Privilege for the Sheikh: The Librarian from Louisiana

Curves for the Sheikhs #12

by Annabelle Winters

Book Twelve of the Curves for the Sheikhs series - Privilege for the Sheikh: The Librarian from Louisiana

Lora Langhorne has always wanted a destination wedding, and she chooses the small Middle Eastern kingdom of Johaar for her big moment.

But when the Sheikh of Johaar sees the curvy American bride-to-be, he decides to invoke an old law: Sheikh's Privilege, where any woman being married in the kingdom must visit the Sheikh's private chambers the night before the wedding . . . OMG!

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This is a full-length standalone Annabelle Winters Sheikh Romance set in the Curves for Sheikhs world. You should expect drama, madness, and over-the-top steam. There's always a happy ending, but make no mistake: These books are darker and more intense than your average romance novel, and they are not for everyone.
The books in this series are all standalone, and can be read in any order ...

239 pages, Paperback

First published June 29, 2018

About the author

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Suspense and steam.
Drama and madness.
Fate and destiny.

This is romance like you've never seen. Annabelle Winters style.

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Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

This can be a very frustrating set of circumstances as the reader unravels all the confusion and mixed purposes here!

Assistant Librarian Lora Langhorne chatted with her friend, Carmen Jones. Lora and Mark, whom Carmen definitely did not like, were having a destination wedding to Johaar in the Middle East and were flying everyone there. Carmen was excited to be going. But she told Lora that the groom was wrong for her. He was cheap, disrespectful, and a cheat. But it was Lora’s decision. Carmen just advised her that if he asked for a pre-nup, she should cancel the wedding.

Sheikh Amir Al-Johaar had eliminated old laws that favored men over women, and terrible punishments were a thing of the past. Lora took this as a sign that this was the spot to go and they could take 20 friends along to share their wedding day. With the Sheikh’s Ministry of Tourism subsidizing the hotels, they could afford this – it was certainly cheaper than 200 people at the wedding in New Orleans!

Sheikh Amir and his Minister of Tourism stood on the atrium above watching the small group of Americans walk through the Grand Atrium of Johaar’s Royal Palace. Amir immediately noticed the woman in the yellow sundress. Seeing her, he thought back to the old archaic law of “Sheikh’s Privilege,” where the Sheikh had the right to take any betrothed woman within the borders of his domain to his chambers the night before her wedding and decide whether to allow her marriage to proceed! But an attendant ran up to tell him his father had just passed away. Still in shock, he heard the wedding party and Lora was standing there – so he reached for her hand, pulled her against him, and kissed her, right in front of her fiancé and the wedding party! And when she looked up, he was gone!

Mark totally ignored Lora, gleefully calling his New Orleans lawyer to see if they could sue for $100 million! Carmen took her to her hotel room and again asked if she intended to go through with marrying Mark. And just as Carmen had predicted, Mark handed Lora a pre-nup agreement to sign only days before the wedding! That way if the marriage ended, it wouldn’t cost him anything at all. She refused to sign, but before the argument could continue, a knock sounded at the door and she was presented with a sealed Royal Proclamation from the Sheikh – he was invoking “Sheikh’s Privilege” and she was to report to his chambers!

Lora did go to the Sheikh’s chambers, even as Mark had a fit about it, and Amir wondered if she understood this was not about sex or power. It was a test of faith, trust, commitment – and it tested the husband, wife, and the Sheikh. It formed a bond if he judged the marriage was for the right reasons. He wondered how she would interpret the old law? As they sat and talked, she thought that the form of that law practiced in Johaar had to be about faith and trust. She wanted to tell him that in her walks in the streets, she had seen peacefulness and joy in his people, deep-rooted in them, which meant this was not a kingdom with a history of Sheikhs abusing their privileges. But she said nothing and let her anger take her out of the room. Will she accept the sham of a wedding the next day? Would she go back home in embarrassment? Or did she have another option open to her?

This was a fantastic book that raised the emotions in the reader and made it matter how things turned out for Lora. There was definite character growth and maturity as a result. But it still wasn’t clear what decision she would come to. Grab a copy and join Lora in the most important decision she can ever make. You’ll want to be there to see how it all turns out.

