Tempt Me at Twilight (The Hathaways, #3)

Jan 20, 2011 Lady Jayne *~*The Beach Bandida*~* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical, series, author-lisa-kleypas, reviewed, owned-read, favourites

(4.5 Stars - Edit: Revised on further consideration to 5 Stars)

I really enjoyed Harry and Poppy’s story. But I did feel there was a little something missing, hence the 4.5 Stars. (Edit: But now in looking back, I can't bear not to give 5 Stars to each and every Hathaway book, so while I acknowledge there was a little something "missing", I loved it and will definitely read it again!)

I especially loved how the description of Harry Rutledge conjured images of Richard Armitage. *sighs* He's so vill...more

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Jan 03, 2010 Dina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, dik, to-blog

What can I say? I just love Lisa Kleypas's writing and, as far as I know, she can do no wrong. Okay, I haven't read all her backlist yet, but almost everything I've read so far was excellent. The only exception was Mine Till Midnight, but even so it was good enough and definitely worth reading.

Poppy Hathaway is in London for her third season and, as it has become usual, she's staying with her family at the Rutledge Hotel. As the story opens, she's chasing her sister Beatrix's ferret, trying to r...more

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Jun 24, 2010 Shawna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Kleypas & anyone who loves a wonderful historical romance

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, historical-romance-victorian, series-hathaways, brothers-sisters-cousins-family, favorite-romance-series, heroine-odd-spinster-wallflower, heroine-naïve-virgin-like-a-virgin, hero-commoner-self-made, enemies-to-lovers-opposites-attract, favorite-romance-couple-hh-pairings, favorites, hero-abused-scarred-tortured-angst, hero-alpha‎, hero-antihero-gamma, hero-cold-cruelbrute-dark-dangerous, hero-im-gaga-over, hero-cad-rake-rogue‎-scoundrel, hero-stalk-me-baby-possessive, heroine-i-adore, i-read-own-faves-keepers, humorous-at-times-or-fluffy-fun, made-me-cry, married-couples-married-convenience, revenge-deception-secrets-lies, 2010-reads, best-top-favorites, rt-book-reviews-top-pick, hh-social-class-wealth-matters, animals-matter, hh-sweet-nice-paired-vs-gruff-cynic, best-faves-of-2010, 5-stars-or-higher, hero-redeems-himself-reformed, hero-brooding, hero-daddy-warbucks-wealthy, love-triangle-vying-courtships, hh-big-constant-misunderstandings, hh-rags-to-riches, angsty-dark-heavy-lotsa-drama, heartbreaking-gutwrenching-romance, hero-besotted-so-smitten-its-sexy, best-wittiest-banter-dialogue, controversial-memorable-event-scene, hero-recluse-loner-lonewolf, hero-bad-guy-ruthless-villainous, a-all-time-fave-hero, a-all-time-fave-heroine, hero-entrepreneur-mogul-tycoon, a-all-time-best-of-best-fave-dik, a-all-time-best-top-50-fave-dik

5++ stars – Historical Romance

“Her chances of a decent marriage were about to be dashed-and all because of a ferret.” And thus begins the wonderfully romantic third installment in the saga of the eccentric Hathaway family, Tempt Me At Twilight.

Poppy Hathaway loves her quirky family, but she yearns for a conventional, quiet, normal, stable, peaceful, predictable, albeit boring, life. She believes wholeheartedly that she’s found her true soul’s desire in her beloved Michael Bayning, who’s courted...more

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Jun 28, 2010 DarienMoya rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romances, 2010-reads, fave-books-of-2010

PURE TEMPTATION!!!

The Hathaway's are back and better than ever. This is the third instalment of this quirky, fun and unconventional family,that everywhere they go a scandal follows. This is one is about Poppy the intelligent and beautiful sister who is in London searching for a husband. The hunt is on!

Harry Ruthledge is an enigma in London everyone wants to know who is, where he’s from. Not everyone is privy to that information and that’s how he wants to keep it. He is a famous Hotelier a very...more PURE TEMPTATION!!!

The Hathaway's are back and better than ever. This is the third instalment of this quirky, fun and unconventional family,that everywhere they go a scandal follows. This is one is about Poppy the intelligent and beautiful sister who is in London searching for a husband. The hunt is on!

Harry Ruthledge is an enigma in London everyone wants to know who is, where he’s from. Not everyone is privy to that information and that’s how he wants to keep it. He is a famous Hotelier a very rich business man . He keeps everyone at a distance so they wont get too close. So in other words he is a very lonely man, not something he would admit to but its clear for everyone to see. There is only one person who lights his fire and that is Poppy Hathaway. This strong willed independent woman needs a strong man who can appreciate her for who she is, and Harry feels he is just the man. Seems her heart is set on someone else, and Harry will have to use every under handed trick in his book to have her even if she ends up hating him.

Poppy knows she scares men away because she tends to chatter away and bring up subjects that are inappropriate, plus she is intelligent. No man wants an intelligent wife its just not done. So Poppy is in love with a Michael Bayning and he is going to offer for her, he just needs to convince his father that she is his perfect match. You see no one wants a Hathaway as a member of the aristocrat because of the scandals and two of her sisters are married to gypsies. So said proposal does not go through and in sweeps Harry who charms a very sad Poppy and leads her into one great big scandal. So in order for them to diminish the scandal a wedding needs to happen pronto. So Poppy is now getting to a man she hardly knows and has no idea if she even likes him. Love matches are for fairytales and marriages of convenience is the norm.

This marriage is built on lies and both Harry and Poppy have to come to trust each other and then will they realize that they are perfect together. Lets say that the rest of Poppy’s family did not like the scheming way Harry made Poppy his and they let him know it. Which was hilarious, there’s nothing like having two gypsies threatening your life. The ending was very anticlimactic which I expected more but it doesn’t take anything away from the book. So a woman who has always known love teaches a man who has never had it.

