Books like 'The Villain'
Readers who enjoyed The Villain by L.J. Shen also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary romance dark steamy age-gap enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience arranged-marriage billionaire alpha-mc
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Brutal Vows by J.T. Geissinger
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsAn Irish mobster with a brutal grudge.An Italian mafia princess with a dark secret.Two enemy empires joined in sacred marriage vows.Let the hating games begin.Author's Note: There is a thirteen-page epilogue set in the future not included in the ARCs that will be in the digital and paperback versions... -
Lady in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI refuse to let this woman have any power over me.She's just my prisoner.But once my Muse is in trouble, I'll do anything to save her.Anything to protect her.She was supposed to inspire me, please me.She was never supposed to care about me.Or make me care about her... -
The Lady : The Oath Duet by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.57 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI’ve spent a lifetime avoiding the various factions of the mafia in NYC, yet somehow I’m in it up to my eyeballs.I should be scared.I should want to run.Yet the city quivers in fear with every designer-clad footstep I take, because the Valentinis have ascended, and I’m the Don’s Lady.It’s intoxicating. However Luciu comes with vendettas and a craving for vengeance that could get him killed... -
Queen in Lingerie by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMuse told the world how she felt about me.Instead of feeling joy, I felt terror.This isn't what I want.This isn't how our relationship is supposed to be.I end things because I have no other choice.But I struggle to cope with my misery, to sleep in an empty bed without her beside me... -
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The Don : The Oath Duet by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsBlood stains my hands, my soul, my heart, yet I’ll shed more to keep her safe. A chance meeting brings Jen MacNeill into my life—the woman born to reign at my side.She just doesn’t know it yet. How could my Lady be anything other than a silken promise taunting me with every breath she takes?A new Don reigns over Manhattan.But though I won the war, peace isn’t easily brokered... -
Ruin by Laurelin Paige
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWith her heart literally in his hands, Celia will have to try and bargain with a devil.Edward Fasbender is my captor.Trapped on this island he owns everything on--including, it seems, me.He told me he would break me, but I thought he meant in the bedroom. It turns out Edward is playing a completely different game.And he won't stop until he's ruined me... -
Ruined Castles by Amo Jones
Rated: 4.44 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsNothing is going to make sense once you flip open this first chapter. You’re going to wonder why the fuck I made the decisions I did. Why he did what he did. I’m not going to make this easy for you. I’m going to guide you through loops that you’re going to wish I had just skipped, but I’m not going to do that either. You’re going to feel my pain, my loss, and my heart breaking in my chest... -
The Grand Ruin: Lance & Scarlet, Part One by J.C. Hawke
Rated: 4.63 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsBeing stood up on your birthday sucks.It sucks even worse when it's your brother's egotistical best friend and CFO who delivers the blow.My first encounter with Lance Sullivan had me crying in an elevator as I clung to a stranger for comfort.On our second, he stormed my dress fitting pretending to be my husband.And by the third... I'd made the bastard smile.I do not have time for a man in my life...Categorized as:
alpha-mc multi-pov grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy fake-relationship enemies-to-lovers -
Revenge by Laurelin Paige
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsTheir relationship changes again when Celia learns the devil takes care of his own.Edward Fasbender is my savior.From the ashes of who I once was, he is helping me to rise. He has a list of people who have wronged him. And now he's adding names to that list. Names that I gave him. And we will have our revenge... -
