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Kinley Island #2
Break Free
Caleb:
Nobody’s better at being alone than me. I’ve perfected the art of isolation: I go to work at Luna’s Diner, come home, and I definitely don’t go on dates anymore.
But then Beck walked into my diner looking like the textbook definition of a hot, single dad--tall, bearded, and the kindest eyes this side of the Rockies.
And I let my guard down for the first time in years.
He’s straight, but soon he wants to keep me close. In-bed-together close. I’d forgotten just how good it could feel. But I have no room in my life for a crush, let alone a relationship. My past broke me into pieces, and I’m only now starting to pick them back up.
I’m not going to let myself fall for him.
Even though he’s the first person I’ve been comfortable with in years.
Even though he wants me, too, on lonely nights.
Even though his touch makes me ache.
Beck:
Since moving to Kinley Island, I’ve been living like a shadow. I’m divorced and single for the first time in fifteen years, and my days have been as drab and routine as the rainy weather outside.
And then one late night at my regular diner, everything changed. The mysterious, tattooed man behind the counter opened up to me--flirted with me--and I flirted back. I’ve never been into men, but I can’t keep my eyes off Caleb--he’s beautiful, intense, and broken, and now I feel a desperate urge to fix him.
But I also just got a phone call I never expected: my sixteen-year-old daughter is coming to stay with me for the summer. After living like a bachelor all year, I have no clue how to be a single parent. Caleb offers to help me, and of course I say yes.
But now I’m starting to feel addicted to him.
His body. His lips. His touch.
Is it possible to like a friend too much?
Nobody’s better at being alone than me. I’ve perfected the art of isolation: I go to work at Luna’s Diner, come home, and I definitely don’t go on dates anymore.
But then Beck walked into my diner looking like the textbook definition of a hot, single dad--tall, bearded, and the kindest eyes this side of the Rockies.
And I let my guard down for the first time in years.
He’s straight, but soon he wants to keep me close. In-bed-together close. I’d forgotten just how good it could feel. But I have no room in my life for a crush, let alone a relationship. My past broke me into pieces, and I’m only now starting to pick them back up.
I’m not going to let myself fall for him.
Even though he’s the first person I’ve been comfortable with in years.
Even though he wants me, too, on lonely nights.
Even though his touch makes me ache.
Beck:
Since moving to Kinley Island, I’ve been living like a shadow. I’m divorced and single for the first time in fifteen years, and my days have been as drab and routine as the rainy weather outside.
And then one late night at my regular diner, everything changed. The mysterious, tattooed man behind the counter opened up to me--flirted with me--and I flirted back. I’ve never been into men, but I can’t keep my eyes off Caleb--he’s beautiful, intense, and broken, and now I feel a desperate urge to fix him.
But I also just got a phone call I never expected: my sixteen-year-old daughter is coming to stay with me for the summer. After living like a bachelor all year, I have no clue how to be a single parent. Caleb offers to help me, and of course I say yes.
But now I’m starting to feel addicted to him.
His body. His lips. His touch.
Is it possible to like a friend too much?
306 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 30, 2019
271 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
July 9, 2019
I liked Break Free more than the first book, even though I wanted to throttle Beck throughout most of the story. The man needed to stop pining over his ex-wife and see what was right in front of him—namely, Caleb.
Even at 70 percent, following the best blow job of his life, Beck admits to Caleb he's hoping to get back together with Amy. What in the everloving fuck, Beck?
The only way I got over Beck's fuckery was by realizing that he had been in an essentially abusive relationship for years. Amy put him down constantly. She cheated on him for years. Nothing he did was good enough. The poor guy was brainwashed and completely stripped of all confidence.
Caleb was ever so patient and pretty much deserved the Boyfriend of the Year award. I liked him a great deal and was happy the story was told from a dual POV.
I also liked Beck's teenage daughter, Kris, whose character was very authentic, right down to the blue hair and swearing. I hated Amy on sight and felt she got off too easy (come on, no one can change that quickly).
Like all of Ruebins' books, this one wasn't particularly steamy, but the one sex scene was very hot and tender. The ending, a tentative HEA, was hopeful and romantic.
This book can be read as a standalone. MCs from book 1 are briefly mentioned. I was actually surprised there weren't more scenes with Caleb talking to his brother about Beck, considering how close they were.
Even at 70 percent, following the best blow job of his life, Beck admits to Caleb he's hoping to get back together with Amy. What in the everloving fuck, Beck?
The only way I got over Beck's fuckery was by realizing that he had been in an essentially abusive relationship for years. Amy put him down constantly. She cheated on him for years. Nothing he did was good enough. The poor guy was brainwashed and completely stripped of all confidence.
Caleb was ever so patient and pretty much deserved the Boyfriend of the Year award. I liked him a great deal and was happy the story was told from a dual POV.
I also liked Beck's teenage daughter, Kris, whose character was very authentic, right down to the blue hair and swearing. I hated Amy on sight and felt she got off too easy (come on, no one can change that quickly).
Like all of Ruebins' books, this one wasn't particularly steamy, but the one sex scene was very hot and tender. The ending, a tentative HEA, was hopeful and romantic.
This book can be read as a standalone. MCs from book 1 are briefly mentioned. I was actually surprised there weren't more scenes with Caleb talking to his brother about Beck, considering how close they were.
July 10, 2019
It was good with a side note , there's one thing I didn't like.
Then after 64% mark, when Beck still mooning after his cheating ex wife while he's making out with Caleb, it got in my nerves.
Been there done that. That's not acceptable even in a fictional story.
With Beck still mentioned Amy this Amy that blah blah blah, I closed the book and I didn't care to finish this story that once I thought I'll give it four stars at least.
Then after 64% mark, when Beck still mooning after his cheating ex wife while he's making out with Caleb, it got in my nerves.
Been there done that. That's not acceptable even in a fictional story.
With Beck still mentioned Amy this Amy that blah blah blah, I closed the book and I didn't care to finish this story that once I thought I'll give it four stars at least.
April 13, 2020
Rep: bi mcs, gay side characters
July 16, 2019
Arc copy provided courtesy of LesCourt
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Caleb is still working in the same diner, Luna's, adding steak to the menu, and trying to branch out a bit, while not thinking his life back in New York. There's a new customer that comes in several times a month, a handsome truck driver who does long hauls across the country.
