Archive for June, 2010

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Review: To Surrender To A Rogue

Friday, June 18th, 2010

To Surrender To A Rogue is also one of the books included in the Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway!


To Surrender To A Rogue
Author: Cara Elliott
Publisher: Grand Central
Pub. Date: June 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0446541312
Retail: $6.99
384 pages

An expert in antiquities, Lady Alessandra della Giamatti arrives in Bath to excavate newly discovered Roman ruins-only to find herself caught in a web of evil intrigue by a blackmailer threatening to expose her scandalous past. The one man who can help her is Lord James “Black Jack” Pierson, a fellow member of the expedition and a sinfully handsome rogue whose tempting presence ignites a different sort of danger.

Jack has clashed with Alessandra in the past, so when she suddenly surrenders her body he can’t help being suspicious. Is she a scheming temptress? Or is she truly a lady in trouble? As desire and deceptions swirl around them, Alessandra and Jack must find a way to win each other’s trust. For if they don’t work together to uncover a shocking truth, their enemy-and their own simmering passions-may destroy them and everything they cherish.

~*~*~

Cara Elliot creates a unique story with sizzling chemistry between a lady intellectual and an army hero rogue with a sensitive side. All I can say is…the scene in the old Roman baths steams!

You may know Cara Elliot as Andrea Pickens. But with a new direction in writing (and a hotter heat level) comes a new pen name and a new series.

This is the second in the Circle of Sin trilogy, whose heroines are all unconventional female intellectuals in the Regency period.

Lady Alessandra della Giamatti, an Italian marchesa and a widow, flees Italy in the wake of a scandal so secret she cannot even reveal it to her dear friends, the other members of the Circle of Scientific Sibyls (Circle of Sin for short). And she definitely cannot confide in Lord James “Black Jack” Pierson, the darkly handsome rogue from a long line of war heroes with whom she is constantly butting heads. Alessandra has been burned by her passions in the past…and refuses to permit them to rule her judgment again. Despite this, the man she thought was an arrogant, non-intellectual, and insensitive rogue surprises her at every turn. Even as they spar, they find each other surprisingly negating the preconceived notions each had of the other.

When Jack coincidentally finds himself on the archeological dig where Alessa is an expert in Roman antiquities, he becomes aware of a conspiracy between Alessa and one of the Italian delegates to the expedition…what exactly is her involvement?

Jack discovers he can hold his own as part of the expedition as well as express his talent for sketching, a talent he previously thought unmanly.

A bribe and threats from an old lover threaten to bring Alessandra’s secret to the forefront and jeopardize the life of her eight-year-old daughter Isabella.

She entrusts Jack with her body, but can she trust him with her darkest secret?

Elliot uses a very unique plot concept and integrates it beautifully with intriguing research about the archaeological ruins of the Roman baths in Bath—a unique location to say the least—and takes it to a very exiting and unique climax.

I enjoyed very much learning about the Roman baths and imagining an archaeological expedition in Regency times. Elliot really makes the location come alive.

The chemistry between Alessandra and Jack is palpable. And I repeat—the Roman bath scene—oh, my!

I only wish that the romance heated up a bit faster…there is a while between their initial kisses and what comes later. And while the novel was exquisitely well researched, there are a few times when I felt that information slowed the pacing of the story.

I am eagerly anticipating the third book in the series—you should, too!

Rating: 8 ( Very Good)

Heat-Level: 5 (Scorching)

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RATE THIS BOOK!
Rating: 9.0/10 (1 vote cast)

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Posted in Grand Central, Rate Me Reviews, Reviews | 16 Comments »

Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway

Friday, June 18th, 2010

Check out books 9 and 10!

July Top Pick!

Shipwrecked, wounded, he risks all to pursue his mission – only to discover a partner as daring and brazen as he.

Fiery, tempestuous, a queen in her own realm, she rescues a warrior – only to find her heart under seige.

