New Release & Reviews – The Best Men, Lauren Blakely and Sarina Bowen

January 21, 2022 | Posted in New Release, Review | By

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In my defense, I was left alone with a bottle of single-malt and a life-long penchant for protecting my baby sister. Still, that’s no excuse to send ten drunk-texts on why her hasty marriage would be a mistake.

If only I had just texted my sister. But nope. I accidentally sent the message to her, her groom, and his super hot wingman.

I also used the phrase “super hot wingman,” so I’d like to die now.

Instead, I have to plan a wedding with the aforementioned hottie and share a too-small guesthouse in steamy Miami.

Three days in the sun with the cocky, charming former athlete who likes to push my buttons? Fine, two can play at that let’s-infuriate-each-other game.

Until Asher ups the stakes with one wildly sexy suggestion. A no-strings fling, then I go back to my single dad life in New York, and he returns to his star-studded one.

Sign me up.

But the more nights I spend with the other best man, the more I want days too, and that just can’t happen. Especially when I find out the real reason why…

Contents Include: First times, a secret to-do list, champion-level flirting, fast cars, #eggplants, and two men who look good in formal wear.

 

Amazon: https://geni.us/BestMenAmazon

Apple: https://geni.us/BestMenApple

Nook: https://geni.us/BestMenNook

Kobo: https://geni.us/BestMenKobo

Google: https://geni.us/BestMenGoogle

Audio: https://geni.us/BestMenAudible

 

 

Kara's Review

The Best Men is a new sexy, fun, enemies to lovers romance by the fabulous duo of Lauren Blakely and Sarina Bowen! What happens when two of your favorite authors write a book together? Magic, that’s what! I’m actually having a hard time coming up with the words to describe how much I adored Asher and Mark. If you read Lauren’s books you have met Asher St. James. Ex soccer star turned famous photographer. He’s sexy, living life to it’s fullest and he loves his life. Mark is a single dad who works on Wall Street and doesn’t have time to date. He’s bisexual, but hasn’t really explored that side of himself. When he meets Asher, he is instantly attracted to him so of course he reacts the only way he knows. Doesn’t talk to him. Doesn’t look at him. Asher thinks Mark hates him, but he catches him looking when he thinks no one is watching. And then a drunk text from Mark calling him super hot is all Asher needs to hear. When they are asked to be the best men in Mark’s sister’s wedding to Asher’s best friend, they have to spend a few days together. Alone. Mark doesn’t think he’s strong enough to be that close to Asher and not want to touch him. Mark wants to relax and let loose a little and Asher is just the man to help him out. It’s only for a few days and then he goes back to NY and back to his life. But life doesn’t always work out the way you think it will. Neither of them expected to actually have feelings for each other. That isn’t part of the deal. Can Mark go back to his normal boring life without Asher? Will Asher be able to walk away from the only man he’d consider settling down for? I can’t even express how much I love Asher and Mark! Their flirty banter is perfect, just enough snark and sexiness. Mark and his color coded spreadsheets and Asher and his floofy hair. The Wall Streeter and the Posh F. All the sexiness, the touches, the looks, the words. I was laughing out loud one minute, fanning myself the next and then crying my eyes out. That’s what a romance novel is! Every single emotion brought to the surface so you feel everything the characters are feeling. That’s top notch writing. Fabulous characters. And love for the story. Thank you Lauren and Sarina for giving me something I didn’t know I even needed!! Hoping they will give us more co-written books in the future!

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Best Men is Lauren Blakely and Sarina Bowen’s first novel as a collab. If you haven’t read the prequel, Super Hot Wingman, go now!
Mark and Asher are complete opposites. Mark is a polo-wearing single dad banker who plays chess and believes math is hot. Asher is an ex-soccer star who is now a globe-trotting photographer who doesn’t do relationships. They really are complete opposites. Asher can’t read the man who for some reason makes him a little hot and bothered. Mark isn’t blind he knows Asher is hot but he is also cocky and smug. Every time they speak it’s banter-filled and can’t even tell if the other cares for the other. After months of the run-around they will soon find out…
Three days alone in Miami. In a two-bedroom guest house with a pool and mansion in the background. Three days of prepping for Mark’s sister and Asher’s best friend’s wedding. It was not something Mark was looking forward to. At all. Especially after the drunk texts. Asher wants Mark to drop his poker face so he could get to know the hot nerd. The one who thinks spreadsheet are hot, hot, hot. He loves to make them and check off item by item and Asher is here for it.
The nights are lust-filled. The days are full of sexual tension. Their love language is epic. I am soooo in love with this couple. They made me laugh so hard. They got me completely hot and bothered. They also made me cry!! And laugh some more, I snorted. I did. It’s so much more than their heat and humor though. It’s about exploring and figure out what you really want in life. Happiness. Love. Laughter. Polos. Spreadsheets. I hope Lauren and Sarina write together again! It was the perfect blend of both of them wishing the pages.
Quotes:
“You noticed my hair. So sweet.” I say, giving a shake of the locks.
“It’s impossible not to. It enters the room before you do.”
“Stop,” he says without turning his head.
“Stop wait?”
“Stop sneaking glances at me. Keep your eyes on the road, St. James. You can admire me later.”
It’s a greedy kiss. Hot and messy, and I love every single second of the sloppiness.

About Lauren Blakely:

A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible

Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s

sexy, sweet, and witty. She also writes USA Today bestselling LGBTQ romance.

 

With fourteen New York Times bestsellers, her titles have appeared on the New York

Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestseller Lists more than 100 times, with

more than 55 titles on the USA Today Bestsellers list alone. She’s sold more than 4.5 million books. A Brown University graduate, Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and is the vegetarian at your dinner party.

Connect w/Lauren:

Website: laurenblakely.com

NL Signup: http://laurenblakely.com/newsletter

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LaurenBlakelyBooks

Instagram: http://instagram.com/laurenblakelybooks

Twitter: http://twitter.com/LaurenBlakely3

 

 

Sarina Bowen is a twenty-time USA bestselling author of contemporary romance novels. Formerly a derivatives trader on Wall Street, Sarina holds a BA in economics from Yale University.

A New Englander whose Vermont ancestors cut timber and farmed the north country in the 1760s, Sarina is grateful for the invention of indoor plumbing and wi-fi during the intervening 250 years. She lives with her family on a few wooded acres in New Hampshire.

Sarina’s books are published in over a dozen languages with fifteen international publishers.

 

 

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Review Tour – The Summer Proposal, Vi Keeland

January 14, 2022 | Posted in Blog Tour, Review | By

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Title: The Summer Proposal
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2022

 

BLURB

 

The first time I met Max Yearwood was on a blind date.

 

Max was insanely gorgeous, funny, and our chemistry was off the charts. He also had the biggest dimples I’d ever laid eyes on.
Exactly what I needed after my breakup.

 

Or so I thought…

 

Until my real date arrived.
Turned out, Max wasn’t who I was there to meet. He only pretended to be until my real date showed up.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
Before he left, he slipped me a ticket to a hockey game a few blocks away, in case things didn’t work out on my actual date.
I tossed the ticket into my purse and went about trying to enjoy the man I was supposed to meet.
But my real blind date and I had no connection.
So on my way home, I decided to take a chance and stop by the game.
When I arrived, the seat next to me was empty.
Disappointed again, I decided to leave at the end of the period.
Just before the buzzer, one of the teams scored, and the entire arena went crazy.
A player’s face flashed up on the Jumbotron. He was wearing a helmet, but I froze when he smiled.
You guessed it: Dimples.
Apparently, my fake blind date hadn’t invited me to watch hockey with him, he’d invited me to watch him play.
And so began my adventure with Max Yearwood.
He was everything I needed at the time—fun, sexy, up for anything, and only around for a few months since he’d signed with a new team three-thousand miles away.
Max proposed we spend the summer helping me forget my ex. It sounded like a good plan. Things couldn’t get too serious when we had an expiration date. Right?
Though, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS

The Summer Proposal is Vi Keeland’s newest standalone romance! This is one of my favorite books, if not my actual favorite from Vi. Max is everything we want in a hero. Sexy, funny, determined, smart, dedicated and a little dirty. Add in that he plays hockey and has to-die-for dimples and I was in love with him the second I met him. Sometimes a book just hits you at the right time and gives you want you need. A fun, summer romance between a confident hockey player who loves to have fun and a brilliant businesswoman who thinks too much. I felt every emotion while reading their story. I laughed, smiled, got hot and bothered, cried, laughed and cried some more. When Max pretends to be Georgia’s blind date, she has no idea that her life will be forever changed. He’s not just handsome as sin, he’s fun and nice and sweet. She needs to let loose and relax and he proposes they spend the summer just enjoying each other and doing things together that bring them joy. I was so invested in their love story that I didn’t even want to stop reading to sleep! Max’s feelings for Georgia were evident in everything he did and said and even though she struggled with every decision in her life, being with Max was easy and perfect. What if they could continue past the summer? Would Georgia be willing to put her heart on the line again? The more time Max spends with Georgia, the more he realizes she’s perfect for him. He wants to love and protect her but can he do both? I. Loved. These. Two. So. Much! Vi continues to amaze me by giving us new, fresh and exciting characters with big hearts, dirty mouths and real depth. Max is one of those men who we all wish were real and aren’t afraid to admit it. Sometimes fictional characters just burrow their way into you heart and Max and Georgia did that to me! I won’t be forgetting this story anytime soon and I’m extremely happy about that!

