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Dads of Stillwater #4
Heartstring
Mik
If I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.
Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.
I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.
Tyler
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
Mik broke a promise a long time ago.
What he doesn’t know is that he also broke my heart.
I won’t be fooled or charmed again because his promises aren’t worth the sheet music they’re written on.
His all too-resourceful teenage daughter’s skills at matchmaking may be charming, but I’m not ready to forgive or forget.
Heartstring is book 4 in Ana Ashley’s series, Dads of Stillwater. This story contains two older guys who were always destined for each other, a know-it-all teenager, and a Labrador with short-term memory loss. Plus the usual hearts and all the small town romance you’d expect from Ana Ashley.
If I had a dollar for every mistake I made… But there’s only one mistake I regret.
Breaking my promise to the only person who ever understood my need to get away from a future I didn’t want…Tyler.
I’ve reached many hearts through my music, but the only one I’ve ever wanted might be lost to me forever.
Tyler
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice…
Mik broke a promise a long time ago.
What he doesn’t know is that he also broke my heart.
I won’t be fooled or charmed again because his promises aren’t worth the sheet music they’re written on.
His all too-resourceful teenage daughter’s skills at matchmaking may be charming, but I’m not ready to forgive or forget.
Heartstring is book 4 in Ana Ashley’s series, Dads of Stillwater. This story contains two older guys who were always destined for each other, a know-it-all teenager, and a Labrador with short-term memory loss. Plus the usual hearts and all the small town romance you’d expect from Ana Ashley.
360 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2023
63 people are currently reading
183 people want to read
About the author
Ana Ashley
70 books767 followersMeet Ana Ashley, your friendly neighborhood romance author!
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
Ana has been lost in the pages of books for as long as she can remember, taking a few amusing missteps with her childhood writing attempts. But everything changed when she discovered the magical world of LGBTQ+ romance—cue the confetti!
Ana's books offer sweet and sexy romance with a charming mix of humor and heart. Getting her guys together wouldn't be the same without the meddling but well-intentioned cast of secondary characters, who always insist on having their own story.
When she’s not crafting heartfelt tales, you can find her indulging in her favorite pastime of baking delicious treats, enjoying quality time with friends, or staying up late immersed in the pages of a good book.
You can find out more about Ana and her works-in-progress by joining her Newsletter. To sign up visit Ana's website anawritesmm.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 4, 2023
Anche questo libro, come gli altri, è molto carino.
Tyler è Mik, i due protagonisti, si conoscono da quando erano adolescenti e fin da subito si crea tra loro un forte legame, grazie sopratutto alla passione per la musica, che da amicizia si trasforma in amore. Purtroppo, a causa del padre di Mik, i due sono costretti a separarsi e intraprendere strade diverse, fino al giorno in cui Mik deciderà di trasferirsi a Stillwater insieme alla figlia, stessa cittadina in cui Tyler vive ormai da qualche anno.
Lettura non impegnativa, dialoghi carini, un libro che ti permette di trascorrere qualche ora in modo piacevole.
L’unica pecca delle serie come questa è che, quando un libro viene pubblicato a distanza di tempo dall’altro, fai un po’ fatica a ricordare gli altri personaggi e ad inquadrare la storia.
Tyler è Mik, i due protagonisti, si conoscono da quando erano adolescenti e fin da subito si crea tra loro un forte legame, grazie sopratutto alla passione per la musica, che da amicizia si trasforma in amore. Purtroppo, a causa del padre di Mik, i due sono costretti a separarsi e intraprendere strade diverse, fino al giorno in cui Mik deciderà di trasferirsi a Stillwater insieme alla figlia, stessa cittadina in cui Tyler vive ormai da qualche anno.
Lettura non impegnativa, dialoghi carini, un libro che ti permette di trascorrere qualche ora in modo piacevole.
L’unica pecca delle serie come questa è che, quando un libro viene pubblicato a distanza di tempo dall’altro, fai un po’ fatica a ricordare gli altri personaggi e ad inquadrare la storia.
May 23, 2023
Voto: 4.5
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Quarto volume della serie “I papà di Stillwater” di Ana Ashley, “Sentimenti” racconta la storia di Tyler, un personaggio apparso spesso nei volumi precedenti che mi aveva incuriosito molto per il mistero che lo ha sempre caratterizzato.
Immaginavo potesse essere una storia legata allo sconosciuto che ha acquistato il parco e ha aiutato la città in “La svolta”, ma non immaginavo potesse essere così complessa.
Continua sul nostro blog!
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
Quarto volume della serie “I papà di Stillwater” di Ana Ashley, “Sentimenti” racconta la storia di Tyler, un personaggio apparso spesso nei volumi precedenti che mi aveva incuriosito molto per il mistero che lo ha sempre caratterizzato.
Immaginavo potesse essere una storia legata allo sconosciuto che ha acquistato il parco e ha aiutato la città in “La svolta”, ma non immaginavo potesse essere così complessa.
Continua sul nostro blog!
October 6, 2024
Mik et Tyler avec un Culomètre à 🍑 (🍆)
Autant j’ai été emballé par la romance entre deux hommes de 45 ans, dont l’un est célibataire (rien de mieux que des quadragénaires en protagonistes, on ne le dit jamais assez), autant l’autre est veuf et les chapitres alternent entre passé et présent, et, mon dieu, que je n’aime pas ça ! Au final, plus de peur que de mal, ce fut une très bonne lecture comme chacun des livres de l’autrice !
Après plusieurs années de tournée avec son groupe de rock, Mik décide de se poser dans la petite ville de Stillwater avec sa fille de 14 ans. Mais cela se corse quand il va tomber nez à nez avec son premier amour et l’homme qui lui a brisé le cœur, Tyler.
Quoi de mieux qu’un bon quiproquo entre jeunes adultes de 20 ans pour créer une séparation déchirante de plus de 25 ans sur des non-dits ??? Une mécanique assez courante dans les romances qui a tendance à me plaire assez personnellement.
