Book Reviews – Page 79

* Review * CLAIMED TO SAVE HIS CROWN by Pippa Roscoe

August 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CLAIMED TO SAVE HIS CROWN by Pippa Roscoe

Claimed to Save His Crown by Pippa Roscoe
Series: The Royals of Svardia #3
Published by Harlequin Presents on August 23, 2022
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From Cinderella in the palace shadows…

To his unexpected queen!

Lady-in-waiting Henna would do anything for the royal family that gave her a home when her own wouldn’t. So after Henna stops a marriage that would protect King Aleksander’s throne but ruin his life, she must face the Ice King’s fury!

Aleks’s coldhearted reputation isn’t a secret. His tough exterior is designed to fiercely guard against the heartbreak that once tore his world apart. But then a transformational kiss with Henna awakens him to a surprising new possibility that could save his crown… And it starts with her!

Temptation abounds! The long-awaited HEA for King Aleks is decadently divine in the final book in The Royals of Svardia trilogy! The chemistry is electrical, the gentle spirit of Henna is a draw and the kind heart of Aleks towards his sisters already had us half in love with him before the story even began. I really enjoyed this series as a whole and Aleks and Henna in particular.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced royal romance with attention grabbing characters and dramatic plots as they race towards forever.

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* Review * MENDING THE ER DOC’S HEART by Susan Carlisle

August 20, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * MENDING THE ER DOC’S HEART by Susan Carlisle

Mending the ER Doc's Heart by Susan Carlisle
Published by Harlequin Medical Romances on August 23, 2022
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Unexpected second chance…

…for the single dad!

ER doctor and widower Chad is focused solely on his job and his little boy. But when the newest nurse at Atlanta Children’s Hospital, Izzy, walks into his emergency room, Chad’s firm defenses are tested! Because behind her dazzling smile he recognizes a similar wariness in her eyes. But when Chad sees how she can make his little boy light up like never before, he can’t ignore how she may be the missing piece to their puzzle…

Heartfelt and emotional! A second chance at love story always appeals to me as there are battle scars to overcome from that past love, but also hopefulness to finding lasting love again. With this story, there is the added adorableness of a kiddo who needs the connection of the woman who is so appealing to his father too, so it adds another dimension to the story. I felt like Izzy’s character could have used a little more development, but overall this story was very fulfilling and enjoyable.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a fast paced storyline with emotional growth and endearing love at the center of it all.

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* Review * CODE NAME: PISCES by Janie Crouch

August 19, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * CODE NAME: PISCES by Janie Crouch

Code Name: Pisces by Janie Crouch
Series: Zodiac Tactical #4
Published by Calamittie Jane Publishing on August 16, 2022
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My code name is Pisces. The stars say I’m independent, wise, and intuitive.

Still waters run deep.

I’m the leader of Zodiac Tactical’s guardian unit. We’re the bodyguards—the ones who stand toe to toe with danger and refuse to give any ground. We protect people who need it most.

But what if who needs it most is a spoiled diva?

I don’t normally take on movie stars. I don’t have time for the drama nor their self-centered lifestyle. If they don’t take their safety seriously, how can I?

But there’s something different about Alyse Peterson. On the outside America’s Glamor Princess is everything I want to avoid. But behind her perfect smile and sapphire eyes is a heartbreak she’s hiding from everyone.

She has secrets. And a stalker willing to kill to get to them.

My code name is Pisces. And anybody who wants to get to her, will have to go through me.

Attention grabbing intrigue and heartfelt characters! I was quickly charmed by Tristan and Alyse in what just might be my favorite in the Zodiac Tactical series so far. The drama was high, but the sweet interaction between the two of them made for a tender, yet passionate love story. I really enjoyed this book!

Tristan is intense and all business and watching him let his guard down to let Alyse in was really sincere.

Alyse is tortured internally and really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved seeing her find a connection that comforted her mind and soul.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys an action filled story of intrigue and heart as one former military man after another falls deeply into their intended forever.

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* Release Blitz/Review * PAX by Brenda Rothert

August 16, 2022 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * PAX by Brenda Rothert

Pax by Brenda Rothert
Series: Sin City Saints #3
Published by Silver Sky Publishing, Inc. on August 16, 2022
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In peak physical shape from hitting the gym hard in the offseason? Check. Officially the highest paid defenseman on the Sin City Saints? Check. Faking a relationship with a woman he’s secretly crazy in love with? Yeah, that’s a big check.

