Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

Planned Seduction by Jess Dee – a Review

 

Planned Seduction

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Description:
He has a offer she can’t refuse

Daniel Tanner’s been in love with Amy since they were teenagers, and he’s tired of being seen as the proverbial best friend. If she would only give him a chance to show her how good they could be together, that giving in to the fiery attraction between them won’t burn up and ruin their friendship.

Amy Morgan has had a front row seat to the parade of women coming in and out of Daniel’s life for years, and she’s not interested in risking their friendship for something that would eventually end in heartache. And that’s how it would end, because if Amy’s learned anything in life, it’s that men leave. She couldn’t handle having her heart broken by her best friend, even if the promise of untold passion is keeping her up nights.

But no one knows Amy better than Daniel, and he’s devised a plan to show her they can have it all.

 

Review:

Planned Seduction begins with Daniel and Amy catching up, just as best friends do.  Unknown to Amy, Daniel has been in love with her for a long time and has been working on a plan to make her see they would be good together…..as more than friends.  He knows that Amy will be a hard nut to crack.  She’s had her heart broken not only by an ex, but her father as well, so he knows he has his work cut out for him. 

When Amy finally realizes that Daniel is “interested” in her, she is bound and determined to deter him and steer him back into best friend mode.  However, after the two share a passionate kiss and things progress, Amy starts wondering “what if”.   They settle into a bit of a routine, only to have it interrupted by Daniel being offered a very prestigious shoot that will take him out of town for a month.  Scared out of her mind that he will revert back to his old womanizing ways, Amy does the only thing she can.  She puts that stone wall up around her heart and pushes him away.  After all, in her mind, everyone always leaves her……………

Planned Seduction had all of the earmarks for a great story, but fell a little short for me.  I loved Daniel.  I loved his seize the day mentality and the way he was willing to put forth so much effort into developing his relationship with Amy.  He was sensitive and caring and patient and has a big heart.  Amy, on the other hand, behaved like a fifteen year old.  I found her reactions to be, for lack of a better word, disturbing.  She had known Daniel for years, yet she wouldn’t listen to him….really listen.  She put him in the same category as everyone else who had disappointed her in her life.  She had absolutely no trust in him, which is not what you expect from best friends.  The end of the book still didn’t have me convinced that they have their happily-ever-after.  Yes, then ended up together, but she still didn’t seem sure.  That’s the vibe I got anyway.  With all of that said, I did like the story, even though the first two-thirds of the book seemed to drag a bit.  The last third of the book, however, had me turning the pages faster and faster.  The chemistry between the two of them was off the charts when Amy allowed things to happen naturally.  I just wish she’d opened up sooner.  This is the first I’ve read written by this Jess Dee, and do look forward to giving her books another go.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Worth the Wait by Claudia Connor – a Review

Worth the Wait by Claudia Connor – a Review

 

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Description:
He broke her heart. When he finds out just how badly, it will break his too.

Nick Walker found the love of his life when he was just nineteen.

Found her.
Loved her.
Lost her.

It’s been ten years since Nick watched the only woman he ever loved walk out of his life. Now this FBI Special Agent will do anything to win her back.

But it won’t be easy…

Mia’s heart was shattered by Nick. They’ll have to face their painful past if they want a future, including Mia’s own secret about that day it all fell apart.

Do you believe in second chances?

 

Review:

Worth the Wait begins with the death of Nick Walker’s parents and the enormous responsibility he had to assume:  taking care of 4 siblings, one of whom is an adorable two year old, Hannah.  Determined to finish college and be the kind of guardian he knew his parents would want, Nick soon discovers that Hannah does NOT like to be separated from him.  Thankfully, his professors gave it a chance.  One day, as he was headed to his next class, he has a chance encounter with a young woman, Mia, who piques his interest immediately…..and Hannah’s. 

