What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Rebeca Elliott Figueiras

What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women's Fiction (Bold Journeys Book 2)What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the second book in the Bold Journeys series continuing Rebecca and Kyle’s story. This again covers a topic which should be more openly spoken about, though different from the first – male survivors of abuse. As with the last topic the author covered it sensitively and respectfully.
I enjoyed continuing with Rebecca and Kyle from the last book (I would heartily recommend reading that one too) and seeing their relationship progress and how they tackle the difficulties before them. I really felt for Kyle in this one, having to face his past, particularly given what he went through is difficult, but he’s a strong survivor and remains open to love. His struggle feels very real, as does his course of action/reaction.
I loved getting to know more about Kyle in this one as it was what I had hoped for in reading the last book.
The characters are unique and well-constructed, each having their own characteristics and I could picture them vividly thanks to the author. The writing flowed nicely making for easy reading and I couldn’t put the book down.
I can’t wait to see which couple and which topics are encountered in the next novel!

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Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember (Notebook Mysteries Series) by Kimberly Mullins – Review by Christine Baranek

Notebook Mysteries ~ A Party to RememberNotebook Mysteries ~ A Party to Remember by Kimberly Mullins
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Notebook Mysteries – A Party to Remember
By: Kimberly Mullins

I have really grown to love the Notebook Mysteries. This Christmas Novella delivers in what I have come to love from these books. It features Emma and her friends and a mystery that just so happens to fall in their lap. In this case, they are all invited to a party – in Chicago of all places. This immediately makes Emma believe that something is off. However, they all decide to attend the party anyways and this is where the real fun ensues. As always, it features the historical nuances that I have come to love and everything is accurate to the time period (as far as I can tell). I love learning more about this time and I love watching Emma attempt to solve these mysteries. She really is a well developed character and really just a character I truly love. Each of these novels and novellas can read as a standalone, but I strongly recommend reading the entire series and Kimberly Mullins has really created a whole world that surrounds Emma and to get the full enchanting effect as well as to see Emma’s full evolution as a character I recommend reading them all. I definitely recommending picking this one up, it was the perfect thing to begin to get me in the fall and in the holiday spirit!

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Christine Baranek

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Killer Smile
By: Allan Evans

This is a fantastic book. I loved Killer Blonde so I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. It definitely did not disappoint. There were some differences from the first story – mainly that this was way more descriptive than the first one. But over all it delivered in suspense and character development. Truly I loved this story and would definitely recommend it.

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Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Christine Baranek

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Killer Blonde
By: Allan Evans

I love a good murder mystery / thriller and this one did not disappoint. It featured a killer with a devious mind – who planned out and executed those plans in incredibly interesting ways. I liked how this story took the idea of the killer being part of a larger agenda. Cade Dawkens was a well written, well developed investigator and the case contained many twists and turns. Several of which that surprised me. This was truly a fantastically written thriller in which everything seemed to be thought of. I thought that both the killer and the investigator were well developed and did not come across as contrived. I thought that the plot moved at a great pace and that the various twists came a at great times and definitely kept me wanting to read. I recommend reading this one and I will be looking to read more by Allan Evans in the future!

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The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel) by Brittany Tucker – Review by Jenni Bishop

The Calamities of Camden Callahan (A Revenant Novel)The Calamities of Camden Callahan by Brittany Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

4 .5 stars
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is a book in the Revenant series. It is a dark fantasy tale that YA’s will enjoy.
The story flows easily in this magical action-adventure story. There are characters that you will like and some you will not. Brittany’s writing makes the story flow easily and the adventure fun.
The Calamities of Camden Callahan is gripping and engaging short but enjoyable read. There is betrayal, lies, secrets, death, kidnappings, foes, magic and much more.
Brittany has once again woven an intriguing tale that will have readers not wanting the story to end. Her writing style is easy and makes the story that much more enjoyable.
Follow along on this dark adventure tale where murder and mayhem are in abundance. Expect the unexpected. This book is for dark fantasy lovers of all ages.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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Love & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell – Review by Christine Baranek

Love & StilettosLove & Stilettos by Evelyn Lindell
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Love and Stilettos
By: Evelyn Lindell

This is an absolutely freaking fantastic book! I could not put it down. This book contains absolutely well developed characters. This book contains the kind of characters you root for and the characters that you love to hate. This book is the kind that sucks you in from the beginning and when you finally finish it you feel like you have to say good bye to some wonderful friends. That is how amazingly well developed these characters are. The addition of Granny just adds to the charm to this book! I have to say that this is the book that I will be recommending from now on when people ask me what is the best book you’ve read recently! I definitely recommend this one!