Bound by passion, linked by need, together they must brave the enemy’s gauntlet to win all their hearts’ desire.

~*~*~

June Top Pick!

HOW CAN THIS PASSIONATE KNIGHT…

Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie’s love for a chance at vengeance.

TRUST A BEAUTY WITH A PAST?

Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife—only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Then just as Linnet begins to make amends, she’s tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie’s love – this time forever.

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Posted in Avon Books, Grand Central, The Season Sites | 20 Comments »

And the winners are…

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

The winner of L.A. Cinderella by Amanda Berry is…

Kim

~*~*~

The winners of A Groom of One’s Own by Maya Rodale are…

Babs
Sue Brandes
Kris
Aliyah Burke
Amanda

Congratulations, ladies. Please email your contact information to me at historicals at historicalromancereleases dot com. You have one week to collect your book.

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Posted in Avon Books, Giveaways, Harlequin | 11 Comments »

Recent Reviews

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

These two reviews have recently been posted on the The Season eZine as well as the Buy Links. Just click the respective covers and press the button “Click to read review”

Rating: 7 Heat Level: 2

Rating: 7 Heat Level: 3

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Posted in Harlequin, Pocket Books, Reviews, The Season Sites | 8 Comments »

Excerpt Thursday ~ Hook Me!

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Were you hooked? Let me know what you think. You can click the cover to purchase Not Quite a Lady.

~*~*~

Not Quite A Lady ~ Erica Anderson
Release Date: April 14, 2010 ~ Ellora’s Cave

“I’m quite harmless, I assure you,” she said.

“Your assurances are completely unnecessary, madam.” Dare made a slow perusal of the room before continuing. “I see no traveling companions. If, in fact, you have any.” His tone left no doubt of his opinion on that issue. “Under the circumstances it would be improper to share the parlor. Despite your kind offer.” The final phrase was loaded with condescension. Really, had the woman been raised by wolves?

She appeared to be immune to his tone, only widening her eyes slightly as though she’d heard something that surprised her. Her eyes were brown, and he was reminded of the color of the moor when the autumn sun hung low in the sky. She was not pretty. Not exactly. Dare had experience with beauty in all its feminine forms, and this woman defied classification. Her nose was a bit too large, her chin too well defined. There was nothing soft and pliable here. Except…

She was still staring at him, as though she were stripping away the layers of politesse he cultivated in order to reveal whatever lay beneath his scowling features.

“As you wish,” she said simply and turned back to her book.

Dare ground his teeth. He did not care to return to the taproom where drunken wedding guests rubbed arms with unwashed plowmen. Perhaps this woman, whoever she was, at least had enough sense not to chatter. “I must beg your pardon,” he said gruffly.

She pressed a finger to the page to mark her position and looked up. “Oh?”

“I have been unconscionably rude.” He gave her the merest hint of a bow.

“I own that my own manners are quite shocking,” she said. “You are still welcome. If you wish.” Her voice curled around the words, lending them an undertone that he usually associated with sexual satisfaction.

He raised his eyebrows and let his eyes wander, quite deliberately, over her body. “Surely you have a reputation to preserve. A maid or companion, perhaps.” Or not. She was wearing a red dress, for God’s sake. It complemented her coloring, but still—red?

“Ah, yes. My maid.” She gave a little flick of her wrist. “She became ill and I was forced to leave her behind.”

Though her eyes were guileless, Dare knew, without a doubt, that she was dissembling. Rather than put him off, the realization only whetted his curiosity. “I see,” he said. He turned and made a show of removing his gloves, pulling the skintight leather from each finger. He tried again to place her. Perhaps she was a member of the demimonde. It was a sorority with which Dare was familiar, but she had none of the blowsy excess he associated with such women.

This train of thought reminded him of how long it had been since he had enjoyed a woman. It was regrettable that the dashing Mrs. Finley had become demanding of late.

Dare tossed his hat and gloves onto the sideboard and returned his attention to the mannerless creature across the room. She spoke the English of the upper classes, but with an odd, lilting rhythm.

