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Never Date #2
Never Date a Player
My cheating ex has me swearing off men. Until Lewis comes along, stealing my breath and my good sense.
I've never been one to lust after guys. But Lewis is six and a half feet of rugged man, and he's... eye-catching. Sexy. And silently brooding in all the best ways.
The more time I spend with him, the naughtier my thoughts are of us together, and he's not helping put a stop to it. It's infuriating. I'm fantasizing, and lusting, and I can't remember why I wanted to stay away.
But Lewis carries his own relationship baggage. Baggage that could break me in ways no ex-boyfriend ever did.
Despite all the reasons I shouldn't get involved, Lewis might be the one man I can't resist.
I've never been one to lust after guys. But Lewis is six and a half feet of rugged man, and he's... eye-catching. Sexy. And silently brooding in all the best ways.
The more time I spend with him, the naughtier my thoughts are of us together, and he's not helping put a stop to it. It's infuriating. I'm fantasizing, and lusting, and I can't remember why I wanted to stay away.
But Lewis carries his own relationship baggage. Baggage that could break me in ways no ex-boyfriend ever did.
Despite all the reasons I shouldn't get involved, Lewis might be the one man I can't resist.
Kindle Edition
First published May 31, 2014
298 people are currently reading
1903 people want to read
About the author
Jules Barnard
27 books1,211 followersJules Barnard is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic comedy and romantic fantasy. Her rom-com series include the All’s Fair, Never Date, and Cade Brothers series. She also writes romantic fantasy under J. Barnard in the Halven Rising series Library Journal calls ''...an exciting new fantasy adventure.'' Whether she’s writing about sexy men in Lake Tahoe or a Fae world embedded in a college campus, Jules spins addictive stories filled with heart and humor.
When Jules isn’t in her sweatpants writing and rewarding herself with chocolate, she spends her time with her husband and two children in their small hometown in the Pacific Northwest. She credits herself with the ability to read while running on the treadmill or burning dinner.
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February 6, 2024Grab NEVER DATE A PLAYER Now!
March 24, 2021
Oh my lorddd 👀👀👀👀 steam level 🍆🍆🍆 / 🍆🍆🍆 holy shit. This was steamy, sweet, and the flirting, was chef's kiss. I don't blush but I swear I'm blushing right now. Lewis being flirty was super hot and just the attraction between Lewis and Gen was 🎶amazing🎵
This was actually amazing though. It was emotional and had such an important factor that I don't want to spoil. This book really was so good and I loved the women power!
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This was actually amazing though. It was emotional and had such an important factor that I don't want to spoil. This book really was so good and I loved the women power!
Find me on:
My Blog | My BookTube | My Book Club | Instagram | Twitter
July 26, 2021
I’m really glad how this story turns out. I also like how it runs with the first book. I love the old characters but I love how we get to meet the new ones. I love how the main girl pushes through her roadblocks and learns a lot. I would definitely recommend this story.
March 31, 2018
3.5 stars!
December 19, 2021
I don't think I will continue with this series
August 23, 2021
This was book 2 in the
"Never Date"
series. Gen has just come out of a relationship. She finds out that her ex already has a girlfriend waiting at home for him the whole time Gen was with him at college. No wonder she had never met his family. Now she has come to Lake Tahoe with her best friend Cali to work at a casino while they save for their next adventure , university. Cali is determined to get Gen back into the dating game and when they meet Jaeger and his friend Mason Cali encourages her to get back into dating life. But there is another guy Lewis who catches her eye. The trouble is Lewis appears to already have a girlfriend. When Cali gets fired for no reason Gen finds herself being stalked by one of the executives. Gen decides to enter a tough cross country event which puts her and Lewis in close contact while training. Lewis explains the girl is not his girlfriend but someone he has to help and protect. This was a pretty good book that I listened to on audio. I liked both of these characters and I also liked the secondary characters as well Cali was a great best friend. In this book we also got to meet Cali's brother Tyler when he comes back to stay. This was a good read that I love the narration. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 8, 2023
Never Date A Player by Jules Barnard is the second book in the Never Date Series.
Gen and Lewis’s relationship has been one that was hinted at in Never Date Your Brother’s Best Friend, which is Cali’s story (parallel timeline). However, each story can be read as standalone.
Gen has been seeing Lewis, and keeping it a secret from her best friend, for obvious reasons…Lewis already has a girlfriend. But it’s not as simple as being the other woman, as there’s a lot more to Lewis and Mira’s relationship.
There’s also some scenes which might be triggering to some readers.
Gen and Lewis’s relationship has been one that was hinted at in Never Date Your Brother’s Best Friend, which is Cali’s story (parallel timeline). However, each story can be read as standalone.
Gen has been seeing Lewis, and keeping it a secret from her best friend, for obvious reasons…Lewis already has a girlfriend. But it’s not as simple as being the other woman, as there’s a lot more to Lewis and Mira’s relationship.
There’s also some scenes which might be triggering to some readers.
May 13, 2022
I like Gen but Lewis was really flat. I feel like they barely had any scenes together. I really liked the way they interacted with each other in the scenes they did have together, I just don't feel like enough time was spent actually developing Lewis or their relationship. That coupled with the amount of overlap from the first book (since they run side by side) and an abrupt ending made it feel a lot like a filler novel.
March 4, 2023
It was nice to see Gen’s side of events, and see her struggles & how hard she worked to overcome them.
April 4, 2016
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
Blue Crush is the second book in Jules Barnard's Blue Series and can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book and I liked the characters a lot. I hadn't read the first book in the series before reading this one, but I can't wait to go back and read it. This book takes place at the same time that the first book does, but it is about Genevieve and Lewis while the first book is about Cali and Jaeger. I was drawn in instantly with this story, and didn't put it down until I had finished. This one was a quick and enjoyable read, and I look forward to the reading more in this series.
