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An Inconvenient Marriage

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Zach has only one goal in
To make the man, who had taken his mother from him, pay for everything he’d done.
Now, the only thing standing between him and the revenge he so desperately craves is a marriage to a woman he despises.
But from the moment they say ‘I do’, he learns that his bride is not what he thought she’d be, and walls that he’d built around his heart start to crumble.
What happens when he realizes the woman he is living with, is also the woman he can’t live without?
And how will he handle it when he finds out he isn’t the only one with an agenda?

Natalie has only one goal in
To get as far away from her current situation as possible.
The out she so desperately seeks comes in the form of an arranged marriage to a man who makes no secret of the fact that he dislikes her.
Natalie soon realizes that Zach will not be her knight in shining armor, but that doesn’t stop her from hoping that he would see past the rumors and lies to notice the woman she keeps hidden from the world.

204 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2018

75 people are currently reading
289 people want to read

About the author

A.K. MacBride

24 books1,136 followers



Introducing A.K. MacBride, a passionate wordsmith with an insatiable love for crafting heartwarming love stories. She brews tales as tantalizing as her coffee and indulges in the bittersweet world of dark chocolate, all while savoring life's sweetest moments in a quaint South African town.

When she's not creating intricate tapestries of love, longing, and untold desire, you'll often find her lost in the aromatic embrace of freshly brewed coffee—her trusted companion in moments of reflection and creativity. As the rich aroma permeates her writing sanctuary, she lets her imagination soar, conjuring captivating characters and delightful encounters that leave her readers yearning for more.

But it's not just coffee that sets her heart aflutter. A connoisseur of the finest dark chocolate, she indulges in the velvety decadence, allowing its rich flavors to inspire her characters' intense passions and the intricacies of their relationships. Just as the delicate balance of flavors dances on her taste buds, her writing tantalizes the hearts of her readers, leaving them craving the sweetness of true love.

Amidst the joyous chaos of her literary world, she finds unwavering support and endless love in her husband and daughter. They are the pillars of her existence, a constant reminder that true romance is not only found within the pages of a book but also in the tender moments shared with loved ones. With their presence in her life, her stories overflow with authenticity, depth, and the promise of happily ever afters.

So, grab a cup of coffee, savor a piece of dark chocolate, and lose yourself in the tender embrace of A.K. MacBride’s enchanting tales. For within the pages of her novels, love blossoms, hearts mend, and extraordinary journeys of the heart await, all crafted with the delicate touch of a romance author who understands the power of a perfectly brewed love story.

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5 stars
72 (41%)
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46 (26%)
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41 (23%)
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13 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
Profile Image for ✰♊ Angie ♊✰.
325 reviews157 followers
June 23, 2018
Enjoyable quick little read.
Enemies-to-lovers.
Marriage of convenience.
Beginning had me hooked.

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After 50-60%, it started to move a little to quickly for me.
I much preferred the slow-burn that was happening. I felt like that tension was over a tad too fast.

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And the revenge plot seemed like it was tied up far too easily.
I wanted more.

description

But, overall.... a pretty good easy read.

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Profile Image for Kay's Blushing Book Reviews.
289 reviews288 followers
June 22, 2018
description

An Inconvenient Marriage by A.K. MACBRIDE
GENRE: Contemporary Romance
NARRATION: Narrative
BOOK DETAILS: AUDIO AVAILABLE? No


THE STORY:
Zach and Natalie enter an arrange marriage. For Zach it’s a part of a revenge plot against Natalie’s Father, but for Natalie it’s about so much more.

Zach hated the idea of Natalie, her father had to bargain her for a business deal, not surprising considering her poor reputation, it’s most likely the only way he would get anyone to marry her.
Will Zach see past the nasty rumours about Natalie and see her for who she truly is or will she just be a pawn in a dangerous game of secrets, lies and revenge.

” I don’t want this to end. It started out fake but along the way it become real for me”

description

MY THOUGHTS:
This is my first book by A.K. MacBride I have read. I generally prefer narratives written in the first person Dual POV so it took some adjustment and took some time to connect with the characters as to me narrative style monologue is less personal.

