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The Illest Taboo
Between student loans, an unexpected rent hike, and a career that has her living paycheck to paycheck, 24-year-old River Newman is swimming in her share of debt. She longs for the lavish lifestyle of her best friend, Suki. From the matching his and her Maserati’s she and her husband Luca roll in, to the iced-out diamond ring Suki lugs around on her ring finger; they are serious #couplegoals. Yet, their most prized possession is their five-year-old daughter, and River’s goddaughter, Noemi. Just days away from eviction, River is hit with the tragic news that both Suki and Luca were killed in a car accident, leaving her to raise Noemi as her own. There’s only one thing standing in her way, Luca’s brother, Maverick. Not only is he Noemi’s last living blood relative, he’s also the type of man River avoids. Maverick Muhammad Malone is fresh off a five-year bid and determined to turn his life around. After becoming a licensed tattoo artist while incarcerated, he plans to put all the money he made as the spearhead of East Atlanta’s most sought-after drug ring into a legitimate tattoo business and leave the mess of his past behind. After learning of his brother’s death, he quickly finds himself being dragged back into the lion’s den. When Noemi is temporarily placed in his custody, he knows he’s not equipped to take on the role of fatherhood alone. He enlists the help of the one person who knows her best, River. When Maverick offers her an opportunity to become Noemi’s live-in nanny, rent-free, she sees it as an opportunity to save her favorite little girl from a life in the system and herself from her financial woes. But will she be able to put her judgments aside and agree to live under the same roof as the man she’s despised for years? With a pending court hearing looming over him, the stakes are higher than ever. Maverick will have to prove that he’s capable of keeping his hands clean, while secretly planning to avenge his brother’s death. For these two, falling in love was never a part of the plan, but if they can save the child, they just may end up saving each other too.
- GenresRomance
234 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2021
172 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 20, 2022
4.5 Stars
Now, you know you dead azz wrong for that ending! Really though?!!! The Illest Taboo came through with the mystery, suspense, and drama and I was all the way here for it! This book had my nerves stretched thin. Was Suki and Luca's car accident just a accident or were they murdered?!!! What was Suki's scandalous azz really into and did it get her and Luca killed?!!! Who does she owe $3 million dollars to?!!! Did Suki really have Maverick set up?!!! These are just a few of the burning questions I have and I need answers neoooooowwwww! Then we have River and Maverick. They were an unlikely pair pushed together by unfortunate circumstances and their love for Noemi. These two couldn't stand each other but, their attraction and chemistry to one another said otherwise. I absolutely loved how Maverick stepped right into his role as Noemi's guardian like a pro and with no hesitation. But, he worked my last nerve refusing to admit he was in love with River. We see through all your Maybelline my guy. And, I wanted to fight River when she took Leander's trash azz back and said yes to his proposal. Ma'am, what are you doing?!!! It took a five year old for both of them to realize how sill they were being before they finally found their common sense and admitted they were in love with each other. But, I’ma let em' make it because, that wedding scene was EVERYTHING! River and Maverick were definitely channeling their inner Whitley and Dwayne. That was so stinkin' cute. The Illest Taboo was a really good book. It was an amazing roller coaster ride enmeshed in love, drama, sex, and betrayal. I was caught up from beginning to end. K.L. Hall is quickly becoming a fav of mine.
Now, you know you dead azz wrong for that ending! Really though?!!! The Illest Taboo came through with the mystery, suspense, and drama and I was all the way here for it! This book had my nerves stretched thin. Was Suki and Luca's car accident just a accident or were they murdered?!!! What was Suki's scandalous azz really into and did it get her and Luca killed?!!! Who does she owe $3 million dollars to?!!! Did Suki really have Maverick set up?!!! These are just a few of the burning questions I have and I need answers neoooooowwwww! Then we have River and Maverick. They were an unlikely pair pushed together by unfortunate circumstances and their love for Noemi. These two couldn't stand each other but, their attraction and chemistry to one another said otherwise. I absolutely loved how Maverick stepped right into his role as Noemi's guardian like a pro and with no hesitation. But, he worked my last nerve refusing to admit he was in love with River. We see through all your Maybelline my guy. And, I wanted to fight River when she took Leander's trash azz back and said yes to his proposal. Ma'am, what are you doing?!!! It took a five year old for both of them to realize how sill they were being before they finally found their common sense and admitted they were in love with each other. But, I’ma let em' make it because, that wedding scene was EVERYTHING! River and Maverick were definitely channeling their inner Whitley and Dwayne. That was so stinkin' cute. The Illest Taboo was a really good book. It was an amazing roller coaster ride enmeshed in love, drama, sex, and betrayal. I was caught up from beginning to end. K.L. Hall is quickly becoming a fav of mine.