The son of a legendary pro basketball player, Pax Bishop was poised to follow in his father’s footsteps when life took him in another direction. Now a pro hockey player, he must find a way to reject the advances of the daughter of his team’s new owner without offending her.

Kylie Thomas gives Pax the perfect out. She’s single, and pretending to be attracted to her? That won’t be an issue for Pax, because he’s secretly had it bad for her since the day they met. He can’t let his true feelings show, though, because not only is Kylie a single mom and a widow, she’s Pax’s teammate’s sister.

Sometimes the truth hurts, but it can also be deeply, maddeningly good. The stakes are high as Pax opens his wounded heart in hopes he’s not the only one whose feelings are more than just a bluff.

Emotional and such a sweet connection! Brenda Rothert is delivering all the feels with the third book in her sexy Sin City Saints hockey series and I loved every minute of Pax and Kylie! The emotions are high, the healing is tender and the sexy connection between them had me hooked quickly.

Pax just might be my favorite Saint! He is dedicated to his game, but his past keeps coming back to bite him emotionally. When he allows his crush on Kylie to show, all bets are off and he’s in it to win it.

Kylie is a sweetheart. She hasn’t had it easy, but now that she’s moved the fam to Vegas to be closer to her brother Pike, things are changing quickly .. she’s just not sure she’s ready!

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone that enjoys a fast paced hockey romance with a funny, yet supportive group of guys who are finding their forever one teammate at a time.

Release Day: August 16, 2022

PURCHASE LINKS:

https://geni.us/Pax_SinCitySaints

In peak physical shape from hitting the gym hard in the offseason? Check. Officially the highest paid defenseman on the Sin City Saints? Check. Faking a relationship with a woman he’s secretly crazy in love with? Yeah, that’s a big check.

The son of a legendary pro basketball player, Pax Bishop was poised to follow in his father’s footsteps when life took him in another direction. Now a pro hockey player, he must find a way to reject the advances of the daughter of his team’s new owner without offending her.

Kylie Thomas gives Pax the perfect out. She’s single, and pretending to be attracted to her? That won’t be an issue for Pax, because he’s secretly had it bad for her since the day they met. He can’t let his true feelings show, though, because not only is Kylie a single mom and a widow, she’s Pax’s teammate’s sister.

Sometimes the truth hurts, but it can also be deeply, maddeningly good. The stakes are high as Pax opens his wounded heart in hopes he’s not the only one whose feelings are more than just a bluff.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Release Blitz/Review * CODE NAME: OMEGA by Sawyer Bennett

August 16, 2022 Leave a Comment

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* Release Blitz/Review * CODE NAME: OMEGA by Sawyer Bennett

Code Name: Omega by Sawyer Bennett
Series: Jameson Force Security #10
Published by Big Dog Books, LLC on August 16, 2022
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I joined the team at Jameson Force Security three months ago and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Leaving behind the Marine Corps together, my dog Omega and I made the cross-country trek to Pittsburgh for an exciting new career. Now I get to spend my days doing dangerous missions with my team and Omega gets to spend his days relaxing, unless there are explosives to be sniffed, and then he’s all paws on deck.

When Omega—who I affectionately refer to as Bubba—snacks on something he most definitely shouldn’t have, an emergency trip to the vet introduces me to Abigail Blackburn. She’s a little quirky, a lot smart, and completely captivating. She also has a penchant for trouble and when Abby makes it her own personal mission to expose the puppy mill industry, she finds herself mixed up with unsavory characters who aren’t happy with her efforts to cut into their profits

This seedy underbelly is a dangerous place, particularly for a well-intentioned, yet somewhat naïve, small-town vet. What began as peaceful protests outside of local pet stores has escalated into something that threatens Abby’s safety, and I refuse to sit by and watch her get hurt. Somehow this raven-haired beauty has gotten under my skin, and I don’t hesitate to call in my teammates at Jameson to help keep her safe.

Now I find myself trying to balance my need to protect Abby while helping her successfully complete her mission, but also redirecting her focus long enough to show her that I’ve completely fallen for her. One thing is certain—this is going to be my toughest assignment yet.

