Review: Free Falling: An LA Rock Star Romance

Free Falling: An LA Rock Star Romance by Elle Greco
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Trigger Warnings: sexual assault, emotional abuse, mention of #MeToo This novel also deals with heavy subject matter, like Naked Hearts, and Broken Promises. Luckily the heroine was a bit too cocky and strong willed for me to ignore her and label her as wow, she dumb category. Reese was a simple breath of fresh air, that I could not resist being attached to, and be wholly involved in her story. Because trust me - this is her show running. Told only in one person first pov, Reese's entire life story is pulled out and shared, letting us know how her story begins in the middle so chaotically as now an adult singer, leaving her teen star image behind. I fell for her tenacity, strong willed personality, determination and soft at times heart too, but she didn't fall for anybody like that to cater to their demands, she lived her own way and I admired that. Also her temper was something of a famous show as so, so I could also relate in that manner. Baz is no different, having to deal with his own demons, and now fighting his attraction to a younger woman, who is off-limits to him due to his demons again. But we all know Baz is never a quitter, especially when it comes to his daughter, who is also such a cutie, oh my heart. And despite their relationship being rocky at best, Baz and Reese show that they are not going to quit and forge their own path, even if society and demons disagree. And I was so there for that. Every step of their rocky, wholesome and steamy, and often tragic - MEtoo movement mention - I was there for it. Lived it breathed it, fell for them all over again. Because they were that good - alright, you can't tell me anything else. Also the side characters were fab - wish some of them got their stories too. Geez Elle, what ya waiting for? My soul's growing impatient hah. But yeah I was thoroughly invested in this novel, and cannot wait for more by this author. 

Until the next read, -JB


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Review: Broken Promises

Broken Promises by S.A. Thomas
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Note 2: This is a trilogy. Please read in order. Broken Promises is the first book. Broken Souls is the next one. Broken Hearts Healed is the third and final book in the trilogy. Trigger Warnings: Racism, drug abuse, bullying, child abuse, murder, assault, deceit, infidelity, kidnapping, domestic abuse. This novel was sure a heavy one. I mean sometimes it was so hard to wrap my head around everything going on. Too much going on, and intense feelings skyrocketing. It was definitely a storm and I did have to weather it. Nyah and Caleb both have dark pasts, and despite their relationship being rocky and the same time movin on up, secrets still threaten their very relationship and it's only a matter of time before shit hits the fan. And it did. Which will be explained in the next book - Broken Souls, already released. And sometimes the characters often ended up making stupid choices, which I was not a fan of - I mean y'all are grown ass adults yet behave like confused teenagers. Regardless, I ended up sympathizing a lot for Nyah and Caleb's situation, especially with how Caleb's mother kept coming for Nyah, and Nyah's past kept coming back for her -truly a hairaising situation. And we'll see how the situation and plot twist that showed up in the first book goes in the second novel. The second novel, Broken Souls has already released, if you want to continue reading. Also the format of the book was irritating: like where is the usual book structure? Seems everything was just squeezed in together without proper formatting. Honestly, so frustrating. But whatever. 

Until the next read, -JB

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Review: Naked Hearts

Naked Hearts by Valentina
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. Trigger Warnings: extreme violence, assault, rape, suicide, depression, anxiety attacks This book was wow. Truly wow. I mean it was so realistic in portraying feelings of after being raped, and how victims deal with the trauma everyday - it's definitely not easy. Plus it's so hard to console your family, tell yourself you're okay, even though you're not. Definitely not easy being a rape victim. But Lorenzo and her sister, and her family was so caring and loving, and understanding about her circumstances. Though yes, there were difficult situations at times, still I saluted all of them for the way they handled it all. The writing was as smooth as can be, the characters were complex psychologically impossible to crack - stimulated my brain immensely, and just the emotional understanding, and epic steamy scenes were something I looked forward to so much. PLus the characters - both had gone through a lot of problems and heartache, but how they are there for each other made me swoon for them so much and break heart t00 - because they were just so surreal to me and everything. I look forward to another novel by Valentina soon. And I can because Mignon - Lorenzo's friend, has her story coming in 2022. So yes, some excitement there for sure. I can't wait. 