July 13, 2021
Whew.
I wasn’t ready. I’m just glad I waited for part two 😂. KL ma’am. This cliffhanger though!!! You did that!
I wasn’t ready. I’m just glad I waited for part two 😂. KL ma’am. This cliffhanger though!!! You did that!
May 23, 2021
Okay, now you really didn't have to leave me holding my breath, with my mouth open like that! 😂 Something just seemed off about Suki right from the beginning, after River overheard that conversation. Luca seemed like a good dude, who loved his woman. But did she "really" love him, or did she love the "him" that came with the money? Hmmm...... River, had run into a string of bad luck, exacerbated by the death of her friends. Mav! He was the man before his bid, and now wants to cultivate his passion. All that is out the window, when he has to take immediate guardianship of his niece, that he barely knows. Mav and River together, are literally oil and water. Until they really take the time to get to know each other, and find out that all the things they "thought" they knew about the other were false. Getting Mav to break down his walls, and get past his "love is the downfall of all people" mantra, was almost insurmountable! But, as much as he wanted to stay away, and tried to ignore her, he felt incomplete without her. Now back to this ending, like what the???? I believe now is the time for River to boss up, find out the truth about her "so-called" friend, and come through for her man! Cannot wait for the next one! Great read! 👍👍👍
March 24, 2022
River is a teacher struggling to make ends meet. Mav was just released from prison and trying to adjust to his new life as a free man. When River's best friend and Mav's brother is killed in a car crash, this unlikely pair have been named as the deceased couple's daughter's guardians. River has disliked Mav because of an untold secret him and Suki have, and well Mav dislike's River because she's judgmental and doesn't even know the full story. They must now come together to help Noemi find some normalcy after her parents deaths. This enemies to lovers story took me on a ride I wasn't prepared for.
I loved it! Mav was mean, but not in an obnoxious way. River was a little high and mighty at times, but when she learned the full story she piped down. I loved their relationship with Noemi, it was so beautiful. The flip side to the story is, even though it was an enemies to lovers tale, it turned into a suspense book as well. Book one ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is already out, and I'm about to get into it!!
I loved it! Mav was mean, but not in an obnoxious way. River was a little high and mighty at times, but when she learned the full story she piped down. I loved their relationship with Noemi, it was so beautiful. The flip side to the story is, even though it was an enemies to lovers tale, it turned into a suspense book as well. Book one ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is already out, and I'm about to get into it!!
May 15, 2022
oooookay
This could have been better in so many ways. Parts of it felt half formed. Like here is an idea and it got from A to B, but the move to C just got skipped over for D. It was ok overall, it’s a decent read but everything is just under developed. Good enough for me to want to read book two but not like I’m dying to get to it.
This could have been better in so many ways. Parts of it felt half formed. Like here is an idea and it got from A to B, but the move to C just got skipped over for D. It was ok overall, it’s a decent read but everything is just under developed. Good enough for me to want to read book two but not like I’m dying to get to it.
December 14, 2024
Potential unfulfilled…
Had a lot of potential from the set up and synopsis, but the main prompt (guardianship of Noemi) wasn’t developed and the little girl’s entire character was instead basically used as a plot device that was forgotten about and brought back up when convenient. Like there were whole scenes between River and Mav that happened of them in and outside the house with no mention of where Noemi was or who was watching her and she’s supposed to be five. Then everything else had a lot of missing details and plot holes, the whole third act conflict with the ex was unnecessary and made River look desperate and irrational, and the ending of it all was rushed and cringy. I basically finished because I wanted to know what happened with Suki and Luca since that was the most interesting part of the book, which unfortunately was a minority of the content, but everything else felt lackluster and like forced angst.
