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Sapphire Falls #1
Getting Out of Hand
Genius scientist Mason Riley can cure world hunger, impress the media and piss off the Vice President of the United States all before breakfast. But he’s not sure he can get through his high school class reunion.
Then he meets the new girl in town.
Adrianne Scott loves Sapphire Falls. The sleepy little town has been the perfect place to escape her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Her only plans now include opening her candy shop and living a quiet, drama-free life.
Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her.
Mason sure doesn’t look—or kiss—like a genius scientist geek. In fact, he makes Adrianne’s heart pound like nothing she’s ever experienced. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House should probably be a red flag for a girl who wants a simple boring life.
Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.
(This is an alternate old cover edition of ASIN B00JFLUJ3S.)
Then he meets the new girl in town.
Adrianne Scott loves Sapphire Falls. The sleepy little town has been the perfect place to escape her fast-paced, high stress lifestyle. Her only plans now include opening her candy shop and living a quiet, drama-free life.
Until Mason Riley bids four hundred dollars just to dance with her.
Mason sure doesn’t look—or kiss—like a genius scientist geek. In fact, he makes Adrianne’s heart pound like nothing she’s ever experienced. Passion like this with a guy who travels the world and parties at the White House should probably be a red flag for a girl who wants a simple boring life.
Good thing no one falls in love in a weekend.
(This is an alternate old cover edition of ASIN B00JFLUJ3S.)
278 pages, ebook
First published July 13, 2014
2196 people are currently reading
3118 people want to read
About the author
Erin Nicholas
151 books3,798 followersErin Nicholas is the New York Times bestselling author of over sixty sexy contemporary romances. Her stories have been described as toe-curling, enchanting, steamy and fun.
She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).
You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...
She lives in the Midwest with her husband who only wants to read the sex scenes in her books, her kids who will never read the sex scenes in her books, and family and friends who say they’re shocked by the sex scenes in her books (yeah, right!).
You can find Erin on the web at www.ErinNicholas.com, on Instagram at ErinNicholasBooks, Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ErinNicholas... and on BookBub at https://www.bookbub.com/profile/erin-...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
April 30, 2015
This book has TONS of glowing reviews on Goodreads, and was recommended by readers of smartbitchestrashybooks.com, but wow, I just don't get it. I struggled to finish.
The first thing that irked me was the weird, casual sexism in almost every layer of the story. In the very first chapter, we learn that the hero, Mason, has been invited back to his home town -- along with 4 other men -- as a potential investor in a shopping plaza the mayor hopes to build. And, we soon learn, these five men have yet more in common: in addition to being successful and rich, they've all dated the mayor (or, in Mason's case, had a well-known crush on her in high school). Yes, the mayor is a woman, but she's the worst stereotype of a flaky, dizzy, shallow ex-cheerleader who does none of the actual work associated with leading the town. (The actual work falls to the heroine of the story, Adrianne, a nice girl who prefers to stay out of the limelight.)
Then, when Mason gets back to town and walks into the bar (the only place to get a meal after 8 pm), he finds an auction in progress, in which the men bid on dances with women (the money is supposed to go to raise money for this shopping plaza). Then the next night, Mason gets invited to a poker game with the guys, at which the women have cooked, cleaned, organized, and actually serve drinks and snacks at the game, but are not welcome to play.
And throughout the entire book, there are several examples where male friends and associates of Adrianne's (other than Mason, who as her lover might have some excuse) make casual comments about her physical assets, her breasts and legs and curves, and the narrative gives no suggestion that this is unusual or inappropriate or squicky, which IMO, it totally was.
Uh, no.
The second thing that bothered me is that the reader is constantly told that Mason is a genius who doesn't fit in with normal people and has always been a geek. In one of the early chapters, we're told that his IQ is 135. Um, what? I don't put a whole lot of stock in IQ anyway, but I happen to know my own IQ is slightly higher than 135, and I'd like to think I'm a fairly smart cookie, but I'm no genius. A quick internet search tells me that 140 is considered "high" IQ and 160 is "genius." Yes, I know this is a minor plot point, but it bugged me.
My third complaint is insta-love. Within forty-eight hours of knowing each other, after I think only three brief meetings, Adrianne and Mason were ready to declare their undying devotion to one another. Now, I'm enough of a romantic to accept the possibility of love at first sight, but if you're going to write a story about that, you have to make me believe it. The connection has to be intense, and based upon something more than physical attraction. It's not enough just to have the characters say that it's intense and goes beyond the physical. Also, and this is key, that rare and incredible bond has to be strong enough to resist the first conflict that comes up in the relationship.
Which brings me to my final complaint: the conflict in this story was manufactured, melodramatic, and could have easily been resolved through adult conversation. Here, when Mason's business partner shows up and tells Adrianne that his relationship with her is standing in the way of his big, important work saving Haiti, instead of saying, "Huh, let's talk to Mason about the problem and see what he wants to do about it, since he's a grown up and wicked smart and capable of making his own choices," Adrianne says, "Oh, okay. I'll break up with him in a humiliating public scene so that he'll be so upset he'll leave town and never talk to me again, and it'll hurt, 'cuz he's my One True Love, but it's what's best for Haiti, sooo...."
No. No no no no no. Just No.
The first thing that irked me was the weird, casual sexism in almost every layer of the story. In the very first chapter, we learn that the hero, Mason, has been invited back to his home town -- along with 4 other men -- as a potential investor in a shopping plaza the mayor hopes to build. And, we soon learn, these five men have yet more in common: in addition to being successful and rich, they've all dated the mayor (or, in Mason's case, had a well-known crush on her in high school). Yes, the mayor is a woman, but she's the worst stereotype of a flaky, dizzy, shallow ex-cheerleader who does none of the actual work associated with leading the town. (The actual work falls to the heroine of the story, Adrianne, a nice girl who prefers to stay out of the limelight.)
Then, when Mason gets back to town and walks into the bar (the only place to get a meal after 8 pm), he finds an auction in progress, in which the men bid on dances with women (the money is supposed to go to raise money for this shopping plaza). Then the next night, Mason gets invited to a poker game with the guys, at which the women have cooked, cleaned, organized, and actually serve drinks and snacks at the game, but are not welcome to play.
