When the clock strikes Midnight on New Year’s Eve, two strangers share more than a toast. Wicked Impulse excerpt by Chelle Bliss - Bear, the bad boy silver fox, never thought he’d fall in love again. But when Fran DeLuca, a woman who’s known more for her track-suits, transforms into a vixen clad in skin-tight pants and a killer push up bra, he’s tempted to cross a line he swore he never would. There’s only one thing worse than dating his friend’s sister – sleeping with his mother. Sweet Cheeks excerpt by K Bromberg - An all new second chance romance: When invited to her ex-fiance's new wedding, Saylor gets more than she bargains for when an old flame offers to be her date.Read the final moments in Eden Butler’s Thin Love series in this deleted scene story, My Always - Every marriage has a moment—it defines the future, it settles doubt. That moment comes for Keira Riley-Hale when her marriage is threatened and she forgets how to find her way back to her husband. Will a brief getaway to the Tennessee mountains bring Keira and Kona to the moment that changes everything in their marriage? Or will that moment never come? Royally Deep excerpt by Virna DePaul - A sexy quarterback and an adventurous princess turn some serious sexual tension into the romance of a lifetime. Dirty Work bonus epilogue by Chelle Bliss and Brenda Rothert - Former political rivals Jude and Reagan seal the biggest deal of their lives with a kiss. His bonus epilogue by Brenda Rothert – Andrew and Quinn are settled in to their happily ever after when a friend turned foe returns. Rescuing Emily bonus chapter by Susan Stoker - See what happens when a Delta Force Operative, Fletch, takes single mom, Emily, and her daughter, Annie on an all-day date.

    These irresistible bad boys will take you on a wild ride that will leave you breathless!This boxed set collection features stories from popular authors including: USA Today & NY Times Bestsellers Julia Kent and Aubrey Rose, Top 100 Kindle and Nook Bestsellers Krista Lakes, Adriana Hunter and Melanie Marchande, and Bestselling Authors Artemis Hunt, Starla Cole, Cerys du Lys, and Liliana Rhodes!HER FIRST BILLIONAIRE by Julia KentCaught between two men- literally- who turned out to be roommates and secret billionaires, Laura makes a startling discovery about her own capacity for passion.THE WOMAN OF THE BILLIONAIRE’S DREAMS by Krista LakesTracy has been stepped on all her life, but when a car accident leaves her with the ability to enter other people's dreams, an opportunity arises. Will Tracy be able to break out of her shell in order to seduce billionaire Paul Hayes?SHATTERED by Adriana HunterCurvy Katherine is tired of the daily grind. She craves something new... something exciting. There is one thing that she does look forward to every day- the meetings with her ruggedly handsome billionaire boss, Matt Donaldson. Known for his impossibly good looks and unbelievable wealth, he's loved by many and hated by many more. Katherine never thought Matt noticed her until he comes to her rescue. That sets the pace for a dangerous game of complete submission.ME, CINDERELLA? by Aubrey RoseOne kind deed can change your life forever...Brynn has spent her life trying to forget her desires, and Eliot's deep wounds have taken nearly a decade to heal. After so much hurt, will either of them be able to open their hearts again?THE PRETEND BOYFRIEND by Artemis HuntSamantha is clumsy and totally in need of a new boyfriend by this weekend. Her younger sister is getting engaged. Enter Brian Morton. He is gorgeous, rich, snarky, and utterly promiscuous. He was also the bully who made Sam's middle school life a living hell. A series of bizarre events results in Brian losing a bet. His punishment? To be Sam's slave for the weekend... and do anything she wants.NO REGRETS by Liliana RhodesLife hasn't been perfect for plus sized Deborah. Working in a department store isn't great, but it has its perks and she meets one in the form of a man she calls "Mr. Sexy". William King isn't just any man though, he's an ultra-private billionaire heir. When Will's mysterious past puts the two lovers in danger, will the truth bring them closer together or finally tear them apart?I MARRIED A BILLIONAIRE by Melanie MarchandeMaddy has given up on marriage- and men. But when her rich (and sexy) boss Daniel Thorne proposes an arrangement of convenience that would allow him to stay in the country, and Maddy to never work another day in her life, she might get more than she bargained for. By the end of their sham relationship, Maddy finds herself wondering if the money will be enough to repair the cost of a broken heart. But Mr. Thorne may have a secret in store...THE EXHIBITIONIST by Starla ColeErik, a BDSM master Syria met at a bondage exhibition, offers her an opportunity to join his life of beauty, wealth and power as his personal escort and exhibitionist. But on Christmas Eve, Syria will have to choose between a life of luxury without love, and the Santa stripper who just may hold her heart.THE BILLIONAIRE'S ULTIMATUM by Cerys du LysFalling in love wasn't part of Jessika's job description. Nor was being asked by billionaire CEO Asher Landseer to become an egg donor and surrogate for his infertile wife. All Jessika wants to do is help, but is she setting herself up for heartbreak in the process?