[Lisa Pate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as and ARC to give my honest opinion of it.
This is a really great story. It starts out with Lara Langhorne whom happens to be a librarian. She is planning her wedding to this fellow Mark. Carmen her best friend and maid of honor expresses her true feeling for Mark having known him throughout college. He was known for being a cheating, penny pincher, piece of work but Carmen couldn’t convince Lara of that. Even after Carmen pointed out that Mark would make Lara pay for half the wedding was surprised that he didn’t throw a fit about going to so unknown country called Johaar to get married. The country was trying to make a name for itself without the income of oil the other Arab countries has they needed to try to build up tourism.
Sheikh of Joharr was Amir; his father was dying for a rare genetic degenerative muscle disorder. Amir had just ended his engagement to Princes Marissa; the reason being that she went behind his back and got and abortion because she didn’t want to look fat in her wedding gown. It was then that he realized that she was nothing but a shallow cardboard cutout of a woman and didn’t want to have anything to do with her.
Part of the package that Lara received by having her wedding in Jahaar was that the country was pay a portion of the air fare, they would have free rooms with the amenities, and a tour of the Palace. It was on this tour that Prince Amir looked out the window and saw Lara and in group entering the palace; it was a this point that Amir knew he had to at least meet her. However instead of walking up to her and introducing himself he walked up to her and kissed her. Unfortunately he had to leave suddenly because his father the King’s health took a turn for the worse.
Later the now King Amir sent a message to Lara invoking a long and seldom used law of the Privilege of the Sheikh. This was for the Sheikh to determine if the marriage was going to be suitable. The bride to be was to come to the Palace the night before her marriage; it never said anything about sex she was just to come to the Palace to the Kings Personnel quarters. The moment she stepped over the threshold the Privilege was involved. In other words it was a bond of sorts that made him responsible for her if anything should happen to the marriage. He too told her the marriage to Mark wouldn’t work and he was right.
Three years later she is back in Jahaar to celebrate he divorce or so she thought until King Amir came to her party and walked up to her and kissed her. Then things get really crazy; not only with Mark and the sidelines but Princes Marissa as well. This is really a great book and one in which Lara the librarian also has to learn some truths about herself as well. This is one of those books that you really want to talk about but you don’t want to give too much away and spoil some of the story, but I loved it.

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book so much that I read it over again. What I liked about it was that it had a very strong plotline. The story of a librarian, Lora, who's marriage plans are sorely tested. Carmen, Lora's bestfriend, advises Lora to really think about calling the wedding off. She states that Mark, her fiancé, is a lowlife and that Lora deserves better. Lora chose a destination wedding in the middle eastern country of Johaar. The king is Sheik Amir Al-Johaar. He tried to steer Lora into a new direction. He told her, that her marriage would fail. Lora was incensed, confused and angry. Lora had some serious flaws. She became angry quickly and she did things to prove people wrong even if it was not in her best interest. She also had a terrible habit of putting herself down and would constantly debate what was wrong and what was right (according to her). Three years, one baby later, Lora's marriage to Mark failed. She, the baby and Carmen returned to Johaar. Lora wanted to relive the moments of bliss that she had three years ago with Amir. Carmen knew from the beginning that their was chemistry between Amir and Lora. Lora was too ashamed to acknowledge it. While in Johaar the second time, Carmen contacted Amir to let him know Lora was there. Amir appeared at the hotel and realized what he felt for Lora did not go away. Finally, Lora was able to reconcile her attraction to Amir. She did so after much internal debate based on fear of what others might think of her and what she thought of herself. Amir and Lora spent a few hours in a passionate embrace. Now we get to the real exhilarating part of the story. It involves Amir's ex fiancée, Marissa, a princess related to the royal family of Monestonia. She desired to wield power any way she could get it. This is bad for Lora and her son's future. The rollercoaster for power to be Amir's bride begins. Also Amir would like Lora to know how much he desires her to stay. Lora and her dang thinking keeps her away from Amir. After Mark decides to cancel the divorce so he can extort money from Amir to the tune of twenty-one million dollars. Why extort? You just have to read this bad boy. It has to do with the Sheiks Privilege. Oh how this story really begins to pick up the pace. Marissa who wants power, Mark who is greedy, Carmen who only wants what is best for Lora and her son, Amir's inability to speak clearly how he feels and Lora who just thinks too, too much zeroing in on the wrong stuff for the wrong reasons.. This is a very breath taking, romantic, passionate read. I highly recommend it. I received an Advanced Readers Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is another wonderful Sheikh love story. Lora is a down to earth sheltered librarian engaged to Mark who is against the wedding taking place in Johaar. Carmen the best friend tries to warn Lora that Mark is not the man for her along with him not being an upstanding man. The week before the wedding 20 close friends are flown to Johaar and visiting the palace. While there Sheikh Amir is out walking and sees Lora and goes over to her and kisses her and knows he wants her but does not take the extra step to make it happen... Amir has just lost his father and has many thoughts going through his mind and starts thinking of the old ways. One way he can use to his advantage and to show Lora that Mark is not good for her is The Sheikh's Privilege which she must present herself the night before her wedding to the Sheik. Mark takes advantage of the kiss and tries to talk Lora into signing a prenup giving her nothing if they divorce. Lora becomes very stubborn and walks out on the Sheikh, signs the prenup and gets married to Mark! Three years later Lora has a beautiful baby boy and getting divorced without any help from the cheating Mark. Lora does the only thing that makes sense to her, shereturns to Johaar. Will Lora get what she really wanted 3 years ago, Sheikh Amir? Once Amir sees Lora again he becomes the possessive man that he is and takes Lora right there at the divorce party that Carmen arranged. Will Mark keep Lora from finding happiness due to his greediness by throwing the Sheikh’s Privilege from 3 years ago at them? How will Amir and Lora be able to find a way back to one another with the evilness of others to take it from them? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Gea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because of a repeated dream when Lora was little she chooses for an arabic destination for her wedding. Little does she know what the consequences are.
Lora & Amir meet in extraordinary circumstances.
Best friend Carmen oversteps her boundaries because she knows they need help getting together.
Melissa also plays an important part, just like Mark, Lora’s fiancee.
When it looks like the bad guys get away with everything I felt so wronged and angry. But not Lora, I’m in awe at how she eventually handles it.
I know revenge isn’t good for karma but it’s hard to digest when so many bad things happen because of one person.