And throughout the entire book, there are several examples where male friends and associates of Adrianne's (other than Mason, who as her lover might have some excuse) make casual comments about her physical assets, her breasts and legs and curves, and the narrative gives no suggestion that this is unusual or inappropriate or squicky, which IMO, it totally was.
Uh, no.
The second thing that bothered me is that the reader is constantly told that Mason is a genius who doesn't fit in with normal people and has always been a geek. In one of the early chapters, we're told that his IQ is 135. Um, what? I don't put a whole lot of stock in IQ anyway, but I happen to know my own IQ is slightly higher than 135, and I'd like to think I'm a fairly smart cookie, but I'm no genius. A quick internet search tells me that 140 is considered "high" IQ and 160 is "genius." Yes, I know this is a minor plot point, but it bugged me.
My third complaint is insta-love. Within forty-eight hours of knowing each other, after I think only three brief meetings, Adrianne and Mason were ready to declare their undying devotion to one another. Now, I'm enough of a romantic to accept the possibility of love at first sight, but if you're going to write a story about that, you have to make me believe it. The connection has to be intense, and based upon something more than physical attraction. It's not enough just to have the characters say that it's intense and goes beyond the physical. Also, and this is key, that rare and incredible bond has to be strong enough to resist the first conflict that comes up in the relationship.
Which brings me to my final complaint: the conflict in this story was manufactured, melodramatic, and could have easily been resolved through adult conversation. Here, when Mason's business partner shows up and tells Adrianne that his relationship with her is standing in the way of his big, important work saving Haiti, instead of saying, "Huh, let's talk to Mason about the problem and see what he wants to do about it, since he's a grown up and wicked smart and capable of making his own choices," Adrianne says, "Oh, okay. I'll break up with him in a humiliating public scene so that he'll be so upset he'll leave town and never talk to me again, and it'll hurt, 'cuz he's my One True Love, but it's what's best for Haiti, sooo...."
No. No no no no no. Just No.
June 16, 2015
There are a lot of reasons this book shouldn't work. And frankly, it doesn't really. But I was still entertained.
I have no rationale for that. I'm trying to come up with one but every time I do, the book's many flaws spring to mind. Start with instalove. Or the "genius" that's more magic plot device than anything else. Or a soft-sell version of my very least favorite "love" trope (making a choice for the loved one without talking it over—i.e. breaking up for their own good).
But I kept reading regardless. Adrianne is engaging, sure, but not that engaging. And Mason was kinda hot, but not outrageously so. So I'm at a loss coming up with an excuse. It's a light romance that hits the right notes. I guess in this case that was enough.
A note about Steamy: Way high, but not quite over my tolerance. Three to five explicit scenes (didn't keep exact count), most of them long, but not all. Some were kind of weird, actually, now I think on it...
I have no rationale for that. I'm trying to come up with one but every time I do, the book's many flaws spring to mind. Start with instalove. Or the "genius" that's more magic plot device than anything else. Or a soft-sell version of my very least favorite "love" trope (making a choice for the loved one without talking it over—i.e. breaking up for their own good).
But I kept reading regardless. Adrianne is engaging, sure, but not that engaging. And Mason was kinda hot, but not outrageously so. So I'm at a loss coming up with an excuse. It's a light romance that hits the right notes. I guess in this case that was enough.
A note about Steamy: Way high, but not quite over my tolerance. Three to five explicit scenes (didn't keep exact count), most of them long, but not all. Some were kind of weird, actually, now I think on it...
July 11, 2015
There is a reason that Favorite Authors remain favorite Authors, they just get it right every time. Getting Out of Hand was no exception. I discovered Erin Nicholas not so long ago, and I fell in love. With her books, and her characters. They just leave you smiling. Isn't that what a Great Author wants at the End of the Day. To know that she makes her readers smile just with the grace of her pen. I loved this book, I will admit at first I was bothered by Hailey. I thought,"Oh no, another mean girl." Not the case. Erin Nicholas developed her perfectly without putting emphasis in the wrong places. She allowed her to redeem herself with grace, and without it becoming the center of the story. There wasn't the over the top drama taking over the beauty of the characters. I loved it and because Of that I ended up loving Hailey. It truly was a good mix of character traits that played well together. Then there's Mason, who wouldn't love a Mason of their own, who was greatly complimented by the strength of Adrianne, who complimented the other characters, but never overpowered. I Can't wait for the next Erin Nicholas book, because everyone likes to smile.
September 6, 2018
I officially have a new book boyfriend! Mason Riley, the hero in GETTING OUT OF HAND, the first book in Erin Nicholas's wonderful new series Sapphire Falls, is the new love of my life! Well, at least in my fantasies he is. The man is a genius who graduated two years early in high school, but got no respect from his classmates in Sapphire Falls. Instead they wrote him off as a nerd who didn't fit in. He crushed on Hailey, the most beautiful and popular girl in school for years only to have her humiliate him by rejecting and laughing at him in front of all her friends. They say the best revenge is to live a wonderful life and he certainly has! He moved away for college where with the help of his best friend, Lauren, he learned to dress stylishly, pumped up his body at the gym, and learned how to fit in at social settings. Now the man is a renowned scientist who meets with the President of the United States, implements ground breaking projects to help save third world countries, dates beautiful women, and has more money than the other four most successful men in his class combined. Oh, and did I mention he's used his scientific mind to study and learn how to best please women sexually? So a rich, handsome, kind, philanthropic, genius who dresses well, and has mad skills in the bedroom and is a bit of a dirty talker. Mine!!
Adrianne Scott didn't grow up in Sapphire Falls like most the townsfolk, but she was Hailey's friend in college. After a health scare she decided to walk away from her fast-paced, crazy, competitive, stress filled life working for her family's international business based in Chicago. She takes the low-key job as assistant to Hailey who is now the Mayor in Sapphire Falls. She may have only lived in town for three years, but she loves her quiet, slow-paced, peaceful life and all her new friends. She's a smart, beautiful, kind, giving woman who has all the men crushing on her to the point there's an ongoing bet as to who will get to kiss her first. But she hasn't been willing to risk her heart, so she hasn't dated any of them.