I love Lisa Kleypas she knows how to write a ruthless bastard, plus the Hathaway’s as a family is pure genius. They are funny and they just don’t give a damn about society’s norm of how they should be. Plus Beatrix is the funniest of the lot, the younger sister who loves animals and treats everyone she encounters as such, I can’t wait for her book. Even if you are not a fan of historical romances you will appreciate this series for what it is, a great and fun filled read and sexy men in breeches.(less)

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May 13, 2011 Juliana rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, 0-own-in-dead-tree-form, 0-reviewed, 2009-reads, 2009-sep-reads, best-romance-heroes-ever, 0-add-info, 2010-reads, 2010-jun-reads, 0-to-reread, all-time-best-romance-heroes-ever

A solid Kleypas read with a wonderful "villain" hero and another charming Hathaway sister (3.5 stars)

At last!! Another Kleypas novel - now we all just have to survive the wait for the story we've all been waiting for: Leo and "Marks" (or Catherine/Cat, which we learn in this novel is her first name). I completely agree with the reviewer Luckee that this book was definitely satisfying and enjoyable, but there was just a little something missing. Is it worth rushing out to your nearest bookstore a...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Ronyell rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of LK's works and bad-boy heroes!!

Shelves: adult-books, best-books-of-2011, book-series, books-i-want-to-own, british-hero-or-heroine, chapter-books, drama, family-situations, favorites, historical-romance, humor-satire, lisa-kleypas, mystery, read-in-2011, reviewed-books, ronyell-s-epinions-reviews, sexy-bad-boy-hero, sexy-good-girl-heroine, strong-hero, strong-heroine, american-hero-or-heroine, my-blog-reviews

I have been reading much of Lisa Kleypas’ popular “Hathaway” series and I have finally picked up the third book in the series, “Tempt Me at Twilight” starring Poppy Hathaway! This novel is just as dramatic, intense and full of hot romance as the first two books in this series and it makes for one exciting read!

Poppy Hathaway always wanted a normal life since living with her family, the Hathaways, is anything but normal. One strange night however, Poppy meets up with a mysterious man named Harry...more I have been reading much of Lisa Kleypas’ popular “Hathaway” series and I have finally picked up the third book in the series, “Tempt Me at Twilight” starring Poppy Hathaway! This novel is just as dramatic, intense and full of hot romance as the first two books in this series and it makes for one exciting read!

Poppy Hathaway always wanted a normal life since living with her family, the Hathaways, is anything but normal. One strange night however, Poppy meets up with a mysterious man named Harry Rutledge, who turns out to be the owner of a very rich and well-known hotel in London and he had his eyes on Poppy for a long time. However, when a scandal between Poppy and Harry threatened to ruin Poppy’s chances at a normal life, Harry offered to marry her to save her reputation. As soon as Poppy married Harry, she realizes that Harry has a deep and dark side to himself that is making her not trust Harry, but will fate bring these two different lovers together?

Wow! Just wow! I never would have thought that a romance novel with a bad boy hero would turn out to be so sexy and brilliant! Lisa Kleypas has certainly done an excellent job at writing this story about love and betrayal and it is done in the most ingenious way possible! As usual, I loved the way that Lisa Kleypas wrote the Hathaway family to be extremely eccentric (according to the society they live in) yet hilarious and loving to read about and I especially loved the way that the Hathaway family stood by Poppy’s side when she was involved in the scandal with Harry Rutledge and it was also interesting seeing Leo being the brave and supportive brother that he really is. What I truly loved about this book was the love/hate relationship between Harry and Poppy as it was quite unusual to read about two lovers who constantly spend most of the book arguing, but start making love to each other the moment the argument’s over! I really loved the characterization of Poppy Hathaway as she truly does have a good heart and when her loved ones were in danger, she immediately took action and let no one stop her! Now here is an interesting hero that I really grew on and that is Harry Rutledge! Harry Rutledge was a truly interesting hero as he started out as a villain (even though he warned Poppy that he is an A-Class villain) but once I realized why he is acting like a villain, I just immediately grew soft for the intense and sexy guy! I also enjoyed seeing the intense love that Harry has for Poppy to the point where he would do anything to keep her by his side, even facing Death himself to get her back. The sex scenes in this novel are beyond hot and sizzling, they are truly unbelievably sensational! This novel is stock full of sex scenes between Harry and Poppy, which will definitely have you panting with anticipation every time you read them!

For those who do not like sex scenes, this novel is full of sex scenes, so it might be best to skim over these scenes if they cause discomfort.

Overall, “Tempt Me At Twilight” is clearly the most emotional book written out of the “Hathaway” series and it is definitely going on my list of books to reread! I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series, which stars Leo Hathaway, “Married by Morning!”

Review is also on: Rabbit Ears Book Blog
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Mar 24, 2011 Annie the Destroyer *Leather Lust* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: historical romance fans, especially those who like a hero who needs "fixing"

Shelves: covers-to-covet, genre-historical-romance, author-lisa-kleypas, books-i-own, books-i-go-rabid-over, my-hottie-harem, keep-a-spare-pair-of-knickers, the-hymen-club, read-in-2010

It has been a very long time since I picked something up that wasn’t paranormal. But Kleypas’ work makes the transition easy! I’ve only said this about one other author, but whenever I read Kleypas’ books, I don’t feel like I’m reading. Her writing is always so smooth and flawless and every single line flows beautifully. Tempt Me at Twilight is such an enjoyable read! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the lines in here. I need to read the other books!