Had a lot of potential from the set up and synopsis, but the main prompt (guardianship of Noemi) wasn’t developed and the little girl’s entire character was instead basically used as a plot device that was forgotten about and brought back up when convenient. Like there were whole scenes between River and Mav that happened of them in and outside the house with no mention of where Noemi was or who was watching her and she’s supposed to be five. Then everything else had a lot of missing details and plot holes, the whole third act conflict with the ex was unnecessary and made River look desperate and irrational, and the ending of it all was rushed and cringy. I basically finished because I wanted to know what happened with Suki and Luca since that was the most interesting part of the book, which unfortunately was a minority of the content, but everything else felt lackluster and like forced angst.
July 6, 2021
Oh my goodness
This was the first time read for this author, and I will definitely be back for the conclusion to this bitter enemies to lovers tale. Maverick and River will have to prove to me, they can make this title happen. At this point, they are trying to do what's best for Mav's niece Noemi... I can see many ways this story could turn, and I hope they make it work. The story was a nice read.
This was the first time read for this author, and I will definitely be back for the conclusion to this bitter enemies to lovers tale. Maverick and River will have to prove to me, they can make this title happen. At this point, they are trying to do what's best for Mav's niece Noemi... I can see many ways this story could turn, and I hope they make it work. The story was a nice read.
June 6, 2021
I need part 2
Now you know I’m on pins and needles to know the outcome of all these secrets. Maverick and River were an unlikely pair, pushed together by an unfortunate life changing event and their love for a little girl. Maverick tried to act cold and indifferent but River effected him more than he cared to admit. And it seems her BFF Suki may not have been all that she appeared to be but only time and the next book will tell. I enjoyed this book.
Now you know I’m on pins and needles to know the outcome of all these secrets. Maverick and River were an unlikely pair, pushed together by an unfortunate life changing event and their love for a little girl. Maverick tried to act cold and indifferent but River effected him more than he cared to admit. And it seems her BFF Suki may not have been all that she appeared to be but only time and the next book will tell. I enjoyed this book.
May 16, 2021
Cool Story
Cool little story it reminded me of a hood version of that Katherine Heigl movie “Life As We Know It”.
I read the story in one sitting. I will say that the story was real straight to the point! As my one and only issue. Is that the writer left out a good portion of descriptive elements out of the story. For half of the book, I had no clue how River looked. That is one area that she could work on. Giving the reader more DETAILS!! Just like when Rive and Max first kissed. The chapter just popped up and I was lost as to how and when did they decide to take it there🙁
I often felt i was just reading a long conversation. If that makes sense. Overall great story, I just wanted it to be more in depth!
Cool little story it reminded me of a hood version of that Katherine Heigl movie “Life As We Know It”.
I read the story in one sitting. I will say that the story was real straight to the point! As my one and only issue. Is that the writer left out a good portion of descriptive elements out of the story. For half of the book, I had no clue how River looked. That is one area that she could work on. Giving the reader more DETAILS!! Just like when Rive and Max first kissed. The chapter just popped up and I was lost as to how and when did they decide to take it there🙁
I often felt i was just reading a long conversation. If that makes sense. Overall great story, I just wanted it to be more in depth!
October 5, 2021
The Illest Taboo by K.L Hall is about primary school teacher River Newman and tattoo artist Maverick Malone. River’s best friend Suki is married to Mav’s younger brother Luca. When Suki and Luca die in an accident, River and Mav are the guardians of Noemi Malone. Mav recently came home from prison so he’s not fully equipped to raise Noemi alone which is where River comes in. River is going through it her ex broke up with her via text, she’s being evicted and her best friend just died; moving in with Mav to help raise Noemi is best for all of the. This story is like Life As We Know It but better and Blacker! River and Mav do not get along initially but once misconceptions are cleared up their chemistry is evident. Mav fights it every step of the way with his hot and coldness. He doesn’t believe in love or that he can give River what she needs. But when he briefly gives in, baybee the way he had her folded up 🤤 Whew lawd poor River. I honestly felt bad for River these men were yanking her around but I was also disappointed in her decision making. Like girl what are you doing 🙄? Her ex Leander is trash 🗑 😒 ion like him at all! Noemi is the sweetest little girl, her relationship with Mav and River is beautiful. Noemi is such an old soul, very intuitive 🥰 This story is captivating, I read it in one sitting! Some secrets are uncovered but you’ll be left with more questions. There were certain areas that I wanted more details but because this book ends on a cliffhanger, I feel we get them in the next book.