After finding out that her boyfriend betrayed her, Genevieve Tierney decides to spend the summer with her best friend Cali working at a casino to save money for grad school. She is determined to avoid men and relationships and quickly makes friends with another casino employee, Nessa. Nessa introduces her to her friends, and Gen is instantly drawn to Lewis. Lewis however had a complicated relationship with Mira, another friend of Nessa's. Gen decides to try to stay away from Lewis, but the connection between them is hard to fight. When Gen decides to sign up for the Alpine Mudder Competition, she ends up with Lewis to help her train. He was a finalist in the competition a year before and knows how to help her prepare. As they train together, they find it impossible to stay away from each other, and soon Lewis and Gen give in to their passion. Lewis might not be with Mira, but he does tend to put her before others and it becomes an issue for his relationships. Can Lewis find a way to make Gen his top priority and give their relationship a chance?
I really liked Lewis. He was strong and sexy, sweet and loyal. He was fiercely protective of Gen and Mira, and went out of his way to try to always look out for them. I thought that he let Mira get away with far too much, but it was nice to see him care so much about her as well as Gen. I think he definitely should have handled a few things differently, but he meant well and didn't always know what to do. Gen was strong and determined, but she was also insecure at times and had a tendency to run first and ask questions later. She jumped to conclusions at times, but she had been hurt and that was understandable. I did like that she was able to dedicate herself to doing something for her and that she took the competition seriously. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, and I admired her determination a lot. I also really loved that she refused to settle for less than she deserved. Regardless of her feelings for Lewis, she wouldn't allow him make someone else his priority over her and put their needs above her own. I thought that Lewis and Gen had amazing chemistry right off, and they were seriously hot together! But I also loved their playfulness and watching them fall for each other as they trained together and got to know each other.
I have to say, I had an intense dislike for Mira right from the start. I didn't understand why Lewis put up with some of her crap, regardless of what she had been through. I understand that she had it tough, but that doesn't excuse her to act like a bitch and take over his life the way she did. I am curious to see what is between her and Tyler (Cali's brother), but I am a bit skeptical on how I am going to get behind her story. Hopefully she can turn her life around and redeem herself, but frankly she has a lot to make up for. She took advantage of Lewis's friendship and did a lot of things she shouldn't have. I will say that the ending of this story was also pretty abrupt and I felt like even though things were happy for now with Lewis and Gen, that their story felt unfinished to me. We are left with a cliffhanger, and that will get me to read the next book alone despite the fact that it is Mira's story. I would recommend this book to NA fans, especially if you have read the first book in the series. I look forward to reading more from Jules Barnard in the future.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
Blue Crush is the second book in Jules Barnard's Blue Series and can be read as a standalone. I really enjoyed this book and I liked the characters a lot. I hadn't read the first book in the series before reading this one, but I can't wait to go back and read it. This book takes place at the same time that the first book does, but it is about Genevieve and Lewis while the first book is about Cali and Jaeger. I was drawn in instantly with this story, and didn't put it down until I had finished. This one was a quick and enjoyable read, and I look forward to the reading more in this series.
After finding out that her boyfriend betrayed her, Genevieve Tierney decides to spend the summer with her best friend Cali working at a casino to save money for grad school. She is determined to avoid men and relationships and quickly makes friends with another casino employee, Nessa. Nessa introduces her to her friends, and Gen is instantly drawn to Lewis. Lewis however had a complicated relationship with Mira, another friend of Nessa's. Gen decides to try to stay away from Lewis, but the connection between them is hard to fight. When Gen decides to sign up for the Alpine Mudder Competition, she ends up with Lewis to help her train. He was a finalist in the competition a year before and knows how to help her prepare. As they train together, they find it impossible to stay away from each other, and soon Lewis and Gen give in to their passion. Lewis might not be with Mira, but he does tend to put her before others and it becomes an issue for his relationships. Can Lewis find a way to make Gen his top priority and give their relationship a chance?
I really liked Lewis. He was strong and sexy, sweet and loyal. He was fiercely protective of Gen and Mira, and went out of his way to try to always look out for them. I thought that he let Mira get away with far too much, but it was nice to see him care so much about her as well as Gen. I think he definitely should have handled a few things differently, but he meant well and didn't always know what to do. Gen was strong and determined, but she was also insecure at times and had a tendency to run first and ask questions later. She jumped to conclusions at times, but she had been hurt and that was understandable. I did like that she was able to dedicate herself to doing something for her and that she took the competition seriously. She wanted to prove to herself that she could do it, and I admired her determination a lot. I also really loved that she refused to settle for less than she deserved. Regardless of her feelings for Lewis, she wouldn't allow him make someone else his priority over her and put their needs above her own. I thought that Lewis and Gen had amazing chemistry right off, and they were seriously hot together! But I also loved their playfulness and watching them fall for each other as they trained together and got to know each other.
I have to say, I had an intense dislike for Mira right from the start. I didn't understand why Lewis put up with some of her crap, regardless of what she had been through. I understand that she had it tough, but that doesn't excuse her to act like a bitch and take over his life the way she did. I am curious to see what is between her and Tyler (Cali's brother), but I am a bit skeptical on how I am going to get behind her story. Hopefully she can turn her life around and redeem herself, but frankly she has a lot to make up for. She took advantage of Lewis's friendship and did a lot of things she shouldn't have. I will say that the ending of this story was also pretty abrupt and I felt like even though things were happy for now with Lewis and Gen, that their story felt unfinished to me. We are left with a cliffhanger, and that will get me to read the next book alone despite the fact that it is Mira's story. I would recommend this book to NA fans, especially if you have read the first book in the series. I look forward to reading more from Jules Barnard in the future.
**ARC Provided by Inkslinger PR**
June 10, 2014
“I’m like the creeper magnet.”—Gen
Gen puts the ‘gen’ in gentle, and she’s tired of it! She wants to be tough and have more self-confidence to deal with the unwelcome men in her life like the cheating ex-boyfriend and the aggressively grabby guy in management. And then there’s Lewis—the gorgeous guy with the supposed non-girlfriend. He’s everything she knows she should avoid, because with him, there’d be no way she could protect her heart…
“Everyone thinks they can trample me. That I’m weak and vulnerable. I’m not.”—Gen
I loved this book! This is the second in the Blue series, and it pairs really nicely with the first book if you’ve read it. If you haven’t, there are plenty of spoilers since the stories are happening concurrently so you might want to read the first book before picking up this one. Although the books happen concurrently, the first book doesn’t spoil this one—it just makes you want to read this one more!
