Category: Genre

REVIEW BY BRANDY! THE GARNET DAGGER BY ANDREA COOPER (@Crimson_Romance)

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BLURB:

Forbidden to cross the Elvin barrier into human lands, Brock cannot sate his curiosity. Cursed by a vampyre bite that forces him to feed on the life-essence of others, he is unable to touch another without taking their life. Chained by prophesy, he must find a witch, pierce her heart, and draw her blood for his cure.

Celeste must escape the monks who have held her prisoner for years. Her magic has been kept dormant by her captors. An ancient powerful Warloc craves her powers. If he succeeds in devouring her magic, she and the world will die.

When Brock falls in love with Celeste before realizing her demise is his cure, will love triumph over his desire to be healed? Will he risk everything to save her from a Warloc, an oath breaker, who also wants her dead?

REVIEW:

I was given a copy of this book in return for my honest review.

This was a wonderfully written story.  I am still new to the fantasy world but I am impressed with how well developed this debut author has made this world.  I like to read stories that I can visualize in my head and this one allowed it.

I am not a huge Elvin fan, but I am anxious to see where she takes Brock and Celeste.  I recommend everyone check out this new author if you are a Fantasy lover!

Rated 4 Kisses

 

NEW RELEASES FROM VIVIEN SPARX! (@viviensparx, @beingnev)

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Oh, let the good times roll, Kittens! Vivien has new reads for us and I am stoked! Here is what she has to say!

I am very excited to announce a new collection of stories that I am about to release on Amazon.
The ‘Unleashed Collection’ is a group of 5 stories that feature sizzling, adults only sexual encounters! They are very definitely NOT my usual erotic romance style, and they are very different to what you might expect when you pick up a Vivien Sparx title!
The new ‘Unleashed Collection’ is something I have been working on for some time and I have been thrilled by the advance reader reviews.

Starting this Friday I am going to release a new title in the Vivien Sparx ‘Unleashed Collection’ on Amazon every single day for 5 days.

Each title will be released at the special launch price of $0.99 cents for a limited time.
* On Friday March 15th I will release ‘Alicia’
* On Saturday March 16th I will release ‘Becky’
* On Sunday March 17th I will release ‘Claire’
* On Monday March 18th I will release ‘Debbie’
* On Tuesday March 19th I will release a secret fifth title called ‘Eve – Training Her Husband to be Her Master.’
The content of these stories is strictly adults only and contain graphic and explicit language of sexual encounters.

The Characters:
JULIA
The man character in my ‘Unleashed Collection’ is a woman named Julia… and what a woman!
I found her a really interesting character to write. She has a lot of dominant personality about her when dealing with the women who come to her – but when she is around men, she’s more than happy to hand over the reins of a sexual encounter and go along for the ride!
Julia has a wicked, wicked sexual streak and loves nothing more than a hot sweaty encounter.
What do I mean exactly?
Well, you are just going to have to read the stories!

The Characters:
ALISTAIR
My favourite character to create for the ‘Unleashed Collection’ was the subtle support character of Alistair – Julia’s able and discreet elderly manservant.
I love his wry humour and his gentle role within each story, and the way he acts as a counter for Julia’s outrageous sexual encounters.
Nothing shocks or surprises Alistair!
He only has a small role in each of the ‘Unleashed’ stories, but he was always a joy to write.

DISCLAIMER:  These are not your typical “mommy porn”  ladies.  This is full throttle, smoking hot and explicit.  Not for the faint of heart!  That being said, here is my review of Alicia.

I am so easy to please.  Write a good story and I am a fan for life.  As a member of Vivien’s Street Team, I was offered Claire (releases on Sunday) for review.  I loved it!  I emailed Nev, who I am thinking is Vivien’s right hand, and told her I would like to review it for this post.  She rocked out and sent me Alicia for today’s review. 

Julia is a strong and independent woman.  She has forged her own path through life and if you don’t like it, oh well.  She runs a home that women come to when they need a place to stay or something a little more…satisfying. 