A large part of the reason why I en...more It has been a very long time since I picked something up that wasn’t paranormal. But Kleypas’ work makes the transition easy! I’ve only said this about one other author, but whenever I read Kleypas’ books, I don’t feel like I’m reading. Her writing is always so smooth and flawless and every single line flows beautifully. Tempt Me at Twilight is such an enjoyable read! I found myself laughing out loud at some of the lines in here. I need to read the other books!

A large part of the reason why I enjoyed this book so much was because of Harry. Despite his deception and manipulation, Harry is such an interesting character. From the very beginning, I enjoyed his interactions with Poppy. But after his deception and efforts to make Poppy his wife, I will admit I was a little bit upset to know that he would go through such extremes to have her. It was romantic to know that he would do anything to have her, but I also felt sorry for Michael (even if he was a wuss). I think the reason why Harry was such an appealing character was because he always gets what he wants. And who am I to stop him? His ruthlessness makes him desirable to all females.

Poppy was such a great heroine to read about. She’s intelligent, funny, and isn’t afraid to speak her mind. I love the fact that her family is such a large part of her life. She finds comfort in them, but she is also able to stand on her own and still shine. I also adored the fact that she didn’t try to change Harry. Instead, she accepted him for who he was. Not once did she look at his childhood and grimace at his neglected upbringing that makes him so reserved. She accepts it and in turn accepts him, which seems to be a first for Harry. Poppy gives him the chance to be loved for the first time in his lonely life.

I also enjoyed the mocking and jabbing between Catherine and Leo. Together, they bicker and criticize each other and it’s downright entertaining to just read about them. I was so stunned to find out about Catherine’s relationship with Harry but in a good way.

Tempt Me at Twilight is a great read. The Hathaways series is one that I will keep reading and rave about. LK is truly gifted in what she does.

Favourite Quote:
The chef looked deeply concerned. “You think there’s a problem with his carrot?”
“Watercress, carrot – is everything food to you?” Jake demanded.
The chef shrugged. “Oui.”
“Well,” Jake said testily, “there is a string of Rutledge’s past mistresses who would undoubtedly testify there is nothing wrong with his carrot.”
“Alors, he is a virile man...she is a beautiful woman...why are they not making a salad together?”
Pg.203
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Jun 21, 2010 UniquelyMoi *Dhestiny* BlithelyBookish rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Historical Romance Lovers

Shelves: 5-stars, author-lisa-kleypas, series-hathaways-kleypas, historical-romance, historical-romance-series, reviewed-by-me, abused-neglected, 2010-reads, animal-steals-the-show, starts-with-q-thru-t

Harry Rutledge was both a neglected child and an abused child. The only son of an aging hotelier, Harry wasn’t raised in a home where a youngster could run and play, laugh out loud and just be a kid. Even at 5 years old he knew the rules: The Guests come first. Stay out of sight. Don’t make any noise. Don’t do this, don’t do that, don’t…don’t… don’t. Is it any wonder that as an adult, Harry is so rigid, so disciplined and so aloof? One of the richest men in London and one of the most mysterious,...more

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Jun 08, 2010 Jill Dunlop rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Tempt Me at Twilight is the third book in Lisa Kleypas' Hathaway series. Poppy Hathaway is almost finished with her third season. She feels confident that she and Michael Bayning are going to marry, just as soon as he tells his father. Michael is afraid his father won't approved of Poppy because of her less than normal family and less than blue blood. To complicate matters, Harry Rutledge the owner of the famous Rutledge Hotel wants Poppy for his own. Poppy has a way about her which Harry finds...more Tempt Me at Twilight is the third book in Lisa Kleypas' Hathaway series. Poppy Hathaway is almost finished with her third season. She feels confident that she and Michael Bayning are going to marry, just as soon as he tells his father. Michael is afraid his father won't approved of Poppy because of her less than normal family and less than blue blood. To complicate matters, Harry Rutledge the owner of the famous Rutledge Hotel wants Poppy for his own. Poppy has a way about her which Harry finds refreshing and surprising and not much surprises Harry anymore. What Harry wants, Harry gets and he proceeds to come between Poppy and Michael.

It's no secret that I love Lisa Kleypas. She is easily one of my top five favorite authors. I didn't really have any big expectations going into this book, other than the fact it is written by Kleypas and was hoping for a good story. When I first started reading about Harry, I was worried that he wasn't good hero material. He is a ruthless man, cold and calculating, willing to do whatever is necessary to get what he wants. Even though I didn't like several underhanded things that he does to Poppy, I liked that he was upfront about who he was and doesn't apologize for his behavior.

The true beauty is that Harry slowly evolves from a villain to hero, all through his love for Poppy. Poppy really surprised me. In the previous books in this series, she hovered in the background and really didn't leave an impression on me. In this book she shines, though. She is sweet natured and wants nothing more than to live a peaceful and simple life. Her life is anything but that with the Hathaway's as her family. Then once Harry barges in and takes control she realizes that she is going to have to assert herself or Harry will walk all over her. She does this with grace and compassion.

Tempt Me at Twilight really is a lovely story. I love the family dynamics between the Hathaway's. This time we get more snippets between Leo and Ms. Marks, Leo with Poppy and Poppy with Beatrix. Kleypas truly give the reader a sense of kinship with these characters. This is a great series and is one that should reside on your keeper shelf.(less)

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Jan 08, 2010 Pamela(AllHoney) rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, desert-island-keepers, hr-victorian-edwardian, married-couple, bluestocking-wallflower-hr, tortured-hero, own, pet-or-animal-in-story, across-the-tracks, redhead-heroine, virgin-heroine, my-5-star-romances, dreamy-heroes

"In the fairy tale you mentioned last night, I would probably be the villain. But it's possible the villain would treat you far better than the prince would have." Harry

The third book in The Hathaways series by Lisa Kleypas. Harry Rutledge is the owner of the hotel that Poppy Hathaway and her family are staying in.