Leurs retrouvailles montrent que le désir est encore très présent malgré les torts des deux côtés et on comprend, au fil des flash-backs, ce qui s’est passé pour arriver à une telle situation. J’ai eu peur que le deuil de Tyler n’interfère beaucoup trop dans la romance, ce qui peut arriver dans ce genre de situation, mais ce ne fut pas le cas.
L’autrice donne le temps aux personnages de se remettre de leurs émotions, de faire la part des choses pour ensuite les rapprocher. Ce n’est pas un tome trop long pour que la situation ne tire en longueur, mais assez pour que ce soit crédible.
Par contre, j’ai trouvé la fin un peu brouillonne dans les explications finales. Pour des hommes de plus de quarante ans, la communication n’était pas au rendez-vous. Puis, certaines réactions ne cadrent pas avec la maturité mise en place par l’autrice. Oui, c’est assez cliché dans ce genre de situations, mais dans ce cas-là, ça donne un côté trop redondant !
Bref, c’était une romance assez sympathique, comme tout le reste de sa saga !
Autant j’ai été emballé par la romance entre deux hommes de 45 ans, dont l’un est célibataire (rien de mieux que des quadragénaires en protagonistes, on ne le dit jamais assez), autant l’autre est veuf et les chapitres alternent entre passé et présent, et, mon dieu, que je n’aime pas ça ! Au final, plus de peur que de mal, ce fut une très bonne lecture comme chacun des livres de l’autrice !
Après plusieurs années de tournée avec son groupe de rock, Mik décide de se poser dans la petite ville de Stillwater avec sa fille de 14 ans. Mais cela se corse quand il va tomber nez à nez avec son premier amour et l’homme qui lui a brisé le cœur, Tyler.
Quoi de mieux qu’un bon quiproquo entre jeunes adultes de 20 ans pour créer une séparation déchirante de plus de 25 ans sur des non-dits ??? Une mécanique assez courante dans les romances qui a tendance à me plaire assez personnellement.
Leurs retrouvailles montrent que le désir est encore très présent malgré les torts des deux côtés et on comprend, au fil des flash-backs, ce qui s’est passé pour arriver à une telle situation. J’ai eu peur que le deuil de Tyler n’interfère beaucoup trop dans la romance, ce qui peut arriver dans ce genre de situation, mais ce ne fut pas le cas.
L’autrice donne le temps aux personnages de se remettre de leurs émotions, de faire la part des choses pour ensuite les rapprocher. Ce n’est pas un tome trop long pour que la situation ne tire en longueur, mais assez pour que ce soit crédible.
Par contre, j’ai trouvé la fin un peu brouillonne dans les explications finales. Pour des hommes de plus de quarante ans, la communication n’était pas au rendez-vous. Puis, certaines réactions ne cadrent pas avec la maturité mise en place par l’autrice. Oui, c’est assez cliché dans ce genre de situations, mais dans ce cas-là, ça donne un côté trop redondant !
Bref, c’était une romance assez sympathique, comme tout le reste de sa saga !
March 12, 2023
I love these second chance love books with mature MC's
Ana Ashley's books are always very sweet and this book follows the same line, Mik and Tyler are best friends since childhood, they move on to boyfriends until by third party influence cease to be. Twenty-five years later and they meet again in Stillwater where Tyler lives and where Mik will take refuge during tours of his rock band.
The meeting between the two is inevitable and anything can happen.
I loved the book and now I'm going to have to read the previous
Highly recommended
Ana Ashley's books are always very sweet and this book follows the same line, Mik and Tyler are best friends since childhood, they move on to boyfriends until by third party influence cease to be. Twenty-five years later and they meet again in Stillwater where Tyler lives and where Mik will take refuge during tours of his rock band.
The meeting between the two is inevitable and anything can happen.
I loved the book and now I'm going to have to read the previous
Highly recommended
March 4, 2023
What a journey Mik and Tyler have to negotiate before they get their HEA which is 25 years in the making. From being best friends to boyfriends in their teens to thinking they’ll never see each other again. The reason why Tyler couldn’t see Mika again made me heart sore and spitting mad!
Fortunately circumstances have them reconnecting in the small town of Stillwater. After a couple of false starts that involve heated kisses, they get their act together with more heated kisses leading to plenty of steamy times.
This book gave me plenty of feels along the way but had me so happy for these wonderful men at the end. It’s a very enjoyable and engaging read with mature aged main characters and a great cast of side characters to keep things interesting and a very adorkable dog with a sock fetish!
Fortunately circumstances have them reconnecting in the small town of Stillwater. After a couple of false starts that involve heated kisses, they get their act together with more heated kisses leading to plenty of steamy times.
This book gave me plenty of feels along the way but had me so happy for these wonderful men at the end. It’s a very enjoyable and engaging read with mature aged main characters and a great cast of side characters to keep things interesting and a very adorkable dog with a sock fetish!
March 12, 2023
This was so great!
This second chance story was amazing! I loved both Mik and Tyler. They have history and a lifetime of baggage, but their love is so strong and deep inside them, as soon as they find themselves in the same town, even after 25 years of not talking to each other, they are instantly transported back to the magic they were together.
I loved the side characters, both the old and new ones. A special mention to Mike’s teenage daughter Kay and Tyler’s adorkable dog, Stan.
This second chance story was amazing! I loved both Mik and Tyler. They have history and a lifetime of baggage, but their love is so strong and deep inside them, as soon as they find themselves in the same town, even after 25 years of not talking to each other, they are instantly transported back to the magic they were together.
I loved the side characters, both the old and new ones. A special mention to Mike’s teenage daughter Kay and Tyler’s adorkable dog, Stan.
March 11, 2023
An entertaining read that started out strong. I adored the majority of the cast of characters and Tyler and his dog deserve the 4 stars on their own.
Big gestures, a ton of baggage and hurt feelings but a HEA worth holding out for
Big gestures, a ton of baggage and hurt feelings but a HEA worth holding out for
March 6, 2023
Mature characters, second chance love, soulmates.
