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BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. #2) by Rachel Van Dyken

BOOK REVIEW: Dangerous Exes (Liars, Inc. #2) by Rachel Van DykenDangerous Exes (Liars Inc. #2)
by Rachel Van Dyken
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Isla made one teeny little mistake. Now she and her PI company, Dirty Exes, are being targeted by one seriously angry and furiously sexy ex-quarterback. Jessie freakin’ Beckett. But there’s no way some NFL superhunk is going to take her business away. If only he didn’t make her so hot—and bothered.

Jessie wants payback for a ruined reputation. His plan? Top secret. His hard-to-hide arousal for Isla? Not so much. Especially when they let down their guards and sneak a kiss. Like any juicy scandal, it goes so viral, so fast, that only a good lie can combat the bad press. Mortal enemies in a fling? No way. Um…this is love!

Actually…could it be?

Isla’s not faking it. Jessie can’t. As the game of let’s pretend gets real, Jessie forgets all about revenge. That’s the problem. His plan is already out of his control. Now it could undo everything they’ve been trying to build. Coming clean may be the only thing that can save it.

Review:

Dangerous Exes was a ton of fun, hilariously addicting and oh so sexy!  I have been excited for this book since I finished reading the last page of Dirty Exes!  I’m happy to say that I loved this book just as much as the first! Revenge, lust, friendship and romance filled this story along with my favorite thing of all, enemies to lovers.  So if you’re a fan of romance stories that have love to hate in the pages, then you definitely have to pick this one up.

“You’re a good kisser, Isla.” He tilted my chin toward him. “But it’s not enough— I will shut you down, that I promise.”
He walked off leaving me hot, breathless, and pissed.
I opened my car door and tossed my purse in the opposite seat, then pressed my fingertips against my lips and cursed the universe for doing the impossible. Making me feel alive again— by way of my enemy.

If you haven’t read Dirty Exes yet, I highly recommend you do (here’s my review).  Everything started in that book and it continued to play out in this one.  So going into this story, I already liked Isla Turner and Jessie Beckett.  Towards the end of Dirty Exes they were slowly becoming friends and there was even chemistry between them, but that all changed.  Jessie’s life went up in smoke and he set his sights to destroy Isla’s PI business. Just like she destroyed his life.

I hated his smirk more than I hated his body.
Because it made me react.
Hell, everything he did made me react and want to seek vengeance with a fiery purpose on his damned soul.

I couldn’t help but laugh when Jessie showed up wherever Isla was.  He infiltrated her life and it started to drive her crazy. But when a kiss happened between them and it became public, because of Jessie’s high profile life, things shifted.  Jessie was still trying to accomplish his goal, Isla was fighting back, yet now there were kisses and touches between them.  I loved how they toyed with each.  I loved the games they played. But I loved the passion between them the most.  It was crazy addicting and created so many explosive scenes bursting with sexual tension.  

She grinned excitedly, then took a deep sip and moaned as she closed her eyes. “You know me well.”
I’m sure she didn’t mean to say it.
Just like my heart didn’t mean to react to the words.
My body felt warm all over as her eyes met mine.
I cleared my throat and looked away while she returned her attention to the game.

No matter how hard Jessie wanted to hate Isla, he couldn’t ignore what was between them.  And Isla couldn’t deny that she was attracted to Jessie and that he made her feel things. Oh I loved the both of them so much!  Jessie was seductive and controlling, yet he showed us more  sides of him. We learned his deepest, darkest secrets and it made me fall for him that much harder.  Isla was also controlling but she had this energy to her that was addictive. She probably got it from her great aunt, Goo-Pah.  That woman was hilarious and she made me laugh so hard I cried.

Maybe my view of perfection was wrong— had been wrong all along.
It wasn’t the perfect house.
The perfect wife.
It wasn’t the perfect life or career.
It was moments like this, with a woman I would never understand or deserve, lying on my lap asleep, and me wishing I could hold on to the seconds a little bit longer.

