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Vargas Cartel #2
Unveiled
One look and I wanted him.
One kiss and I was addicted.
One touch and I was lost.
Hattie Covington is ready to reclaim her life…
She plans to erase the man who abducted her from mind and carve him out of her heart. But her life quickly spirals out of control. She realizes nobody can be trusted and nothing is how it seems.
Ryker Vargas pushed Hattie out of his life and back into Evan’s arms, but just because she's gone, doesn't mean he’s forgotten her. She’s in his blood, infecting his thoughts, and he’s going back for her. He won't stop until she belongs to him…
Heart, body and soul.
One kiss and I was addicted.
One touch and I was lost.
Hattie Covington is ready to reclaim her life…
She plans to erase the man who abducted her from mind and carve him out of her heart. But her life quickly spirals out of control. She realizes nobody can be trusted and nothing is how it seems.
Ryker Vargas pushed Hattie out of his life and back into Evan’s arms, but just because she's gone, doesn't mean he’s forgotten her. She’s in his blood, infecting his thoughts, and he’s going back for her. He won't stop until she belongs to him…
Heart, body and soul.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2015
52 people are currently reading
596 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Cardiff
26 books373 followersAfter spending years practicing law and a million other things, Lisa decided to pursue her dream of becoming a writer and she must confess that inventing characters is so much more fun than writing contracts and legal briefs. A native of Colorado, she lives with her husband and three children in Denver. When she isn’t managing the chaos of raising three children and owning her own business, she can be found reading or writing a book.
You can read more about Lisa and her upcoming work at www.lisacardiff.com.
You can read more about Lisa and her upcoming work at www.lisacardiff.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
December 17, 2016
Please check out more of my reviews at www.bookaddicthaven.com
The second book in the Vargas Cartel series, 'Unveiled' picked up the story of Hattie Covington after her return to Washington D. C. Shunned by Ryker, Hattie finds herself again at the whims of her overbearing mother and manipulative boyfriend, Evan. After Ryker rejected her, he all but pushed Hattie back into Evan's arms.
In the blink of an eye, Hattie is suddenly engaged to Evan. You probably remember him as the A-hole from the first book that she caught cheating on her. Yep, that's the guy!
To say that I had some heartburn over Hattie's submission, is putting it mildly. It was like the lady had a personality transplant or something! She was a doormat and I really had trouble relating to her as a heroine.
Of course, Ryker isn't completely out of the picture. Hattie has not seen the last of the Vargas Cartel. It seems that Ryker is as indecisive as Hattie is, telling her to move on one moment and then reappearing in her life the next.
With little build-up, the story would turn in an entirely new direction. Although there were some improvements when compared to the first book, the story still felt disjointed. Sometimes I felt like my head was spinning, unable to understand how the story ended up where it did. Other times, I was bored, wondering when something of interest would happen. It seemed to me that an exorbitant amount of time was spent describing unimportant details, like Hattie's daily routines. Meanwhile, important twists and big revelations were kind of skimmed over quickly.
Not surprisingly, Ryker and Hattie's relationship is not over. However, Hattie finds herself in a very familiar situation at the end of this book. Only, this time her own reckless actions have placed her in danger. Honestly, she worked her way into the TSTL category of heroines by the end of this book. I was left shaking my head, asking "what the hell was she thinking?".
This book ends with a cliffhanger. Even though I was not overly impressed with 'Unveiled', I was curious enough and invested enough in the story to want to continue the series and see how things worked out. That must count for something.
Overall, I'd say that this was an "okay" book. Like the first book in the series, it failed to "wow" me. However, it was a fairly quick and easy read. I can't say that I feel particularly attached to the characters, but I am curious to see how things work out and will read the third book. If I had it to do over, I can't say I'd start this series though.
The second book in the Vargas Cartel series, 'Unveiled' picked up the story of Hattie Covington after her return to Washington D. C. Shunned by Ryker, Hattie finds herself again at the whims of her overbearing mother and manipulative boyfriend, Evan. After Ryker rejected her, he all but pushed Hattie back into Evan's arms.
In the blink of an eye, Hattie is suddenly engaged to Evan. You probably remember him as the A-hole from the first book that she caught cheating on her. Yep, that's the guy!