After years apart due to reasons which will make you mad, Mik and Tyler end up again together.
With sneaky kisses in the rain to drama, this book is an enjoyable read!
After years apart due to reasons which will make you mad, Mik and Tyler end up again together.
With sneaky kisses in the rain to drama, this book is an enjoyable read!
March 17, 2023
Good Story
This one wasn't my favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it. It just took me a little bit to get into.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This one wasn't my favorite of the series but I still enjoyed it. It just took me a little bit to get into.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
March 13, 2023
Heartstring by Ana Ashley is the 4th book in her Dads of Stillwater series. The previous books are intertwined with this one so you may want to read them first. This one is a wonderful and sometimes heartbreaking story of two men who met when they were teenagers and bonded over their music. Mik grew up in a well to do family but there was little love from his mother and especially his father. Tyler was a foster kid who finally found a man who wanted to adopt him. They met at school when they both joined the Music Club. Their affection for each other just grew from there and they thought they would be together forever. Then real life intervened and through a series of unfortunate events they had to separate and while the reason was unclear to Mik, it was one Tyler had to take. Mik got into a band that became rockstars. He also found out he fathered a child and was happy to raise Kay by himself, even though he kept her existence a secret. After 14 years he wanted to give her a more normal existence so he moved to Stillwater. Tyler had married but it came to an end and he wanted something different so he moved to Stillwater and opened soup kitchen. It is there that he sees Mik who had wandered in to find shelter from a heavy rainstorm. At first he doesn’t want anything to do with him but their love had never gone away. They fight it but they can’t resist each other. The story continues from there through some ups and downs and bumps in the road as they finally find a way to reconnect and find their happy ending. I loved this book as I have the others in the series. Ms. Ashley has created wonderful characters and woven their story going back and forth from a then and now perspective. There was a lot of misunderstandings about events that happened to both of them that took 25 years to resolve and they both went through a lot of heartache and happiness. The side characters were also helpful in talking things through with them, especially Tyler’s brother-in-law Seymour and his friends as well as Mik’s bandmates. Mik’s daughter and Tyler’s dog, Stan, also played an important part in the story. There were many hot love scenes and an ending that left me crying with happiness. I highly recommend this book as Ms. Ashley has written a story about love and loss and then rekindling that love that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.
March 14, 2023
Heartstring is a wonderful second chance romance for childhood sweethearts, Mik and Tyler. Fans of the series know Tyler as the guy who runs the soup kitchen in Stillwater who very much deserves this story with the loss he has experienced in the past twenty five years, starting with having to say goodbye to Mik and, four years ago, losing his husband to cancer. Mik is in Stillwater looking for a home for him and his teenage daughter, Kayleigh, who has basically grown up touring with his band, Hall of Fame.
It's quite the shock to both men when they run into each other but instantly you can feel that connection that they shared is still there, though a bit battered and bruised because of how and why things ended. Tyler has been grieving and focusing on helping others but being with Mik is totally for himself and like having his heart made whole again. Mik never understood why things ended between them so seeing Tyler again offers the chance for answers but also to see if they can have what they always dreamed of when they were teenagers. I had to chuckle at the circumstances that Mik comes into Tyler's world, from his description he must have passed for quite an unkempt looking man.
Kayleigh is lovely. I feel for her having to live a certain way but can understand the safety that Mik is trying to provide by keeping her out of the spotlight and Stillwater is their chance to try and have a "normal" home life. Mike's band mates are a lot of fun and a huge part of his and Kay's lives. I truly hope that they all get their own stories in the future, maybe a new series! Then it's great to meet up with some of the men we've already met in this series. They're such a great group of people, very community orientated and caring towards each other.
Another wonderful romance from Ana Ashley with easily lovable characters (Stan is a stand out for me!) and it includes several of my favourite tropes - single dad, best friends to lovers, hurt comfort, found family.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
It's quite the shock to both men when they run into each other but instantly you can feel that connection that they shared is still there, though a bit battered and bruised because of how and why things ended. Tyler has been grieving and focusing on helping others but being with Mik is totally for himself and like having his heart made whole again. Mik never understood why things ended between them so seeing Tyler again offers the chance for answers but also to see if they can have what they always dreamed of when they were teenagers. I had to chuckle at the circumstances that Mik comes into Tyler's world, from his description he must have passed for quite an unkempt looking man.
Kayleigh is lovely. I feel for her having to live a certain way but can understand the safety that Mik is trying to provide by keeping her out of the spotlight and Stillwater is their chance to try and have a "normal" home life. Mike's band mates are a lot of fun and a huge part of his and Kay's lives. I truly hope that they all get their own stories in the future, maybe a new series! Then it's great to meet up with some of the men we've already met in this series. They're such a great group of people, very community orientated and caring towards each other.
Another wonderful romance from Ana Ashley with easily lovable characters (Stan is a stand out for me!) and it includes several of my favourite tropes - single dad, best friends to lovers, hurt comfort, found family.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
March 15, 2023
This was my first novel by Ms. Ashley, and I look forward to reading more of her work. Her book was well-written, and the main characters were compelling. This is part of the Dads of Stillwater series, but I had no issues reading this as a standalone.
The book alternates between past and present, which is not always a favorite of mine. In this case, it was necessary to fully understand the present-day mindset of the two MCs. Tyler was dealt a bad hand most of his life but still soldiers on. Losing several of the most important people has definitely shaped him into a compassionate but very careful man. He helps fund a soup kitchen and is devoted to his work.
One of my favorite characters was Seymour, who is Tyler’s brother-in-law and good friend. Seymour resembles Tyler’s late husband, Porter, and this has caused him to distance himself with his grief. Seymour is a force to be reckoned with and practically moves into Tyler’s home to renew their friendship. The dynamics between the men were beyond funny and adorable.