Hailey's determined to put herself in the Sapphire Falls history books by developing a shopping center that will bring growth and boost revenues for the townsfolk. She wants to build on land Mason owns so she invites him to town hoping to capitalize on the crush he'd had on her and talk him into donating the land along with about a hundred grand to get the project off the ground. When Adrianne researches Mason she becomes fascinated with his accomplishments, not to mention his good looks, and can't wait to meet the man himself. When Mason does come back to town after eleven years, it's not to help the town or the woman who spurned him. It's to thumb his nose up at Hailey and her project in person. However, the minute he sees Adrianne he can hardly think of anything else, including his revenge. The attraction is mutual. Adrianne is equally smitten with the sexy scientist. She finds herself forgoing all her rules to keep her heart safe and is instead peeling off her clothes for him at every opportunity. Their romance is quick, hot & heavy, eye-opening and life-changing for each of them. They are perfect for each other and it was wonderful to read their love story.
Sapphire Falls comes with a cast of adorable, quirky, sassy, enchanting characters that round out this story in such an enjoyable way. Erin writes so splendidly I felt right in the middle of what was happening as if I was there laughing and plotting along instead of merely reading about it. The ending was marvelous. A true romantic, I love nothing better than a great HEA ending. Getting Out of Hand delivers in a sigh-worthy way, leaving me wishing for more. I can't wait for the second book in the series, Getting Worked Up, and more fun with the people in Sapphire Falls. 5 stars
~Audio version brings a different slant to this wonderful book. Somehow the sass and the sexiness are even better coming from the voice of the narrator. 4 stars on the narration
Adrianne Scott didn't grow up in Sapphire Falls like most the townsfolk, but she was Hailey's friend in college. After a health scare she decided to walk away from her fast-paced, crazy, competitive, stress filled life working for her family's international business based in Chicago. She takes the low-key job as assistant to Hailey who is now the Mayor in Sapphire Falls. She may have only lived in town for three years, but she loves her quiet, slow-paced, peaceful life and all her new friends. She's a smart, beautiful, kind, giving woman who has all the men crushing on her to the point there's an ongoing bet as to who will get to kiss her first. But she hasn't been willing to risk her heart, so she hasn't dated any of them.
Hailey's determined to put herself in the Sapphire Falls history books by developing a shopping center that will bring growth and boost revenues for the townsfolk. She wants to build on land Mason owns so she invites him to town hoping to capitalize on the crush he'd had on her and talk him into donating the land along with about a hundred grand to get the project off the ground. When Adrianne researches Mason she becomes fascinated with his accomplishments, not to mention his good looks, and can't wait to meet the man himself. When Mason does come back to town after eleven years, it's not to help the town or the woman who spurned him. It's to thumb his nose up at Hailey and her project in person. However, the minute he sees Adrianne he can hardly think of anything else, including his revenge. The attraction is mutual. Adrianne is equally smitten with the sexy scientist. She finds herself forgoing all her rules to keep her heart safe and is instead peeling off her clothes for him at every opportunity. Their romance is quick, hot & heavy, eye-opening and life-changing for each of them. They are perfect for each other and it was wonderful to read their love story.
Sapphire Falls comes with a cast of adorable, quirky, sassy, enchanting characters that round out this story in such an enjoyable way. Erin writes so splendidly I felt right in the middle of what was happening as if I was there laughing and plotting along instead of merely reading about it. The ending was marvelous. A true romantic, I love nothing better than a great HEA ending. Getting Out of Hand delivers in a sigh-worthy way, leaving me wishing for more. I can't wait for the second book in the series, Getting Worked Up, and more fun with the people in Sapphire Falls. 5 stars
~Audio version brings a different slant to this wonderful book. Somehow the sass and the sexiness are even better coming from the voice of the narrator. 4 stars on the narration
June 20, 2014
Mason is an amazing man that has been burned a few times. His best friend needs him to go back home to Sapphire Falls to deal with some business. He is a genius and graduated high school early. He is involved in numerous research firms, mostly agriculture. Hailey is the mayor and needs his land for a business. She had put together a weekend for all the alumni to come down and be shown the business plans. Adrianne is Hailey's assistant. She moved to Sapphire Falls when she had a scare with her health. She had to do a write up on Mason and she was intrigued by him from the start. mason came into town and was drawn to her from the beginning. The girls have planned to keep Hailey away from him because she will hurt him. Adrianne will do anything to keep him from getting hurt. They start hanging out and things get very steamy very quick. Mason makes a hard decision but for Adrianne it's worth the risk. Lauren comes to town to make Adrianne see the other side of the situation and Adrianne makes the toughest decision of her life. Will she keep Mason in her life or will she let him go and be a hero?! This is such an amazing and hot book! I was addicted to it from the beginning. This book has so much passion heart poured into it, it's Definitely a must read.
July 7, 2014
Erin Nicholas is my favorite. That’s no secret. I love her and anything she does. However, after falling totally and completely in love with her Bradford/Dixon series….it was hard for me to imagine loving a completely new, unrelated series. BOY WAS I WORRIED FOR NOTHING! WOW. From page 1 of this story, the Bradfords and Dixons were both far from my mind! I fell hook, line and sinker for Sapphire Falls and all of its residents. It was so fun meeting a whole new cast of characters and learning all their different personalities. I loved it. Mason Riley….what can I say?? Nerds have never been so hot!! And Adrianne Scott was the perfect mix of confident and unsure for me. Their chemistry grabbed me from the very beginning and didn’t let go! You’ll also meet the other girls that the next 3 books are about….and they are fantastic, funny, bitchy, crazy and wonderful! In this book you’ll find a sexy nerd, a woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to give the details, a whole lotta hotness, heartbreak, love, tears and happily ever after. This is the perfect start to a brand new series!
February 21, 2016
Out Of Left Field
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Mason seems to have gotten over the humiliations of his past in the small town of Sapphire Hills, Nebraska as he is now an über confident suave man who knows what he wants and how to get it. But then why is he so reluctant to go show the people he grew up with just how far he has come? When his partner and best friend in the world tells him she needs a break from him and his workaholic ways so she can spend some quality time with her girlfriend Alex and that he should take the opportunity of the alumni weekend to check out the farm he inherited over 2 whole years ago he is adamant there is no reason he needs to go home...ever. He will go but not there! Not ever!
