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Never Gonna Happen
EMILY HAS SWORN OFF LOVE.
BUT MAYBE IT'S TIME TO GET BACK IN THE SADDLE . . . ?
__________________________
Emily Wilkinson has lost everything. Literally. In a hair straightener fire, which has sent her entire flat up in flames. Oh, and her boyfriend (and, incidentally, boss) has just announced he's going back to his wife. So, she needs a new job, a new wardrobe and somewhere to live that isn't her former childhood bedroom, which is experiencing a hostile takeover by the entire contents of Hobbycraft.
Early dotcom millionaire Charles Hunter is looking for a live-in PA to help run Bowford Manor and it seems Emily may be the perfect fit. Well, she's spent ten years propping up demanding men, so it's not like she's not qualified. And, most importantly, it's tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, so there's little to no chance of a blossoming romance . . .
She is quickly sucked into the whirlwind of the Hunter family and finds herself fending off a difficult housekeeper and Leon, Mr Hunter's driver, who has a crush on her the size of East Anglia. Not to mention Charles's eldest son, Adam, who seems set on turning the estate into a theme park the second his father pops his clogs.
But no one mentioned the dashing stable hand, Jamie, who just so happens to be the youngest Hunter. But she's not about to make that mistake again. Definitely not. No, really.
A hugely uplifting and totally irresistible romantic comedy that will make you snort with laughter. If you love Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald, you don't want to miss this unforgettable page-turner.
___________________________
DISCOVER WHY EVERYONE LOVES HEIDI STEPHENS!
'Beautifully written, full of charm and a story that will capture your heart, this is the perfect read!' 5* Reader Review
'I ABSOLUTELY loved this book! It made me laugh and cry and I am already excited for what Heidi produces next. An excellent debut!' 5* Reader Review
'I LOVED this book! I can't believe it's a debut and can't wait to see what's next for Heidi Stephens' 5* Reader Review
'Brilliant! Just Brilliant! Consumed it in a day as I just couldn't put it down. Hilariously funny and sums up life in lockdown perfectly' 5* Reader Review
'I read it in one sitting and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new, wonderful romance to read' NetGalley Reader
'A gorgeous, romantic book, that will whisk you away to sunnier happier times' NetGalley Reader
BUT MAYBE IT'S TIME TO GET BACK IN THE SADDLE . . . ?
__________________________
Emily Wilkinson has lost everything. Literally. In a hair straightener fire, which has sent her entire flat up in flames. Oh, and her boyfriend (and, incidentally, boss) has just announced he's going back to his wife. So, she needs a new job, a new wardrobe and somewhere to live that isn't her former childhood bedroom, which is experiencing a hostile takeover by the entire contents of Hobbycraft.
Early dotcom millionaire Charles Hunter is looking for a live-in PA to help run Bowford Manor and it seems Emily may be the perfect fit. Well, she's spent ten years propping up demanding men, so it's not like she's not qualified. And, most importantly, it's tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, so there's little to no chance of a blossoming romance . . .
She is quickly sucked into the whirlwind of the Hunter family and finds herself fending off a difficult housekeeper and Leon, Mr Hunter's driver, who has a crush on her the size of East Anglia. Not to mention Charles's eldest son, Adam, who seems set on turning the estate into a theme park the second his father pops his clogs.
But no one mentioned the dashing stable hand, Jamie, who just so happens to be the youngest Hunter. But she's not about to make that mistake again. Definitely not. No, really.
A hugely uplifting and totally irresistible romantic comedy that will make you snort with laughter. If you love Sophie Kinsella, Mhairi McFarlane and Sophie Ranald, you don't want to miss this unforgettable page-turner.
___________________________
DISCOVER WHY EVERYONE LOVES HEIDI STEPHENS!
'Beautifully written, full of charm and a story that will capture your heart, this is the perfect read!' 5* Reader Review
'I ABSOLUTELY loved this book! It made me laugh and cry and I am already excited for what Heidi produces next. An excellent debut!' 5* Reader Review
'I LOVED this book! I can't believe it's a debut and can't wait to see what's next for Heidi Stephens' 5* Reader Review
'Brilliant! Just Brilliant! Consumed it in a day as I just couldn't put it down. Hilariously funny and sums up life in lockdown perfectly' 5* Reader Review
'I read it in one sitting and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a new, wonderful romance to read' NetGalley Reader
'A gorgeous, romantic book, that will whisk you away to sunnier happier times' NetGalley Reader
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 26, 2022
56 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
March 31, 2022
Special thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me an ARC of this book for an honest review.
This was such a lovely book and it brought back my will to live after 200000 pages of Sarah J. Maas’ weird plot points (which I love, but, you know, they take their toll on a person).
We meet our main character, Emily, as she quits from her personal assistant job in a very fancy firm due to a failed relationship with her boss, a smarmy guy called Mark who has had a wife all along (which Emily did know – it’s just that, after leading her on for two years with talks of being separated, he now wants to give his marriage another chance, the asshole). So not only is Emily now jobless, but she’s been forced to relocate to a shitty apartment after a flat iron accident burned down her old flat (this was extremely funny to me).
She desperately needs a fairy godmother or a winning lottery ticket or a miracle or something, so, when she receives the opportunity to work for for a millionaire in a country estate that looks more like a castle, it’s just great timing all around.
Having never worked as a personal assistant for a private individual, Emily is understandably intimidated by Charles Hunter and his crazy family. He has a driver who’s in love with her, a housekeeper who hates her, a horrible son who demeans her at every chance and is basically waiting for his father to die so he can get his inheritance, a daughter who’s the worst version of a Valley Girl, and a son who… okay, the youngest son, Jamie, is very handsome and humble and cares about horses and gives her pants feelings. But surely it’s not a great idea to start yet another workplace romance? (Spoiler: she starts yet another workplace romance)
This book is so cozy and funny and warm and addicting. It made me want to teleport myself to the English countryside and have a cup of tea and curl up with a blanket.
The best part was definitely Charles. The boss of all our dreams! So sweet and fair and generous.