To say that I had some heartburn over Hattie's submission, is putting it mildly. It was like the lady had a personality transplant or something! She was a doormat and I really had trouble relating to her as a heroine.
Of course, Ryker isn't completely out of the picture. Hattie has not seen the last of the Vargas Cartel. It seems that Ryker is as indecisive as Hattie is, telling her to move on one moment and then reappearing in her life the next.
With little build-up, the story would turn in an entirely new direction. Although there were some improvements when compared to the first book, the story still felt disjointed. Sometimes I felt like my head was spinning, unable to understand how the story ended up where it did. Other times, I was bored, wondering when something of interest would happen. It seemed to me that an exorbitant amount of time was spent describing unimportant details, like Hattie's daily routines. Meanwhile, important twists and big revelations were kind of skimmed over quickly.
Not surprisingly, Ryker and Hattie's relationship is not over. However, Hattie finds herself in a very familiar situation at the end of this book. Only, this time her own reckless actions have placed her in danger. Honestly, she worked her way into the TSTL category of heroines by the end of this book. I was left shaking my head, asking "what the hell was she thinking?".
This book ends with a cliffhanger. Even though I was not overly impressed with 'Unveiled', I was curious enough and invested enough in the story to want to continue the series and see how things worked out. That must count for something.
Overall, I'd say that this was an "okay" book. Like the first book in the series, it failed to "wow" me. However, it was a fairly quick and easy read. I can't say that I feel particularly attached to the characters, but I am curious to see how things work out and will read the third book. If I had it to do over, I can't say I'd start this series though.
May 31, 2015
༺**Complimentary Copy**༺ Provided by the Author in exchange for an Honest Review..Thank you!!
TITLE: Unveiled
SERIES: (Vargas Cartel #2)
AUTHOR: Lisa Cardiff
GENRE: Dark | Romance
TO BE RELEASED: June 9th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★★
(The Vargus Cartel captures and executes traitors)
Since this is part of a series you really need to read Book #1 for this book to make any sense to you..
No sooner had I started this and the next minute I'd finished it, so easy to get lost within the pages it wasn't dark or gritty like the previous book but that's because she's back on home turf, things start moving along towards the end of the book where yet again Hattie's life is under threat..Love this authors writing style the crazy amount of awesome quotes that I fell in love with are insane..
Ryker Vargus ~ In my line of work, attachments complicated everything.
Here's how book #1 ended
"You’re going to meet Evan where Highway 307 intersects with the road leaving the villa. Then, you’re going to forget about me, about what happened between us, and you’re going to give Evan his second chance.”
And book #2 picks up right where the above ended..
FREEDOM!!
I've been drugged, tied to a chair, choked, cut by a knife, shot at, locked in a room, and that's just naming a few of the things that happened over the last few weeks.
Ryker Vargus ~ Hattie should hate me, I abducted her, I tricked her, I was still lying to her. She could never know the real reason why she was selected as a pawn in the deadly game between Senator Deveron and the Vargas Cartel.
Just when you think life is going to be smooth sailing for Hattie Covington once she was released from the Cartel things aren't what they seem, secrets revealed, lies uncovered, and then shit turns to custard and has me reeling for the next book because that ending was ruthless..
Ryker Vargus ~ My lover, My captor, My other half, My future
I can not wait for the next book in this series just to see what's going to happen next because this ending has left me wanting that next one in my grabby lttle hands now..
TITLE: Unveiled
SERIES: (Vargas Cartel #2)
AUTHOR: Lisa Cardiff
GENRE: Dark | Romance
TO BE RELEASED: June 9th 2015
MY RATING: ★★★★★
(The Vargus Cartel captures and executes traitors)
Since this is part of a series you really need to read Book #1 for this book to make any sense to you..
No sooner had I started this and the next minute I'd finished it, so easy to get lost within the pages it wasn't dark or gritty like the previous book but that's because she's back on home turf, things start moving along towards the end of the book where yet again Hattie's life is under threat..Love this authors writing style the crazy amount of awesome quotes that I fell in love with are insane..
Ryker Vargus ~ In my line of work, attachments complicated everything.
