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Accidentally Yours
Vivian St. James, facing both a new millennium and her thirty-fifth birthday, vows that this will be her last New Year's Eve spent at home in front of the TV. Determined to meet her Mr. Right, she throws herself into an avid social life, attending events all over the greater New York metropolitan area in search of her dream man. While successful in her quest to meet potential mates, soon an unfortunate pattern develops as accidents or sudden illnesses befall her candidates, one by one. To her chagrin, the treating physician on duty is always the handsome Dr. Zachary Warner...
ER physician Zack Warner finds himself captivated by the dark-skinned beauty who presents to the ER accompanying an injured date. But the presence of her escort makes it impossible to act on his attraction, and when she leaves the facility he figures he'll never see her again. But their paths continue to cross, as he is called on to treat Vivian's companions. As the injuries pile up, he good-naturedly ribs her about her unfortunate effect on the men she dates, all the while longing to have her attentions for himself. His making light of her increasingly worrisome situation does anything but endear him to a mortified Vivian, who wonders if she's some kind of jinx. But then Zack finds himself on the casualty list...and their uneasy relationship takes a new, comfortable turn that surprises them both...
ER physician Zack Warner finds himself captivated by the dark-skinned beauty who presents to the ER accompanying an injured date. But the presence of her escort makes it impossible to act on his attraction, and when she leaves the facility he figures he'll never see her again. But their paths continue to cross, as he is called on to treat Vivian's companions. As the injuries pile up, he good-naturedly ribs her about her unfortunate effect on the men she dates, all the while longing to have her attentions for himself. His making light of her increasingly worrisome situation does anything but endear him to a mortified Vivian, who wonders if she's some kind of jinx. But then Zack finds himself on the casualty list...and their uneasy relationship takes a new, comfortable turn that surprises them both...
304 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
June 24, 2013
I took notes as I read the book (below)...
Overall, I don't like the main character, Vivian, very much. She's too shallow - worrying about all the wrong things. I remember worrying about finding "mr. Right" but wasn't so worried about looks, clothes, money & spending enough. I find it really annoying. It's like the author thinks this is all normal/okay & doesn't try to fix anything... Personally, I find her too broken to have a real relationship. Another trait that makes the character unrealistic is her obsession about the things above & then saying it's okay the doctor doesn't have much money... Spent way too much time checking out his apartment, etc.
Punctuation was non-existent through most of the book (especially as characters spoke) & it made it difficult to read. Book needed a lot of work with editors to clean up inconsistencies, flow and punctuation and word use.
So many moments feel off and forced. I didn't see the issue with Mrs. Williams. She needed to make it more believable - I've been there & would have liked to really see the momma's boy part - I just didn't; had to be told it was there...
Uses too many examples of 'more annoying than' which make her sound even more shallow.
I highlighted a number of passages as I completed the book to share as examples (will have to get on my laptop to do).
It's really too bad, because it had so much potential. In fact, I figured this was a new writer until I saw her list of books - oh, well.
To her credit, I finished the book.
Notes as read book...
Is the author from another country? Bit choppy with weird terms in 1st two chapters. One place, completely didn't make sense - maybe needs a better editor?
Like the idea & characters are like able, so far.
Now at 11% through book, I notice a lot of issues with missing punctuation. Really needs an editor!
At 17%, going on & on about privileged backgrounds. Seems a bit like she's finally establishing that Vivian is African-American. Seemed pushed as does some of Vivian's opinions about men - the one being too tight with money & others feeling threatened by a successful woman... I don't know - too many pieces aren't working for me, I may end soon...
Made it to 19%. I just can't keep going. It seems too predictable now & too many issues for me.
Watching a train wretch & can't look away or because I like the doctor more than Vivian, I guess I'm going to keep going for a while...
Keep trying to figure out what it is about this book. One minute, you feel the chemistry and the next Vivian is too worried about money, good looks and well-fitting clothes. I really want to like her, but I can't..
Overall, I don't like the main character, Vivian, very much. She's too shallow - worrying about all the wrong things. I remember worrying about finding "mr. Right" but wasn't so worried about looks, clothes, money & spending enough. I find it really annoying. It's like the author thinks this is all normal/okay & doesn't try to fix anything... Personally, I find her too broken to have a real relationship. Another trait that makes the character unrealistic is her obsession about the things above & then saying it's okay the doctor doesn't have much money... Spent way too much time checking out his apartment, etc.
