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Blue Ridge Romance #1
When Least Expected
Whispering breezes, clear mountain lakes—and her ex.
Alexis Montgomery thought her marriage was fine. Sure, they were going through hard times, struggling to get pregnant—but she and Ian had chemistry, friendship, and love. Or so she thought, until she found the separation agreement waiting for her on the countertop.
Ian Montgomery feels like life is spinning out of his control. He’s got a new girlfriend, even if he can’t remember why he’s supposed to want one. His family clearly likes his ex-wife more than they like him. And then he inherits the romantic family cabin in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, where he and Alexis honeymooned. Or rather, they both inherit it. Together.
A weekend alone with fresh air and fresh wounds seems like the worst thing that could happen to an ex-couple trying to keep it civil. But life is full of surprises—and Ian and Alexis are in for a big one…
Alexis Montgomery thought her marriage was fine. Sure, they were going through hard times, struggling to get pregnant—but she and Ian had chemistry, friendship, and love. Or so she thought, until she found the separation agreement waiting for her on the countertop.
Ian Montgomery feels like life is spinning out of his control. He’s got a new girlfriend, even if he can’t remember why he’s supposed to want one. His family clearly likes his ex-wife more than they like him. And then he inherits the romantic family cabin in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains, where he and Alexis honeymooned. Or rather, they both inherit it. Together.
A weekend alone with fresh air and fresh wounds seems like the worst thing that could happen to an ex-couple trying to keep it civil. But life is full of surprises—and Ian and Alexis are in for a big one…
- GenresContemporary Romance
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2015
18 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 3, 2023
10/3//2023
I read this again because I forgot I read it. No wonder it sounded familiar. Lol
They were both idiots but he started sleeping with someone else right away. She tried to move on but couldn't. Then she found out she was pregnant from their weekend when they went to look at the cottage they inherited. I hate stories like this but I read it and cried my eyes out. I don't think I could have forgave him. But it had an HEA and a miracle pregnancy.
2/22/21
He moved on FAST
And she didn't. Just hated this book. He was a lousy hero and slept with a young girl and dated her for six months. He asked for the divorce because he felt too much pressure to have a baby and it wasn't working. It was just not for me. Personal opinion only and I just wrote this review so I never read It again. I hate divorced couples. Especially one like this So sick of double standards by authors. She did try to move on but she was pregnant by the loser Ex. She never slept with him. She should have though. What a terrible read for me. Most people will like it in am sure. They do get back together. Lucky her! NOT!
I read this again because I forgot I read it. No wonder it sounded familiar. Lol
They were both idiots but he started sleeping with someone else right away. She tried to move on but couldn't. Then she found out she was pregnant from their weekend when they went to look at the cottage they inherited. I hate stories like this but I read it and cried my eyes out. I don't think I could have forgave him. But it had an HEA and a miracle pregnancy.
2/22/21
He moved on FAST
And she didn't. Just hated this book. He was a lousy hero and slept with a young girl and dated her for six months. He asked for the divorce because he felt too much pressure to have a baby and it wasn't working. It was just not for me. Personal opinion only and I just wrote this review so I never read It again. I hate divorced couples. Especially one like this So sick of double standards by authors. She did try to move on but she was pregnant by the loser Ex. She never slept with him. She should have though. What a terrible read for me. Most people will like it in am sure. They do get back together. Lucky her! NOT!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2021
This was an interesting concept, but it fell short.
Too nice heroine, and a weak hero—a hero who walks away from his marriage because their inability to conceive makes her sad and life was getting too hard. It was simply easier to walk away than deal with real life. He finds a new girlfriend as soon as the divorce papers are signed and six months later reality sets in and he knows he made a mistake but isn’t strong enough to admit this to her.
I like that his family kept her, stood by her knowing what he did to her was wrong and weren’t afraid to tell him.
Happy little ending.
Writing peeve: written in the 3rd person, the transition from one POV to the other was like watching a bouncing ball, it could change from paragraph to paragraph. I normally prefer 3rd person, but this was at times rough to follow, book formatting didn’t help, there were no page or paragraph break between POVs.