NL:
Vanwege een herhaalde droom die Lora had toen ze nog klein was kiest ze een arabische bestemming voor haar huwelijksfeest.
Ze kon echter de consequenties niet voorzien.
Lora en Amir ontmoeten elkaar in buitengewone omstandigheden.
Beste vriendin Carmen overschrijdt vele persoonlijke grenzen.
Melissa en Mark (Lora’s verloofde) spelen ook een heel belangrijke rol in dit verhaal.
Toen het erop leek dat de slechterikken overal mee wegkomen voelde ik onrechtvaardigheid en boosheid.
Maar Lora niet, ik bewonder hoe ze uiteindelijk met de situatie omgaat.
Ik weet dat wraak niet goed voor je karma is maar het is moeilijk te verkroppen als er zoveel negatieve dingen gebeuren vanwege een persoon.

[Linda Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lora: Is she a wife, mother, Queen or whore? So deliciously captivating…
Lora is ready to marry Mark who in the past has been a cheater but Lora feels he has changed. Her BFF Carmen Is not so sure. Lora plans a destination wedding to Joharr in Arabia though Mark is unhappy about the expense. He has LOTS of money but still expects his fiancée, a New Orleans college librarian, to pay half!
Sheikh Amir wants to fulfill his dying father’s one last wish, which is to have Amir marry happily and make her queen of Joharr. Up to now Amir has found fault with all prospects. One day as Amir is standing on a balcony of the royal palace, he sees the American wedding party and a particular woman in a yellow sun dress that only enhances her curves. Thus, begins the scintillating story of love, heartache, betrayal and so much more. Although the story ends with an HEA, what torments will the H and h go through to get there?! Is Carmen all she seems to be? How about Mark, Marissa, even the Sheikh? Does everyone get their justice? What is the Sheikh’’s privilege anyway?
Get this book and you’ll find out who the good guys are. A really GREAT read. I volunteered to review an ARC of this book. Thanks so much Ms. Winters!

[Debbie Caswell · Rating 5 out of 5]

nother great book from this very talented author and once again steamy hot to keep you totally enthralled

Lora is about to marry Mark though her friend is trying to talk her out of it all this does is make her dig her heels, Carmen thinks that Mark is a lowlife who isn't good enough for her friend Now they have arrived in the country of Johaar in the middle east, she meets a man who finds her attractive he also tries to talk her out of the marriage. Sheik Amir Al-Johaar has his own problems his father has just died making him ruler of his country he decides to use this to his advantage and invokes Sheikh's Privilege an old custom wher any woman marrying must spend the night before her wedding in the sheikhs bed. Mark uses this to his advantage to make Lora sign that will leave her penniless. Now three years later with a son she returns to Johaar and Amir but will they have a chance or will other people destroy there happiness in a quest for power you will need to read to see.