Mik is the one that Tyler never forgot. I won’t go into details, but the two have wrong ideas about why they parted ways decades ago. Mik is a Thor-like rocker that shelters his young daughter Kay from the limelight. When he accidentally bumps into Tyler, all his old feelings come bubbling to the surface along with the hurt.
I loved watching the two figure out the past and attempt to move forward. Life is even more complicated than before. Mik is a superstar with a daughter he fiercely protects. Tyler is comfortable just existing alone. Kay is a 14-year-old force of light with wisdom beyond her years, and she added a great deal to the book. Mix in a very unique brother-in-law along with a dog that has a serious sock fetish, and the fun begins. I absolutely recommend this book and plan on reading more of this series. Happy reading!
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
The book alternates between past and present, which is not always a favorite of mine. In this case, it was necessary to fully understand the present-day mindset of the two MCs. Tyler was dealt a bad hand most of his life but still soldiers on. Losing several of the most important people has definitely shaped him into a compassionate but very careful man. He helps fund a soup kitchen and is devoted to his work.
One of my favorite characters was Seymour, who is Tyler’s brother-in-law and good friend. Seymour resembles Tyler’s late husband, Porter, and this has caused him to distance himself with his grief. Seymour is a force to be reckoned with and practically moves into Tyler’s home to renew their friendship. The dynamics between the men were beyond funny and adorable.
Mik is the one that Tyler never forgot. I won’t go into details, but the two have wrong ideas about why they parted ways decades ago. Mik is a Thor-like rocker that shelters his young daughter Kay from the limelight. When he accidentally bumps into Tyler, all his old feelings come bubbling to the surface along with the hurt.
I loved watching the two figure out the past and attempt to move forward. Life is even more complicated than before. Mik is a superstar with a daughter he fiercely protects. Tyler is comfortable just existing alone. Kay is a 14-year-old force of light with wisdom beyond her years, and she added a great deal to the book. Mix in a very unique brother-in-law along with a dog that has a serious sock fetish, and the fun begins. I absolutely recommend this book and plan on reading more of this series. Happy reading!
* * Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement * *
March 17, 2023
4.25 stars. Tyler is a widower after his husband Porter died four years ago. He’s running the soup kitchen for the homeless and poor of Stillwater, and… he’s a successful songwriter.
Mik and his teenage daughter Kayleigh, are settling in Stillwater. Mik is famous, playing lead guitar and vocals in a rock band. After twenty-five years of success, it’s time to settle down, it’s what is best for his daughter.
They were best friends, Mik and Tyler, sharing the love of music, then became lovers, with a forever promise. Until something happened.
Alternating back and forwards with the story, we get to know what did happen, it was quite devastating.
My heart cracked knowing the details.
These boys needed each other, were in love, and made plans until it all shattered.
Even though they found each other again after all these years, that didn’t automatically mean they could be together. While there is still so much love between them, there are still some issues to overcome.
Music combines, music is about feelings, music opens up your soul, I loved it so much how music was important in their journey.
Mik and Ty are kind, mature, and lovable characters, Mik’s daughter is a sweet addition to the story.
The buildup was slow, for me a bit too slow, but in this frame, I have to admit, it was how it should be. There’s enough space made in this story to meet friends and family, and understand the work of both men.
Overall a beautifully written, emotional story, where I got regularly goosebumps, I’m so happy with their hea.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
Mik and his teenage daughter Kayleigh, are settling in Stillwater. Mik is famous, playing lead guitar and vocals in a rock band. After twenty-five years of success, it’s time to settle down, it’s what is best for his daughter.
They were best friends, Mik and Tyler, sharing the love of music, then became lovers, with a forever promise. Until something happened.
Alternating back and forwards with the story, we get to know what did happen, it was quite devastating.
My heart cracked knowing the details.
These boys needed each other, were in love, and made plans until it all shattered.
Even though they found each other again after all these years, that didn’t automatically mean they could be together. While there is still so much love between them, there are still some issues to overcome.
Music combines, music is about feelings, music opens up your soul, I loved it so much how music was important in their journey.
Mik and Ty are kind, mature, and lovable characters, Mik’s daughter is a sweet addition to the story.
The buildup was slow, for me a bit too slow, but in this frame, I have to admit, it was how it should be. There’s enough space made in this story to meet friends and family, and understand the work of both men.
Overall a beautifully written, emotional story, where I got regularly goosebumps, I’m so happy with their hea.
Read and reviewed for LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews
March 15, 2023
A great second chance romance!
Friends-to-lovers and second chance stories are my two favorite romance tropes and I especially love it when I get both of them in the same book. I also enjoy reading stories about older MCs; both Mik and Tyler are in their mid-forties.
Mik and Tyler were inseparable from the time they met when they were twelve years old. Then something happened that tore them apart. It’s quite aways into the story before we learn exactly what that was. I liked how the book had chapters from Mik and Tyler’s past mixed in with chapters from current day. This doesn’t always work well for me in books but these were clearly labeled and didn’t take me out of the story at all.
Parts of this story broke my heart. Neither of these two guys had it easy growing up. Tyler was in foster care until his father adopted him. Even though Mik’s family had money his parents were distant and he loved spending time with Tyler and his father.
Twenty-five years after they were separated, fate brings these two back together in Stillwater where they reconnect and realize there is still that spark between them. While they connect physically and the sexy time is hot, it takes a bit longer for them to trust each other again.
I loved everything about this book. It’s book 4 in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, I haven’t read all of the books in this series yet but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story at all.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
Friends-to-lovers and second chance stories are my two favorite romance tropes and I especially love it when I get both of them in the same book. I also enjoy reading stories about older MCs; both Mik and Tyler are in their mid-forties.
Mik and Tyler were inseparable from the time they met when they were twelve years old. Then something happened that tore them apart. It’s quite aways into the story before we learn exactly what that was. I liked how the book had chapters from Mik and Tyler’s past mixed in with chapters from current day. This doesn’t always work well for me in books but these were clearly labeled and didn’t take me out of the story at all.