When Beck finds out his wife has been cheating on him for the last two years, he leaves his home and his daughter to move up north and start over on the tiny Island where his grandmother lives.
The last thing Beck expects is for the handsome cook at his favorite restaurant to hit on him. He's not homophobic, so it's fine, he just explains that he's straight. It is flattering, no one's hit on him in a long time, and the guy seems super nice. Maybe he needs a new friend on Kinley Island.
Beck's daughter's been having trouble back home, and his ex-wife decides to send her to stay with him for the summer. When he realizes he hasn't done anything with his new house for the last half a year to make it hospitable his new friend, Caleb, volunteers to help decorate and make dinner.
This is a super cute gay for you story. It was nice to come back to Caleb, who, in many ways, I found more interesting than his brother Hunter, the protagonist of the first story in the series.
Beck can be a little annoying and oblivious about how hung up he is on his wife. She spent their entire marriage condescending to him and picking on him over every little thing that he did, but he's still hung up on getting back together.
The story's slow burn, so expect to wait a while. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a sweet slow-paced romance.
4/5
All reviews are voluntary and my honest opinion.
Caleb is still working in the same diner, Luna's, adding steak to the menu, and trying to branch out a bit, while not thinking his life back in New York. There's a new customer that comes in several times a month, a handsome truck driver who does long hauls across the country.
When Beck finds out his wife has been cheating on him for the last two years, he leaves his home and his daughter to move up north and start over on the tiny Island where his grandmother lives.
The last thing Beck expects is for the handsome cook at his favorite restaurant to hit on him. He's not homophobic, so it's fine, he just explains that he's straight. It is flattering, no one's hit on him in a long time, and the guy seems super nice. Maybe he needs a new friend on Kinley Island.
Beck's daughter's been having trouble back home, and his ex-wife decides to send her to stay with him for the summer. When he realizes he hasn't done anything with his new house for the last half a year to make it hospitable his new friend, Caleb, volunteers to help decorate and make dinner.
This is a super cute gay for you story. It was nice to come back to Caleb, who, in many ways, I found more interesting than his brother Hunter, the protagonist of the first story in the series.
Beck can be a little annoying and oblivious about how hung up he is on his wife. She spent their entire marriage condescending to him and picking on him over every little thing that he did, but he's still hung up on getting back together.
The story's slow burn, so expect to wait a while. I'd recommend this book to anyone who wants a sweet slow-paced romance.
4/5
July 10, 2019
Poor Beck, he has been living his life assuming that everything he did was wrong and when he finds an unexpected connection with Caleb he isn’t sure how to process his feelings. Caleb has been living a half-life for years but Beck seems to be just the thing to pull him out of it.
I enjoyed this story and Caleb and Beck’s connection. I love how open Caleb is and only closes off when he gets terribly hurt. I hated how unsure Beck was throughout the whole story and that it took until the very end for him to gain the courage to be open with how he felt about Caleb. Other than that how Beck was so sure he would only be happy with his family together again that upset me. He redeems himself in the end but it took a bit too long for my comfort.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
I enjoyed this story and Caleb and Beck’s connection. I love how open Caleb is and only closes off when he gets terribly hurt. I hated how unsure Beck was throughout the whole story and that it took until the very end for him to gain the courage to be open with how he felt about Caleb. Other than that how Beck was so sure he would only be happy with his family together again that upset me. He redeems himself in the end but it took a bit too long for my comfort.
I received an ARC of this book and am giving an honest review.
July 7, 2019
It was my first Raleigh Reubins's book and definitely it will not be the only one. I want to read more of her books.
Maybe I would like that the story about Beck's ex didn't take so much time of the book but Caleb....oh my! Caleb is amazing, so sweet and honest.
Now I'm gonna read the first book.
I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.
Maybe I would like that the story about Beck's ex didn't take so much time of the book but Caleb....oh my! Caleb is amazing, so sweet and honest.
Now I'm gonna read the first book.
I received an ARC from the author (thank you) in return for an honest review.
July 5, 2019
"Somebody smart once told me that the only thing that can make you break the rules is being in love."
Break Free is the second standalone in Raleigh Reubins Kinley Island series. This one brings us Caleb, a line cook who looks like a bad boy super model with all his tattoos. After losing the love of his life, his girlfriend, he spiraled out of control. It's been two years and while he is doing better he doesn't like to socialize or go on dates. Beck is a hot bearded mountain man of a truck driver who happens to be a single dad with an ex-wife who did a number on him, and he doesn't even realize it. Caleb is hooked on him quick but there's a slight problem, Beck is straight, has self-esteem issues, and is trying to get back with his ex-wife.
"How could I make him know that what he did to me went far beyond just words - far beyond just touch? That he made me feel at home in my own world again, and made me feel worthy."
Just like the first book in the series, Break Free is brimming with small town vibes and friendships. I was so excited to learn more about Caleb, and he did not disappoint. He is brutally honest, supportive, caring and unashamed of who he is. Oh he is also sexy as hell, making him the perfect package. Beck's character was a hot mess, he was emotionally beaten down by his ex-wife and his ignorance to it killed me. Every time he did something that hurt Caleb without even realizing I wanted to smack him upside the head. Their relationship is sweet, emotional, sexually charged and frustrating.
"All I could feel was that I had just discovered something exciting and scary and incredibly deep - something like the ocean. Like freedom. All I had to do was take the dive in."
There's no doubt that I will be reading the next book in the Kinley Island series :)
Break Free is the second standalone in Raleigh Reubins Kinley Island series. This one brings us Caleb, a line cook who looks like a bad boy super model with all his tattoos. After losing the love of his life, his girlfriend, he spiraled out of control. It's been two years and while he is doing better he doesn't like to socialize or go on dates. Beck is a hot bearded mountain man of a truck driver who happens to be a single dad with an ex-wife who did a number on him, and he doesn't even realize it. Caleb is hooked on him quick but there's a slight problem, Beck is straight, has self-esteem issues, and is trying to get back with his ex-wife.
"How could I make him know that what he did to me went far beyond just words - far beyond just touch? That he made me feel at home in my own world again, and made me feel worthy."