Punctuation was non-existent through most of the book (especially as characters spoke) & it made it difficult to read. Book needed a lot of work with editors to clean up inconsistencies, flow and punctuation and word use.
So many moments feel off and forced. I didn't see the issue with Mrs. Williams. She needed to make it more believable - I've been there & would have liked to really see the momma's boy part - I just didn't; had to be told it was there...
Uses too many examples of 'more annoying than' which make her sound even more shallow.
I highlighted a number of passages as I completed the book to share as examples (will have to get on my laptop to do).
It's really too bad, because it had so much potential. In fact, I figured this was a new writer until I saw her list of books - oh, well.
To her credit, I finished the book.
Notes as read book...
Is the author from another country? Bit choppy with weird terms in 1st two chapters. One place, completely didn't make sense - maybe needs a better editor?
Like the idea & characters are like able, so far.
Now at 11% through book, I notice a lot of issues with missing punctuation. Really needs an editor!
At 17%, going on & on about privileged backgrounds. Seems a bit like she's finally establishing that Vivian is African-American. Seemed pushed as does some of Vivian's opinions about men - the one being too tight with money & others feeling threatened by a successful woman... I don't know - too many pieces aren't working for me, I may end soon...
Made it to 19%. I just can't keep going. It seems too predictable now & too many issues for me.
Watching a train wretch & can't look away or because I like the doctor more than Vivian, I guess I'm going to keep going for a while...
Keep trying to figure out what it is about this book. One minute, you feel the chemistry and the next Vivian is too worried about money, good looks and well-fitting clothes. I really want to like her, but I can't..
June 22, 2013
I tried! Really I tried!! It was good at first, but when all of a sudden the main character ended up African American?? I couldn't take it, so I skipped to the end. I just hate reading a book that lacks so much character detail that your characters change race after reading 1/4 of it... I just can't! I'm already picturing something different!! It's totally different if I had a mental picture earlier...needs mega editing & character descriptions!! I
Oh well! Totally worth the skip to the end!! Since it was a freebie... I don't feel cheated!!
Oh well! Totally worth the skip to the end!! Since it was a freebie... I don't feel cheated!!
January 5, 2021
Just doesn’t cut it
Couldn’t finish it. I made it a quarter of the way through, and it barely held my attention. The constant hit and miss of Vivian and Zack, who I assume are meant to be together was ok the first time, he was working, after all. But after that it was just old and boring..
This book’s pacing drags. Neither Vivian nor Glenda could find a man and stick with him.
We get the thrown in part about Vivians’s company being merged with another company and an announcement being made within the week about what’s supposed to happen, but that’s completely dropped between the ski trip and Valentine’s Day which are a month apart.
Whatever...I’m moving on.
Couldn’t finish it. I made it a quarter of the way through, and it barely held my attention. The constant hit and miss of Vivian and Zack, who I assume are meant to be together was ok the first time, he was working, after all. But after that it was just old and boring..
This book’s pacing drags. Neither Vivian nor Glenda could find a man and stick with him.
We get the thrown in part about Vivians’s company being merged with another company and an announcement being made within the week about what’s supposed to happen, but that’s completely dropped between the ski trip and Valentine’s Day which are a month apart.
Whatever...I’m moving on.
June 22, 2013
I enjoyed the story but the editing was atrocious! It really detracted from the book.
June 18, 2013
Vivian and Zach took forever to get together and when they did everything moved too fast. I found Vivian annoying, and Zach wasn't much better. I just couldn't love these characters.
February 12, 2021
Predictable romance
I had downloaded this book years ago, but only read it this week, trying to clean up my Kindle. It’s a predictable romance, some choppy areas (editing?) and punctuation errors. I liked it for the most part but the constant referrals to weight and beauty and money and status was annoying. The main character was focused on the task of finding Mr. Right, dating a string of unsuitable guys, then was so hesitant to say a word to the guy she really wanted. I found it a little unbelievable that this supposedly strong career woman was so scared to let the perfect guy know how she felt when the whole point of the book was her trying to find the perfect guy.