As Nick and Mia’s friendship grows, he finally works up the nerve to take things to the next level, and to his relief, Mia is thrilled.  Both of them have a lot on their plate.  Nick is raising his siblings and going to college.  Mia is pre-med and knows that it will take everything the two of them have to make things work. Several years pass as they both work towards their goals, until one fateful day that will change everyone’s lives in the blink of an eye:  Hannah goes missing.  Days turn to weeks and no matter how hard Mia tries, Nick will not let her comfort him and has closed part of himself off to her.  What follows is an emotional journey that not only tears at the characters’ hearts, but the readers’ as well.

Worth the Wait is a nicely written story that intrigued me from the very beginning.  Nick Walker was immediately relatable and lovable.  The way he stepped in to take care of his siblings after the death of their parents will endear him to everyone.  His sense of honor knows no bounds, until that fateful day Hannah comes up missing.  During that portion of the story, I wanted to reach in and pop him upside of his hard head a few times.  Mia’s sense of family and her nurturing nature endears her as well.  The supporting characters are well written and have left me wanting to know more about their story.  Claudia Connor did a great job pulling the reader in.  Nick and Mia’s chemistry and commitment to each other was almost awe inspiring….almost.  Things fell apart so quickly once Hannah went missing, I found myself wondering if I’d missed something, some nuance of anything that would have led me to believe what happened to their relationship….  I eventually chalked it up to Nick not being mature enough to get past, or through, what happened.  Ten years passes before the two star crossed lovers meet up again and try to navigate their complicated feelings for each other.  Worth the Wait is ultimately a story about dealing with your past and coming to terms with “what was”in order to figure out “what can be”.  Well done, Claudia Connor!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review.

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A Deal for the Di Sione Ring by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

A Deal for the Di Sione Ring by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

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Description:
“Marry me, sell me the ring and I will fly you out of here tonight.”  

Hotel magnate Nate Brunswick’s faith in marriage was destroyed by his father. But in searching for the ring that his beloved grandfather has asked him to retrieve, the illegitimate Di Sione who hates weddings finds himself inconveniently engaged!  

The alluring owner of the ring, Mina Mastraintino, can only pass it on once she’s married. Quick vows and an even quicker annulment should be easy…but the exquisite impromptu wedding night gives them both far more than they planned! 

 

Review:

A Deal for the Di Sione Ring begins with Nate Brunswick visiting with his grandfather, who is holding on to life as he makes a request of Nate:  find the Di Sione ring, which he had to part with long ago.  Even though Nate has more important things to do, he agrees to search out the ring.  He flies out once he gets a lead on the ring, only to have a  chance encounter with an intriguing maid at the hotel he’s staying in.   Of course, he is immediately struck by her exotic looks, and has a bit of fun with her, but ultimately sends her on her way.

Mina leaves the hotel flustered by her encounter with the handsome billionaire.  She has to get ready for dinner with her fiancé, which is something that she is not looking forward to.  She does not want to marry him, but he is wealthy and powerful, which is why her mother has arranged said marriage.  Mina continually tells herself that she has to do this in order to help her mother, who lives way beyond her means, even though she will be trapped in a loveless marriage.  To say dinner does not go well is a gross understatement.  The next day, Mina prepares for her wedding, even though she’s told her mother this is not what she wants.  As everyone leaves Mina to await the carriage that will take her to her wedding, the doorbell rings.  She opens the door to find the handsome Nate Brunswick standing there….shocked.  Once Nate discovers that she holds the Di Sione ring and she is about to marry a man whom she does not love, he makes her an offer she can’t refuse.  What follows is a whirlwind of activities that ultimately saves Mina from a fate not of her own choosing, and thrusts her into the business world that she’s always wanted to be a part of.  For Nate, it’s a means to an end.  However, neither are prepared for feelings that flair, all in the name of the deal for the Di Sione ring….

