Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Jenni Bishop

Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I love dark romantic suspense and equally a strong, sassy female character and a ruthless femme fatale to boot. The characters are complex along with depth and flaws.

Devil’s Breath is seductive with forbidden love. It is tantalising in the chase. It is suspenseful and mysterious in the journey. There are secrets and lies, crime and action. There is intrigue and there is slow burning passion.

It’s a dangerous game of cat and mouse caught between the man who manipulated her and raised her and the one she was sent to kill.

This gripping tale is addictive and one to be discovered all on its own at your own pace. I really look forward from more from Lang.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Shelly Kittell

Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cassius came to New York to help his brother, Christian, one more time. Unbeknown to Christian, Cassius already knows about the hit put on him by his brothers. He is just trying to find out who the assassins are. Christian, and his other brother, Damon, are involved with drugs and planning bad things with Lorenzo, the drug lord. Sera, his daughter, is the assassin assigned to kill Cassius. She has a neat little drug, Devil’s Breath, that can take your breath away. Cassius and Sera have some downright flaming sparks but can they work through some nasty baggage? The fact that she has to kill him may be an issue….. This book is an action pack, suspense thrilled, adventure ride. Nothing is quite as it seems. Many secrets to unravel. There are some plot twists to keep you on your toes but the characters are entertaining and feel downright personal, even Lorenzo. Cassius knows what he’s doing. I’m rooting for him and Sera. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. You should definitely read this if you love romantic suspense or thrillers. I highly recommend this one.

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Devil’s Breath by Lang Johnson – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Devil's BreathDevil’s Breath by Lang Johnson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this dark romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed from beginning to end. I enjoyed how I was pulled into the story by the characters. They are strong, supportive characters that just make the story easy and entertaining to read. This is a well written story about family and love. Sometimes fate puts you in a position in choosing one over the other. You will want to see what happens in this situation. I found this book to be fast paced, engaging and just hard to put down. There are some emotional parts that took me on a roller coaster but it made the story even better. I enjoyed the growth of the plot and also the characters throughout the story. They have great chemistry and kept me coming back for more just to see what would happen next. I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Heather Goodman

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book has the perfect mixture of mafia, romance, funny moments, and happily ever after. Trey and Hailey have such an emotional and sweet story. The author draws you in from the first chapter and keeps you captivated the whole time. It keeps you guessing until the last chapter. Can’t wait to read more from this author.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by April Smith

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have loved all the books of this series and the author doesn’t disappoint in this read either.
I’ve been anxious to read Trey’s story. They author creates the perfect match for him and I love being there to see if transpire. Once you start this story you will devour it instantly and not want to stop. I can’t wait to see what else is in store for this Mafia family.

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Collateral Damage (Mafia Elite Series Book 6) by Amy McKinley – Review by Alexandria Richard

Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance (Mafia Elite Book 6)Collateral Damage: A Second Chance Mafia Romance by Amy McKinley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Book 6 in the series. Technically each story is a standalone novel but the stories are intertwined so it’s recommended to read the series in order.

This right here is how you write a suspenseful romance without the romance aspect overtaking your story. I have to say that this one has been my favorite of the series so far. The tension you feel between Hailey and Trey is palpable.

I really enjoyed Hailey’s character: her strength, her tenacity, and her ability to go after what she wants. I loved the push and pull that happens between her and Trey.

Trey is the smart one of the LaRosa mafia family; he’s the Family doctor. He also has his own connections and strives to help the family in other ways, but he’s protecting his heart after the last woman he wanted died due to his Family life. He doesn’t want to let anyone in, but can’t stop feeling the connection to Hailey once they’ve been reconnected.

I absolutely loved the banter that occurs between Hailey and Trey. They’re both strong headed and doing things for what they view is the right reasons, and between that and the desire that spark between them, the tension is oh so enjoyable.

TW: kidnapping, attempted murder, mafia brutality

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Captivated (Hybrid Lovers Series Book 1) by Toya Richardson – Review by Jordan Allen

Captivated (Hybrid Lovers, #1)Captivated by Toya Richardson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Captivated: Hybrid Love follows Angelina as she finds herself in a spicy love triangle between two brothers. Long before she was born, the Fates set her soul to be destined to these two men for the rest of her existence. It is her love that will help these two men be able to fight demons and send them back to where they came from. The three of them need each other to survive. The way they receive each other’s love is spicy in every way.