I have to say, I was a little annoyed with the conflict. It was 100% caused by Jamie and his inability to communicate things to Emily + set boundaries with the people around him. And it was solved by Emily realizing she was the one who had to take action, which, no? But we got through it, it’s fine.
This was an amazing romcom and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
This was such a lovely book and it brought back my will to live after 200000 pages of Sarah J. Maas’ weird plot points (which I love, but, you know, they take their toll on a person).
We meet our main character, Emily, as she quits from her personal assistant job in a very fancy firm due to a failed relationship with her boss, a smarmy guy called Mark who has had a wife all along (which Emily did know – it’s just that, after leading her on for two years with talks of being separated, he now wants to give his marriage another chance, the asshole). So not only is Emily now jobless, but she’s been forced to relocate to a shitty apartment after a flat iron accident burned down her old flat (this was extremely funny to me).
She desperately needs a fairy godmother or a winning lottery ticket or a miracle or something, so, when she receives the opportunity to work for for a millionaire in a country estate that looks more like a castle, it’s just great timing all around.
Having never worked as a personal assistant for a private individual, Emily is understandably intimidated by Charles Hunter and his crazy family. He has a driver who’s in love with her, a housekeeper who hates her, a horrible son who demeans her at every chance and is basically waiting for his father to die so he can get his inheritance, a daughter who’s the worst version of a Valley Girl, and a son who… okay, the youngest son, Jamie, is very handsome and humble and cares about horses and gives her pants feelings. But surely it’s not a great idea to start yet another workplace romance? (Spoiler: she starts yet another workplace romance)
This book is so cozy and funny and warm and addicting. It made me want to teleport myself to the English countryside and have a cup of tea and curl up with a blanket.
The best part was definitely Charles. The boss of all our dreams! So sweet and fair and generous.
I have to say, I was a little annoyed with the conflict. It was 100% caused by Jamie and his inability to communicate things to Emily + set boundaries with the people around him. And it was solved by Emily realizing she was the one who had to take action, which, no? But we got through it, it’s fine.
This was an amazing romcom and I can’t wait to read more from this author!
March 19, 2023
Ouch, it took me some time to eventually read the book, but it was just the right read for me, the "pick me up" that I so needed!
Not sure what I've been expecting, but I am absolutely in love with what I've got! It is this kind of read that will put a smile on your face, make you cringe, sigh and shake your head, lwell, just live vicariously through the characters. Sure, it's not a book that is going to change the world, but it gave me so much needed brightness and humour. It was cosy and warm and sexy and it took also to Mauritius, where it was warm and sunny and beautiful.
Yes, there were moments that the book felt too "on the surface" or a bit too stereotyping, the conflict between Jamie and Emily was annoying, but even more annoying was the fact that it was Emily who solved it, but whatever, right. And Emily was a brilliant character, sharp and quirky and with a great sense of humour.
I could do with a bit less riding lessons, I don't have to know how to learn to canter, I can already, this - and some other passages - felt like a filler, unnecessary filler to be honest. So maybe there is nothing new when it comes to plot and the way the story rounds, but it was entertaining, funny and light, just what the doctor ordered.
Not sure what I've been expecting, but I am absolutely in love with what I've got! It is this kind of read that will put a smile on your face, make you cringe, sigh and shake your head, lwell, just live vicariously through the characters. Sure, it's not a book that is going to change the world, but it gave me so much needed brightness and humour. It was cosy and warm and sexy and it took also to Mauritius, where it was warm and sunny and beautiful.
Yes, there were moments that the book felt too "on the surface" or a bit too stereotyping, the conflict between Jamie and Emily was annoying, but even more annoying was the fact that it was Emily who solved it, but whatever, right. And Emily was a brilliant character, sharp and quirky and with a great sense of humour.
I could do with a bit less riding lessons, I don't have to know how to learn to canter, I can already, this - and some other passages - felt like a filler, unnecessary filler to be honest. So maybe there is nothing new when it comes to plot and the way the story rounds, but it was entertaining, funny and light, just what the doctor ordered.
March 23, 2023
Just an okay charming read without much depth and lacking in the development of relationship building. I liked the featured main characters, but I didn't feel enought spark between them to feel the "real thing". An easy escapism for an afternoon especially with its English countryside setting on a 400-year-old estate.
June 30, 2022
I devoured this book in a day, it was heart-warmingly funny and the absolute perfect summer read this year. If you haven’t got this one on your TBR then you absolutely need to add it. I definitely wish Charles was my boss! I’ll definitely be buying this one for some friends so that they can experience this baby too!
April 26, 2022
This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be the last, this is a sweet and funny romance that will make you laugh and sigh.
Our heroine Emily, has definitely had very bad luck with work, her apartment and love, in general her life is upside down so she decides to get a job with a millionaire man named Charles Hunter to help him run his Bowford Manor, because she thinks a change is what she needs.
I really liked the story, Charles is an amazing boss, although some of the family members are so obnoxious, but Jamie is so sweet. I love their dialogues and scenes together,
This is a romcom that will make you fall in love and captivate you from start to finish, if you are a fan of slow burn romcom this is definitely for you.
Our heroine Emily, has definitely had very bad luck with work, her apartment and love, in general her life is upside down so she decides to get a job with a millionaire man named Charles Hunter to help him run his Bowford Manor, because she thinks a change is what she needs.
I really liked the story, Charles is an amazing boss, although some of the family members are so obnoxious, but Jamie is so sweet. I love their dialogues and scenes together,
This is a romcom that will make you fall in love and captivate you from start to finish, if you are a fan of slow burn romcom this is definitely for you.
February 23, 2025
Emily has just split from her boyfriend who just also happens to be her boss, awkward! So, she has to find a new job and boy does she land on her feet being PA to Charles Hunter at his mansion in Norfolk.
I really enjoyed this story, the main character Emily was really lovable and Jamie was such a cutie.
I loved the work place romance and the setting and now I need to find a rich person to whisk me away to Mauritius for a 'working' holiday!
I really enjoyed this story, the main character Emily was really lovable and Jamie was such a cutie.
I loved the work place romance and the setting and now I need to find a rich person to whisk me away to Mauritius for a 'working' holiday!