Just like the first book in the series, Break Free is brimming with small town vibes and friendships. I was so excited to learn more about Caleb, and he did not disappoint. He is brutally honest, supportive, caring and unashamed of who he is. Oh he is also sexy as hell, making him the perfect package. Beck's character was a hot mess, he was emotionally beaten down by his ex-wife and his ignorance to it killed me. Every time he did something that hurt Caleb without even realizing I wanted to smack him upside the head. Their relationship is sweet, emotional, sexually charged and frustrating.
"All I could feel was that I had just discovered something exciting and scary and incredibly deep - something like the ocean. Like freedom. All I had to do was take the dive in."
There's no doubt that I will be reading the next book in the Kinley Island series :)
July 6, 2019
The blurb really caught my interest as I adore a story where one of the protagonists uncovers a new side to their sexuality, with all the apprehension, excitement and fear that that may entail. I was sucked in from the very start and quickly got invested in Beck and Caleb’s story as they’d both got a ton of baggage, especially Beck with coming out a marriage where he felt he just wasn’t good enough and he was the reason the marriage failed when, in reality, he’s one of the sweetest and most self-effacing men out there who always seemed to put others before himself. Caleb was the perfect panacea for all Beck’s negative thinking and low self-esteem and threw in a good dose of honesty and real-talk when required. Caleb had his own issues too; fear played a big part in him taking the leap and doing what he’d always dreamed of. While these two men were perfect for each other, this journey had some major bumps in the road and factor in Beck’s sixteen-year-old daughter Kris coming to stay with him and we see any happiness here would be hard-fought. I think the fact that it wasn’t ‘easy’ and there was a lot of soul searching and internalizing that made the characters very real and in turn made the book for me.
July 9, 2019
Caleb & Beck
First time gay is one of my favorite tropes so this was a must read for me. I really enjoyed how the author conveyed Beck’s emotions, as he struggled to understand his feelings for his new friend Caleb. Beck was really trying to cope with his new found feelings for a man, while he still wanted to try to bring his family back together with his ex-wife and teenage daughter. Caleb had his own internal demons as well - falling for a straight man. If you like first time gay, coming to terms with sexuality,a sexy dad and snarky troublesome teenagers this is the read for you!
First time gay is one of my favorite tropes so this was a must read for me. I really enjoyed how the author conveyed Beck’s emotions, as he struggled to understand his feelings for his new friend Caleb. Beck was really trying to cope with his new found feelings for a man, while he still wanted to try to bring his family back together with his ex-wife and teenage daughter. Caleb had his own internal demons as well - falling for a straight man. If you like first time gay, coming to terms with sexuality,a sexy dad and snarky troublesome teenagers this is the read for you!
August 6, 2019
4.5/5
I'm reading these out of order apparently. While reading this I realized that I put the first book on my list and didn't read it yet. Oops.
Tags: Location - Kinley Island a fictional island suburb of Seattle, WA; Abuse - Beck's ex-wife is emotionally manipulative; Blue Collar - Beck is a truck driver (but wants to do computer programming); Chef - Caleb is a line cook at a diner (but wants to be a sous chef at a steakhouse); GFY - Caleb is bisexual, Beck has only ever been into women but sounds demisexual ("it was hard for me to tell when women were interested in me")
I'm reading these out of order apparently. While reading this I realized that I put the first book on my list and didn't read it yet. Oops.
Tags: Location - Kinley Island a fictional island suburb of Seattle, WA; Abuse - Beck's ex-wife is emotionally manipulative; Blue Collar - Beck is a truck driver (but wants to do computer programming); Chef - Caleb is a line cook at a diner (but wants to be a sous chef at a steakhouse); GFY - Caleb is bisexual, Beck has only ever been into women but sounds demisexual ("it was hard for me to tell when women were interested in me")
July 23, 2019
This is waaaayyyy better than the first book in the series. Characters are more interesting and the storyline cleaner and better developed. Caleb is a dream of a man and poor Beck just a confused mess. Good friends to lovers development here.
August 8, 2019
3.5 stars
This started off pretty strong, but didn't maintain the momentum for me. The relationship was underdeveloped and feelings appeared too easily. We also had the villain female stereotype. With that being said, this kept me quite engaged for a while and definitely made me feel.
This started off pretty strong, but didn't maintain the momentum for me. The relationship was underdeveloped and feelings appeared too easily. We also had the villain female stereotype. With that being said, this kept me quite engaged for a while and definitely made me feel.
August 15, 2019
"Break Free" is the second volume of "Kinley Island" series, that captured my heart with its sweetness, depth and drama. Thus, after reading the first part, my expectations regarding the second installment have been quite high and I can honestly say that I'm not disappointed. "Break Free" is even better than "Come Home". In this novel, the author tells us a wonderfully sweet story, which sometimes becomes really serious, but which is constantly deep as it raises quite difficult subjects. The reader from the beginning to the end is so in love with it that they read every page with bated breath, wanting to know what happens next. Caleb and Beck are the other reason we are so interested in this novel. Their personal stories touch our soul and draw us into them, and when their paths cross, something truly wonderful, almost magical is created.
One of the topics that in "Break Free" has been presented in a really great way is the healing power of time. There's no doubt that it refers to both main characters, but it mostly concerns Caleb. The author in a really great manner showed how in his case time healed the wounds, but left some deep scars, that sometimes hurt. I think it is also worth mentioning that Raleigh Ruebins managed to combine Caleb's "healing" with this novel's romantic story in a really interesting and beautiful way. Thanks to this, the reader can see exactly to what extent time was able to help Caleb, when it failed and how it all affects this man's life. Undoubtedly, the detailed presentation of Caleb makes him closer to us and he conquers our hearts with even greater ease.
Another wonderfully presented subject, which refers to both characters, but we see it most clearly in Beck's case, is the problem of finding oneself. While Caleb needs to mainly find himself anew after the dramatic events of his past, Beck is a completely different story. This man needs to find himself anew after his divorce, find his true self which he has been rejecting and hiding from the world for years, and discover his sexuality, which he hasn't had the opportunity to embrace earlier. To tell the truth, this last form of finding oneself moved me the most, because I could really identify with the protagonist. In this case, the message that it is never too late to discover your sexuality was very important to me. It happens that sometimes people don't have the opportunity to understand themselves when they are still youth or they take the roles assigned to them by society and other people without really thinking about it. That's how it was in my case and that's how it is in Beck's. So I can assure you with a clear conscience that in this respect the author really showed the subject in a true, accurate and simply wonderful way.