Until the next read,  -JB

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Review: The Sassy Nanny Dilemma

The Sassy Nanny Dilemma by Elizabeth SaFleur
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this novel so much! Ashton and Adelaide were so different, but at the same time so perfect. Literally felt like this was a pride and prejudice retelling, I am telling you. I mean they both complemented each other in how they both behaved so differently yet their primary goal was to take care of his little girl, and I was so there for it. All the emotions slight angst, fade to black steamy scenes, and endless witty banter, was something I lived for. I mean holy shit, this book made my list of I wanna read this again and again, over and over. And I rarely have those, as you know. The writing, was so perfect, straightforward, delightful, and in their person main. The romance was believable and swoonworthy, the banter was intelligent, realistic and something I missed in other novels. My god this novel had me so bad, I think I swear I wouldn't mind being glued to it longer. Plus Ashton, and Adelaide and the little girl, aww they made such a cute family, eeeh, I want one like that. Oh this novel was so good, I can't wait for Elizabeth to write more heartwarming novels like these. 

-TMR 

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: My Husband's Fiancee

My Husband's Fiancee by Wendy Owens
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Note 2: This is part of a duet. The first book is My Husband's Fiancee. The second is My Wife's Secrets. Please read in order. 

Trigger Warnings: fertility issues, infidelity, murder, death of an infant, mental health issues, marriage issues, emotional abuse, child abuse. 

This book was definitely on the dysfunctional side, as I started reading it. Captivating, thrilling and riveting, I was rooted to my spot for hours, trying to figure out how the story would go and end. 

Liz, or Elizabeth as she is known, has been recently sent to prison, following suspicions of murder regarding her husband's mistress, for a life sentence. 

She soon meets her husband's fiancee, despite the fact that they are not divorced yet, and tries to explain her side of the story to her. 

Secrets unravel, trauma bleeds into her everyday prison life moreso, confusion and disorientation enter her brain all the time - you would think she had a medical condition of sorts, and she is even more withdrawn as time passes and more parts of her side of the story fall through. 

But not everything is what it seems - especially when she has to deal with all the people from her past, who are also, begrudgingly part of her future as well. 

More clues follow, sudden alternative theories make up, and Liz may be on the track to getting her freedom. 

But someone close to her doesn't want to let that happen - will Liz make it out or not - only time and the next book will tell.

 As I said, this book was riveting, captivating, and a rollercoaster ride for me, as I experienced the settings of daily prison life, various inmates' stories and strange happenings inside the prison through Liz's eyes. 

As well as her piecing clues together to figure out who did kill the mistress and why - it's truly a fun, thrilling, and cannot stop reading rush that continues well past the last page. 

Thanks to Wendy Owen and her brilliant writing, for helping me get back to the psychological thriller world. 

Truly, I feel as if I can breathe again with such an excellent read in my hands. 

I loved, loved this book and cannot wait for the next book: My Wife's Secrets coming February 24th 2022, to finally figure out if Liz will make it out of her life sentence and catch the real killer too.

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Review: Small Town Big Rumors: The Tequila Rose Duet

Small Town Big Rumors: The Tequila Rose Duet by Willow Winters
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a duet. Please read in order.

Wowowowowowow, this duet was fantabulous!

Willow's writing has definitely improved as I read this duet this time around. I mean I could feel sparks again when I thought of spending time again with the MCs, they were just that damn cute and perfect for each other.

Sure they both have problems, come from different worlds, and different ideas for the words "settling down" but still fate wants to get them together - and who can deny fate?

The chemistry, the emotional bonding, the banter - hehe I always had a thing for the banter, and just how they tackle issues to get to where they are as a couple - breathtaking and mind-blowing.

Plus the side characters were wonderful too - hope they get their stories someday too - they were just so sweet and caring towards the MCs, I loved it.

Overall, a wonderful duet, and I can't wait for more by Willow.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Saving Silver

Saving Silver by Xavier Neal
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a series. Saving Silver is the first book. Getting Gold is the second and final book for now. Please read in order.

Trigger Warnings: Attempted murder, kidnaping, violence, mention of dead parents.

This was such a fun and light- to some degree- paranormal romance. I automatically fell in love with Xavier's writing - so damn straightforward and downright hilarious, I wanted more already.

The story is simple. Silver falls for a sleeper - human - and she for a dragon - aka Silver. Things speed up because this is a short novella - but some car chase scenes happen, steamy shit also happens, banter happens - because I loved all the side C's too and how supportive, kind and caring they were- and some unexpected plot twists also follow.

All which I was so down for - the minute I read it - that I cannot wait for the next book.