Harry was a prince in disguise as far as I'm concerned. He knew what he wanted and it was Poppy. And then he did whatever was necessary for Poppy to be his. Maybe not the smartest thi...more

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Dec 21, 2011 Erika rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Erika by: Rizka F Ryuichi Asami

Shelves: historical, best-of-heroes, favorites, romance

“I will never forget that you took away the man I loved and put yourself in his place. I’m not certain I can ever forgive you for that. The only thing I am absolutely certain of is that I will never love you. Do you still want to marry me?”
“Yes,” Harry said without hesitation. “I’ve never wanted to be loved. And God knows no one’s done it yet.”

Dear author Lisa Kleypas,
I'm sure everyone have already knew how lovely your books are. I must thank you for this book because I laughed a lot, screame...more

“I will never forget that you took away the man I loved and put yourself in his place. I’m not certain I can ever forgive you for that. The only thing I am absolutely certain of is that I will never love you. Do you still want to marry me?”
“Yes,” Harry said without hesitation. “I’ve never wanted to be loved. And God knows no one’s done it yet.”

Dear author Lisa Kleypas,
I'm sure everyone have already knew how lovely your books are. I must thank you for this book because I laughed a lot, screamed a lot, and I had a great pleasure reading it. May I say the main reason that made me almost looked like a crazy? It was because a very, very cold-hearted and yet irresistible character named Harry Rutledge.

My hero Harry Rutledge,
What have you done?
You met Poppy Hathaway, few minutes later you kissed her, another minutes later you decided that she had to be your wife. Just like that? She was in love with another man and you just walked into her life, and did everything -even the worst- to make her yours.
Just like that, and perhaps about 90% of romance readers who read your story fell in love with you. We were falling hard. You had some very ruthless ways to get what you wanted. But you didn't lie to defend your self. You didn't walk away even though they rejected you. Behind that heartless mask you wore, you were simply a man who afraid to love and afraid to be left. Who could blame you either? After we knew what had happened to your childhood.
But you survived.
What a lucky woman Poppy was. All those things you said and done... *sigh* I'm speechless.
There was one thing that I thought it shouldn't have happened to you in the story. But overall, I still loved your book and I was happy because Poppy was just perfect for you.

“I know I should apologize for coming between you and Bayning.”
“Yes, you should,” she said.
“I can’t. I’ll never be sorry about it. Because if I hadn’t done it, you’d be his now. And he only wanted you if it was easy for him. But I want you any way I can get you. Not because you’re beautiful or clever or kind or adorable, although the devil knows you’re all those things. I want you because there’s no one else like you, and I don’t ever want to start a day without seeing you.”

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May 01, 2011 Fani rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical, 2010-purchase, best-of-2011, emotional, favorite-hero, hero-is-bad-boy, heroine-i-loved, lust-at-first-sight, keepers-romance, love-triangle, marriage-forced-or-convenience, unrequited-love, hero-is-ruthless, top-20-heroes, hero-is-jealous-possessive, paperbacks-read, hero-is-stalkerific, he-did-a-bad-bad-thing, bachelor-extraordinaire

Loved, loved, loved this one! What can I say? Much as I love a hero who'll fight his feelings till the very last page, I also adore those men who instantly recognize the right woman for them and do anything, and I mean ANYTHING, to hold on to her.
Harry will always have a special place in my heart and I have absolutely no doubt that I'll be re-reading this one in the future.

Dare I say that I don't have much expectations for Leo's and Miss Marks' story? I'm very reluctant to pick that one, since...more

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Jun 30, 2012 Carolyn F. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

Loved this book, loved the characters. 2nd time reading this book - I'm trying to work my way through the series.

Poppy thinks she's found the perfect guy, he just has to convince his dad that she's good enough for him. Harry bumps into her and wants her for himself no matter what it takes. Love this story! So romantic. Traumatized hero. I'm just crazy about this series.

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Sep 07, 2010 Auntee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of Historical romance

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas, part-of-a-series, 2010_reads

Ahhh....I don't even feel like writing a review for this one except to say "Move over Cam, and make room for Harry!"

I found out something about myself--I love a romance where the hero really needs for someone to love him, whether he realizes it or not. And handsome hotelier Harry Rutledge (early 30s), who both wanted and feared affection (due to a heartbreaking childhood)--he captured my heart. Yes, he started out as a manipulative, selfish devil, (the way he got Poppy (23) to marry him), but h...more

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Oct 05, 2009 Rane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of LK's Devil In Winter

Shelves: victorian-romance

Poppy Hathaway longs for a normal life, although she loves her very unconventional family, she wants something more stable and safe, when she falls in love with a man she thinks can bring her happiness, is heartbroken when he turns her away for his title which leads her into scandal and the arms of …
Harry Rutledge, who is a well-known ruthless hotel owner, known to always gets what he wants “always” and when he lays eyes on Poppy he knows he must have her at any cost but when they marry they f...more Poppy Hathaway longs for a normal life, although she loves her very unconventional family, she wants something more stable and safe, when she falls in love with a man she thinks can bring her happiness, is heartbroken when he turns her away for his title which leads her into scandal and the arms of …
Harry Rutledge, who is a well-known ruthless hotel owner, known to always gets what he wants “always” and when he lays eyes on Poppy he knows he must have her at any cost but when they marry they find they must learn to trust and break down their defenses to find the love their both have always seek…

As I started to read this, I was quickly drawn into the story, with deep shades of LK’s Devil of Winter written all over it. If anyone could turn a villain into a beloved hero, LK could and she does it with true style and grace with Harry.

Poppy is the only “normal” Hathaway, coming across as the kind caregiver of the family with a heart full of love and kindness. At first she comes across as narrow-minded in her views of love and what happiness is. She kept reaching for a safe haven in someone. She comes from her shelter when she’s heartbroken by her first love and then has to learn to trust as she falls in love with Harry. Because of her desire to want love and a safe marriage, Poppy was blinded by her first love and his faults. Harry opens her eyes to a bigger and better world, where she can have so much more.

