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The Rose Hunters Trilogy #1
My Seduction
Connie Brockway sweeps readers back to the rough beauty of Regency-era Scotland and into the scintillating, passionate, and surprising love story of a mysterious Highlander and the woman he is pledged to protect.
Desperate to keep her two sisters and herself from the poorhouse, Kate Nash Blackburn embarks upon a journey to northern Scotland, where she hopes to gain the gratitude and patronage of a wealthy marquis. When fate maroons her at a tavern full of ruffians, a brawny Highland soldier comes to her rescue. It's Kit MacNeill, the man whose pledge to her family has haunted her for years. When he offers to escort Kate through the treacherous Highlands to Castle Parnell, she accepts even though her instincts warn her against trusting this rough and dangerous man. But soon Kate is startled by the Highlander's cultured speech and courtly manners. Who is this man of contradictions, shaped by a shadowy past, who fiercely wards off an attempt on her life, whose broad shoulders beckon her touch, and in whose arms she comes fully alive?
Desperate to keep her two sisters and herself from the poorhouse, Kate Nash Blackburn embarks upon a journey to northern Scotland, where she hopes to gain the gratitude and patronage of a wealthy marquis. When fate maroons her at a tavern full of ruffians, a brawny Highland soldier comes to her rescue. It's Kit MacNeill, the man whose pledge to her family has haunted her for years. When he offers to escort Kate through the treacherous Highlands to Castle Parnell, she accepts even though her instincts warn her against trusting this rough and dangerous man. But soon Kate is startled by the Highlander's cultured speech and courtly manners. Who is this man of contradictions, shaped by a shadowy past, who fiercely wards off an attempt on her life, whose broad shoulders beckon her touch, and in whose arms she comes fully alive?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
14 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Connie Brockway
60 books726 followersNew York Times and USAToday best selling author Connie Brockway has twice won the Romance Writers of America's Rita award for best historical romance as well as being an eight time finalist. After receiving a double major in art history and English from Macalester College, Connie entered grad school with an eye to acquiring her MFA in creative writing. Soon enough she jettisoned the idea of writing serious literature for what she considered (and still considers) the best gig in the world, writing romance.
Connie has received numerous starred reviews for her romances in Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. Library Journal also named her Her 2004 romance, My Seduction, one of the year's top ten romances.
In November of 2011, THE OTHER GUY'S BRIDE (a sequel to the perennially popular AS YOU DESIRE) was Amazon's Montlake Publishing's launch title. Here next book, NO PLACE FOR A DAME will be published September, 2013. A regency set romance, it is also the sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.Today Connie lives in Minnesota with her husband David, a family physician, and two spoiled mutts.
Connie has received numerous starred reviews for her romances in Publisher's Weekly and Library Journal. Library Journal also named her Her 2004 romance, My Seduction, one of the year's top ten romances.
In November of 2011, THE OTHER GUY'S BRIDE (a sequel to the perennially popular AS YOU DESIRE) was Amazon's Montlake Publishing's launch title. Here next book, NO PLACE FOR A DAME will be published September, 2013. A regency set romance, it is also the sequel to ALL THROUGH THE NIGHT.Today Connie lives in Minnesota with her husband David, a family physician, and two spoiled mutts.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 20, 2020
In love... Perfect.. Encantador.. Lindoo..
🥰🥰
Connie Brockway e Kate Nash Blackburn
🥰🥰
Incrível ver a determinação de um homem em cumprir com sua palavra.. O casal é incrível, mesmo depois de todo o sofrimento, e luta que tiveram que enfrentar, no fim eles encontraram uma forma de ser feliz, juntos...
Eles passam por muitas coisas, para no fim encontrar o final feliz para sempre..
Preciso confessar... Não foi difícil descobrir quem é inimigo.. . Ficou muito obvio na story... Mais estou curiosa para ver o que ele fará a seguir.. 🤭🤭
Impossible not to love... Um leitura emocionante e encantadora..
Connei ganhou um cantinho em meu coração, e estou ansiosa para ler outros livros dela...
#BoaLeitura #GoodResding
🎀🥰🎀
Bjs...
🥰🥰
Connie Brockway e Kate Nash Blackburn
🥰🥰
Incrível ver a determinação de um homem em cumprir com sua palavra.. O casal é incrível, mesmo depois de todo o sofrimento, e luta que tiveram que enfrentar, no fim eles encontraram uma forma de ser feliz, juntos...
Eles passam por muitas coisas, para no fim encontrar o final feliz para sempre..
Preciso confessar... Não foi difícil descobrir quem é inimigo.. . Ficou muito obvio na story... Mais estou curiosa para ver o que ele fará a seguir.. 🤭🤭
Impossible not to love... Um leitura emocionante e encantadora..
Connei ganhou um cantinho em meu coração, e estou ansiosa para ler outros livros dela...
#BoaLeitura #GoodResding
🎀🥰🎀
Bjs...
January 5, 2018
3 years ago, Kit MacNeil and his titillating trio pledge allegiance to Kate Blackburn and her sisters. So now Kate's on her way to North Scotland to convince a marquis to provide financial comfort for her. On the way, she runs into Kit who decides to "assist" and then their boners make it really difficult to travel. Also, there's French (?) treasure?
1. The treasure plot was such a secondhand tacked on mess, I don't even.
2. One thing that bothered me was Kate's characterization: prior to her father's (and mother's, and cousin's) death(s), Kate was allegedly a flighty, silly girl. Which sounds like an interesting transformation, except that there's none of it in the text. Kate is also in mourning when the prologue begins; the bulk of the story (minus Kit's obvious angst-backs) happens when Kate is already a strong, capable woman, keeping her family from extreme poverty.
3. Kit was a Highlander shell, comprised of scars, angst, and manly boners.
4. Even though the secondary plot (and even the primary plot!) was kind of ... obviously angst-ridden, the book felt comfortable and enjoyable. Nothing that made me shrink away, nothing that made me crave more. It just ... was, which was kind of nice!
1. The treasure plot was such a secondhand tacked on mess, I don't even.
2. One thing that bothered me was Kate's characterization: prior to her father's (and mother's, and cousin's) death(s), Kate was allegedly a flighty, silly girl. Which sounds like an interesting transformation, except that there's none of it in the text. Kate is also in mourning when the prologue begins; the bulk of the story (minus Kit's obvious angst-backs) happens when Kate is already a strong, capable woman, keeping her family from extreme poverty.