Perhaps she was an expatriate from the continent. The accent, however, represented no language with which he was familiar.

Vexed, he strode across the room to the hearth where he stoked the fire, though the room was pleasantly warm. Her shoes lay, discarded, beneath the table. He straightened and realized that her eyes had followed him. He merely lifted his brows, the expression acknowledging her overt scrutiny and communicating his distaste for it.

“May I offer you a glass of wine?” she asked. “I have tried to drink the tea, but it is too awful.” Without waiting for his reply, she reached for a glass.

Her hands were slender, but her skin had been darkened by the sun, as though she spent most of her time outdoors. Definitely not a whore, then. Not a lady, either.

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Posted in Excerpt Thursdays | 15 Comments »

Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway

Thursday, June 17th, 2010

Take a look at books 7 and 8!

King and outlaws, weapons and war: Can love indeed triumph over all?Inhibited, accountant-minded Senna de Valery comes to Ireland to finalize a deal that will save her faltering wool business. What she gets instead is a cunning English lord with dangerous ulterior motives.

Forced to rely on her wits, not her ledgers, Senna frees an Irish warrior chained in the prisons, and together they flee across the war-torn land of medieval Ireland. But Finian O’Melaghlin is much more than a charming, roguish warrior. He is councilor to his king, on a grave mission to recover military secrets, and has a dangerous agenda of his own.

Neither is prepared for the powerful forces arrayed against them …

Neither can resist the fiery passion igniting between them …

Neither can imagine the sacrifices they will face, nor the choices they will be forced to make …

~*~*~

It was impossible to remember how gorgeous the Lowcountry was. It never changed and everyone depended on that.

Newly graduated from college, Beth Hayes has worlds to conquer. But her grand ambitions are put on hold when she’s elected by the family elders to house-sit the Island Gamble—ghosts and all.

But there is much about life and her family’s past that Beth doesn’t understand. And her plans to rest and rejuvenate—to bask in memory and the magic of white clapboards and shimmering blue waters—begin dangerously unraveling when she falls in love.

Still, everything here happens for a reason—and disappointment, betrayal, even tragedy are more easily handled when surrounded by beloved family and loyal friends.

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Posted in Avon Books, Giveaways, Kensington | 13 Comments »

Amanda Berry Interview ~ L.A. Cinderella

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Today we have Amanda Berry, a Silhouette Special Edition Debut Author chatting with us on the blog. For debut authors, we have to extend an extra warm welcome because the first time is always special and pretty darn exciting. Amanda also didn’t come empty handed. She’s giving away an autographed copy of L.A CINDERELLA! Welcome, Amanda, thanks for joining us today.

~*~*~

Debut Author!


Amanda, since this is your debut novel, can you tell us how many manuscripts you completed before you sold this one?


Beverley, thank you for having me on your blog. I completed a fantasy romance that will never be revised and never see the light of day. My second book was a paranormal romance which has been a finalist in multiple contests and I’m currently working on a complete rewrite. L.A. Cinderella was the third book I completed. We won’t discuss how many I started before finishing that first one. :)


I love first call stories. Please tell us yours.


L.A. Cinderella won first place in the Marlene contest and garnered a full request from Patience Smith. About three months after I submitted, I got the call the Friday before Labor Day. I was going to head out to a write-in given by my local RWA chapter and noticed a phone call from New York had come through on my cell phone. When I played the voice mail, it was Patience. It was incredibly hard to dial my little buttons with my shaking hands, but I managed.


Can you tell us a little about L.A. Cinderella?


Chase Booker is an A-list actor born into Hollywood royalty. When his movie production company isn’t making the money it should, his CFO hires hopelessly shy Natalie Collins. Natalie prefers to fade into the background and hide behind her numbers. When she’s forced to ask for Chase’s help in uncovering an embezzlement scheme, their attraction takes front stage. When Chase and Natalie try to fly under the radar with their affair, a disgruntled CFO, a fame seeking actress, and a world of paparazzi stand in their way.