I had downloaded this book years ago, but only read it this week, trying to clean up my Kindle. It’s a predictable romance, some choppy areas (editing?) and punctuation errors. I liked it for the most part but the constant referrals to weight and beauty and money and status was annoying. The main character was focused on the task of finding Mr. Right, dating a string of unsuitable guys, then was so hesitant to say a word to the guy she really wanted. I found it a little unbelievable that this supposedly strong career woman was so scared to let the perfect guy know how she felt when the whole point of the book was her trying to find the perfect guy.
August 24, 2017
This one was just... boring. There were so many events that didn't really seem relevant. The characters were flat. The romance was not there for me. And I didn't like the main character. She was shallow and judgmental. At the end, she says how she accepts people for who they are... what?? It didn't sound that way when she was dumping guys left and right and commenting on how a girl was so ugly she must have paid for her date to be with her. Damn. That one was just mean. Regardless, the story itself was bland and just not for me.
Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
Challenges:
2017 Goodreads Challenge
January 18, 2025
Good love story and great ending
I found this book as unread in my Kindle library and couldn't remember when I got it or why. I still don't know the answers, but I loved it! Not sappy, adult actions in appropriate places and a good story blended in. I'm going to see if I've got more books by this author. Enjoy!
I found this book as unread in my Kindle library and couldn't remember when I got it or why. I still don't know the answers, but I loved it! Not sappy, adult actions in appropriate places and a good story blended in. I'm going to see if I've got more books by this author. Enjoy!
May 2, 2021
I generally don't rate DNFs, but this was just too much. I could barely get through the food safety lesson. When they started talking about toothbrushes being too close to the toilet I had to quit. Seriously hoping it got better, but too turned off by the beginning to want to go further.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 30, 2017
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so.Shelley MA
March 23, 2018
Cute and fun
I enjoyed the humor and charming love story, set in New York. Great job writing this book!! Thanks for the story
I enjoyed the humor and charming love story, set in New York. Great job writing this book!! Thanks for the story
April 9, 2019
Pretty good but predictable!
This book had grammatical errors which always bothers me, but I’m sure it wasn’t intentional! It’s a cute story but predictable!
This book had grammatical errors which always bothers me, but I’m sure it wasn’t intentional! It’s a cute story but predictable!
December 6, 2015
Vivian St. James is in her early 30s and searching for Mr. Right. She happens to meet him over and over again, but unfortunately it's in the Emergency Room. Nearly every time she meets a guy, he ends up having to go to the ER (ulcer, cut, sprained ankle), and it's there that she meets ER doctor Zach Warner. There's an instant attraction but also bad timing since they tend to meet under less-than-ideal circumstances. I liked that the story included so many engaging subplots that had nothing to do with the central romance. There was focus on Vivian's career, family, and friends.
I downloaded this book for free on my Kindle, and I really wish I'd read some reviews of the book on here before even bothering with this book. I agree with what a lot of reviewers have pointed out as the flaws in this book: Vivian is horribly shallow and unlikeable. At one point in the ER, she notes how hard it is to tell doctors from nurses these days and then acts visibly thrilled when she learns that Zach is one of the former. Also this line when discussing how it's okay that Zach is a doctor rather than a "suit": "it's not like he teaches art to eighth graders!" Ugh. Another issue I have is the writing. I questioned the word choice at times. Also, a lot of Vivian's quirks come across as the author's personal issues. The line, "The only thing I hate more than ___ is ___" appears maddeningly, with the first blank usually being something shallow and judgmental and completely unrelated to the situation at hand. Finally, there were way too many coincidences in this book for me to take. Griffin might have been commenting on fate but everything just felt too convenient.
As much as I didn't like this book, I kept reading - almost just to see how bad it would get but also to see how the romance would play out. The fact that I finished it earns the book 2 stars and means I wouldn't completely write off Bettye Griffin as an author. This particular book just wasn't for me.