Harry was a complex puzzle, a mechanical genius and ruthless hotel owner; he shows many sides, and keeping you guessing whom the real Harry is. I don’t think Harry even knew whom is really was. Always thinking and trying to have everything in his life in order, when things don’t go the way he wants he relies on the cold part of his mind to find a way to fix it or make it his.
I really loved Harry, when he wanted something he took it with both hands by hook or crook. Did I agree with what he did was right? I do. He knew Poppy’s first love didn’t have the balls to take Poppy and if he really loved her and wanted her, he would risk it all. Poppy’s first love was given many chances, but he didn’t take it and became a wimpy baby because he missed his chance.
If there was a man out there as hot as Harry who wanted me as much as Harry wanted Poppy- I tie myself up and tell him “take me away”
Harry was drawn to Poppy due to her brightest and kindness something he lacked in his own life, and as his defenses are torn down, he starts to move away from his past hurts, he becomes his true self and finds his heart along the way.

The love scenes are few and far between, but in LK fashion are built up to and she doesn’t disappoint, as they are pretty hot and steamy.

The Hathaway clan is still pretty pronounced through the story as Poppy turns to her family for advice and help. I loved the Hathaways and how tight knit they are and how they accept Harry into the family (even giving him some much needed advice along the way)

I felt what brought an overall awesome story down, what the sudden filler toward the end. If LK wanted a bigger word count, I feel leaving it out would have been better.
Also the cliffhanger, what was that?! It didn’t feel like LK at all, almost like she was forced to add this. I really didn’t care for it as it brought the overall story down. I wouldn’t have minded a seek peek into the next book, but a cliffhanger was just plain stupid IMO.

Overall: an wonderful story, with great leads but could have done without the sudden filler and cliffhanger
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Feb 22, 2010 Lady Danielle aka The Book Huntress rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Lisa Kleypas fans, Historical romance fans

Shelves: historical-romance, part-of-a-series, owned-copy, victorian, stalkerific-hero, ruthless-hero, favorite-or-autobuy-author, tortured-hero, marriage-by-manipulation, favorites, hero-to-die-for, nerd-prof-scientist-genius-geek, heroine-i-adore, family

What can I say about this book? After reading the last pages of this novel, at approximately 1 am, I set it down, knowing I couldn't possibly be ready to write a coherent review. Reviews are like soups or dishes with tomatoes and hearty seasonings. They should sit and rest, letting the spices and the tomato paste mingle together, so that the flavor can be maximized. Accordingly, I let myself ruminate in a bovine fashion about what I would write in my review of the latest historical by one of my...more What can I say about this book? After reading the last pages of this novel, at approximately 1 am, I set it down, knowing I couldn't possibly be ready to write a coherent review. Reviews are like soups or dishes with tomatoes and hearty seasonings. They should sit and rest, letting the spices and the tomato paste mingle together, so that the flavor can be maximized. Accordingly, I let myself ruminate in a bovine fashion about what I would write in my review of the latest historical by one of my favorite authors, over the far too short weekend.

First and foremost, Ms. Kleypas wrote yet another wonderful book that cements her place on my keeper and favorite author shelves. Secondly, she took a concept that I thought I was familiar with, but managed to surprise me, and keep me on my toes as I read. I thought I had this story all figured out, by some of the comments from my Goodreads friends, and in Amazon.com romance forum discussions, and my own preconceived notions based on the blurb, and what I know about how Ms. Kleypas writes books. But, I was still surprised.

Harry Rutledge: This is a hero that is very hard to define. At times, frankly, I disliked him. I thought, he's not a nice man. He's very cold, and he's ruthless. But I loved him, at the same time, for being all the things I mentioned. He is definitely a standout for me because of the complexity of his nature. And I loved how Ms. Kleypas was unstinting in showing Harry in the worst light possible. She didn't go the heavy-handed route, in steering us into loving him because he was the hero of the story. And I respect her for that. In fact, I am glad for the naturalistic approach she adopted. Because, as I read this story, the man that Harry is, deep down, the man he wants to be, shows through. And for that, I have to give this author a high five. Harry is a carefully engineered survivor. What he went through in his childhood is not even close to the worst I have read about in fiction. However, for this admitted idealist who believes children should be loved and cherished, valued and tended carefully like the creations of beauty and worth that they are, it was pretty awful for a child to suffer that way. Harry grew up priviledged, but he was neglected in all the ways that count. If that wouldn't make a social maladroit out of a person, I'm not quite sure what would. But, at the same time, Harry managed to make something of himself. He didn't become a shiftless dilettante who did nothing but drinking, fornicating, and spend other people's money. He became a brilliant inventor, businessman, and empire-builder. Even a few of his enemies respected him enough to name their children after him. To be able to do that, I have to respect him. He was a monolith of admantine will, but so vulnerable in some ways, that few were privy to. In truth, only Poppy, that I could perceive, reading this story.

When Harry Met Poppy: We all have defining moments in our lives. Harry had several. But the one that would change the course of his life irrevocably, was when he encountered Poppy. Ever wanted something so very much, the fierce desire for it burns like thirst in a parched throat? That's how Harry wanted Poppy. And that motivated him to do some very lousy things. In his mind, it was okay because Michael Beyning didn't deserve her. I think that he was right about the last part. Beyning didn't deserve a woman that he wouldn't fight for to all the heights and depths of his available resources. He barely even tried for her. And Harry's actions proved that. In medical terms, he performed an elective surgery that was more agressive than needed, but achieved results that no one could argue weren't successful. Yet, there were some significant side effects. For one, Poppy married him with the cold precision of a general going to war, and told him that she would never love him. Not the ideal way to start a marriage. Yet, in Harry's unfathomably analytical mind, he didn't care, because all he needed was her as his wife. The ends justified the means.