 

Sandra's Review

My first SIX stars book of 2022!! Holy. Fucking. Wow!

 

The Summer Proposal is Vi Keeland’s newest masterpiece. Perfection. An emotional ride full of twists, turns, laughter, flirt, and love, and letting go. I don’t want to spoil too much so I will try to make this fast.

 

Georgia’s love life was a complicated one. She didn’t even want to go on a blind date but it turned out to be an epic one. She felt the chemistry immediately, the man was downright hot, funny, flirty, and sweet. It was perfect until he walked in. Her real date. Fast-forward about an hour later and she ends up using the ticket to the hockey game her fake date left in her pocket. It was not something she would usually do. She was not spontaneous but fate was working overtime. He wasn’t a fan of the game, he was the one fans were rooting for. Max Yearwood, one of the hottest and most talented players in the NHL. This is the start of an unforgettable summer…

 

Max had his faults. Georgia had hers too. They knew them. They accepted them. Their lives were both going to change at summer’s end so they made the proposal of having the summer to be free. To have fun. To be spontaneous. To live. To just be. No strings attached fun. It was exactly what they needed until…

 

My name is Sandra and I am in love with a fictional character. Max is everything. I am obsessed. He is so fucking sweet, hilarious, shameless, protective, strong and knows exactly when to bring his alpha out. Swoon. I also have a crush on Georgia. She is confused but knows it. She is also sweet, witty, smart, and so fun when she lets go. Together, they are crazy fun.

 

Overall, it is my favorite Vi book! It made me laugh so hard, cry even harder, and swoon! Sometimes all in the same scene. It’s hard to put into words how much I loved it.

 

P.S. I know it wasn’t fast. If you follow my reviews you knew it wouldn’t be. Lol.

 

Quotes:

 

“Can you actually hula hoop?”

He winked. “Only naked. You wanna see?”

The smile on my face widened. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“Shame.”

 

“No strings attached, right?”

He winked. “The only string might be one I use to tie you up.”

 

He kissed me like we were the only two people in the world, even standing on a busy Manhattan street, like he had to kiss me, rather than wanted to.

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
AUTHOR LINKS
OTHER BOOKS BY VI

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

 

 

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY / PAPERBACK
AUDIOBOOK

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Series Cover Reveal – The V-Card Diaries

January 12, 2022 | Posted in Cover Reveal | By

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Series: The V-Card Diaries Series
Author: Lili Valente
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Cover Design: Kelly Greer
Photo: Wander Aguiar
SCORED
Releasing March 1

 

Begging my brother’s best friend—aka NHL superstar, Ian Fox—to help me ditch my V Card wasn’t part of my “make it big in NYC” plans.

 

But after years of being “cute little Evie,” I’m tired of waiting for Mr. Right. I’m ready for Mr. Right Now, and Ian is everything I’ve ever wanted in a first time. He’s kind, funny, confident, and has a legendary…stick.

 

Seriously, his stick has its own page of search results, complete with gray sweatpants shots hot enough to make even a clueless virgin drool.

 

And yes, my brother will murder us if he finds out, but we’re both grownups.

 

We can keep a secret. We have to since I just landed an art therapy job working with his troubled team.

 

All we’re doing is a little practice. (Or…ehem…big practice.)

 

Too bad my heart didn’t get the memo.

 

 

PRE-ORDER LINKS
AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
B&N / KOBO / APPLE BOOKS
GOOGLE PLAY
EXCERPT

 

“No good comes from insomnia scrolling or reading articles about sugar.” I head into the kitchen, fetching the stepladder from beside the fridge.

 

“And what about withholding funny texts from one of your best friends?” Jess tosses casually over her shoulder. “Any good come from that?”
“It was nothing,” I say, collecting the small Tupperware container from under the pile of empty coffee bags we’re collecting to earn a free sock cap. “Just a goofy thing. Not worth sharing.”
She hums thoughtfully. “Right. And I wasn’t secretly hoping to be teacher’s pet and get Ian’s monster cock to sledgehammer through my V-card.”
I tumble off the stepladder in surprise, sending the cookies flying as I reach out to catch myself on the lower cabinets before I crush my tailbone on the tile.
“You okay?” Jess calls out.
“I’m fine,” I say, my heart still racing.
“And the cookies?”
I glance over to see the Tupperware container still closed though it has rolled halfway into Cam’s giant tennis shoe. “Also fine, but what are you… How did you…”
“Nothing gets past me,” Jess says. “You should know that by now. I appear to see nothing, but I see all. Like the Eye of Sauron.”

 

SCREWED
Releasing April 19

 

My best friend’s older brother excels at many things—being a bossy grump, a jerk, and…this hopeless virgin’s fake fiancé?

 

I need a guy who understands that this is all pretend, and who better than a man who can’t stand me—and vice versa? Besides, Derrick is the kind of cocky, confident, successful dude bro my gram will adore.
We’ll convince my ailing grandmother I’m not going to die alone, Derrick will honor that favor he owes me, and we’ll part ways as enemies with NO benefits.
It’s a rock-solid plan…until it isn’t.
Turns out I may have made a slight miscalculation.

 

Now Derrick is charming my family, sweeping me off my feet, and making me want crazy things.

 

Suddenly, I think I might actually want him to be my first and maybe…my only?

 

Yeah, I’m screwed.
So bleeping screwed.

 

SEDUCED
Releasing June 7

 

Last night I made out with a gorgeous, funny, quirky older woman. Today I learned she’s the new executive chef at my restaurant. AKA my new boss.

 

Yep, that’s the hot mess I’m in at the moment.
But the chemistry between Beth and me is even hotter.
The problem? She’s a single mom focused on helping her little girl adjust to life in the big city. Dating right now—especially a co-worker—is asking for trouble.

 

So, what’s my next move? Seduce the hell out of the woman, of course.

 

I may still technically be hanging onto my V Card, but I know how to drive a woman wild in bed.

 

Even more importantly, I know I’m the kind of man Beth’s looking for. I love hard, keep my promises, and I’ll put her and her daughter first.

 

And then I learn the real reason she’s been holding me at a distance…
Most men would be scared away. Me?
I’m even more determined to prove I can make this wounded woman’s dreams come true.

 

SPARKED
Releasing July 26

 

Eight years ago, Sam Baxter and I were best friends and the goofiest computer nerds to matriculate from our swanky high school.

 

We also made a pact to meet up and get busy if one or both of us were still virgins by our twenty-fourth birthdays.
I assumed that was a silly pinky swear we’d both forgotten about until Sam shows up at my twenty-fourth birthday party. He no longer needs a V-Card puncher, but he’s ready and willing to help me out.

 

Boy is he ready…

 

Gone is the lanky kid with glasses who made me snort-laugh when we played video games. In his place is a sex god with massive biceps, designer clothes, and a smolder that transforms women to quivering puddles of lust.

 

I’m out of my league with this new Sam.
But I’m also every bit as drawn to him as I used to be.

 

So, when he dares me to give him three dates to prove he can be trusted to rock my world, I agree. What do I have to lose aside from my V Card?

 

Oh, right. My heart…

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Author of over forty novels, USA Today Bestseller Lili Valente writes everything from steamy suspense to laugh-out-loud romantic comedies. A die-hard romantic, she can’t resist a story where love wins big. Because love should always win. She lives in the Northeast with her two big-hearted boy children and a dog named Pippa Jane.

 

Lili also writes naughty serials as Everly Stone. Learn more at www.lilivalente.com.

 

AUTHOR LINKS

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Release Day & Review – The Family You Make, Jill Shalvis

January 11, 2022 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

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Beloved New York Times bestselling author Jill Shalvis begins a new series–Sunrise Cove–set near beautiful Lake Tahoe, with a heartwarming story of found family and love.

During the snowstorm of the century Levi Cutler is stranded on a ski lift with a beautiful stranger named Jane. After strong winds hurl the gondola in front of them into the ground, Levi calls his parents to prepare them for the worst…but can’t bring himself to say goodbye. Instead, wanting to fulfill his mother’s lifelong wish, he impulsively tells her he’s happily settled and Jane is his girlfriend–right before his phone dies.

But Levi and Jane do not.

Now Levi’s family is desperate to meet “The One.” Though Jane agrees to be his pretend girlfriend for just one dinner, she’s nervous. After a traumatic childhood, Jane isn’t sure she knows how to be around a tight-knit family that cherishes one another. She’s terrified, and a little jealous. But an unexpected series of events and a host of new friends soon show Jane that perhaps this is the life she was always meant to have.