This is only my second smut book I’ve ever read. Without experience in this genre, this book is well written. It delivers in every way that one would hope while looking for something a bit more erotic in thier reading life. I think if you’re looking to dive into a mystical creature love triangle with life threatening stakes, this would be the book for you! I liked the idea of the plot and enjoyed the creativity the author put into the story. I can say this book isn’t for me. I don’t think smut is my genre. However, I think it would be someone’s five golden star if this is their genre of choice! Ain’t no shame in the sexy game!

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Francis O’Sullivan

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Bake Off is the second in the series, sequel to Bake Believe. It is a fun urban fantasy for preteen and teen readers who love baking and food. There’s a recipe at the end of every chapter – I can imagine reading it together during the school holidays, doing a chapter a day and then making the recipe! But I ended up mostly reading it on the subway, saving the recipes for later. Anyway, I do love a book that lets you know how to make the delicious treats it’s been describing!
The story is written from Cat’s perspective. I really like the style – it feels like chatting to a teenager about their interests and experiences. Even the recipes are in this friendly and conversational style. Cat is observant, and we see her thought process as she notices the tensions and behaviour of her family and figures out how best to respond.
This is a really fun read! I love baking and enjoy reading fantasy, so it’s perfect for me and gets five stars! I would recommend the series to young readers who love to bake and eat delicious food!

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Cat is back and this time Cat, Robyn and the rest of the family are off to visit GG (Grandma Ginny). Of course there are adventures and antics that create the fun atmosphere this author has a way with. This book was enjoyable even for me although I would imagine the target audience is ages 10-16ish. My daughter and I are both avid readers and though she is an adult as well I will be passing this series to her as I have so far really enjoyed it. I am very much looking forward to book three.

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Bake Off (Bake Believe Series Book 2) by Cori Cooper – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

Bake OffBake Off by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This next installment of the series was just as great of a read as the first one! Being brought back into the world of imagination with this author baking books was a wonderful distraction that I so thoroughly needed. The way this book is written makes it where the adult will like reading the book as much as the child who reads it. The cover art for the books are what originally have drawn me in and I am not disappointed at all. I cannot wait to read more from this author who makes imagination and baking fun!

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Bake Believe by Cori Cooper – Review by Dahnielle Hibbert

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A pre-teen, young teen reader with a bit of magic, a spunky teen main character and a whole lot of fun!!! I really enjoyed the author’s writing style and wished I had younger kids at home to share these stories with. The recipes are super fun too! Such a great way to get your kids interested in learning to bake. I will be looking forward to book two in this series.

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BAKE BELIEVE (BAKE BELIEVE SERIES BOOK 1) BY CORI COOPER – REVIEW BY CARLIE DEL GALLO

Bake BelieveBake Believe by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This has to be one of the first books that I have read by this author and her story was a great read. I could see my friends with children having a blast reading this to their daughters as well as enjoying the book as much as I did! This story is filled with magic that makes it a blast reading. The main character finds out that when she bakes, she can make things happen. This was a wonderful first book and I cannot wait until I read the next book!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane-Review by Elena Tobar

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a great romance! Bree has had her share of bad relationships and she’s determined not to get hurt again. She has all of these rules in her head that she’s determined to have in place when she suddenly has her world turned upside down. She is worried about her family and what they think but she wants to follow her heart and take a chance on love. If she wants a chance at her happily ever after she has to learn to let the past go and not to worry about what other people might think. The characters in this book are so great they pulled me right in from the very first page and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen and how Bree would choose. This is one romance you definitely won’t want to miss!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Robin Rankin

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect

The title fits this book perfectly.   I enjoyed this book.  I laughed,  worried, got mad and couldn’t stop reading.

Nate’s charm came through the moment we meet him and never fades even when things were up in the air.  He’s down to earth even with his background and family.

Steven was easy to fall for. Great job and on the fast track to move up further the ladder and the drive to are that happen as well as a deep desire to find the one.  As Bree said he checked all of her boxes, but sometimes things aren’t as they seem.

Bree had baggage after being hurt several times in the past.  She stops over thinking everything and follows her heart even though it wasn’t the easiest path.

Bree had a great support system with her family and her friends who I absolutely adored and can’t wait for them the find their soulmates.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kerry Carr

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a really enjoyable romance. The characters drew me in from the beginning. The story was engaging and entertaining. I love the character of Bree. She is an strong independent women, who knows her own mind and what she wants out of life. Having had her heartbroken before she knows runs her dating life with a set of rules. And these rules she sticks by. She has turned away from countless romances because the men don’t match up to her standards.
Bree is looking for Mr Perfect and she thinks she finds him with Steven. He’s everything she wants in a guy. Perfect in everyway so what could possible go wrong?