Getting Gold releases February 24th s0 here's hoping I get to read it before release.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: His Hollow Heart

His Hollow Heart by Rachel Leigh
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Trigger warnings: alleged kidnapping, child abuse, emotional abuse, assault, night terrors, mental illness, 

Hot damn this book. It felt like Dexter had entered the building of this book. 

Freaky, mysterious and downright hot 🔥, I could not help but be drawn to this book even more. The cover had sold me on it, but the writing and intriguing clues left me like whoa...

Specially cause this antihero was so -vastly so- different to other antiheroes that I’d ever read that I was left actually shooketh. I mean yes he had a terrible past, (know that most of the trigger warnings apply to him) but my god the way he carried his scars was just freaky but honestly even somewhat twistedly commendable. And his kinks too especially, slithering and hissing to protect him and every scar he ever held (that should tell you about what kinks exactly he had) was downright fascinating. Despite his good years with the FMC, I guess he did embrace his villainous nature in the end. And I was so there for it. 

As for the FMC, well she was a pure forgetful thing eh, but strong and determined, and slightly crazy I’ll give her that. I mean the way she tried to escape our MC that I was like..damn girl I wouldn’t have been able to. Sure she had a normal life, but sometimes we all got that crazy something in our bones, in our souls and I don’t think she knew it but eventually embraced it. Even with her dubious 🔥 encounter with the MC, still she kept strong and didn’t give up. 

The side characters were charming as well - specially Peter, but not Byron - regardless, they were all pretty damn sweet and I wanted to be their best friend automatically. It was definitely platonic love at first sight.

As for the plot twist, well I was sure a goner for it - and him too. So that was something I didn’t expect but loved it anyway. 

Either way, I ended up loving the book, despite its woah what can’t be moments, the writing, romance and intriguingly twisted development of characters made it all worth it. 

So yeah loved it and can’t wait for more. Her broken pieces is coming February 24 2022, and I’m so here for it. 

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Irreplaceable

Irreplaceable by Jenna Hartley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. 

Trigger Warnings: Fertility Issues. 

Harper and Enzo owned me body, soul and mind. I mean the way their fling started in the cliched ways, sure, but they had individually amazing personalities and were not afraid to stand up to obstacles. And that's what I loved about them. 

Sure Harper was a struggling film scout with struggling fertility issues (so glad this was covered too), meanwhile Enzo was a huge football/soccer player (always get confused about those), and would never have really met if not for them taking a vacation at the same time. 

Sparks fly, so do injuries (how do you think it all starts haha), and so does a rush of want me, want ya honeeeey lyrics too. 

But miscommunication flies too and they separate. But time brings them back again and they work hard to solve their issues and grow as a couple - and I loved that about them. 

Also I loved how Jenna covered Harper's emotions and concern in regards to her fertility issues and I sympathised, empathised and fell for Harper a lot. Wanted to be her best friend so much. 

Although it was slightly hard to believe she was able to you know have her happy end like that - cause of her early signs of that not happening - still I was happy for her. Enzo was a brilliant, smart and caring guy and Harper was equally in love and caring, strong and wonderful to him. 

So yes, they were the perfect book couple in my mind - my all time favorites. So yeah. Loved them to the ends of the moon and back. 

Can't wait for more by Jenna. 

Until the next read, -JB

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Review: Land of Horrors

Land of Horrors by Chelsii Klein
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Trigger Warnings: brutal violence, detailed violence, rape, assault.

Honestly - I am not sure I am really a fan of this book.

It was just I guess beyond my scope. I had this realisation after I finished it.

I mean yes the title says what it says - but still I was so not prepared for what I was about to go through.

One's a smoky trouble king, and the other is like Hunger games revamped, and they cross worlds, eager to take it all down. But plot twists come, betrayals come, weird as hell stuff comes and goes. And something about a candyland setting for upturning it all? Not even sure. Meanwhile, my head spins the entire time from not being able to process it all.

That's all I can say. And honestly - I am not sure if I will be prepared for the second book at all.

I definitely don't know if I want to continue, I just have no proper words to say it all.

Who knows when I'll stop be a blubbering mess about this.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy?

Who Wants to Marry a Cowboy? by Abigail Sharpe
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book just wasn’t that gripping or something I looked forward to. It was all way too nice and easy or the troubles or struggles seemed juvenile.

Besides I never really enjoyed the bachelor so probably the wrong audience for this book.

The characters fell flat for me, the chemistry fizzed out, and the family togetherness seemed like Brady bunch had developed a novel on their life. Which didn’t hold my undivided attention.