Desire and lust swirled between Jessie and Isla anytime they were near each other.  With emotions and feelings mixing into the moments too, I was obsessed. And you couldn’t tear me away from this book!  If it’s not completely obvious, I absolutely loved this book and that ending! I’ve realized that every single time I pick up a book by Rachel Van Dyken my spirits are always lifted.  Her stories are feel good, heartfelt and continually make me smile and laugh. So I can’t wait to read whatever Rachel Van Dyken publishes next!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher, Skyscape. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Our Most Anticipated Releases For November

We love talking about books that we can’t wait to read! And that includes the ones that haven’t been released yet. So around the first day of every month, we’ll share with you the books coming out that we’re the most excited about. There’s a link to Goodreads in case you want to add them to your tbr too! So here are the books we are counting down until they are released in November.

 

Releases 11/06 – Archenemies (Renegades #2) by Marissa Meyer

GoodreadsAmazon

The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times-bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.

Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other’s worst nightmare.

Nova’s double life is about to get a lot more complicated:

As Insomnia, she is a full-fledged member of the Renegades, a syndicate of powerful and beloved superheroes. She works with Adrian’s patrol unit to protect the weak and maintain order in Gatlon City.

As Nightmare, she is an Anarchist – a group of of villains who are determined to destroy the Renegades. Nova wants vengeance against the so-called heroes who once failed her when she needed them most.

But as Nova, her feelings for Adrian are deepening, despite the fact that he is the son of her sworn enemies and, unbeknownst to Nova, he has some dangerous secrets of his own.

In this second installment of the Renegades trilogy, Nova, Adrian, and the rest of their crew – Ruby, Oscar, and Danna — are faced with escalating crime in Gatlon City, while covert weapons and conflicting missions have Nova and Adrian questioning not only their beliefs about justice, but also the feelings they have for each other.

The line between good and evil has been blurred, but what’s clear to them both is that too much power could mean the end of their city – and the world – as they know it.

 

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Releases 11/08 – Lie (Foolish Kingdoms #3) by Natalia Jaster

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Once upon a time, there lived a liar…

 
In the Kingdom of Autumn, Aspen is a girl of the trees. 
She’s a girl who knows her way around a falsehood. 
She’s the artful liar who steals from the Crown. 
 
Once upon a time, there lived a knight…

 
In the shadows of a castle, Aire is a man of the wind. 
He’s a man who sees through Aspen’s treachery. 
He’s the relentless knight who pursues her. 
 
Once upon a time, there lived two enemies…
 
 
In a fairytale woodland, a pair of mismatched souls are thrown together—only to find an unexpected bond.

Both deceitful and passionate.
 
Lie is the third book in the Foolish Kingdoms fantasy series by Natalia Jaster. If you like snarky heroines, sexy heroes, and slow-burn romance, this fierce retelling of Pinocchio will captivate you.

 
 
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Releases 11/27 – You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie Marts

GoodreadsAmazon

This cowboy is falling hard

Mason James is the responsible one who stayed behind to run the ranch while his brother, Rock, took off to play professional hockey. Women have used him before to get to his brother—and Mason intends never to get burned again. But after he meets quirky Tessa Kane at his brother’s wedding, Mason discovers he’s ready to take a chance on love.

Tessa Kane is a reporter on the verge of losing a job she desperately needs—unless she’s clever enough to snag a story on the famous Rockford James. But when she falls for her subject’s brother, she’s caught between a rock and a hard-muscled cowboy. What will happen when Mason finds out who she really is?

 
 
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So these are the books we can’t wait to be released this month! Are you excited about any of these releases too? Or is there a book we missed that we should definitely check out? Let us know. ♥

Monthly Wrap-Up – October

 

During our Monthly Wrap-Up, we’ll take a look at what has happened around here in the last month. That’ll include what’s happened in my life, what the four of us have read, any other posts we may have had, giveaways still going on, our most popular Instagram posts, and books that I’ve added to my ever-growing TBR.

*We linked this post to the October Monthly Wrap-Up Round-Up Link-Up at Feed Your Fiction Addiction*

♥ Enjoy!