In saying that though that the story is well written and pulls the reading in capturing your attention. The story line is great, I was absorbed till about 50% mark and then it all went a little too quickly. The slow burn dissolved way too fast and easy. The hate to love was too promptly developed making it somewhat unconvincing.

This story had so much potential, it just didn’t go dark enough for me and I struggled to connect with the characters enough to feel their emotions. The bones of the story were good I just needed more emotion, angst, conflict and passion.

MY RATINGS: (All ratings are out of 5)
HERO RATING: 3
HEROINE RATING: 3
BLUSH RATING: 3
ROMANCE RATING: 3
PLOT RATING: 3
OVERALL: 3 Blushing Stars

DO I RECCOMEND THIS BOOK?
I quiet enjoyed the book but I didn’t love it. It’s a quick light read. If your into Mills and Boon style books, then you will like this one.

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Profile Image for Lindsey.
1,261 reviews134 followers
June 27, 2018
I devoured this book in one sitting. It is a great quick romantic read. I can not wait to get my hands on more books by this new author!
Profile Image for Laura..devouring books like crumpets.
1,962 reviews109 followers
June 22, 2018
This book was enjoyable but didn't blow me away.... Both the characters and story line for me was mediocre, it had some nice aspects, but some things seemed to progress and happen without much explanation.

Natalie and Zach seem to have an extremely passionate relationship, while falling for each other, even though they start off as enemies.

If you like a bit of light fluff its an easy read, and the author writes beautifully.
Profile Image for Kathleen R..
1,407 reviews43 followers
June 1, 2018


 







When it comes to meeting new authors, i love the process. I love diving into a new book, finding out what makes them tick, and especially, finding out whether or not i'm compatible with their characters - because let's face it: we read to escape reality. To find something that will distract us from the stresses of life that seriously get to be too much after a time. At least, that's why i read.

I was approached by this author, A.K. MacBride, so yes, she is a new author to me. I haven't read any of her previous books, nor any excerpts, nor had i had a chance to really see any of her teasers on any social media platform, so i was really excited to dive into An Inconvenient Marriage.

I'll admit that her writing style isn't the same as any other author i've read in the past. It did take me a bit of time to really get into this book and to connect with the characters - and maybe that's just my fault because i simply knew nothing of this author until this very moment. However, i'll give her huge props in writing a story that is engaging - the casino magnate who wants more and rule the industry and the competition that wants something out of the deal; his daughter to marry said magnate so that somewhere along the line, the magnate will belong to the family name in one way or another. It's ingenious really, and i was surprised to find out that the magnate, Zach, hadn't figured out that this marriage could really bring him some serious financial troubles if he'd ever get a divorce from Natalie - at least, i'm only guessing that there were no prenups for either.

So, in a way, i get the previous reviews and the ratings, but i have to say that once you really get into how this author developed her story, it really is quite interesting.


*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by Kathleen, The Small Girl from A small girl, her man and her books


https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8063169-kathleen-r



50 Book Reviews  Professional Reader










Contact Us Today: smallgirlandherbooks@gmail.com


Profile Image for MG *Bury Me with My Kindle.. & a REALLY Long Charger*.
587 reviews768 followers
June 26, 2018
3 1/2 stars

In a word: charming

A quick and easy beach book kind of read for me. Boy meets girl's father. Boy hates girl's father. Girl's father has done boy wrong in the past. Boy wants revenge. Girl's father wants boy to marry girl. Boy agrees to crazy plan. Girl is less enthusiastic but wants out from under girl's father's thumb. Boy and girl get married. Shenanigans ensue.