3. Kit was a Highlander shell, comprised of scars, angst, and manly boners.
4. Even though the secondary plot (and even the primary plot!) was kind of ... obviously angst-ridden, the book felt comfortable and enjoyable. Nothing that made me shrink away, nothing that made me crave more. It just ... was, which was kind of nice!
December 8, 2013
Disappointing.
There were some excellent things in this book: Kate was a great heroine, previously flighty before having to shoulder the responsibility of her family, having a clear plan designed to provide for her family, more of a pragmatist than a material girl, though able to acknowledge her vainness and love of beautiful and expensive things. I really liked her throughout the book. The hero character was not that well developed and there were too many things that remained open in the end - like his mysterious plaid that had to come from a clan but which one - like his mysterious training at the abbey. In many ways, he reminded me of the character of a mythical and perfect highlander rather than of a real person.
The story developed very slowly for the first half. That was honestly a bit boring though it helped build a strong picture of Kate, shortcomings and all. I can only stand such a number of pages regarding destitution, not having any food, nor warm clothes to wear, sleeping on the floor.
The second half was better, with a faster pace both for the romance and the investigation. The culprit behind the assassination of Kate's cousin and her husband was quite obvious to me, but I liked the way it all unravelled. Frustratingly though not unexpected, the answer to the traitor question was not answered yet. Two more books to sustain for that.
What I liked best however was the love story between Kate and Kit and how both of them made small steps towards the other, without wanting to deprive him of his best options. I really enjoyed their banter and how they admitted their love, which I totally believed in.
Last thing that irritated me: there are a few typos, with you're instead of your for instance and worse. There are 3 dates mentioned at the beginning of some chapters. But they are not coherent with the storyline. They first met in 1801, then in 1803 which magically is 3 years later, then they got married in January 1802... A twisted and unmastered timeline is really one of my pet-peeves.
I think I'll steer clear of her books, as I find them a bit lacking.
2.5 stars only
There were some excellent things in this book: Kate was a great heroine, previously flighty before having to shoulder the responsibility of her family, having a clear plan designed to provide for her family, more of a pragmatist than a material girl, though able to acknowledge her vainness and love of beautiful and expensive things. I really liked her throughout the book. The hero character was not that well developed and there were too many things that remained open in the end - like his mysterious plaid that had to come from a clan but which one - like his mysterious training at the abbey. In many ways, he reminded me of the character of a mythical and perfect highlander rather than of a real person.
The story developed very slowly for the first half. That was honestly a bit boring though it helped build a strong picture of Kate, shortcomings and all. I can only stand such a number of pages regarding destitution, not having any food, nor warm clothes to wear, sleeping on the floor.
The second half was better, with a faster pace both for the romance and the investigation. The culprit behind the assassination of Kate's cousin and her husband was quite obvious to me, but I liked the way it all unravelled. Frustratingly though not unexpected, the answer to the traitor question was not answered yet. Two more books to sustain for that.
What I liked best however was the love story between Kate and Kit and how both of them made small steps towards the other, without wanting to deprive him of his best options. I really enjoyed their banter and how they admitted their love, which I totally believed in.
Last thing that irritated me: there are a few typos, with you're instead of your for instance and worse. There are 3 dates mentioned at the beginning of some chapters. But they are not coherent with the storyline. They first met in 1801, then in 1803 which magically is 3 years later, then they got married in January 1802... A twisted and unmastered timeline is really one of my pet-peeves.
I think I'll steer clear of her books, as I find them a bit lacking.
2.5 stars only
March 14, 2021
I have had several Connie Brockway books on my shelves for years and I finally cracked one open. I was immediately enthralled by the story of a once genteel family of women who lost everything when their father sacrificed his life to do what he believed to be right. In an effort to return the favor, three mysterious Scotsmen show up on their doorstep and pledge themselves to the women's service. They have no intention of ever accepting the strange offer, but little do they know just how greatly this would impact their lives, as well as those lives of the young Scotsmen.
Kate not only lost her father, but she was also a young woman widowed after only six months of marriage. Her husband had been cut from the same cloth as her father and had given his own life in what she comes to feel is a selfish action, for the men have left behind women with no income and no means with which to maintain their lifestyle, let alone feed themselves. Desperate to find a way to support her sisters, Kate decides to seek sponsorship of her cousin's brother-in-law, a marquess who happens to live in a castle far in the north of Scotland. One mishap after another befalls poor Kate...that is, until a man from her past returns.
Christian "Kit" MacNeill is not a good man. He did not come from remotely reputable stock, he was raised to survive by the strength of his will and the sharpness of his blade. After a heinous betrayal that almost takes his life, he has sworn to care for no one and has since walked away from the men he'd once considered brothers. The several years since he met Kate and her family had not been kind to him either. He'd been fighting in one battle after another, honing his survival skills and making a name for himself amongst the ranks...but nothing could make him forget the impression brave, bonny Kate had made upon him that day in her barren parlor. He'd been shocked to receive a missive requesting that Kate have an escort on her quest to Scotland, and he'd run at the chance to finally settle the score and repay the favor of her father giving his own life to save MacNeill and those of his one-time friends. Face-to-face with the beautiful young widow once more, Kit realizes his memory hadn't deceived him. She truly was as brave, determined, witty, and beautiful as he remembered. And that only spelled trouble for Kit, because he knows very well that Kate is not for him.
Kate fears the violence and the danger emanating from Kit MacNeill. There is something hiding behind his bewitching eyes which draws her to him, regardless; and there is something in his manners and speech which belies a complexity she hadn't expected. As Kit guides and guards Kate on her journey, they uncover more about their respective histories and find themselves dependent upon one another, whether they like it or not...for more danger than they can comprehend lies in wait...
I gave this book 4 stars because it really was quite captivating. I liked the characters and Kit, in particular, had one of the richest backstories of any I have read. That being said, the style of the writing occasionally struck me as quite awkward. There were times when I had almost no idea who was speaking. Dialogue broke off at odd points and new paragraphs were generated in that dialogue which only muddled things further. I was able to sort it out for the most part, but it definitely slowed me down. I don't know if this was an editorial choice, or how it was originally written by the author. I suppose I'll have to read more in the series to say for sure.
