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Seven Deadly Sins #3

Pride: The Rogue

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A ruthless battle between 19th century London's most decadent, sinful, gaming hells, is about to explode into all-out war.

"Fate leads him who follows it, and drags him who resist."

A merciless gaming hell owner
Born on the streets, Lachlan Latimer is neither a stranger to ruthlessness nor short on hatred for London's wealthy elite. When he’d been young and desperate, he struck an alliance with three dukes. He even called them brothers. Now, rich, jaded, and life-hardened, he's since learned his lesson. Unfortunately for his betrayers, Latimer's gone rogue.

A lady with a plan
Born of questionable parentage, Miss Livian Lovelace straddles two worlds, but doesn't truly belong to either. As a headstrong, unmarried, woman, it’s never been clearer just how much of an outcast she actually is. Too proud to spend the rest of her days reliant on the good-will of her family, Livian takes matters into her own hands.
When a chance meeting brings Lachlan and Livian together, passions fly. After one scorching night spent in the arms of the enigmatic, gaming hell, proprietor, Livian's carefully laid plans go up in smoke. From the ashes, springs dreams of a future with the prideful, Lachlan Latimer.

The only problem? Livian's falling for a man too mired in a dark past to offer her anything more than his hot embraces.

316 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 12, 2024

427 people are currently reading
106 people want to read

About the author

Christi Caldwell

137 books2,560 followers
USA TODAY Bestselling author CHRISTI CALDWELL blames Judith McNaught's "Whitney, My Love!" for luring her into the world of historical romance. While sitting in her graduate school apartment at the University of Connecticut, Christi decided to set aside her notes and pick up her laptop to try her hand at romance. She believes the most perfect heroes and heroines have imperfections, and she rather enjoys torturing them before crafting them a well deserved happily ever after!

Christi makes her home in Charlotte, North Carolina where she spends her time writing her own enchanting historical romances, and baking surprisingly good cakes (almost 2 years in lockdown will do that) with her courageous son and twin daughters, each who with their daily antics provides limitless source material.

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5 stars
453 (54%)
4 stars
231 (27%)
3 stars
107 (12%)
2 stars
23 (2%)
1 star
13 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
345 reviews6 followers
January 3, 2025
Livian and Lachlan were truly, madly deeply and had all the fictional feels; Cute romance, angsty tear jerking, hawt wow sxy times, insecurity in new love and soul affirming connection, beefcake alpha guys all over the place, creepy sex pests getting their a@@ kicked. Interesting side characters. really enjoyed this one in the series, especially the grovel filled proposal to close with an HEA. vivid emotional writing style made for a wicked reading pace. *grammar editing problems may be a trigger for some
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for PP's Bookshelf.
2,802 reviews401 followers
December 12, 2024
Christi Caldwell is making me fall in love with regency romance and in an epic way! Pride: The Rogue had it all. The forbidden tension between Livian and Lachlan could be cut with a diamond knife. The chemistry is scorching hot! The author also put a significant amount of angst and heartache here. Overall, it was a captivating read.

🖤 set in 19th Century
🖤 The owner of a sinful gaming hell and the innocent woman from a respectable family
🖤 forced proximity ( stranded in an inn due to storm and rain)
🖤 forbidden ( both on way to marry someone else)
🖤 so f*cking hot!

Lachlan and Livian have come from the same simple background. Mister Lachlan Lattimer has curved out his place in this world of rich and snobby people and he is co owner of a popular gaming hell..but the nobility aka his partners have betrayed him and so, he wants to invest in a competitor's hell. But to make the deal successful, he has to marry The Duchess of Argylle. On his way to the duchess' estate, he has to take shelter in an inn due to the bad weather and that's where he meets Livian. She is an exotic and addictive mix of many qualities. Witty. Shy. Adventurous. Sassy. Sweet. Adorable. Resilient. Beautiful inside out. He has no business corrupting her but they has this burning desire immediately. She is on her way to find a husband but she cannot help but regret not having the choice of being with Lachlan. He is arrogant and sexy and intense and just so vicious. But he makes her feel protected and wanted. It's a battle of emotions. Specially when the person arranging for Livian's match is the Duchess herself. Lachlan didn't allow himself to ever feel anything except cold business moves and association but Livian just crumbled all his walls. The part where they had to be at the same place (namely the estate) hiding their feels and passion, was absolutely amazing. Lachlan had to accept that he has fallen in love so hard and fast even when he doesn't feel that he deserves Livian. It was one sinful and emotional rollercoaster.