What I liked about this book:
- It moved quickly for the most part, which kept my interest
- The main characters were likeable (especially Zach - totally book boyfriend material once he settled in)
- When they figured out that they actually liked each other, the author didn't add angst where it wasn't needed (way too much unnecessary drama annoys me in books like this, so I was glad the author kept that aspect to a minimum)

What I didn't like as much about this book:
- I'm still unclear as to why her father wanted her to marry Zach, so the premise was a little weak for me
- Some of the secondary plot lines didn't quite work for me (felt a little forced)
- The ending took a turn (not going into details for spoiler purposes) that didn't seem to be necessary

Overall, an enjoyable escape with likeable characters plus some steamy goodness.

Plot --- 3.5/5
Main Characters --- 4/5
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level --- 2.5/5
Violence --- not excessive (none domestic between mc's)
Language --- not egregious
Profile Image for Jade  Tatum™.
17 reviews2 followers
May 22, 2018
I have to say, THIS IS A BOOK! From front, to back and all in the middle. I literally read it, it one day. I was hooked at the prologue before I even read the first chapter. I love how the author kept my attention by not revealing EVERYTHING in the beginning; basically keeping you on edge and making you want to turn page after page. Well written, and I mean very well written. The author made it very clear what was going on in certain events, made you feel the feelings the characters were feeling. I can go on and on about this read. Didnt find any misspellings or missing words, I mean, this book deserves every bit of the 5 star rating I gave as well as other reviewers obviously. I thank you A.K. McBride for sending me a free copy of this book, in one of the groups I just started following here on Goodreads. It were only right I return the favor by giving a banging review, and I look forward to any past, present and future books from you.
Profile Image for Lori.
355 reviews2 followers
May 19, 2018
Received an ARC of, An Inconvenient Marriage, directly from the author, for an honest review no compensation was given. A.K. MacBride gives us another steamy romantic read, that has secrets, lies, revenge and twists that you will not see coming. The two main characters, Natalie and Zach, are both broken with trust issues that seem impossible to overcome. They are thrown into a marriage by Natalie's manipulative conniving father, who you will have no problem hating. Zach has only one thing on his mind, revenge. What he's not expecting is, Natalie, and how his cold heart is slowly softening toward her. Natalie has a totally different goal, and that's to get away from her father. A.K. MacBride takes the reader on a wonderful journey about two people who start as enemies and find that they are still capable of love. This book will have you turning the pages as quickly as you can.
Profile Image for Bozena.
1,041 reviews20 followers
November 30, 2020
After my last read I needed something romantic, sweet and swoony and this book is exactly what I needed.
An amazing marriage of convenience => enemies to lovers
light romance, with all the fluffy and heartwarming feelings.
It's a very well written page-turner that I've read in one sitting.
A perfect book for winter evening in front of fireplace ❤❤❤
2,091 reviews24 followers
June 6, 2018
just too predictable and needed a bit more to the plot - it was almost there but it could have been much better

I would have liked this to be less Mills and Boon and more Macho and Boom.

first read of A K MacBride. I will go again.
Profile Image for {c}.
93 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2018
ARC kindly provided by author for Buddy Read w/FEEDING THE KINDLE ADDICTION . . . WITH HOT...

U have Zach aching for vengeance



and Natalie stuck in the middle of An Inconvenient Marriage by A.K. MacBride An Inconvenient Marriage


Throw in an asshole into the mix

and u get a really fun read~ I do hope AK MacBride xpands w/more from Zack n Nat...Hopefully her next book is Javiers'tory!!



Profile Image for Primrose Passage.
71 reviews4 followers
July 18, 2018
Zach and Natalie enter into a marriage for totally different reasons, and to benefit themselves. Natalie just wants to live life and be independent instead of being told what to do by her father, which by the way, is a total asshole. This author definitely knew how to create that type of character. Natalie's friend Bridget is the kind of friend you want around, someone who is there for you from the beginning. Overall, the story was pretty good. I wasn't sucked in, but this doesn't deter me from reading more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Amy K  Hough.
148 reviews4 followers
May 23, 2018
loved loved loved!! i wanna meet zach!💗💗
Profile Image for Elaine.
85 reviews4 followers
September 10, 2018
This was a cute little read. Predictable, my twisted mind thought worse out comes. Lol. It's a short read it you need to get out of your slump.
Profile Image for Cait's Creatures.
146 reviews38 followers
May 7, 2018