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Jenni Bishop

Heart's Rescue (Fallen Hearts)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Heart’s Rescue is the first book in the paranormal fantasy Fallen Hearts series. This story is told from alternating POV’s given us a much broader and in-depth view of just who they are. It’s my fav way of storytelling. I have only previously read one book by Meredith and really enjoyed it.
Meredith writing style paints a vivid picture of this new world. The world building was intricate but well woven together. The characters are fleshed out, fully realised and well written. They may be broken but they take charge and forge ahead.
Rowan and Arryn’s adventure is full of action, violence, danger and monsters. Two people from different worlds with misconceived idea’s, misunderstandings and miscommunications start these characters on an even rockier road as they go from enemies-to-lovers. It did take a minute to settle in with the characters but thankfully they are revealed as the layers are peeled back and do grow on you.
There is a lot going on in the background in this fast-paced tale that is full of magic, a bit of mystery, some sassiness, a touch of humour, banter, and some steamy romance.
Meredith’s exciting new world has many characters. There are elves, dwarves, dragons, and strange shadow monsters.
This exciting book will appeal to anyone who enjoys reading paranormal fantasy romantic tales.
I need to read more of this series.

Reviewed by @jennadb

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LIES-TRUTH-LOVE by Marina Hanna – Review by Barbara Bohls

Lies - Truth - LoveLies – Truth – Love by Marina Hanna
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book has everything that a reader would want in a romance novel. It makes you ask yourself the question of whether you could continue to love someone after you find out they have lied. Do you want to take that chance on whether they will lie again or even if you are getting the full truth, that is the dilemma that the main female character is facing. The way the story is written, you will feel everything that she is feeling. The words just jump off the pages and turn into emotions that you aren’t prepared for in a book. This is what I loved about the book. I was absolutely able to loose myself in it and kept turning pages because by the 2nd chapter, I was fully invested in what was going to happen. I felt like Olivia was my bestie and we were going to find out what was going on. You also feel yourself rooting for them. Normally when a character lies, I find it hard to forgive them. I struggled with it in this book and you will see why when you read it. I am really trying to not give anything away. Just please, please read this book, you won’t be mad that you did and you want be able to put it down.

Reviewed by: @bbohls
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Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street – Review by Michaela Massie

Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2)Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderful romance that has all the tropes that we know and love, and always come back for. Hot new boss with a good heart? Check. Friend’s sister? Check. New nanny? Check. Over all really good contemporary romance? Absolutely check plus.
Blake is going through the ringer, trying to figure out how to move forward after losing her job and finding her living situation less than optimal. Morgan is fighting his super toxic ex to keep custody of hid daughter, and is in dire need of a live-in nanny, like, yesterday.
What do you get when you mix a woman who desperately needs a job and is conflicted about children with a good hearted and really hot businessman who adores his daughter? Take a little time to read this stellar story and find out!!

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Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Kerry Baker

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such an interesting and unique book. It is a mix of different stories combined together in a way that creates a new and refreshing book. I was pulled into this story right from the start and really enjoyed how the author weaved everything together.
The book had some fantastic characters. The way they all tied into the stories and the interactions between them were a joy to read. I thought they each added something to the book. I also enjoyed the fact that this book felt so different from other books that I have read by this author. This was a really great book and I would certainly recommend it.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Kerry Baker

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I didn’t really have any expectations from this book when I started it and I was pleasantly surprised at the great word building and characters I discovered. This is an author who is still fairly new to me but if all of her books are like this then I can’t wait to read more. The characters were complex and had depth to them. They complemented the story line really well and I connected with them easily.
This story was engaging and developed well throughout the book. From the description I thought it might be a little confusing but it was easy to follow, even with a lot going on. This was a thoroughly enjoyable book and I am looking forward to the next.

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Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin – Review by Jennifer Gordon

Born to Die (The McIntire County Series: #2)Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Having read and enjoyed book one I was looking forward to being back in McIntire County, and I was just as gripped with this story as I was with the previous one. I would personally recommend reading these in order as the characters do crossover. This storyline concentrates on Deputy Cassy Rivers who is left with the scars from barely escaping a harrowing experience. She is now working in rural Eider, Iowa and is investigating a series of random robberies which results in the brutal death of a fellow officer. Unfortunately the man she must work with and trust is the one who broke her heart, FBI agent Boyce Hunt, however the pair must now work together to capture the modern day Bonnie and Clyde. Boyce left Cassy to protect her from his mother’s criminal enterprise and the blackmail and manipulation that he faces, but working together they can’t deny their mutual attraction. This romantic suspense had me hooked throughout. The characters and the setting were brought to life by the descriptive narrative, making me feel immersed in the storyline. I liked ‘catching up’ with previous characters, as well as meeting the new main characters, Cassy and Boyce who’s chemistry really came across in the narrative. An enjoyable and engaging read, and I look forward to book three.