The outside world goes wrong and when they are faced with obstacles with regards to interfering families religion, money and location. Can they work things out and meeting in the middle? Or will Bree realise that perfect doesn’t exist and that Steven is just human and not as perfect as she imagined him to be?

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kerry Baker

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book had such heartwarming characters that I connected with instantly. I couldn’t wait to read more about them and see how their story would develope. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, it really captured my attention from page 1.
I thought the story overall was well written and engaging. I became invested in what was happening and enjoyed seeing how things progressed. This really is a great book.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Kelli Harper

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The list of qualifications that Bree has is lengthy however she is set in what she wants and what she is willing to have. While the list may be long, can she follow her own rules? Steven, a co-worker of her fathers, is set to make her his. Nate is the one that has been friend-zoned, but will he be able to get her to see the errors in her thinking?
This story is pretty good and entertaining as well.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Katie Kearney

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A great read. The characters completely captured me from start to finish. They were so well written and they each bring something different to the overall storyline. Each character is complex and relatable, so easy to connect with. I simply sank into the story and was sad it ended all too quickly for me. But it’s definitely a five star book in my opinion and worth the download. It’s well written and paced nicely. I highly recommend it!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Jenni Bishop

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane is actually the third book of the Perfect series and is about Bree. Perfect and Perfect Always were formerly written as Tricia Copeland and were about Chloe where Bree was a secondary character. But don’t worry this book is a standalone, so you don’t have to read the first two to understand what’s going on. It is a fun NEW adult contemporary romance. It is a little predictable at times but as Maria Jane says “there is magic in the journey”.

Bree knows just what she wants and more importantly what she doesn’t want. Will she let go of past hurt and insecurities and take a chance on love?

This journey will keep you entertained with fun and humour, emotions and sweet romance.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Elizabeth Sanchez

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really liked As Close to Perfect. It is a good friend’s to lovers story, with a lot of drama along the way. I like that we got to see a glimpse of Bree’s failed relationships along the way. Most romance books just show the transition of THAT relationship, so this was a nice surprise. It was a little more than the typical Romance novel, as it contained themes of Interracial relationships and meeting parents expectations, and the challenges and feelings that go along with that. It also touched on real concerns in long term relationships-Where will you live? Who will work? Will you have kids? I thought the characters were very mature for discussing this early on in the relationship. I like that while Bree cared what her parents thought, ultimately she followed her own heart. I now see it is part of a series, and look forward to reading the other 2 books.

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Reviewed by @way2gosmartguy

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Carlie Del Gallo

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

WOW there are not enough good things that I can say about this book! I was completely entranced by Bree and Nates relationship and the hard rules that Bree has applied. Bree wanted to get out there and meet guys instead of using the dating app as that did not work for her in the past and because of this she joined a tennis league while she also has a fulltime job. I was able to relate to this as I play tennis like she wrote about in the book and am able to meet lots of different people and form relationships and this is something that could potentially happen in real life not just in stories. Bree has been burned by many guys and has severe relationship rules. The way that their story played out was one that had me on the edge of my seat and showed exactly how women think when it comes to relationships. The way the author wrote this book had me so captivated that all I wanted to do was read this book all day and not work. I cannot wait to read more books by this author!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Carla Clemmons

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I couldn’t have enjoyed this romance more! I love the authors writing style and the realness if this story. I’ve honestly enjoyed all of her books so far. I adore Nate’s character so much in this book. His patience reminded me of my husband. A couple of times I found myself frustrated with Bree and her stubborn hot headedness. Towards the end I even got frustrated with her parents! I love that this story came with trials and triumph in love! It definitely is an amazing read and I definitely recommend picking it up!

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Beverly Finnie

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As Close to Perfect was cute and well written. The main female character though drove me crazy!
Bree, omg I wanted to scream at times. I get it she’s been through some bad break-ups, but man was she a frustrating character. Nit-picking every little thing, especially with Nate. So screwed up by past men that when she was dating Steven she missed the signs of a controlling man.
Nate, poor guy. Heart of gold if you ask me. Pinning for a girl he can’t have. Watching her date other people, while he stands on the sidelines. He’s a saint even because he was in her corner even while she dated these guys. With her being such a big “B” to him, it’s hard to believe he stuck around.
This mixed race/culture romance weaves through obstacles with finesse and very little error in my eyes. I tried to sympathize with Bree knowing I’ve been in her shoes. She was just written over top for me. I was team Nate all the way!
The questions are: Does she finally see him? Does Bree open her eyes to what’s been in front of her the last 7-8 months? Does Nate’s patience finally run thin and he gives up?
So many many more questions to have answered. As you begin to read, trust me when I say questions will keep popping in your mind. Most of which will be answered, you just need to finish the author’s story.
This book gives the girl/boy next door vibes. The one you always overlook or fight one’s feelings against. Check it out if that’s your thing!