What does a man do with a wife? What does a wife do with a husband that didn't fit her expectations of the husband she always wanted? Harry and Poppy had to learn these things. He couldn't put Poppy into a little cubbyhole to take out and amuse himself at his limited leisure. He couldn't wind her up like an automaton. Poppy was a living, breathing, force of nature, that would settle for no less than what she deserved. At times, Poppy came off as immature, in a sense. Hanging onto a fairy tale dream of marriage. But, I had to admire her for sticking to her guns about what she would and would not tolerate from her husband. She needed to do that, because Harry was very used to getting exactly what he wanted, by using the powerful force of his personality, and threats, if necessary. And Poppy did show that she could compromise and surrender in the ways that were important to make a marriage work. It's about meeting each other half-way, and they both had to learn to do that. I liked the dynamic between them, how they danced around each other, getting to know each other as husband and wife. Although the circumstances are purely out of romantic fiction, I think that aspect of marriage is very true to life. A young couple has unrealistic expectations of what they will experience in marriage, and the first year is a wakeup call, as they realize that real life isn't as cut and dried. Marriage takes compromise, time and energy, and lots of communication. You could see this being played out between Poppy and Harry. This is one deeper level that took me by surprise, although, knowing Ms. Kleypas, it probably shouldn't. She writes extremely romantic stories, but there is always some degree of realism in the intricacies of interpersonal relations that play out in her stories. I think she writes married stories very well, but then, she's been married for a long time, so she probably draws on the bank of that experience to develop such a rich narrative.

Family, the Beauty of it: I realize that the Hathaway books aren't high on the list of some of Ms. Kleypas's fans. But, I love this series. It was like going to visit some friends in their family home, and seeing their family interactions, reading this book. So intensely familiar, and heart-warming. I was immersed in the love and the chaos that is the Hathaway family, which is ever-expanding. I got the opportunity to visit with some characters that I easily grew to love in prior books: Cam (he is such a show-stealer), Amelia (the mother hen), Beatrix (how adorable she is with her animals, and her sharply- perceptive understanding of human nature), Kev (intense and forthright, as always), Win (sweet, loving, and peaceful), Leo (who is really coming into his own, has a wonderful sense of humor, and a surprising strength of character that I love), and Catherine Marks (she is shaping up to be a very tortured character who has me very intrigued).

Rounding up my thoughts: Tempt Me at Twilight turned out to be a very satisfying but hard to define read for me. There is something seemingly basic about it, compared to some of Kleypas's other books, but complicated at the same time. This book really is a book about marriage, and about letting the fairy tales go, and embracing the beauty in what is real, and accepting that your destiny doesn't come in the pretty packages that you shop for. Also realizing that the pretty possession that you wanted so bad, comes with a cost, and takes an emotional price in return. I feel that this book presents a deeper message about how your destiny comes exactly the way it's supposed to, although it may take growth on your part, and the partner that fate has decreed for you, to fully realize the potential that is there. As usual, Ms. Kleypas nails the Victorian period with the beauty of an Impressionist painting, not heavy, bold strokes, but with a light, careful, bright, and dreamy touch, that is all the more captivating to me as a reader. The end of this book marks the beginning of the next arc of this story. I am full of some reservations, and fears that my gentle heart is going to face some anguish ahead. I have questions and theories that have been brought to life by the conclusion of this story, if you can call it that. I suppose I will have to remember the adage to all readers of series: Keep Reading. I trust that I will be in for another delightful reading experience if I am able to do exactly that.(less)

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Dec 29, 2012 Yodamom rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, crack-a-smile, drama-rama, extra-cheesy-with-a-cherry-on-top, historical-fiction, romance, tissue-box-special, yummy-men

Audiobook
What happens when Lisa Kleypas takes an unloved prickly man and introduces him to a sweet, strong willed woman ? You get fire, flames and wicked fun banter between them. She drags these characters through some really sticky situations, dastardly behavior and still I loved them. What a fabulous author she is, twisting the knife in and then pulling it out with a flash of lusty brilliance.
Harry is our prickly unloved man. he is the owner of a very posh hotel in London. He is a recluse, rar...more

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Aug 23, 2011 Sophie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, romantic

Mrs Kleypas discovered a fool proof formula and now uses it in every book:
He is tall, dark, strong, and brooding with a difficult childhood, aversion to marriage and tons of sexual experience. She is beautiful, delicate, sensitive and different than other women and of course she never has any sexual experience whatsoever. The two usually have some animosity between them and their pairing always seems unlikely. Half of the story is spent on the two getting together and then, when they finally do,...more

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Mar 05, 2012 Carla *Jen7waters* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, read-in-2012, steamy, you-are-mine-mine-mine, favorite-authors, virgin-heroine

This third installment in the Hathaway series is slightly different from the other two books, because for the heroine, Poppy, it’s not love at first, second, or third sight. In the beginning of the story she’s quite smitten with a man that is not the hero, but the bastard can’t commit with her because his father does not approve the match, and soon she finds herself in the arms of the mysterious Harry Rutledge, who wants her as he never wanted anything else in life.

At first Harry can seem the vi...more

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Jul 12, 2010 Yaseena rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance

***Amendment to original review***

I just recently re-read this one and liked it so much better than I did the first time around! It still isn't one of my favourite in the Hathaway series but it's definitely a 4 star read if not 4.5. I loved Harry so much better this time around. His cold, calculating and manipulative nature could have been off putting - as indeed it sort of was for me the first time around - but when I re-read it I found him so much more intriguing and charming. I also loved Pop...more ***Amendment to original review***

I just recently re-read this one and liked it so much better than I did the first time around! It still isn't one of my favourite in the Hathaway series but it's definitely a 4 star read if not 4.5. I loved Harry so much better this time around. His cold, calculating and manipulative nature could have been off putting - as indeed it sort of was for me the first time around - but when I re-read it I found him so much more intriguing and charming. I also loved Poppy so much more although I still love Win and Beatrix best!