Anyway, on to Gen, one of my new favorite heroines! She’s such a sweetie, and it’s tough to see how this lovely woman has been shaped by unwanted advances from sleazy men. The girl is gorgeous and tries to downplay it, because men see her and want one thing—which she’s not interested in until she meets equally gorgeous Lewis. Watching her grow in the book and gain self-confidence was wonderful. She went through some tough hazing with her co-workers at the casino, which ended up being nothing compared to the horrible scenes where she realized how unsafe her work is if you’re a beautiful young woman. She had some heart-breaking moments, and I couldn’t help cheering for her as she found inner strength to fight for herself.
It’s easy to see why Lewis falls for her, although there was a bit—and I actually mean a lot—of instant burning attraction at first sight…and second…and third… At first, I didn’t like Lewis, because I thought he had a girlfriend and was being a jerk for hitting on Gen (which is what we’re lead to believe in the first book). But, it turns out Lewis and his non girlfriend, Mira, have a complicated relationship that made me want to love him, too. Although, I did want to kick him at times when it came to how his handling of Mira almost lost him one of my new fave gals!
As for the plot, I liked the mystery of her father and the suspicious way of how her mother could afford so many things. I LOVED how Gen entered and trained with Lewis to compete in an extreme torture-race to get some bravery and tough-chick mojo flowing. The plot line with sexual harassment in an ‘Old Boys Club’ setting was really well done and respectful, and I could feel the frustration and fear that Gen felt. I loved the writing style and Gen’s character voice; she’s so vulnerable but funny and frustrating, and we’re right there in her thought-process, experiencing right along with her. The romance is high heat with the insta-lust attraction although Gen does fight it. There’s no cliff-hanger with Gen and Lewis, but we do have a set up for the next book with Mira and Tyler, which I can’t see myself wanting to read (I wasn’t a fan of their characters but I loved the leads in this and the first book). This book is going on my favorites shelf! Overall, this is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Gen puts the ‘gen’ in gentle, and she’s tired of it! She wants to be tough and have more self-confidence to deal with the unwelcome men in her life like the cheating ex-boyfriend and the aggressively grabby guy in management. And then there’s Lewis—the gorgeous guy with the supposed non-girlfriend. He’s everything she knows she should avoid, because with him, there’d be no way she could protect her heart…
“Everyone thinks they can trample me. That I’m weak and vulnerable. I’m not.”—Gen
I loved this book! This is the second in the Blue series, and it pairs really nicely with the first book if you’ve read it. If you haven’t, there are plenty of spoilers since the stories are happening concurrently so you might want to read the first book before picking up this one. Although the books happen concurrently, the first book doesn’t spoil this one—it just makes you want to read this one more!
Anyway, on to Gen, one of my new favorite heroines! She’s such a sweetie, and it’s tough to see how this lovely woman has been shaped by unwanted advances from sleazy men. The girl is gorgeous and tries to downplay it, because men see her and want one thing—which she’s not interested in until she meets equally gorgeous Lewis. Watching her grow in the book and gain self-confidence was wonderful. She went through some tough hazing with her co-workers at the casino, which ended up being nothing compared to the horrible scenes where she realized how unsafe her work is if you’re a beautiful young woman. She had some heart-breaking moments, and I couldn’t help cheering for her as she found inner strength to fight for herself.
It’s easy to see why Lewis falls for her, although there was a bit—and I actually mean a lot—of instant burning attraction at first sight…and second…and third… At first, I didn’t like Lewis, because I thought he had a girlfriend and was being a jerk for hitting on Gen (which is what we’re lead to believe in the first book). But, it turns out Lewis and his non girlfriend, Mira, have a complicated relationship that made me want to love him, too. Although, I did want to kick him at times when it came to how his handling of Mira almost lost him one of my new fave gals!
As for the plot, I liked the mystery of her father and the suspicious way of how her mother could afford so many things. I LOVED how Gen entered and trained with Lewis to compete in an extreme torture-race to get some bravery and tough-chick mojo flowing. The plot line with sexual harassment in an ‘Old Boys Club’ setting was really well done and respectful, and I could feel the frustration and fear that Gen felt. I loved the writing style and Gen’s character voice; she’s so vulnerable but funny and frustrating, and we’re right there in her thought-process, experiencing right along with her. The romance is high heat with the insta-lust attraction although Gen does fight it. There’s no cliff-hanger with Gen and Lewis, but we do have a set up for the next book with Mira and Tyler, which I can’t see myself wanting to read (I wasn’t a fan of their characters but I loved the leads in this and the first book). This book is going on my favorites shelf! Overall, this is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
August 29, 2017
What a great book Lewis he's mysterious and well at first doesn't talk much. And Gen well that girl just can't help herself but look at all the yumminess that's Lewis, "my gaze flickers to Lewis, his hair sticking up in the front, a light sheen on his chest from the sun and exertion. His board shorts sit low on his hips, every smooth abdominal muscle visible, including the thick ones that disappear into his clothes..." The boy has no sleuth when it comes to Gen:
He takes a gulp of water and screws the cap back on, looking me over. "You have a sports bra on under that?"
Where's he going with this? My extra-large t-shirt covers me from neck to thighs, stopping ust above the bottom of my boxy running shorts. The sleeves bag out to my elbows. Attractive. "Yeahhh," I say hesitantly.
"Can you take off your shirt?"
I love how protective oh Gen he was, "his gaze turns heated. "With my body? No. With yours? I don't want any guy seeing it, or having thoughts about it, or watching what we do together. I want that to be private and between the two of us. And I want to do it all, just so you know. So when you're ready - really ready- tell me." I could totally see how a naked Lewis would be a distraction while on the phone to your mother, "Alphine Mudder. You should come. It's in a couple weeks." I yawn. Lewis slips out of bed and my thoughts congeal into a static hum. His naked body. His a**..what we did last night." I love how he can just take time off of work for Gen, "he tosses the phone over his shoulder. "I gave myself the morning off." He drags the sheet below my breasts and I run my hands over his shoulders, the muscles of his arms." I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
He takes a gulp of water and screws the cap back on, looking me over. "You have a sports bra on under that?"
Where's he going with this? My extra-large t-shirt covers me from neck to thighs, stopping ust above the bottom of my boxy running shorts. The sleeves bag out to my elbows. Attractive. "Yeahhh," I say hesitantly.
"Can you take off your shirt?"
