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House Of Pleasure #1.5
Antonia's Bargain
Antonia's Bargain Kate Pearce "This book is the stand-alone sequel to Eden's Pleasure." Since the suicide of his first wife, Gideon has avoided emotional interactions with women in favor of less emotionally draining liaisons with men. When he unmasks "Anthony" Maxwell and finds he is, in fact, Antonia, he is still sexually intrigued enough to want to bed her. A reluctant heiress, Antonia knows she has to marry but she intends to do it on her own terms-her wealth in return for a husband-free bed. Gideon offers to help her infiltrate the world of the ton dressed as a man so she can see her potential suitors in their natural habitat. In return, she agrees to allow him to teach her every trick in his sexual repertoire as long as he doesn't take her virginity. Her fear of marriage and pregnancy is a puzzling barrier that Gideon, despite his exceptional skills, finds difficult to penetrate. As they become more scandalously intimate, he has to decide whether to help Antonia face her fears or walk away from the only woman he believes he could ever love. "Reader Advisory: Contains multiple scenes of male and female same-sex erotic interaction. "
125 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2007
33 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Kate Pearce
162 books1,857 followersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 20, 2017
"I thought this was just a game. Something to amuse you."
"Perhaps at first it was."
Oh, yes, my friends. This quote from the second to last chapter sums up my feelings on Kate Pearce's stories. You read them for the smexy times for sure, a little pat and tickle to get the heart flow churning....and then she hits you with the feelz.
In Gideon and Antonia's story the smexy times were right in your face. Errhm, actually, his face. Then her face. Then (the other) her face. Then (the other) his face. You see the author almost tries to throw you off with all that face time, LOL.
Bold dialogue for the times, yes, but never truly vulgar. There are no belittling or demeaning schemes here. The story arch itself maybe a slow build, but trust, honesty, and vulnerabilities between the "almost" lovers are displayed....not always easy to do in a novella. Not without his demons or dark passions, Gideon is a man of honor. I couldn't tell till the very last chapter how his personal story would play out at the end of Antonia's bargain. And Antonia? I won't spoil it, but the author did a good job at making these two personalities really work together...and grow together. There was one point 3/4 of the way in that I actually gasped just from a couple of sentences of open, intimate exchange between these lovers...then right back to smexy times ;) A good bit of read IMHO
"Perhaps at first it was."
Oh, yes, my friends. This quote from the second to last chapter sums up my feelings on Kate Pearce's stories. You read them for the smexy times for sure, a little pat and tickle to get the heart flow churning....and then she hits you with the feelz.
In Gideon and Antonia's story the smexy times were right in your face. Errhm, actually, his face. Then her face. Then (the other) her face. Then (the other) his face. You see the author almost tries to throw you off with all that face time, LOL.
Bold dialogue for the times, yes, but never truly vulgar. There are no belittling or demeaning schemes here. The story arch itself maybe a slow build, but trust, honesty, and vulnerabilities between the "almost" lovers are displayed....not always easy to do in a novella. Not without his demons or dark passions, Gideon is a man of honor. I couldn't tell till the very last chapter how his personal story would play out at the end of Antonia's bargain. And Antonia? I won't spoil it, but the author did a good job at making these two personalities really work together...and grow together. There was one point 3/4 of the way in that I actually gasped just from a couple of sentences of open, intimate exchange between these lovers...then right back to smexy times ;) A good bit of read IMHO
May 17, 2012
4 1/2 Stars ~ This is the sequel to Eden's Pleasure and fits in after Simply Sexual in Kate Pearce's House of Pleasure series.
Faced with the prospect that she must chose a husband or one will be chosen for her, Antonia decides she must learn the hidden sides of the men who are courting her. So she accompanies her cousin, Lady Jane, to Madame Desiree's House of Pleasure in disguise as a young man. The acts she sees are shocking and her innocent expressions spark the interest of Gideon Harcourt. Gideon is enchanted with the handsome youth, and then realizes that this is no lad but a young woman cleverly disguised. He decides to amuse himself and takes the lad under his wing and shows him the various other rooms in the pleasure house. Letting young "Anthony" know that he is aware of her ruse, he offers to show her what the men of the ton do when they are away from their women. He also agrees to teach her the pleasure between a man and a woman and promises not to take her virginity. As their affair heats up, Antonia realizes that it's Gideon she wishes to marry but she knows this will not work because Gideon wishes children and she has vowed never to bear children. To achieve a male heir, her mother had to endure ten pregnancies and when each failed to do so, she took her own life.