Parts of this story broke my heart. Neither of these two guys had it easy growing up. Tyler was in foster care until his father adopted him. Even though Mik’s family had money his parents were distant and he loved spending time with Tyler and his father.
Twenty-five years after they were separated, fate brings these two back together in Stillwater where they reconnect and realize there is still that spark between them. While they connect physically and the sexy time is hot, it takes a bit longer for them to trust each other again.
I loved everything about this book. It’s book 4 in the series but it can be read as a standalone. Unfortunately, I haven’t read all of the books in this series yet but it didn’t affect my enjoyment of this story at all.
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
April 3, 2023
LOVED this one! LOVED Mik and Tyler. LOVED all the supporting characters, our dads of Stillwater and now the coolest bandmates around. AND a sassy teen daughter to add that strong family feel. Ana Ashley always delivers super sweet MM romances with low angst and really great chemistry. I feel like Mik and Tyler take the heat level to a higher level, and I WAS SO HERE FOR IT! I love when a strong sexual connection takes over and cannot be reasoned with no matter how hopeless the situation may seem.
Mik and Tyler are childhood friends and high school sweethearts that were forced apart and have lost 25 years together. But somehow, they end up in the same place, Stillwater. Tyler has routes there and sadly lost his husband and lives alone and a very simple life. He devotes his time to the needy and also is a ghost songwriter. He has a talent that never really got to see the light of day, but he is past that and just wants to do good by the town he lives in. Mik is the bigtime rockstar who one day finds himself a dad and his life was beautifully never the same again. He has been in the limelight and has loved his success but feels it is time for a change. He has hidden his daughter from the world to protect their privacy, however now he feels she needs a normal teenage life with a long-term home and school where she can meet friends and not follow a band of overgrown man children around the world. For some reason Mik decides Stillwater is the place they need to land to build their new quiet, normal life. He may not want fully out of the limelight but it feels like it's time to step back. He can't explain it, but Stillwater just feels right. And very soon he realizes why it feels so right, Tyler his long lost high school sweetheart is a resident of this small and pretty town and is someone EVRYONE adores. He certainly knows why and when they come face to face it is amazing. Now Mik just needs to convince Tyler to give them another chance and Tyler finally needs to be honest with Mik as to why he cut off communication and broke both of their hearts. It's all sorts of angsty yet lighthearted.
I loved these two together. They lit up the pages and I was really digging their love songs! I am super excited as it seems Ashley has plans for the rest of Mik's bandmates and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us. I did have a few little issues, one being their reunion no matter how good felt really rushed and a tad bit cheesy. And although Tyler was an important part of Mik's daughter's life and the befriended her quickly I wish there were a few moments with just them. Still, I will say I will be picking up this series until Ana decides not to give us any more Stillwater Dad's! And I really loved the Then and Now and that we got to see Tyler and Mik fall in love not once but twice!
my fair rating 3.75 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
Mik and Tyler are childhood friends and high school sweethearts that were forced apart and have lost 25 years together. But somehow, they end up in the same place, Stillwater. Tyler has routes there and sadly lost his husband and lives alone and a very simple life. He devotes his time to the needy and also is a ghost songwriter. He has a talent that never really got to see the light of day, but he is past that and just wants to do good by the town he lives in. Mik is the bigtime rockstar who one day finds himself a dad and his life was beautifully never the same again. He has been in the limelight and has loved his success but feels it is time for a change. He has hidden his daughter from the world to protect their privacy, however now he feels she needs a normal teenage life with a long-term home and school where she can meet friends and not follow a band of overgrown man children around the world. For some reason Mik decides Stillwater is the place they need to land to build their new quiet, normal life. He may not want fully out of the limelight but it feels like it's time to step back. He can't explain it, but Stillwater just feels right. And very soon he realizes why it feels so right, Tyler his long lost high school sweetheart is a resident of this small and pretty town and is someone EVRYONE adores. He certainly knows why and when they come face to face it is amazing. Now Mik just needs to convince Tyler to give them another chance and Tyler finally needs to be honest with Mik as to why he cut off communication and broke both of their hearts. It's all sorts of angsty yet lighthearted.
I loved these two together. They lit up the pages and I was really digging their love songs! I am super excited as it seems Ashley has plans for the rest of Mik's bandmates and I cannot wait to see what she has in store for us. I did have a few little issues, one being their reunion no matter how good felt really rushed and a tad bit cheesy. And although Tyler was an important part of Mik's daughter's life and the befriended her quickly I wish there were a few moments with just them. Still, I will say I will be picking up this series until Ana decides not to give us any more Stillwater Dad's! And I really loved the Then and Now and that we got to see Tyler and Mik fall in love not once but twice!
my fair rating 3.75 stars.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book provided by Gay Romance Reviews.
March 26, 2023
Mik and Tyler became best friends in middle school, but they both secretly developed crushes on each other. As they got older, they started a relationship and became each other’s firsts and they practiced and wrote music together, but something happened where Mik moved on to a career as a world famous rock star and Tyler stayed home to take care of his aging father with no more contact with his best friend, much to Mik’s detriment and consternation. Fast forward twenty-five years, and Mik and his 14 year old daughter are living in the same small town of Stillwater where Tyler funds and runs a soup kitchen and discreetly helps people in the community. When they meet, Mik wants answers to why Tyler broke off all contact. It was hard to resist, but they end up together and after Mik finally finds out why his best friend and the love of his life abandoned him, he was that much more ready to have Tyler in his life and for his forever after.