I love how protective oh Gen he was, "his gaze turns heated. "With my body? No. With yours? I don't want any guy seeing it, or having thoughts about it, or watching what we do together. I want that to be private and between the two of us. And I want to do it all, just so you know. So when you're ready - really ready- tell me." I could totally see how a naked Lewis would be a distraction while on the phone to your mother, "Alphine Mudder. You should come. It's in a couple weeks." I yawn. Lewis slips out of bed and my thoughts congeal into a static hum. His naked body. His a**..what we did last night." I love how he can just take time off of work for Gen, "he tosses the phone over his shoulder. "I gave myself the morning off." He drags the sheet below my breasts and I run my hands over his shoulders, the muscles of his arms." I can't wait to read the other books in this series.
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January 1, 20202-2.5 stars
I was not convinced with Blue Crush, I just didn’t get Gen’s point of view. She came across as strong individual even though she thought she is not. For that reason itself I felt that book didn’t connect to me or made me feel anything as compared to Tyler and Mira’s story.
Gen’s convinced that her mom is mooching of her BF’s or she is earning through life in not a right kind of way. She doesn’t share this info with anyone even Cali whom she considers as her BFF. But, she shares most of her story or concerns of Lewis with whom she felt more of a physical attraction rather than emotional in the beginning. The most annoying part of the book is where our girl says this line “I don’t know but I trust this guy, I just trust this guy won’t hurt me”. This pisses me off since there is no history between these two yet she trusts him coz they share a sizzling physical attraction. Not convinced at all. Gen’s stance of being a priority in Lewis life was really cool and I appreciated her strength in this situation as she didn’t let her heartache come in between her judgment. I couldn’t find much to the story and certain elements felt forced. With respect to the characters, Lewis was an amazing guy and was completely swoon worthy whereas gen was tall, beautiful with a good hold on her emotional capability.
Overall, it was an ok read. I have read all three of her books and found this one the least interesting for all the reasons mentioned.
I was not convinced with Blue Crush, I just didn’t get Gen’s point of view. She came across as strong individual even though she thought she is not. For that reason itself I felt that book didn’t connect to me or made me feel anything as compared to Tyler and Mira’s story.
Gen’s convinced that her mom is mooching of her BF’s or she is earning through life in not a right kind of way. She doesn’t share this info with anyone even Cali whom she considers as her BFF. But, she shares most of her story or concerns of Lewis with whom she felt more of a physical attraction rather than emotional in the beginning. The most annoying part of the book is where our girl says this line “I don’t know but I trust this guy, I just trust this guy won’t hurt me”. This pisses me off since there is no history between these two yet she trusts him coz they share a sizzling physical attraction. Not convinced at all. Gen’s stance of being a priority in Lewis life was really cool and I appreciated her strength in this situation as she didn’t let her heartache come in between her judgment. I couldn’t find much to the story and certain elements felt forced. With respect to the characters, Lewis was an amazing guy and was completely swoon worthy whereas gen was tall, beautiful with a good hold on her emotional capability.
Overall, it was an ok read. I have read all three of her books and found this one the least interesting for all the reasons mentioned.
November 17, 2014
*I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review*
I thought that this was a good fun New Adult read. It was exactly what I was expecting when I requested it from the author. I really liked Gen, and I love seeing personal growth in characters and Gen had that in spades. I love love loved when she put her foot down with Lewis. I don't like heroines that are pushovers, and Gen certainly decided that she wouldn't be that anymore. The other thing that really set this book apart for me, was that Gen didn't wait around hoping that Lewis would stop making Mira a priority. When she realized what was going on, and how important they were to each other, she didn't stick around. To me this is what sets this book apart from other New Adult novels, because most of the time they whine and moan about the love interest and then finally leave. This book was more about Gen finding herself, and her inner strength and I thought that was great. I would give the book 3.5 stars!
I thought that this was a good fun New Adult read. It was exactly what I was expecting when I requested it from the author. I really liked Gen, and I love seeing personal growth in characters and Gen had that in spades. I love love loved when she put her foot down with Lewis. I don't like heroines that are pushovers, and Gen certainly decided that she wouldn't be that anymore. The other thing that really set this book apart for me, was that Gen didn't wait around hoping that Lewis would stop making Mira a priority. When she realized what was going on, and how important they were to each other, she didn't stick around. To me this is what sets this book apart from other New Adult novels, because most of the time they whine and moan about the love interest and then finally leave. This book was more about Gen finding herself, and her inner strength and I thought that was great. I would give the book 3.5 stars!
August 3, 2014
Thanks Netgalley for ARC
3.65
the book was good. there were some parts where I tought it was kinda slow but it the end good. Characters were just dancing around at the end but it all worked out. I didn't remember much from book 1 so I was kinda lost.
3.65
the book was good. there were some parts where I tought it was kinda slow but it the end good. Characters were just dancing around at the end but it all worked out. I didn't remember much from book 1 so I was kinda lost.
June 21, 2022
My first DNF after 5,5 hours into the 8,5 hours of this audiobook. I’ve listened to several books in this series (not even sure which ones) and those were quite bad. But this was the worst one. Will not continue to series and I’m very unlikely to read or listen to another book by this author.
May 30, 2014
3.5 stars!!
Full review to come...
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
Full review to come...
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2022
Never Date A Player by Jules Barnard
This is Lewis and Gen story. Gen has just come out of a relationship. She finds out also that her ex already has a new girlfriend waiting at home for him the whole time. Gen admits she never even met his family. Now she has come to Lake Tahoe with her best friend Cali to work at a casino while they save for college. Cali is determined to get Gen back into the dating game and when they meet Jaeger and his friend Mason Cali encourages her to get back into dating life. But there is another guy Lewis who catches her eye. The trouble is Lewis appears to already have a girlfriend. When Cali gets fired for no reason Gen finds herself being stalked by one of the executives. Gen enters a cross country event with Lewis who is coaching her and also participating in. Lewis explains the girl is not his girlfriend but someone he has to help and protect.
This was a good story after reading book one. I did read the whole series in order and it was well worth it. I enjoyed getting to meet each of them and the side story about the casino. I recommend this series.
