Review: Trinket in the Thyme by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Trinket in the Thyme by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Doreen investigates a break‑in that leads to the suspicious death of Roger Bennington, uncovering lost jewellery and long‑buried family secrets. Despite promising Mack she’d stay out of police business, she teams up with her quirky grandmother, rebellious seniors, and her animal companions to track down a cunning killer. Sometimes the most dangerous secrets are closest to home.

A great mystery from start to finish, this story pulls you straight into the investigation surrounding Roger’s untimely death and the surprising link to the jewellery Doreen discovers in a thyme bush. As always, the residents of the care home jump in to “help,” and Doreen’s loyal animal companions stay right at the centre, protecting her as she follows each clue. Even though Doreen promised Mack she’d stay out of the official case, she clearly couldn’t resist diving in — and thank goodness, because the twists and turns make for a gripping read. A wonderfully engaging mystery that takes you along with Doreen every step of the way. This was an MF story.

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Review: Trent by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Trent by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Trent’s team rescues Naomi and six‑year‑old Ricky from a deadly situation at sea, only to uncover a larger web of drug trafficking, secrets, and danger. As the mission expands, Naomi’s fierce devotion to Ricky becomes the heart of the story — a vulnerable boy with no real support except the woman who’s loved him as her own. Their bond is strained by shocking revelations and threats from people who should have protected him. Fast, emotional, and suspenseful, the story blends action with found‑family warmth and a growing romance. A submarine rescue, an unexpected guardian, and a final twist deliver a hard‑earned happily ever after.

A gripping mix of interconnected mysteries and long‑buried secrets, this story keeps a little boy and his devoted nanny/teacher at its heart. Ricky and Naomi’s bond is the emotional anchor as each lie and hidden truth is peeled back, slowly revealing the full picture only at the very end. Trent steps in as their protector and advocate, and the rescue carried out by his team sets off a chain of danger, revelations, and tense confrontations. The attraction between Trent and Naomi simmers beneath the surface, never overshadowing the urgent fight to keep Ricky safe but adding a lovely spark to the unfolding drama. It’s easy to be swept up in the suspense, the layered secrets, and the fierce loyalty binding these characters together. A compelling blend of danger, heart, and mystery. This was an MF story with just a little mature content near the end.

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Review: Burton (Special Operations Sitter by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Burton (Special Operations Sitter by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Burton and Anderson protect Talia and her triplets after a violent attack, while a gentle romance grows between Burton and nurse Sammy. As danger escalates, Sammy helps uncover the dark truth about Talia’s husband and his ties to a global criminal network.

A gripping, layered mystery sits at the heart of this story, with the people behind the attack on Talia hidden behind a web of lies that only grows more complex each time Burton, Sammy, and the team uncover a new piece of information. Every answer seems to reveal another hidden organisation, another secret, another danger lurking just out of sight. Amid all this tension, the slow, steady development of Burton and Sammy’s relationship is a real highlight. Their willingness to support Talia and her triplets while still carving out small moments for each other made their connection feel genuine and earned. As the emotional stakes rose and the truth became harder to untangle, their bond deepened beautifully. Plenty of feeling, plenty of suspense, and a mystery that keeps expanding in unexpected ways — a very satisfying read. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the end.

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Review: Joel by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Joel by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Joel, a military veteran, is drawn into danger when a body is found near the Haven. Chelsea, recovering from her mother’s imprisonment, witnesses something terrifying and becomes an essential ally. As she and Joel grow closer, they uncover a deadly plot led by Tiger, a former sniper. Just when the threat seems over, new secrets surface, keeping everyone on edge.

This story delivered plenty of danger and drama as Joel and Chelsea worked together to uncover the truth behind the dead body and the chilling involvement of Tiger, the sniper lurking in the shadows. I loved how the investigation forced them to rely on each other — that steady build of trust, understanding, and partnership made the foundation of their relationship feel so natural and strong. The tension rose beautifully, all leading to a grand, satisfying finish with a final confrontation that tied everything together. The writing was clear and engaging, making the emotions, stakes, and twists easy to read, feel, and understand. A gripping mix of suspense and connection. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the very end.