I reviewed an early copy voluntarily
Profile Image for Janet.
5,195 reviews66 followers
December 14, 2024
Born on the streets, Lachlan Latimer is neither a stranger to ruthlessness nor short on hatred for London’s wealthy elite. When he’d been young and desperate, he struck an alliance with three dukes. He even called them brothers. Then they betrayed him. Born of questionable parentage, Miss Livian Lovelace straddles two worlds, but doesn’t truly belong to either. Too proud to spend the rest of her days reliant on the good-will of her family, Livian takes matters into her own hands. When a chance meeting brings Lachlan and Livian together, passions fly.
The third book in the series but it’s easily read on its own. Once again the author delivers a fast pace book with wonderful characters, some angst, sizzling chemistry & a hero & heroine who are perfect for each other. I loved both Lachlan & Livian both had known hardship, both were strong characters, he’s the hardened den owner & she’s a wonderful mix of feisty, innocent, naïve & intelligent. I loved their first meeting when she nearly got the better of Lachlan. Their attraction was immediate but it took him some time to realise how he really felt. An engrossing rollercoaster which I loved
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Profile Image for Sonia N..
1,000 reviews65 followers
February 3, 2025
Lachlan and Livian ❤️🔥❤️

What a wonderful and well written romance! The storyline flowed and made sense.
This is Book 3 in The Seven Deadly Sins and each book gets better than the last one if possible!
Lachlan Lattimer is a force to be reckoned with especially after his so called business partners betrayed him.
Circumstances brought them together due to a storm. They get to know each other and almost tell each other everything. They fall in love but she falls first.
This book had so many surprises and twists and turns. But everything comes together towards the end. And I loved the ending even if it felt rushed.
Profile Image for Pam  Bereznak.
1,827 reviews137 followers
February 21, 2025
This is my 91st book by Christi Caldwell. I read 2 of her books in 2013 but didn’t pick her up again faithfully until 2015. She is such a good author and I love her writing. She always has great stories and depending on the book, well written sex scenes. Except I have to say lately, this series has been super freakin' hot.

This was a good read. I liked Lachlan and Livian. The storyline was different than my norm but still good. Sex was hot. Overall it was a good read. I have really liked this series.
1 review
December 15, 2024
One of the most poorly written books...

The author couldn't decide how to spell one of the main character's names and alternated every other page, forgot the heroine''s name and called her by a completely different name and even left out an entire section in chapter 18 (it is literally replaced with "MISSING WORD"). If you have an editor, they need to be fired.
Profile Image for The Duchess of Hollywood.
216 reviews
July 27, 2025
4.5⭐️

I didn’t really know what to expect going into this, but it definitely wasn’t what I thought it would be—if that makes sense. I assumed the story would lean more into Lachlan’s work life, and not be so focused on the inn, Livian, and the house party. That shift threw me a bit, and while it worked, I was hoping for a little more external drama rather than such a character-driven one. That said, their love story still caught me off guard in the best way, and I really did enjoy how it all played out.

One thing that seriously surprised me? The whole thing takes place over just a few days. They meet and are sleeping together within maybe 10 hours, head to a house party the next day that lasts two days, and then boom—engaged like five days later. I was not expecting that pace. Threw me off, but hey, still a great book.

I wouldn’t say I was disappointed, just occasionally bored with the back-and-forth. Livian’s negativity was oddly endearing, but I think I went into this expecting something entirely different—and that’s on me. Still, I was hooked. I spent the entire day thinking about this book, and when I wasn’t reading, I couldn’t wait to get back to it. That’s how I know I truly enjoyed it.