In "Break Free" I also like the fact that the novel emphasizes the subject of giving oneself the green light to love, a second chance. Raleigh Ruebins has created wonderful characters who, for completely different reasons, are rather uncertain and cautious in their approach to having a love life again. Thanks to this, she perfectly presented this problem and made the readers even more interested in Caleb and Beck's story. The way in which the author shows all of this in her novel, I would compare to dancing, because the characters move in all possible directions, together and solo, they come together and part ways. Simply put, they want to love and at the same time are afraid of it, they need intimacy and they are not sure if they should look for it. They are just like all of us.
In summary, "Break Free" is a wonderful, deep, romantic and incredibly interesting novel about friendship, second chance for love, mutual respect of two people, and finding oneself.
_____________________________
Opis
„Break Free” jest drugim tomem serii „Kinley Island”, która podbiła moje serce słodyczą, w której mieści się także sporo głębi oraz dramatu. Tym samym, po przeczytaniu pierwszej części moje oczekiwania względem drugiej odsłony były dosyć wysokie i mogę Wam szczerze powiedzieć, że nie zawiodłam się. „Break Free” jest bowiem jeszcze lepsze niż „Come Home”. W tej powieści autorka prezentuje nam historię miejscami cudownie słodką, a czasami naprawdę poważną, ale niezmiennie głęboką i podejmującą dosyć trudne tematy. Czytelnik od początku do końca jest nią tak bardzo oczarowany, że każdą stronę czyta z zapartym tchem, pragnąc jak najszybciej dowiedzieć się, co będzie dalej. Tak duże zainteresowanie tą powieścią zawdzięczamy także Calebowi i Beckowi, których osobiste historie wzruszają nas i wciągają, a gdy ich ścieżki schodzą się ze sobą, tworzą coś prawdziwie cudownego, niemal magicznego.
Jednym z tematów, które zostały w naprawdę świetny sposób przedstawione w „Break Free” jest lecznicze działanie czasu. Niewątpliwie możemy odnieść tę kwestię do obu głównych bohaterów, jednak w największym stopniu dotyczy ona Caleba. Autorka naprawdę dobrze ukazała to, jak w jego przypadku czas zaleczył rany, jednak pozostawił wyraźne blizny, które czasami dają o sobie znać. Myślę, że naprawdę warto wspomnieć również o tym, że udało jej się w interesujący i piękny sposób połączyć temat „leczenia” Caleba z romantyczną historią tej powieści. Dzięki temu, czytelnik dokładnie widzi, w jakim stopniu czas zdołał pomóc Calebowi, z czym sobie nie poradził i w jaki sposób wszystko to wpływa to na życie mężczyzny. Niezaprzeczalnie właśnie tak dokładne ukazanie postaci Caleba sprawia, że staje się on nam bliższy i w większym stopniu zdobywa nasze serca.
Kolejnym cudownie przedstawionym tematem, który odnosi się do obu bohaterów, jednak najwyraźniej dostrzegamy go w przypadku Becka, jest odnalezienie siebie. O ile u Caleba mamy do czynienia głównie z ponownym odnalezieniem siebie po dramatycznych wydarzeniach przeszłości, o tyle Beck to zupełnie inna para kaloszy. Mężczyzna ten musi bowiem odnaleźć się w życiu po rozwodzie, odnaleźć prawdziwego siebie, którego przez lata odrzucał i ukrywał przed światem, odkryć swoją seksualność, której nie miał okazji wcześniej objąć. Prawdę mówiąc, ta ostatnia forma odnajdowania siebie najbardziej mnie poruszyła, ponieważ w tym temacie naprawdę mogłam w pełni identyfikować się z bohaterem. Bardzo ważne w tym przypadku było dla mnie przesłanie, że na odkrycie swojej seksualności nigdy nie jest za późno. Zdarza się bowiem, że człowiek czasami nie ma okazji aby zrozumieć siebie za młodu lub przyjmuje wyznaczoną mu przez społeczeństwo i innych rolę nie wychodząc poza jej ramy. Tak było ze mną i tak jest w przypadku Becka. Mogę więc z czystym sumieniem zapewnić Was, że pod tym względem autorka naprawdę ukazała temat w sposób prawdziwy, dokładny i po prostu cudowny.
W „Break Free” bardzo spodobało mi się również to, że powieść w dużej mierze skupia się także na temacie pozwolenia sobie na miłość, na drugą szansę. Raleigh Ruebins stworzyła cudownych bohaterów, którzy z zupełnie różnych przyczyn podchodzą do możliwości rozpoczęcia życia miłosnego na nowo raczej niepewnie i ostrożnie. Dzięki temu rozlegle i doskonale przedstawiła wspomniany problem, jak również zainteresowała czytelników historią Caleba i Becka jeszcze bardziej. Sposób, w jaki autorka ukazuje to wszystko w swojej powieści porównałabym do tańca, ponieważ bohaterowie poruszają się we wszystkich możliwych kierunkach zarówno wspólnie, jak i samodzielnie, schodzą się i rozchodzą. Mówiąc najprościej, chcą kochać i jednocześnie obawiają się miłości, pragną bliskości i nie wiedzą, czy powinni sobie na nią pozwolić. Są po prostu tacy jak my.
Podsumowując, „Break Free” to wspaniała, głęboka, romantyczna i niesamowicie interesująca powieść o przyjaźni, drugiej szansie na miłość, wzajemnym szacunku dwojga osób, o odnalezieniu siebie.
One of the topics that in "Break Free" has been presented in a really great way is the healing power of time. There's no doubt that it refers to both main characters, but it mostly concerns Caleb. The author in a really great manner showed how in his case time healed the wounds, but left some deep scars, that sometimes hurt. I think it is also worth mentioning that Raleigh Ruebins managed to combine Caleb's "healing" with this novel's romantic story in a really interesting and beautiful way. Thanks to this, the reader can see exactly to what extent time was able to help Caleb, when it failed and how it all affects this man's life. Undoubtedly, the detailed presentation of Caleb makes him closer to us and he conquers our hearts with even greater ease.