P.s. Book 2 is available now and I can’t wait to see what happens next 👀 🍿
CW~ death, car accident, grief
P.s. Book 2 is available now and I can’t wait to see what happens next 👀 🍿
CW~ death, car accident, grief
October 6, 2021
did i finish this in one setting? yes.
was i entertained the entire time? yes.
do i think it was particularly well-written? no.
am i off to read the sequel right now? yes, again.
the illest taboo was very entertaining. i would have liked it more if there was more depth. the entire time i was reading i felt like things kept happening a little *too* fast. i thought river and mav were in lust, not love. i'm still not sure if i believe they love each other but i DO believe they love noemi and want what is best for her. again, not a literary masterpiece but if you're looking for something quick, entertaining, pretty spicy to read, give this title a shot!
was i entertained the entire time? yes.
do i think it was particularly well-written? no.
am i off to read the sequel right now? yes, again.
the illest taboo was very entertaining. i would have liked it more if there was more depth. the entire time i was reading i felt like things kept happening a little *too* fast. i thought river and mav were in lust, not love. i'm still not sure if i believe they love each other but i DO believe they love noemi and want what is best for her. again, not a literary masterpiece but if you're looking for something quick, entertaining, pretty spicy to read, give this title a shot!
February 5, 2022
The Illest Taboo
River was very negative towards an unknown situation “M3” (jumping to conclusions without facts lead to unfounded hostility
Mav, steering his life in the right direction……
Mav’s brother does and he’s awarded guardianship….
River is co-guardian…….
Suki’s mom is an enabler of manipulation…..
River’s ex rears again and wants her back…….
Suki’s mom loses court battle…..
Mav & Noemi go to Chicago and collect missing piece
Mav is now arrested on suspicion of brother’s death
Did Suki’s mom set him up twice or did Suki start
Rubber meets the road
Will the mystery man be discovered
Who are the conspirators
Great Read
River was very negative towards an unknown situation “M3” (jumping to conclusions without facts lead to unfounded hostility
Mav, steering his life in the right direction……
Mav’s brother does and he’s awarded guardianship….
River is co-guardian…….
Suki’s mom is an enabler of manipulation…..
River’s ex rears again and wants her back…….
Suki’s mom loses court battle…..
Mav & Noemi go to Chicago and collect missing piece
Mav is now arrested on suspicion of brother’s death
Did Suki’s mom set him up twice or did Suki start
Rubber meets the road
Will the mystery man be discovered
Who are the conspirators
Great Read
August 16, 2021
Page Turner
Mav is having an affair w/his brother’s girl. His drug dealer brother & his brother’s girl died in a car accident leaving behind a little girl. Mav has just gotten out of jail. After the car accident Mav becomes the pseudo parent along with someone who despises him. There is a custody battle, a possible double murder, passionate sex along with a dramatic wedding day surprise as Mav struggles to become legit by opening a tattoo shop and staying on the up & up while trying to find out who may have killed his brother & his brother’s girl.
Mav is having an affair w/his brother’s girl. His drug dealer brother & his brother’s girl died in a car accident leaving behind a little girl. Mav has just gotten out of jail. After the car accident Mav becomes the pseudo parent along with someone who despises him. There is a custody battle, a possible double murder, passionate sex along with a dramatic wedding day surprise as Mav struggles to become legit by opening a tattoo shop and staying on the up & up while trying to find out who may have killed his brother & his brother’s girl.
May 14, 2021
Good Book
Wow that ending was crazy! Poor River she stood behind her friend Suki not knowing she was scandalous as hell.. Luca seemed like a really nice guy I hate what happened to him all from loving the wrong woman.. Maverick was something else he was going hard to find out what happened to his brother and we see how that is turning out hope he gets the answers that he needs and clears everything up!!! Can’t wait until part 2 drops to see what happens next!!!
Wow that ending was crazy! Poor River she stood behind her friend Suki not knowing she was scandalous as hell.. Luca seemed like a really nice guy I hate what happened to him all from loving the wrong woman.. Maverick was something else he was going hard to find out what happened to his brother and we see how that is turning out hope he gets the answers that he needs and clears everything up!!! Can’t wait until part 2 drops to see what happens next!!!