Here's how book #1 ended
"You’re going to meet Evan where Highway 307 intersects with the road leaving the villa. Then, you’re going to forget about me, about what happened between us, and you’re going to give Evan his second chance.”
And book #2 picks up right where the above ended..
FREEDOM!!
I've been drugged, tied to a chair, choked, cut by a knife, shot at, locked in a room, and that's just naming a few of the things that happened over the last few weeks.
Ryker Vargus ~ Hattie should hate me, I abducted her, I tricked her, I was still lying to her. She could never know the real reason why she was selected as a pawn in the deadly game between Senator Deveron and the Vargas Cartel.
Just when you think life is going to be smooth sailing for Hattie Covington once she was released from the Cartel things aren't what they seem, secrets revealed, lies uncovered, and then shit turns to custard and has me reeling for the next book because that ending was ruthless..
Ryker Vargus ~ My lover, My captor, My other half, My future
I can not wait for the next book in this series just to see what's going to happen next because this ending has left me wanting that next one in my grabby lttle hands now..
February 19, 2019
Meh.
I mostly skimmed this. I kind of just want to know how it all ends. It’s pretty predictable, but I read A TON of romance that is similar to this, so it’s no fault of the authors. It’s a good read if you’re looking for cartel romance with a bit of smut. I don’t ever really feel the connection between the mains. I just feel like I’m told they have one. Will read the last one so I find out how their story ends. Not blowing my skirt up so far though lmao.
I mostly skimmed this. I kind of just want to know how it all ends. It’s pretty predictable, but I read A TON of romance that is similar to this, so it’s no fault of the authors. It’s a good read if you’re looking for cartel romance with a bit of smut. I don’t ever really feel the connection between the mains. I just feel like I’m told they have one. Will read the last one so I find out how their story ends. Not blowing my skirt up so far though lmao.
June 13, 2015
My 3 star rating has nothing to do with the story. I love the story and the characters. The 3 star rating is because book 2 ends in another cliffhanger. I'm not anti-cliffhanger. I love romantic suspense. What I don't like is when the story is drawn out over more than 2 books. I know some people hate on Kristen Ashley and her 400 plus paged books, but at least you get a complete story. Heroines in Kristen Ashley's books get kidnapped all the time, but I don't have to read 3 or more books to find out her fate.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2018
I loved this story and these characters! I even loved the cliffhanger because there was a well-orchestrated calm-before-the-storm foreshadowing leading up to that point. This is a great read!
September 14, 2015
3,5 stars.
Losing some intensity from the first book and I did not like the roller coaster of feelings between Hattie and Ryker (I love him/I hate him; I want to be with her/she would be better without me)... I'll read the third book though as I want to know what happens and it has potential for higher intensity and tension (fingers crossed)
Losing some intensity from the first book and I did not like the roller coaster of feelings between Hattie and Ryker (I love him/I hate him; I want to be with her/she would be better without me)... I'll read the third book though as I want to know what happens and it has potential for higher intensity and tension (fingers crossed)
July 14, 2016
The author wrote the perfect amount, drawing me in to the scenes and allowing the reader to feel a strong connection.This book was a huge improvement over The Bargain because the author draws the reader attention to new twist snd turns that gave it that extra zing. The characters was more realistic and there was more information on the minor characters which I like. Initially I was angry at Hattie about going back to her cheating ex then the truth was revealed which took the story to another level. Overall, in spite of everything going on and all the many secret being revealed to Hattie. The struggles she has with herself in what she should do and who to believe. I was in a state of suspense and excitement of what would happen next and anxious to turn the page and see how it is going to all work out. Then when the ending came I thought it was well played out and very enjoyable as well as looking forward to reading the next book.
June 11, 2015
Ryker and Hattie
This series has had me on edge the whole time. It's sexy,intense,and heart wrenching all in one. The love these two share is so strong and so right regardless of how they met you can't help but to root for their happily ever after but something always happens. Can't wait for the next book. Lisa Cardiff, you got me hooked!
This series has had me on edge the whole time. It's sexy,intense,and heart wrenching all in one. The love these two share is so strong and so right regardless of how they met you can't help but to root for their happily ever after but something always happens. Can't wait for the next book. Lisa Cardiff, you got me hooked!