May 30, 2022
~thank you to the publisher Headline and NetGalley for the advanced readers copy in exchange for an honest review ~
’Never Gonna Happen’ was my first Heidi Stephens read and will not be my last!
We follow Emily Wilkinson who after losing her flat due to her housemate leaving her straighteners on, and being dumped by her boyfriend (who so happens to be her boss), is down on her luck and decides it time for a new job and a change of scenery. When she’s hired by millionaire Charles Hunter to be his live-in PA in the Bowford Manor, set against the lovely backdrop of the Norfolk Countryside, she finds herself once again mixing business with pleasure as she falls for Jamie (aka the Jamie Dornan lookalike and what a visual!).
First of all, I absolutely love books that have a British setting/British references. When Emily first mentioned Nando’s and grabbing Marks & Spencer cans I just KNEW I would be a fan of hers (and I was, for the most part!).
The characters in this really elevated the story and led to many laugh-out-loud moments. My personal MVPs being Carol, Emily’s mum and Mr Hunter (wouldn’t we all want a boss like him!). Also a big fan of Kelly and Emily’s family. There was something just so comforting about how ’normal’ they were, especially when compared to Jamie’s family who I didn’t like as much.
I struggled most with how the book is divided, the way it transitions chapter to chapter felt quite disjointed and it took me while to work out where in the timeline we now were as there were quite a few time jumps. It started off rather well, but it became a bit taxing to read as time when on. I feel like it would have benefitted from being just that little bit shorter. I will say, I was dropping and picking this up repeatedly due to other commitments, so I would likely have felt less confused if I sat down and just read it all the way through!
Additionally, Emily and Jamie’s relationship just felt like it lacked that certain spark. There were certainly cute scenes between the pair but the chemistry just wasn’t all that. In a weird juxtaposition, there was insta-love (or maybe lust is more apt), they moved kind of fast but somehow it felt it was dragging.
Overall a fun and cute read, a good form of escapism for those wishing they were off in the countryside away from the city!
3.25 ☆
’Never Gonna Happen’ was my first Heidi Stephens read and will not be my last!
We follow Emily Wilkinson who after losing her flat due to her housemate leaving her straighteners on, and being dumped by her boyfriend (who so happens to be her boss), is down on her luck and decides it time for a new job and a change of scenery. When she’s hired by millionaire Charles Hunter to be his live-in PA in the Bowford Manor, set against the lovely backdrop of the Norfolk Countryside, she finds herself once again mixing business with pleasure as she falls for Jamie (aka the Jamie Dornan lookalike and what a visual!).
First of all, I absolutely love books that have a British setting/British references. When Emily first mentioned Nando’s and grabbing Marks & Spencer cans I just KNEW I would be a fan of hers (and I was, for the most part!).
The characters in this really elevated the story and led to many laugh-out-loud moments. My personal MVPs being Carol, Emily’s mum and Mr Hunter (wouldn’t we all want a boss like him!). Also a big fan of Kelly and Emily’s family. There was something just so comforting about how ’normal’ they were, especially when compared to Jamie’s family who I didn’t like as much.
I struggled most with how the book is divided, the way it transitions chapter to chapter felt quite disjointed and it took me while to work out where in the timeline we now were as there were quite a few time jumps. It started off rather well, but it became a bit taxing to read as time when on. I feel like it would have benefitted from being just that little bit shorter. I will say, I was dropping and picking this up repeatedly due to other commitments, so I would likely have felt less confused if I sat down and just read it all the way through!
Additionally, Emily and Jamie’s relationship just felt like it lacked that certain spark. There were certainly cute scenes between the pair but the chemistry just wasn’t all that. In a weird juxtaposition, there was insta-love (or maybe lust is more apt), they moved kind of fast but somehow it felt it was dragging.
Overall a fun and cute read, a good form of escapism for those wishing they were off in the countryside away from the city!
3.25 ☆
March 20, 2022
I absolutely adored the authors first book, so was keen to see if the second would live up to expectations.
It totally exceeded them. Emily is a fab, strong lead and not afraid to say what she thinks. She has her flaws (seeing a married man and leaving her straighteners on for two) but this makes her more human.
Her new job is nothing like she's known before and she embraces it. I adored the cast on this. Kelly is her fearless friend, and Emily's mum had me laughing out loud on a couple of occasions. These ladies are superbly down to earth and so endearing. Giant toblerones all round...
The family Emily walks into are a little more complicated and its fair to say you love to hate most of them.
Perfect escapism read, humour, villains, a book boyfriend to add to your list and plenty of antics along the way.
Funny, fearless and fantastic.
It totally exceeded them. Emily is a fab, strong lead and not afraid to say what she thinks. She has her flaws (seeing a married man and leaving her straighteners on for two) but this makes her more human.
Her new job is nothing like she's known before and she embraces it. I adored the cast on this. Kelly is her fearless friend, and Emily's mum had me laughing out loud on a couple of occasions. These ladies are superbly down to earth and so endearing. Giant toblerones all round...
The family Emily walks into are a little more complicated and its fair to say you love to hate most of them.
Perfect escapism read, humour, villains, a book boyfriend to add to your list and plenty of antics along the way.
Funny, fearless and fantastic.
April 16, 2022
Many thanks to Netgalley for an ARC of Never Gonna Happen. The opinions are entirely my own.
3.75/5
This was a really enjoyable read. I found I really liked the British setting of the book - it worked really well also with the characters and the relationships too.
I liked how easy to read this book was and how the relationship developed with the characters. I also appreciated how romance wasn’t the whole plot too. I liked that there was more to this book than the romance between the two characters.
The author must have done her research about Mauritius too, as someone who has travelled there I felt like I was back there too when it was included in the story!
I feel like the characters needed a little more to them and I found it a little slower to get into. It was fade to black in terms of spice and I’m not so keen on that also.
3.75/5
This was a really enjoyable read. I found I really liked the British setting of the book - it worked really well also with the characters and the relationships too.
I liked how easy to read this book was and how the relationship developed with the characters. I also appreciated how romance wasn’t the whole plot too. I liked that there was more to this book than the romance between the two characters.
The author must have done her research about Mauritius too, as someone who has travelled there I felt like I was back there too when it was included in the story!