By far one of my favorites in the series! Sawyer Bennett has introduced us to a lot of sincere and kindhearted men in the nine previous books of her Jameson Force Security series, but there’s just something about Kellen and his sweet sidekick in this final book that really endeared themselves to my heart. I loved every minute of Kellen and Abby finding their way to forever!

Kellen is highly trained and attention oriented, but such a sweetheart.

Abby is quick to put herself on the line in her effort to save every animal she comes across, but sometimes she pushes it a little too far and needed rescuing.

I highly recommend this book and the entire series to anyone that enjoys a close knit group of coworkers who always have each others backs as they fight the injustice in the world as each one finds their forever love.

Code Name: Omega
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: August 16, 2022

READ A SAMPLE | HEAR A SAMPLE

Synopsis:

I joined the team at Jameson Force Security three months ago and it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. Leaving behind the Marine Corps together, my dog Omega and I made the cross-country trek to Pittsburgh for an exciting new career. Now I get to spend my days doing dangerous missions with my team and Omega gets to spend his days relaxing, unless there are explosives to be sniffed, and then he’s all paws on deck.

When Omega—who I affectionately refer to as Bubba—snacks on something he most definitely shouldn’t have, an emergency trip to the vet introduces me to Abigail Blackburn. She’s a little quirky, a lot smart, and completely captivating. She also has a penchant for trouble and when Abby makes it her own personal mission to expose the puppy mill industry, she finds herself mixed up with unsavory characters who aren’t happy with her efforts to cut into their profits

This seedy underbelly is a dangerous place, particularly for a well-intentioned, yet somewhat naïve, small-town vet. What began as peaceful protests outside of local pet stores has escalated into something that threatens Abby’s safety, and I refuse to sit by and watch her get hurt. Somehow this raven-haired beauty has gotten under my skin, and I don’t hesitate to call in my teammates at Jameson to help keep her safe.

Now I find myself trying to balance my need to protect Abby while helping her successfully complete her mission, but also redirecting her focus long enough to show her that I’ve completely fallen for her. One thing is certain—this is going to be my toughest assignment yet.

Buy the digital and signed paperback direct from Sawyer Bennett: https://bit.ly/Store_Omega
** Digital files must be read within the BookFunnel app **

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

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* Release Blitz/Review * ALWAYS THE ONE FOR ME by Carrie Ann Ryan

August 15, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Release Blitz/Review * ALWAYS THE ONE FOR ME by Carrie Ann Ryan

Always the One for Me by Carrie Ann Ryan
Series: The Wilder Brothers #2
Published by Carrie Ann Ryan on August 15, 2022
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It took two days for me to know Kendall was the one for me.

And it took two years for me to realize I had to leave in order to protect her.

When I walked away, I told myself it was for the best. But now we work together, and every time we’re in the same room, we end up fighting. If we didn’t, we’d end up naked. Or worse–spilling heartbreaking secrets.

If she knew the truth, she’d either walk away for good or convince me to take a second chance. The first thing would break me, and the second would break her. I can’t let either of those things happen…

Carrie Ann Ryan is pulling on our heartstrings with the second book in her Wilder Brothers series! With an emotional reunion of exes, we get a heartfelt enemies to lovers twist from Evan Wilder. It could have been angstier, but I loved the two of them so much that I was happy with anything they gave me. Relatable characters, an emotional journey of healing and a cast of side characters that aided in the enjoyment. Looking forward to more in the series!

Evan has been gritty and throwing up boundaries since he returned to his family fold to run the winery, but reuniting with the one he pushed away is tearing down his walls left and right.

Kendall has made a life for herself since splitting from Evan, but she never got the closure she needed to move on. Now with that on the horizon in front of her, she can’t stop from wondering what if.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone that likes a close knit group of brothers who are coming together after leaving the military careers they put so much of themselves into to now make a go of a family run resort.

Title: Always the One for Me
Series: The Wilder Brothers #2

Author: Carrie Ann Ryan

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2022

BLURB

The Wilder Brothers from NYT Bestselling Author Carrie Ann Ryan continue in this emotionally charged enemies to lovers romance.

It took two days for me to know Kendall was the one for me.

And it took two years for me to realize I had to leave in order to protect her.

When I walked away, I told myself it was for the best. But now we work together, and every time we’re in the same room, we end up fighting. If we didn’t, we’d end up naked. Or worse–spilling heartbreaking secrets.