Too nice heroine, and a weak hero—a hero who walks away from his marriage because their inability to conceive makes her sad and life was getting too hard. It was simply easier to walk away than deal with real life. He finds a new girlfriend as soon as the divorce papers are signed and six months later reality sets in and he knows he made a mistake but isn’t strong enough to admit this to her.
I like that his family kept her, stood by her knowing what he did to her was wrong and weren’t afraid to tell him.
Happy little ending.
Writing peeve: written in the 3rd person, the transition from one POV to the other was like watching a bouncing ball, it could change from paragraph to paragraph. I normally prefer 3rd person, but this was at times rough to follow, book formatting didn’t help, there were no page or paragraph break between POVs.
January 24, 2016
The writer has a really good style. It's the story that I didn't like. I would have liked it a lot better if Lexi had a relationship with Jeremy for a while and no magic baby with Ian. Ian acted like a real cowardly jerk but he doesn't' have to work at all to get Lexi back.
I liked Lexi. I thought she deserved so much better than Ian.
I liked Lexi. I thought she deserved so much better than Ian.
September 29, 2015
This was a quick read and a little too predictable for my tastes. Ian wasn't really to my liking though it was nice to see him go see a therapist for his issues, the whole I don't like to be alone thing frustrated me a bit. Lex came across as a bit of a doormat to Ian. I get the whole love thing but at what point do you say enough AND then stick to it.
The ending felt a bit rushed, would have liked Ian to work for it a bit more or for Lex to get angry or something?? It just felt like it was missing something.
I didn't mind the author's writing style, found it very easy to read but I don't think I'll continue with this series.
The ending felt a bit rushed, would have liked Ian to work for it a bit more or for Lex to get angry or something?? It just felt like it was missing something.
I didn't mind the author's writing style, found it very easy to read but I don't think I'll continue with this series.
September 9, 2015
Alexis came home one day to see divorce papers on her counter. They took her completely by surprise and so did her now ex-husband, Ian, replacing her after only a week with someone 8 years younger than him, but for some reason she still loves him. Ian's whole family thinks he's an idiot and still loves Alexis. When Ian's uncle passes away, they are surprised to learn that he left his cabin to them both in his will. The catch is that they have to spend the weekend there together.
I was fully prepared to hate this book... I thought Ian was such an incredible jerk. It drove me crazy that he played the "poor me" card when he moved on so fast with a new girl. I was also so mad that Alexis never stood up for herself. I really wanted her to scream at him! As the story went on, I started to warm up to both characters and really appreciate both of their personalities. The ending was so sweet. I would have liked to see Ian do something more to win her back though.
I was fully prepared to hate this book... I thought Ian was such an incredible jerk. It drove me crazy that he played the "poor me" card when he moved on so fast with a new girl. I was also so mad that Alexis never stood up for herself. I really wanted her to scream at him! As the story went on, I started to warm up to both characters and really appreciate both of their personalities. The ending was so sweet. I would have liked to see Ian do something more to win her back though.
July 19, 2015
This was a short quick romantic read. I loved that this couple was married then divorced just to find one another again and give it a try.
They tried so hard to have a baby then Ian leaves because he feels he makes Lexi unhappy. They way he handled things was just horrible. Lexi on the other hand never said a bad thing about him and stuck up for him.
I honestly felt bad for her and wished her to be happy. Then finally realizes she is going to move on and try to be happy she find out she is pregnant with her ex husbands baby. Poor girl.
In the end I am glad everything worked out. I wish this story had a little more to it and was longer. I wanted to see how things happens over time instead of the author just a checking things off like a list.
The ending was sweet and I am glad they got their happily ever after. Lexi definitely deserved it.
They tried so hard to have a baby then Ian leaves because he feels he makes Lexi unhappy. They way he handled things was just horrible. Lexi on the other hand never said a bad thing about him and stuck up for him.
I honestly felt bad for her and wished her to be happy. Then finally realizes she is going to move on and try to be happy she find out she is pregnant with her ex husbands baby. Poor girl.
In the end I am glad everything worked out. I wish this story had a little more to it and was longer. I wanted to see how things happens over time instead of the author just a checking things off like a list.