I feel like the characters needed a little more to them and I found it a little slower to get into. It was fade to black in terms of spice and I’m not so keen on that also.
March 22, 2022
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley and Headline in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
While there was a super sweet love story at the heart of this book, the writing style was honestly a bit flat and made it hard to get into. I did really enjoy a lot of the characters, and it made me want to visit Mauritius, but in general everything just fell a bit flat.
While there was a super sweet love story at the heart of this book, the writing style was honestly a bit flat and made it hard to get into. I did really enjoy a lot of the characters, and it made me want to visit Mauritius, but in general everything just fell a bit flat.
March 21, 2022
Thank you Heidi and NetGalley for the ARC. This book was honestly really well-written and I finished most of it in one sitting. It was an easy, relaxing read and had me laughing only 5 pages into the book. I would recommend this funny, enjoyable read and give praise to Heidi for writing such an amazing book
March 27, 2024
Patiešām jauka atslodzes lasāmviela.
November 17, 2024
2.5/5 ⭐️
July 31, 2025
This was SO cute!! I’m so shocked this isn’t more popular!
September 10, 2023
Charming and fluffy rom com that has A) opened my mind to reading more like this, and B) made me think I was too harsh on Red, White and Royal Blue and should revisit.
March 18, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and Heidi Stephens for this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book, I thought the storyline was fun and sweet with a little bit of steam. The characters were engaging. Loved the mention of Chatsworth in the book as I'm local to it!
I really enjoyed this book, I thought the storyline was fun and sweet with a little bit of steam. The characters were engaging. Loved the mention of Chatsworth in the book as I'm local to it!
March 18, 2025
Carol was definitely written after someone in this authors life.. I think we all know a Carol 😆
March 30, 2022
This is a super easy and quick read. The plot was rather predictable and extremely fast paced, but it didn’t make it any less enjoyable. Emily felt relatable and fun and many of the side characters were excellent, especially Mr Hunter and Kelly. The cover is also gorgeous!
I hadn’t previously read anything by this author but I am definitely going to look out for her other books.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
I hadn’t previously read anything by this author but I am definitely going to look out for her other books.
Thank you NetGalley and Headline for the ARC in an exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2022
Wow! Another great story and another great author to put on my favourites list!!
It feels like the world is falling down around Emily Wilkinson’s ears. She had a PA job she enjoyed and a great no strings attached relationship with her married boss but when her boss decides he is going to give his marriage another go Emily knows she can’t see him day in day out and so she quits. As if things can’t get any worse, she is also homeless since one of her flat mates started a fire in their shared flat! So, Emily has no choice but to go and live back at home with her parents. She is desperate to leave and therefore starts a serious job hunt. When a job offer comes up to be a PA to a wealthy businessman called Charles Hunter, Emily is intrigued and what really sells it to her is that it is a live in position. Emily aces the interview and therefore sets off for a new life in rural Norfolk at Bowford Manor. However, she didn’t count on how attached she would become to the manor…. add in a cute guy called Jamie who helps look after the estate and the horses and suddenly Emily’s life gets a lot more interesting. Then Bowford Manor comes under threat and Charles, Emily and Jamie must work together to keep it safe, will they succeed? You’ll have to read to find out.
This book was so good, I was already loving the writing style at just 5% in and that didn’t change throughout the whole book. I laughed out loud numerous times (furious nose breathing and also at the Lego reference). I always know a book is good when I feel good whilst reading it and this one made me feel exactly that! I definitely wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters and therefore I read the last bit of the book really really slowly which is very unusual for me, I just couldn’t bear for it to end.
I honestly can’t believe this is only the authors second book, I have already purchased her first one and look forward to her third which is out later this year.
Overall, this book was excellent, it has everything, comedy, romance, love and above all a character to hate (if you read it, you’ll know who I mean!). It totally deserves 5* and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys rom coms or just wants a break from our crazy world. You won’t regret buying this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Stephens and Headline Publishing Group for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
It feels like the world is falling down around Emily Wilkinson’s ears. She had a PA job she enjoyed and a great no strings attached relationship with her married boss but when her boss decides he is going to give his marriage another go Emily knows she can’t see him day in day out and so she quits. As if things can’t get any worse, she is also homeless since one of her flat mates started a fire in their shared flat! So, Emily has no choice but to go and live back at home with her parents. She is desperate to leave and therefore starts a serious job hunt. When a job offer comes up to be a PA to a wealthy businessman called Charles Hunter, Emily is intrigued and what really sells it to her is that it is a live in position. Emily aces the interview and therefore sets off for a new life in rural Norfolk at Bowford Manor. However, she didn’t count on how attached she would become to the manor…. add in a cute guy called Jamie who helps look after the estate and the horses and suddenly Emily’s life gets a lot more interesting. Then Bowford Manor comes under threat and Charles, Emily and Jamie must work together to keep it safe, will they succeed? You’ll have to read to find out.
This book was so good, I was already loving the writing style at just 5% in and that didn’t change throughout the whole book. I laughed out loud numerous times (furious nose breathing and also at the Lego reference). I always know a book is good when I feel good whilst reading it and this one made me feel exactly that! I definitely wasn’t ready to say goodbye to the characters and therefore I read the last bit of the book really really slowly which is very unusual for me, I just couldn’t bear for it to end.
I honestly can’t believe this is only the authors second book, I have already purchased her first one and look forward to her third which is out later this year.
Overall, this book was excellent, it has everything, comedy, romance, love and above all a character to hate (if you read it, you’ll know who I mean!). It totally deserves 5* and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys rom coms or just wants a break from our crazy world. You won’t regret buying this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Heidi Stephens and Headline Publishing Group for my advanced reading copy. Out now.
April 20, 2022
Thanks to NetGalley & Headline Accent for providing a free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
If you've ever read a romance before that wasn't focused on heaving bosoms and lace up trousers, you have encountered this plot before: cute girl, unappreciated by her previous love interest(s), goes fish out of water and finds happiness, success, and love. The object of her affection is handsome and intelligent, and usually rich (but acts like a regular person, ofc). She has a wacky friend who is the salt of the earth. Her parents are lower middle class but devoted and loving. She is not model-gorgeous but she is attractive and has plenty of inner beauty and kindness.