@placexba
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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Angelina Frazzini

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book is the third book of a series but can be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first two books but I definitely want to go back and read them.

Bree has not had much luck in the love department. Now she has rules. First and foremost, no more hunky athletic types. Then she meets Nate. She immediately shuts down any thought of dates between them. He’s the exact type she’s trying to stay away from right? Then there’s Steven. He checks all of Bree’s boxes. He’s career focused and driven. What more could she want? Except, maybe having the “perfect” person isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Why not get as close to perfect as long as it’s perfect for you?

I really enjoyed this book. Following Bree’s journey gives you an appreciation for how difficult the dating scene really can be while trying to guard your heart. Bree knows what she wants and has rules to get her there but she also realizes that it’s okay if you don’t follow your rules all the way because you might just get what you didn’t realize you need.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Angela Hayes

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

4 Stars

 

As Close To Perfect by Maria Jane (Tricia Copeland) is a captivating new adult/contemporary romance. It is a great little story, but it is the character/s who really make this book. Bree is such a great character, and it was great to see her character grow and develop over the course of the story. The story has emotion, drama, humour, sweet and tender scenes, family, friendship, and great characters.
Happy Reading!

Thank you, Maria Jane!

 

Reviewed by @angelahayes

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Alison Risher

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I felt like I was reading a book about me! As a Kentucky girl myself, I loved reading a story set in Kentucky. As an educator, I enjoyed reading from the perspective of an educator. Bonus- we both teach high school!. All right that’s where my similarities with the heroine stopped. The nods to far flung, often-forgotten parts of western Kentucky made me feel at home. I relished reading about close-knit families as well as the intermingling of cultures.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by stephanie nicole

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I personally loved everything about this book. But learning about our main character is really what made this an amazing read for me. I personally thought Bree was such an amazing character, especially when we learned about her insecurities, her independence, and her passions all made her a fabulous main character. But when she finds her match in Nate the chemistry between the two really blew me out of the water. So if your looking for a great new romance this week make sure you pick up this one today.

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As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Bobbi Wagner

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed. One of the things I enjoyed about this story is how well written it is as well as how the author was able to pull me into the story. I also enjoyed the author’s attention to details that made the story come to life. The characters popped and kept me coming back for more. This is a story about Bree and Steven. She has sworn off dating until he comes into the picture. Now things may be a little different for her. When she finally agrees to give him a chance, things may not be as perfect as they thought. This is where life and fate comes in and could just change things. What happens next with these two you don’t want to miss. I enjoyed their growth and chemistry throughout the story. They are connectable and I found myself hoping they would work things through. This is a great story that I really enjoyed and what the characters brought to the story. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

As Close to Perfect by Maria Jane – Review by Shelly Kittell

As Close to PerfectAs Close to Perfect by Maria Jane
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my, who hasn’t been in Bree’s place. This book is an entertaining look at the world of romance from the point of someone trying to keep an eye out for commitment. Bree wants a real relationship and all she finds are jerks. Stephen comes along. He’s a fellow assistant coach and sounds like he has great qualities. She dates him for a bit but then his real side come out and he’s so not who she wants to be with. Bree finds the dating pool such a challenge from Stephen to judgemental vegan farmers. The right man might be under her nose in the form of Nate but he’s been relegated to friend territory because he’s…..too good looking. Will she ever come to her senses and realize what’s there in front of her face? Nate has it bad for her and is patiently waiting. This author has done a terrific job of writing a romance that feels realistic. This feels like something a lot of women have felt. The humor, the pain and the romance all mesh together to create the perfect romance. The characters were perfect. Bree and Nate had spark. Chloe felt like the best friend being ever so helpful. The annoying brother. Mom and Dad doing there part. It all flowed together and I loved every crazy minute of it.

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Ancient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar – Review by Victoria Trifu

Ancient Reflections: A Mythic TrilogyAncient Reflections: A Mythic Trilogy by Tamara Agha-Jaffar
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Ancient Reflections is a wonderous take on classic Greek mythology. While most ancient Greek stories focus on the male gods and demigods and women take a back seat, Ancient Reflections is about the females who make up Olympus and the Underworld. In this trilogy we are taken through the everyday lives of some of the mighty Greek gods and goddesses. Familiar heavy hitters such as Zeus, Hades, Aphrodite, and Athena appear, and we get to know some of the others like we’ve never heard before. If you are a fan of Greek mythology, definitely check this book out!

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