A Deal for the Di Sione Ring is a wonderfully written tale about two characters that draw you in immediately.  Even though Mina is a bit naïve, the reader will feel for her and her predicament.  It’s obvious very early on that Nate is a bit broken, but when they come together sparks fly and their chemistry is palpable.  This is the first I’ve read of this series, but have already bought the previous six so that I can read the Di Sione  back stories.  Each book in this series has been written by a different author, which in my humble opinion, is no easy feat.  The characters are intriguing, as is the storyline.  Of course, Jennifer Hayward is the reason I read this installment, but she has introduced me to a world that I definitely want to know more about.  If you’re a fan of romance, you’ll find this one to your liking.  If you’re a fan of romance written Jennifer Hayward’s way, you’ll love it!  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

giveaway

Jennifer is graciously offering a $10 Amazon Gift Card and a signed copy of of A DEAL FOR THE DI SIONE RING to (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from December 20 to 23, 2016

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Real Earls Break the Rules by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

Real Earls Break the Rules by Tina Gabrielle – a Review

 

Real Earls Break the RulesAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
1816 England

Brandon St. Clair, the Earl of Vale, has never been one to follow the rules. Even though he must marry a wealthy heiress so that he can be rid of the pile of debt he inherited with his title, he can’t stop thinking of another. Amelia Somerton is the daughter of a forger and is not a suitable wife. But that doesn’t stop Brandon from making Amelia a different offer, the kind that breaks every rule of etiquette…

Sin runs in Amelia’s family. And even though she now rubs elbows with the aristocracy, she knows the truth—she has the ability to forge priceless works of art. She’ll never be seen as an acceptable wife, not that she wants to marry, anyway. So when the earl scandalously offers her the one thing she’s always dreamed of, she can’t help but take it. But what begins as a simple arrangement, soon escalates into much more, and as the heat between them sizzles, each encounter becomes a lesson in seduction…

 

Review:

Real Earls Break the Rules begins with Amelia’s family being invited to a house party hosted by Brandon St. Clair.  Brandon and Amelia’s brother in law are friends, which led to the invitation, but Brandon has an ulterior motive.  He’s inherited a mountain of debt from his deceased father and needs Amelia’s help.  He knows that Amelia inherited her infamous father’s artistic talents and makes her an offer that she knows she should refuse.  Once he makes her the offer and tells her how it will benefit her, and her artistic talents, she accepts the offer, knowing all too well the ramifications if she’s discovered.  Brandon knows, too, the perceived ramifications if she’s caught, but he is almost desperate to erase the debt he inherited.  His father bought businesses that were bad investments and left them to flounder, leaving Brandon to set things to right and take care of his grandmother and his sisters. 

As Brandon and Amelia set their plan into motion, neither can dismiss their attraction to each other, which started a year before upon a chance meeting.  To add to Brandon’s stress, his grandmother wants him to propose to a spoiled brat, who just happens to be the daughter of a Duke and comes with a large dowry.  The fact that Brandon doesn’t even like the girl doesn’t carry much weight with his grandmother, as it is his responsibility to take care of the family by any means necessary.  Seemingly, someone is sabotaging the one business that he knows can make money:  the textile mill.  With machines breaking down and deplorable working conditions, he makes it his personal mission to turn the flailing business around.  He also makes it his personal mission to make Amelia his……….

Real Earls Break the Rules is an outstanding addition to the Infamous Somerton series.  Amelia fascinated me in the first installment of the series and I knew her story would be awesome.  I love that she stands her ground and is not willing to give up on what SHE wants, and knows she deserves.  She has a big heart and a true artist’s eye.  Brandon, even though I wanted to thumps his ears a couple of times, has a sense of honor that shined through.  His determination to do right by his family, and ultimately Amelia, will endear him to all who read this story.  Real Earls Break the Rules is ultimately a story about setting aside preconceived notions set by society and doing what is truly right, listening to your gut and following your heart.  I honestly can’t wait for the next installment.  (One problem is there are only three Somerton sisters, but I’m hoping she can keep this series going past that.)  There is angst, treachery and a somewhat slow building romance that kept my attention and kept me turning the pages.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you will love this series.  Well done, Tina Gabrielle!  Very, very well done!!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan – a Review

My Rogue, My Ruin by Amalie Howard & Angie Morgan – a Review

 

My Rogue My RuinAmazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
The Marquess of Hawksfield’s lineage is impeccable and his title coveted, but Archer Croft is as far from his indulgent peers as he can get. His loathing for the beau monde has driven him to don a secret identity and risk everything in order to steal their riches and distribute them to the less fortunate.