This was my first A.K. MacBride book, but man what a way to start! This was an enemies to lovers story, but Natalie and Zach didn't actually hate each other. Zach hated the idea of Natalie, and the rumors that were spreading about her, and Natalie at first was hopeful about the marriage, but quickly realized Zach was kind of a jerk. I've been reading a lot of the "instant connection" books recently, which I love and adore, so I almost forgot what it was like to read about two people over coming a heck of a lot of back story to fall in love with each other. 

Zach is on a one-man express towards revenge-town on the man that caused his mother to commit suicide. This has been sole reason for being successful for years. One of the consequences means dealing with the man that caused all his problems.... and marrying the man's daughter.



He wasn't expecting Natalie though. Natalie that has rumors spread about her in the gossip rags; Natalie that is praying for her new husband to see through the facade she shows to the world; Natalie that prays for help. 

When reading this book, you learn so much about both Natalie and Zach. The flow of this book is so natural, you end up flipping pages with out realizing it's over. In fact, I was kind of mad when this was over. I mean HELLO, I obviously need more to this story, thank you very much. Natalie and Zach both develop as people, and watching/reading their story unfold was really amazing. I cannot WAIT to read more of A.K. MacBride! 
Profile Image for B.L. Olson.
Author 16 books358 followers
May 21, 2018
Full of heart and heat, this has quickly become one of my FAVORITE reads!

Let me tell you about my last 5 star read. I had a couple hours before work one day and decided to dedicate it to diving into the next ARC on my list. I didn't expect to love Natalie and Zach as much as I did... So much so that I found myself invested in their relationship, a sham though it appeared at first.

Natalie is seen by the media as a spoiled little rich girl. She has the golden haired goddess look down to a T and on the surface appears to be nothing more than a superficial entitled brat. That's the thing about public perception though, nobody is what they seem.

Zach has clawed his way up from the depths of nothing, owning and running successful casinos and buying the lost family property in his home country of Spain. He has erected walls around his heart, and for good reason.

Zach despises Natalie's father Trent Stevens, yet finds himself agreeing to a 6 month marriage to his wayward daughter. If at the end of the 6 months he has helped clear his daughters image somewhat, then they can do business together. What outwardly seems like a beneficial business agreement to all parties, quickly gives way to the real game of revenge, retribution, and escaping ones past for a better future.

A.K. MacBride wove together a story so intriguing that I found myself devouring it in a single sitting. Full of heart and heat, Zach and Natalie's story has quickly become one of my favorite reads. I cannot wait to see what to see what else A.K. MacBride has up her sleeves in her books to come!
Profile Image for Mary Dean.
747 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2018
Ready for a story that will pull you in from the start? This is that book. This is the story of Zach and Natalie. Zach, successful casino owner, wants to do business with spa owner Trent Stevens who is a well known business man. Trent Stevens agrees only if Zach will marry his daughter for at least 6 months and "tame" her. Zach agrees not really caring about the marriage. He has a different secret agenda for Trent Stevens. At first he can't stand Natalie. She has a reputation for sleeping around and being a spoiled rich girl. But as he gets to know her he sees how far from the truth that is. Natalie agrees to the marriage hoping this is her chance to get out from under the thumb of her father that treats her less like a person and more like property of his own.
As the story unfolds and surprises are unleashed the reader won't be able to put the book down. I finished it in almost a day. I couldn't stop. I had to know more and more as I read. And the author kept me intrigued. This was a great romance but also a great story of life. Zach is set on revenge and convinced there is no room for love in his heart. But Natalie challenges that. And together they are an amazing pair. But of course, like in life, decisions and mistakes are made. And they have to decide if love is more important than it all.
This was my first read by this author and I definately can't wait to read more from her. And I really hope that she continues this story. There are other characters in the book, like Natalie's best friend Bridget and Zach's brother Javier, that I would love to read more about.
Profile Image for Rachel Russell.
672 reviews2 followers
April 26, 2018
Inconvenient Marriage is my first read from this author and it really was a brilliant one to start of with. Inconvenient Marriage tells of the story between Zach and Natalie, an arranged marriage that becomes something more than just a business deal. In the beginning with the character Zach, I wasn’t sure of him because of the way he presented himself, his attitude, but that very quickly changed as the story progressed and I fell in love with his character and how he adapted to the arranged marriage with Natalie. Natalie’s character I adored right from the start, how she is perceived to be someone the press make her out to be and finding out entirely different.