As Jane and Levi spend more time together, pretend feelings quickly turn into real ones. Now all Jane has to do is admit to herself she can’t live without the man she’s fallen in love with and the family she has always dreamed of.

 

Get your copy now: https://www.jillshalvis.com/the-family-you-make

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

The Family You Make is the first book in a new series, Sunrise Cove, by Jill Shalvis. I always love when my favorite authors start new series’ for me to love with new characters and new settings. Levi and Jane meet during a snowstorm that’s bad enough for them to think they aren’t going to make it out alive. Levi can’t bring himself to say goodbye to his mom so he tell her Jane is his girlfriend. When the snow settles Jane agrees to one dinner as his pretend girlfriend. She doesn’t do relationships. She’s a traveling nurse and by choice doesn’t spend too much time in one place. Levi is back home temporarily, but the more he’s around his family and the place he grew up the more he thinks it’s time to come home. Jane doesn’t realize she actually has friends who are more like family in Sunrise Cove because she didn’t grow up knowing what a family was really like. After spending time with Levi’s and more time with her friend and roommate, she realizes the things she really wants in life. Love, home, happiness. Her best friend Charlotte and Levi’s childhood friend, Mateo also have a side story that I loved. I was quickly invested in all the characters and enjoyed the start to the series. Looking forward to the rest!

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Release Day Blitz & Reviews – Baden, Sawyer Bennett

January 11, 2022 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

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Baden (Pittsburgh Titans, Book 1)
Sawyer Bennett
Release Date: January 11, 2022

 

Synopsis:

After suffering a horrific injury that threatens to end his career, Baden Oulett is about to learn that sometimes a fresh start is just what the doctor ordered.

I worked my whole life to achieve one goal—play professional hockey. As part of the defending Cup champion Arizona Vengeance, I was living my dream until one split second decision destroyed it all. Instead of lacing up my skates and hitting the ice, I’ve spent my days in rehab and physical therapy just so I could walk again. When a coaching opportunity with the Pittsburgh Titans is presented to me, I find myself with a career I had never considered but which allows me to continue being part of the sport that I love.

While my injuries are physical, the same can’t be said for the woman I rescued. Suffering from wounds that can’t be seen, Sophie Winters has withdrawn from the world in fear and guilt. I didn’t know Sophie before that fateful night and have only met her once since, but I refuse to let her face her demons alone. Determined to be a friend, I support Sophie in the only way I know how… by simply being there.

Through our shared trauma, Sophie and I begin to find peace within one another. As we grow closer, what started as friendship becomes more intimate until our broken pieces become one. But can a love born of anguish endure, or will the pain of our past prove too much to overcome?

Download Baden (Pittsburgh Titans, Book #1):

Amazon | Nook | Apple | Kobo | Google |

Buy direct from Sawyer Bennett: https://bit.ly/Store_Baden

Get the audio (narrated by Aiden Snow and Lessa Lamb)
Audible | Amazon | Apple

 

Sandra's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Baden is the first book in the Pittsburgh Titans series by Sawyer Bennett. If you read the Arizona Vengeance series then you have met Baden Outlett, their backup goalie. I have been waiting for his story, I knew it would both be an emotional one and worth the wait. I was right on both accounts.

 

Baden’s life changed seven months ago when he was nearly killed saving a stranger in an alley. Since then he has gone through hell getting back to his feet. Literally. He had to learn how to walk again and with determination, support, and strength he has. Then tragedy hits and he has to make a decision. To be a goalie couch in Pittsburgh or work even harder to get back on the ice. It’s not an easy decision but a fresh start might be exactly what he needs. What he doesn’t expect is that he made the best decision of his life…

 

Sophie’s life changed that night seven months ago when she was attacked. She now lives in fear but working on toward crushing it. Slowly. She feels guilty. She feels sacred. She has nightmares and anxiety attacks. Then one day, he shows up. Baden and he is standing. Not in a wheelchair like she thought he always would be. And he isn’t angry. He is happy to see her. He wants to help her get out of her comfort zone. Can he prove to her that she is the strong, beautiful, and badass woman who he sees?

 

I absolutely loved these two! They were brought together by violent night but it was that night that tied them together. A connection. And when he moves to Pittsburgh it’s fate that brings them together again. They didn’t know each other and now they have that opportunity and it means everything to them. It was where they were meant to be.

 

This was a wonderful start to a new series! The players are building a new team during a very difficult time. They are going through so many emotions and that brings on all the feels within me. I can’t wait for the next book, and the next, and the next.

 

Quotes:

 

“We’re going to be good friends, Sophie,” I assure her. “I’ve come a long way from that awful night, and I’m not going to leave you behind.”

 

Sophie Winters is becoming a mind-fuck, but not in a bad way. Just in a way I hadn’t expected.

 

Kara's Review

5 out of 5 stars

Baden is the first book in the new series, Pittsburgh Titans, by Sawyer Bennett. I haven’t been this excited about a new series in a long, long time. We know Baden, we love Baden. Our hearts broke for him and now my heart is so happy that we are getting his story. And that it’s leading us into a new hockey series by one of the best hockey romance writers out there! Baden has been through so much and is mostly recovered after saving Sophie’s life. He now has an opportunity to be a coach in a new city. If he can’t play hockey anymore, coaching will keep him on the ice. Now that Baden and Sophie are in the same city, Baden knows he needs her in his life as much as she needs him. They went through something extraordinary together and only they can understand. What starts out as friendship leads to something more. Something deep. Meaningful and true. I have been waiting for Baden’s story and was hoping he would end up with Sophie. Their story started out tragic, but ended in true friendship and love. I really loved it and couldn’t contain my excitement for the series as we were introduced to all the new players. Already looking forward to Stone’s story!!

Audio: I had the absolute pleasure to listen to this amazing story. Aiden Snow and Lessa Lamb were fantastic. I’m a huge fan if Aiden’s but this was my first Lessa listen and I really enjoyed her. Aiden’s voice was perfect for Baden. Emotional, sexy, fun. He is always a go-to narrator for me. Lessa really brought out the emotion and personality of Sophie and they made the perfect pairing.

 

About the Author:

New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestselling author Sawyer Bennett uses real life experience to create relatable stories that appeal to a wide array of readers. From contemporary romance, fantasy romance, and both women’s and general fiction, Sawyer writes something for just about everyone.

A former trial lawyer from North Carolina, when she is not bringing fiction to life, Sawyer is a chauffeur, stylist, chef, maid, and personal assistant to her very adorable daughter, as well as full-time servant to her wonderfully naughty dogs.

If you’d like to receive a notification when Sawyer releases a new book, sign up for her newsletter (sawyerbennett.com/signup).

Connect with Sawyer:

✦ Facebook: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_FB
✦ Reader group: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_NEP
✦ Twitter: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_TW
✦ Instagram: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_IG
✦ Goodreads: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_GR
✦ BookBub: http://bit.ly/Sawyer_BB
✦ Newsletter: http://sawyerbennett.com/signup

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Release Blitz & 6 Heart Reviews – The Summer Proposal, Vi Keeland

January 10, 2022 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

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Title: The Summer Proposal
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2022

 

BLURB

 

The first time I met Max Yearwood was on a blind date.

 

Max was insanely gorgeous, funny, and our chemistry was off the charts. He also had the biggest dimples I’d ever laid eyes on.
Exactly what I needed after my breakup.

 

Or so I thought…

 

Until my real date arrived.
Turned out, Max wasn’t who I was there to meet. He only pretended to be until my real date showed up.
To say I was disappointed would be an understatement.
Before he left, he slipped me a ticket to a hockey game a few blocks away, in case things didn’t work out on my actual date.
I tossed the ticket into my purse and went about trying to enjoy the man I was supposed to meet.
But my real blind date and I had no connection.
So on my way home, I decided to take a chance and stop by the game.
When I arrived, the seat next to me was empty.
Disappointed again, I decided to leave at the end of the period.
Just before the buzzer, one of the teams scored, and the entire arena went crazy.
A player’s face flashed up on the Jumbotron. He was wearing a helmet, but I froze when he smiled.
You guessed it: Dimples.
Apparently, my fake blind date hadn’t invited me to watch hockey with him, he’d invited me to watch him play.
And so began my adventure with Max Yearwood.
He was everything I needed at the time—fun, sexy, up for anything, and only around for a few months since he’d signed with a new team three-thousand miles away.
Max proposed we spend the summer helping me forget my ex. It sounded like a good plan. Things couldn’t get too serious when we had an expiration date. Right?
Though, you know what they say about the best-laid plans.