I, like millions of other readers, cut my teeth on Harlequin romance novels. Was that the same for you?


My first romance novels were Silhouette Desires and Special Editions. I then moved on to Historical Romances, which I adore to read, but I don’t think I’d be able to write. But never say never. :)


When did you decide you wanted to write them?


When I picked up writing again after my son was born, I targeted Harlequin Temptation but never finished the book because I had a lot to learn. When I finally decided to really try to write as my career, I started with paranormal romance because I love them. I took a class on Writing the Selling Silhouette Desire and Natalie and Chase were born. I love having the light contemporaries to pull me out of the dark paranormals. The characters are fun to explore and develop.

~~~


L.A. Cinderella
Author: Amanda Berry
Publisher: Harlequin/Silhouette Special Edition
Pub. Date: June 1, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0373655342
Retail: $4.99
224 pages

Career-driven accountant Natalie Collins wasn’t the type to wish for a Hollywood hero to rescue her. She preferred life away from celebrity glitz. Too bad the man who drove her wild was an A-list actor.

With her understated beauty and brains, Natalie was the one person Chase Booker could trust. He could see the strong, sexy woman beneath her shy exterior, and she stirred a blinding passion in him that made it easy to forget that they were from different worlds. But when she was in his arms, their worlds were dangerously close to colliding….

~~~


What do you find appealing about Silhouette Special Edition books?


*blush* Well, originally I was targeting Silhouette Desire, but Patience thought L.A. Cinderella would be a better fit for Special Edition. After reading some of the newer books in the line, I can understand why. I love the extra space Special Editions have to really explore my characters.


Do you prefer beta or alpha heroes?


My heroes tend to be a mix of both. Alpha when a strong hand is needed, but tender enough when needed. I think realistically characters need attributes of both to really appeal to today’s readers.


What’s coming up next for you? Can you tell us anything about your second book?


I’m working frantically on the revisions, but nothing is in concrete yet. The tentative title is Casanova Exposed. My hero is a playboy who meets his match in a tabloid reporter. I had way too much fun writing Mark, the hero. He’s a player through and through, and a whole lot of man.

Beverley, thanks again for inviting me to your blog.

What kind of Hollywood story would you like to read? Which tabloid articles catch your eye? Would you ever be willing to live in the spotlight if it meant you got the man of your dreams?

After an exciting life as a CPA, Amanda Berry returned to writing when her husband swept the family off to England to live for a year. Now she’s hooked, and since returning to the states spends her writing days concocting spicy contemporary romances while her cats try in vain to pry her hands off the keyboard. Her Marlene Award–winning contemporary romance, L.A. Cinderella, debuts from Silhouette Special Edition in June 2010. One thing she requires of all her books is a happily ever after. Amanda lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children. For more information, please visit www.amanda-berry.com.

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Posted in Authors, Giveaways, Harlequin, Interviews | 24 Comments »

Review: Taken By Moonlight

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010


Taken By Moonlight
Author: Dorothy McFalls
Publisher: Cobblestone Press
Pub. Date: May 25, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-1600885440
Retail: $3.99
58 pages

Bored of society’s ballrooms and events, Lady Amelia wants more from life. But not to be kidnapped! A rogue with a wildness that both frightens and excites her steals her away from the only family she’s ever known and tosses her into a world of werewolves and danger.

Dimitri, a lone wolf who plays by his own rules, agreed to capture Lia and bring her to back to his former wolf pack. According to his sister, Lia is the pack’s last hope for survival. But once Dimitri has her, will he be able to let this beguiling she-wolf go?

~*~*~

Dorothy McFalls has crafted a suspenseful Regency paranormal novella that will keep you turning the pages until the end.

Dimitri, Lord Carew, is the new catch of the London season—but everything about him contains an air of mystery, from the manner he came by his title to his sensuous, dark looks and strange accent.