You fall in love with a lot of characters in this book and grow to hate others rather quickly. Two characters that are thrown together, completely different with their backgrounds but come together with a HEA with a whole lot of twists thrown in that took me by surprise. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. A.K. MacBride really knows how to draw you in, it was a captivating story with romance and some really hot, sexy moments between the characters. It is extremely well written and I would really love to see more of Zach and Natalie in the future (I hope) Inconvenient Marriage gets a 5 stars from me.
Profile Image for Jen  C.
430 reviews15 followers
May 3, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and it definitely won't be the last.
From the sexy cover to the last page this book is a complete page turner, I loved it.

You know the old saying never judge a book by the cover, well the same applies to people, sometimes they can shock the hell out of you.

⛔️⛔️⛔️STOP SOME SPOILERS⛔️⛔️⛔️

Zach is out for revenge, plotting and scheming for years and now he's tying the knot to the one person he shouldn't, but the revenge will be so sweet. The frozen organ he has called a heart will be safe, adding the fact she's nothing but spoiled attention seeking brat. Yeah he'll walk away with what he wants no problem. Or will he?

Natalie will do anything to get out of her crappy life including stomping down the aisle to marry a stuck-up, arrogant, rich A-hole that despises her. But it will be so worth it in the end she only has to last six months in this fiasco, then she can live her life her way. Or will she end up even more broken?

Can something so inconvenient turn into a fairytale?
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
May 21, 2018
This is a marriage of inconvenient feelings! Zach just wants revenge against the horrible man who caused so much pain in his family's life, but he's absolutely floored when that man wants Zach to marry his daughter! Thinking she's an apple who hasn't fallen far from the tree, he agrees to the six-month commitment knowing he'll be able to take advantage of the access without any risk to his heart or reputation.

Natalie has her own reasons for agreeing to the marriage, which are teased out almost to the point of frustration. But once her full story comes out, wow! So much about her is absolutely not what it seems! Slowly, Zach comes to the same realization, leading to some very conflicted feelings about his plan for revenge.

Their romance grows beautifully, as their true natures are revealed to the reader and to each other. This story was a truly enchanting romance, one that will leave you breathless as our hero vanquishes the villain once and for all. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Debbie Feigel.
40 reviews
April 19, 2018
This is a well crafted romance that immediately captures your interest. It is the story of an arranged marriage between Natalie and Zach. Both of them have secrets and have locked their hearts to the possibility of ever experiencing love. There is revenge, grudges, a suicide, and abuse. This author presents a cohesive plot with lots of surprises. I fell in love with Natalie and Zach and hated others. MacBride draws you into the emotions of her characters. Oh and there is hot sex too. I read this book in one sitting unable to put it down. There is a HEA but I can't give the details, it will spoil your experience. This is the first time I have read a novel written by this author and I look forward to reading many more.
1,789 reviews38 followers
May 21, 2023
This was my first read by this author, and I absolutely loved it. It is just a truly enjoyable read. The story of Zach, an affluent businessman and Natalie, a troubled girl with a bit of a sordid past, but is it really? When Zach is approached to marry her, he doesn’t hesitate. Does he have an ulterior motive? This book goes thru their relationship and all the ups and downs, but one thing is definitive, is they have major chemistry! It’s sizzling! This author describes these characters in such a way, it’s as if you really know them. So many emotions take place throughout as well, sadness, anger, happiness and maybe even love. I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more by this author.
Profile Image for S.J. Higgins.
Author 1 book27 followers
June 2, 2018
I hardly get time to read anymore so it's a real treat when I do and even more so when the book I pick up is a brilliant story.