If she knew the truth, she’d either walk away for good or convince me to take a second chance. The first thing would break me, and the second would break her. I can’t let either of those things happen…

ADD TO GOODREADS

PURCHASE LINKS

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / AUDIO

PAPERBACK

ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPECIAL

EDITION PAPERBACK

ALSO AVAILABLE

FREE PREQUEL

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

PAPERBACK

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / GOOGLE PLAY

PAPERBACK / SPECIAL EDITION

AUDIBLE

COMING SOON

Releasing December 5

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / PAPERBACK

Releasing April 10

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

UNIVERSAL / B&N / KOBO

APPLE BOOKS / PAPERBACK

AUTHOR BIO

Carrie Ann Ryan is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary, paranormal, and young adult romance. Her works include the Montgomery Ink, Redwood Pack, Fractured Connections, and Elements of Five series, which have sold over 3.0 million books worldwide. She started writing while in graduate school for her advanced degree in chemistry and hasn’t stopped since. Carrie Ann has written over seventy-five novels and novellas with more in the works. When she’s not losing herself in her emotional and action-packed worlds, she’s reading as much as she can while wrangling her clowder of cats who have more followers than she does.

AUTHOR LINKS

WEBSITE
FACEBOOK
INSTAGRAM
NEWSLETTER
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Filed Under: Book Reviews, Release Day Blitz

* Review * OVERKILL by Sandra Brown

August 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

Overkill by Sandra Brown
Published by Grand Central Publishing on August 16, 2022
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Former Super Bowl MVP quarterback Zach Bridger hasn’t seen his ex-wife, Rebecca Pratt, for some time—not since their volatile marriage imploded—so he’s shocked to receive a life-altering call about her. Rebecca has been placed on life support after a violent assault, and he—despite their divorce—has medical power-of-attorney. Zach is asked to make an impossible choice: keep her on life support or take her off of it. Buckling under the weight of the responsibility and the glare of public scrutiny, Zach ultimately walks away, letting Rebecca's parents have the final say.

Four years later, Rebecca's attacker, Eban—the scion of a wealthy family in Atlanta—gets an early release from prison. The ludicrous miscarriage of justice reeks of favoritism, and Kate Lennon, a brilliant state prosecutor, is determined to put him back behind bars. Rebecca’s parents have kept her alive all these years, but if her condition were to change—if she were to die—Eban could be retried on a new charge: murder.

It isn’t lost on Zach that in order for Eban to be charged with Rebecca’s murder, Zach must actually be the one to kill her. He rejects Kate’s legal standpoint but can’t resist their ill-timed attraction to each other. Eban, having realized the jeopardy he’s in, plots to make certain that neither Zach nor Kate lives to see the death of Rebecca—and the end of his freedom.

Captivatingly intense! The latest from Sandra Brown is emotional, spicy and attention grabbing all rolled into one great read. There was a hint of suspense, but overall it’s a spicy women’s fiction that dives into the lives of a former pro football player and the prosecutor trying to bring justice to a scandalous situation. There is drama, lies and lust overflowing, but a good bit of warmth and camaraderie between characters as well. I was hooked from beginning to end!

I highly recommend this book to anyone that loves a good drama filled story with steamy romance and hints of intrigue mixed in.

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* Review * THE CHALLENGE by Danielle Steel

August 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * THE CHALLENGE by Danielle Steel

The Challenge by Danielle Steel
Published by Delacorte Press on August 16, 2022
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In this thrilling novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Danielle Steel, a small community is tested when their children go missing while exploring a dangerous local peak, forcing them to band together during the crisis.

Fishtail, Montana, is home to Anne and Pitt Pollock, local royalty, high school sweethearts, and owners of the successful Pollock ranch. The sprawling foothills of the Beartooth Mountains surround the town, overlooking the Pollocks’ property and the nearby ranch belonging to Bill and Pattie Brown. The two couples have known each other since childhood.

Their sons Peter Pollock and Matt Brown are also the best of friends. When they and two other local kids meet Juliet Marshall, new to town after her parents’ bitter divorce, the five of them are soon inseparable, spending their summer days swimming, horseback riding, hiking, and fishing.