Add a teeny little bit of strife in the form of a bad-intentioned villain, vanquished by our heroine through her smarts and good nature, and you've got a book. Is it a good book? It's fine, but it's not new. It's enjoyable. It's the equivalent of a Hallmark movie in a book. But you might like that?
I'm ... OK with it. It's a way to pass time. Frankly, I was a little bit surprised that the road to love with the son of her wealthy boss was so unstudded with rocks - there were the minor issues of the chauffeur with the crush, the house manager with a chip on her shoulder, but I was waiting for Jamie to turn out to be an entitled ass, and Emily to find love elsewhere. This book goes all out on the Cinderella story: basic girl gets the prince because she is smart and hardworking.
Look, I don't love it when there's a huge rivals-to-lovers trope, either, I'm just saying that there wasn't much in the way of friction in the plot. There was a plot point involving an accident, but again, relatively minor.
It was an OK book, but I am not in a rush to find more Heidi Stephens work to pore over. Cute, fun enough, not setting the (romance) world on fire.
If you've ever read a romance before that wasn't focused on heaving bosoms and lace up trousers, you have encountered this plot before: cute girl, unappreciated by her previous love interest(s), goes fish out of water and finds happiness, success, and love. The object of her affection is handsome and intelligent, and usually rich (but acts like a regular person, ofc). She has a wacky friend who is the salt of the earth. Her parents are lower middle class but devoted and loving. She is not model-gorgeous but she is attractive and has plenty of inner beauty and kindness.
Add a teeny little bit of strife in the form of a bad-intentioned villain, vanquished by our heroine through her smarts and good nature, and you've got a book. Is it a good book? It's fine, but it's not new. It's enjoyable. It's the equivalent of a Hallmark movie in a book. But you might like that?
I'm ... OK with it. It's a way to pass time. Frankly, I was a little bit surprised that the road to love with the son of her wealthy boss was so unstudded with rocks - there were the minor issues of the chauffeur with the crush, the house manager with a chip on her shoulder, but I was waiting for Jamie to turn out to be an entitled ass, and Emily to find love elsewhere. This book goes all out on the Cinderella story: basic girl gets the prince because she is smart and hardworking.
Look, I don't love it when there's a huge rivals-to-lovers trope, either, I'm just saying that there wasn't much in the way of friction in the plot. There was a plot point involving an accident, but again, relatively minor.
It was an OK book, but I am not in a rush to find more Heidi Stephens work to pore over. Cute, fun enough, not setting the (romance) world on fire.
May 15, 2022
Never Gonna Happen is Heidi Stephens’s debut romantic comedy. Emily Wilkinson is a 29-year-old Personal Assistant who has recently moved in with her low-income parents due to her flatmate setting fire to their flat. She lost all of her personal belongings and must wear her high school wardrobe until she replaces her things. Her employer gives her two weeks off to handle her personal business and then her married boss decides to end their two-year affair. Emily decides that it’s too painful to continue working with her boss, Mark, so she quits her job. She decides that she is “off men” for a while.
Emily finds a new position with a multimillionaire, Charles Hunter, at his estate which is a few hours away from London. She immediately befriends the chauffeur, Leon, and the handsome horse stable manager, Jamie. The housekeeper, Anna, instantly dislikes Emily and is cruel to her, causing Emily to liken her to Mrs. Danvers. Emily finds out that Jamie is Mr. Hunter’s younger son and won’t date him until Mr. Hunter approves, and Jamie agrees to keep their relationship separate from her job. Emily doesn’t like Mr. Hunter’s oldest son, Adam, and suspects that he’s up to no good.
Emily spends her Christmas holidays with her parents and lifelong best friend, Kelly, in London. Then Mr. Hunter arranges for Emily, Jamie, and himself to travel to Mauritius to check on a possible investment. Jamie is injured while surfing and is unable to travel, so their stay is extended. Emily is a very talented assistant and is invaluable to Mr. Hunter. Emily’s parents, Carol and Martin, provide comic relief between some of Emily and Jamie’s relationship angst.
This is a romantic comedy that doesn’t have explicit sex scenes. The characters are very likeable, and the plot is well-paced. Even though the story takes place in England and contains many British idioms, it is very understandable to American readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading future books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
Emily finds a new position with a multimillionaire, Charles Hunter, at his estate which is a few hours away from London. She immediately befriends the chauffeur, Leon, and the handsome horse stable manager, Jamie. The housekeeper, Anna, instantly dislikes Emily and is cruel to her, causing Emily to liken her to Mrs. Danvers. Emily finds out that Jamie is Mr. Hunter’s younger son and won’t date him until Mr. Hunter approves, and Jamie agrees to keep their relationship separate from her job. Emily doesn’t like Mr. Hunter’s oldest son, Adam, and suspects that he’s up to no good.
Emily spends her Christmas holidays with her parents and lifelong best friend, Kelly, in London. Then Mr. Hunter arranges for Emily, Jamie, and himself to travel to Mauritius to check on a possible investment. Jamie is injured while surfing and is unable to travel, so their stay is extended. Emily is a very talented assistant and is invaluable to Mr. Hunter. Emily’s parents, Carol and Martin, provide comic relief between some of Emily and Jamie’s relationship angst.
This is a romantic comedy that doesn’t have explicit sex scenes. The characters are very likeable, and the plot is well-paced. Even though the story takes place in England and contains many British idioms, it is very understandable to American readers. I thoroughly enjoyed this story, and look forward to reading future books by this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance review copy (ARC) in exchange for an honest review.
April 30, 2022
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (mildly descriptive sex scenes)
Emily Wilkinson has just been dumped by her boyfriend (and boss) and lost her flat in a fire, so she's decided it's time to find not just a new place to live but also a new job where she can focus on herself. When she's hired as personal assistant to the wealthy Charles Hunter and moves into his estate, she never expects to fall for his attractive son Jamie. Suddenly she finds herself mixing business and pleasure once again all while living a lifestyle she never had access to even in her dreams. Will Emily really find true love with her employer's son or will she end up with another broken heart?