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Review: Remnants by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Remnants: A Psychic Visions Novel by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Devon Blue never meant to be a mother, but when her best friend dies, she takes in the twins and struggles to keep them afloat. A dream home seems like the fresh start they desperately need. Detective Camden Hartwell, her new neighbour, doesn’t believe in fate, yet he’s drawn to Devon and wants to protect her. But the twins begin to change, and eerie figures appear beyond the fence. Their new beginning isn’t haunted from within—the danger is waiting outside.

This story pulled me in with the layers of betrayal that slowly surfaced around Devon, each new revelation making her world feel more dangerous and far less trustworthy. I loved how the psychic abilities woven through the plot added tension and mystery, turning every encounter into something charged and unpredictable. Camden was a standout — steady, protective, and determined to support Devon through every twist she faced. The ghostly figures lurking beyond the fence added a wonderfully eerie edge, giving the mystery an extra chill. A gripping blend of suspense, psychic intrigue, and emotional connection.

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Review: Undone in the Underbrush by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Undone in the Underbrush by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doreen and Mack barely make it home from Vancouver before a new murder case pulls them back in. It’s supposed to be Mack’s case alone, but when the victim is linked to a determined Rosemoor grandmother who insists on Doreen’s involvement, she jumps in with her loyal animal crew. Together, they uncover local criminals, a hidden crime boss, and twists no one expects — including one that shocks everyone.

This mystery stands out because the case isn’t one of Doreen’s usual historic puzzles — it’s current, dangerous, and far more tangled than expected. I loved how well Doreen and Mack worked together here, openly sharing information and functioning as a real team. The web of connections leading to more dangerous people gave the story a slightly different tone, but in a way that kept things fresh and engaging. Of course, Doreen’s loyal animal crew is right there beside her, offering support, chaos, and charm in all the best ways. It’s an enjoyable mystery that lets you solve the clues right alongside Doreen, making the whole experience easy to follow, fun to feel, and very satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Steele Trap by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Steele Trap by Dale Mayer

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Cyan’s unannounced visit to Terk’s team goes wrong from the start. Locked gates and unfamiliar woods leave her frustrated — and then she unexpectedly runs into Steele, the man she worked with eight years ago and never forgot. Steele, lost in a dreamlike haze with his memories slipping, doesn’t realise Cyan is nearby or that danger is closing in. When he’s ambushed, Cyan steps in to save him. Now both of them are targets, and reaching Terk’s safe compound becomes a tense, dangerous race.

The mysterious, shifting reality created by the Beacon gives this story a wonderfully tense edge, trapping Cyan and Steele in a world designed to protect Terk and the castle’s residents. I loved how they had to navigate that engineered illusion while facing an enemy pulled straight from Steele’s past — forcing them to work together and revisit old memories in order to survive. There’s a strong emotional undercurrent throughout, with plenty of feelings woven into the danger, yet the characters still approach each challenge with clear, logical problem‑solving. That balance made their journey easy to follow and deeply engaging.

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Review: Hayden by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Hayden by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Hayden returns to New York to track down Arlene Cuddy, whose escape reveals her involvement in a much larger global trafficking and blackmail network. When journalist Andrea Galanis becomes a target of the same organization, she turns to Hayden — an old friend and former Navy SEAL — for protection. Together, they uncover a web of corruption tied to elite universities and powerful families, forcing Andrea to confront her past while they fight to save the victims and stay alive long enough to imagine a future together.

This story is packed with danger and tension from the moment Andrea is pulled into a global web of kidnapping, trafficking, and political corruption. The stakes around her are constant and genuinely dramatic, and that sense of threat makes every choice feel razor‑sharp. What I loved most, though, was the simmering passion between Andrea and Hayden — always there beneath the chaos, waiting for a moment when survival wasn’t the only priority. Their dynamic is fantastic: Andrea fierce, stubborn, and determined; Hayden steady, protective, and quietly confident. Together they balance each other perfectly, and their connection feels both inevitable and deeply earned. The emotions throughout are easy to feel and understand, from fear and frustration to longing and hope. A gripping, dramatic read with a relationship that shines even in the darkest moments.