Requiem of Sin by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsI walked into the wrong hotel room...To a naked man fresh out of the shower.Now, I’m pregnant with his baby.I should’ve left as soon as I saw him.He was too beautiful to be real.I got halfway to the door…And then he saw exactly what I was trying to hide.“Who hurt you?” he said when he glimpsed the bruises. “Let me fix it.”I should’ve said no.But honestly? I deserve a little luck from the universe... -
Ivory Ashes by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy new boss is gorgeous, arrogant, and filthy rich.The only problem?He doesn't know he's also the father of my baby.Six years ago, I was supposed to get married.But the night before the wedding, my groom-to-be showed me sides of himself I'd never seen before.I might've died in that hotel room...If Mikhail Novikov hadn't burst in to save me... -
Cashmere Cruelty by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsWhen is the worst time to tell someone he’s going to be a father?Probably the day of the wedding…When he is getting married to someone else.Well, that is exactly what I did.But my hands were tied.Literally.Matvey Groza is a dangerous man.And nine months ago, he strolled into my shop looking for a custom suit... -
Cashmere Ruin by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsMy baby's here.Her father's not.And if I have it my way, we'll never see him again.Because Matvey Groza stomped my heart to smithereens.It went pretty much like "I love you." "I'm marrying someone else."I'm paraphrasing, but not by much.Because some facts are undeniable.Matvey got me pregnant. FACT.I'm just now starting labor. FACT.But Matvey is nowhere to be found. FACT... -
Daddy's Obsession by Laylah Roberts
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMaeve had never lived a normal life.She found it hard to settle down, to trust. So letting him close was likely a big mistake.When a threat presents itself, she knows she has to protect him.Gray didn’t let many people close. But when he did, he kept them.If Maeve thought she could run . . . well, she could just think again.He was coming for her. She would be his...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc cheerful-mc crime grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine multi-pov organized-crime -
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The Oracle by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI friendzoned Hunter Lachlan because I thought he could never give me what I needed. After a decade of pushing him away, I don't recognize Las Vegas's new Don.Maybe my childhood best friend knew me better than I ever realized... And maybe, just maybe, he's the one man for whom I'll kneel...Categorized as:
alpha-mc arranged-marriage billionaire cheerful-mc crime dark grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine -
Family Ties by Sam Mariano
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsFrancesca Morelli.Sweet as sin, like the cupcakes she slings at the Morelli bakery. Her sweetness and killer looks are what reeled me in, but her unexpected vulnerability really sealed my fate. I don't care if there’s a war brewing between our families. I don’t care if I have to go through her evil dictator of a brother... -
Saving Hailey: by I.A. Dice
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsHAILEYOne man. Two names. Two personalities.One captivates, the other terrifies.Under the pretense of love, he used me, searching for secrets I didn't know I had. Cuddles, kisses, and whispered sweet nothings lulled me into a false sense of security that shattered with a single flashback.Running from the threat I now know he is, I fall straight into a nightmare.. -
Scarred King by Naomi West
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat if your boss asked you to have his baby?With one You have to do it the old-fashioned way.Normally, I would’ve told him to take his offer and shove it.But my mom needs my help.And I can’t afford to save her myself.In comes Arsen Adamov with a devil’s deal on a silver platter.Have his baby.Then walk away—no strings attached.I’d do anything for my mom...Categorized as:
organized-crime alpha-mc arranged-marriage grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc anti-hero steamy -
The Consigliere by Serena Akeroyd
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI inherited Las Vegas. It's mine even if I never wanted it.I may be the Don of the Camorra but every leader needs a Consigliere, and the only one I want belongs to the New York Sicilian Mafia. Aurora Valentini hasn't spoken to me in a decade and I'm tired of waiting.It's time to claim what's mine. Whether she's ready or not...Categorized as:
alpha-mc cheerful-mc crime dark enemies-to-lovers female-mc grumpy-mc grumpy-sunshine -
His Wife by Bella J.