All in all another great read from Kleypas...maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this story when I first read it a few years back.

**original review below**

I would rate this a 3.5 stars because honestly at this point I can't fully remember this story. I rushed out to get it the moment it arrived on bookshelves last year, and proceeded to delve into another Hathaway book. I've come to adore this series by Kleypas as much if not more than some of her others. But for whatever reason Poppy and Harry's story doesn't stand out in my mind as one of her best or one her most enjoyable. I remember liking the interactions between the h/h. Harry's often cold, highly calculated and high-handed manor was at times off putting but given his background you tend to nod and go along with it. Poppy - I always liked from previous books, but she was admitedly not one of my favourites. She was one of the only Hathaway's who had a real burning desire to fit into society and I think given the nature of this odd-ball family I was slightly annoyed by her persistance. She wanted so badly to be seen as "normal" in the eyes of the ton. I think maybe because her character had been a little less explored in previous Hathaway books and because her personality, unlike those of her brother and three sisters was slightly more bland I wasn't entirely predisposed to like Poppy. But - and this is a big but - I still enjoed the progression of the story, the build-up of tension - how could you not have tension when the hero is desperate for the heroine from the first moment he sees her, in fact he goes to great and somewhat underhanded lenghts to make her his wife, on the flip side you have the heroine who declares that she will be Harry's wife, but she will never love him! TENSION TENSION.

A good read, worth the money and a keeper. A book I plan to revisit in the near future. Maybe the second time around with a little more attention (which i didn't have the 1st time around reading it in the space of 2 days between big assignments)I will come to reevalute my original perception and maybe come to really love this book as much as I do the other 4 in the series!(less)

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Jul 13, 2010 Jasmine rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-romance, lisa-kleypas

This book actually left me with mixed feelings, yet I can't bring myself to give anything less than 5 stars to a Lisa Kleypas book. When compared with any other romance novel, Tempt Me at Twilight definitely stands out as a worthwhile read, providing all that a romance reader needs; strong characters, a hunky hero, lovely heroine, sensible dialogues, entertainment, affection, passion, tension... still something felt missing that I can't exactly put my finger on. Maybe it's because I had a hard t...more

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May 30, 2010 Ridley rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 3-star, victorian, read-2010, ebook

This book was a serious see-saw of a story. It swings wildly from two-star eye rolling moments to five-star bits of brilliant dialog.

The premise itself is solid Kleypas fare.

Poppy Hathaway is in love, and is loved back, but the object of her affection is the heir to a very old and very blue-blooded viscountcy. He's written her a flowery love letter declaring his love for her, but stressing that they must be discreet while he works to bring his father around to the idea of their marrying. Unfor...more This book was a serious see-saw of a story. It swings wildly from two-star eye rolling moments to five-star bits of brilliant dialog.

The premise itself is solid Kleypas fare.

Poppy Hathaway is in love, and is loved back, but the object of her affection is the heir to a very old and very blue-blooded viscountcy. He's written her a flowery love letter declaring his love for her, but stressing that they must be discreet while he works to bring his father around to the idea of their marrying. Unfortunately, Poppy's sister's ferret has made off with this secret letter, and is running around the halls of the Rutledge hotel with it.

Harry Rutledge collides with Poppy as she chases the ferret down a passageway hidden behind a fireplace (Wealthy - check. Eccentric - check.) After a short acquaintance with her, showing her around his curiosities room where he keeps the automatons he makes along with gifts from around the world (Sophisticated and worldly - check. Intelligence in spades - check.), he decides he simply must have her. He then secretly pockets her love letter, schemes to force this suitor out of the picture, and manages to force her into marriage with him (Questionable morals - check. We've got a Byronic hero here, folks, lest the hamfisted imagery escape you.)

Much of the book, then, deals with Harry and Poppy as a married couple. She discovers his scheming before they marry, so she spends this time trying to reconcile her feelings for the man she likes but resents for betraying her. While she maintains her feelings towards the outmaneuvered suitor, she also acknowledges that he chose not to anger his father by eloping with her, and that Harry did put up the bigger fight. Still, she's not terribly turned on by having been fought over like meat then had her future all but decided for her.

Harry initially tries to win her over by lavishing money and gifts on her. Because of his traumatic upbringing, he is a stranger to love and so treats Poppy like a precious collectible and doesn't understand why it doesn't thaw her out. They bicker, they argue and you can cut the sexual tension with a knife.

The novel's problem is that it relies on a lot of shortcuts, like the Byronic hero template I mention above. We get pretty much all of Harry's tortured past divulged to us in two instances of dialog info dump, one when Cam confronts him over how he trapped Poppy in marriage and then much later when Miss Marks tells her supa sekrit tale of woe. The hotel staff offers marriage counseling with a smile and a wink. They were so underdeveloped that they congealed into a single character, one so cheerful that I expected them to break out in a Disney-esque song and dance number at some point. The secondary characters are fairly one-dimensional and exist only to move the plot or vomit bits of back story.

A kidnapping plot late in the book, where Harry is held against his will and Poppy ostensibly saves him, is downright baffling. I still can't figure out what that was all about. It wasn't to force one or both of them to acknowledge their feelings for each other, as they had just exchanged poignant "I love you" declarations beforehand. It just seemed to delay the end of the book.