Alicia is a dancer that can’t make her rent so she shows up at Julia’s.  The rules are simple.  Julia gives you five sexy challenges to complete in five days.  You cannot refuse or you are out of the house.  If you succeed, you can stay as long as you like.  These challenges are not for the faint of heart, kittens.  They involve toys, multiple partners, BDSM and anything else Julia’s kinky little mind can come up with!

They are sizzling hot and erotic scenarios that Julia likes to watch or take part in.  I am not going to ruin this story for you because it is soooo worth the time to read.  Just know this, I am awed by the characters Vivien has created and will have the whole set on my kindle by Tuesday!

Vivien’s Amazon Page“>Vivien’s Amazon Page!

REVIEW!! Immortal Ever After (Argeneau Vampires) by Lynsay Sands (@LynsaySands, @avonbooks)

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This was an ARC that I received for review. I have been wondering when Anders was going to get his own story and this did not disappoint!

EXCERPT FROM AMAZON!

A kiss doesn’t mean eternity . . .

Valerie Moyer doesn’t believe in vampires—until she is kidnapped by a fanged psychopath! After escaping her bloodthirsty captor, she’s through with creatures of the night. Until she finds herself under the protection of the darkly handsome Anders. Not only is she expected to accept that Anders is immortal, but also that she is the woman destined to be his life mate!

. . . Or does it?

Anders felt a connection to Valerie from the moment he cradled her bruised body in his arms. But before he claims her, he must destroy the vampire who almost stole her from him forever. His job would be easier if Valerie didn’t fight him every step of the way. Still, Anders loves a challenge, and the green-eyed beauty is worth fighting for!

Anders has been an Enforcer for many years and has watched his fellow Enforcers fall victim to life mates one by one. When an unusual 911 call comes in that the Enforcers respond to, Anders is amazed to find he has discovered his life mate.

Valerie has literally just escaped from the house of Hell. She had been kidnapped and held in a cage with several other women for almost 2 weeks. She managed to stab one of her captors and call 911. When she is talking to her rescuers she doesn’t know how to explain to them that she was attacked by a psycho vampire. There is no such as thing as vampires, right?

When she is taken back to Lucien and Leigh’s house for recovery she doesn’t question the kindness of the ones who rescued her and finds that she is quickly falling for the sexy Enforcer, Anders. When they all realize that she is Anders life mate they attempt to show her what he really is like and a very pregnant Leigh makes a great matchmaker!

I don’t want to give away too much of this story because I am an avid Lynsay Sands fan and don’t want to ruin the story for others.

Rated 4 Bookworms and can’t wait to add the paperback to my collection.

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The Courtship Dance by Candace Camp

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EXCERPT FROM AMAZON:

Lady Francesca Haughston had given up on romance for herself, finding passion instead in making desirable matches for others. So it seemed only fair, when she learned she had been deceived into breaking her own long-ago engagement to Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, that she now help him find the perfect wife.

Of course, Francesca was certain any spark of passion between them had long since died—her own treatment of him had seen to that. The way Sinclair gazed at her or swept her suddenly into his arms…well, that was merely practice for when a younger, more suitable woman caught his eye. But soon Francesca found his lessons in love scandalously irresistible—and a temptation that could endanger them both.

REVIEW:

Have you ever been young and listened to the wrong person and regretted the decisions you made based on that information?  That is what happens to Lady Francesca Haughston.  Lady Francesca made the choice to break off her secret engagement to Sinclair, Duke of Rochford, without listening to his explanation.  She immediately jumps into a bad marriage.  Fast forward 15 years, Lady Francesca is now a widow, living hand to mouth and hiding it from all of society.  To help supplement her income she has taken to helping polish young girls and assist them in making good society matches.  Feeling melancholy she decides to help her old friend, Sinclair, find a wife.  How will the Duke handle this?  Will our matchmaking lady find she had taken on more than she bargained for?  Find out how their story goes!  Thanks Ms. Camp for another addition to this wonderful series!