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsAlexius Del Rossa made me an offer I couldn’t refuse.A temporary arrangement. One that would benefit us both.Be his wife for six months so he can solidify his legacy, and I walk away with the security of having the Del Rossa name.Now I realize that it’s no longer that simple—not while his every command bends my will and entices me to obey...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers -
Cognac Vixen by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsOne evil stepfather.Two ex-fiancés fighting to claim me.Three beautiful “Happily ever after.”I ran from my old life because the monsters in my past thought they could own me.For one brief moment, Ivan Pushkin gave me a taste of a happy ending to my story.But now, those same monsters are back to finish the job.Francia wants me dead.My stepfather wants me married...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime multi-pov steamy female-mc alpha-mc age-gap marriage-of-convenience -
Cruel Saints by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsAn Arranged Marriage Mafia Romance Alliances are made. Loyalty is owned. Love is taken. Little did I know my love and freedom would be taken to form a new alliance.Brutal, possessive, and dangerous, Lucian is feared by all. Including myself. When his father is assassinated, Lucian takes his rightful place as head of the Cotroni family... -
Emerald Malice by Nicole Fox
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsI crashed a wedding.Got caught by the best man.Now, I’m pregnant with his baby…It's Katya's fault. (As per usual.)My BFF despises her ex and wants to hate-watch him marry the woman he left her for.Problem is, she didn't fill me in on that plan...Until we arrive at the ceremony.As soon as I find out, I run...Categorized as:
dark crime drama organized-crime enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
The Devil's Crown-Part Two : All The Pretty Things Trilogy Spin-Off by Monica James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsAll The Pretty Things Trilogy Spin-Off With the enemy dead, my throne awaits my return. But the reason I’m still standing is being held captive by another foe... -
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Lessons in Sin by Pam Godwin
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThere’s no absolution for the things I’ve done.But I found a way to control my impulses.I became a priest.As Father Magnus Falke, I suppress my cravings. As the headteacher of a Catholic boarding school, I’m never tempted by a student.Until Tinsley Constantine.The bratty princess challenges my rules and awakens my dark nature. With each punishment I lash upon her, I want more... -
Taking What's Mine by Siobhan Davis™
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA brand-new stand-alone dark mafia romance from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis.Set within the Mazzone Mafia world. This is Fiero Maltese's story.Indecent Proposal meets The Godfather.Tropes enemies to lovers, arranged marriage, age gap, forced proximity, no one is touching her but me.Full description and cover to follow...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime age-gap enemies-to-lovers arranged-marriage billionaire alpha-mc female-mc -
The Consigliere by Stella Andrews
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsMy stepmother and her deranged lover stole our business.The Ortega Mafia is ours by birth but they have other ideas.With the help of my two brothers, it's time to steal it back and I have a secret weapon.Abigail Kensington .Billionaire’s daughter and Washington princess.The perfect woman who is definitely out of my league.A woman my target is obsessed with... -
Twilight Sins by Naomi West
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWhat's worse than a surprise blind date?Finding out your date is a mob boss...And ending up pregnant with his baby.My BFF pulled a bait-and-switch on me.Instead of drinks with the girls, I'm at this bar to meet a blind date."He's nice and normal and handsome!" she promises.Only one of those three is correct.Yakov Kulikov is as gorgeous as they come—and ten times as dangerous...Categorized as:
organized-crime age-gap female-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc anti-hero alpha-mc -
Jameson Fox by Nina Levine
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRule number one if you’re going to fake marry a billionaire: only marry him if you like him and he likes you.Jameson Fox is the most infuriating, arrogant, frustrating, presumptuous, self-important alphahole I have ever met.He stole my company from me five years ago. Now, he’s made me an offer I can’t refuse: fake marry him, and he’ll give it back... -
Oath of Silence: A Dark Mafia Romance by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsI'll give her my ring to claim my crown.Vittoria DeSanto leaves me no choice.What she knows could destroy me.Destroy my family.And I won't allow that.She's homeless, penniless, powerless.I’ll give her the life of a mafia princess.Anything she desires will be hers…Except her freedom.Because our marriage will make me The Boss of the Rossi crime family.My word is law...Categorized as:
age-gap alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage crime dark enemies-to-lovers marriage-of-convenience -
Bride by Logan Chance
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsFrom USA Today Bestselling Author, Logan Chance, comes a powerfully spell-binding enemies to lovers duet ready to capture your heart. Here comes the bride, all dressed in lies. Love and cherish are not in Gabriel Prince’s vocabulary. He’s used to getting what he wants, and what he wants is me—as his bride. I won’t give in to Gabriel’s undeniable sex appeal... -
Ruthless Rebel by Faith Summers, Khardine Gray
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsMy villain. My monster. My Ruthless Rebel…He’ll do anything to get the empire his grandfather promised him... including marry me.His ex.To the media Jericho Grayson is an elite billionaire and one of the heirs to the Grayson legacy.To me, he was the rebel.The boy I first gave my heart to.Eight years ago when he broke up with me, it broke me... -
Mason by Michelle Heard
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"You're my assistant."The magic words every girl at Trinity Academy are dying to hear.But I'm the one who gets stuck with Mason Chargill, the star of most women's fantasies but my nightmare. One of the heirs to CRC Holdings, he might be dangerously gorgeous, but his cold and callous demeanor makes him an ice prince... -
Husband by Penelope Sky
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsTwo years of bitter loneliness have passed. The woman I love is now the woman I hate. I lose myself in beautiful women every night and tell myself that fortune reading was nothing but a scam.But then her mother asks me to marry her.I say yes.Now this woman will be mine forever.Maybe the prophecy really is true. I’m committing to a woman that will never love me in return... -
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Master of Control by Sienna Snow
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsI'm a prize, a treasure, something to cherish. Or so I've been told.But I know the truth. I'm a commodity recently sold to the highest bidder.Sebastian Weber is ruthless, heartless, calculating, and my new husband. Power is the weapon he wields and control is his game.I should fear him, resent him, but instead I'm drawn to him, craving his slightest touch, wanting every part of him...Categorized as:
alpha-mc anti-hero arranged-marriage billionaire crime dark enemies-to-lovers organized-crime -
Miss Fortune by Aubrey Bondurant
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsCaleb Morrison is the most uptight man I’ve ever met – and he’s my new boss.One moment he’s cold, the next he’s unexpectedly sweet. It’s enough to give me whiplash. Despite my attraction to him, I’m convinced we’re too different to be more than friends.But then he flips the script and I’m left with a decision.Daisy Wilson is the most intriguing woman I’ve ever met – and she’s my new assistant...Categorized as:
slow-burn enemies-to-lovers angst grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc multi-pov alpha-mc -
Scandalous Liaison by Piper Stone
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsLove wasn't part of the deal. My full surrender was. Family. For most people, the thought brought happiness or comfort. For me, the sheer mention created anger. After all, I hated my ruthless father with a passion. Unfortunately, with my brother's impending marriage, I felt compelled to return to my hometown for a single weekend...Categorized as:
dark billionaire organized-crime grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc anti-hero enemies-to-lovers -
Perfect Chaos by Leila James
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsMy life is far from perfect, but he’s thrown it into undeniable chaos.He doesn’t know me at all.Yet he strikes out at every opportunity.His cruel words tear me down.But his touch sets me on fire.He plays with my heart and makes me ache.And I know it’s wrong, but I love the way he hates me...Categorized as:
enemies-to-lovers cruel-mc billionaire organized-crime dark grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc -
For the Love of Luca by Soraya Naomi
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsALTERNATE COVER EDITIONAlthough part of the Chicago Syndicate world, For the Love of Luca is a standalone and can be enjoyed either with or without reading the rest of the series.*It's not necessary to have read book 1 and 2.I have it all: power, love, wealth, and most of all...control.I’m a husband.I’m a murderer.I’m the underboss of the Chicagoan mafia... -
Queen's Move by Nikita Slater
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsHe declared war, she accepted the challenge. Vee is poised on the edge of a mob war. Born to the mob, abused by the mob, she is now ready to rise up and take over her dead husband's mafia holdings. She is queen in a beautiful and brutal city. She runs her organization with cool logic, passionate loyalty and an iron will. She's the perfect woman for the job... -
Fake it For Fortune by Weston Parker