 

 

 

PURCHASE LINKS

The Summer Proposal is Vi Keeland’s newest standalone romance! This is one of my favorite books, if not my actual favorite from Vi. Max is everything we want in a hero. Sexy, funny, determined, smart, dedicated and a little dirty. Add in that he plays hockey and has to-die-for dimples and I was in love with him the second I met him. Sometimes a book just hits you at the right time and gives you want you need. A fun, summer romance between a confident hockey player who loves to have fun and a brilliant businesswoman who thinks too much. I felt every emotion while reading their story. I laughed, smiled, got hot and bothered, cried, laughed and cried some more. When Max pretends to be Georgia’s blind date, she has no idea that her life will be forever changed. He’s not just handsome as sin, he’s fun and nice and sweet. She needs to let loose and relax and he proposes they spend the summer just enjoying each other and doing things together that bring them joy. I was so invested in their love story that I didn’t even want to stop reading to sleep! Max’s feelings for Georgia were evident in everything he did and said and even though she struggled with every decision in her life, being with Max was easy and perfect. What if they could continue past the summer? Would Georgia be willing to put her heart on the line again? The more time Max spends with Georgia, the more he realizes she’s perfect for him. He wants to love and protect her but can he do both? I. Loved. These. Two. So. Much! Vi continues to amaze me by giving us new, fresh and exciting characters with big hearts, dirty mouths and real depth. Max is one of those men who we all wish were real and aren’t afraid to admit it. Sometimes fictional characters just burrow their way into you heart and Max and Georgia did that to me! I won’t be forgetting this story anytime soon and I’m extremely happy about that!

 

Sandra's Review

My first SIX stars book of 2022!! Holy. Fucking. Wow!

 

The Summer Proposal is Vi Keeland’s newest masterpiece. Perfection. An emotional ride full of twists, turns, laughter, flirt, and love, and letting go. I don’t want to spoil too much so I will try to make this fast.

 

Georgia’s love life was a complicated one. She didn’t even want to go on a blind date but it turned out to be an epic one. She felt the chemistry immediately, the man was downright hot, funny, flirty, and sweet. It was perfect until he walked in. Her real date. Fast-forward about an hour later and she ends up using the ticket to the hockey game her fake date left in her pocket. It was not something she would usually do. She was not spontaneous but fate was working overtime. He wasn’t a fan of the game, he was the one fans were rooting for. Max Yearwood, one of the hottest and most talented players in the NHL. This is the start of an unforgettable summer…

 

Max had his faults. Georgia had hers too. They knew them. They accepted them. Their lives were both going to change at summer’s end so they made the proposal of having the summer to be free. To have fun. To be spontaneous. To live. To just be. No strings attached fun. It was exactly what they needed until…

 

My name is Sandra and I am in love with a fictional character. Max is everything. I am obsessed. He is so fucking sweet, hilarious, shameless, protective, strong and knows exactly when to bring his alpha out. Swoon. I also have a crush on Georgia. She is confused but knows it. She is also sweet, witty, smart, and so fun when she lets go. Together, they are crazy fun.

 

Overall, it is my favorite Vi book! It made me laugh so hard, cry even harder, and swoon! Sometimes all in the same scene. It’s hard to put into words how much I loved it.

 

P.S. I know it wasn’t fast. If you follow my reviews you knew it wouldn’t be. Lol.

 

Quotes:

 

“Can you actually hula hoop?”

He winked. “Only naked. You wanna see?”

The smile on my face widened. “I’ll take your word for it.”

“Shame.”

 

“No strings attached, right?”

He winked. “The only string might be one I use to tie you up.”

 

He kissed me like we were the only two people in the world, even standing on a busy Manhattan street, like he had to kiss me, rather than wanted to.

 

 

AUTHOR BIO

 

Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
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Excerpt Reveal- The Summer Proposal, Vi Keeland

January 6, 2022 | Posted in Excerpt | By

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Title: The Summer Proposal
Author: Vi Keeland
Genre: Standalone Contemporary Romance
Release Date: January 10, 2022
Excited about Vi Keeland’s upcoming release, 
The Summer Proposal? 
Check out this SNEAK PEEK of CHAPTER 1!

 

CHAPTER 1

 

Georgia

 

“What can I get you?” The bartender set a napkin down in front of me.

 

“Ummm… I’m meeting someone, so maybe I should wait.”
He rapped his knuckles against the bar. “Good enough. I’ll keep my eye out and stop back over when I see someone join you.”
But as he started to walk away, I reconsidered. “Actually!” I raised my hand like I was in school.
He turned around with a smile and arched a brow. “Change your mind?”
I nodded. “I’m about to meet a blind date, so I wanted to be polite, but I think I could use something to take the edge off.”
“Probably a good idea. What are you drinking?”
“A pinot grigio would be great. Thank you.”
He came back a few minutes later with a hefty pour and leaned his elbow on the bar. “So, blind date, huh?”
I sipped my wine and let out a sigh as I nodded. “I let my mom’s seventy-four-year-old friend Frannie set me up with her grandnephew to make my mom happy. She described him as ‘a smidge ordinary, but nice’. We’re supposed to meet here at five thirty. I’m a few minutes early.”
“First time letting someone fix you up?”
“Second, actually. The first was seven years ago. It took me this long to recover from it, if that tells you anything.”
The bartender laughed. “That bad?”
“I was told he was a comedian. So I figured, how terrible could it be going out with someone who makes people laugh for a living? The guy showed up with a puppet. Apparently his comedy act was as a ventriloquist. He refused to speak to me directly—wanted me to talk only to his dummy. Who, by the way, was named Dirty Dave, and every other comment out of its mouth was obscene. Oh, and my date’s mouth moved the entire time, so he wasn’t even a very good ventriloquist.”
“Damn.” The bartender chuckled. “Not sure I’d give another blind date a chance after that, even after a few years.”
I sighed. “I’m sort of regretting it already.”
“Well, if anyone comes in with a puppet, I got you covered.” He gestured toward a hallway behind him. “I know where all the emergency exits are, and I can sneak you out.”
I smiled. “Thanks.”
A couple sat down on the other end of the bar, so the bartender went to help them while I continued to stare at the entrance. I’d purposely taken a seat in the back corner so I could watch the front door, hoping to get a look at my date before he saw me. Not that I planned to ditch if he wasn’t handsome, but I didn’t want him to read disappointment on my face if I felt any. I’d always been terrible at masking my feelings.
A few minutes later, the restaurant’s door opened and a drop-dead gorgeous guy walked in. He looked like he belonged on a men’s cologne ad, probably emerging from crystal blue Caribbean water. I got excited, until I realized he couldn’t be my date.
Frannie had described Adam as a computer nerd. And pretty much any question I’d asked her about him, she’d answered, “About average.”

 

How tall is he? About average.
Is he handsome? About average.
Body type? About average.

 

This guy was tall, with broad shoulders, big, blue bedroom eyes, a chiseled jawline, dark hair that was sort of messy, but totally worked for him, and even though he was wearing a simple dress shirt and slacks, I could tell he was buff underneath. Frannie would have to be crazy to think anything about him was average.
Oh.

 

Oh!

 

Well, she was a little…different. Last time I went to Florida to see Mom, we went to lunch with Frannie, and she’d glowed orange from an excessive amount of self-tanner she’d bought on the Home Shopping Network. She also spent all afternoon telling us about her recent road trip to New Mexico to attend a UFO convention in Roswell.
But even with that factored in, this guy didn’t look like a computer nerd. Nevertheless, his eyes scanned the room, and when they met mine, he smiled.

 

Dimples.

 

Deep ones.
Oh, Lord. My heart did a little pitter-patter.

 

Could I be this lucky?

 