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an interesting book that I would not normally pick up but I’m glad I did. This is a new author for me. I enjoyed his writing style and his attention to details that made the book easy to read. This is a book that contains information on nuclear weapons and about the people who developed them. You will learn things that you didn’t know before about where nuclear weapons development comes from. I found this book interesting and fast paced. A book that would be great for anyone interested in this type of thing. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Bobbi Wagner

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this fantasy romance story. This is a story where the author used her writing skills as well as her attention to details to make the characters pop. She has created a story that feels realistic and hopes that the characters get happily ever after. I found this book to be well written and hard to put down. Isabel and Henrique are great characters that I enjoyed watching their growth as well as their chemistry throughout the story. I enjoyed how they pulled me into their adventure and kept me engaged to the end. This is a story that has a little bit of everything in it from romance to twists and turns that you don’t want to miss. I really enjoyed this story and I think you will too. I highly recommend this book.

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Review by @bjwagner

Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Bobbi Wagner

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this steamy fantasy romance story. This is one of my favorites by this author and I look forward to seeing what is next in this series. This is a well written story that reminded me of a fairytale. The only difference is that the Lady is rescuing her prince. This is a story of love, survival and how far you go to rescue your love. I enjoyed the characters and what they brought to the story. They are strong, relatable characters that have great growth and chemistry throughout the story. They add spice and heat to a story that is full of dark magic. Don’t miss if this Lady is able to rescue the prince. This is a fast paced, hard to put down story that I found to be engaging to the end. It is easy and entertaining to read. I really enjoyed this story and I highly recommend it.

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Review by @bjwagner

Killer Blonde by Allan Evans – Review by Trish Ann

Killer BlondeKiller Blonde by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a good book of the genre. I liked the hero a lot and felt that he played the game well. This book followed the formula of the genre and had some hidden plot points. The drawback for me what the amount of characters. I would read others by the author.

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What We Never Say (Bold Journeys Book 2) by Paulette Stout – Review by Shelly Kittell

What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women's Fiction (Bold Journeys Book 2)What We Never Say: Empowering Contemporary Women’s Fiction by Paulette Stout
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Well, this is a book that has a controversial topic in it. You’ll have to read it because I’m not touching much on that. The writing in the story was okay. It is a little dry in spots but the story flows well throughout. The characters are pretty relatable. Overall, it’s done from the guy’s POV of being a sexual assault victim. It’s worth giving it a shot.

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Killer Smile by Allan Evans – Review by Trish Ann

Killer SmileKiller Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. I thought the suspense was good and enjoyed the characters. I thought the humor and murder descriptions balanced each other out. I found the plot engaging as well. I would read others by this author.

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The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers Book 3) by Giovanna Siniscalchi – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Truth About Myths (The Winemakers #3)The Truth About Myths by Giovanna Siniscalchi
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness! I loved it. This is one of the best in the series. Henrique and Isable, what a pair. The adventures and journey. The story is great. I found the characters to be well-written and quite enjoyable. Another wonderful read from this author.

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Wild For Me (The Balefire Series Book 3) by Tam DeRudder Jackson – Review by Kerry Carr

Wild For Me (Balefire, #3)Wild For Me by Tam DeRudder Jackson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the 3rd book in the Balefire Series. These books can be read as a standalone read as each book mainly focuses on one couple, however there are characters that show up from previous books so I personally feel its better to read them in order. The author does such a great job with the characters in these books. The rock star romances are full of passion, chemistry and steamy moments but one of the things i love is that the author writes both the male and female characters as strong fiesty people which only intensifies the chemistry.
This is a second chance romance between Dakota and Annabelle. After a very passionate night together Annabelle disappears. Which suited Dakota just fine after all as a member of a successful band most encounters with women are a 1 time thing. However something about Annebelle was different which he realises when he can’t stop thinking about her.
Fast forward and they meet again at their friends wedding. The spark and chemistry between them is still there and Dakota is determined that this time he won’t let her escape.
Annabelle on the other hand has other ideas. She is trying to progress her career and as an intern with the band she has the chance to do just that. But she wants to do it on her own not on a reputation of sleeping her way up the ladder. No matter how hot Dakota is, no matter how amazing and consuming their chemistry is Annabelle knows she can’t give in to Dakota without risking her goals.
But what happens when that pull can’t be denied. Can Annabelle have her job and the man she wants? How far will Dakota go to make sure that this time she doesn’t escape him.
This is a gripping romance as their relationship grows and develops but with additional forces working against them do they have any hope of being together?