Another scorching romance from Ms. Pearce. Gideon thought himself more inclined to men until he encountered Antonia. Finally, he has met a woman who is his match. I love how he is willing to respect Antonia's decision to remain a virgin and still wishes to marry her. Antonia in turn respects Gideon and hears him out, that he is not like her father to force her to produce a male heir. I loved that Peter Howard from Simply Sexual has a role in this story, and he alludes to how lonely he is now that Valentin has Sara. Peter's story is next in the series, Simply Sinful.
Faced with the prospect that she must chose a husband or one will be chosen for her, Antonia decides she must learn the hidden sides of the men who are courting her. So she accompanies her cousin, Lady Jane, to Madame Desiree's House of Pleasure in disguise as a young man. The acts she sees are shocking and her innocent expressions spark the interest of Gideon Harcourt. Gideon is enchanted with the handsome youth, and then realizes that this is no lad but a young woman cleverly disguised. He decides to amuse himself and takes the lad under his wing and shows him the various other rooms in the pleasure house. Letting young "Anthony" know that he is aware of her ruse, he offers to show her what the men of the ton do when they are away from their women. He also agrees to teach her the pleasure between a man and a woman and promises not to take her virginity. As their affair heats up, Antonia realizes that it's Gideon she wishes to marry but she knows this will not work because Gideon wishes children and she has vowed never to bear children. To achieve a male heir, her mother had to endure ten pregnancies and when each failed to do so, she took her own life.
Another scorching romance from Ms. Pearce. Gideon thought himself more inclined to men until he encountered Antonia. Finally, he has met a woman who is his match. I love how he is willing to respect Antonia's decision to remain a virgin and still wishes to marry her. Antonia in turn respects Gideon and hears him out, that he is not like her father to force her to produce a male heir. I loved that Peter Howard from Simply Sexual has a role in this story, and he alludes to how lonely he is now that Valentin has Sara. Peter's story is next in the series, Simply Sinful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 20, 2012
IT WAS HOT AND YOU HAVE TO GET IT TO ENJOY IT OR YOU WON'T GET IT!!!
August 20, 2025
A second Harcourt twins book from the amazing Kate Pearce and it is just as good as the first one. Antonia and Gideon are both learning to let go of their demons and fall in love with each other in a very steamy fashion.
October 18, 2025
2019 = 3 stars
2024 = review written
A pretty good historical m/f romance
(with two short m/m scenes)
★ Sizzling sex scenes. 🥵
★ A decent story of two lonely people finding love.
★ A fairly satisfying ending.
🔻 Insta-love happens. A few meetings centered around sex, somehow leads to a deep, lasting love.
🔻 Like every h in the series, she's willing to do anything and everything.
🔻 An f/f scene, which I skipped. 🤢
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘
╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸
The story of Gideon Harcourt & Antonia.
Gideon was in novella 0.25 with his twin brother, Gervase. I tried to read Gervase's story, but it's hardcore erotica which is a no for me.
Gideon and Antonia have tragic backstories:
Gideon's wife committed suicide.
Antonia's parents had an unhappy marriage.
Due to the hurt they suffered:
✦ Bisexual Gideon only has sex with men.
✦ Antonia is afraid to get married and have sex, fearing to be like her mother. At age 26, she thought she was safe living a sheltered rural life.
The Plot: Antonia has been in London for 3 weeks. Thanks to a recent inheritance, her cousin Charles expects her to marry to help his political career.
The MCs meet at Madame Desiree's House of Pleasure. Taken there by her cousin Jane, Antonia dresses like a man to learn about men and her potential suitors. Gideon notices her and takes her under his tutelage, teaching her also about passion. Promising not to take her virginity, he shows her other ways to have pleasure.