Lady Briannon Findlay embraces her encounter with the Masked Marauder, a gentleman thief waylaying carriages from London to Essex. The marauder has stirred Brynn’s craving for adventure, and she discovers an attraction deeper than the charming thief’s mask.

Brynn is a revelation, matching Archer in intelligence, wit, and passion. Stubborn and sensuous in equal measure, she astonishes him at every turn, but when someone sinister impersonates Archer’s secret personality, and a murder is committed, Archer begins to think he doesn’t stand a fighting chance without her.

 

Review:

As the blurb states, My Rogue, My Ruin begins with Lady Briannon and her family’s encounter with the notorious Masked Marauder.  It is Brynn, short for Briannon, who takes control of the situation immediately.  She’s afraid her father will do something brash and get them all hurt, or worse.  When Brynn steps out of their carriage, she’s determined to give the Masked Marauder what he’s after and send him on his way.  What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to him.  Even though his face is covered by a mask, she can see that he is a handsome man.  Add to that his gentlemanly manner and she is truly intrigued.  As is he……….  Once Brynn and her family reach the Hawksfield’s estate, the talk of the party is of their being robbed.  Brynn wishes she could get the thief out of her thoughts, but that’s not easily done. 

Just before the guests are to arrive, Archer Croft receives a note stating that someone knows his secret.  With no time to dawdle, he prepares to go downstairs to meet the guests that are attending the party, even though he’d rather be anywhere but there.  His father’s drinking and outrageous behavior has certainly not helped his cause.  Once he makes it downstairs, he hears talk of the Findlay family being robbed and heads over to offer his support.  However, his encounter with the lovely Lady Briannon leaves him even more intrigued than the first.  Brynn is attracted to Lord Archer as well…. They soon discover they together, there is nothing they can’t conquer…..

My Rogue, My Ruin is a nicely written historical romance with a little twist.  The characters are well written and the world-building was nice as well.  Brynn and Archer’s chemistry was great, and I loved that they weren’t immediately head over heels for each other.  Yes, there was attraction, but the author made them work for their relationship.  But, let me tell you, when the copycat Masked Marauder’s identity is revealed?  HOLY COW!!!  I’m usually pretty good at figuring this stuff out, or at least not being surprised.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll enjoy this story.  If you like a little mystery thrown in, this is the one for you.  This is the first by duo of Amalie Howard/Angie Morgan for me, but I look forward to the next.  Well done, Amalie Howard/Angie Morgan!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Tempted by a Touch by Kris Rafferty – a Review

Tempted by a Touch by Kris Rafferty – a Review

 

Tempted by a TouchAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
People keep dying around Harper MacLain. Try as she might, she can’t stop bad things from happening to those she loves. When her closely guarded secret lands her in the middle of her ex-boyfriend’s investigation, she’s in over her head. She hates that Detective Lucas Sullivan is in her life again, tempting her to fall back into bad habits…and his bed.

When Harper left him, Lucas tried not to care, burying himself in his job instead. Then Harper became the job. Now they’re on the run, and all he can think about is keeping her safe…and his hands off her. Lucas knows she’s the key to solving his case, if he can keep them alive long enough to do it. And that’s the trick…because falling in love can kill you.

 

Review:

Tempted by a Touch begins with Detective Lucas Sullivan pulling into Harper MacLain’s driveway to take her to the station to talk to a dirty cop who is in custody and has requested a meeting with her.  Seeing her for the first time in a long time has the same effect on him as it always has, which isn’t a good thing right now. 