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The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics by Paul McCarthy – Review by Shelly Kittell

The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics - A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind's Most Dangerous GameThe Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting book. I learned so many facts. It also gave an insight into how scary this nuclear weapons are. It’s an interesting book. Overall, it’s pretty readable to the nonscientific.

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Tears Into Gold by Cori Cooper – Review by Shelly Kittell

Tears into GoldTears into Gold by Cori Cooper
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a really cool story. I loved how it was mishmashed into a mix of folk & fairy tales. I absolutely loved how the story turned out. It was entertaining. I loved the writing. This author has a way of making stories fun. I enjoyed the story very much.

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Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood – Review by Shelly Kittell

Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales #2)Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story was just as amazing as the first. I loved the story just as much. The action, the story, the characters, they were just as fascinating and engaging. I found myself jumping right in from the beginning because I had to know what was coming. I loved the suspense of it. An excellent read that I can recommend.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Carrie Reed

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is such a fun and interesting world. Arryn is a strong woman, stronger than she thinks, I love that she stands up to Rowan. But Rowan also treats her well and realizes he’s slowly falling for her. I felt so terrible for Rowan’s brother especially for the reason he ends up in his state. I like how Arryn’s eyes are opened being in the Lands Below. Although a different climate, look and feel, she feels freer than she does back at her home in the Worlds Above. The king of the Lands Below is a sneaky one, and I was very happy with how everything played out, especially with her mess of a prince.

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Heart’s Rescue (Fallen Hearts) by Meredith Hart – Review by Shelly Kittell

Heart's Rescue (Hearts Below, #1)Heart’s Rescue by Meredith Hart
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed the story of Rowan and Aryan. This was such a good fantasy story. It did a terrific job of world building. The whole thing of building better world among monsters is a good idea. I found that the writing is such that you are engaged right from the beginning. The characters are so well-developed that you are totally invested. It’s an excellent book and I want to read more.

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The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett – Review by Tausha Treadway

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills #2)The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The Secrets of Arkaim (The Reeds of West Hills) by B. E. Padgett. This is such a fun series for young kids 9-12 about magic and fantasy. It’s the continuing story of 11-year-old twins Jon and Frank Reed as they attend West Hills school for the perceptually gifted. This has a similar vibe to the Hunger Games as they participate in the Zodiac Games. These boys are from a large family and when the found out they are gifted their parents sent them to West Hills to learn how to control their powers. They both have issues with their gifts and are still learning how to control them when a lot of students start getting sick. Will they be able to find out what is causing the sickness and stop it before it’s to late? I really enjoyed this book as an adult so I’m sure your young child will enjoy it too! Fun Series!

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Russian and Royally Complicated (The Crowned Hearts Series Book 2) by Gwyn McNamee and Christy Anderson – Review by Michelle Collier

Russian and Royally ComplicatedRussian and Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the second book in The Crowned Hearts Series. Ok so the first book was great but this one was even better in my opinion. Lev and Daphne hate each other and sparks always fly when they are around each other. This book is exactly what people mean when they say there is a thin line between love and hate. There are twists and turns throughout the story that always kept me turning the pages.

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As Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist – Review by Ashley Sugar

As Though You Were MineAs Though You Were Mine by J. Marie Rundquist
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The cover alone is what made me read this! I absolutely loved it. But the story? My gosh, phenomenal! I felt it all! So many emotions. There’s tragedy, loss, heartbreak…and I definitely needed my tissues ready. I was drawn into the pages and I never wanted the story to end. The MC has gone through a lot..but that doesn’t stop her! I absolutely loved her! If you want a great heartfelt book, please read this! Definitely keep some tissues nearby! You’ll need them.

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Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite Book 5) by Isla Vaughn – Review by Michelle Collier

Cruel Hate (Hidden Valley Elite #5)Cruel Hate by Isla Vaughn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is book 5 in the Hidden Valley Elite Series. I am so in love with this whole series. This is the first part of Phoenix and Aspen’s story. Now in college things are a little different for Phoenix as he tries to navigate classes and football. Then once Aspen discovers that she is pregnant they are both left struggling to figure out how this is all going to work. I could not put this book down and I am on pins and needles waiting for the second part of their story.

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Mr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom – Review by Carrie Reed

Mr. Barsins' Toy EmporiumMr. Barsins’ Toy Emporium by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book as an adult, definitely a middle school aged book. I liked that Lily, Jack, Audrey and Nick were able to form a friendship over their battle to keep their imaginary friends and defeating Mr. Barsin. It seemed like Lily’s Sylphs and Audrey’s dragon were the only imaginary friends that wanted to help and weren’t trying to force their human friends to do something bad. Very imaginative and fun story.

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