Another wonderfully presented subject, which refers to both characters, but we see it most clearly in Beck's case, is the problem of finding oneself. While Caleb needs to mainly find himself anew after the dramatic events of his past, Beck is a completely different story. This man needs to find himself anew after his divorce, find his true self which he has been rejecting and hiding from the world for years, and discover his sexuality, which he hasn't had the opportunity to embrace earlier. To tell the truth, this last form of finding oneself moved me the most, because I could really identify with the protagonist. In this case, the message that it is never too late to discover your sexuality was very important to me. It happens that sometimes people don't have the opportunity to understand themselves when they are still youth or they take the roles assigned to them by society and other people without really thinking about it. That's how it was in my case and that's how it is in Beck's. So I can assure you with a clear conscience that in this respect the author really showed the subject in a true, accurate and simply wonderful way.
In "Break Free" I also like the fact that the novel emphasizes the subject of giving oneself the green light to love, a second chance. Raleigh Ruebins has created wonderful characters who, for completely different reasons, are rather uncertain and cautious in their approach to having a love life again. Thanks to this, she perfectly presented this problem and made the readers even more interested in Caleb and Beck's story. The way in which the author shows all of this in her novel, I would compare to dancing, because the characters move in all possible directions, together and solo, they come together and part ways. Simply put, they want to love and at the same time are afraid of it, they need intimacy and they are not sure if they should look for it. They are just like all of us.
In summary, "Break Free" is a wonderful, deep, romantic and incredibly interesting novel about friendship, second chance for love, mutual respect of two people, and finding oneself.
_____________________________
Opis
„Break Free” jest drugim tomem serii „Kinley Island”, która podbiła moje serce słodyczą, w której mieści się także sporo głębi oraz dramatu. Tym samym, po przeczytaniu pierwszej części moje oczekiwania względem drugiej odsłony były dosyć wysokie i mogę Wam szczerze powiedzieć, że nie zawiodłam się. „Break Free” jest bowiem jeszcze lepsze niż „Come Home”. W tej powieści autorka prezentuje nam historię miejscami cudownie słodką, a czasami naprawdę poważną, ale niezmiennie głęboką i podejmującą dosyć trudne tematy. Czytelnik od początku do końca jest nią tak bardzo oczarowany, że każdą stronę czyta z zapartym tchem, pragnąc jak najszybciej dowiedzieć się, co będzie dalej. Tak duże zainteresowanie tą powieścią zawdzięczamy także Calebowi i Beckowi, których osobiste historie wzruszają nas i wciągają, a gdy ich ścieżki schodzą się ze sobą, tworzą coś prawdziwie cudownego, niemal magicznego.
Jednym z tematów, które zostały w naprawdę świetny sposób przedstawione w „Break Free” jest lecznicze działanie czasu. Niewątpliwie możemy odnieść tę kwestię do obu głównych bohaterów, jednak w największym stopniu dotyczy ona Caleba. Autorka naprawdę dobrze ukazała to, jak w jego przypadku czas zaleczył rany, jednak pozostawił wyraźne blizny, które czasami dają o sobie znać. Myślę, że naprawdę warto wspomnieć również o tym, że udało jej się w interesujący i piękny sposób połączyć temat „leczenia” Caleba z romantyczną historią tej powieści. Dzięki temu, czytelnik dokładnie widzi, w jakim stopniu czas zdołał pomóc Calebowi, z czym sobie nie poradził i w jaki sposób wszystko to wpływa to na życie mężczyzny. Niezaprzeczalnie właśnie tak dokładne ukazanie postaci Caleba sprawia, że staje się on nam bliższy i w większym stopniu zdobywa nasze serca.
Kolejnym cudownie przedstawionym tematem, który odnosi się do obu bohaterów, jednak najwyraźniej dostrzegamy go w przypadku Becka, jest odnalezienie siebie. O ile u Caleba mamy do czynienia głównie z ponownym odnalezieniem siebie po dramatycznych wydarzeniach przeszłości, o tyle Beck to zupełnie inna para kaloszy. Mężczyzna ten musi bowiem odnaleźć się w życiu po rozwodzie, odnaleźć prawdziwego siebie, którego przez lata odrzucał i ukrywał przed światem, odkryć swoją seksualność, której nie miał okazji wcześniej objąć. Prawdę mówiąc, ta ostatnia forma odnajdowania siebie najbardziej mnie poruszyła, ponieważ w tym temacie naprawdę mogłam w pełni identyfikować się z bohaterem. Bardzo ważne w tym przypadku było dla mnie przesłanie, że na odkrycie swojej seksualności nigdy nie jest za późno. Zdarza się bowiem, że człowiek czasami nie ma okazji aby zrozumieć siebie za młodu lub przyjmuje wyznaczoną mu przez społeczeństwo i innych rolę nie wychodząc poza jej ramy. Tak było ze mną i tak jest w przypadku Becka. Mogę więc z czystym sumieniem zapewnić Was, że pod tym względem autorka naprawdę ukazała temat w sposób prawdziwy, dokładny i po prostu cudowny.
W „Break Free” bardzo spodobało mi się również to, że powieść w dużej mierze skupia się także na temacie pozwolenia sobie na miłość, na drugą szansę. Raleigh Ruebins stworzyła cudownych bohaterów, którzy z zupełnie różnych przyczyn podchodzą do możliwości rozpoczęcia życia miłosnego na nowo raczej niepewnie i ostrożnie. Dzięki temu rozlegle i doskonale przedstawiła wspomniany problem, jak również zainteresowała czytelników historią Caleba i Becka jeszcze bardziej. Sposób, w jaki autorka ukazuje to wszystko w swojej powieści porównałabym do tańca, ponieważ bohaterowie poruszają się we wszystkich możliwych kierunkach zarówno wspólnie, jak i samodzielnie, schodzą się i rozchodzą. Mówiąc najprościej, chcą kochać i jednocześnie obawiają się miłości, pragną bliskości i nie wiedzą, czy powinni sobie na nią pozwolić. Są po prostu tacy jak my.
Podsumowując, „Break Free” to wspaniała, głęboka, romantyczna i niesamowicie interesująca powieść o przyjaźni, drugiej szansie na miłość, wzajemnym szacunku dwojga osób, o odnalezieniu siebie.
May 9, 2020
I really liked the first book in the series, and if it's possible, I liked the 2nd one even more.
There is so much to this story that just felt so real to me. Things that I haven't seen, or haven't seen in this way. I can point to one scene in particular, just after the conflict reaches its highest point. How the characters react spoke volumes.