Gideon has sex twice with one of my favorite characters, Peter. He was in books 0.5 and 1, and is an MC in book 2. Here he plays a supporting role, helping his lover and friend.
Gideon decides to pursue Antonia. She’s willing until she learns from his father that having an heir is crucial. When they meet, their fears—her of pregnancy, his of another wife like his first—cause them to part. Antonia flees to the country.
A month later, she realizes she shouldn't have run. She thinks how she can't change the past but won't let it ruin her future. She writes to Gideon, who finds her by the lake. As they make love, Gideon shows her sex without pregnancy is possible, like using French letters. He then asks her to marry him, and she accepts.
FINAL WORDS:
Life was for living. Her decision to trust Gideon was too fragile and uncertain not to worry her a little. She glanced at the lake, knew her life would never be so calm and flat again. Gideon would love her in any way she wanted and they would face the future together. In some ways it felt as if her life had just begun.
👀 Gideon can be with men, as long as A can watch.
☹️ Antonia never even considers having a baby, even after she trusts Gideon. That was a letdown. I hope she someday conquers her fears.
2024 = review written
A pretty good historical m/f romance
(with two short m/m scenes)
★ Sizzling sex scenes. 🥵
★ A decent story of two lonely people finding love.
★ A fairly satisfying ending.
🔻 Insta-love happens. A few meetings centered around sex, somehow leads to a deep, lasting love.
🔻 Like every h in the series, she's willing to do anything and everything.
🔻 An f/f scene, which I skipped. 🤢
𝐁𝐎𝐎𝐊 𝐒𝐔𝐌𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐘
╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸╸
The story of Gideon Harcourt & Antonia.
Gideon was in novella 0.25 with his twin brother, Gervase. I tried to read Gervase's story, but it's hardcore erotica which is a no for me.
Gideon and Antonia have tragic backstories:
Gideon's wife committed suicide.
Antonia's parents had an unhappy marriage.
Due to the hurt they suffered:
✦ Bisexual Gideon only has sex with men.
✦ Antonia is afraid to get married and have sex, fearing to be like her mother. At age 26, she thought she was safe living a sheltered rural life.
The Plot: Antonia has been in London for 3 weeks. Thanks to a recent inheritance, her cousin Charles expects her to marry to help his political career.
The MCs meet at Madame Desiree's House of Pleasure. Taken there by her cousin Jane, Antonia dresses like a man to learn about men and her potential suitors. Gideon notices her and takes her under his tutelage, teaching her also about passion. Promising not to take her virginity, he shows her other ways to have pleasure.
Gideon has sex twice with one of my favorite characters, Peter. He was in books 0.5 and 1, and is an MC in book 2. Here he plays a supporting role, helping his lover and friend.
Gideon decides to pursue Antonia. She’s willing until she learns from his father that having an heir is crucial. When they meet, their fears—her of pregnancy, his of another wife like his first—cause them to part. Antonia flees to the country.
A month later, she realizes she shouldn't have run. She thinks how she can't change the past but won't let it ruin her future. She writes to Gideon, who finds her by the lake. As they make love, Gideon shows her sex without pregnancy is possible, like using French letters. He then asks her to marry him, and she accepts.
FINAL WORDS:
Life was for living. Her decision to trust Gideon was too fragile and uncertain not to worry her a little. She glanced at the lake, knew her life would never be so calm and flat again. Gideon would love her in any way she wanted and they would face the future together. In some ways it felt as if her life had just begun.
👀 Gideon can be with men, as long as A can watch.
☹️ Antonia never even considers having a baby, even after she trusts Gideon. That was a letdown. I hope she someday conquers her fears.
July 8, 2021
Whoo... somebody.. hand me a fan!!
May 25, 2012
Lots and lots and looots of sex scenes, some of them were good and, unlike Simply Sexual, there was nothing "too kinky".