Hailey is used to getting what she wants and she has a plan...Unfortunately for Adrienne this means getting Mason on board with the Sapphire Hills project but she feels that using people is wrong and above all she wants no drama! After her heart attack she came to Sapphire Falls to live a healthy laid back stress free life. She doesn't date and she doesn't drink so when Mason pays $300 for a few dances with her she KNOWS she's in trouble bigtime! Back in town 5 minutes and he's already causing more excitement and drama than she can handle!
This is a great start to what looks to be another awesome small town contemporary romance series by Nicholas. It is full of amazing supporting characters and the humorous hijinks I have come to know and love from her numerous other books. Nicholas can always by counted on to provide originality in each story even though the tone of her books is always fun and flirty. She deals with real life problems in heartwarming and unique ways that give hope that no matter what your issues or problems there is always room for love! I can't WAIT for Getting Worked Up!!!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy detailed steamier than steamy plotcentric sex scenes in their small town contemporary romances with real world issues and ALWAYS a HEA for her very loveable and realistic characters :)
This series must be read in order. This is the first book.
Mason seems to have gotten over the humiliations of his past in the small town of Sapphire Hills, Nebraska as he is now an über confident suave man who knows what he wants and how to get it. But then why is he so reluctant to go show the people he grew up with just how far he has come? When his partner and best friend in the world tells him she needs a break from him and his workaholic ways so she can spend some quality time with her girlfriend Alex and that he should take the opportunity of the alumni weekend to check out the farm he inherited over 2 whole years ago he is adamant there is no reason he needs to go home...ever. He will go but not there! Not ever!
Hailey is used to getting what she wants and she has a plan...Unfortunately for Adrienne this means getting Mason on board with the Sapphire Hills project but she feels that using people is wrong and above all she wants no drama! After her heart attack she came to Sapphire Falls to live a healthy laid back stress free life. She doesn't date and she doesn't drink so when Mason pays $300 for a few dances with her she KNOWS she's in trouble bigtime! Back in town 5 minutes and he's already causing more excitement and drama than she can handle!
This is a great start to what looks to be another awesome small town contemporary romance series by Nicholas. It is full of amazing supporting characters and the humorous hijinks I have come to know and love from her numerous other books. Nicholas can always by counted on to provide originality in each story even though the tone of her books is always fun and flirty. She deals with real life problems in heartwarming and unique ways that give hope that no matter what your issues or problems there is always room for love! I can't WAIT for Getting Worked Up!!!
***This series is suitable for adult readers who enjoy detailed steamier than steamy plotcentric sex scenes in their small town contemporary romances with real world issues and ALWAYS a HEA for her very loveable and realistic characters :)
March 13, 2016
It was ok. Not really boring, but didn't really require me to fully engage, either. I mostly tried to ignore the narrow sex roles the male and female characters were limited to. It was harder to ignore that the bisexual secondary character was depicted in a Hollywood kind of way, not in an actual queer woman who doesn't view her sexuality as male entertainment kind of way. The ending pissed me off enough that I'm tempted to drop this down to 2 stars. Not really ok with a major medical condition being handwaved away as all in the heroine's mind/cured by the power of twu wuv.
dnf
September 30, 2017DNF at 1% because the main character says his best friend is a lesbian, when she identifies as bisexual, because her last 2 serious relationships were with women. His best friend, and he erases her identity. This is not a hero that I am ever going to like or root for.
I picked this book up because it hints that one of the MCs might be bi in the blurb. I am not up for reading this kind of bisexual erasure.
I picked this book up because it hints that one of the MCs might be bi in the blurb. I am not up for reading this kind of bisexual erasure.
June 12, 2022
This first book in the Sapphire Falls series is entertaining. A quirky small town in Nebraska, romance and laughter as two people who shouldn't work as a couple manage to find love and their HEA. Adrianne and Mason were cute but it's her friends and the town of Sapphire Falls that add the charm to this book.
September 6, 2016
“Getting Out of Hand” is the first book in Erin Nicholas’ new series, Sapphire Falls. I absolutely loved this book! Read it in less than a day! In this book, we meet Mason Riley and Adrianne Scott.
Mason used to live in Sapphire Falls, Nebraska, but he hasn’t been back in town for several years now. While he’s been away, he worked hard to become a successful scientist alongside his business partner and friend, Lauren. Together they run Innovative Agricultural Solutions. Simply put, Mason is a genius. He was a nerd back in high school, but now, he’s successful, rich, and extremely hot! The mayor of Sapphire Falls and one-time crush, Hailey, invited him to come back for an alumni weekend. He is one of five investors that the town invited to come listen to what their plans are for the land. Mason has no interest in going. He was humiliated by Hailey in a public outing and doesn’t want to see her. Why should he help her by selling the land his family owns?
Meanwhile, Adrianne Scott moved to Sapphire Falls a few years back. She used to live in Chicago where she and her brothers ran a successful family-owned chocolate business. But due to a health scare and a constant busy schedule, she moved to Sapphire Falls to get away from the stress. She works for Hailey, but she also still loves creating chocolate and has hopes of opening her own store in town. The problem is the land the town wants Mason to sell is where her store and other potential stores would be. How can she tell this to the man she’s falling in love with without him getting mad at her? She has Hailey pressuring her to convince him to sell this land.
When Mason and Adrianne meet each other for the first time, there was an immediate connection. I loved this pairing so much! They were just so refreshing especially Mason! When they would hook up, it was like Adrianne was the spark that kept Mason’s ideas flowing. He’s so smart. His mind kept running. The first time they made out, there was no pad of paper for Mason to write the formula he was working on, so Adrianne offered to let him write on her. That was hot! It also became their thing. Adrianne saw him for him. She accepted his nerdiness and found it irresistible.
Any fan of Erin Nicholas will love her latest series! She had me smiling and laughing all throughout this book! Such a wonderful introduction into her new series! I can’t wait for Phoebe and Joe’s story next month in “Getting Worked Up!”
Mason used to live in Sapphire Falls, Nebraska, but he hasn’t been back in town for several years now. While he’s been away, he worked hard to become a successful scientist alongside his business partner and friend, Lauren. Together they run Innovative Agricultural Solutions. Simply put, Mason is a genius. He was a nerd back in high school, but now, he’s successful, rich, and extremely hot! The mayor of Sapphire Falls and one-time crush, Hailey, invited him to come back for an alumni weekend. He is one of five investors that the town invited to come listen to what their plans are for the land. Mason has no interest in going. He was humiliated by Hailey in a public outing and doesn’t want to see her. Why should he help her by selling the land his family owns?