June 7, 2021
WHAT THE....
My first time reading this author's work and I was hooked on this story. Very well written, great character development and storyline. I just knew it was going to be some drama from the prologue alone. I like how the author kept the flow of the story going and just when things seems to be heading in the right direction, we're hit with a bombshell of secrets and jaw dropping cliffhanger. Can't wait for part 2 to find out what's next for Maverick and River.
My first time reading this author's work and I was hooked on this story. Very well written, great character development and storyline. I just knew it was going to be some drama from the prologue alone. I like how the author kept the flow of the story going and just when things seems to be heading in the right direction, we're hit with a bombshell of secrets and jaw dropping cliffhanger. Can't wait for part 2 to find out what's next for Maverick and River.
September 7, 2021
Not bad at all!
First time reading this author and it was not bad at all ….
River was a tad too childish and just too dependent that because she got one rejection she turned to another.
Maverick o the other hand grew up. From page 1 to the end, his transformation was seen in plain light.
Now I will wait to read the finale and see if my questions are being addressed and answered.
First time reading this author and it was not bad at all ….
River was a tad too childish and just too dependent that because she got one rejection she turned to another.
Maverick o the other hand grew up. From page 1 to the end, his transformation was seen in plain light.
Now I will wait to read the finale and see if my questions are being addressed and answered.
October 18, 2023
Mav x River
Now while this book was decent & had a lot of good parts, it moved entirely too fast & a lot of things that should have been provided in detail weren't. While I didn't truly feel ANY chemistry between Mav & River, the chemistry between them as a family was everything. Noemi truly was the light of both of their lives. & Suki was TRASHHHHH af. She got everybody involved in her trash ass decisions. While this ended on a cliff hanger, I'm glad book two is already out because I'm ready to dive in.
Now while this book was decent & had a lot of good parts, it moved entirely too fast & a lot of things that should have been provided in detail weren't. While I didn't truly feel ANY chemistry between Mav & River, the chemistry between them as a family was everything. Noemi truly was the light of both of their lives. & Suki was TRASHHHHH af. She got everybody involved in her trash ass decisions. While this ended on a cliff hanger, I'm glad book two is already out because I'm ready to dive in.
August 18, 2024
Wow, treachery at it's finest
Suki, Suki, Suki, smh. I already felt it in my spirit they way she was ok with messing with brother's, and the venom oh how she responded to River on her appearance. I bet Maverick is this father, watch! She just wanted a baller and she knew that Maverick wasn't going to be her meal ticket.
I can't wait to read part 2. This was my first read from this author, but definitely not my last.
Suki, Suki, Suki, smh. I already felt it in my spirit they way she was ok with messing with brother's, and the venom oh how she responded to River on her appearance. I bet Maverick is this father, watch! She just wanted a baller and she knew that Maverick wasn't going to be her meal ticket.
I can't wait to read part 2. This was my first read from this author, but definitely not my last.
May 14, 2021
And unusual love.
Of a guy and he finally told her that he loved her then I can't believe that it's sister Lord was into all of that stuff please don't make me wait too long for part 2 cuz I don't want to forget about part 1 so make sure part 2 is soon and thank you again for the amazing read
Of a guy and he finally told her that he loved her then I can't believe that it's sister Lord was into all of that stuff please don't make me wait too long for part 2 cuz I don't want to forget about part 1 so make sure part 2 is soon and thank you again for the amazing read
May 21, 2021
What a cliffhanger? Now, we have a full understanding why Mav hated Suki. She was scandalous for real. River and Mav finally got it together. After a 5yr old told them about themselves. I see River and Mac doing right by Noemi and raising her as their own. Now, who wanted to set Mav up? I see Suki momma is behind this.
June 19, 2021
Enjoyed my first read by another NTMA
Suspense? Yes... Drama? Yes...Sexy? Yes indeed! This is my first read by a New To Me Author (NTMA) and I was pleasantly surprised. I am glad I waited to crack open this series until the finale was released because I couldn't handle the cliffhanger. On to the finale...