Christi’s writing is always top-tier and she definitely brings the steam. However, there were a few jarring moments—like when Lachlan called Livian “Raina,” which is the name of the main character from Lust in this series. I didn’t read that one because my sister’s name is Raina, and the last thing I need is graphic scenes with a character named after her. So when Lachlan said the name, it completely pulled me out of the moment. Christi, girl, get a second proofreader next time!

[summary for me]

this story follows Lachlan Lattimer, the owner of a gaming hell, who seeks to expand his business by marrying the Duchess of Argyle. On his journey to her estate, he’s stranded at an inn due to bad weather and meets Livian, a sheltered young woman on her way to meet her arranged match. As they spend time together, a forbidden connection forms. When they reunite at the duchess’s estate, their hidden feelings clash with duty and desire, leading to an emotional and steamy fallout.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Pomelo Reads.
179 reviews30 followers
December 31, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Steam level: Open-door scenes

Thoughts:
I absolutely loved this book. The characters are endearing, and the story’s relationship-focused quality made it feel so angsty, romantic, and sweet all throughout the book.

Lachlan and Livian both surprised me. Even though Livian grew up outside of the peerage, she has an innocent air to her, and Lachlan’s interactions with Livian revealed a surprising level of humbleness to him. Despite their truest differences, their attractions prevail, and they fall in love over the course of one evening by way of mature and engaging conversations. Heartbreakingly, their love gets hindered by denial and insecurities, and all of this is written with such a personal touch; it was impossible for me not to feel for them. In relation to the story, their roadblocks provided an excellent level of angst that had me tearing up at certain points.

Every interaction between Lachlan and Livian feels so special. There are acts of love, lingering glances, wanting kisses, and so, so many feelings being felt throughout the book. They just click so well together despite their hesitations, and this made their growing friendship and romance believable.

One thing I would note is that I was caught off guard by the duchess and her involvement at the end of the story, but this was very minor. I loved her empathy and the girl power vibes, but I was surprised by this direction because her introductory appearances seemed like she was going to have a more cruel and antagonistic edge.

In so many ways, Pride: The Rogue reads like a classic historical romance novel with some darkness and a healthy dose of forgiving modern themes. I really enjoyed it, and I feel that fans of historical romance and new readers of the subgenre will find a lot to like about it too!

I was provided with a complimentary e-copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

Tropes: Opposites attract, reformed rake, friends to lovers, cold male lead, class differences (sort of), one night stand, they are both expected to marry other people
Profile Image for KelseyreadsHR.
524 reviews14 followers
December 24, 2024
Pride: The Rogue is the third book in the Seven Deadly Sins series. It picks up after the end of the second book, since the resolution for Lust: The Bad Earl effectively put Lachlan out of a job.

I loved this one and is my favorite of the series. It had lots of my favorite tropes and micro tropes that was done well and I couldn’t get enough.

Lachlan and Livian are both from the same class and had similar rough upbringings. But I really enjoyed class difference was used in that they both felt they needed to marry into the aristocracy and made their romance seem forbidden. I also loved the misunderstanding that led to their chance encounter - how Lachlan’s perceptions of Livian kept getting thrown back in his. How much they learned of one another in one night and despite Lachlan’s insistence that it doesn’t mean anything, Livian still finds herself falling for him. But it’s Lachlan that finds his world turned upside down - it gets me every time when a rogue meets his match and I ate it up.

I wasn’t expecting the big gesture at the end but it was the best surprise and had me emotional.

There’s only two encounters plus a grinding scene, that brings the heroine to completion, but between the dirty talk and “good girl” it read with higher heat.

This could be read as a standalone. DuMond, one of the partners of Forbidden Pleasures, has his own story in The Devil and the Debutante from The Heart of a Duke series that I’m excited to read next.

I received an advance reader ecopy from the author. All opinions are my own.