Lady Amelia Routledge is tired of senseless admirers and yearns to fill a powerful restlessness in her that cannot be named.

At a ball, she locks eyes with the enigmatic Carew and soon finds herself in the garden kissing him—and compromised.

But bad goes to worse when she is kidnapped and taken to be the mate of the alpha wolf of Dimitri’s pack—a wild, untamed wolf who wants to mate with her and possess her by brute force, because according to prophecy, only she can save the pack.

Dimitri is a lone wolf/man who must obey his leader unquestionably or pay with his life. But what will he do if his feelings for Lia get in the way? And what will happen if the only way he can save her from the alpha is to possess her himself?

Why does the pack want Lia? What is the strange restlessness that drives her?

McFalls has created a page-turning story that seamlessly blends the Regency world with paranormal elements. The dark, paranormal world she builds in this short time is filled with authentic Regency details. The characters are well drawn. But be forewarned—the story is billed as erotic and heats up quickly! I thought this was a really fun read!

Rating: 8.5 (Very Very Good)

Heat-Level: 6 (Erotic)

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Rating: 6.3/10 (3 votes cast)

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Posted in Cobblestone Press, Rate Me Reviews, Reviews | 8 Comments »

Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway

Wednesday, June 16th, 2010

Check out books number 5 and 6 on The Season’s Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway list. :)

Annabel Winslow is a country girl at heart. She’s staying with her grandparents in London for The Season with the intention of finding a husband wealthy enough to save her family from poverty. Annabel dislikes the idea of marrying a man she does not love, but her sense of duty runs deep.

Sebastian Grey is in limbo. He’s next in line to become the Earl of Newbury unless the current Earl, a despicable, portly man in his 60’s, can find a bride who will bear him a son. Society is not quite sure what to make of Sebastian—on one hand he’s handsome, charming, and may be extremely rich one day. On the other hand, he may wind up poor as a pauper.

When Annabel (quite inconveniently) becomes the object of both of their affections, a series of whirlwind events ensues. She knows that marriage to an Earl may be the only thing that will save her family from ruin, but the thought of submitting to Newbury disgusts her. And Sebastian’s tempting touch certainly doesn’t help. It soon becomes clear that Annabel must choose between her family’s livelihood, and her one true love…

~*~*~

Wanton. . .

Leo Roberts is next in line for an earldom and the power and fortune that come with it, but he is uncultured, unrefined–and completely untamed. . .until governess Ella Finch arrives upon the scene. Can so young and inexperienced a woman tutor him in the manners and mores of his class? Leo’s mysterious past has rendered him an outsider, too wild for polite society. But he finds her innocence most intriguing. . .

Willing

What manner of man he may be, Ella does not know. Yet he fascinates her and she must know more. Capturing Leo’s reckless heart is about to free her in ways she never dreamed of. . .and his sensual touch releases the deepest yearnings of her body and soul. . .


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Posted in Avon Books, Giveaways, Kensington | 18 Comments »

Maya Rodale Interview ~ A Groom of One’s Own

Tuesday, June 15th, 2010

Today we welcome Maya Rodale to the blog. Yes, Maya has agreed to virtual chit chat so I can literally pick her brain. And she’s pretty brainy so she can spare the loss of a couple of gray cells. ;) And not only is Maya here to chat about her upcoming release, A Groom of One’s Own, but she (aka Avon Books) is going to give away 5 (five) advanced copies to 5 lucky commenters. Also, A Groom of One’s Own is another book in the July 4th Red, White and Blue Fireworks Giveaway!

~*~*~


I’ve heard A Groom of One’s Own, the first book in The Writing Girls Romances, compared to Sex in the City in Regency London. What do you think of that analogy?


Instead of four girls in New York City, it’s four girls during London’s Regency. These are stories about female friendship, as well as being straight up romances. Oh, and then there is the scandal, the gossip and the heart-to-heart talks and the fabulous fashion.