June 9, 2015
Can't wait for the next exciting book! Five stars not enough!
June 12, 2015
I want more. I am so hooked on this story and I can't wait to see what happens next. Couldn't put the book down once I started.
October 27, 2015
This is the second book in this series and they must be read in order. Hattie is attempting to get to her normal life after being taken by the Vargas Cartel in Mexico. Ryker told her to go home and give Evan a second chance so that’s what she did. However she can’t seem to move on. Evan is pressuring her to get back to her normal self. She is afraid that she will never be able to move on from what happened; that she will never be that girl again. Everything is so jumbled up in her head. She wants to see Ryker again but she fears what will happen if she does. The she does see him and all her feelings for him come back. Whenever she is with him everything seems so clear. The way they feel about each other is all that matters. Hattie will learn things she that will make her second guess lots of things. Who will Hattie choose; Evan, Ryker, or neither? Ryker is determined to prove to Hattie how much he cares about her. Evan wants to secure his families political future by marring Hattie. I enjoyed this book a lot. Everyone is telling Hattie what she should do or how she should feel. Vera is the only one who seems to care about what Hattie wants or feels. Ryker is trying to figure out how to protect Hattie but also protect his family. He may have to choose between the two but will it be the right choice; or did he ever really have a choice? This book is just as emotional as the first. All the characters are put through so much. Hattie constantly feels like she is being pushed and pulled and played like a puppet. There are a lot of twists and turns in this book and series. The ending came as a bit of a surprise but was needed to keep the series going. I have my suspicions as to what happened at the end but only the third book will tell. I am excited to read it and find out the conclusion of the story. This book and series seems to be about lots of hard choices; people doing things because they feel like they have no other choice to make. The characters are fantastic and the story is very well written. Another great job Lisa.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
I was given this book in return for an honest review.
October 19, 2015
This was one hell of a ride book. Wow. Lisa Cardiff has got a new follower for life, and I plan on diving into her other series as soon as I can. Unveiled picks up right where The Bargain left off. There was no guessing work, no what the heck happened here moment, it flowed flawlessly from one book right into the other, and we pick up right where The Bargain left off.
Hattie Covington was used to a schedule. Her day was planned weeks in advance, and she kept to her plans. Spontaneous is not in her vocabulary; in fact, the last time it was she was abducted from a bar in Mexico, and her life was turned upside down. This time, Unveiled focuses on duo point of views switching between Ryker Vargas, and Hattie Covington. I love duo point of view books, as we get an interesting look into both characters as they move forward with their storyline. When Ryker shows up out of the blue at Hattie's engagement party, she just knows that trouble is about to go down.
Ryker Vargas can't stop thinking about Hattie. Hours turned to days, and days into weeks. There isn't a moment that her golden eyes aren't invading his thoughts, and he needs to remedy the situation. Now. The plan was to slip in, unnoticed, and leave. He never expected the bride-to-be to turn her gaze on him, and about send him to his knees with a simple look. Can they prove that their love is what they need in order to survive in this crazy Cartel driven world?
Lisa Cardiff did a wonderful job in this novel. Bringing Ryker to the breaking point of needing Hattie that he endangers himself in his true identity coming from somewhere deep inside him, to showing up unannounced at her engagement party, to running back to Mexico as a favor for his estranged brother...there was edge of your seat moments that you think you know what's going to happen. But you really don't.
A wonderful five stars to this great author!
Hattie Covington was used to a schedule. Her day was planned weeks in advance, and she kept to her plans. Spontaneous is not in her vocabulary; in fact, the last time it was she was abducted from a bar in Mexico, and her life was turned upside down. This time, Unveiled focuses on duo point of views switching between Ryker Vargas, and Hattie Covington. I love duo point of view books, as we get an interesting look into both characters as they move forward with their storyline. When Ryker shows up out of the blue at Hattie's engagement party, she just knows that trouble is about to go down.
Ryker Vargas can't stop thinking about Hattie. Hours turned to days, and days into weeks. There isn't a moment that her golden eyes aren't invading his thoughts, and he needs to remedy the situation. Now. The plan was to slip in, unnoticed, and leave. He never expected the bride-to-be to turn her gaze on him, and about send him to his knees with a simple look. Can they prove that their love is what they need in order to survive in this crazy Cartel driven world?