So yeah - maybe better luck next time with any of her other novels.

But honestly I’m not sure if I’ll read one again.

-JB

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Review: The Joker

The Joker by Ashley Munoz
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is an interconnected series - I wish the reviews and the book's summary had made that point actually clear. So please read in order. Wildcard is the first book. King of Hearts is the second book. The Joker is the third and final book in the series.

Trigger warnings: death, murder, violence, assault, betrayal, sexual assault.

Firstly let me tell you I hated one of this author's previous books. So naturally I was nervous about going into this one. How low can you keep your standards after all?

But luckily I had nothing to be nervous about it. It was a dark mafia romance dream that I thoroughly enjoyed - but with a hitch of not knowing exactly what happened - probably should have read the other books in the series for that.

Kyle and Rylie come from different worlds - one's a trained up mafia scout boy, the other is a holy saint of a sharp mind. But they succumb to one night of you know..also because they are teenagers apparently so can't control themselves?...which leads to a life-long simmering ache for one another.

On the plus side they were both inexperienced on the s****l front- on the downside they behaved as they weren't. - seriously I doubt every teenager is able to pull that off so damn wonderfully at first touch and go, but whatever. Not boiling at this or whatever.

But then Kyle disappears and Rylie is crushed. 4/5 years later, they meet again, both on the opposite sides of the law - you know you're intrigued when that happens. Stuff occured, and Kyle just had to come closer to his first love to protect her and other uses (you'll know if you've read it), but obviously a lot of hurt simmered too - because he waited for her and she didn't - thank god for the first time I actually got to see a guy wait and pine - otherwise it's always the frickin opposite in novels - but again me not completely being all jazzed up by this.

But they solve their inner conflicts, feelings grow, betrayals happen (still couldn't believe he would do that to his own child) and they go into action mode when anyone tries to cross em. It's like an entire the godfather-like scenario I am telling you.

In the end though, things solve themselves.

And the joker gets his harlequin - because I couldn't stop the reference coming from my mouth, sorry.

I loved it as well - though nervous as hell. But with Munoz's much improved writing, more action moments (it was a mafia so of course), steamy moments, and well-developed characters - though I sometimes questioned them, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with all of them - it's too bad this series has ended.

But I do look forward to what Munoz has planned in the future for her books.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Soft Like Thunder

Soft Like Thunder by Julia Wolf
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: This is a series. Please read in order as previous characters do make cameos.
Note 3: The Savage Crew series are the prequels to Helen's friends' stories. So read them before you read this. Will probably make more sense if you do.

Trigger Warnings: death, assault, sexual assault, negative words for sexworkers strippers, drug abuse, mental illness, tragic backstories, stealing.

Helen and Theo are an anomaly. I mean it. They're like the epitome of Romeo and Juliet, except with scheming for a girlfriend arrangement by parents, drug-abused mother, and terminal illness taken friend.

Helen comes from the backwater part of the elite world, poor living, drug abused mother, rotten living conditions and her being a stripper and weed dealer by night, caring for her young sister and send to go to Savage U by her terminally ill friend.

Also: Helen of Troy anyone?

Theo comes from a silver-spoon fed world, with parent (dad) threatening to cut him off if he associates with anyone of a lower league and does not work hard to get his grades (thus sent to Savage U because his father is there as well apparently), even though his own father had the first marriage with a girl from backwater lands.

Despite all that - Theo and Helen end up relating to each other, with friends with benefits arrangement, and then falling in love.

BUT AS Y'ALL KNOW - plot twists come a-running! With Helen's secrets soon unravelled, Theo ends up taking a step back because too many similarities with his own childhood and betrayal hurts I guess?

But they reconcile and it's a difficult road to a HEA but they make it.

BUT: It's obviously with the help of Helen's friends, Zadie and Elena (yes I know hard to believe but here we are), and Theo's stepmother (forgot her name whoops) that it all happens.

I loved everything of this novel, even though it's a first time for me reading Julia Wolf but here I am. Absolutely in love and craving more.

Fun fact: Zadie's story is up next, yes with Amir (a brief chapter of you know one of Helen's weed deals going wrong and a henchman sent to make things right - and then there's Zadie and Amir hehe)

Zadie and Amir's story: Bright Like Midnight - coming April 15 2022. OOH I can't wait!!!

insert music notes* a bad boy, all the good girls think they need a bad boy *end music notes

Until the next read,

-JB


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Review: Broken Boys Despise Deceit

Broken Boys Despise Deceit by J.B. Heller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: These are all standalone novels. But please read in order, as previous characters do make cameos.