All of the shortcuts, convenient plot massaging and relentless series baiting adds up to detract from what should have been the main event. Kleypas seemed to be writing Poppy's story out of duty, when she really wanted to be writing Leo and Miss Marks' story. Harry goes from regarding Poppy as an object to falling desperately in love with her, but we're never really shown why. Additionally, we're told about Harry, who he his and how he got to be that way, but I never felt that I got to see him acting out these traits the other characters assigned him. He's just a cardboard cutout with "brooding Byronic dude" scrawled in sharpie across the front of it.

I did enjoy reading the story Kleypas laid out for me, but I never really got to connect with and feel I knew the characters. There were brilliant bits of conversation or action here and there, but they were bogged down in an awful lot of telling and convenience. Sadly, this is not one of my favorites of hers.

Also, that epilogue was freaking retarded. Dumb ass cliffhangers like that are for soaps and kids' cartoons. Did not like.(less)

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Oct 20, 2009 Michelle rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-historical, read-own, favorites, read-in-2009, ebooks

I just LOVED this book! Poppy and Harry were such an interesting couple, so different yet perfect for one another. Poppy is beautiful, intelligent, and talkative. She’s the kind of girl who needs to be surrounded by loved ones and be shown affection. Most men are a little intimidated with her straight forwardness approach on life. Harry Rutledge, rich hotelier, gives off the impression that he’s an intimidating, unlikable man when it reality he’s a man that just needs to be loved. He will never...more

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Jul 16, 2010 Adwina Ralston Cumberbatch rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: lisa-kleypas, historical-romance, demure-but-strong-heroines, tortured-heroes

bnernya ini bisa aja gw kasih 5 stars
tapi adegan Harry diculik itu menggelikan dan sangat ga penting
kalo tuh adegan ga ada, bakal gw kasih 5 kali
apalagi gw suka hero & heroinenya
Harry ksian bgt, masa kcilnya kesepian gtuh
untung bgt deh dy nemuin cewe kayak Poppy

suka bgt ama pertemuan pertamanya Harry ama Poppy.
gw sih ngebayangin si Harry tinggi, gede, rambut item
bertampang murung dan pastinya GUANTENG
kalo Poppy? pendek, mungil, dan cantik kayak boneka..
hihi
ini seri Hathaway yang terdamai dan...more

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Aug 17, 2010 Astri Nasthasia Videlia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

KEREN

Asli... cerita Hathaways kali ini bener2 keren menurut gw... Bintang 5 gw kasiih...

Kagum sama Poppy.nya... terpesona sama Harry.nya... ternyata Tante LK bisa bngtz paduin pasangan ini dengan sempurna...

gax ada kata 'membenci' Harry karna dy berbuat 'licik' dalam cara mendapatkan Poppy... gax tw kenapa... tp mang dr awal cerita, gw udah suka sama Harry ini... apa lagi pas baca cerita dy kenapa dy kyk gt... Makiin demen gw...

pas Poppy sakit gara2 jatoh... Harry.nya Sweet bngtz.... *meleleh......more

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Jan 01, 2011 ~♡♥♥♕♏46613♕♥♥♡~ rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: e-book, historical, sex-after-marriage, own

Harry bukanlah tipe laki2 baik yg gentleman, tp seorang laki2 yg menghalalkan segala cara demi mendapatkan sesuatu dan itu termasuk Poppy.

Dibentuk dari kecil yg kehilangan kasih sayang orangtuanya menjadikan Harry sinis dan tidak mempercayai cinta.

“I will never forget that you took away the man I loved and put yourself in his place. I’m not certain I can ever forgive you for that. The only thing I am absolutely certain of is that I will never love you. Do you still want to marry me?”

“Yes,” Harry...more

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Nov 11, 2012 Selly - Romanticamente Fantasy added it · review of another edition

Avevo questo libro sul comodino da qualche giorno ma ho aspettato il mio primo giorno libero per cominciarlo perché quando inizio un libro di Lisa Kleypas non mi riesce proprio di staccarmene finché arrivo alla fine. Siamo arrivati al terzo libro di questa serie con protagonista la famiglia Hathaway e questa volta la sorella protagonista è Poppy, la più razionale degli Hathaway, ragazza molto affascinante ma con il difetto (che per me è assolutamente un pregio!) di essere colta, intelligente e a...more

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Nov 17, 2011 Aine rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

Description from back of book :

He was everything she'd sworn to avoid. Poppy Hathaway loves her unconventional family, though she longs for normalcy. Then fate leads her to a meeting with Harry Rutledge, an enigmatic hotel owner and inventor with wealth, power, and a dangerous hidden life, When their flirtation compromises her own reputation, Poppy shocks everyone by accepting his proposal - only to find that her new husband offers his passion, but not his trust.

And she was everything he needed

...more

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May 15, 2013 Kay Bolton rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Historical Romance Fans

Review taken from my Blog back in November 2010:

Book No. 3 in the Hathaway series proved to be entertaining and a happy read.

The story of Harry Rutledge, owner of the hugely prosperous hotel of the same name, and Poppy Hathaway, Sister of Leo Hathaway, Lord Ramsey. Harry is also the half-brother of Catherine Marks (who eventually marries Leo - see review #40).

The book starts with Poppy chasing the pet ferret through the hotel on her own and happening upon the rarely seen Harry Rutledge. The lett...more

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May 06, 2013 Booklover, Indianapolis rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2013, u-k-historicals-1700s-1800s

(May) Another good Hathaway book - that's 2 for 3, which bodes well for the last two, I hope! I'm finding these books extremely readable - I find myself flying through them. There are some that are critical of Harry, but honestly, I think he was a pretty straight forward guy. He saw Poppy and wanted her - he didn't plan to ruin her or use her and throw her away or offer her a position of his mistress. He wanted her as his wife - and while his way of breaking up Poppy's relationship with Michael...more

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title link	preview: Tempt Me at Twilight
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Tempt Me at Twilight (The Hathaways #3)

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