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Review: Anderson (Special Operation Sitter) #1 by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Anderson (Special Operation Sitter by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anderson Travolta’s world is upended when his sister, Talia, is brutally attacked and left hospitalized. Taking leave from the military, he steps in to care for her triplets while trying to uncover who targeted her. His search pulls him into a dangerous conflict with a cartel, putting his whole family in jeopardy. With help from his military friends and Pamela — a determined social worker from his high‑school past — Anderson follows a trail of clues that grows more dangerous at every turn. As they work together, an unexpected romance sparks between them. Blending danger, family loyalty, and growing love, this four‑part series builds toward a tense, gripping conclusion.

This story pulled me in right from the start. The danger surrounding Anderson keeps rising as he tries to uncover what really happened to his sister, all while caring for three babies who aren’t even a year old. That constant tension — balancing mystery, fear, and the chaos of triplets — made the stakes feel incredibly real. I loved the dynamic with Pamela, his old school friend and now a dedicated social worker. She steps in to help without hesitation, and the quiet, growing connection between them builds beautifully in the background as they work together to keep the children safe. There are so many emotions woven through this story, and I felt every one of them. I’m completely invested now, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Vandals in the Vidalias by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

Vandals in the Vidalias by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Doreen heads to the coast hoping for a peaceful break from Kelowna’s winter gloom, even though returning means facing memories of her old life with her ex‑husband, Mathew. She plans to simply sort through his belongings, but the moment she steps into the conservatory, she realises her knack for stumbling into trouble has followed her. Mack takes time off to help her navigate the emotional weight of revisiting her past, but what he uncovers about Mathew is both surprising and unsettling. Then a new mystery erupts: a body is found in Doreen’s beloved Vidalia patch. Whether it’s connected to her or just another case of her being in the wrong (or right) place at the wrong time is anyone’s guess — but once again, Doreen is pulled straight into the heart of it.

Returning to the opulent house she once shared with Matthew brings a real emotional punch to this instalment. You can feel how overwhelming it is for Doreen to walk back into that world, and Mack’s discomfort only heightens the tension — he wants to support her, yet being surrounded by the remnants of her old life unsettles him in ways he didn’t expect. What really adds depth is how the murder mystery unfolds right alongside the painful task of clearing out the house. The discovery in the Vidalia patch forces them to juggle grief, memories, and danger all at once, and the involvement of Scott and Nick grounds the house clearance with a familiar, steadying presence. The blend of emotional upheaval and classic Doreen‑style chaos makes this a compelling and layered read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Sterling by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Sterling by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Sterling arrives at the Haven feeling lost and weighed down by a painful past, especially with his estranged family’s farm so close and old wounds threatening to reopen. He must decide whether to stay silent or finally confront the turmoil he’s spent years avoiding. Lindsay comes to the Haven hoping it can truly help struggling rescues, but meeting Sterling — and discovering he may be the long‑lost cousin of her friend — complicates everything. His history, the tension surrounding his family, and the danger brewing nearby pull her deeper into the unfolding conflict. As a brutal confrontation looms, both Sterling and Lindsay are forced to face rising stakes, uncertain futures, and the possibility that love might still take root even in the middle of chaos.

This was a heartfelt, emotionally grounded story about a man caught in the fallout of long‑standing family conflict. Sterling’s aunt has created years of turmoil, and returning so close to his mother’s old farm forces him to confront wounds he’s spent a lifetime trying to outrun. The tension she stirs adds real weight to his journey and makes his struggle to find solid ground deeply compelling. What balances that heaviness beautifully is the hope that enters his life through new and renewed connections. Meeting Lindsay brings warmth, understanding, and the possibility of something good finally taking root. Reconnecting with his cousin and grandfather adds another layer of healing, giving Sterling the sense of belonging he’s been denied for so long. A moving, uplifting read about facing the past, finding unexpected allies, and discovering that family can hurt you — but it can also save you.

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Review: Rubin by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Rubin by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Mason forms a covert black ops team — the Aces — to take on missions that cut through bureaucracy and deliver real results. Rubin, hesitant at first, joins at the urging of his friend Trent, unaware of the chaos and danger that lie ahead. Meanwhile, Tricia, a graduate student with a bright future, is abducted during a night out, her life suddenly thrown into peril. Captive and terrified, she questions whether she was targeted or simply unlucky. Her chance at survival comes when Rubin intervenes, giving her the opportunity to escape. Their path to safety is fraught with danger, unexpected twists, and relentless threats. Amid the suspense, a powerful connection grows between Tricia and Rubin, turning their fight for survival into a journey of courage, trust, and burgeoning romance.