Apparently it was possible. Because the guy headed right toward me. I probably should’ve played it cool and looked away, but it was impossible not to stare.
“Adam?”
He shrugged. “Sure.”
I thought that was a bit of an odd response, but his smile widened, and those cavernous dimples seemed to turn my brain to mush.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Frannie. My mom is friends with Georgia.” I shook my head. “Sorry. I mean, I’m Georgia. My mom is friends with Frannie.”
“Nice to meet you, Georgia.”
He extended his hand, and when I placed mine in it, mine felt really…small.
“I have to say, you are definitely not what I was expecting. Frannie didn’t describe you very accurately.”
“Better or worse?”
Was he joking? “She may have described you as a nerd.”
He sat down on the stool next to me. “I usually don’t admit this when I first meet a woman, but I do have a Star Wars action figure collection.” He reached into his pocket and pulled something out. “In fact, I almost always have one on me. I’m a bit superstitious, and they bring me luck.”
Adam unfolded his big hand to reveal a tiny Yoda. He leaned over and set it on the bar in front of me, and a hint of cologne wafted through the air. Smells as good as he looks. There had to be something majorly wrong with him.
“Women tend to not like Star Wars for some reason,” he said. “Or a grown man carrying around an action figure.”
“I actually like Star Wars.”
He put his hand over his heart. “A beautiful woman who likes Star Wars? Should we skip the formalities and just grab a flight to Vegas to get married?”
I laughed. “Maybe, but first promise me you aren’t into ventriloquism.”
He crossed his heart. “Star Wars is as bad as it gets.”
The bartender came over to take Adam’s drink order. I was surprised when he asked for a Diet Coke.
“You’re not going to join me for a cocktail or a glass of wine?”
He shook his head. “Wish I could, but I have to work later.”
“Tonight?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I wish I didn’t. But I actually need to get out of here in a little while.”
I’d thought we were meeting for drinks and dinner, but perhaps Frannie had gotten that wrong.
“Oh, okay.” I forced a smile.
Apparently Adam saw right through it.
“I swear I’m not making that up. I do have to work. But I definitely would love to stay. Since I can’t, is it too early to say I’d love to see you again?”
I sipped my wine. “Hmmm… I’m not sure about that. Normally, I get to know someone on a first date, so I can weed out the serial killers and nutjobs. How am I supposed to know you’re not the next Ted Bundy if you’re running out of here?”
Adam stroked the scruff on his chin and looked at his watch. “I have about fifteen minutes. Why don’t we cut the small talk and you can ask me anything?”
“Anything?”
He shrugged. “I’m an open book. Take your best shot.”
I gulped my wine and turned in my seat to face him. “Alright. But I want to watch your face as I grill you. I’m terrible at hiding lies on mine but great at reading others.”
He smiled and turned, giving me his full attention. “Go for it.”
“Okay. Do you live with your mother?”
“No, ma’am. She doesn’t even live in the same state. But I do call home every Sunday.”
“Have you ever been arrested?”
“Public indecency in college. I was pledging a fraternity, and me and a bunch of other guys had to walk through the center of town naked. A group of girls stopped us and asked if any of us could hula hoop. Everyone else kept walking. I figured they were all too chicken, so I stopped. Apparently, the guys weren’t afraid; I was just the only one who didn’t see the cop coming out of a store a couple of doors down.”
I laughed. “Can you actually hula hoop?”
He winked. “Only naked. You wanna see?”
The smile on my face widened. “I’ll take your word for it.”
“Shame.”
“When was the last time you had sex?”
For the first time, the smile on his face wilted. “Two weeks ago. Are you gonna hold that against me?”
I shook my head. “Not necessarily. I appreciate the honesty. You could have lied and said a while ago.”
“Okay, good. What else you got?”
“Have you ever been in a relationship?”
“Twice. Once in college for a year, and then I dated a woman for eighteen months, and that ended two years ago.”
“Why did they end?”
“College, because I was twenty and…it was a crazy time in my life. And the woman I dated a few years back, because she wanted to get married and start a family, and I wasn’t ready.”
I tapped my pointer to my bottom lip. “Hmm… Yet you just asked me to go to Vegas and marry you.”
He grinned. “She didn’t like Star Wars.”
We were both too busy laughing to notice a guy walk up to us. I figured he must have known Adam, so I politely smiled and looked to him. But the guy spoke to me.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, but are you Georgia Delaney?”
“Yes?”
He smiled. “I’m Adam Foster. Frannie showed me a picture of you, but it was from a costume party.” He motioned to the side of his head, twirling his hand around in a circle. “You were dressed as Princess Leia, with your hair all pinned up on the sides, so you looked a little different than you do now.”
I furrowed my brow. “You’re…Adam?”
The guy seemed just as confused as I was. “Yes.”
Now this man looked like what I’d been expecting: worn, brown tweed jacket, cropped hair parted to one side—sort of the average Joe that worked in the IT department at your office. But…
If he was Adam, then who was this?
I looked at the guy sitting next to me for an answer. Though that’s not what I got.
“Did you really dress as Princess Leia for a Halloween party?”
“Yes, but…”
Adam, or whoever the hell the guy sitting next to me was, put his finger over my lips and turned to the man who was apparently my date. “Can you just give us a minute?” he asked.
“Umm…sure.”
As soon as average Adam walked away, I laid into hot Adam. “Who the hell are you?”
“Sorry. My name is Max.”
“Do you make a habit of pretending to be someone else?”
He shook his head. “I just…I saw you sitting at the bar through the window when I was passing by, and you had such a pretty smile. I came over to introduce myself, and it was clear you were here to meet someone else. I guess I sort of panicked that you weren’t going to talk to me since I wasn’t Adam. So I went with it.”
“And what if my date hadn’t showed up? Would you have pretended to be Adam on a second date?”
Max dragged a hand through his hair. “I didn’t think that far ahead.”
Normally catching a date in a lie would make me angry, but finding out Max wasn’t Adam was more disappointing than anything. We’d had great chemistry, and I couldn’t remember the last time I’d laughed so much meeting someone new.
“Was every answer a lie? Do you even like Star Wars?”
He held up both hands. “I swear. The only thing that wasn’t the truth was my name.”
I sighed. “Well, Max, thanks for the entertainment. But I don’t want to keep my real date waiting.”
He frowned, but nodded and stood. “It was nice meeting you. I guess asking for your number would be stupid right about now?”
I gave him a look. “Yes, it would. Have a good night, Max.”
He looked at me for a few seconds, then slipped a bill out of his wallet and tossed a hundred on the counter. “You, too, Georgia. I really enjoyed meeting you.”
Max took a few steps away, but then stopped and walked back. He again took out his billfold, only this time he peeled off what looked like a ticket of some sort and placed it on the bar in front of me. “I’d really love to see you again. If your real date turns out to be a dud or you change your mind, I promise I will never tell you another lie.” He pointed to the ticket. “I’ll be at the hockey game over at the Garden at seven thirty, if you would consider giving me another shot.”
What he said seemed heartfelt, but I was here to meet another man. Not to mention, I was really disappointed. I shook my head. “I don’t think so.”
With a sullen face, Max nodded one last time before walking away. I didn’t have time to process everything, but I felt a strange sense of loss when I watched him walk out the door. Though as soon as he disappeared from sight, my real date was next to me.
I had to force a smile. “Sorry about that. We, um, just had some business to wrap up.”
“No problem.” He smiled. “I’m just glad that guy wasn’t hitting on you, and I didn’t have to defend your honor. He was a tank.” Real Adam sat down. “Can I order you another wine?”
“That would be great. Thank you.”
“So…I take it you’re a big Star Wars fan?”
“Hmm? Oh, because of the costume.”
Adam pointed to the bar. “And the little Yoda.”
I looked down. Max had left his Yoda figurine behind. I guess he hadn’t been lying about being a Star Wars fan, considering he carried an action figure in his pocket. At least I hoped it wasn’t just a prop he used when he told strangers tall tales at bars and lied about his name.

 

***

 

Real Adam talked about artificial intelligence—a lot.
I tried to get my head back in the game after the Max letdown, but I knew before my actual date and I had finished a drink at the bar that this would be our only date. Adam was a nice-enough guy; there was just no connection, physical or mental. I wasn’t into computers or Bitcoin, which seemed to be a big thing for him, and he wasn’t into any of my hobbies, such as hiking, traveling, and watching old black-and-white movies. He didn’t even enjoy going to the movies. Who doesn’t love bingeing on popcorn and a gallon of soda while watching a big screen? Not to mention, when I told him about my work, he said he was allergic to flowers.
So when the waitress came by with a dessert menu, I politely declined.
“Are you sure you wouldn’t like a coffee or something?” Adam asked.
I shook my head. “I have to work in the morning. Having caffeine after noon keeps me up all night. But thank you.”
He nodded, though I could tell he was disappointed.
Outside the restaurant, he offered to share a cab, but I only lived eight blocks away. So I extended my hand to set the tone for the end of the evening.
“It was very nice to meet you, Adam.”
“You, too. Maybe we can…do this again sometime?”
It was so much easier to be upfront and tell a guy there wouldn’t be a second date when he was a jerk. But I always struggled with the nice ones. I shrugged. “Yeah, maybe. Take care, Adam.”
It was late April, but the cold weather just wouldn’t relent and allow spring to start this year, and a gust of wind blew while I waited at the intersection at the corner of the restaurant. I shoved my hands into my pockets for some warmth, and inside, something pointy pricked at my fingers. I slipped it out to see what it was.
Yoda.
His plastic ears were tapered to points, and there was a tiny chip on the left one. I’d forgotten I’d stuck him in my pocket when Adam and I had moved from the bar to a table. Looking down at him, I sighed. God, why couldn’t your owner have been my actual date tonight?
It had been a very long time since a man gave me the warm fuzzies in the pit of my belly—not since the day I’d met Gabriel. So maybe finding Yoda in my pocket was a sign? The light changed, and I walked a few more blocks, lost in thought.
Did it really matter that he’d pretended to be Adam? I mean, if he was telling the truth, he only did it so I’d talk to him. Let’s face it, if he had walked over and introduced himself as Max, I wouldn’t have invited him to sit down. I would have been polite and told him I was waiting for my date, no matter how gorgeous the man was. So, I couldn’t really say I blamed him…I guess.
I stopped for another red light at the crosswalk on 29th Street, this time at the corner of 7th as I made my way down to 2nd Avenue where I lived. While I waited, I looked to my right, and the neon lights of a sign hit me. Madison Square Garden. Now that was definitely a sign—quite literally. Between Yoda and walking right past the place Fake Adam had said he’d be…perhaps it was more than that.
I checked the time on my phone. Twenty after eight. He’d said he would be there at seven thirty, but I was sure the game took a few hours. Should I?
I nibbled on my lip as the light in front of me turned green. People on both sides of me started to walk…but I just stood there, staring down at Yoda.