I've noticed that this author writes good erotica but she fail miserably with the whole plot thingy... seriously, I never understood why Antonia wanted to pretend to be a guy, or I did and the reason just didn't make any sense.
Didn't love it, didn't hate it... just average.
I've noticed that this author writes good erotica but she fail miserably with the whole plot thingy... seriously, I never understood why Antonia wanted to pretend to be a guy, or I did and the reason just didn't make any sense.
Didn't love it, didn't hate it... just average.
August 12, 2014
Well the story is different and I liked the idea of Antonia/Anthony a lot. In the beginning I just thought that Anthony is Sara's brother in law and not a new character they established which was kind of confusing over the first couple of pages.
Anway, I kind of like the story except for the meage a trois again - it gets boring now after 4 books of Kate Pearce. Really boring. I mean why does every book has to include it? And why always MMf? Anyway the story was different and that's what I liked about it.
Anway, I kind of like the story except for the meage a trois again - it gets boring now after 4 books of Kate Pearce. Really boring. I mean why does every book has to include it? And why always MMf? Anyway the story was different and that's what I liked about it.
April 5, 2021
This was one of the books I still haven't read from The house of pleasures and once again it amazed me! I totally fell in love with Antonia and Gideon, their stories, motivations and the way they decided to face their demons and a bonus... very hot! Love love it!
Esse livro faz parte da série A casa dos prazeres, da qual já li alguns livros. Amei demais a história de Antonia e Gideon e o dilema que cerca o passado dos dois. Super hot e ao mesmo tempo com uma excelente história de fundo!
Esse livro faz parte da série A casa dos prazeres, da qual já li alguns livros. Amei demais a história de Antonia e Gideon e o dilema que cerca o passado dos dois. Super hot e ao mesmo tempo com uma excelente história de fundo!
May 2, 2016
This is a favourite re-read, Love everyone in this book and it has a bit of everything. A staple in my diet of reading, sexy, quick and fun.
I jump from this to Seduced by Virginia Henley, very similar storyline, longer version and more indepth. Not as heavy with the sex scenes, steamy level(not eroctica) but good for HR readers.
I jump from this to Seduced by Virginia Henley, very similar storyline, longer version and more indepth. Not as heavy with the sex scenes, steamy level(not eroctica) but good for HR readers.
March 3, 2021
This one is my favorites in the series so far. It is fun delving further into the House of Pleasure. I wonder if places like this really exist or existed. My guess is they probably do if you have enough money, a la Eyes Wide Shut. Alas, my income bracket is unlikely ever to grant me entrée so I will continue my adventures in the fictional realm.
May 3, 2018
Perfect companion to Eden's Pleasure
Well-written and great character depth. Fun and adventurous, it was nice to read a female character who let her curiosity of a "man's world" make her bold. And the lure of the unknown.... yep, yep, yep!
Well-written and great character depth. Fun and adventurous, it was nice to read a female character who let her curiosity of a "man's world" make her bold. And the lure of the unknown.... yep, yep, yep!
April 23, 2010
See Pleasurable Bargains for review
April 2, 2012
Very erotic...
October 25, 2014
2.5 STARS
December 17, 2014
Loved it
I love Kate's Books. Antonia story was one of great courage. Their love helping her overcome her fears was so sweet.
I love Kate's Books. Antonia story was one of great courage. Their love helping her overcome her fears was so sweet.
July 11, 2016
I enjoyed this one - watching Gideon find a partner who really understands him, and vice versa, was great. The varied sex scenes are signature Ms. Pearce hot.
Bought from kobo
Bought from kobo
June 4, 2018
Gideon teaches Antonia how to fit in dressed as a man as she tries to see men in their 'natural habitat'. There's a lot of sex but more to the romance than the previous book. I liked it more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
Stars 3/4 (Kate Pearce, Maureen Driscoll, Elisa Braden)
4/5 hotness and steam
4/5 hotness and steam
February 4, 2020
Can't remember this story very well. I just have it on my iPad marked as read. So, I give it a 3 star Meh for not being remarkable enough to recall whether or not I liked it.
March 15, 2020
Love Kay Pearce. One of my favorite authors.