    SEVEN full-length contemporary romance novels by bestselling and award-winning authors all in one place for only 99 cents! A love story for every day of the week! We guarantee we'll have you smelling the salty ocean breeze, and feeling the the sand between your toes as you fall in love over and over all week long. This amazing compilation of beach read romances is only available during the month of JULY, so act now and take advantage of this unique opportunity to sample some new-to-you authors. In some cases these are the author's highest selling novels, and they have made them available in this easy "Beach Bag" for a limited time. Enjoy! Books featured: A Stone in the Sea by A.L. Jackson A bad boy rock star falls for a sweet single momThe Hazards of Skinny Dipping by Alyssa Rose IvySometimes the right guy turns out to be the wrong one, and the wrong one ... well you knowUndertow by Elizabeth O'RoarkChildhood love turns to teenage passion and a bitter family betrayal Diving In by Gretchen GalwayBumping into your bad boy college crush while on your post heart break vacation has never been so sweetDrops of Rain by Kathryn AndrewsA swimmer and a ballet dancer who can save each other from their painful pastsEversea by Natasha BoydA jaded Hollywood movie star in hiding falls for an innocent beach town girlWet by Stacy Kestwick A young photographer moves to a coastal beach town and plays cat and mouse with the local playboy

    About to graduate college and pursue her dreams of becoming a professional ballerina, Candace decides it’s time to let go and have a little fun. But fun is short-lived when a brutal attack leaves her completely shattered. The memories that consume and torment Candace are starting to destroy her when she meets Ryan Campbell, a successful bar owner. He feels instantly connected and tries to show her that hope is worth fighting for. But is Ryan harboring his own demons? As walls slowly begin to chip away, the secrets that are held within start to become painful burdens. At what point do secrets become lies? FREEING (book 2) Knowing who you are and accepting who you are come at different prices. Jase Kinrick grew up in your typical, all-American household. But after the death of his sister, his parents shut down, forcing him to deal with everything life throws his way alone. Terrified of the person he’s discovering himself to be, Jase has his way with every willing girl to try and rid himself of what he fears he is—gay. Escaping California and moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington, Jase frees himself to the reality that he likes men. Never staying with any guy long enough to get to know them, he doesn’t realize that he’s still hiding from who he is until he meets Mark. Scared of having real feelings for another guy stirs up the questions and fears he’s fought hard to bury. To strip away the barriers to the heart of what is real, and to be okay with what lies underneath, will be Jase’s moment of truth. But he’ll need Mark to lead him there. FALLING (book 3) Sometimes it takes someone else to show us what we are truly capable of becoming. Suffering from years of violent abuse, Ryan Campbell has learned how to keep people from getting too close. But when you shut yourself off, people get hurt along the way. Never caring much about others, Ryan creates a world in which he doesn’t have to feel. When Ryan meets Candace Parker, all of his walls slowly begin to crumble. Not sure of the truth of who she is, he feels his mind is playing tricks on him. Unable to force out the thoughts that consume him, Ryan is haunted by visions that torment him every time he looks at her. He finds himself swallowed by guilt and blame, but he’s unwilling to turn his back on the one person that could possibly save him. You’ve heard Candace’s story in Fading, now hear Ryan’s.

     Better When It Hurts by Skye Warren Delicate Ink by Carrie Ann Ryan His by Jenika Snow Homeward Bound by Golden Czermak Incandescent by River Savage Losing an Edge by Catherine Gayle The Prince & The Player by Tia Louise Thin Love by Eden Butler Throttle Me by Chelle Bliss Storm by Nina Levine

    SEX. LIES. From New York Times best selling author Cassia Leo, comes a tumultuous love story filled with secrets and betrayal. Five pages... A letter holding a secret buried for more than five years... A secret neither of them wanted to know. Will the truth tear them apart… again?Aurora “Rory” Charles has loved her best friend Hallie’s brother, Houston Cavanaugh, since she was eleven years old. But her friendship with Hallie meant too much to her to risk taking a chance with Houston. Until one snowy afternoon, Houston and Rory find themselves thrust together by the grief of Hallie’s death, catapulting them into a passionate and toxic relationship that will test the boundaries of their loyalty to each other and to Hallie’s memory, ultimately, leaving them in ruins.Five years later, Houston and Rory run into each other and, to Rory’s horror, Houston doesn’t recognize her. She hasn’t changed much, but he certainly has. He’s still as sexy as he was five years ago when he broke her heart, but time, grief, and a loveless marriage have dulled his vibrance. The moment he recognizes Rory, all his memories and long-buried passion and secrets come rushing to the surface. And Houston finds himself once again choosing between the secret of Hallie’s letter and the only girl he’s ever loved.