 

Screw it.
Why not?
What do I have to lose?

 

The worst that could happen was that our initial connection fizzled or it turned out lying was one of Fake Adam’s hobbies. Or…the spark we’d had might lead to just the distraction I was looking for. I wouldn’t know unless I tried.
For the most part, I was pretty conservative with my choices in men. And look where that had gotten me. I was a twenty-eight-year-old workaholic, going on blind dates with my mom’s friend’s relatives. So screw it—I was going.
Once I made the decision, I couldn’t wait to get there. I practically jogged to Madison Square Garden, even in my heels from work. Inside, I showed my ticket to an usher standing at the entrance to the section listed, and he showed me to my seat.
As I walked down the stadium stairs, I looked around and noticed I was pretty overdressed. Most of the people had on jerseys and jeans. There were even a few shirtless guys with their bodies painted, and here I was wearing a cream silk blouse, red pencil skirt, and my favorite Valentino pumps. At least Max had been pretty dressed up.
I hadn’t noticed the row number on the ticket before handing it over to the usher, but the seats must’ve been decent because we just kept walking down toward the ice. When we hit the very first row, the usher extended his hand. “Here you go. Seat two is the second one in.”
“Wow, first row, directly in the middle on the fifty-yard line.”
The guy smiled. “In hockey we call it center ice.”
“Oh…okay.” But the seat next to the one he’d shown me to was empty, and Max was nowhere in sight. “Did you happen to see the person sitting in the seat at the end?” I asked.
The usher shrugged. “I’m not positive, but I don’t think they’ve arrived yet. Enjoy the game, miss.”
After he walked away, I stood looking down at the two empty seats. This was one outcome I hadn’t thought about: I might get stood up. Actually, would it even be considered standing someone up if the other person didn’t know you were coming? I wasn’t sure. But I was here, so I might as well take a seat and see if Max showed. He’d said he had to work, so perhaps he was running late. Or maybe he was already here, just in the men’s room or in line for a beer.
A woman sat on the other side of me. She smiled as I settled in. “Hi. Are you here to watch Yearwood? He’s on fire tonight, already slashed two in the net. Too bad they’re probably not going to be able to hold onto him for next season.”
I shook my head. “Oh. No, I’m actually meeting someone. I’ve never been to a live hockey game before.” Just as I said it, two guys slammed into the glass wall directly in front of me. I jumped, and the woman next to me laughed as they skated away.
“That happens a lot. You’ll get used to it.” She reached out her hand. “I’m Jenna, by the way. I’m married to Tomasso.” She pointed to the rink. “Number twelve.”
“Oh, wow. I guess I’m sitting next to the right person for my first game.” I put my hand to my chest. “I’m Georgia.”
“Anything you want explained, Georgia, you just let me know.”
For the next twenty minutes, I tried to watch the game. But I kept looking around to see if Max was coming down the stairs. Unfortunately, he never did. By nine o’clock, it was pretty clear I’d wasted my time. Since I had early meetings tomorrow morning, I decided to call it a night. The game clock showed less than a minute until the end of the second period, so I figured I’d wait until then so I wouldn’t be blocking people’s views as I climbed the stairs back up to the exit. These hockey fans seemed pretty into the game.
When the clock hit nine seconds, one of the guys scored a goal, and the place went crazy again. Everyone jumped up, so I did the same, only I used it as an opportunity to slip on my jacket. I leaned to the woman next to me and yelled. “I don’t think my date’s coming, so I’m going to head out. Have a good night.”
But as I turned to leave, something caught my attention on the Jumbotron. The player who’d scored held his stick up in the air celebrating, and a bunch of the guys on his team were whacking him on the head. His helmet covered most of his face, but those eyes… I know those eyes. The player took out his mouth guard, waved it in the air, and smiled right at the camera.

 

Dimples.

 

Big ones.
My eyes went wide.
No…it couldn’t be.
I continued to stare at the screen with my mouth hanging open until the guy’s face was no longer on it.
The woman next to me finished cheering. “See? I told you he was on fire. If this is your first game, you’ve picked a good one to watch. You don’t see a lot of hat tricks in a single period. Yearwood is having his best season ever. Too bad the rest of his team isn’t.”
“Yearwood? That’s the name of the guy who just scored?”
Jenna laughed at my question. “Yup. Team captain and arguably the best player in the NHL these days. They call him Pretty Boy for obvious reasons.”
“What’s his first name?”
“Max. I figured you knew him, since those are his seats you’re sitting in.”

 

 

★★★ 

 

 

 

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AUTHOR BIO
Vi Keeland is a #1 New York Times, #1 Wall Street Journal, and USA Today Bestselling author. With millions of books sold, her titles have appeared in over a hundred Bestseller lists and are currently translated in twenty-five languages. She resides in New York with her husband and their three children where she is living out her own happily ever after with the boy she met at age six.
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Blog Tour, Review & Excerpt – Scared to Love, Siobhan Davis

December 31, 2021 | Posted in Blog Tour, Excerpt, Review | By

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It can’t work.

She’s too broken.a

He’s too young.

Scared to Love, an all-new angst-filled dark mafia romance set from USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Siobhan Davis, is available now!

A new dark mafia friends-to-lovers romance from USA Today & Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Siobhan Davis. Serena has felt trapped her entire life, living a lie because it was demanded of her. Years of torture at the hands of her sadistic husband have left her battered and bruised, but not defeated. She needs to stay strong for her children, and she’s determined to reset her future. The future she has all thanks to Alessandro. He saved her that fateful night when her husband died, and he continues to save her as she struggles to piece her life back together. Yet the closer they get, the more it terrifies her because no man has ever made her feel like this. It can’t work. She’s too broken. He’s too young. And she’ll never trust a made man again. Women never get under Alesso’s skin—until Serena. They share an intense connection that can’t be ignored, no matter how hard she tries to push him away. He knows she’s scared. He is too, but she’s worth the risk. Alesso vows to be patient, until danger resurfaces and now all bets are off. Serena needs to understand how much she means to him and he will do everything to protect her. The situation grows more tense as the DeLucas plot against Bennett Mazzone and the surviving mafia heirs. But Alesso will lay down his life before he lets Serena get hurt again. Now his walls are lowered, the gloves are off, and he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe. Even if it means letting her go. This is a full-length 105k-word novel with NO cliff-hanger and an HEA, set in the Mazzone Mafia world. This is the third and final book in this series. For readers who enjoy friends-to-lovers, second chance, reverse age-gap, dark mafia romance. May contain triggers – please read the note at the start of the book.

Download your copy today! FREE in Kindle Unlimited Amazon: https://amzn.to/3mfzcwv Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/scaredtolove Add Scared to Love to Goodreads→ https://bit.ly/3FDI1bR Start the series with Condemned to Love→ http://mybook.to/condemnedtolove



Sandra's Review
5 out of 5 stars

Scared to Love is the third and final book in the Mazzone Mafia series by Siobhan Davis. Each book can be read as standalone but I HIGHLY recommend reading them in order since they all tie together. I love mafia and I love Siobhan so I am crazy about this series. It’s never boring with this family…

 

Serena’s life has been hell over the last twelve years. The only light in her life is her children. Her bastard of a husband tried to break her down daily and when he is killed she is relieved. It doesn’t mean she is safe, she is mafia after-all but she feels safer with her sister Sierra and her husband Ben. And him. Alessandro. A man who saved her once. A man who she trusts with her life. A man she could fall for if she wasn’t so broken. She believed he deserved a woman who wasn’t damaged and has a houseful of baggage. It really didn’t matter either way, she wasn’t ready and may never be for a man like him. What she doesn’t see is what he sees, a badass woman who could bring him to his knees and he wouldn’t even fight it…

 

But before he can prove it they first need to survive the unexpected. 

 

Holy twists, Batman! I absolutely love the way Siobhan’s mind works. The darkness. The twists. The angst. The chemistry. The connection. And the characters are truly badass in all the ways. I loved watching Serena’s journey and Alesso’s too. They both have scars inside and out. Together, I could feel their deep connection and I loved that Alesso is so swoony and doesn’t care who knows it. It was awesome to catch up with the rest of the family #FamilyGoals. I can’t wait for what Siobhan has planned for us next. 

 

Quotes: 

 

“You are so beautiful, Serena. Your legs are the stuff of dreams. Your body the ammunition for all my fantasies.”

 

“If you’re not my ally, you’re my enemy.”

 

“Fuck, he’s got it bad.” Leo jokes with Ben. 

“Fuck you. You are both every bit as whipped as I am.”

“Truth,” they say at the same time.