January 12, 2025
คนที่ชอบเรื่อง Seduced ของเวอจิเนีย เฮนรี่น่าจะชอบเล่มนี้นะคะ เพราะถ้าคุณคิดว่า Seduced แรงแล้ว ต้องมาเจอเล่มนี้ค่ะ
ครั้งแรกที่กิเดี้ยนมองเห็นเด็กหนุ่มในซ่องที่เขาใช้บริการเป็นประจำอยู่ เขารู้ทันทีว่า จะต้องได้คนผู้นั้นมาครอบครองให้ได้ มันไม่สำคัญว่าคนคนนั้นคือผู้ชาย นั่นก็เพราะว่ากิเดี้ยนไม่เคยให้เพศของคู่นอนของตัวเองมาเป็นประเด็นอยู่แล้ว (ถ้าอ่านแล้วไม่เก็ต ก็แปลว่ากิเดี้ยนเป็นไบเซ็กส์ชั่ลนะคะ)
แอนโธนี่ถูกญาติสาวพามาที่ซ่อง และถูกทิ้งให้อยู่ตามลำพัง เพราะญาติไปมั่วสุมกับชายที่ได้เจอในนั้น แต่เมื่อมีชายหนุ่มหน้าตาดีโผล่เข้ามา และเริ่มต้นพาทัศนศึกษา มันจึงเป็นเหมือนการเปิดหูเปิดตา
แต่ที่มากไปกว่าแค่การเรียนรู้เรื่องเพศของเด็กหนุ่มไม่ประสา แอนโธนี่เรียนรู้มากกว่านั้น เพราะเขาไม่ใช่แอนโธนี่ หากแต่เป็นแอนโธเนีย หญิงสาวที่ปลอมตัวเป็นชายเพื่อมาเปิดหูเปิดตาในสถานที่ที่เป็นทีต้องห้ามของเด็กสาวจากชนชั้นผู้ดี
และแอนโธเนียก็ได้เรียนรู้ยิ่งไปกว่านั้นมาก
มันใช้เวลาไม่นานก่อนที่กิเดี้ยนจะค้นพบความจริง และไม่นานเลยเมื่อเขาติดตามจนรู้ถึงตัวตนอันแท้จริงของเธอ ในสายตาคนนอก กิเดี้ยนและแอนโธเนียเป็นคู่ที่เหมาะสม แม้กระทั่งพ่อของกิเดี้ยนที่ตั้งข้อรังเกียจสะใภ้ทุกคนก็ยังอ้าแขนรับความร่ำรวย และชาติตระกูลของเธอ แต่แอนโธเนียต้องการมากไปกว่าความเหมาะสม เธอต้องการกิเดี้ยนอย่างที่เขาเป็น ชายหนุ่มผู้ใช้ชีวิตอย่างคุ้มค่า เธอยอมรับตัวตนที่ไม่งดงามนักของเขาได้ (ไม่ได้บอกว่ากิเดี้ยนไม่หล่อนะคะ แต่เขาทำอะไรหลายอย่างที่พระเอกโรแมนซ์ส่วนใหญ่ไม่ทำกัน --- อย่างน้อยฉากนึงในเรื่องนี้มาฉากกิเดี้ยนและตัวละครผู้ชายอีกตัว)
แม็กซ์ชอบเล่มนี้ค่ะ ชอบกิเดี้ยนเอามาก ๆ ชอบเขามาตั้งแต่ใน Eden's Pleasure แล้วล่ะ ตัวละครที่ไม่สมบูรณ์แบบ แต่สมบูรณ์กับเรื่อง และสมบูรณ์กับนางเอกเอามาก ๆ
จะว่าไปเล่มนี้อาจถือเป็นจุดเริ่มต้นของหนังสือชุดที่เคธเขียนให้กับอโฟไดท์เซียก็ได้นะคะ เพราะในเล่มนี้มีการกล่าวถึงวาเลนติน ซึ่งเป็นพระเอกในเรื่อง Simply Sexual นิดหน่อย และปีเตอร์ซึ่งกำลังจะเป็นพระเอกในเรื่อง Simply Sinful ก็ออกมาอย่างเต็ม ๆ
เคธ พีชถือเป็นนักเขียนแนวอีโรติค โรแมนซ์ที่แม็กซ์ชอบเป็นอันดับต้น ๆ ค่ะ แม็กซ์ชอบเรื่องแนวย้อนยุคที่เธอเขียน เรื่องราวของขุนนางหนุ่มที่ไม่ค่อยมีความยับยั้งหรือศีลธรรมมากนักในเรื่องเพศ และผู้หญิงที่ยอมรับตัวตนเช่นนั้นของพวกเขาได้
คะแนนของเรื่องนี้ 77
May 8, 2021
2.5/5
Historia corta. Nos cuenta la suerte de Gideon (Gemelo Harcout que faltaba por emparejarse).