CW: on page attempted SA of heroine.
105 reviews3 followers
December 30, 2024
This is book 3 in Christi Caldwell’s Seven Deadly Sins series, although characters from previous books appear the reader can enjoy this story as a standalone, though the whole series is fabulous.
Lachlan Latimer is disgruntled with his life, after many years he has broken away from his business partners and so called friends and is determined to make a name for himself. After meeting the Earl of Dynevor he agrees to think about a proposal that would benefit them both in business and financially.
Livian Lovelace is on her way to a winter party to meet a man she can marry who will give her security and children to love, so she does not have to depend on the charity of her beloved sister.
Fate has other plans in store for our couple, a winter storm and shady inn ensures they are thrown together. Each have prejudices and assumptions about each others life and choices. Ultimately they find common ground and develop feelings and the start of love.
Unfortunately a duchess stands in the way of their happiness, she is determined to get her man at any cost. Luckily Latimer makes the right choice and fights for his lady, and they get their HEA.
This is a really enjoyable series with great characters and good stories. There is a mix or darkness, humor and of course steamy scenes. I highly recommend this book and series.

I received and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book and these are my honest opinions and review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,470 reviews29 followers
December 14, 2024
Lachlan Latimer is a self made man with revenge, self control and business on his mind! He is at the Devils Den with Stephen Warwick, Earl of Dynevor and future Marquess if Maddock!
He has an invitation to build and invest into a club greater than the one he has been betrayed and ousted out of!
All he has to do is wed the Duchess of Argyll he is convinced in anger this is a good reason for this match!
He journeys in the dead of winter and unknowingly his life is changed forever!
He encounters Livian Lovelace who is actually stranded by an enormous tree in the road! You definitely have to read to find out that significance! They are at the same inn and sparks fly faster than oil and gasoline!
Lachlan has never known real love or compassion and has no idea he’s encountered it!
There are secrets and once revealed are devastating to Livian!
The Duchess and her house party are all involved in this strange courtship!
When a man tries to take advantage of Livian Lachlan is brutal in his defense! His own actions are so much more less honorable as he knew things she withheld from Livian!
When Livian leaves he Lachlan is thwarted in his chase as the Duchess is a very sore looser!
Can Lachlan find Livian and grovel enough for her love?
Lachlan finds an unusual way to grovel that definitely earns him book boyfriend status! Bravo! Well done!
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,705 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2024
Another fabulous story and couple in this series - each one gets a little better than the last. This book had me tearing up one moment and blushing the next. The well-crafted, steamy scenes and compelling story kept me turning pages late into the night. Lachlan Latimer, the brooding rogue, and Miss Livian Lovelace, the tenacious heroine are a perfect match. Lachlan, hardened by the streets of London and harboring deep-seated mistrust of the elite, finds his match in Livian, who balances between East London and Mayfair but never feels accepted or comfortable in either place. Their first encounter is both hilarious and unfortunate, with a memorable inn room mishap where Livian almost bests Lachlan. The instant chemistry them is undeniable but it takes time for Lachlan to come to terms with feelings. Both characters, having faced significant, are strong and resilient, making for a compelling and passionate romance.

The author's talent for creating fast-paced, gripping stories with complex characters shines through once again. The blend of angst, sizzling chemistry, and emotional depth ensures that this book is another memorable addition to the romance genre. Not only this book, but the entire series is one of my absolute favorites for 2024, and I have read and reviewed 220 books this year.