Can you tell us a little about A Groom of One’s Own?


Newspaper columnist Sophie Harlow is reporting on the duke of Hamilton and Brandon’s wedding to Lady Clarissa, who is falling for a visiting Prince, while Sophie is in love with the duke, who refuses to jilt his betrothed, even though he’s falling for the scandalous Writing Girl. It’s a love quadrangle and a comedy.


You said that your mother made you start reading romance novels (chuckle, chuckle) because you were working on a degree of Women in Fiction. How do you feel about romance novels prior to reading your first book?


I confess, I was a snob (see my next answer). I also didn’t know the first thing about romances either—other than that my professors at my Serious Academic Institution might laugh at me. They didn’t, in part because I think I was able to argue how romance novels are significant, powerful and valid literary works. In the end, I wrote my graduate thesis on how revolutionary romance novels are.

But I still read them for fun. A lot.


What kinds of books were you reading before you starting reading romances?


Honest to gosh, in high school I was reading Hemingway. For fun.


What does your mother think of your writing career? Was she surprised her nudge got you addicted and now a writer of the romance genre?


My mother is always right, so she wasn’t really surprised that I became a convert and began to write them. She thinks it’s really cool that I write the romance novels and often brags about it or mentions it in her blog.


A Groom of One’s Own
Author: Maya Rodale
Publisher: Avon
Pub. Date: June 29, 2010
ISBN-13: 978-0345518859
Retail: $7.99
384 pages

Miss Harlow’s Marriage In High Life London, 1823

A handsome duke. His beautiful soon-to-be duchess. A whirlwind courtship. It is this author’s privilege to report on the event all of London is talking about: the upcoming wedding of the Duke of Hamilton and Brandon to the only daughter of the Duke of Richmond. Every details of the “Wedding of the Year” will be reported in these pages as a London Weekly exclusive.

But I, Miss Sophie Harlow, must confess to a secret infatuation with this “double duke” that can only lead to trouble. It is impossible that this notoriously upstanding gentleman would ever jilt his bride for a scandalous female newspaper writer. And yet…the arrival of a foreign prince, the discovery of a shocking secret, and one passionate kiss could change everything. Will this perfect duke risk the scandal of the year to marry the woman his heart desires?

There are only just three more weeks until the wedding…


For a woman to be a writer in Regency London is rare so a woman has to be very independent. Do you prefer to write about independent and self-sufficient heroines?


It was rare for women to be writers—but they did it, and a lot more than we think. Usually they did it because they had to support themselves and kids because their husbands were dead or deadbeats. These women were amazing.

I definitely love reading about independent and self-sufficient heroines because I can either relate to them, or I’m really inspired by them. The challenge of balancing self-interest with a relationship appeals to me, too. And my rule is to write what I like to read. :)


To you, what makes for a great hero?


Six pack abs, a rakish grin and a title. Just kidding (sort of). I like heroes that are proud, kind men, with a sense of humor. And a rakish grin.


Tell us about the ‘call’, when you sold your first book, An Heir and a Spare.


That morning I had gone on a Real Job interview—I had given up on the book deal, you see. And then I was taking a nap because that is what you do when you’re unemployed and have given up. Usually I am very irked when someone calls while I’m napping, but not when it’s my agent saying I have an offer on my books!


How many books do you have planned for this series and who is next on the agenda. Can you tell us anything about that story?


Oooh…secrets! The next Writing Girl book will feature Lady Julianna, the secret author of the gossip column Fashionable Intelligence. Our hero is the rakish Lord Roxbury (complete with six pack abs, a rakish grin, a sense of humor, and a title). Scandal GALORE.

~*~*~

I want to thank Maya for dropping by and I encourage you to check out Maya’s other books on her website.

Ladies…have any of you had a crush, fallen in love, been smitten by a married, engaged, seriously dating or likewise man?

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Posted in Authors, Avon Books, Contests, Giveaways, Interviews | 73 Comments »

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