Let me start this review by saying that this is a fast burn, low conflict story which normally would have left me bored. Luckily, the characters were so lovable that I still found this deserving of a four star rating. I was laughing out loud at Emily's mom and all her crazy stories. Mr. Hunter won me over with how kind and compassionate he was towards Emily. I adored Leon, Mr. Hunter's driver, who was so deserving of the happy ending he got. And I loved Jamie and Emily's relationship. We got lots of domestic, blissfully in love moments between these two, and I had a huge grin at how everything wrapped up for them in the final chapter. Now, I will say that the cover and title don't really fit the story. Emily does go into her new job determined to avoid romance, but that is thrown out quickly because of how sweet and affectionate Jamie is towards her. They also are only on the island of Mauritius for a small portion of the book, and there's actually a lot that takes place during winter in London and the Hunter estate. So just keep that in mind going in to the story. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a heartwarming, sweet story, and I will be interested to see what comes next from author Heidi Stephens.
Thank you Netgalley and Headline Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.
Steam Level: 🔥🔥🔥 (mildly descriptive sex scenes)
Emily Wilkinson has just been dumped by her boyfriend (and boss) and lost her flat in a fire, so she's decided it's time to find not just a new place to live but also a new job where she can focus on herself. When she's hired as personal assistant to the wealthy Charles Hunter and moves into his estate, she never expects to fall for his attractive son Jamie. Suddenly she finds herself mixing business and pleasure once again all while living a lifestyle she never had access to even in her dreams. Will Emily really find true love with her employer's son or will she end up with another broken heart?
Let me start this review by saying that this is a fast burn, low conflict story which normally would have left me bored. Luckily, the characters were so lovable that I still found this deserving of a four star rating. I was laughing out loud at Emily's mom and all her crazy stories. Mr. Hunter won me over with how kind and compassionate he was towards Emily. I adored Leon, Mr. Hunter's driver, who was so deserving of the happy ending he got. And I loved Jamie and Emily's relationship. We got lots of domestic, blissfully in love moments between these two, and I had a huge grin at how everything wrapped up for them in the final chapter. Now, I will say that the cover and title don't really fit the story. Emily does go into her new job determined to avoid romance, but that is thrown out quickly because of how sweet and affectionate Jamie is towards her. They also are only on the island of Mauritius for a small portion of the book, and there's actually a lot that takes place during winter in London and the Hunter estate. So just keep that in mind going in to the story. I highly recommend this to anyone looking for a heartwarming, sweet story, and I will be interested to see what comes next from author Heidi Stephens.
Thank you Netgalley and Headline Publishing for providing me with an ARC of this book.
July 27, 2022
In Heidi Stephens’s Never Gonna Happen, this sweet romcom is emotional and tender-hearted with some bits of humor to keep you laughing in stitches. Emily Wilkinson had lost her home due to a fire, dumped her boyfriend and former boss, and was out of the job in Goodwood, England. She’s the only daughter in a loving family who adored her. But what’s she got to do to move forward from this difficult bind? She looked for a new job and found one with live-in arrangements in Chichester by working as a personal assistant to a millionaire named Mr. Charles Hunter. As she helped him with his business affairs, she ran into Jamie, the stable manager, on the first day of the job. Later she didn’t expect to fall for him, the son of her boss, while she tried to keep business away from pleasure. It became complicated when she dealt with the house staff and Jamie’s brother Adam, who had plans to deal with the family estate. As she worked with her boss to come up with a plan, things would be changing for Emily and Jamie unexpectedly for the future. Would they make a go at it?.
This romcom hit all the right spots with humor and romance to tickle my funny bone. I cared for Emily, who had dealt with unexpected challenges in her life, and worked her butt off in a new role and environment. She also had an issue with her self-image. Jamie was a charming bloke, who cared for Emily with a whole heart, and became the perfect mate for her. The dual scenic locations of Goodwood and Chichester were picturesque and charming. The theme of this story is love can sneak up to you unexpectedly when you least expect it.
This heart-warming romcom is an emotional tear-jerker. I had nothing to nitpick on this novel since I loved it 1000%. I rated this book, five out of five stars, because it was 100% perfect If you love heart-warming romcoms, check out Never Gonna Happen this summer. This is recommended for those who love romcoms, classic and present-day, and loves Hallmark movies.
This romcom hit all the right spots with humor and romance to tickle my funny bone. I cared for Emily, who had dealt with unexpected challenges in her life, and worked her butt off in a new role and environment. She also had an issue with her self-image. Jamie was a charming bloke, who cared for Emily with a whole heart, and became the perfect mate for her. The dual scenic locations of Goodwood and Chichester were picturesque and charming. The theme of this story is love can sneak up to you unexpectedly when you least expect it.
This heart-warming romcom is an emotional tear-jerker. I had nothing to nitpick on this novel since I loved it 1000%. I rated this book, five out of five stars, because it was 100% perfect If you love heart-warming romcoms, check out Never Gonna Happen this summer. This is recommended for those who love romcoms, classic and present-day, and loves Hallmark movies.
March 29, 2022
Downtown Abbey meets a romcom. I call this book "Young english woman finds herself and her voice in this witty and charming story of love, deception, and old manor money".
Special Thank you to both NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC! I enjoyed this book, the witty characters, and the simplicity yet intricacies of the plot. Stay with me on that one... The characters, their lives and the mundaneness of it was refreshing as there wasn't anything insanely major that pushed me away from relating to the main character - yet there was enough drama and character tension both good and bad to keep you on your toes and coming back for more. Though I did have a hard time relating to the MC and struggled with her insecurities and need for reassurance, I did find myself mentally fist pumping on her confidence when it came to her profession and holding strong instead of backing down to bullies. That is A+ for me. I tried to remember what I felt at the age of 29 and making big life changes, so being in that head space eased some of my frustration.
The world Heidi built was charming and whimsical and made me want to sweep off to the countryside and take riding lessons but then I remember I have kids and responsibilities... and I digress. I did struggle with some of the overdrawn out dialogue, descriptions, and rough transitions, Sometimes while reading I had to go back and re read a section to only realize we were at a new part of the story - sometimes days or weeks later. I wish that there was less fluff in character interactions and dialogue and that certain descriptions or explanations could have been communicated during character conversation rather than literary side bar.
overall, there were some truly witty moments that made me laugh out loud and this was a very charming read. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this read! Incredibly grateful!