The last person Harper MacLain wants to spend any time with is Lucas.  She has agreed to the meeting at the station and it just happens to be Lucas’case.  They argue for a few minutes over him not wanting her to go (all the while needing her to) and her upset because her brother’s been kept out of the loop.  Once those things are settled, they head downtown and arrive at the station. The meeting is tense to say the least, but what happens after the meeting is over sets into motion a series of events that will have both she and Lucas questioning everything and everyone…..including each other.  Not knowing whom to trust, they both make mistakes in the name of trying to keep everyone safe, only to have one thing after another blow up in their faces;  sometimes literally. 

I really liked Tempted by a Touch, although, I feel like I would have probably loved it if I’d read the first book in the series, which I highly recommend.  With that said, the story was very good.  The lines blur between what I referred to as The Good, The Bad and The Gray…….  Harper has a secret that she has been keeping and she’s afraid once that’s out, her brother, nor Lucas, will look at her the same way.  She is very loyal, stubborn and brave.  She also has a little streak of naivete, which was a little surprising due to the fact she grew up in a family of cops, but that only endears her more to the reader.  Lucas’father was a cop as well, but it made him a little jaded towards balancing a family and being a career officer.  One thing is for certain, he is willing to give it all up to be with Harper and keep her safe.  If only she’d quit running head on into trouble…  The bad are just that: bad.  Then comes the gray and that’s where things get very interesting.  The supporting characters in this were very well written.  One minute you think this guy may be bad, but then they enter the gray zone and aren’t really bad. Written with very colorful characters, Tempted by a Touch is a suspenseful story with a good energy building up to the end where things are finally righted.  BUT THE VERY END?!?!  If that is not representative of whom the next book is about, I’ll be so disappointed.  I definitely am looking forward to the next installment, but not before I go back and read the first in the series to fill in a few blanks.  Well done, Kris Rafferty!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

Losing Lauren by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

Losing LaurenAmazon

Description:
Alexandra Winifred has played a supporting role in her cousin’s life since they were children. When Lauren Water’s parents are killed in a plane crash, Alexandra becomes her protector, and together they navigate their way through childhood and college. They’re both overachievers, but it’s Lauren who steals the spotlight when she’s discovered by a notable agent and goes on to become an award-winning actress, leaving Alexandra in her shadow as her fledgling publicist. Now Hollywood royalty, Lauren starts to cut those people out of her life who were responsible for her success. Alexandra fears she will be next on the chopping block. But her trepidation about her failing relationship with her cousin becomes her least concern when she’s identified as a prime suspect in Lauren’s subsequent disappearance. Detective Rachel Storme, who has a full plate taking care of a parent with Alzheimer’s and supervising a meth-addicted aunt, is eager to get her hands on a challenging case, but nothing could prepare her for the dark secrets and lies that she uncovers while she does everything in her power to find out what happened to Lauren.

 

Review:

Losing Lauren begins with Lauren having just won a best actress award and attending a party afterwards.  Alexandra has felt Lauren pulling away and asks her about it.  They agree to meet later to talk about everything going on with Lauren and part ways.  Alex heads home, only to receive a frantic phone call from Lauren’s fiancé that something has happened to Lauren.  When Alex arrives at Lauren’s, the scene before her leaves her mind spinning and her stomach churning. 

The police are called and the world, as Alex knows it, changes forever.  Detective Rachel Storme and her partner, Herb, eventually make the scene and discover that there is no body, but there is evidence of a crime.  As Rachel and her team try to piece together what happened, the list of suspects grows.  Lauren’s fiancé is a likely candidate, as is her management team.  Rachel interviews Alex as well, and even though Alex is a suspect, Rachel isn’t buying that she had anything to do with Lauren’s disappearance.  What follows are so many twists and turns that one minute, you KNOW who did it, only to be proven wrong a little later.  All Alex knows is that her world will never be the same.