I loved this story which was about action, suspense, and the unexpected bond between two people who find love while fighting for survival. I liked how chaos became the crucible for both the special ops team and Tricia where resilience and courage are tested, and control is reclaimed through action. I also loved that the story asked whether heroism is born of fate or choice, and how one act can alter lives forever. A very enjoyable story that clearly showed the collision of chaos and control, where survival sparks resilience, loyalty fuels heroism, and love blooms in the most unlikely, perilous circumstances. Clear and easy to understand feelings and emotions. I did find the quick ending of Rubin and Tricia being together a bit abrupt. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the very end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: A Mother's Love by Dale Mayer 5 of 5 stars

A Mother's Love by Dale Mayer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Eden and her best friend Debbie set out on a three-day retreat seeking rest and renewal. Instead, Debbie is swept into a whirlwind romance with Richard, the retreat leader, and her sudden personality shift leaves Eden feeling betrayed, shattering their fifteen-year friendship. The weekend takes a darker turn when Debbie is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Detective Eric Kent, known for his sharp intuition, is assigned to the case. As he investigates, Eden’s grief-stricken account raises more questions than answers, hinting at secrets and dangers lurking beneath the surface. This is no ordinary investigation — it’s a journey into hidden truths where love, betrayal, and danger intertwine, and where the line between trust and deception grows perilously thin.

I loved this story about how quickly trust can unravel, how love can conceal danger, and how uncovering the truth requires venturing into the unknown. The story highlighted that truth is rarely obvious — it requires patience, perspective, and a willingness to confront darkness. I also enjoyed that a space meant for healing can conceal danger, underscoring the fragility of safety. I loved that there was a lot of psychic involvement in the story which brought Eden and Eric closer together. A great mystery wrapped up in a tragic weekend away. A lot of emotions and feelings throughout the story. Easy to read and understand. This was an MF story.

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Review: Weapon in the Watermelon by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Weapon in the Watermelon by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a young couple is attacked while preparing for a catering job, whispers of a family curse resurface—one that seems to end in murder. Doreen, unable to resist meddling, discovers that the young woman’s mother was herself the victim of an unsolved murder, giving her the perfect cold case to dig into while Mack handles the official investigation. As Mack works through the suspicious death of a chef, Doreen juggles family drama, tangled loyalties, and the challenge of finding the right birthday gift for Nan. True to form, she manages to intertwine both mysteries and celebrations. But with the animals adding their own brand of chaos, nothing goes smoothly, and the case spirals into the kind of wild, unpredictable adventure only Doreen could create.

I loved this mystery story which was more than just quirky sleuthing; was was layered with themes of family, chaos, and the tension between order and unpredictability. I always love Doreen's persistence, intuition, and her refusal to let mysteries remain unsolved, even when it complicates official investigations. The so-called “curse” and the unsolved murder of the young woman’s mother highlighted how unresolved trauma and secrets can ripple through generations. I also loved how the recurring presence of the animals add humour and unpredictability, symbolizing how life resists control. They embodied that even the best-laid plans—whether in investigations or family gatherings—can be upended by forces beyond human management. I loved how the story was not just about solving crimes, but about navigating the messy intersections of family, community, and curiosity. This story was full of lots of complex feelings and emotions.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Riff by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Riff by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a story about Riff, a man consumed by the murder of his fiancée, and Angela, the deceased woman's sister, who is secretly in love with Riff. Riff's friend, Jonas, uncovers a crucial, previously buried piece of information about the murder. Riff is frustrated that this wasn't found sooner, while Angela, who has complex feelings of love and resentment for him, has kept her romantic interest hidden. The new information completely changes their investigation, forcing them onto a perilous journey for the truth. Despite the danger and the emotional tension between them, an unexpected bond forms, complicating their shared mission as they grow closer.