I downloaded this book for free on my Kindle, and I really wish I'd read some reviews of the book on here before even bothering with this book. I agree with what a lot of reviewers have pointed out as the flaws in this book: Vivian is horribly shallow and unlikeable. At one point in the ER, she notes how hard it is to tell doctors from nurses these days and then acts visibly thrilled when she learns that Zach is one of the former. Also this line when discussing how it's okay that Zach is a doctor rather than a "suit": "it's not like he teaches art to eighth graders!" Ugh. Another issue I have is the writing. I questioned the word choice at times. Also, a lot of Vivian's quirks come across as the author's personal issues. The line, "The only thing I hate more than ___ is ___" appears maddeningly, with the first blank usually being something shallow and judgmental and completely unrelated to the situation at hand. Finally, there were way too many coincidences in this book for me to take. Griffin might have been commenting on fate but everything just felt too convenient.
As much as I didn't like this book, I kept reading - almost just to see how bad it would get but also to see how the romance would play out. The fact that I finished it earns the book 2 stars and means I wouldn't completely write off Bettye Griffin as an author. This particular book just wasn't for me.
January 19, 2014
Too lazy to go C&P my Amazon review but the gist was that this read like a collaboration between a 13-year-old and her maiden aunt. It's weirdly chaste. The main character is unlikeable and obsessed with some seriously superficial crap. It's no wonder she's alone. I have no clue how the doctor is interested, except you know it's a romance novel and she'll get him in the end. I know, it should be a good thing for a woman to have standards and not settle, but do you have to be such a judgmental prude in the process?
Most memorable thing about this was the way the author seemed to hold onto one musty bit of advice from... I dunno... Fifth grade comp class? The endless similes got to be hysterical as I read on. Weird references to someone who can't parallel park circling a parking lot looking for a double space for their car that already has dents in it or "that" kind of person who puts a new TV on top of an old TV that doesn't work anymore, a woman so cheap she tried to reuse those dyed shoes from when she was a bridesmaid. Apparently, everything and everyone irritate this woman and her dislike if things easily triggers a flashback to other totally unrelated yet equally annoying things.
Honestly, a harmless enough read but even if you come from the same 1950s world as Vivian, you're probably not going to be happy because she succumbs to premarital s-e-x in the end and so seems bent on turning us all off. It's kind of like when Disney started trying to make movies to appeal to more than just kids. The end result is just off the mark for anyone they thought they were going to appeal to.
Most memorable thing about this was the way the author seemed to hold onto one musty bit of advice from... I dunno... Fifth grade comp class? The endless similes got to be hysterical as I read on. Weird references to someone who can't parallel park circling a parking lot looking for a double space for their car that already has dents in it or "that" kind of person who puts a new TV on top of an old TV that doesn't work anymore, a woman so cheap she tried to reuse those dyed shoes from when she was a bridesmaid. Apparently, everything and everyone irritate this woman and her dislike if things easily triggers a flashback to other totally unrelated yet equally annoying things.
Honestly, a harmless enough read but even if you come from the same 1950s world as Vivian, you're probably not going to be happy because she succumbs to premarital s-e-x in the end and so seems bent on turning us all off. It's kind of like when Disney started trying to make movies to appeal to more than just kids. The end result is just off the mark for anyone they thought they were going to appeal to.
July 28, 2013
By Bettye Griffin
Published By: B.G.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"Accidentally Yours" by Bettye Griffin was definitely some kind a romantic comedy. I am not sure I was laughing all the way through but it was indeed humorous read. I did find it a little slow read that I had to make myself keep reading, however it did have some good points that made the read OK. This author worked it with all of the accidents that kept happening to Vivian's dates only leaving me to say omg...another one? I was even left wondering was Vivian a 'jinx.' The two main characters seemed to be well developed and in the end...this is where I say you must pick up this read for yourself to see the what, where, when and how of it all and draw your own conclusions. Will Vivian and Zach reach the 'happy ever after?' Will their relationship grow more after they meet in Kenya while they are on a safari trip? Well, you will just have to read "Accidentally Yours" to see.
Published By: B.G.