I liked how things progressed. It flowed easy-peasy because of the writing style, even though it was almost 300 pages. The characters played off each other in the best way. There were hiccups, of course, but both men had such distinct personalities that worked well together that made for an interesting story from start to finish.
Overall, another great story. I know I'll be finishing out the series, but I think I'll have to check out the rest of her catalog.
There is so much to this story that just felt so real to me. Things that I haven't seen, or haven't seen in this way. I can point to one scene in particular, just after the conflict reaches its highest point. How the characters react spoke volumes.
I liked how things progressed. It flowed easy-peasy because of the writing style, even though it was almost 300 pages. The characters played off each other in the best way. There were hiccups, of course, but both men had such distinct personalities that worked well together that made for an interesting story from start to finish.
Overall, another great story. I know I'll be finishing out the series, but I think I'll have to check out the rest of her catalog.
March 18, 2024
This is the perfect book for someone that needs to face hard truths its worth it!
Beck survived marriage and divorce and now single dad and looking at his life with new perspective. This is one thing most should look at - doing something to make someone happy good but what about yourself? You need to make yourself happy and a partnership is two way feed each others happiness. Caleb loved & lost has to face the world again. Second chances are rare. It has good advice about raising teens - be invested, listen and respect & trust go both ways!MM romance
Beck survived marriage and divorce and now single dad and looking at his life with new perspective. This is one thing most should look at - doing something to make someone happy good but what about yourself? You need to make yourself happy and a partnership is two way feed each others happiness. Caleb loved & lost has to face the world again. Second chances are rare. It has good advice about raising teens - be invested, listen and respect & trust go both ways!MM romance
October 21, 2022
,
“Did Mom and Dad drop you on a hard tile floor?"
“As a baby? I’m sure, many times.”
“No, I mean yesterday,” I said.
The banter between Hunter and Caleb had me in stitches and this line literally made laugh out loud.
I loved this book from start to finish as I did with Come Home...looking forward to the !last 2 in the series
“Did Mom and Dad drop you on a hard tile floor?"
“As a baby? I’m sure, many times.”
“No, I mean yesterday,” I said.
The banter between Hunter and Caleb had me in stitches and this line literally made laugh out loud.
I loved this book from start to finish as I did with Come Home...looking forward to the !last 2 in the series
October 23, 2020
Is this a perfect book? It was close to perfect to me. This has such a good and believable conflict, and the angst is so good I had to keep putting it down! (But in a good way) Plus there's lots of good food and tattoo stuff in there.
November 2, 2022
Another winner
These Rudbins books are just fantastic. To say I couldn't put this one down is an understatement. Smouldering, catchy, unexpected and fun, Raleigh has found just the right mix to make this one of my all time favorites.
These Rudbins books are just fantastic. To say I couldn't put this one down is an understatement. Smouldering, catchy, unexpected and fun, Raleigh has found just the right mix to make this one of my all time favorites.
August 7, 2024
I really wanted to love this book, especially after loving Caleb in book one. Beck ruined this book for me, I wanted to shake some sense into him. After this hot mess I'm not really sure if I want to even bother with the next book.
March 17, 2020
3.5
Oh, Beck and his inability to see how horrible his ex-wife is. I really wanted to smack some sense into him and the ending was a little sudden, even if it was cute.
Oh, Beck and his inability to see how horrible his ex-wife is. I really wanted to smack some sense into him and the ending was a little sudden, even if it was cute.
July 15, 2019
Caleb, the line cook that looks more like a tattoo model, is kind of alone. He cooks at Luna's, then goes home. But one day he flirts with the hot bearded dad looking customer, and somehow, a friendship is struck up between him and Beck. He honestly knows better than to want more from an obviously straight guy, but sometimes the body doesn't always react the way the mind tells it to, nor does the heart...
Beck is a solitary truck driver who's always only been attracted to women, specifically to his ex-wife. But when the tattooed hottie at the local diner flirted with him, he LIKED it. His body LIKED it, too. And when he and Caleb fall into a friendship that somehow turns into a friendship with benefits, he rolls with it. After all, he's used to rolling with it. That's what he's always done, what he always did with his ex-wife Amy, even when she verbally harangued him, derided him and generally treated him terribly. But, he has a teenage daughter with Amy, who comes first, so getting back together with Amy should be his priority, right? Not falling in love with a man, even a sweetheart of a man like Caleb who makes him feel worthy in a way no one ever has before.
Gah, this story made me so mad sometimes! I wanted to scream at Beck as he let his ex guide his actions, let her get into his head so badly that he hurt poor beautiful Caleb. But their story is pretty great. I love that it's both their second chance at love, at life.
"But Beck and I had been each other's second chances."
I haven't read any of the other stories in this series, or by this author, but I will be sure to in the future, because I loved Break Free. It's sweet, tugs on the heart a little, and Caleb and Beck are adorable.
ARC via LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.
Full review ---> Live Through Books Blog.
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February 5, 2020
Great story
I liked this book. I really liked the story between Beck and Caleb. And Becks relationship with his Ex and his daughter. Kristen and Jamie were a great addition to the story as well.
I liked this book. I really liked the story between Beck and Caleb. And Becks relationship with his Ex and his daughter. Kristen and Jamie were a great addition to the story as well.
July 7, 2019
***Possible Spoilers***
I was excited to start Break Free. The cover is nice and the blurb intriguing.
Caleb is a beautiful, smart, sexy, well-rounded person. His past has him in a holding pattern of grief. But upon meeting Beck, he starts to see a future that contains more than the gut-wrenching pain he has suffered from for the past couple of years. For quite a while, in his interactions with Beck, I could almost see angels wings and a halo. He is almost too good to be true. The point in the book where he shows a more human side when dealing with Beck was when I fell a little bit in love with him.
I started out loving Beck. He is a sweet, caring, sexy (and doesn't know it), and loyal to a freaking fault. Circumstances and others' actions have destroyed any sense of self-esteem he may have possessed and left him adrift in a sea of loneliness, confusion, and pain. I could feel his emotions, and I hurt for him. It really bothered me that he allows himself, even after the divorce, to make excuses for his ex-wife's behavior and also to continue to put himself down. After a while, I was impatient with him and his sheer stubbornness in what he wants for his life. That gave way to anger because he refuses to see and hold tight to Caleb’s love and support. Instead, he wants his cheating ex-wife back! There is an aha moment where he finally figures out what is really going on in his life and resolves to make it better. That was when I loved him again.