Rated 3 Bookworms

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A Secret Rage by Charlaine Harris (@charlaineharris)

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To all my wonderful followers, I would like to introduce you to a friend and guest Reviewer, Dusti Connelley. I am hoping to have her back on here to review books periodically so let’s show her some love!

Nickie Callahan is a successful model in New York City…..until her agent tells her that she, at 27, is getting too old, and to find another career. Nickie has always wanted to be a writer….. What’s a girl to do? Move in with her best friend, Mimi, from boarding school and go back to college, of coarse! Moving from New York City to a small college town in Tennessee seems like a safe thing to do, but Nickie moves around the same time that a string of brutal rapes begins in the town of Knolls.

As Nickie becomes involved in classes and a romance, she also becomes involved in the case. It also becomes clear that the monster in Knolls is someone that Nickie knows, and that none of the women are safe.

I really enjoyed this book, even if I expected vampires or werewolves to jump out at any minute – this is Charlaine Harris after all. I like my crime novels with a bit of romance, and this fit the bill perfectly. The characters are well thought out and the romance and mystery grow at a realistic pace. I didn’t figure out who-done-it, but it was a well laid out mystery.

Wild About You by Kerrelyn Sparks (Love at Stake Series) @avonbooks

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Excerpt from Amazon:

Handsome Howard . . .

Hunky Howard . . .

Hot Howard . . .

It’s not every day that Elsa Bjornberg feels delicate, not when she hosts a home renovation show where she can effortlessly demolish a kitchen. But from the moment she meets Howard Barr, this bear of a man makes her feel like a woman. And the way he looks at her, as if she were a pot of honey he’d like to lick . . .

Howard is not like most men. For one thing, he’s a shapeshifter. And he always thought his celebrity crush would never amount to anything more than drooling at Elsa on TV. When his meddling vampire employer gets involved, the star is suddenly within his grasp—and within a hair of her life. For an ancient curse forbids their newfound love, and Howard is suddenly torn between his desire for her and his desire to keep her alive.

I just finished this book and I must say, WOW! I am so glad that Howard finally got his own story!

This book continues the Love at Stake series which is amazing and everyone needs to read. Howard is a were-bear who is the daytime guard for the Draganesti family. Shanna Draganesti discovers that Howard holds a secret fascination to a DIY builder named Elsa. I have to say that I love the whole reality TV Home Edition thing that Ms. Sparks is doing in this story!  Elsa and Howard are in for a whirlwind ride that includes curses, revenge and murder. What do you do when you realize that the person you love is forbidden to you because of an ancient curse?  Throw the chips in the air and let them land where they may! 

Take the time to read all the incredible stories in this series, you won’t be disappointed!

Rated 4 Bookworms

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Release Me by J. Kenner (@juliekenner)

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This is was an ARC that I received for review.  This review was previously posted last year and has been updated.

Excerpt from Amazon:

He was the one man I couldn’t avoid. And the one man I couldn’t resist.
 
Damien Stark could have his way with any woman. He was sexy, confident, and commanding: Anything he wanted, he got. And what he wanted was me.
 
Our attraction was unmistakable, almost beyond control, but as much as I ached to be his, I feared the pressures of his demands. Submitting to Damien meant I had to bare the darkest truth about my past—and risk breaking us apart.
 
But Damien was haunted, too. And as our passion came to obsess us both, his secrets threatened to destroy him—and us—forever.

It is not often when a book is so amazingly well-written that I find it hard to even begin to accurately describe it. Nikki is a former beauty queen who never really enjoyed the scene. She has worked hard to put her self through school and has recently moved to California to escape the clutches of her controlling mother. With degrees in engineering and computer science she is interested in learning the tech business from the ground up. Taking a job with an up and rising tech guru she hopes to learn all that she can. She doesn’t count on her boss wanting to use her looks to attract the attention of an investor. Enter Damien Stark, former tennis star and now successful billionaire businessman. He had met Nikki years ago at a beauty pageant that he was judging and was intrigued by the young beauty.