Trigger Warnings: abuse, drug abuse, cancer, death, panic attacks, fights, love-triangles.

Previous reviews:

1. Broken Boys Break Hearts: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
2. Broken Boys Fight Harder: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Well this novel did follow through with its title.

There's a love triangle - it's not that simple for scout, Kass, and Mase or two of them to get their HEA.
I have to start off by saying I hated Scout. Still resent her for her questionable decisions - how do you think the love triangle started?
Note to self: That's why you don't ask for more from someone, because apparently they could end up f--king up someone else - the horror!-baloney honestly - also the reason for the love triangle.
And poor Mase, he dared to ask for more or even like her. Like yes I get it, that she had issues, but didn't Mase as well? Apparently not cause Scout was so damn special. Sigh.
Anyway - still can't really gel with Scout and Mase together but whatever. It's outta my hands.

But everything else - I loved the emotional chemistry they all held - still detested Scout - the steamy chemistry, and how they try to figure out their demons and problems together - it was all difficult to handle but heartwarming anyway.

Everything else - the love triangle - really made for a letdown of a novel. They're all in their 20s, yet behave like petrified teenagers when making decisions. Sigh, a true letdown indeed.

Up next is Broken Boys Crave Chaos - Kass and his mystery love interest's story - coming April 12, 2022. So excited for that one, hopefully it'll be more awesome to read.

Until the hopefully next better read,

-TMR

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Review: Broken Boys Fight Harder

Broken Boys Fight Harder by J.B. Heller
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Note 2: These are all standalone novels in the series. But it would best to read in order as previous characters do make cameos.

Trigger Warnings: Child abuse, drug abuse, alcoholism, drunk driving, death, assault, terminal illness, mental illness mentioned, triggers with the hero's choice of sport (the heroine has em)

Previous Reviews: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... (Broken Boys Break Hearts).

Right well...this novel.

This novel was so contradictory to it's title - I mean yes it had all the trigger warnings mentioned above - but my god it was a whole lot sweeter and meaningful than I thought.

Carter and Chance come from different worlds. One's a tough living boxer (hint to trigger warning above) who has issues and issues in his home he wants to get a handle of but can't, the girl is a sweetheart, and an absolute firm character but also a pro with the cameras (hint hint to her career), in a household where she doesn't know the whole story of her older brother Hux and the strain in the family (his story is Bad Boys Break Hearts (not a personal favorite of mine).

But as secrets unravel, demons are harder to fight (title reference heh), Chance and Carter may disconnect. And when they do, my world shatters (I mean it's just not fair ya know).

But with JB Heller's amazing writing, chemistry written, emotional togetherness, and relatable characters, and conclusion, I came to accept what happened in between and loved the end anyway.

This book was far better honestly than Hux's book - though I still love him - it had everything - emotional chemistry, just being together, LISTENING TO EACH OTHER, not all about the good times *wink*.

And I am so here for the next book too just because of all that jazz above.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Sinful Hands

Sinful Hands by T.L. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Caught

Caught by Elise Faber
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



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Review: Shift

Shift by Lana Sky
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Note: I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Note 2: Shift is the first book in the series. Howl is the sequel to Shift and follows the same couple. Please read in order.

Trigger warnings: Assault, alcoholism, death, murder, domestic abuse, bullying, violence, animal cruelty, sexual assault

This book got me all like whoooo wheee darling!

A lot of action was involved in the book - and I MEAN A LOT.

Chemistry was there, acknowledged but not really doing the you know what if you know what I mean. It was basically thrown on the backburner, because well the hero was mostly concerned about the heroine and how it would play in wolf politics.

Yes wolf politics. Besides humans are like almost wolves in politics anyway, so is there much difference - probably not.

Friendship - yes Sonia and Loren got along like all the best friends shown in movies - yes even though they didn't really know each other well - the common factor was Bill - things got along great. And I thoroughly was there for it.

Villains - Well there were plenty - but nah nothing could get in the way of the heroine who was definitely out to get answers. And the hero too. Kapow ya bad guys.

Overall, I loved loved loved this story and cannot wait for the next book.

Until the next read,

-TMR

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Review: Scorching the Earth

Scorching the Earth by Elise Faber
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



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