This was a beautiful written book of lost and found love, of sacrifices for family, and second chances. It broke my heart how Tyler had to give up the love of his life for the life of his father. I felt so sorry that something like that had to keep them apart when they were meant to be with each other. But things happen for a reason, and instead of feeling regret for losing a life together, they celebrate the opportunity of making new memories as they start a future together. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a beautiful written book of lost and found love, of sacrifices for family, and second chances. It broke my heart how Tyler had to give up the love of his life for the life of his father. I felt so sorry that something like that had to keep them apart when they were meant to be with each other. But things happen for a reason, and instead of feeling regret for losing a life together, they celebrate the opportunity of making new memories as they start a future together. I loved this book and I highly recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2023
I feel like this was the most angsty of the series so far. I really love how the story flows between Now and what happened Then, so Mik and Tyler's story is unfolded both in the present and the past in tandem. And both the friends-to-lovers, mutual pining romance when they're teens and the childhood sweethearts, second chance romance as adults are just SO GREAT. It's really like getting two romances in one!
I fell in love with Tyler in book 3 of the series (Breakthrough) when Ellis' sister tries to set him up with her brother. Ellis and Tyler didn't have sparks, and now we know why! Ty's used up all of his sparks, obviously, haha. I wanted to just hug and give both Ty and Mik noogies, and tell them it will all be okay. I am VERY MUCH hoping for a spin-off series, because I need to see what happens with Bastian and his sexy farmer neighbor, plus the other guys in the band.
Sweet and steamy single-dad, small town romance where you can't help but fall in love with the couples and also the side characters (well, the ones who don't suck, anyway!)
This is the fourth book in the Dads of Stillwater series, and can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
I fell in love with Tyler in book 3 of the series (Breakthrough) when Ellis' sister tries to set him up with her brother. Ellis and Tyler didn't have sparks, and now we know why! Ty's used up all of his sparks, obviously, haha. I wanted to just hug and give both Ty and Mik noogies, and tell them it will all be okay. I am VERY MUCH hoping for a spin-off series, because I need to see what happens with Bastian and his sexy farmer neighbor, plus the other guys in the band.
Sweet and steamy single-dad, small town romance where you can't help but fall in love with the couples and also the side characters (well, the ones who don't suck, anyway!)
This is the fourth book in the Dads of Stillwater series, and can be read as a standalone.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
March 13, 2023
Mik and Tyler ❤️
4.5 Stars
✅First Love ❤️
✅Best Friends
✅Second Chances
✅Single Dad
✅Rock Star
✅Last Love ❤️🔥❤️
Awwwwww, I freaking adored this!!! Best friends/ Young Lovers who were manipulated apart by circumstances beyond their control, only to find each other again 25 years later.... YES Please! From the first page I knew that this book would be special and it was so incredibly endearing. When Mik and Tyler meet again the chemistry is instant and the feeling of that lifetime love still remains, the tough part is letting go of past hurts and miscommunications that these young men have endured while being unexpectedly separated after promising each other forever. Both Mik and Tyler's lives have gone in opposite directions although the loss of each other has always remained in their hearts. I adored the reconnection and relationship rebuilding of these two men, they were both equally great characters who very much deserved the incredibly sweet and touching HEA that were able to find after so many years apart. As always the side character in this series are the best, aside from all of the guys that we've seen before: I adored Kay, she was such a sassy teen and Stan the dog had me giggling every damn time he took a sock!
I absolutely recommend this read, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
4.5 Stars
✅First Love ❤️
✅Best Friends
✅Second Chances
✅Single Dad
✅Rock Star
✅Last Love ❤️🔥❤️
Awwwwww, I freaking adored this!!! Best friends/ Young Lovers who were manipulated apart by circumstances beyond their control, only to find each other again 25 years later.... YES Please! From the first page I knew that this book would be special and it was so incredibly endearing. When Mik and Tyler meet again the chemistry is instant and the feeling of that lifetime love still remains, the tough part is letting go of past hurts and miscommunications that these young men have endured while being unexpectedly separated after promising each other forever. Both Mik and Tyler's lives have gone in opposite directions although the loss of each other has always remained in their hearts. I adored the reconnection and relationship rebuilding of these two men, they were both equally great characters who very much deserved the incredibly sweet and touching HEA that were able to find after so many years apart. As always the side character in this series are the best, aside from all of the guys that we've seen before: I adored Kay, she was such a sassy teen and Stan the dog had me giggling every damn time he took a sock!
I absolutely recommend this read, I'm excited for the next book in this series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
March 14, 2023
4 Stars
Tyler moved to Stillwater after his husband died and the last thing he expected was to find his ex Mik in his soup kitchen. Mik never imagined he'd find Tyler in the small town he and his daughter moved to, nor did he ever fathom the real reason why Tyler broke things off so many years ago. Could they leave the past behind and build a future together?
Heartstring alternates between past and present chapters showing us how Tyler and Mik fell started their relationship the first time and what went wrong between them and how they meet again twenty-five years later. Mik has a daughter and is part of a very successful rockstar band, and Tyler is a widower and runs a soup kitchen. They were mature and knew what they wanted, for the most part, and I liked that for Mik, Kay, his daughter, came first at the time of making decisions.
I wasn't as fond of the alternating between past and present, I felt it disrupted the flow of the story, but that's just my preference. I've never been a fan of it.
I loved Seymour and I can't wait for his book! He was not only fun but so supportive of Tyler. He totally deserves to get his HEA, too.
Overall, an engaging, fun, steamy, captivating read that I have no trouble recommending!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Tyler moved to Stillwater after his husband died and the last thing he expected was to find his ex Mik in his soup kitchen. Mik never imagined he'd find Tyler in the small town he and his daughter moved to, nor did he ever fathom the real reason why Tyler broke things off so many years ago. Could they leave the past behind and build a future together?
Heartstring alternates between past and present chapters showing us how Tyler and Mik fell started their relationship the first time and what went wrong between them and how they meet again twenty-five years later. Mik has a daughter and is part of a very successful rockstar band, and Tyler is a widower and runs a soup kitchen. They were mature and knew what they wanted, for the most part, and I liked that for Mik, Kay, his daughter, came first at the time of making decisions.
I wasn't as fond of the alternating between past and present, I felt it disrupted the flow of the story, but that's just my preference. I've never been a fan of it.