The overall plot was interesting in a good way. I found it to be extremely complex and it must have taken a great deal of planning to keep certain aspects secrets and set up additional books in the series. Kate and Kit both had great fire and good chemistry (even if I did want a little bit more of the latter). I will say that Kit was quite self-deprecating and it got to be a little bit overmuch. He would go back and forth between being confident in who he was and then doubting that he was good enough to even think about Kate in such a way because she was so far above him. Kate was very single-minded in her determination to do whatever it took to secure her future and those of her sisters, so much so that it took her an extremely long time to see what was right in front of her. There are several mentions of her writing a book to provide advise to those like her family who were once secure and find themselves coming down in the world (and I have to believe the lovely chapter titles were intended to mirror this), but it felt a bit half-baked. It comes up a couple of times, but I don't see it as really being a part of her character. There weren't mentions about her being particularly gifted in writing or that it was her passion. It just didn't seem to suit all that well; perhaps it should have taken a bit more of a prominent place in the story. Also, there were a few instances where names and events popped up without having first been explained to the reader and/or other characters and it made you wonder how they'd discovered this. For example, Kate suddenly seems to know the name of the former militia head in Clyth. It was never mentioned that she learned this name until she was facing his replacement. I just sometimes felt there were gaps in the story which made my reading stutter.
I will read more by Brockway. I found more than enough merit here to appreciate her writing and the complexity of the plot she crafted. Of course, I did have some issues, but I can overlook a lot of them. My biggest appreciation lies in the fact that she has kept the villain so well-disguised. I have some suspicions, but I'm looking forward to reading more to see if I am correct. I love it when an author can keep a surprise like this!
Kate not only lost her father, but she was also a young woman widowed after only six months of marriage. Her husband had been cut from the same cloth as her father and had given his own life in what she comes to feel is a selfish action, for the men have left behind women with no income and no means with which to maintain their lifestyle, let alone feed themselves. Desperate to find a way to support her sisters, Kate decides to seek sponsorship of her cousin's brother-in-law, a marquess who happens to live in a castle far in the north of Scotland. One mishap after another befalls poor Kate...that is, until a man from her past returns.
Christian "Kit" MacNeill is not a good man. He did not come from remotely reputable stock, he was raised to survive by the strength of his will and the sharpness of his blade. After a heinous betrayal that almost takes his life, he has sworn to care for no one and has since walked away from the men he'd once considered brothers. The several years since he met Kate and her family had not been kind to him either. He'd been fighting in one battle after another, honing his survival skills and making a name for himself amongst the ranks...but nothing could make him forget the impression brave, bonny Kate had made upon him that day in her barren parlor. He'd been shocked to receive a missive requesting that Kate have an escort on her quest to Scotland, and he'd run at the chance to finally settle the score and repay the favor of her father giving his own life to save MacNeill and those of his one-time friends. Face-to-face with the beautiful young widow once more, Kit realizes his memory hadn't deceived him. She truly was as brave, determined, witty, and beautiful as he remembered. And that only spelled trouble for Kit, because he knows very well that Kate is not for him.
Kate fears the violence and the danger emanating from Kit MacNeill. There is something hiding behind his bewitching eyes which draws her to him, regardless; and there is something in his manners and speech which belies a complexity she hadn't expected. As Kit guides and guards Kate on her journey, they uncover more about their respective histories and find themselves dependent upon one another, whether they like it or not...for more danger than they can comprehend lies in wait...
I gave this book 4 stars because it really was quite captivating. I liked the characters and Kit, in particular, had one of the richest backstories of any I have read. That being said, the style of the writing occasionally struck me as quite awkward. There were times when I had almost no idea who was speaking. Dialogue broke off at odd points and new paragraphs were generated in that dialogue which only muddled things further. I was able to sort it out for the most part, but it definitely slowed me down. I don't know if this was an editorial choice, or how it was originally written by the author. I suppose I'll have to read more in the series to say for sure.
The overall plot was interesting in a good way. I found it to be extremely complex and it must have taken a great deal of planning to keep certain aspects secrets and set up additional books in the series. Kate and Kit both had great fire and good chemistry (even if I did want a little bit more of the latter). I will say that Kit was quite self-deprecating and it got to be a little bit overmuch. He would go back and forth between being confident in who he was and then doubting that he was good enough to even think about Kate in such a way because she was so far above him. Kate was very single-minded in her determination to do whatever it took to secure her future and those of her sisters, so much so that it took her an extremely long time to see what was right in front of her. There are several mentions of her writing a book to provide advise to those like her family who were once secure and find themselves coming down in the world (and I have to believe the lovely chapter titles were intended to mirror this), but it felt a bit half-baked. It comes up a couple of times, but I don't see it as really being a part of her character. There weren't mentions about her being particularly gifted in writing or that it was her passion. It just didn't seem to suit all that well; perhaps it should have taken a bit more of a prominent place in the story. Also, there were a few instances where names and events popped up without having first been explained to the reader and/or other characters and it made you wonder how they'd discovered this. For example, Kate suddenly seems to know the name of the former militia head in Clyth. It was never mentioned that she learned this name until she was facing his replacement. I just sometimes felt there were gaps in the story which made my reading stutter.
I will read more by Brockway. I found more than enough merit here to appreciate her writing and the complexity of the plot she crafted. Of course, I did have some issues, but I can overlook a lot of them. My biggest appreciation lies in the fact that she has kept the villain so well-disguised. I have some suspicions, but I'm looking forward to reading more to see if I am correct. I love it when an author can keep a surprise like this!
April 20, 2014
I loved this book!!! Loved loved loved it!!! I read As You Desire, loved it, and went straight to this one.. Once again, Connie Brockway delivers a story where the hero doesn't think himself worthy of the heroine, but what a hero he is!!! After reading My Seduction, I went ahead and dreamt of Kit, lol! Kate almost got on my nerves with her insistence on being wealthy, but she definitely redeemed herself!!! 5*
January 11, 2014
DNF at 50% mark.
They kissed and I kind of lost interest. All the tension was gone.
H/h were both not very consistent people. They said one thing, then did another. Or they said one thing and it took just 5 minutes of coaxing by the other to change their minds.
I didn't understand why Kit's obsession for Kate lasted for 3 years. He met her once for 15 minutes. Surely, that's not enough to fall in love forever.
Boring story but good writing, hence 3 stars.