Jen’s Life:

Some of my highlights from October were –

We went to Disneyland for fall break!  It was the first time my two little boys had ever been to Disneyland and we also went with my Mom and Aunt.  It was the most amazing time ever and I’m already counting down until our next time.  We spent a full day at Disneyland.  Then the next day at Disneyland California Adventure Park and then the third day going back on all of our favorite rides at both parks.  It was the perfect amount of time and I still can’t believe how much we walked….close to 10 miles each day.  Here’s a hilarious picture of us on Splash Mountain here and here’s one of us after we ate at Flo’s Cafe (Cars Land) here.
We saw the Blue Angels perform and they were breathtaking!  My two little boys even got to meet all of the pilots after the show and get their autographs.  I’m so beyond thankful for that day!
Halloween!  I adore everything Halloween!  Usually we dress up as a family every year.  You can see our costumes from last year here.  But this year I was sick, so only my kiddos dressed up.  My boys dressed up as Mario from Mario Brothers.  Yes, they were both Mario, there was not a Luigi lol.  And my four legged kiddos dressed up as Superdog and Hotdog.  You can see my little doggies picture here.

 

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What Arielle, Cassie, Chelsea & Jen Read:

5 Stars:
Dirty Exes (Liars, Inc. #1) by Rachel Van Dyken
Strange the Dreamer (Strange the Dreamer #1) by Laini Taylor
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne
Empire of Storms (Throne of Glass #5) by Sarah J Maas
Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J Maas
Oblivion (Lux #1.5) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
My Favorite Half-Night Stand by Christina Lauren
The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray
The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray

4 Stars:
Josh and Hazel’s Guide to Not Dating by Christina Lauren
If the Summer Lasted Forever by Shari L. Tapscott
The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder by Cookie O’Gorman

3 Stars:
Losing the Field (The Field Party #4) by Abbi Glines

 

 

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Our Favorite Books of the Month:

 The Darkest Star (Origin #1) by Jennifer L. Armentrout (Jen’s Choice)
You guys, Luc was the ultimate book boyfriend.  While I never ever thought I would say this, because Daemon has been my #1 bbf for the last four years, Luc not only challenged him but he has grabbed first place.  I feel so disloyal saying that, but Luc was beyond amazing. And I can see countless others falling for his charm too.

 

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Tower of Dawn (Throne of Glass #6) by Sarah J Maas (Arielle’s Choice)
Basically this book was just…soo good. All of the new things we learned too. You CAN’T skip this. No way. Like I got to the end and all I could think about was how much Maas has grown as a writer. There was nothing about this book that I didn’t like. And I loved what she added to the overall scheme of how the war will play out too, omg.

 

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99 Percent Mine by Sally Thorne (Cassie’s Choice)
All hail Sally Thorne! She, along with Marianne Zapata, have made me come to appreciate well-written modern romances. For a girl that loves her dystopian and thrillers, this is a big switch in my normal reading habits. I was gifted “The Hating Game” by Chelsea for Valentine’s Day and I absolutely loved it. So much that I’ve read it a few times now. So when I found out Sally had another book coming out, I had to get my hands on it.

 

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 Lair of Dreams (The Diviners #2) by Libba Bray (Chelsea’s Choice)
Annnnnd the hype is officially real. It’s not often I love a book as much as I did the first, but, here, I was a goner. At the beginning I was like eh, okay, LET’S GET TO SAM AND EVIE AND JERICHO AND WHAT’S UP WITH THAT DRAMA AGHHH BRING IT ON. But then, as the story progressed, I just…I died a little. All of a sudden I didn’t want to rush through everything (well…maybe the scary-more on that later) and I cared so deeply about dear Henry and even Ling, that you couldn’t pay me to put it down.
**Runner Up** – The Diviners (The Diviners #1) by Libba Bray

 

 

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Other Posts:

Our Most Anticipated Releases For October
TOP TEN TUESDAY: Authors We’d Love to Meet

 

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Giveaways:

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

 

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Instagram:

We thought it would be fun to share Chelsea, Arielle & Jen’s most popular posts for October. And they ar….

 
 
 
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A post shared by Star-Crossed Book Blog (@starcrossedbookblog) on

 
 
 
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Books Added To Jen’s TBR This Month:

I just keep adding books to my tbr lol…..


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So that was our October. Did you read any of the same books that we did? Or share the same favorite book as us? If not, then what was your favorite book? Or have you read any of the books I just added to my TBR?

Here’s hoping you all had a wonderful October too. And cheers to November being fabulous for all of us!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina Bauer

If you enjoy paranormal romance that has humor, a snarky heroine, a wonderful hero and two fabulous best friends then definitely check out my 4 Star Review below and enter a wonderful giveaway! Enjoy!