The ending was sweet and I am glad they got their happily ever after. Lexi definitely deserved it.
August 4, 2023
Another reread, this story is done well because the mc has to grovel for the entire book.
September 8, 2015
Love hurts is right. But it doesn’t mean you bail when times get tough, or you can’t get your wife pregnant and she’s depressed already. Yet that is exactly what Ian Montgomery does. Not because he didn’t love her he said but because he did. He couldn’t stand to disappoint her anymore and seeing it daily. Especially, each time she took a pregnancy test.
Alexis on the other hand had started to figure out she had gone to baby crazy mode in their excitement to have a child since Ian said he didn’t want to adopt. Then they had to take it clinical which took the fun out of it, she was getting ready to tell Ian when he snuck out while she was at work. He worked from home.
Then he kept promising they would go to counseling when he knew all along this was not a trial separation at all. He one day called with a heads up to say his lawyer would be serving her with divorce papers. The divorce went quick because he gave her everything because he couldn’t stand to take anything else away from her, like he did a family.
Little did he know that just about the whole Montgomery family was behind Alexis and not him. His sisters weren’t afraid to tell him so either. His favorite Uncle still had her over for dinner where she cooked for him every Thursday.
His eldest sister and Alexis were best friends his goose was cooked.
So, it killed him when he had to make the call to tell Lex that the favorite Uncle Jimmy had passed away that morning. He realized that he couldn’t go to her and tell her because if he held her he wouldn’t be able to let her go. He hoped she would meet someone who one day could give her that family she so wanted. It would kill him but he loved her enough to want it for her. It would be a slow death.
Uncle Jimmy left Alexis and Ian his cabin. It was written in his will that the two of them had to visit it one time before they decided what to do with it. This was the cabin he asked Lex to marry him, the cabin they honeymooned in, and their vacation place. All I can say is what happens at the cabin that long weekend did not stay at the cabin. Which is a shock to them since she was told no babies. Ian couldn’t take it seeing her disappointment every day and now he failed her. So instead of working it out he walked out. Three and a half years have passed as has Jimmy. From the grave he was bestowing his wisdom and gift to them. He had nagged Ian all the time after the divorce to fix it. When soon after leaving Ian got a crazy girlfriend who was way younger than himself that he brought to visit Jimmy he told him never bring her back again. Staying away from his favorite uncle was not an option. Out of shame Jimmy would only show up at Ian’s place to guilt him there for his actions.
See how this couple deals with the after effects of Ian’s selfish decision and how Uncle Jimmy works his magic from the grave. Can there be real solution or will Ian feel his family sold him out?
This was such a good story of a couple who were madly in love but allowed a process to show that love overpowered them. They lost communication and passion but never their love at the end. What a great storyline. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Alexis on the other hand had started to figure out she had gone to baby crazy mode in their excitement to have a child since Ian said he didn’t want to adopt. Then they had to take it clinical which took the fun out of it, she was getting ready to tell Ian when he snuck out while she was at work. He worked from home.
Then he kept promising they would go to counseling when he knew all along this was not a trial separation at all. He one day called with a heads up to say his lawyer would be serving her with divorce papers. The divorce went quick because he gave her everything because he couldn’t stand to take anything else away from her, like he did a family.
Little did he know that just about the whole Montgomery family was behind Alexis and not him. His sisters weren’t afraid to tell him so either. His favorite Uncle still had her over for dinner where she cooked for him every Thursday.
His eldest sister and Alexis were best friends his goose was cooked.
So, it killed him when he had to make the call to tell Lex that the favorite Uncle Jimmy had passed away that morning. He realized that he couldn’t go to her and tell her because if he held her he wouldn’t be able to let her go. He hoped she would meet someone who one day could give her that family she so wanted. It would kill him but he loved her enough to want it for her. It would be a slow death.