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsWhoever said money can’t buy happiness is a liar.Take it from me. It buys loads of thrills.That is until my father sabotages me with a contingency.To have all my riches?I need a wife.Talk about old school.When I catch wind of a dating agency that helps billionaire bachelors like me, I see an opportunity.Appease my dad.Pretend to have a bride for six months.Give her the money...Categorized as:
billionaire fake-relationship multi-pov steamy grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc romance -
Runaway by bazookah
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratings𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬.𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐧𝐚𝐢𝐯𝐞.𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐤𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝.𝐇𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐰𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐡 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲. 𝐈𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐬 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤...Categorized as:
organized-crime enemies-to-lovers grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc age-gap slow-burn dark -
Dark Kingdom by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsHe’s my husband. I’m his prisoner. Adrian Cross is the most ruthless kingpin in London’s criminal underworld. Dangerous. Powerful. Undeniable. Venom wrapped in Savile Row linen. He’s also my ex-husband. Or rather, my not-quite-technically “ex” husband. Now someone wants me dead, and the man I ran from might be my only chance of survival. But his help won’t come for free... -
Hit by Mallory Hart
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsGIUSEPPINAI was never supposed to meet him, but one fateful night had him saving my life.Now he thinks he owns me. I’m his to keep.He’s ruthless, cold, and a killer, but something draws me to him anyway.I know what he’s capable of. I know he was meant to kill me. And I know one wrong slip may make him change his mind about sparing my life.But I want to test him, push him, be a part of his world... -
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Master Me by Jane Henry
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsSavannah is beautiful. Brilliant. Brighter than a ray of sunshine.She’s also way too young for me and practically family.But she’s in trouble.When she witnesses a murder at the hands of rival mafia, Savannah flees to the only safe refuge she knows — my family.My life is ordered. Careful. Disciplined. But when Savannah needs protection, I can’t turn her away...Categorized as:
crime organized-crime age-gap female-mc grumpy-sunshine cheerful-mc grumpy-mc steamy -
Wicked Rule by K.I. Lynn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsI’m going to make her my queen.One wedding.One child. Five years. Ten million dollars.Those are the terms of our contract.My offer is sound, bold, and necessary. In order to gain my inheritance, I have to have a wife.She thinks her clause will keep me from having her skin on mine.She’s very wrong.The de Loughrey’s rule the world, and I am their king. I get what I want, and what I want is her... -
Baby Drama II by Sandi Lynn
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsMilesLong story short. I needed to find a wife.My mother’s final attempt to hold control over me from beyond the grave was temporarily appointing my uncle, her brother, Chairman and CEO of our family company, Bradshaw Capital. She stipulated in her will something I didn’t see coming—marry within the year of her passing, remain wed for another, and the company would be mine... -
Vicious Hearts by Jagger Cole
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsI’ll do anything to save my family. Even if it means marrying the devil himself.Cillian Kildare is a monster wrapped in charm and sophistication. A gorgeous psychopath with venom in his veins and sadism driving every beat of his cold, black heart.When I’m sent to kill the vicious Irish mafia boss to settle a debt from my past, it’s supposed to be simple... -
Knox by TheFeveredBookaholic
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsRevenge.I'm familiar with it. You have to be when you're the firstborn son of a notorious mafia leader. Death and vengeance have been the very foundations of my life. So who in their fucking mind would be stupid enough to cross me?My brother and I have been wrongfully convicted of a crime we didn't commit. We know who is behind this...Categorized as:
dark organized-crime enemies-to-lovers age-gap arranged-marriage slow-burn billionaire steamy -
Bratva Prince by T.J. Maguire
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA hard, dominating Bratva PrinceA fearless, crazy Cartel PrincessAleksandr VolkovI've lived my life with rigid control.A tight vice on myself and my emotions.Scars from my past have left me broken. Riddled with guilt and anguish.When my baby sister was kidnapped, I feared the worst. That she'd suffered the same fate as our mother...Categorized as:
dark crime organized-crime enemies-to-lovers steamy alpha-mc angst arranged-marriage
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