When he sees her again he is ready to claim her for his own. Nikki has no desire to submit to someone has controlling as Damien Stark but the passion cannot be denied. Facing her own demons she embraces the passion that she sees in Damien and the man she sees behind the mask.

This is well-written story that shows the real life side to the characters that are being developed. It was nice to see characters that were flawed both emotionally and physically. Discovering that not all men are interested in perfection, Nikki discovers her strength and the man who can cultivate it. It may seem like the characters move into a relationship quickly but sometimes, even in real life, passion will not be denied.

I recommend this book to everyone who is interested in a passionate love story. Story does contain some mild BDSM scenes but they are tastefully well-written. Can not wait to read the next story!

Rated 4.5 Bookworms

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BLOG TOUR STOP! Beyond 10 Nights by Michelle Hughes and Karl Jones (@MichelleHughes_ , @kast1j)

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Wow!  Do you ever put down a book and just sit there for a moment and wonder how in the world you were going to make it till the release of the next story?  That is how I felt when I finished reading 10 Nights.  (Click here for my review of 10 Nights!)  Let me tell you that Beyond 10 Nights was everything I expected and then some!

Leah is in love with Rhett and has accepted his proposal of marriage.  Even though Janie and David don’t understand the relationship that she has with Rhett, Leah is hopeful that she will be able to fix things with her friends.  She is devastated when she realizes that Janie has no desire to support her relationship with Rhett and explodes on her.  Furious and in tears, Leah returns to Rhett’s house where he makes it clear that he wants her to stay with him anyway and that he wants to take care of her.  The submissive side of her wants to take him up on that offer but she knows that she still needs to find a job to take care of herself.

Leah is very nervous when Rhett tells her that he is opening the dungeon back up and she will be doing a scene that night.  She is not sure how she will react but wants to please her Master.  Later that night, while folks are arriving a surprise guest arrives.  A lifelong friend of Rhett’s who also is a Master and lives the lifestyle, Alex.  I have to stop here and say that there is not a single thing about Alex that I don’t find sexy as hell.  The man is yummy with a capital Y and it makes me want to find the nearest dungeon and convince him to join me!  That being said, back to the story.  Alex is intrigued when he meets Leah for the first time and can’t seem to figure out what has happened to his friend.  He has never treated a sub like he does Leah and Alex decides to take Rhett up on his offer to stay at the house so they can catch up.  Running into Leah in the kitchen the next morning, Alex joins her for breakfast and after talking to her for a bit, he begins to understand Rhett’s obsession.  When he realizes that she is job hunting he offers to give her a shot at his advertising agency and convinces her to go with him to check it out.

When Rhett finds that Leah has spent the day with Alex, he explodes with pent up rage and emotion. Leah doesn’t feel like she should have to deal with that so she leaves with Alex to take a break. I have to tell you that I don’t think I would have been able to handle myself around Alex, cause when sex walks like sin, you have to take advantage. Leah and Alex develop a wonderful friendship and it eventually leads to more. I love where this story goes and the intricate relationships. Go Beyond 10 Nights and into a world of desire.

I don’t want to ruin the story for anyone so I will stop there.  If you haven’t read the first book in the series, 10 Nights, then you need to hop over to Amazon or click the link below to get started.  This book picks up where it leaves off so you might be a little lost! 🙂  I was invited to be a stop on this blog tour and excited doesn’t even begin to describe it!  The genius behind this fabulous tour decided we should do a little This or That with our two amazing authors.  I have to admit that I was a little curious about their answers to my questions.

This or That with our Authors!
I was curious about what our authors’ choices would be and I was surprised at a few!