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 4
Review:
"Accidentally Yours" by Bettye Griffin was definitely some kind a romantic comedy. I am not sure I was laughing all the way through but it was indeed humorous read. I did find it a little slow read that I had to make myself keep reading, however it did have some good points that made the read OK. This author worked it with all of the accidents that kept happening to Vivian's dates only leaving me to say omg...another one? I was even left wondering was Vivian a 'jinx.' The two main characters seemed to be well developed and in the end...this is where I say you must pick up this read for yourself to see the what, where, when and how of it all and draw your own conclusions. Will Vivian and Zach reach the 'happy ever after?' Will their relationship grow more after they meet in Kenya while they are on a safari trip? Well, you will just have to read "Accidentally Yours" to see.
October 8, 2014
When I first started reading this, I thought I'd be one of the few folks that happened to enjoy this book. However, as the book went on, it deteriorated into a boring and uninteresting mess! There is no character descriptions until chapter three, which is quite jarring, as you form a mental picture of the heroine very early on, and the fact that she is actually an American woman of African descent comes as quite a shock. She's also very shallow and snobbish, calling some of her dates cheap or boring. The hero is a bit of a jerk too, because he tries to be witty and cute about his attraction to the heroine, but he comes off all wrong. Why couldn't the two of them just be honest instead of playing all these hard to get/cute and witty games to get the other person's attention and attraction? These were barriers to connecting with the characters, to the point where I found myself not caring about them and just wanting the book to end. Sadly, I've deleted the book from my Kindle and will be avoiding the author in the future.
September 18, 2013
Personally I didn't care much for this book. The main character, Vivian, wasn't very likable. She's worried about finding a husband, but critiques every man she meets and finds fault with all of them. She is so concerned with their looks, their money and how they spend it on her, the way they dress, and how they talk that it becomes very annoying in the book. I couldn't see what the guys every found to like about her. She was stuck up and by her own admission overweight, so with her always looking down at them what did they find to like about her? I am sure the author is trying to be witty, but she throws in to many examples of 'more annoying than' which make Vivian sound even more shallow. So many moments feel forced in the book, where you are told what is happening rather than reading it for yourself. Overall this book just didn't do anything for me, which is a shame because the only character I did like was the good Doctor. I finished the book because of him.
June 28, 2013
*possible spoilers*
This is a good read. It kept my attention. There is two things that made me give it 3 instead of 4 and that is the ending felt rushed because I was told more than shown the best parts which is them interacting together. There wasn't enough of it because she has to go through this dating process before they really can be considered a couple then between his schedule and hers they aren't together much. The best parts is the sparring between Vivian and Zak (btw I wasn't feeling that pet name he gave to her. I will let you read it and draw your own conclusion)and the last thing is the "happy for now" ending. Now that they were an official couple, I felt like their story was just getting started.
This is a good read. It kept my attention. There is two things that made me give it 3 instead of 4 and that is the ending felt rushed because I was told more than shown the best parts which is them interacting together. There wasn't enough of it because she has to go through this dating process before they really can be considered a couple then between his schedule and hers they aren't together much. The best parts is the sparring between Vivian and Zak (btw I wasn't feeling that pet name he gave to her. I will let you read it and draw your own conclusion)and the last thing is the "happy for now" ending. Now that they were an official couple, I felt like their story was just getting started.
July 20, 2016
This was a great novel. It just goes to show that independent women who date may not know that the one they are desiring is right in front of them all along. "Vivling" was oozing about the ER doctor that she kept meeting at his job, on a safari, on a ladder never knowing that as a man he was insecure about being rejected. Dr. Warner is a "Alpha" all man and can have the pick of who he wants for lunch, dinner and the morning after. From the first time he laid his eyes on Vivian in the ER (with some dude) that got his arm hooked up in a coat rack, requiring several stitches. Dr. Warner beat hisself up because he never took the leap. Fast paced, riveting to the end. The story line was long but got it's point across. Can't wait to read more by this author.
July 18, 2013
This is a romantic comedy. Vivian is hell bent on meeting the love of her life as her best friend. They go to great effort. Vivian meets Zach in the ER room when she brings male friends for treatment repeatedly. Zack is the ER doctor. He is also the owner of the building she lives in. When she is in her apartment and hears a crash in the apartment above she races up to see if she can help. it is Zack, just fallen off a ladder while painting. He stays in her apartment for assistance to recovery. The relationship grows when they meet in Kenya while on different safari trips. It is a fun read.