Lisa Cardiff did a wonderful job in this novel. Bringing Ryker to the breaking point of needing Hattie that he endangers himself in his true identity coming from somewhere deep inside him, to showing up unannounced at her engagement party, to running back to Mexico as a favor for his estranged brother...there was edge of your seat moments that you think you know what's going to happen. But you really don't.
A wonderful five stars to this great author!
June 15, 2015
Another fantastic read from this author.
I loved how the story progressed and the love between Ryker and Hattie grew and grew. I'm gutted its ended on a cliffhanger and what a cliffhanger too!!!!
Anxiously waiting the next book.
If your looking for lies, betrayal, hatred, confusion, action and twists definitely read this series :)
I loved how the story progressed and the love between Ryker and Hattie grew and grew. I'm gutted its ended on a cliffhanger and what a cliffhanger too!!!!
Anxiously waiting the next book.
If your looking for lies, betrayal, hatred, confusion, action and twists definitely read this series :)
September 27, 2016
Good gracious did Hattie give me the twitchy hand.
Despite my dislike for Hattie, Ryker was my go to.
A new twist for a genre that can sometimes be repetitive.
Despite my dislike for Hattie, Ryker was my go to.
A new twist for a genre that can sometimes be repetitive.
June 29, 2015
I liked the first book in this series, but for some reason I just couldn't get into this one and couldn't bring myself to finish reading it.
August 11, 2015
Cliffhanger, ugh!
October 13, 2015
5 Stars!
April 13, 2019
Oh my goodness, I can't believe this book ended the way it did. My heart is beating so wildly right now and I'm truly scared for Hattie and Ryker.
Just when finally they had started getting their lives in control, things spiral quickly and so fast.
I really want them to have all the happiness but with the circumstances staring them in face it seems to be next to impossible. I'm really nervous and can't wait to start book 3. As life has again come full circle for both of them and this time there seems to be no way out.
I have to say though Loving this author's writing very much. Her stories take you along the ride with the characters. Loved loved this one.💖💖💖💖
Just when finally they had started getting their lives in control, things spiral quickly and so fast.
I really want them to have all the happiness but with the circumstances staring them in face it seems to be next to impossible. I'm really nervous and can't wait to start book 3. As life has again come full circle for both of them and this time there seems to be no way out.
I have to say though Loving this author's writing very much. Her stories take you along the ride with the characters. Loved loved this one.💖💖💖💖
February 7, 2019
Although the book has too much of a filler vibe and it's definitely slower than the first book, it was great to see how the story developed for the characters and hw it evolved to cliffhanger that was obvious but powerful nonetheless
May 9, 2020
This series is very good but have the feeling I have read something very similar.... Like The characters but sometimes I feel they fall short. The storyline feels like very similar to other books but in saying that I actually enjoyed it!! Take the leap!!!
May 22, 2020
Hattie and Ryder story continues in the exciting fast paced way that this trilogy started. Although a mafia bad guy, there was more to him than met the eye. I really hope this gorgeous guys gets what he wants and Hattie can finally live a normal life
March 8, 2021
It is an okay read. The first book in the series has a lot more action. It wasn’t a book that you can’t put away, because you want to know what happens. Also the hero and heroine are going back and forth most of the time which i find a bit annoying.
June 17, 2024
Disappointing another cliffhanger
I don't know how long it takes To tell riker story But this is to the point of ridiculousness. Now we go on to book #3 where the story could have ended with book #1. It's a great story but way way way too long.
I don't know how long it takes To tell riker story But this is to the point of ridiculousness. Now we go on to book #3 where the story could have ended with book #1. It's a great story but way way way too long.
May 29, 2017
4.5
Este Ryker é uma delícia!
Este Ryker é uma delícia!
freebies
August 19, 2023In boxed set - "The Vargas Cartel Trilogy"
September 14, 2015
Received a copy in exchange for an honest review
“He kissed one eyelid and then the other. Fire and passion sparked inside my heart. I tried to stifle the hitch in my breath, but it sounded like a moan.”