Suspense? Yes... Drama? Yes...Sexy? Yes indeed! This is my first read by a New To Me Author (NTMA) and I was pleasantly surprised. I am glad I waited to crack open this series until the finale was released because I couldn't handle the cliffhanger. On to the finale...
November 4, 2021
this felt illegal to read as a white woman…and it was SOOO rushed I felt like I was missing brain cells!! Kinda felt like reading a high school essay..rushed and all over the place. The plot also kinda sucked… I only finished it because everyone was talking about the cliff hanger at the end which also felt rush, all over the place, and sucked.
May 11, 2024
good!
It was good. I liked it. I really wanted to know what Suki was doing to get her own money since she kept making it a point to remind River and why am I not surprised? Mav was out cold for that last stunt he pulled. I don’t think I like him very much. The one thing that I did not like is the random capital bold letters in the middle of passages. That was a bit weird.
It was good. I liked it. I really wanted to know what Suki was doing to get her own money since she kept making it a point to remind River and why am I not surprised? Mav was out cold for that last stunt he pulled. I don’t think I like him very much. The one thing that I did not like is the random capital bold letters in the middle of passages. That was a bit weird.
September 30, 2025
Want to know what happened
This is my opinion…the story line was a good one however the writing style took the enjoyment away. It just didn’t come off as fictional real(🤷🏾♀️). The characters development was low and the scenes didn’t flow effortlessly. However the storyline makes me want to know what happened so on to the next book.
This is my opinion…the story line was a good one however the writing style took the enjoyment away. It just didn’t come off as fictional real(🤷🏾♀️). The characters development was low and the scenes didn’t flow effortlessly. However the storyline makes me want to know what happened so on to the next book.
May 15, 2021
Oh my
I thoroughly enjoyed the unveiling of this enemies to lovers saga. Suki may have held all the secrets but River held Mav’s heart. If you want an amazing roller coaster ride enmeshed with love, drama, sex, passion and betrayal, ride this joint out! Mav is bae!
I thoroughly enjoyed the unveiling of this enemies to lovers saga. Suki may have held all the secrets but River held Mav’s heart. If you want an amazing roller coaster ride enmeshed with love, drama, sex, passion and betrayal, ride this joint out! Mav is bae!
May 19, 2021
Good read
This was a good read. I am not a fan of cliffhangers but it’s a great story nonetheless. I am patiently waiting on part 2 to find out the truth about Luca and Suki and see how it all comes together for Mav and River.
This was a good read. I am not a fan of cliffhangers but it’s a great story nonetheless. I am patiently waiting on part 2 to find out the truth about Luca and Suki and see how it all comes together for Mav and River.
May 21, 2021
Good Read
It was a good read for me. However I was lost on the part with her pants undone getting ready to take bath and declining to go with Mav & Noemi to Mav saying they kissed. That part could have had more clarity but other than that it was good. Waiting on prt 2
It was a good read for me. However I was lost on the part with her pants undone getting ready to take bath and declining to go with Mav & Noemi to Mav saying they kissed. That part could have had more clarity but other than that it was good. Waiting on prt 2
May 21, 2021
Good Read
This well written story, has a little of everything. From drama, secrets,lies, to sorrow, love,and a great cliffhanger. Well developed characters that are both likeable and interesting. I definitely can't wait for part two.
This well written story, has a little of everything. From drama, secrets,lies, to sorrow, love,and a great cliffhanger. Well developed characters that are both likeable and interesting. I definitely can't wait for part two.
May 27, 2021
Not a cliffhanger fan
I normally don't do cliffhangers, especially if the next book is not available. The story was good, but could have been a lot better. Not enough details and the transitions from one scene to the next were not fluid.
I normally don't do cliffhangers, especially if the next book is not available. The story was good, but could have been a lot better. Not enough details and the transitions from one scene to the next were not fluid.
May 28, 2021
Good read
I was intrigued from the very beginning. Mav could be so cold at times. Part one left me so full when it came to the love story. I know there is much more action and drama to come in part 2 but I am kind of satisfied so far! I dont know how it can get better!
I was intrigued from the very beginning. Mav could be so cold at times. Part one left me so full when it came to the love story. I know there is much more action and drama to come in part 2 but I am kind of satisfied so far! I dont know how it can get better!
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