They kissed and I kind of lost interest. All the tension was gone.
H/h were both not very consistent people. They said one thing, then did another. Or they said one thing and it took just 5 minutes of coaxing by the other to change their minds.
I didn't understand why Kit's obsession for Kate lasted for 3 years. He met her once for 15 minutes. Surely, that's not enough to fall in love forever.
Boring story but good writing, hence 3 stars.
January 9, 2022
Sigo sin terminar de conectar con Connie.. me esperaba más.
July 29, 2020
Kate und ihre Familie (ihre Mutter und zwei jüngere Schwester) fallen in ein soziales Loch als ihr Vater in Kriegsgefangenschaft gerät und zu Tode kommt. Dass er durch seinen Tod drei jungen Männer – die für die britische Krone in Frankreich als Spione tätig waren – das Leben gerettet hat, ist ihr kein sonderlicher Trost. Schließ hat er (ihr Vater) durch die Heldentat seine Töchter und Ehefrau in den Ruin getrieben!
Von jetzt auf gleich fällt die Familie an den Bettelstab. Ein Umstand, der Kate in mehr als einer Hinsicht an ihre Grenzen treibt. Sie will keine Angst haben oder sich ihre beständigen Sorgen anmerken lassen. So kommt es, dass sie im tiefsten Winter ohne einen Penny oder gar mehr als dem, was sie am Leib trägt in den schottischen Highlands strandet…auf dem Weg zu einem angeheirateten Verwandten um zwanzig Ecken. Einem Verwandten bei dem sie hofft Unterstützung und Obdach für ihre Schwestern und sich zu finden und damit einen Weg zurück in jene Welt, die sich von Kindesbeinen kennt.
Dass sie dabei ausgerechnet auf Christian – auch Kit genannt – trifft, einer jenen Männer, die einst ihr Vater rettete, strotzt vor blankem Hohn.
1. weckt dieser Fremde absonderliche Gefühle und Sehnsüchte in ihr
2. ist sein Wesen so anders als alles, was sie kennt…und neues macht ihr Angst
3. ist er die einzige Hilfe im Umkreis von tausenden Kilometern…und Kate hasst es Angst zu haben und hilflos zu sein.
Auch Kit ist nicht gerade begeistert dieser kleinen Prinzessin zu helfen. Denn auch ihn suchen wahnwitzige Sehnsüchte heim…und sie raubt ihm Zeit…
Und damit kommen wir auch schon zu meinen ärgsten Kritikpunkten. Denn mit rund 350 Seiten zählt dieses Buch nun nicht zwingend zu den Wälzern seiner Zunft, und schon die eigentliche Grundstory mit der Reise zu besagten Verwandten und den Gefühlen zwischen Kate und Kit klingt schon raumgreifend und vielversprechend. Doch meint es die Autorin für meinen Geschmack dann doch einen Ticken zu gut.
So serviert sie auf besagte 350 Seiten (neben den “logischen” Problemen einer Liebesgeschichte) noch ein paar weitere Abenteuer und Handlungsstränge…
– die Jagd nach einem Verräter, der seinerzeit für die Inhaftierung der Spione verantwortlich ist
– eine geheime Bruderschaft, die eine Art modernen Tempelritter ausbildet und jene in die Welt entsenden
– einen Schmugglerkönig
– einen gestohlenen Schatz und die Suche nach ebenjenen
– einen Mord
durchmischt mit dem obligatorischen Missverständnissen, falschen Stolz und anderen gesellschaftlichen Diskrepanzen.
Wie gesagt für meinen Geschmack einfach zu viel auf wenig Raum. Die Geschichte wirkt geradezu überladen und der Raum für Tiefgang und klare Linien fehlte mir.
Wirklich Schade. Da die kleinen Rückblenden in Kits Vergangenheit mir noch recht gut gefielen und viel versprachen…doch schlussendlich im Gesamtgewicht der zusätzlichen Stränge schlicht untergingen.
Es hätte eine anrührende und auch spannende Geschichte werden können…mit einem Helden, der fernab der Stereotypen wandelt….doch so hat es mich einfach verloren und nur mäßig begeistern können. 2 von 5 Sternen.
Von jetzt auf gleich fällt die Familie an den Bettelstab. Ein Umstand, der Kate in mehr als einer Hinsicht an ihre Grenzen treibt. Sie will keine Angst haben oder sich ihre beständigen Sorgen anmerken lassen. So kommt es, dass sie im tiefsten Winter ohne einen Penny oder gar mehr als dem, was sie am Leib trägt in den schottischen Highlands strandet…auf dem Weg zu einem angeheirateten Verwandten um zwanzig Ecken. Einem Verwandten bei dem sie hofft Unterstützung und Obdach für ihre Schwestern und sich zu finden und damit einen Weg zurück in jene Welt, die sich von Kindesbeinen kennt.
Dass sie dabei ausgerechnet auf Christian – auch Kit genannt – trifft, einer jenen Männer, die einst ihr Vater rettete, strotzt vor blankem Hohn.
1. weckt dieser Fremde absonderliche Gefühle und Sehnsüchte in ihr
2. ist sein Wesen so anders als alles, was sie kennt…und neues macht ihr Angst
3. ist er die einzige Hilfe im Umkreis von tausenden Kilometern…und Kate hasst es Angst zu haben und hilflos zu sein.
Auch Kit ist nicht gerade begeistert dieser kleinen Prinzessin zu helfen. Denn auch ihn suchen wahnwitzige Sehnsüchte heim…und sie raubt ihm Zeit…
Und damit kommen wir auch schon zu meinen ärgsten Kritikpunkten. Denn mit rund 350 Seiten zählt dieses Buch nun nicht zwingend zu den Wälzern seiner Zunft, und schon die eigentliche Grundstory mit der Reise zu besagten Verwandten und den Gefühlen zwischen Kate und Kit klingt schon raumgreifend und vielversprechend. Doch meint es die Autorin für meinen Geschmack dann doch einen Ticken zu gut.
So serviert sie auf besagte 350 Seiten (neben den “logischen” Problemen einer Liebesgeschichte) noch ein paar weitere Abenteuer und Handlungsstränge…
– die Jagd nach einem Verräter, der seinerzeit für die Inhaftierung der Spione verantwortlich ist
– eine geheime Bruderschaft, die eine Art modernen Tempelritter ausbildet und jene in die Welt entsenden
– einen Schmugglerkönig
– einen gestohlenen Schatz und die Suche nach ebenjenen
– einen Mord
durchmischt mit dem obligatorischen Missverständnissen, falschen Stolz und anderen gesellschaftlichen Diskrepanzen.