I loved Seymour and I can't wait for his book! He was not only fun but so supportive of Tyler. He totally deserves to get his HEA, too.
Overall, an engaging, fun, steamy, captivating read that I have no trouble recommending!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
March 15, 2023
By day, Tyler David runs the soup kitchen in Stillwater, Connecticut…. but secretly and unbeknownst by almost everyone in the town, he writes beautiful music for professional musicians as his night job. One rainy night while serving dinner at the kitchen, however, Tyler is accosted by his first love, Mik Nilsson - a man to whom he has neither spoken nor seen for twenty-five years… a man who also recently calls Stillwater home. Mik is now a celebrity performer in a hugely successful touring band, Hall of Fame. But it's as if nothing between them has changed in the past twenty-five years - their attraction for each other still burns wildly out of control. But the circumstances of their separation all those years ago still seems to be an impassable barrier that neither man is readily willing to vanquish.
I really enjoyed reading Heartstrings!! This book is a fabulous addition to the Dads of Stillwater series, in that all of these books convey such a heartwarming and comforting sense of the family ideal. I especially loved the theme that true love NEVER dies, and even time cannot erase the memories and feelings of affection between two people. What Mik and Tyler had then as young men, has only become magnified in the present. Times change, but real love is a constant… an extraordinarily touching concept!!
An amazing novel - not to be missed!! 5 stars!!
I really enjoyed reading Heartstrings!! This book is a fabulous addition to the Dads of Stillwater series, in that all of these books convey such a heartwarming and comforting sense of the family ideal. I especially loved the theme that true love NEVER dies, and even time cannot erase the memories and feelings of affection between two people. What Mik and Tyler had then as young men, has only become magnified in the present. Times change, but real love is a constant… an extraordinarily touching concept!!
An amazing novel - not to be missed!! 5 stars!!
March 17, 2023
They met at school. Drawn together by their love of music. Bonded over their growing friendship and love for one another. They lived in very different families. Mik came from money but not much warmth or love from his parents. Tyler was a fostered child who was much loved by the man who plucked him from the system and gave him a loving home. They were counting on making music together forever, but forever was interrupted. Mik didn't quite know why Tyler ghosted him, Tyler had to make difficult choices and in some ways has suffered even more losses during the time they were apart. When Mik and his daughter land in the town where Tyler is living this pair get a chance to reconnect and write a different ending to their heretofore sad love song. Their story is told in a mix of flashbacks and current day and from both perspectives. What is obvious is that despite where life has taken them separately it is worth the work they currently have to do to find their way back together. They and Mik's daughter and mom, are better off in their blended family. This was an emotionally beautiful story.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2023
This is the 4th book in the Stillwater Dads series and it didn’t disappoint. It is a second chance romance with both MC’s being in their 40’s, one of whom is a single dad to a teenager. Mik and Tyler were childhood best friends turned boyfriends, but Mik’s dad didn’t approve. Tyler came from the wrong part of town, ie: poorer, and therefore not worthy. Mik didn’t care about any of that and felt more at home with Tyler and his adoptive father than he did his own. All they wanted was to be together and make music. Parental interference ruined what they had, but made Mik a rockstar. Tyler was blackmailed over his dad’s health and saw no way out. Many years later, after Mik’s years of living on the road raising his daughter and Tyler’s subsequent marriage/becoming a widower, the two men come face to face in the Stillwater soup kitchen run by Tyler. It takes a lot of forgiveness on both their parts, some manipulation by their friends and an adorable pup named Stan to give these men the HEA they deserved all those years ago. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this series!
March 6, 2023
My eyes are dripping as I'm writing my review. I've just finished this story and the epilogue is so beautiful; happy/sad tears with full heartfelt emotion. This story is written over two timescales and we flick between 'then' and 'now'. As this is a reunion story we need this timescale to give us the full proper narrative so it all falls into place. The chemistry between these two MC's is apparent from the first time they meet again. A push and pull of emotion, and we are not sure why there is so much reluctance. I have really enoyed this series, each book brings a completely new story but with the common theme of a 'dad' finding love in Stillwater. The past characters are still involved and tie in nicely which adds credibility to the story. As with all the other books in this series they are steamy at times, have sexy characters who you really feel a bond with and the intimacy and emotions are high. The epilogue is 6 months on and we are given a really beautiful ending that will melt your heart.
March 13, 2023
This is a beautiful, emotionally charged book full of love and loss, found family, and a second chance for two wonderful MC's who were meant to be together and absolutely deserve all the happiness.
I love how the story slips easily between past and present, giving readers a look into the connection between Mik and Tyler as teenagers, and now - 25 years later. Many secondary characters added to this story, including an adorkable dog.
Tyler has valid reasons for trying to push Mik away once they find themselves settled in the same small town, but the connection they had as teenagers is still there, drawing them closer, making it hard to stay away and leading to some back and forth, angst, heated kisses, and steamy encounters. Their journey will definitely tug the heartstrings, giving you all the feels as Mik and Tyler rediscover their love and finally get their sweet HEA.
I would definitely recommend this book, it was engaging and entertaining.
I received an ARC from GRR, this is my honest review.
I love how the story slips easily between past and present, giving readers a look into the connection between Mik and Tyler as teenagers, and now - 25 years later. Many secondary characters added to this story, including an adorkable dog.
Tyler has valid reasons for trying to push Mik away once they find themselves settled in the same small town, but the connection they had as teenagers is still there, drawing them closer, making it hard to stay away and leading to some back and forth, angst, heated kisses, and steamy encounters. Their journey will definitely tug the heartstrings, giving you all the feels as Mik and Tyler rediscover their love and finally get their sweet HEA.
I would definitely recommend this book, it was engaging and entertaining.
I received an ARC from GRR, this is my honest review.
March 14, 2023
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Ana Ashley is incredible at her world-building. I always feel like I’m right there. It’s immersive, and it sucks you right in.
I love everything about Stillwater and its large population of single dads.