Michelle Hughes                                                                                  Karl Jones

Satin or Silk? Silk                                                                                 Satin or Silk? Silk
Whips or Feathers? Feathers                                                         Whips or Feathers? Feathers
Dom or Sub? Sub                                                                                 Dom or Sub? Dom
Kittens or Puppies? Puppies                                                           Kittens or Puppies? Kittens
Piercings or Tattoos? Piercings                                                    Piercings or Tattoos? Tattoos
Beer or Liquor? Liquor                                                                     Beer or Liquor? Liquor
Santa Claus or Easter Bunny? Santa Claus                               Santa/Easter Bunny? Santa Claus
Open Scene or Private Show? Private Show                           Open/Private Show? Private Show
Print or E-book? Ebook                                                                    Print or Ebook? Ebook
Cross or Bench? Cross                                                                       Cross or Bench? Bench

10 Nights (Forbidden Desires Series)

I would also recommend checking out Michelle and Karl’s other books while you are visiting Amazon.  They are all worth the read!  These are a couple of my favorites!

Click here for my review of Tears of Crimson!

Click here for my review of Eternal Crimson!

Click Here for my review of Shattered!

Michelle Hughes Bio

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Michelle Hughes is the international bestselling author of the book 10 Nights. She currently resides in Alabama with her husband and her five children. Hughes began her career in entertainment as a singer and host for a nationally televised satellite talent program and continued to perform across the United States until she decided to move home and start her family.
Hughes and her co-author, Karl Jones, own Tears of Crimson. The website began as role-play and fan fiction base and has since become the home of Tears of Crimson Books and promotions. Hughes states her love of writing comes from her muse Rafe, who has given her dreams of fantasy worlds since she was a young girl.
Hughes started reading Harlequin romance books at eight years old, sneaking them from her grandmother. It instilled in her a love of romance that is still with her today. Her grandmother was raised on a cotton farm and only completed a sixth grade education, it was through watching her struggles with reading that Hughes states gave her the love of the written word.
Amazon/Michelle Hughes http://www.amazon.com/Michelle-Hughes/e/B00605O89I/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354383782&sr=1-2-ent
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/groups/448502065202528/?fref=ts
Blog/website http://www.tearsofcrimson.com/

Karl Jones Bio

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Author Bio, Karl Jones:

In the dark of the night and the still of the evening you’ll find Karl Jones writing furiously to exercise his dark muse to the delight of his fans.

Specializing in Crime and Horror thrillers, he refers to himself as a loner, haunted by the stories he pens and driven to push the boundaries until all lovers of the genres have no choice but to sleep with one eye open.

Karl explores the dark side of humanity and turns the stories of some of the most depraved into literature you’ll have no choice but to read with one eye on the door and every light in the house on.

Grab a sample if you dare…

Amazon/Karl Jones http://www.amazon.com/Karl-Jones/e/B006ZJKS1G/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1354383853&sr=1-2-ent

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/AuthorKarlJones?fref=ts

Blog/website http://booksboozeandbanter.blogspot.com/

**I was given a copy of B10N in return for my honest review.**

Rated 5 Bookworms

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Follow the rest of the tour!

January 1st – The O’Raven Chronicles -Loush O’Raven

January 2nd – Tam’s Two Cents-Tammy Middleton

January 3rd – Kindle Hooked -Kim Box Pearson

January 4th – Into the Night book reviews -Heather Gunter

January 4th – Romancebookworm’s Reviews-Brandy Dorsch

January 5th – Mad Sheep reading-Jenny Needham

January 6th – Don’t Feed the Mimsey – Jay Mims

January 7th – The Indie Shop -Tamara Beard

January 8th – The Page Turners -Keelie Bennett Howard

January 9th –Author Belinda Boring aka The Bookish Snob

January 10th – BookEnd 2 BookEnd -Jessica Johnson

RELEASE DAY! Beyond 10 Nights by Michelle Hughes and Karl Jones (@MichelleHughes_, @kast1j)

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I am so excited for the release of the second book in The Forbidden Desire Series! Beyond 10 Nights is the continuing story of Leah and Rhett’s relationship. I fell in love with this series and I have recommended it to everyone I know!

Excerpt:

Beyond 10 Nights with Rhett, Leah discovers that her journey into submission has a new temptation awaiting her awakening mind. The depths of Rhett’s depravity come full circle and force her to make a decision on the path she’ll choose to walk in his dark world of sensual indulgence.