But one August afternoon, their latest adventure takes a dangerous turn—and quickly escalates into a battle for survival—when they find themselves trapped on Granite Peak. Fear reverberates through the town as their parents grow ever more desperate to hear word that their children have been found. They must place their own trials aside amid a massive search-and-rescue operation. As they come to lean on one another for support, a media frenzy ensues, heightening tensions and testing some already fragile relationships.

In the aftermath of this one fateful event, devastating secrets are revealed, new love appears on the horizon, and families are forced to reconsider what they once held dear. In The Challenge, Danielle Steel deftly weaves a story that is a portrait of courage and a striking tale of the bonds of love and family.

I can always count on the latest Danielle Steel novel to draw me in quickly and hold my attention until the last page! THE CHALLENGE is a captivating read that centers around a group of teenagers who have been best friends all of their lives and are welcoming a new friend into the mix over the summer. A group adventure leads to a risky situation that has the entire town on pins and needles. Throughout the turmoil, friendships are forged and beliefs are challenged. There are many different characters and lots of drama happening throughout the story and I wholeheartedly enjoyed every minute.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a women’s fiction storyline with romantic elements woven in with several of the characters.

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* Review * JUST ONE KISS by Carly Phillips

August 14, 2022 Leave a Comment

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.

* Review * JUST ONE KISS by Carly Phillips

Just One Kiss by Carly Phillips
Series: The Kingston Family #6
Published by CP Publishing on August 16, 2022
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It was supposed to be one fun night of hot sex.

It turned into a second. Then a third.

Now Mother Nature is having the last word—with a secret baby surprise!

Jade Dare has done everything in her power to overcome her mother’s unstable influence. Changed her name. Became a success. Vowed never to risk passing on the potential for inherited pain. What has it gotten her? One fiancé who wanted her for money. A second who cheated on her with his brother’s wife.

Now she's sworn off men. Or at least off serious relationships. But when the chance to indulge in a one night stand with a man she’s secretly fantasized about arrives, she jumps in. Only to land heart-first into a case of the feels she can’t bring herself to trust.

Knox Sinclair always suspected he liked his brother’s fiancé a little too much, that’s why he kept his hands to himself. But with ties broken and Jade all too willing, a no-strings-attached night sounds like a damned good idea.

Except one night isn’t nearly enough. But while Knox is busy convincing Jade they have a chance at forever, the past is planning one last parting shot.

Carly Phillips is the queen of giving us a good hearted man as our next book boyfriend! The next book in her Kingston Family series does not disappoint one bit! Jade and Knox are explosive, sassy and downright adorable together and I loved every single minute of their story. I always leave looking forward to more!

Jade is a sincere character who has a solid head on her shoulders and a caring heart, but she’s had bad luck with men and doesn’t think she’s cut out for this relationship thing.

Knox is successful and accomplished, but the betrayal he has suffered at the hands of those he should have been able to count on has left him leery.

I highly recommend this book as well as the entire series so far to anyone that enjoys close knit, successful families supporting each other as each sibling finds their forever.

Filed Under: Book Reviews

* Review * BRATVA SWEETHEART by Sabine Barclay

August 3, 2022 Leave a Comment

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* Review * BRATVA SWEETHEART by Sabine Barclay

Bratva Sweetheart by Sabine Barclay
Series: The Ivankov Brotherhood #2
Published by Oliver Heber Books on August 9, 2022
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She thought it was only for one night…

I’ve never let anyone into my life.

At least not like her. Not until her.

She sees a side of me that isn’t the bratva monster everyone else believes.

Now that she knows, she’s mine.

Mine to keep and protect. Mine to please. In return, it’s her love I crave. She’s my soulmate.

Every kiss, every touch will take her to her limits, and I’ll be the one to catch her.

Steamy and addictive! The second book in The Ivankov Brotherhood series brings just as much power and intrigue as the first with a sweet, yet sensual as all get out connection between Bogdan and Tina. I really enjoy the core cast in this series and I see potential for greatness as their stories unravel, but I do have to admit to disappointment to a good bit of the same kink from book one to book two and it just felt overdone. I want the steam, the connection, the passionate rawness of them … but I don’t want a repeat book after book of same nicknames, actions and habits. I’m crossing my fingers and planning to go in for book three, but it’s more of the same again I’ll probably admit defeat and look elsewhere.

I recommend this book and the entire series so far to anyone that enjoys a very steamy mafia romance with equal parts raw affection and dangerous liaisons.

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