At the end of the book, I care about Beck and Caleb and their future together. They are a lovely couple, the romance is spicy (it is a slow burn though) and believable, and the HEA is satisfying. I hope to see them in the third book of this series.
I look forward to more from this author.
I was excited to start Break Free. The cover is nice and the blurb intriguing.
Caleb is a beautiful, smart, sexy, well-rounded person. His past has him in a holding pattern of grief. But upon meeting Beck, he starts to see a future that contains more than the gut-wrenching pain he has suffered from for the past couple of years. For quite a while, in his interactions with Beck, I could almost see angels wings and a halo. He is almost too good to be true. The point in the book where he shows a more human side when dealing with Beck was when I fell a little bit in love with him.
I started out loving Beck. He is a sweet, caring, sexy (and doesn't know it), and loyal to a freaking fault. Circumstances and others' actions have destroyed any sense of self-esteem he may have possessed and left him adrift in a sea of loneliness, confusion, and pain. I could feel his emotions, and I hurt for him. It really bothered me that he allows himself, even after the divorce, to make excuses for his ex-wife's behavior and also to continue to put himself down. After a while, I was impatient with him and his sheer stubbornness in what he wants for his life. That gave way to anger because he refuses to see and hold tight to Caleb’s love and support. Instead, he wants his cheating ex-wife back! There is an aha moment where he finally figures out what is really going on in his life and resolves to make it better. That was when I loved him again.
At the end of the book, I care about Beck and Caleb and their future together. They are a lovely couple, the romance is spicy (it is a slow burn though) and believable, and the HEA is satisfying. I hope to see them in the third book of this series.
I look forward to more from this author.
July 11, 2019
Raleigh Ruebins' Break Free, the second book in the Kinley Island series, is an emotional gfy romance.
Beck and Caleb are two broken, yet extremely likable men. Each with their own troubled pasts, their story is one of healing, as both men desperately need one another. Beck's alone, having recently been divorced, missing his daughter, and hoping to reunite with his ex wife. Caleb meanwhile, has returned home, is sad, and is floundering from the pain and hurt of losing his wife. Their romance is a slow burn, as Beck thinks himself straight, and is unable to even consider loving Caleb.
Their tale also includes a troubled teen and some awkward moments with her, and too many apologies. It contains confusion, denial and lies. It also includes one very steamy moment.
I seriously wanted to smack Beck at times, as he just couldn't admit his feelings and see what was right in front of him. Not used to being in a loving and supportive relationship, he just didn't know what love really looks like. He seriously is too nice for his own good, always trying to please everyone else.
In classic Raleigh Ruebins fashion, this book is full of some great side characters and the small town feel is well represented. Told in dual pov, we're gifted with good insight into both men from the start.
The author definitely added some repeated "he said" at times, which is always cringe worthy to me. But I love everything else about the writing. The storyline's fantastic, as usual, and the characters take the reader on a wonderful journey.
Break Free is a compelling story of self discovery. Raleigh Ruebins delivers a heart-warming romance between two men each getting a second chance at love. I definitely recommend it.
July 16, 2019
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second book in the Kinley Island series. In this book, Caleb and Beck are featured. Caleb is Hunter's brother from the first book, Come Home. Caleb used to live in New York where he was very successful and had found love, until his girlfriend was killed in a car accident, and Caleb was destroyed, he lost everything and Hunter went to his rescue and took him back to Kinley Island. For the first year, Caleb refused to leave the house and then he started leaving with Hunter. Now Caleb was working at a diner as a cook and he noticed a handsome man who came in every week or so. Beck was a long haul truck driver and he usually went to the diner before he left on a trip. Beck was recently divorced and the father of a 16 year old daughter Kristen. When Caleb flirts with Beck, he is flattered and unsure what to do, he never had anyone flirt with him and he is straight. Beck likes Caleb and enjoys being friends with him. Caleb helps Beck prepare for his daughter to come for the summer and they become good friends. Caleb is still crushing hard on Beck, but he controls his feelings. Beck likes having Caleb around and finds he is closer to him than anyone he ever met, including his ex wife. Beck is also attracted to Caleb, he just doesn't know what to do about it. I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was emotional and Beck faced a lot about himself. Caleb knew he was going to be hurt, but he still wanted to be around Beck. They were great friends and i think Beck knew he had feelings for Caleb, he just didn't know what they meant. This is a good series and i was glad to see characters from the first book. I would love to read more of this series.
July 2, 2019
The first book in this series, Coming Home , didn’t really work for me. I didn’t vibe with the story nor the characters. Completely different for this one. I could not put this one down. I read it within a day. I loved Caleb. An honest and passionate guy who is grieving the death of his girlfriend. At the beginning of the book he’s kind of just going through the motions of life and only just thinking about dating again. Then, Beck happens. Adorable Beck. A recently divorced father of a teenage girl. A truck driver. Beck too has been going through the basic motions of living, but he’s stuck working towards a goal he doesn’t even truly want, which to get back with his ex-wife. She had an affair with some jerk behind Beck’s back for two years, thus the divorce.
Yet, Beck is the kind of guy who seeks comfort in the known and runs and/hides from the unknown. I didn’t like the ex-wife at all. She took every opportunity to put Beck down and she stifled their daughter, whom by the way needed serious but fair discipline. I didn’t like how Beck would excuse her infidelity, there is no excuse for cheating. But it made sense in how Beck tends to internalize everything and none of that detracted from Caleb and Beck’s story.
However, when Caleb walks into his world , it’s like he breathes in new life. There is undeniable attraction from the two, but Beck needs to learn to be honest with himself and Caleb needs to learn to fight for what he wants.
I so want to read about Landon.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
Yet, Beck is the kind of guy who seeks comfort in the known and runs and/hides from the unknown. I didn’t like the ex-wife at all. She took every opportunity to put Beck down and she stifled their daughter, whom by the way needed serious but fair discipline. I didn’t like how Beck would excuse her infidelity, there is no excuse for cheating. But it made sense in how Beck tends to internalize everything and none of that detracted from Caleb and Beck’s story.