Wie gesagt für meinen Geschmack einfach zu viel auf wenig Raum. Die Geschichte wirkt geradezu überladen und der Raum für Tiefgang und klare Linien fehlte mir.
Wirklich Schade. Da die kleinen Rückblenden in Kits Vergangenheit mir noch recht gut gefielen und viel versprachen…doch schlussendlich im Gesamtgewicht der zusätzlichen Stränge schlicht untergingen.
Es hätte eine anrührende und auch spannende Geschichte werden können…mit einem Helden, der fernab der Stereotypen wandelt….doch so hat es mich einfach verloren und nur mäßig begeistern können. 2 von 5 Sternen.
March 30, 2025
2.5 to 3 stars. This was a serious, more traditional style HR from Ms Brockway, with a mystery to be solved along with the developing romance. There was also a bit of a road trip through a cold, wintry Scotland. Although labelled a 'regency' in the blurb, it took place around the turn of the nineteenth century, so strictly speaking was Georgian. Unfortunately for me, I did not enjoy this book as much as I have some of Ms Brockway's other HRs I've read. I missed the light and humorous touch of previous reads.
The plot/backstory was rather involved. Clearly there was something mysterious going on, but for me it remained muddy for too long. I did not enjoy the regular jumps back in time to Christian the MMC's memories of past events. These took me out of the 'present' story, and I wished the author had found a less intrusive way to introduce past events.
The plot finally came to its climax with some dramatic (and for me, too violent) events. I had begun to do a bit of skimming in the later sections of the book, and possibly as a result of this, I felt a bit confused about the sudden plethora of secondary characters and their roles in the drama. Still, there was a nice HEA for Kate with her rugged, green-eyed Scot. But overall, this read did not really grip me, and I feel no urge at this point to follow up with the sequels. I will read more by the author, but will pick and choose more carefully from her back list next time.
The plot/backstory was rather involved. Clearly there was something mysterious going on, but for me it remained muddy for too long. I did not enjoy the regular jumps back in time to Christian the MMC's memories of past events. These took me out of the 'present' story, and I wished the author had found a less intrusive way to introduce past events.
The plot finally came to its climax with some dramatic (and for me, too violent) events. I had begun to do a bit of skimming in the later sections of the book, and possibly as a result of this, I felt a bit confused about the sudden plethora of secondary characters and their roles in the drama. Still, there was a nice HEA for Kate with her rugged, green-eyed Scot. But overall, this read did not really grip me, and I feel no urge at this point to follow up with the sequels. I will read more by the author, but will pick and choose more carefully from her back list next time.
October 10, 2022
My Seduction by Connie Brockway is the first story that I have read by this Author, and I am pleased to say, that I plan to read more of her work.
Katherine (Kate) Blackburn, the "h", and Christian (Kit) MacNeill, the "H", were wonderful characters.
I was a bit concerned that I was not going to like Kate because of her attitude about wealth, and her inner dialogue, but everything worked-out in the end
My favorite Quote in the story was by Christian MacNeill:
"Katherine Blackburn, I vow to serve you. I pledge my arm and my sword, my breath and my blood to that service...Whatever you ask, I will do; whatever you require, I will provide. By God's will alone, and no man's, I do faithfully pledge."
I really enjoyed this read, now I am off to read the next book in the series!
Katherine (Kate) Blackburn, the "h", and Christian (Kit) MacNeill, the "H", were wonderful characters.
I was a bit concerned that I was not going to like Kate because of her attitude about wealth, and her inner dialogue, but everything worked-out in the end
My favorite Quote in the story was by Christian MacNeill:
"Katherine Blackburn, I vow to serve you. I pledge my arm and my sword, my breath and my blood to that service...Whatever you ask, I will do; whatever you require, I will provide. By God's will alone, and no man's, I do faithfully pledge."
I really enjoyed this read, now I am off to read the next book in the series!
August 12, 2018
This is just my second book by Brockway. My first was the final book in The Rose Hunters Trilogy. I would recommend reading the in order for the greatest suspense. Knowing who the traitor was did take a bit away from it, but this book was still a great beach read for me. Our heroine's father exchanged his life for three young imprisoned spies and the three vow to repay his family for their sacrifice. This is the premise for the trilogy and each sister's story ties in with one of the three. Impoverished but still classy Kate and damaged but still gallant Kit are a wonderful romantic couple. I am searching for my "missing link", the second book in the trilogy!
February 16, 2020
Lubię Kate. To dobra, solidnie napisana postać, bez grama infantylności. Od razu lepiej się czyta.
April 29, 2020
Good story in spite of cheesy title & bookcover!
April 15, 2022
DNF. I left this book and then coming back to it I remembered why I had left. It was not easy for me to fall in with these characters. I just couldn't get into this one.
November 24, 2022
Hot steamy and fun
December 28, 2012
Ich habe diese Reihe ausnahmsweise nicht wegen den vielen Rezensionen begonnen, sondern allein wegen der Titel und den Covern, die mir wirklich gut gefallen. “Der Kuss des Spions” ist der erste von drei Teilen und nach dem ich nun schon alle Bücher gelesen habe, muss ich auch gleich am Anfang gestehen, dass es sich hierbei auch um den Schwächsten handelt. In “Der Kuss des Spions” geht es um Kate Nash. Sie ist eine von drei Schwestern der Familie Nash. Die drei Schwestern haben es nicht gerade einfach, da ihr Vater erst vor kurzem ums Leben gekommen ist und sie auf eigenen Beinen stehen müssen. Kate ist die Älteste und hat für ihre jüngeren Schwestern die Verantwortung, doch da sie so verarmt sind, wird die jüngste, Charlotte, in eine andere Familie gegeben, wo man für sie sorgt und Helena ist schon alt genug um auf eigenen Beinen zu stehen.