Meanwhile, Adrianne Scott moved to Sapphire Falls a few years back. She used to live in Chicago where she and her brothers ran a successful family-owned chocolate business. But due to a health scare and a constant busy schedule, she moved to Sapphire Falls to get away from the stress. She works for Hailey, but she also still loves creating chocolate and has hopes of opening her own store in town. The problem is the land the town wants Mason to sell is where her store and other potential stores would be. How can she tell this to the man she’s falling in love with without him getting mad at her? She has Hailey pressuring her to convince him to sell this land.
When Mason and Adrianne meet each other for the first time, there was an immediate connection. I loved this pairing so much! They were just so refreshing especially Mason! When they would hook up, it was like Adrianne was the spark that kept Mason’s ideas flowing. He’s so smart. His mind kept running. The first time they made out, there was no pad of paper for Mason to write the formula he was working on, so Adrianne offered to let him write on her. That was hot! It also became their thing. Adrianne saw him for him. She accepted his nerdiness and found it irresistible.
Any fan of Erin Nicholas will love her latest series! She had me smiling and laughing all throughout this book! Such a wonderful introduction into her new series! I can’t wait for Phoebe and Joe’s story next month in “Getting Worked Up!”
August 11, 2016
Erin Nicholas has outdone herself!
Every true Nicholas fan knows how well she can spin a steamy romance. No one can hook a reader like Erin Nicholas can and the first line of Getting of Hand is no exception. Right from the start, she grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go until it’s over. As always, she leaves fans wanting more but not in a way that’s unsatisfying or unfinished.
In every one of her novels, Nicholas’ heroes are larger than life who make us drool and pray that by some miracle they’re going to spring from the pages straight into our bedrooms. They’re firefighters, doctors, paramedics and the like with one thing in common; they seem too good to be true.
With her latest offering, Getting out of Hand, Nicholas has again given us a doctor in her male lead, Mason Riley, but this man breaks the mold. Mason isn’t a medical doctor. He’s a PHD with a genius level IQ and the ultimate ugly-duckling-turned-swan. Dr. Riley is not only rich but a humanitarian whose work is going to change the world for the better. What more could a woman ask for? How about the fact that Dr. Riley has no clue just how sexy he’s become? Sure, he knows he’s cleaned up well, thanks to some help from his best friend and business partner, Lauren, but there’s still some self-doubt lurking under the confident façade that makes us love him even more.
As if Dr. Riley wasn’t enough to make this story great, Nicholas did something that isn’t being done enough in romance novels. She broke away from the stereotypical model-type running rampant in most romance novels by making her female lead a buxom, curvy blonde with a brain! Better yet, she portrayed this woman as confident in her own skin, giving women everywhere a wonderful role model.
Not only does Nicholas give us great characters that we’re pulling for from the beginning, but she does it with her signature steamy style. I cannot say enough about how well her sex scenes are crafted. Rather than reading like a sex manual, she takes us on journey with her characters that’s definitely hot but still manages to come across as tasteful.
I finished the book in just a few hours, as I’ve done with every other novel written by this author, and I’m already clamoring for the second book in the series.
Every true Nicholas fan knows how well she can spin a steamy romance. No one can hook a reader like Erin Nicholas can and the first line of Getting of Hand is no exception. Right from the start, she grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let go until it’s over. As always, she leaves fans wanting more but not in a way that’s unsatisfying or unfinished.
In every one of her novels, Nicholas’ heroes are larger than life who make us drool and pray that by some miracle they’re going to spring from the pages straight into our bedrooms. They’re firefighters, doctors, paramedics and the like with one thing in common; they seem too good to be true.
With her latest offering, Getting out of Hand, Nicholas has again given us a doctor in her male lead, Mason Riley, but this man breaks the mold. Mason isn’t a medical doctor. He’s a PHD with a genius level IQ and the ultimate ugly-duckling-turned-swan. Dr. Riley is not only rich but a humanitarian whose work is going to change the world for the better. What more could a woman ask for? How about the fact that Dr. Riley has no clue just how sexy he’s become? Sure, he knows he’s cleaned up well, thanks to some help from his best friend and business partner, Lauren, but there’s still some self-doubt lurking under the confident façade that makes us love him even more.
As if Dr. Riley wasn’t enough to make this story great, Nicholas did something that isn’t being done enough in romance novels. She broke away from the stereotypical model-type running rampant in most romance novels by making her female lead a buxom, curvy blonde with a brain! Better yet, she portrayed this woman as confident in her own skin, giving women everywhere a wonderful role model.
Not only does Nicholas give us great characters that we’re pulling for from the beginning, but she does it with her signature steamy style. I cannot say enough about how well her sex scenes are crafted. Rather than reading like a sex manual, she takes us on journey with her characters that’s definitely hot but still manages to come across as tasteful.
I finished the book in just a few hours, as I’ve done with every other novel written by this author, and I’m already clamoring for the second book in the series.
March 21, 2015
Erin Nicholas has done it again and written another winner with her newest release, Getting Out of Hand. She writes romantic, heartwarming love stories with touches of humor and fun-loving characters you can't help but care for. I loved Mason and Adrianne and the way they met. They had amazing chemistry right from the beginning and I really liked how protective Adrianne was of Mason and that she understood him. I liked that she was a strong heroine, not afraid to speak her mind and go after what she wanted, which was Mason. I totally adored nerdy Mason. It was great to see Mason opening up to Adrianne and showing his vulnerable side. I also loved his close friendship with Lauren; I always enjoy when a man and woman can have a deep bond and friendship without crossing the line. I enjoyed the playfulness and sexy moments in this story as well as the friendships in the small town of Sapphire Falls. One scene between Adrianne and Lauren had me laughing so hard and only a great writer can make me laugh or cry. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.
Note: Received a gifted copy for an honest review
Note: Received a gifted copy for an honest review
July 7, 2014
No Surprise to anyone that knows me that Erin Nicholas is my all-time favorite author. I fell in love hard with the Bradford's and the Dixon's in her last two series. And then I was wondering how could she even top them.