However, when Caleb walks into his world , it’s like he breathes in new life. There is undeniable attraction from the two, but Beck needs to learn to be honest with himself and Caleb needs to learn to fight for what he wants.
I so want to read about Landon.
*ARC in exchange for honest review*
July 6, 2019
* I was gifted an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review *
It is the second book in Kinley Island series but it can be read as a standalone (even though You would be missing out!). It is a heartwarming, lovely story with great characters. I got sucked into the story right from the start, it is fast paced and the plot is really interesting. Raleigh Ruebins' writing style is absolutely AMAZING, her every book is just GREAT.
This is a story about Beck - a single, divorced man who secretly dreams about being together with his ex-wife and Calvin, a talented chef with troubled past. This is a lust-from-first sight type of a story, but the chemistry between MCs is totally fabulous which makes it more believable. It is also gay-for-You story since Beck always thought he was straight.
It is an enjoyable read with likable MCs and some scorching hot scenes. It is also full of emotions and drama because of Beck's mixed feeling about Amy and Caleb, but mostly because of his daughter.
I have to admit there were things that I didn't like - Beck wanted to be friends with Caleb but in the same time he didn't treat him good and it was irritating.
There's something unique about Kinley Island, something that brings people together and makes them fall in love against all odds. Books in this series are full of colorful and friendly people and so far Landon is my very favorite person there (I can't wait for his HEA!)
It is the second book in Kinley Island series but it can be read as a standalone (even though You would be missing out!). It is a heartwarming, lovely story with great characters. I got sucked into the story right from the start, it is fast paced and the plot is really interesting. Raleigh Ruebins' writing style is absolutely AMAZING, her every book is just GREAT.
This is a story about Beck - a single, divorced man who secretly dreams about being together with his ex-wife and Calvin, a talented chef with troubled past. This is a lust-from-first sight type of a story, but the chemistry between MCs is totally fabulous which makes it more believable. It is also gay-for-You story since Beck always thought he was straight.
It is an enjoyable read with likable MCs and some scorching hot scenes. It is also full of emotions and drama because of Beck's mixed feeling about Amy and Caleb, but mostly because of his daughter.
I have to admit there were things that I didn't like - Beck wanted to be friends with Caleb but in the same time he didn't treat him good and it was irritating.
There's something unique about Kinley Island, something that brings people together and makes them fall in love against all odds. Books in this series are full of colorful and friendly people and so far Landon is my very favorite person there (I can't wait for his HEA!)
August 31, 2019
Break Free from the normal routine and venture to Kinley Island. Here you will meet Caleb, who works as a cook in Luna's diner and Beck, a truck driver, father who is divorced but unwilling to give up on the idea he can repair the marriage.
Both men are fighting their own losses and need to learn how to reach past their issues so they can find love and begin to love again.
Caleb is a direct, no nonsense type who says it as he sees it and when he noticed "hot daddy" Beck he can't help himself, when he decides to serve him he introduces himself and hopes for the best. He flat out tells Beck that he thinks he is not and would be interested in going out with him. Beck is confused for he doesn't see himself as good looking and he is straight.
Beck is a straight guy, who is still wishing against all odds that he can repair his marriage just so his daughter can have her family all under one roof. Beck takes all the blame for the break up even though his ex-wife cheated on him with his best friend.
Beck's daughter suddenly comes to live with Beck and this opens the door for Caleb and Beck to become friends outside the diner. Will this be just a friendship or will it lead to more? Get this book and find out. It is a great story with interesting ups and downs.
The only issue I had with the book was the interactions between the dad and daughter. I found it very unrealistic but still a good storyline and worth reading.
Both men are fighting their own losses and need to learn how to reach past their issues so they can find love and begin to love again.
Caleb is a direct, no nonsense type who says it as he sees it and when he noticed "hot daddy" Beck he can't help himself, when he decides to serve him he introduces himself and hopes for the best. He flat out tells Beck that he thinks he is not and would be interested in going out with him. Beck is confused for he doesn't see himself as good looking and he is straight.
Beck is a straight guy, who is still wishing against all odds that he can repair his marriage just so his daughter can have her family all under one roof. Beck takes all the blame for the break up even though his ex-wife cheated on him with his best friend.
Beck's daughter suddenly comes to live with Beck and this opens the door for Caleb and Beck to become friends outside the diner. Will this be just a friendship or will it lead to more? Get this book and find out. It is a great story with interesting ups and downs.
The only issue I had with the book was the interactions between the dad and daughter. I found it very unrealistic but still a good storyline and worth reading.
July 2, 2019
This is another great story from Raleigh Ruebins with interesting characters and a good plot to get into.
Caleb and Beck each have their own troubled past which we learn about slowly across the first half of the book. Their initial meetings at the diner that Caleb works are cute as there are missed glances and Caleb's brutal honesty when interacting with others. Both men are recovering from upsets to their lives and unexpectedly find friendship and solace with each other.
The two men are adorable to read with each other. There are a lot of laughs and side-long glances right along with some tension and misunderstandings. Our MC's have a lot of internal monologue that bring up a lot of emotions including fear, anguish, hope and love and Raleigh has done a wonderful job in writing a connection between such different characters. They come from different worlds but are very suited to each other. Along with Caleb and Beck, there's a host of interesting characters that boost the story even more but especially Kristen, Beck's daughter. They all bring that community feeling out and friends/family show support and care to everyone around them.
Definitely recommend and I'm looking forward to more stories from this wonderful setting.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
Caleb and Beck each have their own troubled past which we learn about slowly across the first half of the book. Their initial meetings at the diner that Caleb works are cute as there are missed glances and Caleb's brutal honesty when interacting with others. Both men are recovering from upsets to their lives and unexpectedly find friendship and solace with each other.
The two men are adorable to read with each other. There are a lot of laughs and side-long glances right along with some tension and misunderstandings. Our MC's have a lot of internal monologue that bring up a lot of emotions including fear, anguish, hope and love and Raleigh has done a wonderful job in writing a connection between such different characters. They come from different worlds but are very suited to each other. Along with Caleb and Beck, there's a host of interesting characters that boost the story even more but especially Kristen, Beck's daughter. They all bring that community feeling out and friends/family show support and care to everyone around them.
Definitely recommend and I'm looking forward to more stories from this wonderful setting.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
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