Once again Annabelle has written a steamy romance that has you turning the pages as fast as you can just to make sure you don't melt that kindle

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is something to be said for ancient laws
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review. This is my 4th book by Annabelle and I love an author who writes in dual point of view. Lora plans her wedding in Jahaar where she is unexpectedly kissed by Amir the Sheikh. The spark between the two of them is unbelievable but the moment is ruined by Lora’s fiancé. When Amir sends Lora a request to visit him the day before the wedding invoking Sheikh’s Privilege, Lora is further perplexed by her feelings for Amir. But when she leaves Amir’s private rooms, she marries her fiancé anyway ignoring the advice of her best friend. Three years later, just delivering a son, her husband is gone and she is without a job. To celebrate her divorce, Lora and her best friend go back to Johaar and Lora meets Amir who kisses her in front of everyone and then a whole lot more once everyone leaves. But Lora is still troubled by her wanton ways, so leaves Johaar behind. Will Amir and Lora reunite? You have to read to find out and will enjoy each page as you turn them.

[Misty Schott · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Lora plans her destination wedding in Johaar, her fiancé, Mark plans to spring a pre-nup on her days before their wedding. Sheikh Amir Al-Johaar recently ended his engagement to Princess Marissa because she went behind his back and got an abortion so she wouldn't look fat at her wedding. There is an ancient law that's not used very often called the Privilege of the Sheikh. It's where the Sheikh gets to determine if a marriage is suitable between the two people who are planning to marry. After seeing Lora the Sheikh decides to invoke this seldom used law and proceeds to tell her that her marriage is not a match and she should not marry Mark. She doesn't listen to that and three years down the road she is back in Johaar celebrating her divorce. The now King Amir seems interested in Lora, but the situation is complicated when Princess Marissa and Mark are hanging around. This is a great book and a definite must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Privilege for the Sheikh: A Royal Billionaire Romance Novel (Curves for Sheikhs Series Book 12) By: Annabelle Winters
A Sheikh's Privilege Turns Into A "Privilege for the Sheikh"
She dreams of a destination wedding...
Small, intimate, in an exotic foreign country... It'll be a dream come true...
If only her Bestfriend would quit disparaging her Fiancee, touting Doom & Gloom Predictions, having Flashforwarwards of him offering a Prenup before the actual ceremony, & Savagely reminding her of his Cheating background... Basically, she's against him as the GROOM!!
But, her Wedding's going forward, everything fine, no Prenup in sight, they're at the Destination, & then, the Sheikh throws the biggest monkey wrench into the proceedings...
He Kisses Her, & Then he Claims Sheikh's Privilege....
Sheikh's Privilege is indeed a "Privilege for the Sheikh," but a Privilege to what?!
Why to intervene, interfere, or something More in Marriages...
Is it Se*ual, Protective, Honorable, Sinister, or simply a Test...
That's the question...
That's the opportunity she'll have at the Palace with the Sheikh to solve...
But, will her engagement survive...
Will her marriage, if she's married...
If she's divorced, what's the Sheikh's role then...
Has Sheikh's Privilege turned this "Privilege for the Sheikh" into something Long-Lasting, Far-Reaching, & Unbreakable...
I was granted an ARC of Annabelle Winters' "Privilege for the Sheikh: A Royal Billionaire Romance Novel (Curves for Sheikhs Series Book 12)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Kaye · Rating 5 out of 5]

FATE + DESTINY = SOULMATE!!!
OMG! Talk about karma. This is one stupendous read. You get the full scope of feeling the characters emotions and strength. It hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration. The characters are well developed and believable. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The scenes are vividly detailed and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that makes this page turning storyline pop. Twists and turns abound with unexpected surprises that kept up the suspense until the end. Annabelle did a remarkable job bringing this read to life flawlessly. Great job Annabelle, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.

[K B · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
I received a free copy of Curves For The Sheikh book 12 rivilege For The Sheikh The Librarian from Louisiana by Annabelle Winters and this review was given freely.
This well written and complex romance has an ever twisting plot. The nerdy librarian Lora, who is book smart but personality and relationship blind, finds true love with Sheikh Amir. This is an engaging steamy romance best for age 18+ which does not contain the degree of violence or war scenes noted in prior novels but does have three villains, an abortion, a kidnapping, and a divorce which are well balanced by some highly descriptive scenes involving Lora and Amir as well as Lora and her unfiltered friend Carmen.