Well, WOW!!! ........ Erin did it again and with a Bang!!!!
Getting Out of Hand is the first book of three in here newest series. I fell in love with Mason and Adrianne right from the start. Mason is your "geek" in school to grows up into a very well to do adult. Adrianne has come back to Sapphire Falls after a health scare to be able to start her life over, without all the high pressure, drama, hustle and bustle. Adrianne due to a work project, needs to spend a lot of time with Mason to keep him away from a High School first love. I don't want to share too much more and spoil it.
But I can tell you for sure, you won't put it down till you are done.
Way to Go Erin on a GREAT new series!!! Can't wait for Books 2 & 3. Erin, keep up the GREAT writing!!!!!
Well, WOW!!! ........ Erin did it again and with a Bang!!!!
Getting Out of Hand is the first book of three in here newest series. I fell in love with Mason and Adrianne right from the start. Mason is your "geek" in school to grows up into a very well to do adult. Adrianne has come back to Sapphire Falls after a health scare to be able to start her life over, without all the high pressure, drama, hustle and bustle. Adrianne due to a work project, needs to spend a lot of time with Mason to keep him away from a High School first love. I don't want to share too much more and spoil it.
But I can tell you for sure, you won't put it down till you are done.
Way to Go Erin on a GREAT new series!!! Can't wait for Books 2 & 3. Erin, keep up the GREAT writing!!!!!
September 7, 2016
Another great series from Erin Nicholas. You will be falling in love with the characters from Sapphire Falls from the first time Mason steps into town. Mason is a genius that everybody thought was a nerd in high school. He comes back to town after leaving it 11 years ago and never looking back. The town wants his land to build a new mall and he is going back to town to tell the mayor that won't be happening (him and the mayor may have a bit of a history from high school). Once he gets into town he finds it might not be as easy to say no now that he has met Adrienne. Great new series just in time for summer beach reads! You won't want to put it down.
March 31, 2015
This first book in the Sapphire Falls series treats us to the story of Mason and Adrianne. Mason grew up in this small town, a boy with such a high IQ that he was always an outcast among his peers. When he left he became a successful scientist and never envisioned himself returning until an alumni event and a request for a business donation lure him back for some rest and relaxation. There he meets Adrianne, a Chicago transplant who loves the small town life and is enjoying her new community of friends. Her job is to coax the money and land out of Mason to support the new business development - only things don't go quite as planned when an instant attraction between them threatens the business plan and Mason's well ordered life.
I absolutely adored this story! I've always enjoyed small town romances and though the setting may be familiar, the characters in this story are very unique. Adrianne is a strong willed and dynamic female, used to the fast paced life of a business executive but quite happy to take a back seat to the Mayor and help out as her assistant behind the scenes. The slower pace and friendly atmosphere appeal to her and she is content with her new surroundings. Mason enters her life like a whirlwind, whisking her onto the dance floor at their first meeting and instantly showing her that while she's been content in her new life, there was something missing - and it was him. Mason is an enigma. He's a brilliant and wealthy scientist who has learned all the social niceties required to wine and dine the ladies and yet at his core still remains a little bit on the outside of normal with his total dedication and enthusiasm for his work. His immediate attraction to Adrianne releases unpredictable feelings that take him by surprise but in a good way. The sexual tension between them begins at their very first meeting and their love scenes are dynamic and emotional, steaming up the pages. Making love to Adrianne releases in Mason inspiration to solve some of his greatest technical challenges and I thought that Mason using her skin to record his ideas was perfectly in character for him (and so sexy!).
Secondary characters play an important role in the story, revealing the intricacies of Mason's relationship with them as teenagers and now as adults. His desire to be accepted by his peers still lingers and Adrianne's sensitivity to Mason's desire to be 'normal' is heartwarming to read. Alternating points of view give insight into Mason's and Adrianne's thoughts and feelings, adding emotional depth to the story. The overall tone of the book is lighthearted and fun, so enjoyable that I found it difficult to put down once I started reading. I am very much looking forward to future visits to Sapphire Falls. 5 delightful stars!
I absolutely adored this story! I've always enjoyed small town romances and though the setting may be familiar, the characters in this story are very unique. Adrianne is a strong willed and dynamic female, used to the fast paced life of a business executive but quite happy to take a back seat to the Mayor and help out as her assistant behind the scenes. The slower pace and friendly atmosphere appeal to her and she is content with her new surroundings. Mason enters her life like a whirlwind, whisking her onto the dance floor at their first meeting and instantly showing her that while she's been content in her new life, there was something missing - and it was him. Mason is an enigma. He's a brilliant and wealthy scientist who has learned all the social niceties required to wine and dine the ladies and yet at his core still remains a little bit on the outside of normal with his total dedication and enthusiasm for his work. His immediate attraction to Adrianne releases unpredictable feelings that take him by surprise but in a good way. The sexual tension between them begins at their very first meeting and their love scenes are dynamic and emotional, steaming up the pages. Making love to Adrianne releases in Mason inspiration to solve some of his greatest technical challenges and I thought that Mason using her skin to record his ideas was perfectly in character for him (and so sexy!).
Secondary characters play an important role in the story, revealing the intricacies of Mason's relationship with them as teenagers and now as adults. His desire to be accepted by his peers still lingers and Adrianne's sensitivity to Mason's desire to be 'normal' is heartwarming to read. Alternating points of view give insight into Mason's and Adrianne's thoughts and feelings, adding emotional depth to the story. The overall tone of the book is lighthearted and fun, so enjoyable that I found it difficult to put down once I started reading. I am very much looking forward to future visits to Sapphire Falls. 5 delightful stars!
June 4, 2015
This was my first cheat in my project not to buy books in 2015. I mean, it was free, but still. I wanted to make sure I could still get it for free, which wouldn't have been guaranteed in 2016. When Smart Bitches said it included sex scenes where the hero writes math equations on the heroine's naked body, well, I was pretty sold.
And it was very good! I enjoyed the Sapphire Falls setting, and I liked both characters a lot. The sex scenes were hot, and their love (though super quick) felt real. I liked how they communicated, too (though it made the Final Obstacle feel fake). I liked that Mason really liked how into him Adrianne was, if that makes any sense. And I like their situation at the end!