Uncle Jimmy left Alexis and Ian his cabin. It was written in his will that the two of them had to visit it one time before they decided what to do with it. This was the cabin he asked Lex to marry him, the cabin they honeymooned in, and their vacation place. All I can say is what happens at the cabin that long weekend did not stay at the cabin. Which is a shock to them since she was told no babies. Ian couldn’t take it seeing her disappointment every day and now he failed her. So instead of working it out he walked out. Three and a half years have passed as has Jimmy. From the grave he was bestowing his wisdom and gift to them. He had nagged Ian all the time after the divorce to fix it. When soon after leaving Ian got a crazy girlfriend who was way younger than himself that he brought to visit Jimmy he told him never bring her back again. Staying away from his favorite uncle was not an option. Out of shame Jimmy would only show up at Ian’s place to guilt him there for his actions.
See how this couple deals with the after effects of Ian’s selfish decision and how Uncle Jimmy works his magic from the grave. Can there be real solution or will Ian feel his family sold him out?
This was such a good story of a couple who were madly in love but allowed a process to show that love overpowered them. They lost communication and passion but never their love at the end. What a great storyline. I give this 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
July 15, 2015
When Least Expected, is a moving and touching book from new to me author Allison B. Hanson. It is the story about two people who fall madly in love, get married and for a short time live happily ever after. This is a fast-paced read that nudged every one of my senses. I laughed, sobbed a little and cheered throughout this refreshing read.
Alexis Montgomery is a high school guidance counselor and her husband Ian is a webmaster and programmer. As far as Lex is concerned, their marriage is solid. However, when they made the decision to have a baby, their relationship began to unravel because they could not get pregnant. As a result, Ian filed for divorce and Lex followed through with the signed documentation, even though neither of them found the closure they desperately seeked.
Due to Ian's uncle's death, Lex and Ian are brought together again at the funeral and subsequent reading of the will. Per the uncle's wishes, they spend a weekend together at the family cabin. One thing leads to another and a dreaded couple of days turns into a romantic getaway for two. The consequences of their actions is what ultimately causes them to rekindle their relationship. Sometimes uncles know best!
This is the first book from Ms. Hanson's Blue Ridge Romance series and I am truly looking forward to the next installment. Lex and Ian are real people, with histories and experiences that are easy to identify with and understand. Their relationship both in and out of the bedroom is hot and genuine, which allows the reader to easily feel their connection to each other as individuals and as a couple. At times the author's writing style seems a little formal, which I found complimented the present happenings. Overall, a solid read.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
Alexis Montgomery is a high school guidance counselor and her husband Ian is a webmaster and programmer. As far as Lex is concerned, their marriage is solid. However, when they made the decision to have a baby, their relationship began to unravel because they could not get pregnant. As a result, Ian filed for divorce and Lex followed through with the signed documentation, even though neither of them found the closure they desperately seeked.
Due to Ian's uncle's death, Lex and Ian are brought together again at the funeral and subsequent reading of the will. Per the uncle's wishes, they spend a weekend together at the family cabin. One thing leads to another and a dreaded couple of days turns into a romantic getaway for two. The consequences of their actions is what ultimately causes them to rekindle their relationship. Sometimes uncles know best!
This is the first book from Ms. Hanson's Blue Ridge Romance series and I am truly looking forward to the next installment. Lex and Ian are real people, with histories and experiences that are easy to identify with and understand. Their relationship both in and out of the bedroom is hot and genuine, which allows the reader to easily feel their connection to each other as individuals and as a couple. At times the author's writing style seems a little formal, which I found complimented the present happenings. Overall, a solid read.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
March 4, 2016
I received a complimentary book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a difficult book to read. I knew it would be tough because of the subject matter. Books about divorce, especially when the ex-husband immediately finds a girlfriend, are always difficult to read. However, I do enjoy them if the wife gets angry and fights back, and the husband shows respect her. I also feel that, in the end, the man should grovel, or at least apologize, for hurting her. Unfortunately, none of this happens in this book.
In the beginning, Alexis (Lexi) feels her marriage is a good one. She knows they are having trouble getting pregnant, but they agree to go to a marriage counselor to work together on their feelings.
Unfortunately, Ian, her husband decides to leave her anyway. And worse yet, he does it by leaving the separation agreement on her counter WHILE she is at work. Then, as soon as they are divorced, he finds a girlfriend. Never once does he talk to Lexi to explain his feelings or his reasons.