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: Shifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2) by Christina BauerShifters and Glyphs (Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #2)
by Christina Bauer
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

After being raised by the meanest fairies in the history of ever, Bryar Rose is now free to live her own life. For the first time, she’s attending West Lake Prep, a regular high school. Well, mostly regular. Some students are actually hidden members of the Magicorum. In other words, they’re really wizards, fairies, or shifters. Bry doesn’t mind, though. She’s thrilled to enjoy all the new experiences of being around normal kids her age, from locker pranks to lunchtime mystery meat. Everything is going along great, except for one thing.

Bry’s dreams about the pyramids of Egypt have gotten darker and more sinister. Every night, she sees her new man Knox and her best friend Elle in danger.

With no other choice, Bry plans to leave school to explore the pyramids on her own. But her new man Knox discovers the scheme and is having none of it. He wants to stay by her side, no matter what. It’s a good thing too, because Bry must solve the mystery of her attraction to the pyramids and soon. Otherwise, it could cost the lives of those she loves most.

And that means not only Knox, but also her best friend Elle.

Review:

Shifters and Glyphs was an action packed adventure that was filled with friendship, laughter and love.  If you’re not familiar with this series, you definitely need to start out with the first book Wolves and Roses.  You can read my review of that book here.  Each book flowed into the next and the storytelling was very creative.  The characters were living out their lives according to their fairy tale theme and it was a mix of shifters, wizards, fairies and other creatures too.  So if you adore paranormal romance, definitely check this series out.

Knox gently rests his palm against my cheek. “I’m not leaving you. I’m not losing you.” All the intensity in the world shines in his ice-blue eyes.

If it’s been a while since you have read Wolves and Roses, this book catches you up and then some.  I felt like I easily stepped back into this world and it contained all of the knowledge from the previous book.  Life has changed so much since we first met them. Bryar and her best friend Elle were getting ready to start their senior year in a school for magical beings.  Knox became Byrar’s mate and while it seemed like there were feelings between their two best friends, Alec and Elle, they still claim to be just friends and I loved that they play video games together lol.  I loved their little group of four, they were as thick as thieves and I couldn’t wait to see what awaited them!

Leaning in, Knox brushes the barest kiss across my lips. “You’re my mate, Bry. My life. My soul. I love you.”

As more pieces of the puzzle started to fit together it became easier to see the bigger picture.  While I guessed how a lot of things played out, I was shocked by the hugest twist of all. I definitely didn’t see that one coming!  And it was so much fun getting answers to so many answers of the questions I had.  Even some that have been lingering from book one!  The only thing I missed was hearing Knox’s pov.  I loved listening to his chapters in the first book, he was beyond intoxicating, and I was secretly wishing to hear his voice again.  If there’s ever a novella released in his voice I’d completely devour it!  So if you enjoy paranormal romance that has silly humor, a snarky heroine, a wonderful hero and two fabulous best friends then definitely check this one out!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the Monster House Books, LLC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

 

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

Reading Order & Links:


Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #)


Wolves and Roses #1
Review:

Jen

Moonlight and Midtown #2
Review:

Jen


Shifters and Glyphs #3
Review:

Jen

About Christina Bauer:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.

Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

Blog / Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn

 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

♥ You can follow the tour by clicking here. ♥

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BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. Maas

BOOK REVIEW: Kingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7) by Sarah J. MaasKingdom of Ash (Throne of Glass #7)
by Sarah J. Maas
Purchase on: AmazoniBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Years in the making, Sarah J. Maas’s #1 New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series draws to an epic, unforgettable conclusion. Aelin Galathynius’s journey from slave to king’s assassin to the queen of a once-great kingdom reaches its heart-rending finale as war erupts across her world. . .

Aelin has risked everything to save her people―but at a tremendous cost. Locked within an iron coffin by the Queen of the Fae, Aelin must draw upon her fiery will as she endures months of torture. Aware that yielding to Maeve will doom those she loves keeps her from breaking, though her resolve begins to unravel with each passing day…

With Aelin captured, Aedion and Lysandra remain the last line of defense to protect Terrasen from utter destruction. Yet they soon realize that the many allies they’ve gathered to battle Erawan’s hordes might not be enough to save them. Scattered across the continent and racing against time, Chaol, Manon, and Dorian are forced to forge their own paths to meet their fates. Hanging in the balance is any hope of salvation―and a better world.