I'm putting the next books in the special list for Yes Book Buying 2016.
And it was very good! I enjoyed the Sapphire Falls setting, and I liked both characters a lot. The sex scenes were hot, and their love (though super quick) felt real. I liked how they communicated, too (though it made the Final Obstacle feel fake). I liked that Mason really liked how into him Adrianne was, if that makes any sense. And I like their situation at the end!
I'm putting the next books in the special list for Yes Book Buying 2016.
February 13, 2015
I loved Mason and Adrianne's story. Mason isn't your typical hero. He's a high school nerd who made good and comes back for a high school reunion. Adrianne is the new girl in town who wasn't around during Mason's high school days. Adrianne is a little closer to the typical male role as far as going after Mason and Mason wasn't sure how to handle the ins and outs of women. I loved that this was the first book in a new series and we got glimpses of other single men and women who live in Sapphire Falls. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.
July 2, 2014
The first book in a new series Sapphire Falls, by Erin Nicholas, will not disappoint readers. I read this book in one day, could not put it down. I love to read how nerds turn hot in adult life and that is what Mason does. He returns home after being gone for eleven years for a class reunion where he meets Adrianne, new to town. There is a sizzling chemistry between these two.
There are plenty of secondary characters just waiting their turn for a story. Looking forward to many return trips to Sapphire Falls.
There are plenty of secondary characters just waiting their turn for a story. Looking forward to many return trips to Sapphire Falls.
June 10, 2016
I have to say that Erin Nicholas is one of my favorite authors! With that being said, I think her Saphire Falls series it going to well exceed my expectIons! We all fell in love the Bradford's and the Dixon's, but this is a whole new community to love! Mason and Adrianne just pull you into their lives. Getting Out of Hand is an excellent book, and I can't wait to read the rest of the series.
July 3, 2014
I LOVED this book. Erin Nicholas did a wonderful job with this book and I know that this series is going to be just as great as the last one. The characters are wonderful, both Mason and Adrianne. Adrianne is awesome. She plays Captain-save-a-nerd so well. I highly recommend this book.
July 7, 2014
Every time I think it can't get better Erin does it again!!! I am so in love with Mason and Adrianne! They make an amazing couple! I love how they compliment each other and she is just as much a hero as he is!! Amazing book again Erin!!
March 22, 2019
Mason never really fit in in his home town of Sapphire Falls. He is a genius and more interested in solving the world's hunger problem than what happened at Friday night's football game. His success in life has put him on a list of potential investors for a new project in Sapphire Falls. He reluctantly accepts the invitation to come home to see what it is all about. There he meets Adrianne who has escaped the fast lane life and traded it in for small-town serenity. She has a personal stake in the project, so it is hard for Mason to figure out if the immediate attraction they share is a ploy to get his investment or if it is real.
I liked this one. I could have done without the instant attraction between the two MCs, I think a medium burn would have fit the characters more, but I guess the reunion was only supposed to be a couple of days so time was short. I really liked Mason's character. All he has ever wanted was a little touch of normal, but he is beautifully abnormal in so many ways. Adrianne gets that and it is what makes them perfect for one another.
I liked this one. I could have done without the instant attraction between the two MCs, I think a medium burn would have fit the characters more, but I guess the reunion was only supposed to be a couple of days so time was short. I really liked Mason's character. All he has ever wanted was a little touch of normal, but he is beautifully abnormal in so many ways. Adrianne gets that and it is what makes them perfect for one another.
May 29, 2015
Another great read from Erin Nicholas! I loved this book! It's the start of a new series and I can't wait for more, Sapphire Falls is a great little town and I can't wait to see what else is going to happen there. This story is about Adrianne Scott, relative newcomer to town and Mason Riley who left long ago with no plans to return…ever.
Let's start with Adrianne, she's smart and in away she's ambitious but there's something holding her back. She was every successful back in Chicago but a heart attack at 27 caused her to reevaluate her life and look for a slower pace. In Sapphire Falls she has friends, a job that’s not too demanding and a dream of opening her own gourmet candy shop. The only thing standing in her way is Mason Riley.
Now Mason, he's a genius, a literal genius and a doctor (in agricultural sciences) and thanks to the help of his best friend Lauren a total hottie. A far cry from the geeky kid he was when he left town. He is not only a potential investor for the towns proposed new shopping center (and home for Adrianne's candy shop) he also owns the land they want to build it on. He knows the mayor (his former high school crush Hailey) will try to manipulate him but as soon as he sees Adrianne he has no attention for Hailey anyway.
These two have great chemistry and I loved watching their love story unfold. There are plenty of great secondary characters and I'm really looking forward to their stories too. I want to know what happens to Phoebe, Matt, Lauren and even Hailey. If you have read any of Erin's other work and enjoyed it I'm sure you'll enjoy this too, if you haven't this would be a great place to start.
Let's start with Adrianne, she's smart and in away she's ambitious but there's something holding her back. She was every successful back in Chicago but a heart attack at 27 caused her to reevaluate her life and look for a slower pace. In Sapphire Falls she has friends, a job that’s not too demanding and a dream of opening her own gourmet candy shop. The only thing standing in her way is Mason Riley.
Now Mason, he's a genius, a literal genius and a doctor (in agricultural sciences) and thanks to the help of his best friend Lauren a total hottie. A far cry from the geeky kid he was when he left town. He is not only a potential investor for the towns proposed new shopping center (and home for Adrianne's candy shop) he also owns the land they want to build it on. He knows the mayor (his former high school crush Hailey) will try to manipulate him but as soon as he sees Adrianne he has no attention for Hailey anyway.
These two have great chemistry and I loved watching their love story unfold. There are plenty of great secondary characters and I'm really looking forward to their stories too. I want to know what happens to Phoebe, Matt, Lauren and even Hailey. If you have read any of Erin's other work and enjoyed it I'm sure you'll enjoy this too, if you haven't this would be a great place to start.
April 1, 2015
Awww. Mason and Adrianne were cuuuute together. He pushed all her sexy buttons and she lit him up like no other woman could. It was sweet and hot and WOW! MAKE OUT SESSION ON A CAR? BRING IT!