July 8, 2016
Abruptly ended 3 1/2 stars
The story was cute. It peaked my curiosity enough to finish. I love the element that brought Vivian and Zack into each other's lives. However the reoccurring theme didn't sit well. It also felt displaced. Still open ended questions on what happened with Vivian's promotion. What true decision did they make about their relationship. What was so special about Zach? What was so special about Vivian?
I appreciated the adventure side. The trip to Africa was fun. Would like more about Liz, what happened with her relationship.
Cute story wouldn't discourage from reading it just has that something missing for me.
The story was cute. It peaked my curiosity enough to finish. I love the element that brought Vivian and Zack into each other's lives. However the reoccurring theme didn't sit well. It also felt displaced. Still open ended questions on what happened with Vivian's promotion. What true decision did they make about their relationship. What was so special about Zach? What was so special about Vivian?
I appreciated the adventure side. The trip to Africa was fun. Would like more about Liz, what happened with her relationship.
Cute story wouldn't discourage from reading it just has that something missing for me.
October 6, 2016
Good, but dated. Vivian St. James is looking for love and definitely kisses a lot of toads before finding the right person. But it seems that every man she meets ends up needing the ER and she runs into Dr. Zack Warner every time. Zack's weird in that he doesn't seem to want to pursue Viv, even though he's interested in her. But a hurt ankle forces the two together. Sparks fly and then it's a matter of figuring out what each of them feels for the other.
This kept me on my toes, with all the chance meetings, strange dates, and funny circumstances.
This kept me on my toes, with all the chance meetings, strange dates, and funny circumstances.
December 31, 2012
I did enjoy this book. I loved the characters and how the storyline developed. It is not my favourite book by Bettye Griffin but I would recommend the book to people who likes books of the genre. I look forward to reading
and
and
July 26, 2013
I could not get into this book. I did read the whole thing only cause I'm willing to give a book a chance, but honestly this was just not for me. It was way to slow and I could not keep my attention on it for more than a few minutes. Don't mean to sound harsh, but by the time I read the last line of the book I was laughing and asking myself why I continued reading. I though "Vivling" was shallow and a wee bit on the annoying side. But I gave it a chance and it lost. =/
November 18, 2013
I hated the explicit sex at the end. I didn't need all that detail. The beginning was slow, I had to force myself to stick with it.And, the over-use of similies and the comparison "if there was anything she disliked more..." made me nuts. Periods at the end of sentences would make it read smoother, too.
July 3, 2013
The storyline was promising and that was why I wanted to try this author, but I felt like I was forcing myself to read it the whole time. I just wanted to get to the end. And then... At the end... It ended up being not clean :( very disappointed. I wish there were more reviews telling this so that I wouldn't have waisted my time.
June 17, 2013
A delightful, quick read. Two friends, both single and facing middle-age, decide to actively search for their soul mates. The problem is everytime Vivian dates someone, they end up in the Emergency Room, and the ER doctor has eyes for Vivian, but he can't figure out how to let her know he is interested.
Read
July 15, 2013I got about 22% into this book and it was just not happening for me. I thought the main character was a bit shallow, and Zach should have been a little bit more aggressive if he truly wanted to date her. Just couldn't push myself to keep reading it.
Moral Note: Social drinking, a few hecks & dangs, not sure what else....
Moral Note: Social drinking, a few hecks & dangs, not sure what else....
September 4, 2013
*SPOILER ALERT*
I liked the story line and the characters, even the steamy sex episode BUT the spelling and grammatical errors spoiled it for me. Doesn't anyone proof-read anything??? Thank god I got it for free otherwise I'd really complain. Please have someone proof-read for you in the future Ms. Griffin
I liked the story line and the characters, even the steamy sex episode BUT the spelling and grammatical errors spoiled it for me. Doesn't anyone proof-read anything??? Thank god I got it for free otherwise I'd really complain. Please have someone proof-read for you in the future Ms. Griffin
July 4, 2013
The two main characters were very well developed. I loved the strong women in the book. The romantic story-lines were very realistic but a bit slow. If you love realistic romantic stories as opposed to escaping into a fantasy, you will love this book.
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