This is Lewis and Gen story. Gen has just come out of a relationship. She finds out also that her ex already has a new girlfriend waiting at home for him the whole time. Gen admits she never even met his family. Now she has come to Lake Tahoe with her best friend Cali to work at a casino while they save for college. Cali is determined to get Gen back into the dating game and when they meet Jaeger and his friend Mason Cali encourages her to get back into dating life. But there is another guy Lewis who catches her eye. The trouble is Lewis appears to already have a girlfriend. When Cali gets fired for no reason Gen finds herself being stalked by one of the executives. Gen enters a cross country event with Lewis who is coaching her and also participating in. Lewis explains the girl is not his girlfriend but someone he has to help and protect.
This was a good story after reading book one. I did read the whole series in order and it was well worth it. I enjoyed getting to meet each of them and the side story about the casino. I recommend this series.
June 11, 2014
******ARC read in exchange for honest review***
"Genevieve, I -- I think I fell in love with you that first night." He rubs his forehead and smiles guiltily. "Maybe it was lust at first sight. However it started, it's grown into something I didn't recognize because I'd never felt this way before. I'm lighter when you're near, happy. You're challenging and wonderful, and so beautiful inside and out, it's blinding. Please, give us a chance. Let me love you." Lewis Sallee
Let me just start by saying any boy who says let me love you the way Lewis Sallee does, would have my heart in a second. Yes, Lewis is a supreme book boyfriend.
Genevieve Tierney is a college graduate. She's spending the summer in Lake Tahoe working as a waitress at a casino with her friend Cali to earn money before she starts grad school. Gen has not had a conventional upbringing. Her mom Chantell Dubois is enamored with all things French. She also goes through boyfriends like underwear. Boyfriends that always have money. Money that always seems to be plentiful even though Chantell has no job. Gen definitely does not see her mom as a role model. Gen wants to be independent. Guess what else? She has no idea who her father is.
Gen doesn't seem to have much faith in romance. She just found out her college boyfriend has been cheating on her. In addition her, her best friend Cali's boyfriend hit on her (no she didn't tell Cali yet). You get the idea, men seem to talk to Gen's boobs more than they talk to her face. This just adds to the feelings Gen has of being weak and dependent on a man.
One night after work Gen and Cali go to a party they were invited to by Nessa, one of their coworkers. That night they meet a bunch of people. It's that night Gen sees Lewis Sallee, six and a half feet of the most beautiful man she's ever seen. Only guess what? With him is an incredibly beautiful, completely bitchy woman named Mira. Mira spends the whole night hanging on Lewis and glaring at Gen. Obviously, Gen assumes they are a couple. The only issue with that thought is, the whole night Lewis seems very attracted to Gen. Although he does send mixed signals. Lewis seems to run hot and cold. You'll find out why, I promise. Of course Gen is ready to lump him into the men are all alike club, except for Lewis literally takes her breath away. Their almost kiss is about as hot as the real thing.
It seems that Gen and Lewis are playing a sort of game, they're attracted to each other, but Mira is in the way. Finally, after insinuating that she won't be involved with Lewis because he has a girlfriend, Lewis tells him Mira isn't his girlfriend. Mira is a girl that Lewis and his dad rescued from a drug addicted mother as a child. She is completely dependent on Lewis and scares away any female that shows interest in him. The only time Lewis has had a girlfriend is when he was away at college so obviously Mira didn't know about it.
Gen seems to like her job at the casino, once she gets past the skimpy costume and the older waitresses calling her to Snow White. One night while working at the casino, Drake Peterson, Gen's boss, asks her to bring drinks to a private party in one of the hotel suites. Gen is pretty innocent and just figures she's doing her job. Let's just say Drake Peterson is a filthy pig and Gen is traumatized by the events of the night.
This is the time Gen decides to enter the Alpine Mudder. A grueling race that is akin to a triathlon. There's lots of climbing and obstacles and apparently a swim through icy cold waters. The competitive side of Gen wants to kick ass at this competition. Here's the thing she doesn't know what to expect at the Mudder. Trying to figure out a strategy for the race brings her back to Lewis and his friends. They have all run the Mudder before. Lewis was even a finalist. As much as Gen doesn't want help, she agrees to train with Lewis.
Lewis is not easy on Gen while training her. He pushes her to her limits. Then, during one of their training sessions, things get hot and they kiss. Holy hell! What a kiss. No joke, you can feel the passion through the pages. Lewis is so damn hot, and Gen wants him like she's never wanted anyone else before.
After a long sexually charged attraction, Lewis and Gen become a couple. Lewis totally puts Gen over the edge sexually. Gen never thought she'd ever feel the way she feels about Lewis. But, that damn Mira keeps getting in the way. As much as it kills Gen she tells Lewis, she can't always be second to Mira.
In the midst of the Lewis, Gen, Mira triangle, there's a stressful fight between friends, a shocking reveal of Gen's dad, a brawl with her mom over her mother's seemingly slutty lifestyle and then there's the Mudder. I'm obviously not giving away all this good stuff. I will tell you to read Blue Crush. It touches on so many important topics, but in doesn't drown you in angst. I love the friendships that are built in the story and I love Gen's determination to feel good about herself and try not to depend on anyone for her happiness.
I also love, love, love, that even though the attraction between Gen and Lewis is so immediate and strong, they don't rush into anything. There are bumps and Gen decides they need to work through them before anything can happen between her and Lewis.
So, a four lip smack review for Jules Barnard's Blue Crush, with a hope that the other characters get to tell their own stories!!
"Genevieve, I -- I think I fell in love with you that first night." He rubs his forehead and smiles guiltily. "Maybe it was lust at first sight. However it started, it's grown into something I didn't recognize because I'd never felt this way before. I'm lighter when you're near, happy. You're challenging and wonderful, and so beautiful inside and out, it's blinding. Please, give us a chance. Let me love you." Lewis Sallee
Let me just start by saying any boy who says let me love you the way Lewis Sallee does, would have my heart in a second. Yes, Lewis is a supreme book boyfriend.
Genevieve Tierney is a college graduate. She's spending the summer in Lake Tahoe working as a waitress at a casino with her friend Cali to earn money before she starts grad school. Gen has not had a conventional upbringing. Her mom Chantell Dubois is enamored with all things French. She also goes through boyfriends like underwear. Boyfriends that always have money. Money that always seems to be plentiful even though Chantell has no job. Gen definitely does not see her mom as a role model. Gen wants to be independent. Guess what else? She has no idea who her father is.