Mik and Tyler were wonderful. Now in their 40s, these two teenage sweethearts who broke each other's hearts are now living in the same town. A lifetime has passed, and yet the pull these two have on each other is definitely not lost.
It’s complicated, and there is a lot of hurt to parse through, but it’s also clear that they are meant for each other.
I adore older MCs, I love the history and maturity that they bring with them. I especially love second chances. And this has it all.
This is one series that I wish would never end.
Ana Ashley is incredible at her world-building. I always feel like I’m right there. It’s immersive, and it sucks you right in.
I love everything about Stillwater and its large population of single dads.
Mik and Tyler were wonderful. Now in their 40s, these two teenage sweethearts who broke each other's hearts are now living in the same town. A lifetime has passed, and yet the pull these two have on each other is definitely not lost.
It’s complicated, and there is a lot of hurt to parse through, but it’s also clear that they are meant for each other.
I adore older MCs, I love the history and maturity that they bring with them. I especially love second chances. And this has it all.
This is one series that I wish would never end.
March 25, 2023
I really like this series and overall I enjoyed this second chance romance. I really love childhood friends and this one was sweet...really bittersweet. I'm on the fence about how the author did the "then" and "now" throughout...I'm good with prologues to a certain extent for background purposes but we had to relive all the misunderstandings, miscommunications, the manipulations...all the angsty stuff (not really a fan) but I understand why it had to be done for this particular retelling of the heartache Tyler and Mik went through over 25yrs. When they reconnected tho...WOW...fireworks would describe their chemistry. That was what I loved about this...time and misunderstandings couldn't damper what they had since they were teens...This was middle age love at it's best! Throw in a sassy daughter, good hearted friends/family, a wonderful dog and you got a feelgood romance. If you enjoyed the others in the series, you will enjoy this one too. Very NICE!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 14, 2023
I’m loving Ana Ashley’s Dad’s of Stillwater series, and Heartstrings was a great addition to it. Mik and Tyler’s second chance story is a delight. They are more mature MCs than previously in the series, and were together as teenagers until they went their separate ways for 25 years; now finding themselves both living in Stillwater they discover that the chemistry between them is still as strong as it used to be.
Sharing their journey to reconnect and discover what separated them was an emotional ride but well worth it for their satisfying HEA. I also thought that the side characters of previous MCs, Mik’s daughter, Kay and Tyler’s brother-in-law, Seymour, added interest and depth to the story and my enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book, and while it could be read as a stand-alone I also recommend reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Sharing their journey to reconnect and discover what separated them was an emotional ride but well worth it for their satisfying HEA. I also thought that the side characters of previous MCs, Mik’s daughter, Kay and Tyler’s brother-in-law, Seymour, added interest and depth to the story and my enjoyment.
I highly recommend this book, and while it could be read as a stand-alone I also recommend reading the rest of the series.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 14, 2023
🩵 Spoiler free review! 🩵
Heartstring by Ana Ashley 🎶
5/5 stars 🌟
3/5 spice 🌶
Mik and Tyler have a history. Time, fame and misunderstandings have drawn them apart, but when they both end up moving to the small town of Stillwater, they're going to have to figure out how to acclimate to one another.
This is book four in the Dad's of Stillwater series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The characters, as with all of Ana Ashley's books, jump off the page. They have rich lives that are well thought out, and it shows on the page. There's complexity, but it's not too confusing to keep up with.
I adore Mik and Tyler (and Kay and Stan, of course!). The time jump between them in their youth and the present day, 25 years later, was really well done and I found myself excited to see what happened next in both timelines, equally. Their eventual HEA is worth the wait. (You see what I did there? 😉)
If you like lower angst, mm romance, I'd definitely recommend giving this whole series a try!
Heartstring by Ana Ashley 🎶
5/5 stars 🌟
3/5 spice 🌶
Mik and Tyler have a history. Time, fame and misunderstandings have drawn them apart, but when they both end up moving to the small town of Stillwater, they're going to have to figure out how to acclimate to one another.
This is book four in the Dad's of Stillwater series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The characters, as with all of Ana Ashley's books, jump off the page. They have rich lives that are well thought out, and it shows on the page. There's complexity, but it's not too confusing to keep up with.
I adore Mik and Tyler (and Kay and Stan, of course!). The time jump between them in their youth and the present day, 25 years later, was really well done and I found myself excited to see what happened next in both timelines, equally. Their eventual HEA is worth the wait. (You see what I did there? 😉)
If you like lower angst, mm romance, I'd definitely recommend giving this whole series a try!
March 16, 2023
Good story!
I really enjoyed reading Mik and Tyler's story!
However this story was filled with flashbacks. Every chapter switched between a MC and between "then" and "now". I, personally, dislike flashbacks because it pulls me out of the romance going back and forth between time periods. :(
I prefer to get the whole "past story" in the beginning of the book and then have it resolved in the second half. That way I read as the romance develops AND because it seems there's always a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING in the flashback stories, I get to see how the problem occurs before reading how the MCs are going to overcome it and get their HEA.
Aside from that, the story was well written and I enjoyed another book in the Stillwater series. Each book has been entertaining. I am a wee bit skeptical about the many multiple orgasms two over 40 men seemed capable of but *smirk* it made for a good spicy romance! haha
I really enjoyed reading Mik and Tyler's story!
However this story was filled with flashbacks. Every chapter switched between a MC and between "then" and "now". I, personally, dislike flashbacks because it pulls me out of the romance going back and forth between time periods. :(
I prefer to get the whole "past story" in the beginning of the book and then have it resolved in the second half. That way I read as the romance develops AND because it seems there's always a BIG MISUNDERSTANDING in the flashback stories, I get to see how the problem occurs before reading how the MCs are going to overcome it and get their HEA.
Aside from that, the story was well written and I enjoyed another book in the Stillwater series. Each book has been entertaining. I am a wee bit skeptical about the many multiple orgasms two over 40 men seemed capable of but *smirk* it made for a good spicy romance! haha
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