Einige Jahre später: Kate ist Witwe und noch immer sehr arm. Sie hofft, dass der Marquis of Parnell ihr aus der misslichen Lagen befreien kann. Auf dem Weg nach Schottland trifft sie einen alten Bekannten wieder: Christian “Kit” MacNeill. Kit steht tief in ihrer Schuld und bietet seine Hilfe an sie bis vor die Tür des Marquis zu begleiten…
Die Story an sich hat mir wirklich gut gefallen. Sie ist genau nach meinem Beuteschema und auch die Umsetzung war ganz gut. Allerdings konnte ich mich mit dem Schreibstil eher weniger anfreunden, weswegen ich so meine Probleme beim Lesen hatte und auch sehr schwer in das Buch hineingekommen bin. Jedes Mal, wenn ich dann mal voll im Lesefluss war, musste ich aus diversen Gründen das Buch unterbrechen und hatte beim Weiterlesen dann gleich wieder weiter meine Probleme. Das ist dann natürlich eher weniger gut… Ich fand es daher auch sehr schade, dass die Figuren darunter leiden mussten, denn besonders Kit ist mir sehr schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Seine sympathische und positive Art hat mich voll eingenommen und mich bei der Entwicklung einer ernsthaften Beziehung zwischen ihm und Kat mitfiebern lassen. Kat konnte mich dahingegen nicht ganz so überzeugen. Ihre Gefühle, Taten und Gedanken sind nicht so auf mich übergesprungen, was ich aber in diesem Fall wirklich auf den Schreibstil schieben möchte. Denn die Figuren, sowohl die Haupt- als auch die Nebenfiguren, haben für einen solchen Roman genügend Tiefe, die auch durch und durch nachvollziehbar sind.
Das Cover finde ich wirklich hübsch, auch wenn es so gar nicht zu der eigentlichen Geschichte passt. Denn in diesem Buch dreht sich nicht alles vollkommen rund um die leidenschaftliche Liebe, sondern auch die Familie, Überlebensfragen, allgemeine Probleme, die sich im Alltag ansammeln. Ich denke, dass dadurch eine falsche Erwartungshaltung geweckt werden würde, denn dieses Buch hat eindeutig mehr zu bieten als Liebe, Küssen und Sex.
Fazit:
“Der Kuss des Spions” von Connie Brockway hat mir, bis auf den einen Kritikpunkt, ganz gut gefallen. Ich habe mich gut unterhalten gefühlt und konnte mich für einige Stunden aus dem Alltag befreien, rein in eine Liebesgeschichte, die zwar ziemlich vorhersehbar ist, aber trotzdem Spaß gemacht hat!
Einige Jahre später: Kate ist Witwe und noch immer sehr arm. Sie hofft, dass der Marquis of Parnell ihr aus der misslichen Lagen befreien kann. Auf dem Weg nach Schottland trifft sie einen alten Bekannten wieder: Christian “Kit” MacNeill. Kit steht tief in ihrer Schuld und bietet seine Hilfe an sie bis vor die Tür des Marquis zu begleiten…
Die Story an sich hat mir wirklich gut gefallen. Sie ist genau nach meinem Beuteschema und auch die Umsetzung war ganz gut. Allerdings konnte ich mich mit dem Schreibstil eher weniger anfreunden, weswegen ich so meine Probleme beim Lesen hatte und auch sehr schwer in das Buch hineingekommen bin. Jedes Mal, wenn ich dann mal voll im Lesefluss war, musste ich aus diversen Gründen das Buch unterbrechen und hatte beim Weiterlesen dann gleich wieder weiter meine Probleme. Das ist dann natürlich eher weniger gut… Ich fand es daher auch sehr schade, dass die Figuren darunter leiden mussten, denn besonders Kit ist mir sehr schnell ans Herz gewachsen. Seine sympathische und positive Art hat mich voll eingenommen und mich bei der Entwicklung einer ernsthaften Beziehung zwischen ihm und Kat mitfiebern lassen. Kat konnte mich dahingegen nicht ganz so überzeugen. Ihre Gefühle, Taten und Gedanken sind nicht so auf mich übergesprungen, was ich aber in diesem Fall wirklich auf den Schreibstil schieben möchte. Denn die Figuren, sowohl die Haupt- als auch die Nebenfiguren, haben für einen solchen Roman genügend Tiefe, die auch durch und durch nachvollziehbar sind.
Das Cover finde ich wirklich hübsch, auch wenn es so gar nicht zu der eigentlichen Geschichte passt. Denn in diesem Buch dreht sich nicht alles vollkommen rund um die leidenschaftliche Liebe, sondern auch die Familie, Überlebensfragen, allgemeine Probleme, die sich im Alltag ansammeln. Ich denke, dass dadurch eine falsche Erwartungshaltung geweckt werden würde, denn dieses Buch hat eindeutig mehr zu bieten als Liebe, Küssen und Sex.
Fazit:
“Der Kuss des Spions” von Connie Brockway hat mir, bis auf den einen Kritikpunkt, ganz gut gefallen. Ich habe mich gut unterhalten gefühlt und konnte mich für einige Stunden aus dem Alltag befreien, rein in eine Liebesgeschichte, die zwar ziemlich vorhersehbar ist, aber trotzdem Spaß gemacht hat!
March 25, 2023
„Wie bändigt man einen Schotten?“ von Connie Brockway ist der Auftakt zu ihrer Regency Scots Reihe, die in die rauen Highlands führt.
Kate Nash Blackburn ist nach dem Tod ihrer verwitweten Mutter nun allein für ihre beiden jüngeren Schwestern verantwortlich. Inzwischen ist die finanzielle Lage derart angespannt, dass sich Kate auf die beschwerliche Reise nach Schottland aufmacht, um die Gunst eines wohlhabenden Marquis zu erlangen. Doch auf dem Weg nach Castle Parnell geht so ziemlich alles schief und Kate muss widerwillig das Angebot des schottischen Soldaten Kit MacNeill annehmen, der für ihre sichere Ankunft sorgen will. Vor drei Jahren rettete Kates Vater Kit das Leben und verlor seines dabei. Diese Schuld will Kit nun einlösen und gleichzeitig Rache an dem damaligen Verräter üben. Er hat jedoch nicht berücksichtigt, dass Kate eine derartige Anziehung auf ihn ausüben würde.