You know you've got a real gem to read when you take shortcuts on the house work, feed your kids junk food, sneak in chapters before work and get to the office late and generally forget to adult for days because you are so consumed.

This book dragged me right in from the first word and basically took over my every waking thought. The growth of these characters is a journey you want to be in on and one that leaves you feeling both empty because it's over, and full to the brim because you got to meet amazing characters and spend time with them.

I realise this review makes me sound a little crazy but I'm OK with that. I'm crazy about this story.
Profile Image for The Mysterious Reader.
3,588 reviews66 followers
June 25, 2018
A.K. MacBride is a new author for me, and I was given her An Inconvenient Marriage as a get well gift. It was a great gift and, based on it, I’m promising myself that we will become well acquainted. This novel truly is, quite simply,fantastic. It’s leads, Natalie and Zach, are well thought out and their romance is complicated and wonderfully twisted. The
book really had just what I wanted with a great plot that somehow had a truly “genuine” feel to it. But for the fact that I’m literally dictating this review to my husband from my hospital bed I could go on and on with praises - the book definitely deserves it. Since I can’t do that I will simply note that the book is most definitely one to read, it is easy to highly recommended.
Profile Image for Zetta Bam.
46 reviews
August 23, 2018
So this book hooked me at the prologue all ready and I didn't stop being hooked to it up until I read the last sentence of this book.
I love a author that can teach you a valuable lesson trough a book and in this case it was "Never Judge a Book by it's cover" meaning don't judge to quick because you never know if the person you are judging might be the person you can't live with out.
This was a wonderful read and I will defiantly read it again. There were times when I was sitting on the edge of my seat just to be able to find out what is going to happen next or Laughing so hard that my stomach mussels hurt or just wiping away a tear.
This book was worth the read and if I could I would give it a 10 Start review!!
Profile Image for Heather Navarre.
766 reviews3 followers
May 21, 2018
I received an ARC of this book so I figured I'd leave a review.

I went into this book really knowing nothing about it and never having read anything my A.K. MacBride.

I really liked the book. I couldn't put it down and it kept me interested. I wanted to know what happened next.

Natalie and Zach each grew up in their own way throughout the book. It wasn't a story that you had read before. Their love scenes were sweet and hot.

I'd like to read more books by A.K MacBride, I will be finding them and reading them when I can.

Profile Image for Pauline.
979 reviews
September 4, 2018
Zach has sworn revenge on Trent Stern. Natalie wants to get away from her abusive father, but with a bit of a loose reputation, no one wants to take her. So when Natalie's father proposes an arranged marriage Zach sees it as a way to ruin her father and Natalie sees it as a means of escape. Zach feels nothing but contempt for Natalie and her father, and makes no attempt to hide it. Maybe he'd feel differently if he got to know the real Natalie, but after six months they will go their separate ways and Zach doesn't believe in love. Great read.
Profile Image for Rups!!.
172 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2018
It was a quick read. The background of the story was good but it felt like the story was rushing at a particular speed. The author could have elaborated a bit and also I felt like the author was scared of going into the technical part as that was skipped purposefully. The romantic part of the story was good but the technical support would have given a rocking end to the book. Overall, I liked it though as I like romantic stuff.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews216 followers
May 15, 2018
Story line is great and I loved the characters. I really enjoyed reading this book and I would recommend it! Unexpected twists and turns had me reading this book in one sitting. Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read!

"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Profile Image for Arceli.
1,571 reviews11 followers
September 10, 2018
This novel has an amazing snarky heroine. I loved how the heroine had a backbone and never was pushed around. Despite being a rich woman, there is so much more depth to her. The hero also grew on me in the book. I love how his complex nature is revealed and he is truly a good person inside. Great enemies-to-lovers romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews

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