And across the sea, his companions unwavering beside him, Rowan hunts to find his captured wife and queen―before she is lost to him forever.

As the threads of fate weave together at last, all must fight, if they are to have a chance at a future. Some bonds will grow even deeper, while others will be severed forever in the explosive final chapter of the Throne of Glass series.

Review:

Once upon a time, in a land long since burned to ash, there lived a young princess who loved her kingdom …

Honestly this might be one of the hardest reviews that I have ever tried to write and that’s only because I want to be able to perfectly communicate what this series has meant to me..how it has impacted my very soul…and I just don’t think my words can ever fully do it justice. But that’s all right, I know that most of you will understand.

“I obey no man,” she snarled. 

While Tamora Pierce was the one who got me started on YA, Sarah J Maas is the REASON I read YA. My first few reviews of her books usually started out something like, “She isn’t the best writer that I’ve ever read, but her books have made me feel things that no other book/ author have.” Fast forward several years and I now think…you know, just because someone’s writing isn’t lyrical or on par with the classics, it doesn’t mean they aren’t the best writer you’ve ever read. For me, I treasure ANY book that makes me feel even a fraction of what these, what all of her books, have made me feel. I swear to God I spent this entire book crying, laughing, heart racing, scared out of my wits, clutching my heart or throat because I was damn invested in what I might find on the next page. If some evil person were to tell me that I was only able to read one author’s books for the rest of my life, it would be hers.

Who do you wish to be? 
“Someone worthy of my friends,” he said into the quiet night. “A king worthy of his kingdom.” For a heartbeat, snow-white hair and golden eyes flashed into his mind. “Happy,” he whispered, and wrapped a hand around Damaris’s hilt.

I guess I should probably start this review with the characters, huh? Can I just say how PROUD I am of all of these characters?! Oh my GOSH when I think about how each and every one of them started from the first page we met them to their last page…I can’t even express the amount of growth that every. single. one. of them went through. I sobbed my way through that last scene when Aelin, Dorian, and Chaol were saying their goodbyes and she told them she loved them. They began as a haunted, swaggering assassin, a fickle, devil-may-care prince, and a everything-has-to-be-the-book captain of the guard to….well you’ll just have to read until the end to find out, now won’t you? 🙂

Even all of the secondary characters will forever hold a very special place inside my heart. I am SO glad that Tower of Dawn became a full length novel so we were able to meet and fall in love with Yrene, Sartaq, Borte, and crew. I MEAN YRENE TOWERS/WESTFALL PEOPLE??!?!?!? I feel like I don’t need to say more about that incredible woman. Her and Chaol are marriage goals x1000000.

Speaking of couples, I ship them all. Every single one of the lovesick fools. View Spoiler ». It’s funny…my heart was initially SHATTERED when my Chaolaena ship sank. Not looking back, all I can do is laugh. Rowan is so ~it~ for Aelin. He is her equal in every. single. way. I feel like I don’t even really need to get into why they’re perfect for each other because it just all makes sense.

Be the bridge, be the light. When iron melts, when flowers spring from fields of blood—let the land be witness, and return home

What else? 

Battles: Hmm..well..can we talk about how intense the battle scenes were in this book. Like they were on a J. R. R. Tolkien level with the Battle of Helms Deep/ the last battle in Return of the King. I get shivers just thinking about them. Also….also. View Spoiler »

Gods: screw ‘em. View Spoiler »

Loose ends: allllllllll tied up, mostly. The only thing that I thought was going to be more important was finding out who the owl was that Maeve keeps as her personal healer. I was CONVINCED that it was going to be someone important but…whatever. Other than that every single thread was tied up neatly. I am fully satisfied.

Final thoughts: Fireheart, I couldn’t be more proud of the character you became. You will be a beacon of hope and courage for me for the rest of my life. I hope that someday I can share your story with my own daughter and that she will grow up brave and strong and knowing that her heart will always lead her home.

Sarah, thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for this story. I will treasure it forever.

My name is Aelin Ashryver Galathynius, and I will not be afraid. I will not be afraid. I will not be afraid. 

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