Die Autorin hat, wie der Titel schon sagt, nicht die Londoner Ballsäle, sondern die wildromantischen und gefährlichen Highlands als Schauplatz für ihre Regency Romance gewählt. Das ist eine nette Abwechslung zu den üblichen Geschichten und hat gleichzeitig einen höheren Anteil an Spannung und Abenteuer im Gepäck. Der Schreibstil liest sich leicht und flüssig, aber einzig die vielen Namen haben mich zumindest am Anfang des Buches immer wieder ein wenig durcheinandergebracht.
Kate ist selbst verwitwet und hat eigentlich von ehrenhaften Helden, die sich für andere opfern, die Nase voll. Lieber opfert sie sich selbst für die finanzielle Sicherheit ihrer beiden Schwestern. Kit fällt offenbar eindeutig in diese Heldenkategorie, auch wenn er nach außen hin sein unnahbares Bad Boy Image pflegt.
Die gefährliche Reise durch Schottland bringt das ungleiche Paar immer näher zusammen und die Funken sprühen unübersehbar. Aber ob sie ihre eigentlichen Pläne für eine gemeinsame Zukunft opfern würden, sollte man lieber selbst im Buch lesen. Unterhaltsam ist das auf jeden Fall.
Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe gern eine Leseempfehlung und bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil!
Kate Nash Blackburn ist nach dem Tod ihrer verwitweten Mutter nun allein für ihre beiden jüngeren Schwestern verantwortlich. Inzwischen ist die finanzielle Lage derart angespannt, dass sich Kate auf die beschwerliche Reise nach Schottland aufmacht, um die Gunst eines wohlhabenden Marquis zu erlangen. Doch auf dem Weg nach Castle Parnell geht so ziemlich alles schief und Kate muss widerwillig das Angebot des schottischen Soldaten Kit MacNeill annehmen, der für ihre sichere Ankunft sorgen will. Vor drei Jahren rettete Kates Vater Kit das Leben und verlor seines dabei. Diese Schuld will Kit nun einlösen und gleichzeitig Rache an dem damaligen Verräter üben. Er hat jedoch nicht berücksichtigt, dass Kate eine derartige Anziehung auf ihn ausüben würde.
Die Autorin hat, wie der Titel schon sagt, nicht die Londoner Ballsäle, sondern die wildromantischen und gefährlichen Highlands als Schauplatz für ihre Regency Romance gewählt. Das ist eine nette Abwechslung zu den üblichen Geschichten und hat gleichzeitig einen höheren Anteil an Spannung und Abenteuer im Gepäck. Der Schreibstil liest sich leicht und flüssig, aber einzig die vielen Namen haben mich zumindest am Anfang des Buches immer wieder ein wenig durcheinandergebracht.
Kate ist selbst verwitwet und hat eigentlich von ehrenhaften Helden, die sich für andere opfern, die Nase voll. Lieber opfert sie sich selbst für die finanzielle Sicherheit ihrer beiden Schwestern. Kit fällt offenbar eindeutig in diese Heldenkategorie, auch wenn er nach außen hin sein unnahbares Bad Boy Image pflegt.
Die gefährliche Reise durch Schottland bringt das ungleiche Paar immer näher zusammen und die Funken sprühen unübersehbar. Aber ob sie ihre eigentlichen Pläne für eine gemeinsame Zukunft opfern würden, sollte man lieber selbst im Buch lesen. Unterhaltsam ist das auf jeden Fall.
Mein Fazit:
Ich gebe gern eine Leseempfehlung und bin gespannt auf den nächsten Teil!
March 21, 2018
Kate, Charlotte and Helena are sisters whose father died when he saved three soldiers from French captivity. The three warriors swear an oath to help the sisters as soon as they send them a rose as a sign. Three years later, Kate sets out on a journey to a relative, whom she wants to ask for financial support. In a pub brawl, a Highlander comes to her aid. It turns out it is Kit - one of the three soldiers. He is looking for the traitor, who delivered him and his companions to the French. But someone has sent him a rose, so he helps Kate first, without giving his identity away. The two travel together to Kate's destination.
This journey is the best of the book, adventurous and slowly, the two get closer. But of course there's is a romantic problem: Kit is has the complex that he is not good enough for Kate because he is "simple commoner". When they reach their destination, he leaves her but is seized by smugglers and brutally interrogated. They are looking for hidden gold. Of course, he can free himself and save Kate and the two marry in the monastery where he spent his childhood as an orphan. There he also meets again one of his 2 companions: Ramsay >> which then leads to the second book.
The first two thirds were great, towards the end it has decreased a bit, so 4 stars.
This journey is the best of the book, adventurous and slowly, the two get closer. But of course there's is a romantic problem: Kit is has the complex that he is not good enough for Kate because he is "simple commoner". When they reach their destination, he leaves her but is seized by smugglers and brutally interrogated. They are looking for hidden gold. Of course, he can free himself and save Kate and the two marry in the monastery where he spent his childhood as an orphan. There he also meets again one of his 2 companions: Ramsay >> which then leads to the second book.
The first two thirds were great, towards the end it has decreased a bit, so 4 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2012
I thought this one started out kind of slow...a lot of pages before any action happened between the characters and at one point I wasn't sure I was going to continue with it. However, I kept on and then I realized I was hooked and I really enjoyed the slow, sweet build-up. So often I (and other readers) complain when an author jumps right into the action between two characters and then we complain when they don't do it fast enough. I felt that Brockway found a happy medium. I did have some issue with the last part of the book because I felt like maybe some parts were edited out that contained pertinent information. All the stuff w/ the two villains at the end felt like it happened too fast and that somehow our hero and heroine knew all this backstory and stuff about these people that we didn't. How they "knew" that information is beyond me. That aside, though it was an enjoyable enough read for me to get the next one (although I probably wouldn't have had I not wanted to know who the betrayer is--something that won't be resolved till the 3rd book.)
August 9, 2016
Hmm, this one missed the mark with me.
Personally, I didn't connect with the heroine. Like pretty emotionless. She's mercenary, this isn't the problem. She's closed off, again this isn't the problem. I think, perhaps, is that she's so against the hero at first, so adamant about being weary of him, being suspicious, trusting him to a point, that it seemed wholly out of character for her to suddenly be attracted, and emotionally invested in his "suit" for her. Up until the first kiss, her reaction to him is very cursory, and clinical. She logically accepts that he's attractive and is exudes masculine appeal. And then the kiss happens and BAM! instinct attraction. Instant: why is he ignoring me after the mindblowing kiss we had? Fine, it's not like I wanted to be with him anyway.