1,586 reviews22 followers
December 24, 2024
What an absolutely fantastic story to read and enjoy. The weather starts this story off by causing poor travel for everyone, which leave both Livian and Lachlan stranded at an Inn for the night. Both are traveling to a house party for different reasons not knowing that it's the same one. Livian is heading there to find a husband that will help her with her plans. She wants to marry well so that she can help the people who live in and on the London streets. Lachlan is heading there so that he can see about marring the Duchess for her money and support so that he may invest in a new club. The Duchess is helping sponsor Livian by offering up a dowry which she knows nothing about, to help her find the correct husband. Between them and their feelings and hopes come to a head but both know that they have a different plan. Surprise, they meet up at the party and their issues of what they truly want will need to come out. Lots of action, feelings, villains, society and so much more. Characters are remarkable with their own personal growth. Just can't say enough about this story. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
Profile Image for Thebiblioholic .
337 reviews7 followers
December 12, 2024
I was beyond excited to read Pride: The Rogue early, and I'm so happy to share my thoughts on release day! Christi Caldwell absolutely nailed it with this fast-paced, emotional story of two strangers whose lives collide in a comical fight over the last room at an inn. Their initial clash quickly evolves into a connection that feels intense, all leading to one unforgettable night that changes everything. I'm a sucker for dual perspectives, which definitely added so much to the story. Lachlan is a morally grey hero, hardened by his past, but his vulnerability peeks through in the most heart-melting ways. I was in tears at one point! Livian, meanwhile, is a strong, independent heroine determined to make her own way in a society that tries to define her. And let's talk about the spice! If you're a fan of tension, passion, and that "touch her and die" energy, you'll absolutely love it. It's perfect for historical romance fans who love their heroes flawed but protective and their heroines bold and relatable.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
862 reviews10 followers
December 18, 2024
What an absolutely delicious story this is! Livian is trying her best to not be a “poor” relation. Laughlin is trying hard to get revenge. Their first meeting is hilarious and scary at the same time. The author has a fantastic way of writing such descriptive scenes you can see them in your mind’s eye clearly! Laughlin disbelief in love is what gets in the way of he and Livian’s relationship, not to mention the business he is trying to complete. The chemistry is so defined between these two, it just oozes off the page. Some of the story is heartbreaking as you can feel both of them torn in their situations. I adored the climax as well, bringing something only Livian would understand- that was so sweet! Some of these scenes are so funny and the story itself is soooo very good, this has my vote for one of the best stories I have read this year- and I read a LOT!

I received this book for free and these are my own opinions
Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,593 reviews172 followers
December 25, 2024
livian and lachlan met in an inn. it was supposed to be his room but he found her sleeping on his bed. from then on, livian was aware that she was slowly falling in love with this contradicting man while lachlan has always believed that he wasn’t capable to love or be loved. it was never meant to be more than this inn stay, it was never meant to be more than just one night. however, when lachlan thought about another man with livian, especially when she’s on her way to a party to find a husband, he got increasingly pissed and jealous. meanwhile, livian knew she would never love another like how she loves lachlan.

the book develops in a typical way, but i do love this type of story. lachlan and livian were attracted to each other right from the start and they taught each other a lot of things. a few days of knowing each other is more than enough to fall in love.
Profile Image for Margaret.
3,220 reviews33 followers
January 3, 2025
Lachlan Latimer grew up in the slums of London. He clawed his way up to become a partner in a club, but was betrayed by his partners. An opportunity to invest in another club comes with a stipulation, marriage to a duchess. On his way to meet her, he comes across a lady in distress, Livian Lovelace. His protective instincts kick in and he becomes physically and emotionally involved in her welfare. Livian is on her way to find a husband. Stranded at the inn with Lachlan, she finds him sweet, kind and oh so seductive. Too many people are trying to keep them apart, including Lachlan himself. The road to happiness can have many obstacles, including a branch from a tree. This is one emotional rollercoaster.
I always hope for an epilogue.
Descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted from the author.
856 reviews5 followers
December 14, 2024
I loved this book. This series overall has been intriguing; however, this book was a bit different. There did not feel like there was as much darkness and there was so much banter. It was fabulous. I could not get enough of the talking between Livian and Lachlan. Not to mention I loved all the alliteration, Livian Lovelace and Lachlan Latimer. Perfection. There was so much nuance within the story, with the additional characters, the Duchess for example. I literally read this book straight through, I could not wait to find out what happened to everyone and how Livian and Lachlan would get their happily ever after. I cannot say enough good things about this book, and I am so excited to see where the series goes next.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,632 reviews24 followers
December 14, 2024
This story has the most fantastic and interesting dialogue. The characters spend most of the story talking to each other in a fashion that is like watching a play. Lachlan is a man of the world who has been deeply hurt. Livian is a fiery young lady looking for a new life. They meet as strangers and become friends. The author has written a story that sees the plot unfolding as these two argue fiercely back and forth. It also has steamy scenes as their arguments explode in the bedroom. It was a story that was difficult to put down as I became hooked. This is a book that you will want to own and read more than once.
2,427 reviews22 followers
December 20, 2024
L-A-C-H-L-A-N! OMGosh, he is so…so! I am all about the angst, but while this book does have angst, will they be able to be together, there isn’t too much angst for those who like less angst. I also love darker stories which I think Christi writes very well. I was so excited when Lachlan and Livian spent so much time together learning each other. This has become one of my favorite Christi books. I could eat up Lachlan, he is a dirty talker, a protector and oh so sexy. Okay, I need to stop gushing.
Profile Image for Cynthia Houser.
1,608 reviews9 followers
January 22, 2025
Pride