[Anne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic read! Lora is marrying Mark in Johaar. Lora had always wanted to get married somewhere exotic and she was bringing 20 of her friends for a week long celebration. What she didn’t foresee was Sheikh Amir. When visiting the palace Sheikh Amir had taken a liking to Lora and kissed her in front of the whole group including Mark!
This story is about the decisions Lora makes. And they are not what you think. Annabelle Winters keeps you guessing you will go through every emotion but it is so worth it.
This is my first book by Annabelle Winters and I can’t wait to read more.
I received an Arc of this book and now I am choosing to leave my honest review

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in Annabelle Winter's Curves for the Sheikh series and think I liked this one the best. Or maybe each one SEEMS the most wonderful as I read it! To me, the main question of this book was, "Is she a princess or is she a whore or is she both?" And the main idea of the Sheikh's Privilege was that the sheikh had the right to have a bride in his kingdom on the night before her wedding, but then becomes responsible for her marriage if she marries her original groom anyway. Marissa was much more manipulative, even evil, than when the reader first meets her and was an excellent addition to the story and adds a lot of romantic suspense. I highly recommend this book!

[K. Smock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting premise as described in the blurb. When Amir spots Lora on the grounds of the palace, he does an impetuous thing and invokes the Sheikh's privilege. This custom has not been used in quite some time. The bride to be must visit the Sheikh the evening before her wedding. It is about trust. He doesn't think her fiancé is good enough for her and says her marriage will fail. When it does fail, will she now be his responsibility? This is an interesting book with good characters and a story line that keeps you reading. There is also some really good steam.

I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.

[Waltraut Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the exotic factor that sheikh romances provide. Learning about other cultures, a romance and a happy end. What more could a girl ask for? I fell in love with the author's books from the start and so far, there has not been a single book that disappointed me. This story was very appealing, and just a couple pages into the book, I was hooked again and could not put it down. But I don't want to spoil your fun reading the book, so I won't tell you more - convince yourself, and I am sure, every romance lover will love this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Hsu Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest
The characters + storytelling were very captivating
Lora thought that Mark was the man for her.
Amir strongly disagree.
The attraction was there, but Lora married Mark instead.
Now three years later, Lora is back.
Amir still has feelings for Lora.
This time, he will not let Lora slip thru his fingers.
The storytelling + the character's build were awesome!
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in the series!

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real treat!!!
First of all I need to admit that I LOVE books about sheikhs! My imagination is immediately triggered, and the pages become pictures. Think what you may, but as a really old lady my imagination is the only thing that works well anymore. Anyway the story is really enjoyable and will keep your attention. The characters are likable except for the b…., and we’re not supposed to like her anyway. The writing as always is great.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lora is a typical girl with all these dreams and fantasies, but thankfully she has a best friend who has her back at all times.

Loved the characters as they kept me entertained form start to finish as we were taken on a journey from New Orleans to the Middle eastern kingdom of Johaar. Where a thousand-year-old tradition is invoke that will lead to a 3 year culmination of events that will keep you entertained.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[mariann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet again Annabelle Winters has written a beautiful steamy read that captivates the reader from start to finish. It’s a book about friendship, secrets, dedication, love, desire and where the west and east are meeting.
If you like a story about a sheikh and a western woman this is it, I highly recomend this book.
The book is fast-paced, the writing is fluid and easily read in one sitting.
This is a standalone book with no cliffhangers and a HEA. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow I could not stop reading this book once I started it I absolutely loved it and if anyone is looking for an amazing book to give a try this is one to add to your list you will not be disappointed I wasn't I loved it

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. hot read loved it

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

She found the perfect place to get married and they set it all up but there is about to be an issue. He sees her and he finds that as sheikh he can bed any woman who marries in his land. That is just what he is going to do. She is shocked but she has no real choice. What will happen? See what she will learn

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides an interesting twist that adds a lot of drama and heat to the story. Plot offers a good balance between the old school twist and modern reality. Good chemistry and steamy scenes. I am posting a voluntary, honest review.

[Chelsea Ortiz-Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my WOW!!!
Im speechless.
Thats how much i enjoyed this book.
I couldnt stop reading.
I didnt want to stop.
I would highyl recommend this book.
I can not wait to read the next book in the series.
Happy reading!
Rating 5 stars

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Sheikh story is really freshly written, it is a sort of like a typical romance happening with international flavouring. Good job on this one!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Wendy Ballard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just the absolute best story. Everything I like to read about and more. Such a great story I will read again and again. A keeper!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. It was quite entertaining. There was a scene or 2 that weren't really my cup of tea but didn't affect the enjoyability of the book for me. I volunteered to read an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.

[Karina Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

It good read

I love it it good and fun to read 🍫 🍫 🍫 🍫 💞 💞 💞 💞 💝 💝 💝 💝

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well-written story that I enjoyed reading. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Namiria · Rating 1 out of 5]

it was bad! really really bad! Like there really were nothing good! I've read the first 30 pages and started to jump pages. every one of them was bad.