 

**I voluntarily reviewed this book after received an advanced copy. 

 

Excerpt  ALESSO  She slams to a halt, turning to face me. “I would never deliberately deceive you. That’s not who I am.” Fire underscores her tone, and I like hearing it.  “I didn’t mean it that way. I know who you are.”  The saddest expression washes over her features. “If that was true, you wouldn’t be standing here with me now. You wouldn’t be spending time with me each day. You would run a mile if you realized exactly who I am.”  I risk stepping a little closer. “I have known you long enough to know the kind of woman you are, Serena. I’d like to think you’ve known me long enough to know you could tell me anything, and it wouldn’t scare me away.” Reaching out slowly, I take her gloved hands in my bare ones. “I spend time with you because I enjoy it. I want to get to know you better. I want to support you as you deal with the things you need to deal with.”  “Why me? I’m too old. Too broken. I have kids. I come with so much baggage I’m completely weighted down with it. I—”  I can’t listen to her beat herself up any longer, so I place two fingers over her mouth, quietly shushing her as I prepare to negate each of her concerns. “One. You’re not too old, and I’m not too young. Age is just a number, and I refuse to allow stupid societal norms to dictate who I spend my time with or categorize the nature of that relationship. Two. Broken is subjective, and we all have our broken parts, but guess what?” I move my fingers from her lips to her cheeks, silently rejoicing when she doesn’t flinch or shy away. “Broken parts can be glued back together. Three, I adore your kids, and they are the cherry on top. And four, every single person in the world has some kind of baggage. It’s called life.”  Tears glisten in her eyes, spilling onto her cheeks. “You’re not real,” she whispers. “You can’t be.”  My heart aches for her because I see the mistrust and disbelief in her eyes. “I’m real, Rena.” Taking her hand, I slip it under my coat and over my shirt-covered chest, where my heart is currently jumping cartwheels in honor of her presence. “I’m as real as it gets.”  Copyright © Siobhan Davis 2021

About Siobhan Siobhan Davis is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon Top 10 bestselling romance author. Siobhan writes emotionally intense stories with swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and tons of unexpected plot twists and turns that will have you flipping the pages beyond bedtime! She has sold over 1.5 million books and her titles are translated into several languages. Prior to becoming a full-time writer, Siobhan forged a successful corporate career in human resource management. She lives in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons. Connect with Siobhan Subscribe to romance newsletter:http://smarturl.it/KennedyBoysList Amazon Author Page:http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisAmazon Website:http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisWebsite Goodreads:http://smarturl.it/SiobhanGoodreads Facebook page:http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisFacebook Facebook group: https://smarturl.it/SiobhanSquad Instagram: https://smarturl.it/SiobhanInstagram TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@siobhandavisauthor BookBub:http://smarturl.it/SiobhanDavisBookbub

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Blog Tour, Excerpt & Reviews – It’s Complicated, Kindle Alexander

December 17, 2021 | Posted in Blog Tour, Review | By

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Title: It’s Complicated
Author: Kindle Alexander
Genre: M/M Romance
Release Date: December 7, 2021
Cover Design: Reese Dante

 

“When looking for that love story that has all the feels and more, grab It’s Complicated. Every word is brilliantly-written and the myriad of emotions you’ll encounter will fill your soul like nothing else. 5++++++ stars all the way!” – emjaylovestoread

 

 

“No one gives us MM love stories like the very talented writing duo of Kindle Alexander and It’s Complicated lived up to all my expectations and so much more.” – Jackie Wright, Thelma and Louise Book Blog

 

 

“Whenever I pick up a book written by Kindle Alexander I know I am going to be reading a book that will draw many varied emotions from me; It’s Complicated was no exception. The characters have a great deal of depth and I fell hard for both Julian Cullen and Beckett St Clair.” – Erin Lewis, Thelma and Louise Book Blog

 

Nightclub manager Julian Cullen runs Reservations with impeccable precision and a deep sense of pride. But repressed memories from his abduction two years ago surface, leaving him struggling emotionally. Julian vows to reclaim his previous life but doesn’t factor in the biggest distraction of all: the handsome cowboy hanging around the club intent on gaining his attention.

 

Entrepreneur Beckett St. Clair built an industry-leading survivalist training company through hard work and dedication. The tough as nails outdoorsman can navigate any situation or so he thinks…When a chance encounter with a guarded night club manager leaves him tumbling head over heels into uncharted territory.
One man is lost to his past, the other dreams of a future.
Both men will soon find out love is never easy…it’s complicated.

 

Sandra's Review
5 out of 5 stars
It’s Complicated is the second book in the Reservations series by Kindle Alexander. You can read as standalone but I do recommend reading Reservations since that is where you meet Julian for the first time and get more of his background story. 

It has been two years since the attack and Julian was living his life now as Reservations’ manager. He never expected this life but after the abduction he couldn’t go back to his old life. He hasn’t even been with a man since that night, he was ready. He was never into relationships and with trust being his biggest issue he doesn’t see a future with another man in it. He life was all business. Then he walks into the club. A cowboy and he wants to dance. This three dances were one step closer but it isn’t enough. The Marlboro Man didn’t leave his thoughts though so when he sees him again he is smitten. 

Beckett wanted him the moment he laid eyes on Julian. He had fought for years over his attraction to men. It is why he went to Reservations, he wanted a safe place to meet men. The only man he sees is Julian so when the opportunity to get closer to him comes, he takes it. Julian isn’t happy about it but Beckett is no quitter. He wants to know the man. The man inside the confident yet reserved man. He wants to know who hurt him. He wants to protect him and help him heal. Can he prove to Julian he can trust him? 

These two are complete opposites but it works. I loved seeing them both grow. Julian has scars and Beckett wants to show him that they don’t take away his beauty. It’s within and he is worth it. 

Quotes: 

“You’re definitely persistent. Trust me, Marlboro Man, you don’t want to rope me. I’m not what you’re looking for. Go find yourself another stud to lasso.”

“Your face is so expressive, but I have no idea what you’re thinking,” Beckett said tenderly, running his fingers through Julian’s hair.

“I seriously don’t get that nickname. I don’t even smoke.”

5 out of 5 stars
It’s Complicated is the second book in the Reservations series by Kindle Alexander. You can read as standalone but I do recommend reading Reservations since that is where you meet Julian for the first time and get more of his background story. 

It has been two years since the attack and Julian was living his life now as Reservations’ manager. He never expected this life but after the abduction he couldn’t go back to his old life. He hasn’t even been with a man since that night, he was ready. He was never into relationships and with trust being his biggest issue he doesn’t see a future with another man in it. He life was all business. Then he walks into the club. A cowboy and he wants to dance. This three dances were one step closer but it isn’t enough. The Marlboro Man didn’t leave his thoughts though so when he sees him again he is smitten. 

Beckett wanted him the moment he laid eyes on Julian. He had fought for years over his attraction to men. It is why he went to Reservations, he wanted a safe place to meet men. The only man he sees is Julian so when the opportunity to get closer to him comes, he takes it. Julian isn’t happy about it but Beckett is no quitter. He wants to know the man. The man inside the confident yet reserved man. He wants to know who hurt him. He wants to protect him and help him heal. Can he prove to Julian he can trust him? 

These two are complete opposites but it works. I loved seeing them both grow. Julian has scars and Beckett wants to show him that they don’t take away his beauty. It’s within and he is worth it. 

Quotes: 

“You’re definitely persistent. Trust me, Marlboro Man, you don’t want to rope me. I’m not what you’re looking for. Go find yourself another stud to lasso.”

“Your face is so expressive, but I have no idea what you’re thinking,” Beckett said tenderly, running his fingers through Julian’s hair.

“I seriously don’t get that nickname. I don’t even smoke.”

 

“I’m being asked if table thirty-three can incorporate thirty-four into their party.”

Julian looked over to see a crowd of men gathered around the larger high-boy table. “No, give it some time. St. Clair’s a good customer. Get some barstools from the back, and let’s see if he arrives.”

“Hey, Julian. Have we heard from thirty-four? Is he coming in tonight?” Remington, another waiter, asked from about the midway point down the bar where he loaded his tray with cocktail glasses. “One of my guests wants to know.”

“Who wants to know?” Julian looked over to Remington’s section of tables as if a large red arrow would point him out.

“The older guy at table twenty-seven.”

Julian’s gaze locked on that table. All the men looked older, sophisticated, well put together, and handsome. Damn.

“Which one?” Julian asked.

“The older one,” Remington repeated, then turned with his tray full of drinks in his hand. “Is he coming tonight?”

So, the Marlboro Man had built a fan club involving more than just the club’s waiters and bartenders. Julian’s possessive side stood on guard. “We’re holding the table for him, but he’s late.”

Julian dug into the salad with his fork, stuffing a big bite into his mouth, and reached for the untouched glass of water nearby. He chomped out his frustration that the big, tall cowboy hat wearing mystery man was building some possible hookups.