I loved this story with the two people who had feelings and emotions plus frustration with the mystery as to why the fiancee/sister died and who did it. There was danger and drama as they worked through the clues to get to be bottom of the mysteries even when the answers were not welcome or hurtful. Battles with the bad guys pushed them both together more. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MF story with just a little mature content at the very end of the story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Jaxon by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Jaxon by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Jaxon, recovering physically but still emotionally bruised from a looming divorce, finds temporary peace working at the Haven animal sanctuary. That calm is disrupted when a group of distressed llamas arrives—transported by none other than his ex-wife, Keisha. The unexpected reunion stirs old wounds and unresolved tension, especially with Keisha’s sister still a volatile presence. Despite the emotional upheaval, Jaxon remains focused on the animals, guarding his heart with caution. Yet as he and Keisha begin to talk and confront their shared past, a new threat tied to her sister forces them to work together. In the midst of danger and emotional reckoning, a tender love begins to reawaken—offering both Jaxon and Keisha a second chance at healing and connection.

I loved this story with the story about Jaxon's and Keisha's relationship, family dynamics and more about The Haven. The animal sanctuary setting mirrored their emotional journey which was an interesting parallel. Lots of emotions and feelings in this story from Jaxon and Keisha as well as Keisha's sister who had a lot to work through.

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Review: Wallace by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Wallace by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wallace answers a call from Jonas to help form a team like Terk’s elite unit—but upon arriving in England, he’s immediately pulled into a crisis. A promising MI6 applicant has vanished, and the missing woman turns out to be Amy, an old friend of Terk’s. Amy, kidnapped and disoriented, manages to send a psychic distress signal to Terk. Her fear hardens into resolve as she senses allies mobilising to save her. Wallace takes on the mission to find Amy, but the rescue quickly evolves into a high-stakes operation riddled with danger and deception.

I loved this story, which was rich with loyalty, psychic connection, and emotional stakes.  There were several twists and turns in the story, but in the end, they got through all of the danger and deception, which then rekindled the emotional bond between Wallace and Amy. I enjoyed the segments of discussion about the organisations, roles and trustworthiness of the various options. Emotions and feelings are in spades throughout the story. Loving the new psychic skills we observed. This was an MF story with a little mature content at the end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: X-Ray in the Xanth by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

X-Ray in the Xanth by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When a clue from her previous case sends Chester and Darren digging at a mysterious location, they uncover a body that launches Doreen into a brand-new mystery. She’s thrilled, of course—though she’d never admit how much she enjoys the thrill of a fresh case. But as Doreen dives deeper, the investigation spirals into a tangled web of secrets, unexpected deaths, and mounting confusion. With her usual flair for stirring things up, she finds herself blamed for more than one complication. And as the cold case collides with Mack’s current investigation, the lines blur and the answers remain elusive. No tidy resolution in sight—just Doreen, determined as ever, chasing truth through the chaos.

I loved this story which was full of charm and chaos of Doreen’s latest adventure. As always, there were plenty of twists and turns as Doreen was her usual tenacious self full of dogged determination to work out the truth. As usual, her three animal companions were there to help and protect her. An addictive story that will make you smile as you try to follow the clues.

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Review: Burke by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Burke by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Burke seeks a fresh start at Timber’s refuge, hoping manual work will help him recover from a toxic past. But trouble follows when his vindictive ex steals his identity, and her sister Shirley bravely warns him—at risk to her own safety. Burke offers Shirley protection at the Haven, where the peace they find together sparks a quiet, blossoming love. As danger encroaches from the outside, their bond becomes a shelter in itself—but they know hiding is only temporary, and the confrontation they fear may be unavoidable.

I enjoyed this story with its beautiful undercurrent of tenderness, woven into tension and resilience. There was lots of drama thanks to Shirley's sister and her new boyfriend but Burke and the men at the Haven had her back. A heartfelt and well deserved HEA at the end.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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Review: Morrison by Dale Mayer 4 of 5 stars

Morrison by Dale Mayer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Morrison suspects a deeper agenda behind a string of jewel heists, but he’s always one step behind—until a chance encounter changes the game. During a robbery, Sadie is caught in the chaos and disturbed by a familiar face behind a thief’s mask. Unable to ignore the implications, she steps forward. Thrust together, Morrison and Sadie form an uneasy partnership, their investigation weaving through layers of suspicion, buried truths, and a growing emotional tension. As they close in on the criminals, they must navigate blurred loyalties and hard choices, where what’s at stake isn’t just justice—but trust itself.

This was a story full of suspense and emotional tensions as Morrison and Sadie tried to uncover the clues and understand their meanings with the twist that they were connected to Sadie. This played on emotions and feelings plus torturous decisions on loyalty. Easy to feel and understand.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

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