I have been reading Christi's books for a long time and thoroughly enjoy them. What I don't like is the explicit sex scenes. Livian is a sweet innocent young woman who was not born to a life of privilege. She wants to marry and does not want to be poor relation. On her way to a house party, her carriage becomes damaged. She meets the rough hard Latimer. She sees an honorable man instead of tough once street fighter he is. She falls in love and Latimer almost loses her because of his pride.
Profile Image for Shirley Hamlod.
1,119 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2025
This is a very emotional and passionate story of two souls that meet unexpectedly and seem to be made for one another. Unbeknown to one another, Lachlan and Livian are journeying to the same house party when a storm overtakes them and forces them to stay at an inn. Here they discover an undeniable attraction which they cannot ignore. They go their separate ways only to come face to face at the house of a duchess. Both are surprised and horrified that the other is there and for the reasons they are both there. A deep and poignant story that shows how deep love can be.
Profile Image for Gayla McNicholas.
76 reviews2 followers
December 22, 2024
I'm in a puddle after reading this scorchingly hot and steamy book! It has all the emotion and angst I've come to expect from a Christi Caldwell. The only thing missing is an epilogue. Hopefully Lachlan and Livian will appear again in a later book in this series, which I will definitely be reading.
I received an ARC of this book and have voluntarily read and reviewed it with my own honest opinion.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
827 reviews9 followers
January 6, 2025
Christi Caldwell, has a special talent, in bringing characters to life, exposing their layers , their fears, and tragic backgrounds. She endears them to her readers, causing a deep caring and compassion for their redemption. Such was the case with the hardened, Lachlan , as his sweet Livian brings him to his knees. Such a beautiful storyline as these two soulmates, are brought together in the middle of a storm. Loved it!
Profile Image for Ann Gonzalez.
1,501 reviews15 followers
December 16, 2024
Love and heartbreak

I really enjoyed this story. The immediate connection between a couple that can not commit to one another is always a great book. The angst was heartbreaking. This book series is spicier than Caldwell as usual books. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Marilyn .
497 reviews9 followers
December 16, 2024
This is a wonderful story! I have loved the other books in the series but, this one isn't quite as dark.
I loved the interaction, chemistry and angst between Lachlan and Livian.
The secondary characters were fabulous, and I loved Lachlan's kindness and generosity with children.
This is definitely a 5-star read, and I cannot wait for the next one in the series.
43 reviews1 follower
January 3, 2025
Not the best CC

Characters established in previous books?
Virginal miss?
Underworld reformed club owner?
So far so good, but it just felt like it missed the pizzazz of some books. Some plot points were explained only from one perspective, in such a way they felt a bit tacked on (Wakefield!!). Probably not a re-read, whereas Wrath was definitely worth a second / third read.
Profile Image for Aj.
2,492 reviews
December 14, 2024
A passionate and heart felt romance, captivating story from the start and I loved Lachlan and Livian's road trip to happily ever after. Wonderful dialogue, a mix of intriguing characters and a love that's worth all the heartache getting there.
Profile Image for Devon.
566 reviews22 followers
December 22, 2024
oh, i really liked this one. again, this series is so good so far. wrath is still my favourite, but pride sits close.

i do love that christi caldwell always manages to mention or feature older characters in.

4.5
Profile Image for Susy V.
143 reviews
December 27, 2024
Received this ARC of Pride
And it is my favorite so far out of the Deven Deadly Sijs series . Really liked the meet cute between Livian snd Lachlan .

This is my honest opinion for the ARC given to me
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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