Also, this had a goodly amount of exposition. And I have HUGE problems with expositions.
Hopefully the rest in this series don't follow in this vein.
Personally, I didn't connect with the heroine. Like pretty emotionless. She's mercenary, this isn't the problem. She's closed off, again this isn't the problem. I think, perhaps, is that she's so against the hero at first, so adamant about being weary of him, being suspicious, trusting him to a point, that it seemed wholly out of character for her to suddenly be attracted, and emotionally invested in his "suit" for her. Up until the first kiss, her reaction to him is very cursory, and clinical. She logically accepts that he's attractive and is exudes masculine appeal. And then the kiss happens and BAM! instinct attraction. Instant: why is he ignoring me after the mindblowing kiss we had? Fine, it's not like I wanted to be with him anyway.
Also, this had a goodly amount of exposition. And I have HUGE problems with expositions.
Hopefully the rest in this series don't follow in this vein.
March 13, 2009
This is the first in the Rose Hunters Triology by Brockway. It has a place on my "keeper" shelf.
It is the story of Christian "Kit" McNeill and Katherine Nash Blackburn. Kit, Ramsey Munro and Andrew "Dand" Ross were raised together in Monastary in the highlands of Scotland. They took an oath of fealty to each other. They went to Napolean's France on a secret mission and ended up inprisoned as spies. Katherine's father offered himself in exchange for three scotsmen. He was executed in their place. The three appeared at his home and brought a rose bush to the widow and 3 daughters, stating that if they ever need them to send one of the yellow roses from the bush to St. Brigid's Monastary.
This is a book, I couldn't put down. It has great romance and a mystery that will be played out through the remaining two books of the triology.
It is the story of Christian "Kit" McNeill and Katherine Nash Blackburn. Kit, Ramsey Munro and Andrew "Dand" Ross were raised together in Monastary in the highlands of Scotland. They took an oath of fealty to each other. They went to Napolean's France on a secret mission and ended up inprisoned as spies. Katherine's father offered himself in exchange for three scotsmen. He was executed in their place. The three appeared at his home and brought a rose bush to the widow and 3 daughters, stating that if they ever need them to send one of the yellow roses from the bush to St. Brigid's Monastary.
This is a book, I couldn't put down. It has great romance and a mystery that will be played out through the remaining two books of the triology.
January 29, 2016
This is the first in the Rose Hunters Triology by Brockway and I really liked it. I'm so glad my first time reading Connie Brockway was such a great experience.
The story was interesting and I couldn't put the book down. It has great romance and mistery (that wasn't solved in this book but will be played out through the remaining two books in the series).
The road trip romance, 'who did it' mystery and the interesting scenarios Kit and Kate found themselves in were definitely my favorite aspects of the book. Kit was brooding and heroic and Kate was fierce. I loved Kate, she's not your typical romance heroine. I loved the chemistry between the hero and heroine all the way through the book.
Great story and very good writing !
The story was interesting and I couldn't put the book down. It has great romance and mistery (that wasn't solved in this book but will be played out through the remaining two books in the series).
The road trip romance, 'who did it' mystery and the interesting scenarios Kit and Kate found themselves in were definitely my favorite aspects of the book. Kit was brooding and heroic and Kate was fierce. I loved Kate, she's not your typical romance heroine. I loved the chemistry between the hero and heroine all the way through the book.
Great story and very good writing !
February 28, 2022
Un comienzo estupendo donde seremos arrastrados a vivir un romance lleno de amor y pasión.
Atracción de Connie Brockway es el comienzo ideal de la trilogía Buscadores de Rosas, una obra que nos sumergirá en una historia llena de amor y pasión, pero también en una trama repleta de peligros, espionaje y contrabandistas que nos atrapará por completo, con un romance donde Kate deberá escuchar más a su corazón y menos a la razón si quiere que Kit permanezca en su vida, ese hombre que le ha demostrado que el verdadero amor sí existe, el hombre que el destino ha puesto ante ella cuando más lo necesitaba.
Link de la reseña completa: http://florecilladecereza.blogspot.co...
Atracción de Connie Brockway es el comienzo ideal de la trilogía Buscadores de Rosas, una obra que nos sumergirá en una historia llena de amor y pasión, pero también en una trama repleta de peligros, espionaje y contrabandistas que nos atrapará por completo, con un romance donde Kate deberá escuchar más a su corazón y menos a la razón si quiere que Kit permanezca en su vida, ese hombre que le ha demostrado que el verdadero amor sí existe, el hombre que el destino ha puesto ante ella cuando más lo necesitaba.
Link de la reseña completa: http://florecilladecereza.blogspot.co...
Read
February 2, 2016Kate Nash was widowed and orphaned in France in less than a year and returns to her family in England. When 3 young men bring them a rare yellow rose bush and pledge their aid to the family because their father gave his life for them, Kate has a conversation with one of them. Three years later, Kate is abandoned on the road to Castle Parnell, and Kit MacNeill rescues her. Together they solve some of the problems and marry, but set up the next story. Some sex, good story.
August 13, 2009
This is the first of, THE ROSE HUNTER series. This book was a little slow setting up everything. It did take off once He rescues her in the inn. There is a mystery that is to be solved in the third book. I really enjoyed the monks when they stayed at the monastery. They were so funny and sweet.
September 10, 2015
Not as good as the other Connie Brockway's I've read. No humor and it didn't really get good until half way through the book. Somewhat of a disappointment, hero lacked development as well as heroine, never got inside their heads enough to care about them - what happened? 3.5/5
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2011/08/m...
http://ktleyed.blogspot.com/2011/08/m...
November 16, 2013
At first I thought this series was going to be a vehicle for the author to educate me in everything about roses and their cultivation. Luckily, as the characters moved through the story the roses took a back seat. This is the first time I have read a book by Ms. Brockway. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of The Rose Hunters.
March 10, 2015
This was not the tried, tested and tired romance plot! Yippee! Also this was not so hot and burning which made it good in my opinion. I would rate it between subtle and warm. But the characters were the icing on the cake with the way they could learn and change and see the truth. I like that in a person and it was nice to read also.
June 21, 2009
I'd read book two and skip this one. At least Ramsey had his fencing thing going for him, all Kit's got is a cool name. Everything else is rather bleh. There is a nice twist towards the end but you have to shuffle through so much to get there.
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