Then, Ian’s uncle dies and he leaves them his cabin. However, they must spend a weekend together. When they leave, Lexi sends Ian a message which he ignores.
Of course, there is a happy ending, but not for me. I do not like Ian. He does the unthinkable; he leaves the divorce papers on Lexi’s counter when she is not home. He never once meets her face-to-face. And then he returns with no apology.
On the other hand, Lexi never speaks her mind either. Instead of being mad at Ian, she blames herself. Although I am sure this is realistic for many people in real life, I don’t want real life in a fiction book. I want her to act the way we all want to act in this same situation.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. One good thing however – this is a short book so I didn’t have to handle my frustration for too long.
This was a difficult book to read. I knew it would be tough because of the subject matter. Books about divorce, especially when the ex-husband immediately finds a girlfriend, are always difficult to read. However, I do enjoy them if the wife gets angry and fights back, and the husband shows respect her. I also feel that, in the end, the man should grovel, or at least apologize, for hurting her. Unfortunately, none of this happens in this book.
In the beginning, Alexis (Lexi) feels her marriage is a good one. She knows they are having trouble getting pregnant, but they agree to go to a marriage counselor to work together on their feelings.
Unfortunately, Ian, her husband decides to leave her anyway. And worse yet, he does it by leaving the separation agreement on her counter WHILE she is at work. Then, as soon as they are divorced, he finds a girlfriend. Never once does he talk to Lexi to explain his feelings or his reasons.
Then, Ian’s uncle dies and he leaves them his cabin. However, they must spend a weekend together. When they leave, Lexi sends Ian a message which he ignores.
Of course, there is a happy ending, but not for me. I do not like Ian. He does the unthinkable; he leaves the divorce papers on Lexi’s counter when she is not home. He never once meets her face-to-face. And then he returns with no apology.
On the other hand, Lexi never speaks her mind either. Instead of being mad at Ian, she blames herself. Although I am sure this is realistic for many people in real life, I don’t want real life in a fiction book. I want her to act the way we all want to act in this same situation.
Needless to say, I was disappointed. One good thing however – this is a short book so I didn’t have to handle my frustration for too long.
August 28, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
I admit it. I didn't like Ian Montgomery. He walked away from his marriage and while his reasoning may seem selfless, it was actually selfish. The man didn't like disappointing his wife Alexis because they couldn't get pregnant after so many tries but that is a poor excuse for ending a relationship. He was a coward and couldn't face up to his feeling of being a failure and walked away from the only woman he's ever loved. The fact that he easily replaced her with a girl (yes, I'm using the word "girl") eight years his junior simply because he didn't like being alone was a very jackass thing for him to do. My opinion of him remained and when it did veer into positive territory, it only did by a a little bit and very close to the end.
I felt bad for Alexis, especially since it was obvious that it was far more difficult for her to move on. I know how Ian's family felt when he and Alexis divorced and how they still continued to consider her part of their family. After all, when someone has been around for that long and has become a true member of the family, it's difficult to let go of them simply because the one who brought them into the family has decided to end things. I really liked Jeremy--whose last name I don't recall being mentioned--and I hope that he gets his own happily-ever-after later in the series because that good of a guy deserves it. Aside from me not liking Ian, I enjoyed When Least Expected and look forward to reading the second book. Four stars! ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Kensington Books in exchange for an honest review.
I admit it. I didn't like Ian Montgomery. He walked away from his marriage and while his reasoning may seem selfless, it was actually selfish. The man didn't like disappointing his wife Alexis because they couldn't get pregnant after so many tries but that is a poor excuse for ending a relationship. He was a coward and couldn't face up to his feeling of being a failure and walked away from the only woman he's ever loved. The fact that he easily replaced her with a girl (yes, I'm using the word "girl") eight years his junior simply because he didn't like being alone was a very jackass thing for him to do. My opinion of him remained and when it did veer into positive territory, it only did by a a little bit and very close to the end.