Estando en la casa del placer conoce a “Antony” quien resulta ser en realidad una mujer disfrazada: Antonia heredera codiciada quien se queja de la injusticia del matrimonio para las mujeres.
Debido a eventos pasados con sus padres ; le tiene un gran temor a las relaciones físicas. Sin embargo Gideon la ayudara a vencer sus miedos y dudas, para abrirse a una eventual relación.
Relato bien llevado, se muestra el avance y gran paciencia de él, aunque ella tuvo momentos desesperantes. (Este “libro” tiene un mayor contenido erótico que el pasado) Este gemelo es más dado a compartir.
Personalmente me gusto más la historia-relación anterior.
Historia corta. Nos cuenta la suerte de Gideon (Gemelo Harcout que faltaba por emparejarse).
Estando en la casa del placer conoce a “Antony” quien resulta ser en realidad una mujer disfrazada: Antonia heredera codiciada quien se queja de la injusticia del matrimonio para las mujeres.
Debido a eventos pasados con sus padres ; le tiene un gran temor a las relaciones físicas. Sin embargo Gideon la ayudara a vencer sus miedos y dudas, para abrirse a una eventual relación.
Relato bien llevado, se muestra el avance y gran paciencia de él, aunque ella tuvo momentos desesperantes. (Este “libro” tiene un mayor contenido erótico que el pasado) Este gemelo es más dado a compartir.
Personalmente me gusto más la historia-relación anterior.
September 6, 2021
Didn't work for me
I loved the first Kate Pearce book I read: The Power Of Three. So I eagerly joined her mailing list and read this for free. I was disappointed.
The story just didn't hold for me. Why dress as a man? Why consider such an absurd bargain? Why doesn't she just take her fortune and live quietly in the country?
And I didn't like Gideon, I found him pushy and manipulative.
I hope my next Kate Pearce story will live up to the first :)
Standalone. 3rd person dual point of view. Violence is alluded to but not graphically detailed. Very steamy.
I loved the first Kate Pearce book I read: The Power Of Three. So I eagerly joined her mailing list and read this for free. I was disappointed.
The story just didn't hold for me. Why dress as a man? Why consider such an absurd bargain? Why doesn't she just take her fortune and live quietly in the country?
And I didn't like Gideon, I found him pushy and manipulative.
I hope my next Kate Pearce story will live up to the first :)
Standalone. 3rd person dual point of view. Violence is alluded to but not graphically detailed. Very steamy.
April 15, 2024
Unconventional and at times shocking (maybe just to me) … but nevertheless tender.
Lovely how they both manage to ease their reluctance towards marriage (for different reasons, but each based on past relationships or examples thereof).
Lovely how they both manage to ease their reluctance towards marriage (for different reasons, but each based on past relationships or examples thereof).
December 4, 2022
This author knows how to write historical romance. Makes you feel like you’ve jumped back, and the sex scenes, turn a fan on.
March 18, 2023
Nice story… not as Hot as the others in this series. Recommend
May 30, 2023
It was fine.
July 25, 2023
Gideon, um dos gêmeos Hancourt e Antônia
Não foi dos melhores mas foi gostoso de ler
Não foi dos melhores mas foi gostoso de ler
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