Yeah. This book ended up hitting the spot. Mason's willingness to join in on the various events around town with the Sapphire Falls crowd just because he'd been asked (insert a heartfelt sniffle for his exclusion as a teen here) made me both sad and happy. Sad because he had to wait all that time to feel welcome (being a boy genius does to you in a small town makes one a bit of an outcast) and happy because he was finally getting to fit in with those he'd known before.
And Adrianne. I get why she was careful. I get why she tried to hold herself back. I really wanted to hate Hailey for what she was doing to Adrianne, but I ended up (begrudgingly) liking her. Same for Mason's BFF Lauren. I really wanted to dislike her for throwing a wrench in the Mason/Adrianne dynamic, but I got it after a while. I still didn't like her methods, but I understood why she was doing it and how important it was that Mason continue his work.
She and Hailey did get a good dose of crazy eyes a time or two, though.
But let's get back to Adrianne and Mason. I liked them together. I liked that she both appreciated what he did and supported him whole-heartedly. Their steamy interludes were pretty darn nice, too. Just sayin'.
I just... I don't know. You know when you want something light and sweet and you pick a book to read that completely goes there and delivers just that? THAT.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Yeah. This book ended up hitting the spot. Mason's willingness to join in on the various events around town with the Sapphire Falls crowd just because he'd been asked (insert a heartfelt sniffle for his exclusion as a teen here) made me both sad and happy. Sad because he had to wait all that time to feel welcome (being a boy genius does to you in a small town makes one a bit of an outcast) and happy because he was finally getting to fit in with those he'd known before.
And Adrianne. I get why she was careful. I get why she tried to hold herself back. I really wanted to hate Hailey for what she was doing to Adrianne, but I ended up (begrudgingly) liking her. Same for Mason's BFF Lauren. I really wanted to dislike her for throwing a wrench in the Mason/Adrianne dynamic, but I got it after a while. I still didn't like her methods, but I understood why she was doing it and how important it was that Mason continue his work.
She and Hailey did get a good dose of crazy eyes a time or two, though.
But let's get back to Adrianne and Mason. I liked them together. I liked that she both appreciated what he did and supported him whole-heartedly. Their steamy interludes were pretty darn nice, too. Just sayin'.
I just... I don't know. You know when you want something light and sweet and you pick a book to read that completely goes there and delivers just that? THAT.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
July 12, 2014
This is book one in Erin Nicholas' new series Sapphire Falls. In this book we meet Mason Riley and Adrianne Scott. Mason was the class nerd who had a run-in with the most popular girl in school and came out of it with some major self confidence scars. He moved away, got his PhD, became famous in the field of agricultural science, made millions and swore to NEVER return to Sapphire Falls again. By invitation of the mayor of Sapphire Falls, he returns. He meets Adrianne Scott and falls head-over-heels in love. Adrianne loves her little town and swears to never leave it's peaceful, no stress way of life. Mason's work takes him around the world. How will they ever have their happily ever after?
I love the fact that Adrianne is so intelligent and confident. She's been there, done that, and has the scars to prove it! She may be confident but she's also terrified of her health issues. Mason Riley has to be the sexiest nerd EVER! The pen-on-skin note taking was genius and in the ranking with the refrigerator scene in 9-1/2 Weeks! Erin Nicholas knows how to write a sizzling sex scene and keep it tasteful at the same time. Their chemistry is sizzling and let me just say that a man does not have to be six foot something and bulging muscles to be a tiger in bed.
This is an amazing new series set in small town Nebraska. This author has more than proven that she can write a fantastic series. We've only met a few residents of Sapphire Falls and I'm super excited to meet more.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I love the fact that Adrianne is so intelligent and confident. She's been there, done that, and has the scars to prove it! She may be confident but she's also terrified of her health issues. Mason Riley has to be the sexiest nerd EVER! The pen-on-skin note taking was genius and in the ranking with the refrigerator scene in 9-1/2 Weeks! Erin Nicholas knows how to write a sizzling sex scene and keep it tasteful at the same time. Their chemistry is sizzling and let me just say that a man does not have to be six foot something and bulging muscles to be a tiger in bed.
This is an amazing new series set in small town Nebraska. This author has more than proven that she can write a fantastic series. We've only met a few residents of Sapphire Falls and I'm super excited to meet more.
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 27, 2016
Mason and Adrianne have amazing chemistry and you fall in love with sexy-nerd Mason immediately. He is humble and sweet, oh and did I mention sexy??? Adrianne moved to Sapphire Falls to start her life over after having a heart attack due to stress. She loves the town and wants to open her own candy shop in a new mall that she and her college roommate turned mayor want to build on Mason's land. Adrianne tries to convince Mason that this mall is a great idea for Sapphire Falls but Mason has his own ideas about what Sapphire Falls needs, and he needs to save the agricultural industry in his spare time! Adrianne and Mason have crazy chemistry from the very beginning. You'll cheer for them to get their Happily Ever After and fall in love with Sapphire Falls all at the same time.
November 30, 2014
First I have to say I have read and loved all of Erin's books. This is just makes the list longer. This was truly an instant true love book. I so so so love nerdy men and Mason was a a well built nerd at that! Then there was Adrianne. She was such a neat change from other female characters. I loved her dirty talk. You do not always see that in female characters as the instigator of such talk. But she was so fun to read. The way she went for it with Mason each time they were together, even after just meeting. Loved their instantaneous chemistry! The story line was great. Flowed quickly and had funny parts as well as sad and endearing moments. Now I will have to impatiently wait for the next book in the series. Cannot wait!
May 14, 2015
An absolutely awesome book that will make you look at "nerds" in a different light!!! Normally, I want my heroes to be all manly and alpha but Mason definitely won my heart!!! The chemistry between him and Adrianne was there from the start and I really enjoyed watching them realize they could be together. I loved the entire book! The main characters as well as the secondary characters and I'm looking forward to more from Sapphire Falls but I just LOVED Mason!!!!
August 13, 2015
Another amazing story by Erin Nicholas! I wish that I could write as well as she does to be able to express how much I loved this book! The characters jump off the page and into your heart Mason is a lovable genius/nerd and Adrienne is someone you'd want to hang out with! I'm glad that this book is part of the Sapphire Falls series, because I'm not ready to let them go yet! A great summer read, read and enjoy!
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