Julian had watched as Beckett sat alone for hours at his table until some of the waiters were cut from their shifts and ended up joining the guy. Beckett had become a welcome patron in the club and his table a safe place for most of the guys who worked for Reservations to gather.

No, Julian hadn’t missed all the long lingering looks Beckett tossed his way. He liked the way Beckett watched him. Those intriguing brown eyes and that appealing gaze. Beckett was all man, every single inch of him. He knew that for a fact because he’d rubbed himself against all that masculinity when they’d danced.

An unexpected sensation had Julian dropping the fork in his hand to the plate, his gaze lowering to his trouser-covered cock. Holy hell, the way it plumped painfully against his zipper had his heart thumping wildly in his chest. The damn thing did, in fact, work. How long had it been since he’d grown hard? He couldn’t remember. Tears of happiness sprung to his eyes, making him fight to swallow the lump forming in his throat. Damn, it felt good.

How much had he had to drink? Regardless of his actions over the last few days, Julian had given up alcohol. Should he have been drinking this whole time?

“Boss, you good?” Ricco tapped the edge of the bar to gain Julian’s attention.

He paid the bartender no heed, not wanting to lose this moment. Julian had only had two cocktails over the last couple of hours. That meant he was practically sober, yet his cock was working again for the first time in a long while.

Under Ricco’s intense scrutiny, Julian’s cock deflated. He closed his eyes, bringing forth images of Beckett sitting alone at his table, rarely speaking to anyone. Every single time Beckett showed up or planned to leave for the night, his gaze sought out Julian. No matter how hard Julian fought the urge to turn Beckett’s way he eventually would turn, helpless to do anything but.

Beckett would smile and touch the brim of his hat. Fuck, what a sexy move. Beckett’s strong jaw and full lips, his dark tanned skin… Julian’s dick swelled at warp speed.

Hell yeah. Julian was helpless to stop the tear that built enough steam to trickle down his cheek. This had to mean he was healing, right?

“Julian. You good?”

He opened his eyes, prepared to share with Ricco exactly why he was great right now. His hand reached to wipe away the tear when the unique scent of outdoors, sunshine, and exotic spices hit his senses. Unmistakably Beckett. He looked over to see an expansive masculine chest and broad shoulders leaning into him as Beckett busted a move to avoid a collision with one of the busboys.

Julian lifted his gaze. Of course, he held all of Beckett’s undivided attention. They locked gazes for one, maybe two long seconds, before Ricco’s hand slapped down hard on the bar top, pulling Julian’s gaze toward Ricco.

“What?” He said the word with maybe three syllables of frustration.

Ricco showed zero cares about Julian’s obvious annoyance “Are. You. Goooda?”

“Mind your business. Concentrate on the job you’re being paid to do.” Julian motioned to the line of waiters standing at the bar, waiting for their drinks. But even that only held his attention for the briefest of moments before he happily lowered his gaze again to his dick. The damn thing was rigidly hard, straining against his form-hugging pants. Holy fuck. The relief was staggering.

Julian dropped his head between his shoulder blades, thanking the universe for this blessing.

“Mr. St. Clair, we were getting worried about you,” Ricco said.

“Call me Beckett.” The rich masculine timbre held hints of a deeply cultured southern accent, drawing Julian’s gaze to Beckett once again.

“A guy at one of Remington’s tables wants to buy your drinks tonight,” Ricco said to Beckett as he started to pour again. “He asked me to see if you’re interested when you came in.”

Julian’s head dropped forward; he couldn’t help his astonished stare. He got caught up in Beckett’s new look. Julian’s gaze narrowed to Beckett, admiring how he wore the hugely popular suit with the athletic cut. Beckett looked fashionable in a style that accented every one of his masculine curves and edges. He was clean-shaven with his hair styled and pushed back off his forehead. No cowboy hat to be found anywhere.

“Which table?” Beckett asked and turned toward the grouping of tables. His body angled to look where Remington pointed to a group of three men. Julian looked down the length of Beckett’s long body. He wasn’t wearing boots tonight or a tie. Instead, his collar was unbuttoned with a small amount of fur peaking from the opening. The look suited him. Julian’s fingers twitched to run over the man’s exposed skin. He’d bet Beckett had the same dark tan all the way down that expansive chest.

Beckett was mouthwateringly gorgeous in this new look. Who would have known the man could be even more handsome than Julian remembered?

Tonight, the man held an air of confidence that he didn’t usually have. Beckett lifted a hand to the men, grinned a sultry smile, and turned back to Ricco. “Buy his next round on me and tell him thank you, I’m flattered, but I’ve got my eye on someone else tonight.”

 

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Best Selling Author Kindle Alexander is an innovative writer, and a genre-crosser who writes classic fantasy, romance, suspense, and erotica in both the male/male and male/female genres. It’s always a surprise to see what’s coming next!
I live in the suburbs of Dallas where it’s true, the only thing bigger than an over active imagination, may be women’s hair!
Usually, I try for funny. Humor is a major part of my life – I love to laugh, and it seems to be the thing I do in most situations – regardless of the situation, but jokes are a tricky deal… I don’t want to offend anyone and jokes tend to offend. So instead I’m going to tell you about Kindle
I tragically lost my sixteen year old daughter to a drunk driver. She had just been at home, it was early in the night and I heard the accident happen. I’ll never forget that moment. The sirens were immediate and something inside me just knew. I left my house, drove straight to the accident on nothing more than instinct. I got to be there when my little girl died – weirdly, I consider that a true gift from above. She didn’t have to be alone.
That time in my life was terrible. It’s everything you think it would be times about a billion. I love that kid. I loved being her mother and I loved watching her grow into this incredibly beautiful person, both inside and out. She was such a gift to me. To have it all ripped away so suddenly broke me.
Her name was Kindle. Honest to goodness – it was her name and she died a few weeks before Amazon released their brand new Kindle ereader. She had no idea it was coming out and she would have finally gotten her name on something! Try finding a ruler with the name Kindle on it.. It never happened.
Through the course of that crippling event I was lucky enough to begin to write with a dear friend in the fan fiction world of Facebook. She got me through those dark days with her unwavering support and friendship. There wasn’t a time she wasn’t there for me. Sometimes together and sometimes by myself, we built a world where Kindle lives and stands for peace, love and harmony. It’s its own kind of support group. I know without question I wouldn’t be here today without her.

Find out more by visiting www.kindlealexander.com or email me at kindle@kindlealexander.com

 

 

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Release Day – My Summer in Seoul, Rachel Van Dyken

December 14, 2021 | Posted in Release Day Blitz, Review | By

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My Summer In Seoul by Rachel Van Dyken is now live!

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Van Dyken comes a standalone new adult romance set in the competitive world of K-pop.

It’s not all K-dramas and happily ever afters. Intern with Korea’s number one record label? Yes, please. Find out there’s a huge scandal I need to help “manage”… not so much. Add in the fact that I don’t recognize the “superstars” of the label and think they’re interns… And my dream job quickly becomes more of a nightmare. But I’m in Seoul, the one place that is beginning to feel more and more like home… Except it isn’t home, and the drama surrounding the biggest K-pop group in the world, SWT, is consuming my every moment. Spoiler alert. They hate me. Everything I do is wrong: wrong clothes, wrong honorifics, wrong manners. Till the leader of SWT takes pity on me. But pity is dangerous when it comes from someone as beautiful as him. Every SWT member is gorgeous, perfect, and cultivated to be an idol… lethal to a girl’s heart. And sanity. But fame plus a perfect face and voice don’t equal an easy life. As their comeback nears, the stakes rise higher. Suicide watch… Angry fans… Threats… All I want to do is survive. But the price for survival might mean losing my heart. And like a character in a K-drama, I’m not sure if there will be an actual happily ever after… Or simply a lesson learned.

Download today on Apple Books, Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble!

Apple Books: https://smarturl.it/MSIS_Apple

Amazon: mybook.to/MSIS_Amazon

Nook: https://smarturl.it/MSIS_BN

Kobo: https://smarturl.it/MSIS_Kobo

Goodreads: https://smarturl.it/MSIS_GR

Meet Rachel

Rachel Van Dyken is the #1 New York Times Bestselling, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author of over 90 books ranging from contemporary romance to paranormal. With over four million copies sold, she’s been featured in Forbes, US Weekly, and USA Today. Her books have been translated in more than 15 countries. She was one of the first romance authors to have a Kindle in Motion book through Amazon publishing and continues to strive to be on the cutting edge of the reader experience. She keeps her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, adorable sons, naked cat, and two dogs. For more information about her books and upcoming events, visit www.RachelVanDykenauthor.com

Connect with Rachel

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RachelVanDyken

Website: http://rachelvandykenauthor.com

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/RVDNewsletter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachvd

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RachVD

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2cNVwL9

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/RVDGR

RVD Facebook Group: https://smarturl.it/RVD_FB_Group

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rachelvandyken/

Verve: https://bit.ly/2X9ztF5

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