Gen doesn't seem to have much faith in romance. She just found out her college boyfriend has been cheating on her. In addition her, her best friend Cali's boyfriend hit on her (no she didn't tell Cali yet). You get the idea, men seem to talk to Gen's boobs more than they talk to her face. This just adds to the feelings Gen has of being weak and dependent on a man.
One night after work Gen and Cali go to a party they were invited to by Nessa, one of their coworkers. That night they meet a bunch of people. It's that night Gen sees Lewis Sallee, six and a half feet of the most beautiful man she's ever seen. Only guess what? With him is an incredibly beautiful, completely bitchy woman named Mira. Mira spends the whole night hanging on Lewis and glaring at Gen. Obviously, Gen assumes they are a couple. The only issue with that thought is, the whole night Lewis seems very attracted to Gen. Although he does send mixed signals. Lewis seems to run hot and cold. You'll find out why, I promise. Of course Gen is ready to lump him into the men are all alike club, except for Lewis literally takes her breath away. Their almost kiss is about as hot as the real thing.
It seems that Gen and Lewis are playing a sort of game, they're attracted to each other, but Mira is in the way. Finally, after insinuating that she won't be involved with Lewis because he has a girlfriend, Lewis tells him Mira isn't his girlfriend. Mira is a girl that Lewis and his dad rescued from a drug addicted mother as a child. She is completely dependent on Lewis and scares away any female that shows interest in him. The only time Lewis has had a girlfriend is when he was away at college so obviously Mira didn't know about it.
Gen seems to like her job at the casino, once she gets past the skimpy costume and the older waitresses calling her to Snow White. One night while working at the casino, Drake Peterson, Gen's boss, asks her to bring drinks to a private party in one of the hotel suites. Gen is pretty innocent and just figures she's doing her job. Let's just say Drake Peterson is a filthy pig and Gen is traumatized by the events of the night.
This is the time Gen decides to enter the Alpine Mudder. A grueling race that is akin to a triathlon. There's lots of climbing and obstacles and apparently a swim through icy cold waters. The competitive side of Gen wants to kick ass at this competition. Here's the thing she doesn't know what to expect at the Mudder. Trying to figure out a strategy for the race brings her back to Lewis and his friends. They have all run the Mudder before. Lewis was even a finalist. As much as Gen doesn't want help, she agrees to train with Lewis.
Lewis is not easy on Gen while training her. He pushes her to her limits. Then, during one of their training sessions, things get hot and they kiss. Holy hell! What a kiss. No joke, you can feel the passion through the pages. Lewis is so damn hot, and Gen wants him like she's never wanted anyone else before.
After a long sexually charged attraction, Lewis and Gen become a couple. Lewis totally puts Gen over the edge sexually. Gen never thought she'd ever feel the way she feels about Lewis. But, that damn Mira keeps getting in the way. As much as it kills Gen she tells Lewis, she can't always be second to Mira.
In the midst of the Lewis, Gen, Mira triangle, there's a stressful fight between friends, a shocking reveal of Gen's dad, a brawl with her mom over her mother's seemingly slutty lifestyle and then there's the Mudder. I'm obviously not giving away all this good stuff. I will tell you to read Blue Crush. It touches on so many important topics, but in doesn't drown you in angst. I love the friendships that are built in the story and I love Gen's determination to feel good about herself and try not to depend on anyone for her happiness.
I also love, love, love, that even though the attraction between Gen and Lewis is so immediate and strong, they don't rush into anything. There are bumps and Gen decides they need to work through them before anything can happen between her and Lewis.
So, a four lip smack review for Jules Barnard's Blue Crush, with a hope that the other characters get to tell their own stories!!
February 2, 2018
I enjoyed this book. Lewis is a strong silent hero. He and Gen are a great match as they kind of round each other out. I am surprised at Gen's opinion of her mother, you would have thought that she would have figured out more about her mother than she did. Finding her father was an interesting twist and so was setting Drake straight. I think Gen should have been stronger in fighting him off with all the training she had been doing.
November 23, 2017
Book two in Jules Barnard's Blue series sees Genevieve moving to Lake Tahoe after college and following the break up of her and her cheating ex. There she meets perfect 6'6" handsome mountain man Lewis. Lewis helps Genevieve train for one of the hardest challenges of her life. Can they fight the attraction they have for each other?
November 1, 2018
Ugh. This book was work. The story had little in the way of sexual tension, the ending left the asshole, Drake, without any actual consequences for his actions, and Lewis was a big, soft, weenie.
Pass.
Also, there wasn't a single mountain man in this book. Just because you live in Lake Tahoe doesn't mean you're mountain man material.
Pass.
Also, there wasn't a single mountain man in this book. Just because you live in Lake Tahoe doesn't mean you're mountain man material.
February 19, 2023
Boring...slow burn. You know you're dealing with children when they don't know how to communicate with one another. 🙄
Lewis ... and Genevieve. She thinks he's into his Mira... and he helps her with some sports competition.
Lewis ... and Genevieve. She thinks he's into his Mira... and he helps her with some sports competition.
March 27, 2018
Jules Barnard is an absolute winner. First-person narratives can be tricky, but Gen's breezy voice is funny, flawed, and irresistible. The powerful alpha love interest doesn't rob Gen of her ability to save herself, either - instead of forever sweeping in to save the day, Lewis trusts Gen and pushes her to trust herself, encouraging her to find the strength and courage that she wasn't sure she possessed. Much more than a typical romance novel, Mountain Man addresses many complex issues with a light touch, deftly navigating with ease the land mines heavier-handed writers can't resist, and still delivering a powerful story. In spite of this, I flew through the pages. Can't wait till the next book to learn to love the female character I loved to hate in this one!
November 26, 2022
TW: SA and attempted rape.
Beware that there are graphic sexual assault and attempted rape scenes in this book.
Callie is still the worst but I love Gen. The way Callie's book portrayed her was much different than how she actually is in her own book.
Beware that there are graphic sexual assault and attempted rape scenes in this book.
Callie is still the worst but I love Gen. The way Callie's book portrayed her was much different than how she actually is in her own book.