When an old friend of Rhett’s returns to Chicago, the ultimate alpha male competition ensues to win the heart, mind, and body of our heroine. Two worlds of enticement collide, and emotions are overwhelmed as the true game begins.

Beyond 10 Nights will Leah discover that desire and the heart can be the hardest checkmate of all? Passion, love, and heartbreak in the end it all takes you Beyond 10 Nights!

Check out my review of 10 Nights and see how far temptation will take you!

How to Marry a Duke by Vicky Dreiling (@vickydreiling)

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I originally reviewed this book when I started my blog in 2011.  My blog fizzled out and I have since revamped and expanded.  I decided to review this again and include some fun stuff from Vicky Dreiling. 

This is Vicky’s debut romance and I was hooked from the get go.  Our heroine is Tessa Mansfield who considers herself a spinster and has created her own life as a ton matchmaker.  Tristan, Duke of Shelbourne has decided that it is time to set up his nursery and hires Tessa to find him a bride.  Humor commences as Tessa creates a courtship between the Duke and twenty-four of London’s most eligible debutantes.  I find it hysterical that Tessa creates a “game show” style process to find the next Duchess of Shelbourne.  I love the friendship and chemistry that develops between the characters.  I have read all of Vicky’s books and this is one that is on my permanent keep list. 

Now on to some fun stuff!  Vicky Dreiling posted the following on her Facebook page and I thought it was so funny, I wanted to include it here!  I contacted her and she agreed to let me post it on my blog.  As a struggling author, I found it to be a lighthearted gaggle of laughs!  Enjoy.

Vicky Dreiling’s How to Survive and Thrive List for Debut Authors 

How to Celebrate your First Sale 

  1. Squee in your agent’s ear.  Apologize profusely afterward.

  2. Call your friends and insist on meeting up at your favorite Mexican food restaurant for celebratory Chambord swirl margaritas.

  3. Spend part of your first advance check on something special-you earned it!

  4. Eat lots of chocolate.  It is one of the basic food groups for writers. 

How to Prepare your First Revision Letter 

  1. Buy post-it notes in many colors.  They are your friends and make the printed pages look pretty.

  2. You will need the printed version because page numbers will change as you revise.

  3. Stock up on your caffeinated beverage of choice.

  4. Memorize the phone numbers and/or website addresses of Pizza Hut, the local Chinese delivery service and Chili’s to go,

  5. Eat lots of chocolate.  It is one of the basic food groups of authors. 

How to be a Glamorous Almost Published Author 

  1. Make an appointment with a photographer for your author photo.

  2. Try on several outfits and decide you deserve a new one for the photo.

  3. Smear mascara under your eyes.  You’re out of practice putting on makeup since you became a recluse.

  4. Ask the photographer if he can work miracles with Photo Shop.

  5. Eat lots of chocolate.  It is one of the basic food groups for authors. 

How to Write your First Dedication and Acknowledgements 

  1. Sniff a little as you dedicate your book to someone special who helped you make your dream come true.

  2. Thank your wonderful editor whose insights made your book so much better.

  3. Thank your Uber Talented agent who knew exactly how to sell your book.

  4. Sniff a little as you thank all your fabulous writing friends and family members who encouraged you along the journey.

  5. Eat lots of chocolate.  It is one of the basic food groups for authors. 

How to Stay Sane as You Realize You Didn’t Prepare Enough 

  1. Call your published friends and beg them to tell you what works for publicity.  Friends will tell you nobody knows.  Don’t freak out.  And don’t overspend (Hah!).

  2. Get a professional website.  Don’t skimp as this is your window shop to the world.

  3. Social media is not an option.  Embrace it.  You’ll make friends and gain name awareness.

  4. Admire your Advance Reader Copies.  Keep one and give the others away on blog tour.

  5. Eat lots of chocolate.  It is one of the basic food groups for authors.

 Reprinted with permission of Vicky Dreiling.

Rated 5 Bookworms

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