Special Thank you to both NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC! I enjoyed this book, the witty characters, and the simplicity yet intricacies of the plot. Stay with me on that one... The characters, their lives and the mundaneness of it was refreshing as there wasn't anything insanely major that pushed me away from relating to the main character - yet there was enough drama and character tension both good and bad to keep you on your toes and coming back for more. Though I did have a hard time relating to the MC and struggled with her insecurities and need for reassurance, I did find myself mentally fist pumping on her confidence when it came to her profession and holding strong instead of backing down to bullies. That is A+ for me. I tried to remember what I felt at the age of 29 and making big life changes, so being in that head space eased some of my frustration.
The world Heidi built was charming and whimsical and made me want to sweep off to the countryside and take riding lessons but then I remember I have kids and responsibilities... and I digress. I did struggle with some of the overdrawn out dialogue, descriptions, and rough transitions, Sometimes while reading I had to go back and re read a section to only realize we were at a new part of the story - sometimes days or weeks later. I wish that there was less fluff in character interactions and dialogue and that certain descriptions or explanations could have been communicated during character conversation rather than literary side bar.
overall, there were some truly witty moments that made me laugh out loud and this was a very charming read. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this read! Incredibly grateful!
April 13, 2022
Downtown Abbey meets a romcom. I call this book "Young english woman finds herself and her voice in this witty and charming story of love, deception, and old manor money".
Special Thank you to both NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC! I enjoyed this book, the witty characters, and the simplicity yet intricacies of the plot. Stay with me on that one... The characters, their lives and the mundaneness of it was refreshing as there wasn't anything insanely major that pushed me away from relating to the main character - yet there was enough drama and character tension both good and bad to keep you on your toes and coming back for more. Though I did have a hard time relating to the MC and struggled with her insecurities and need for reassurance, I did find myself mentally fist pumping on her confidence when it came to her profession and holding strong instead of backing down to bullies. That is A+ for me. I tried to remember what I felt at the age of 29 and making big life changes, so being in that head space eased some of my frustration.
The world Heidi built was charming and whimsical and made me want to sweep off to the countryside and take riding lessons but then I remember I have kids and responsibilities... and I digress. I did struggle with some of the overdrawn out dialogue, descriptions, and rough transitions, Sometimes while reading I had to go back and re read a section to only realize we were at a new part of the story - sometimes days or weeks later. I wish that there was less fluff in character interactions and dialogue and that certain descriptions or explanations could have been communicated during character conversation rather than literary side bar.
overall, there were some truly witty moments that made me laugh out loud and this was a very charming read. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this read! Incredibly grateful!
Special Thank you to both NetGalley and Publisher for this ARC! I enjoyed this book, the witty characters, and the simplicity yet intricacies of the plot. Stay with me on that one... The characters, their lives and the mundaneness of it was refreshing as there wasn't anything insanely major that pushed me away from relating to the main character - yet there was enough drama and character tension both good and bad to keep you on your toes and coming back for more. Though I did have a hard time relating to the MC and struggled with her insecurities and need for reassurance, I did find myself mentally fist pumping on her confidence when it came to her profession and holding strong instead of backing down to bullies. That is A+ for me. I tried to remember what I felt at the age of 29 and making big life changes, so being in that head space eased some of my frustration.
The world Heidi built was charming and whimsical and made me want to sweep off to the countryside and take riding lessons but then I remember I have kids and responsibilities... and I digress. I did struggle with some of the overdrawn out dialogue, descriptions, and rough transitions, Sometimes while reading I had to go back and re read a section to only realize we were at a new part of the story - sometimes days or weeks later. I wish that there was less fluff in character interactions and dialogue and that certain descriptions or explanations could have been communicated during character conversation rather than literary side bar.
overall, there were some truly witty moments that made me laugh out loud and this was a very charming read. Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this read! Incredibly grateful!
March 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Emily Wilkinson has lost everything. Literally. In a hair straightener fire, which has sent her entire flat up in flames. Oh, and her boyfriend (and, incidentally, boss) has just announced he's going back to his wife. So, she needs a new job, a new wardrobe and somewhere to live that isn't her former childhood bedroom, which is experiencing a hostile takeover by the entire contents of Hobbycraft.
Early dotcom millionaire Charles Hunter is looking for a live-in PA to help run Bowford Manor and it seems Emily may be the perfect fit. Well, she's spent ten years propping up demanding men, so it's not like she's not qualified. And, most importantly, it's tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, so there's little to no chance of a blossoming romance . . .
She is quickly sucked into the whirlwind of the Hunter family and finds herself fending off a difficult housekeeper and Leon, Mr Hunter's driver, who has a crush on her the size of East Anglia. Not to mention Charles's eldest son, Adam, who seems set on turning the estate into a theme park the second his father pops his clogs.
But no one mentioned the dashing stable hand, Jamie, who just so happens to be the youngest Hunter. But she's not about to make that mistake again. Definitely not. No, really.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
Rating: 3/5
Synopsis:
Emily Wilkinson has lost everything. Literally. In a hair straightener fire, which has sent her entire flat up in flames. Oh, and her boyfriend (and, incidentally, boss) has just announced he's going back to his wife. So, she needs a new job, a new wardrobe and somewhere to live that isn't her former childhood bedroom, which is experiencing a hostile takeover by the entire contents of Hobbycraft.
Early dotcom millionaire Charles Hunter is looking for a live-in PA to help run Bowford Manor and it seems Emily may be the perfect fit. Well, she's spent ten years propping up demanding men, so it's not like she's not qualified. And, most importantly, it's tucked away in the Norfolk countryside, so there's little to no chance of a blossoming romance . . .
She is quickly sucked into the whirlwind of the Hunter family and finds herself fending off a difficult housekeeper and Leon, Mr Hunter's driver, who has a crush on her the size of East Anglia. Not to mention Charles's eldest son, Adam, who seems set on turning the estate into a theme park the second his father pops his clogs.