October 26, 2014
Jules Barnard brings us yet another great New Adult story in her Blue Series. The second installment of this series features Gen, Cali's best friend and roommate from the first book, Deep Blue. This story overlaps with the first in an attempt to show the reader what has been happening with Gen during her stint in Lake Tahoe. Gen is working in the casino with Cali. She is recovering from a heartbreak that left her doubting herself. When she meets Lewis, she is worried that she is about to repeat past mistakes. As they get to know each other and become closer, their chemistry and attraction is undeniable. They start to fall in love as they train for the Alpine Mudder together. Their life drama always seems to get in the way and then Gen's life seems to explode with everything she wants to avoid.
When I first started to read this story I was a little nervous. In Deep Blue, it seems like Gen and Lewis are having a little affair and it appears like Lewis has a girlfriend. I don't like cheating stories. It is a topic I usually try to avoid. But when we begin to read Gen's story, you see that things are complicated but for a completely different reason. Gen and Lewis are bombarded by their instant consuming connection. It makes no sense yet they cannot be in the same room without wanting to implode. As they get to know each other, their connection deepens and truth comes out. Lewis wants to pursue Gen and so the love story begins. It is not an easy story. There are many ups and downs, as you would see in any passionate relationship. Gen has other things brewing in her life outside of Lewis. She is dealing with a terrible boss who will not stop harassing her. Her mother is being flighty and overbearing. Gen is trying to figure out what she wants for her future and then someone she never saw coming enters her life, causing it to upheave and explode.
I loved watching the transformation of Gen's character. She is a beautiful woman who is reserved. In all honesty, she is a bit of a doormat. She does not want any extra attention in her life from those around her, yet she cannot help but attract that attention. She learns that there is strength in who she is and continues on a path of self discovery to bring that strength to the forefront. She decides to tangibly do this by joining in the Alpine Mudder competition, testing her strength, both physically and mentally. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out. When her true self begins to shine through, she is a stronger and more powerful woman than she ever thought she could be.
The relationship between Lewis and Gen is hot and sweet. It combines everything I loved to see in a new and lovely relationship. Their ups and downs make them a stronger and a more beautiful couple. I loved watching them interact and grow together. They are such a great complement couple. Through their relationship, Gen learns more about herself and who she wants to be, and Lewis learns what it means to relinquish control.
If you are looking for a New Adult series to read, then make sure to check The Blue Series out! I am excited about the next book and cannot wait to see what Jules has in store for us next!
When I first started to read this story I was a little nervous. In Deep Blue, it seems like Gen and Lewis are having a little affair and it appears like Lewis has a girlfriend. I don't like cheating stories. It is a topic I usually try to avoid. But when we begin to read Gen's story, you see that things are complicated but for a completely different reason. Gen and Lewis are bombarded by their instant consuming connection. It makes no sense yet they cannot be in the same room without wanting to implode. As they get to know each other, their connection deepens and truth comes out. Lewis wants to pursue Gen and so the love story begins. It is not an easy story. There are many ups and downs, as you would see in any passionate relationship. Gen has other things brewing in her life outside of Lewis. She is dealing with a terrible boss who will not stop harassing her. Her mother is being flighty and overbearing. Gen is trying to figure out what she wants for her future and then someone she never saw coming enters her life, causing it to upheave and explode.
I loved watching the transformation of Gen's character. She is a beautiful woman who is reserved. In all honesty, she is a bit of a doormat. She does not want any extra attention in her life from those around her, yet she cannot help but attract that attention. She learns that there is strength in who she is and continues on a path of self discovery to bring that strength to the forefront. She decides to tangibly do this by joining in the Alpine Mudder competition, testing her strength, both physically and mentally. She is a beautiful woman, inside and out. When her true self begins to shine through, she is a stronger and more powerful woman than she ever thought she could be.
The relationship between Lewis and Gen is hot and sweet. It combines everything I loved to see in a new and lovely relationship. Their ups and downs make them a stronger and a more beautiful couple. I loved watching them interact and grow together. They are such a great complement couple. Through their relationship, Gen learns more about herself and who she wants to be, and Lewis learns what it means to relinquish control.
If you are looking for a New Adult series to read, then make sure to check The Blue Series out! I am excited about the next book and cannot wait to see what Jules has in store for us next!
November 14, 2014
I went into this book fresh from reading Deep Blue(Blue Series #1) so my expectation was high. This one didn't deliver the same punch as the first one. I will say, it was a solid book but the first half was hard to get thru. The second half was AWESOME!
Blue Crush takes place in Lake Tahoe. It's a casino town and the casino these people work at is filled with horrible people and even worse people for managers. Gen(Genevieve) is fresh from college living with her friend Cali while cocktailing at Blue Casino. She has NO self confidence. Like, none what so ever. until the second half of the book and she starts acting like an adult should. She is pretty and athletic and is kinda judgmental of her mom, who did her best raising her as a single mom. So as a waitress she starts hanging out with co workers and in doing so she meets…
Lewis. Local quiet hottie who helps his dad run their family business. Every time we see him he is with a girl who hangs all over him. He does't clear this up for a while turns out she is practically his sister who has a deep issue with attachment to him.(When Gen finds this out she has about 1001283928 chances to tell Cali who HATES that she is with Lewis because she thinks this other chick is his GF, she isn't. and Gen does't clear it up for a while). Lewis wasn't a guy I felt a connection to, because he just kinda stares at Gen never really talks to her. If he did/does we don't see it. Then when Gen decides she wants to do something she's never done before Lewis offers to train her.
The second half is a lot more fun and easier to read than the first half. You get to see more of Lewis using words and you get to see Gen grow a backbone and learn to be an adult. Still a judgmental one but still she is growing and she is willing to change with is always a plus.
If you are on the fence about this read, do it! Read it. I am mostly excited to read Mira and Tyler story because Tyler has been in both these books and we have learned nothing about why he is back in town.
Quotes from the book:
Gen: "I'm staring at his body like he just stepped out of the shower in a porno"
Gen: "It's not until he pulls away and I replay every detail of this morning that I realize he never answered my question about Mira…This date should be interesting-as well as the fallout"
Gen: "I feel stronger and good about myself. Maybe it's the training, maybe it's the guy training me."