I felt bad for Alexis, especially since it was obvious that it was far more difficult for her to move on. I know how Ian's family felt when he and Alexis divorced and how they still continued to consider her part of their family. After all, when someone has been around for that long and has become a true member of the family, it's difficult to let go of them simply because the one who brought them into the family has decided to end things. I really liked Jeremy--whose last name I don't recall being mentioned--and I hope that he gets his own happily-ever-after later in the series because that good of a guy deserves it. Aside from me not liking Ian, I enjoyed When Least Expected and look forward to reading the second book. Four stars! ♥
August 31, 2015
Alexis and Ian Montgomery are a happily married couple, with a very solid relationship intact, who decide the next step in their lives is to start a family. Only when that dream is not realized and it becomes a major struggle for them to get pregnant their marriage starts to suffer. Things between them start to unravel and they start to grow apart. Overwhelmed by the stress Ian decides there is really nothing left for him in the marriage and files for divorce. Alexis is feeling defeated and hurt by Ian's decision, but decides to go ahead and sign the divorce papers anyway.
After the loss of Ian's uncle the couple are brought together again by his funeral. During the reading of his will, the couple find out that it his wishes that they spend one weekend together in the family's cabin. Not wanting to upset the family they follow through with his wishes and make arrangements to spend a weekend together. Not realizing that one little wish could completely change the course of their lives...
This was my first experience with this author's work, and I have to say that I enjoyed it very much. I plan to make return visits to the series and see what she has in store for this family. It was a very moving and enjoyable story, that left my heart happy!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
After the loss of Ian's uncle the couple are brought together again by his funeral. During the reading of his will, the couple find out that it his wishes that they spend one weekend together in the family's cabin. Not wanting to upset the family they follow through with his wishes and make arrangements to spend a weekend together. Not realizing that one little wish could completely change the course of their lives...
This was my first experience with this author's work, and I have to say that I enjoyed it very much. I plan to make return visits to the series and see what she has in store for this family. It was a very moving and enjoyable story, that left my heart happy!
ARC requested through NetGalley, and kindly provided by Kensington Books in exchange for a honest review.
August 9, 2015
Alexis "Lexi" Montgomery thought she was happily married to Ian Montgomery; sure trying to have a baby was causing a bit of strain but overall, she thought things were solid. Then one day she comes home and finds divorce papers on the table. They proceed to get divorced and Lexi never really gets any closure.
When Ian's uncle dies and leaves a couple of provisions in his will designed to try and bring the couple back together; they try to go along with it and the trip turns into a romantic get-away. When they return, Ian converts back to being a jerk. Lexi finally begins to move on, only to learn she's finally getting the one thing she wanted more than anything.
The story has a happy ending for Lexi and Ian; however, the ending just was not good, Ian really hurts Lexi and he does nothing to be the one to win her back. The ending basically read like the author was tired at the end and decided okay I'm done, they live happily ever after. Up until before the end the story was good and the author's writing style was very engaging and emotive, that is why I'm hoping the next book in the series will be better.
Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book
When Ian's uncle dies and leaves a couple of provisions in his will designed to try and bring the couple back together; they try to go along with it and the trip turns into a romantic get-away. When they return, Ian converts back to being a jerk. Lexi finally begins to move on, only to learn she's finally getting the one thing she wanted more than anything.
The story has a happy ending for Lexi and Ian; however, the ending just was not good, Ian really hurts Lexi and he does nothing to be the one to win her back. The ending basically read like the author was tired at the end and decided okay I'm done, they live happily ever after. Up until before the end the story was good and the author's writing style was very engaging and emotive, that is why I'm hoping the next book in the series will be better.
Rating 3 out of 5
Read@Book
August 29, 2015
Lex and Ian were going to be together for the rest of their lives. So in love, neither expected anything could get in the way of their happiness. But life has a way of sneaking up on a person. The good and the bad. Will they find the way back to one another? When Least Expected by Allison B. Hanson is about facing regret, learning how to forgive and admitting as well as coming to terms with past mistakes. Neither character is completely blameless and each needs to realize the part their actions played. I received When Least Expected in exchange for an honest review. Am always a fan of a story with a little matchmaking. The twist of it being from beyond was a hoot. Thanks NetGalley and Kensington for bringing a wonderful new author to my attention.
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