Losing Lauren is yet another nicely written story by Alretha Thomas.  The characters in all of Ms. Thomas’s books are so relatable and real that you feel that you know them.  This story was no exception.  The plot twists will grab your attention and when the big reveal is made, your heart will break for what Lauren endured as a child.  Your heart will also break for Alex who will always wonder if she could have done more to protect her cousin and best friend. You will also fall even more in love with Detective Rachel Storme.  She is probably one of the most believable and realistic characters I’ve read about in a long time.  She is the daughter every mother would love to have.  She is the co-worker everyone would want, but even more than that, she is the person everyone would hope to be.  She loving, loyal and steadfast in her beliefs that right is right and wrong is wrong.  If you’re looking for a good mystery with lots of twists and turns, as well as wonderfully written characters, this one is definitely for you.  I look forward to the next installment in this series.  Well done, Alretha Thomas!  Very well done!!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

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Branded by Candace Havens – a Review

Branded by Candace Havens – a Review

 

BrandedAmazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / BAM / The Book Depository

Description:
I have my hands full taking care of my little sister and covering for my uncle as ranch foreman. The last thing I need is a Texas princess like Callie Llewellyn getting up in my business and messing with my head.

All I can think of is getting up close and personal with those curves of hers. And being on the edge of discovery makes our quick-and-dirty encounters twice as hot. And that’s all they are—quick and dirty—there’s nothing deeper going on here.

There’s only one rule to keeping my job and a roof over my sister’s head: stay away from the boss’s granddaughter. But I’m not always great at following the rules.

 

Review:

Branded begins with Callie finishing up at her Ivy League school for the summer, only to find out that her grades aren’t exactly what she thought they’d be.  Once Callie lands at her home, her grandparents’ sprawling Texas estate, she’s met at the air strip by a cowboy she’s not seen before.  Because, yeah…she would have remembered him.  What troubles her, though, is his almost dismissive reaction to her.  She finally makes it up to the house and is greeted by her grandmother, and soon, her grandfather.  She decides not to tell them of her slip in grades due to the fact she doesn’t want to disappoint them.  She’s always done well in school and vows to herself she’ll get back on top by taking online classes to make up the grade.

At dinner, Callie finds that not only is the hot new cowboy, Cole, there, but also his little sister for whom he is responsible.  Callie and Adina (the little sister) immediately strike up a friendship, much to Cole’s disapproval.  He knows Callie is off limits and, even though he is very protective of Adina, he eventually begins to lighten up when it comes to Callie and Adina.  Adina is several years younger than Callie, but Callie sees her as the younger sister she never had.  However, as Callie sets out to find out why Cole treats her the way he does, neither can be prepared for what transpires. As the two of them navigate trying to carry on a covert relationship, feelings overwhelm them both: fear, uncertainty, anger, and just maybe…love.

Branded is the first book I’ve read by Candace Havens. I liked the familial bonds as well as the already established friendships.  To be honest, I didn’t think I’d like it.  At all.  I have a hard time believing that a 19 year old young woman would say some of the things that came out of Callie’s mouth.  But then I had to remind myself that it’s not my place to say whether or not she would.  It’s the author’s responsibility to her characters to lay out their story.  And, I had to remind myself that this is new adult, which is kind of new(ish) territory for me.  Once I let go of my preconceived notions, a funny thing happened…….  I really like this story.  I liked the premise and I liked the main characters.  Yes, Callie is a rich girl, but she’s not petty and has a sweet heart and loves her family big.  Cole is a character whom I wanted to reach in and pop on the back of his head a time or tow, but he won me over in the end.  The secondary characters were intriguing and I would like to see if they’ll have their stories told. ( I can’t see where this is part of a series or not, so I will have to wait and see.)  This one did make me laugh in places.  I loved Callie and her best friend waking up after a bender.  It really was LOL funny in parts, but then the next sentence would bring tears to my eyes.  If you’re a fan of this genre, I think you’ll enjoy this one.  It’s a quick read that will have you cheering for all involved.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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