Lewis to Gen: "I'd never felt this way before. I'm lighter when you're near, happy. You're challenging and wonderful, and so beautiful inside and out. It's blinding, Please, give us a chance. Let Me Love You"
Blue Crush takes place in Lake Tahoe. It's a casino town and the casino these people work at is filled with horrible people and even worse people for managers. Gen(Genevieve) is fresh from college living with her friend Cali while cocktailing at Blue Casino. She has NO self confidence. Like, none what so ever. until the second half of the book and she starts acting like an adult should. She is pretty and athletic and is kinda judgmental of her mom, who did her best raising her as a single mom. So as a waitress she starts hanging out with co workers and in doing so she meets…
Lewis. Local quiet hottie who helps his dad run their family business. Every time we see him he is with a girl who hangs all over him. He does't clear this up for a while turns out she is practically his sister who has a deep issue with attachment to him.(When Gen finds this out she has about 1001283928 chances to tell Cali who HATES that she is with Lewis because she thinks this other chick is his GF, she isn't. and Gen does't clear it up for a while). Lewis wasn't a guy I felt a connection to, because he just kinda stares at Gen never really talks to her. If he did/does we don't see it. Then when Gen decides she wants to do something she's never done before Lewis offers to train her.
The second half is a lot more fun and easier to read than the first half. You get to see more of Lewis using words and you get to see Gen grow a backbone and learn to be an adult. Still a judgmental one but still she is growing and she is willing to change with is always a plus.
If you are on the fence about this read, do it! Read it. I am mostly excited to read Mira and Tyler story because Tyler has been in both these books and we have learned nothing about why he is back in town.
Quotes from the book:
Gen: "I'm staring at his body like he just stepped out of the shower in a porno"
Gen: "It's not until he pulls away and I replay every detail of this morning that I realize he never answered my question about Mira…This date should be interesting-as well as the fallout"
Gen: "I feel stronger and good about myself. Maybe it's the training, maybe it's the guy training me."
Lewis to Gen: "I'd never felt this way before. I'm lighter when you're near, happy. You're challenging and wonderful, and so beautiful inside and out. It's blinding, Please, give us a chance. Let Me Love You"
September 15, 2014
~I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review~
Disclaimer: There are a lot of exclamation points and whining about needed the third book in this review. I apologize in advance.
My Thoughts
*The rating of this book was bumped up half a star because I can’t stop thinking about it.*
OK, so I am totally loving all of the contemporary romances I’m reading right now. This is no difference. As soon as I finished the first book in this series I immediately started this one. i am completely obsessed with this series right now and I will be impatiently patiently be waiting for the third book in the series. This alone will probably tells you all of my feelings.
I am so happy the next story we get to follow is Gen’s. I really liked her as a secondary character in the last book and I really wanted to see what happened to her and Lewis. Can I just say that I wasn’t disappointed and I desperately need my hands on the third book in the series like now.
Gen was an awesome lead and I love her. She is such a different character than Calli and I am happy about that. I really liked her character’s growth through out this book. She went from a very timid character to so strong willed love her! Lewis I adored as well! I am so in love with jules’ male leads in this series. Can they get any more perfect?(maybe Tyler is next). I just love a good lovable beta hero!!!
This book is told during the same time frame as Calli’s story so at times it was repetitive. I’m sure its like that as a refresher or so you can read the books out of order if you prefer. I did like seeing the same events from a different perspective. The way Gen thinks was very different from Calli so I din’t mind the repetition that much.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is that we get a glimpse of the other stories in the series. So we get to see Calli and Jaegar from Gen’s perspective as well as get glimpse of Tyler’s story. For me that makes me love this series even more I love seeing other characters and what they are up to and it made me desperate for Mira’s and Tyler’s story. I just need it so much!!!
This was absolutely great to read I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance.
*I need the third book, I need it so bad*
Disclaimer: There are a lot of exclamation points and whining about needed the third book in this review. I apologize in advance.
My Thoughts
*The rating of this book was bumped up half a star because I can’t stop thinking about it.*
OK, so I am totally loving all of the contemporary romances I’m reading right now. This is no difference. As soon as I finished the first book in this series I immediately started this one. i am completely obsessed with this series right now and I will be impatiently patiently be waiting for the third book in the series. This alone will probably tells you all of my feelings.
I am so happy the next story we get to follow is Gen’s. I really liked her as a secondary character in the last book and I really wanted to see what happened to her and Lewis. Can I just say that I wasn’t disappointed and I desperately need my hands on the third book in the series like now.
Gen was an awesome lead and I love her. She is such a different character than Calli and I am happy about that. I really liked her character’s growth through out this book. She went from a very timid character to so strong willed love her! Lewis I adored as well! I am so in love with jules’ male leads in this series. Can they get any more perfect?(maybe Tyler is next). I just love a good lovable beta hero!!!
This book is told during the same time frame as Calli’s story so at times it was repetitive. I’m sure its like that as a refresher or so you can read the books out of order if you prefer. I did like seeing the same events from a different perspective. The way Gen thinks was very different from Calli so I din’t mind the repetition that much.
One of my favorite aspects of this series is that we get a glimpse of the other stories in the series. So we get to see Calli and Jaegar from Gen’s perspective as well as get glimpse of Tyler’s story. For me that makes me love this series even more I love seeing other characters and what they are up to and it made me desperate for Mira’s and Tyler’s story. I just need it so much!!!
This was absolutely great to read I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good contemporary romance.
*I need the third book, I need it so bad*
December 27, 2015
This books has all the things I hate:
1. Insta-LUST --> check
2. Melodramatic OTT sentimental drivel --> check
3. People having "connections" based on physical attractions with no emotional depth --> check
4. Believing someone is The One based on NO-Convincing-Evidence-what-so-ever (despite having poor judgement considering creepy ex's) --> check
5. Poor writing style --> check
The first book wasn't so bad - but this is even worse.
DNF
1. Insta-LUST --> check
2. Melodramatic OTT sentimental drivel --> check
3. People having "connections" based on physical attractions with no emotional depth --> check
4. Believing someone is The One based on NO-Convincing-Evidence-what-so-ever (despite having poor judgement considering creepy ex's) --> check
5. Poor writing style --> check
The first book wasn't so bad - but this is even worse.
DNF
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