5 sexy, intense, dark stars!!! This book, series, will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time you read!!! I love this book and I am now in love with this series!!
One look and I wanted him.
One kiss and I was addicted.
One touch and I was lost.
Hattie Covington is ready to reclaim her life…
She plans to erase the man who abducted her from mind and carve him out of her heart. But her life quickly spirals out of control. She realizes nobody can be trusted and nothing is how it seems.
Ryker Vargas pushed Hattie out of his life and back into Evan’s arms, but just because she's gone, doesn't mean he’s forgotten her. She’s in his blood, infecting his thoughts, and he’s going back for her. He won't stop until she belongs to him…
Heart, body and soul.
Let me just say that I am now officially in love with Ryker Vargas!!! He is sex on a stick!!! I’m hooked on this series and now I’m hooked on Ryker!!! And no I refuse to share!!! This series is a definite must read, but you have to read book 1 in order to understand book 2! I’m now a huge fan of Lisa Cardiff and the Vargas Cartel!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
“He kissed one eyelid and then the other. Fire and passion sparked inside my heart. I tried to stifle the hitch in my breath, but it sounded like a moan.”
5 sexy, intense, dark stars!!! This book, series, will have you on the edge of your seat the whole time you read!!! I love this book and I am now in love with this series!!
One look and I wanted him.
One kiss and I was addicted.
One touch and I was lost.
Hattie Covington is ready to reclaim her life…
She plans to erase the man who abducted her from mind and carve him out of her heart. But her life quickly spirals out of control. She realizes nobody can be trusted and nothing is how it seems.
Ryker Vargas pushed Hattie out of his life and back into Evan’s arms, but just because she's gone, doesn't mean he’s forgotten her. She’s in his blood, infecting his thoughts, and he’s going back for her. He won't stop until she belongs to him…
Heart, body and soul.
Let me just say that I am now officially in love with Ryker Vargas!!! He is sex on a stick!!! I’m hooked on this series and now I’m hooked on Ryker!!! And no I refuse to share!!! This series is a definite must read, but you have to read book 1 in order to understand book 2! I’m now a huge fan of Lisa Cardiff and the Vargas Cartel!!
**Received a copy in exchange for an honest review. Read and reviewed by Melissa for Alpha Book Club**
July 30, 2015
This was another all nighter for me. I just dove right into it after I got it. This book picks up right were it left off. That ending to the first book though had feeling for Hattie. how can he expect her to go on as normal when that will never happen. You would think after she is released that she will move on with her life. Forget what happen to her and him. Truths comes to light and even more drama. This book is so intense and just darn right gritty that I loved it. Again that ending really?! Why must you punish us like this. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.
ARC was provided by Limitless Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
ARC was provided by Limitless Publishing in exchange for a honest review.
January 26, 2016
Great follow up to book one. I couldn't put it down and like the first book finished in less than a day. This book does end in with a huge cliffhanger. Can't wait to read book 3 to see if Hattie and Ryker get their HEA. On a side note I kept google translator up while reading this one. They do speak Spanish in part's and not that it takes away from the book if you do not know what they are saying, but I want to follow all of the conversation not piece it together with the English that is thrown in. My suggestion is to put the translation in parenthesis so that you aren't pulled from the moment to look up what two character's are saying to one another.
June 23, 2015
OMG! This book is so freaking GOOD. I am so addicted to Ryker and Hattie's story. I am BLOWN away with this one and I could not put this one down.
Ryker and Hattie's story continues in Unveiled and I only thought that I floved Ryker in book 1 The Bargain because I absofreakinlutely flove hine now. I love everything about his and Hattie's story. The writing is really phenomenal. Now I CAN NOT wait for book 3 Confessed. I can't wait to see how their story ends.
If you haven't met Ryker yet....you need to meet him NOW. I promise you that he will turn your world upside down!!!
Ryker and Hattie's story continues in Unveiled and I only thought that I floved Ryker in book 1 The Bargain because I absofreakinlutely flove hine now. I love everything about his and Hattie's story. The writing is really phenomenal. Now I CAN NOT wait for book 3 Confessed. I can't wait to see how their story ends.
If you haven't met Ryker yet....you need to meet him NOW. I promise you that he will turn your world upside down!!!
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