But no one mentioned the dashing stable hand, Jamie, who just so happens to be the youngest Hunter. But she's not about to make that mistake again. Definitely not. No, really.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me an eARC!!
April 29, 2022
Emily lost her home, her job, and her boyfriend. She has to find a way to start over and fast. When she interviews to be an assistant to a rich tech tycoon, Mr. Hunter, she has no idea that it will include a move to the English countryside and a cast of interesting characters. Emily swears off all men...that is until she meets Jamie the hunky horse handler (and a Hunter). Less than half the Hunters love her, the rest hate her and want her gone. Read this book to see what happens...because we all know you never say "Never."
This romance gave off strong Inheritance Games vibes but less YA and more adult - the poor girl thrown into the life of the rich and famous. The writing was fantastic. I was a bit skeptical when it started with a hair straightener fire but this story was really charming. I loved watching the love story unfold and getting to spend a good deal of time with the main characters. The conflict was believable and not overdone. The typical romance huge kerfuffle where it seems like all hope is lost was pleasantly absent from Emily and Jamie's story and it was refreshing for them to just have normal (or as normal as you can get when one is filthy rich) relationship issues. This cast of characters were well developed and everyone served a purpose without any wasted pages. I truly enjoyed reading this book!
This romance gave off strong Inheritance Games vibes but less YA and more adult - the poor girl thrown into the life of the rich and famous. The writing was fantastic. I was a bit skeptical when it started with a hair straightener fire but this story was really charming. I loved watching the love story unfold and getting to spend a good deal of time with the main characters. The conflict was believable and not overdone. The typical romance huge kerfuffle where it seems like all hope is lost was pleasantly absent from Emily and Jamie's story and it was refreshing for them to just have normal (or as normal as you can get when one is filthy rich) relationship issues. This cast of characters were well developed and everyone served a purpose without any wasted pages. I truly enjoyed reading this book!
October 18, 2024
Never Gonna Happen by Heidi Stephens (3 ✨)
Emily’s life has been ruined by a bad breakup with her boss (now ex boyfriend) and one terrible hair straightener fire leaving her jobless and crashing back in her childhood room. Getting the best offer for a new career path Emily is determined to start new that is until she crashed into Jamie on her first day the stable boy….aka her Boss’s son and completely off limits mixing business and pleasure had already gone awry for her once she was never gonna let it happen again…or could she?
Never Gonna Happen kept my attention and was exactly the escapist book I needed. What I loved about this story was the witty and comical characters that were Emily’s parents and the Bowford house staff. I immensely enjoyed that Emily’s business with Charles was such a great working relationship and how much he respected her as not only an employee but a part of the family. The reason I rated Never Gonna Happen 3 stars is I found myself highly infuriated by the missed communication between Emily & Jamie, I also found at times their relationship went too fast and didn’t feel substantial enough to care about. Although there were parts of the story that bothered me I had nothing but warm feelings for the whole Bowford Estate, the horse riding, and the tropical trip to Mauritius making this a great romcom for the fall season.
September 5, 2022
Light hearted escapism that had me completely invested in the characters, to the extent they keep appearing in my head while I'm reading my next book!
Emily goes to work for Mr Hunter who she gets on with, and comes across his sons. One of which is a rude obnoxious twat, and the other who is down to earth, horse mad and utterly perfect for Emily.
Adam makes me want to throw something every time he appears on page, whereas Jamie mad me want to jump between the pages of the book to become Emily,
I really enjoyed all aspects of this, especially seeing how Emily and her family to a lesser extent, adjust to the world Emily finds herself in, where helicopters are mentioned as a form of transport, far more often you would imagine.
I loved how despite their different upbringings, they had a lot of common ground and I was rooting for them.
I also enjoyed meeting the others that worked for Mr Hunter, and in the case of Anna, trying to discover why she was acting the way she did.
This is my first book by this author and i will definitely keep my eyes open more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Emily goes to work for Mr Hunter who she gets on with, and comes across his sons. One of which is a rude obnoxious twat, and the other who is down to earth, horse mad and utterly perfect for Emily.
Adam makes me want to throw something every time he appears on page, whereas Jamie mad me want to jump between the pages of the book to become Emily,
I really enjoyed all aspects of this, especially seeing how Emily and her family to a lesser extent, adjust to the world Emily finds herself in, where helicopters are mentioned as a form of transport, far more often you would imagine.
I loved how despite their different upbringings, they had a lot of common ground and I was rooting for them.
I also enjoyed meeting the others that worked for Mr Hunter, and in the case of Anna, trying to discover why she was acting the way she did.
This is my first book by this author and i will definitely keep my eyes open more. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Thank you to Headline Accent and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
October 7, 2022
When I started reading this book I really didn’t know what I was reading; a romance or a psychological thriller. Even if the cover is bright and lovely, the story starts where Emily Wilkinson flat is set on fire and just has left her work. So, starts searching for a new job and the offer she likes is working for a man in his “mansion” in the countryside, surrounded by nothing. Let’s be honest, I love reading psychological thrillers, so at this point, I was really scared of who the possible boss was and what were his intentions! Of course, this story is much lighter and the boss is a very nice rich man with a very interesting family to keep the reader wanting to know more.
Be prepared for a funny and sweet story about love, family and work; it’s quite impossible to not fall in love with this story and their characters. I liked Emily’s doubts and the need to do the right thing, for once I wasn’t shouting to the character to tell her what to do! Because, even if this is a romance book, there are more plots involved in the story, making it more realistic and interesting.
So, if you are looking for a book to disconnect for a few hours, this is a very good option, you’ll read it in one sitting, believe me!
Are you ready for “Never Gonna Happen”?
Be prepared for a funny and sweet story about love, family and work; it’s quite impossible to not fall in love with this story and their characters. I liked Emily’s doubts and the need to do the right thing, for once I wasn’t shouting to the character to tell her what to do! Because, even if this is a romance book, there are more plots involved in the story, making it more realistic and interesting.
So, if you are looking for a book to disconnect for a few hours, this is a very good option, you’ll read it in one sitting, believe me!
Are you ready for “Never Gonna Happen”?
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