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No Sweeter Poison #1
No Sweeter Poison
After graduating college, Dahlia Rosario packs her bags and takes off to Barcelona with her cousin, Karina, for a backpacking tour across Europe. All it takes is one wrong turn down the labyrinthine streets of the Gothic Quarter for Dahlia to get lost. They stumble across a lounge run by the charming and enigmatic Alejandro Narvaez. Dahlia and Alejandro immediately hit it off and a heated affair ensues. However, what was supposed to be a meaningless summer fling quickly turns deadly when Dahlia becomes wrapped up in an assassination attempt.
Alejandro is the heir to the Narvaez crime family, whose sphere of influence runs through the whole of Latin America to Barcelona, where they've been for the last decade. Despite Alejandro's fervent efforts to legitimize the family business, sensitive power dynamics and decades old allegiances within the city put those plans in jeopardy. To further complicate things, someone wants him dead and now Dahlia has a price on her head as well.
Against her will, Alejandro takes her to his villa in the countryside where he promises to protect her until the threat is gone. So long as there are people trying to kill him, there'll be someone trying to kill Dahlia for having been at the worst place at an even worse time.
Dahlia fights captivity every step of the way but when her feelings for Alejandro begin to cloud her judgement, she worries she may be losing her mind. Or worse, she's morphing into the amoral, murderous criminal she's fallen for. As the two of them continue to struggle for power over the other, neither of them can deny their true feelings. With both their lives at stake the choice between survival and love must be made in the face of an all-out war.
Alejandro is the heir to the Narvaez crime family, whose sphere of influence runs through the whole of Latin America to Barcelona, where they've been for the last decade. Despite Alejandro's fervent efforts to legitimize the family business, sensitive power dynamics and decades old allegiances within the city put those plans in jeopardy. To further complicate things, someone wants him dead and now Dahlia has a price on her head as well.
Against her will, Alejandro takes her to his villa in the countryside where he promises to protect her until the threat is gone. So long as there are people trying to kill him, there'll be someone trying to kill Dahlia for having been at the worst place at an even worse time.
Dahlia fights captivity every step of the way but when her feelings for Alejandro begin to cloud her judgement, she worries she may be losing her mind. Or worse, she's morphing into the amoral, murderous criminal she's fallen for. As the two of them continue to struggle for power over the other, neither of them can deny their true feelings. With both their lives at stake the choice between survival and love must be made in the face of an all-out war.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 18, 2023
144 people are currently reading
1875 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
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September 11, 2023It didn’t work for me.
The mcs were flat, especially the heroine!! She was also annoying and didn’t have backbone.
A lot of names and mafia relationships, slow paced, it bored me.
Dnf @ 52%
The mcs were flat, especially the heroine!! She was also annoying and didn’t have backbone.
A lot of names and mafia relationships, slow paced, it bored me.
Dnf @ 52%
February 3, 2025
I can’t remember a single thing about this book besides the fact that I know I read it and the guy was hot
November 10, 2024
I rated this 4 stars, but it was more 3.5. The premise is there.. I just wasn’t really convinced to read the next one.
March 9, 2024
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I went into this book so blind. Alot of my girlies recommended it to me . And man IM GLAD I DID. No sweeter poison made me kick my feet up and down throughout the whole book Every single character I had a different connection with. Dahlia at first I thought was a full on brat but I think it was because in that brain of hers she didn’t want to give into what she was feeling. Alejandro is 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 He made Dahlia feel all the things she had missed in her life. Protected. Safe. Secured. I need Diego to find true love and I need Lettie and Dahlia to continue to be close because Lettie missed out on a lot as a child and I think Dahlia can resonate with her.
The banter between Dahlia and Alejandra is quite comical and the spice is even more spicier. The way their passion was described made me feel like I was watching it with my very own eyes. You could feel their strong connect. You can hear the unspoken words. I am rushing right into book two as soon as I can because I literally just cant get enough of this story.
Another auto-buy author added to my list for sure!!!
I went into this book so blind. Alot of my girlies recommended it to me . And man IM GLAD I DID. No sweeter poison made me kick my feet up and down throughout the whole book Every single character I had a different connection with. Dahlia at first I thought was a full on brat but I think it was because in that brain of hers she didn’t want to give into what she was feeling. Alejandro is 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨 He made Dahlia feel all the things she had missed in her life. Protected. Safe. Secured. I need Diego to find true love and I need Lettie and Dahlia to continue to be close because Lettie missed out on a lot as a child and I think Dahlia can resonate with her.
The banter between Dahlia and Alejandra is quite comical and the spice is even more spicier. The way their passion was described made me feel like I was watching it with my very own eyes. You could feel their strong connect. You can hear the unspoken words. I am rushing right into book two as soon as I can because I literally just cant get enough of this story.
Another auto-buy author added to my list for sure!!!
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September 6, 2023I keep reading the first books in series
When the remaining books require months at a minimum to come out
I don't know why I'm doing this to myself.
When the remaining books require months at a minimum to come out
I don't know why I'm doing this to myself.
November 3, 2023
1.5 / 5
I was led astray with this one.
I was led astray with this one.
December 19, 2023
This is a great debut novel! I was hooked from the start. There were some parts that were a little slow, but I mean, it’s all part of the story. I really love all of the characters the sibling dynamic was great, and I especially love the fact that she spoke about some parts of a Hispanic culture. That are so relatable. The FMC did seem like a little naïve and clueless at times but she is 22 so it makes sense and the MC is 27, so not too much of an age gap but their chemistry banter the spice it was all there. Letty was probably my favorite because she’s so unhinged And so funny I can’t wait to see more of her in book 2. I cannot believe the way she ended it. I need answers now because that ending, unacceptable lol 😂
August 19, 2023
I have read about four different versions of this book. We’ve been working on it for a little over a year now and I can confidently say that even after knowing everything, reading the final copy still made me gasp, scream, and lose my mind. I am so proud of Leonora, so proud of all the hard work, long nights, even longer voice notes that I have been sent when the plot spiraled out of control and she needed someone else to tell her it wasn’t THAT crazy.
This book is phenomenal, the characters are well rounded and feel real, their actions fueled by emotions just as much as rational thinking. And the smut? The smut is top tier, had me texting her many exclamation marks every single time. I cannot wait for book 2, cannot wait to keep working on this universe, with these characters, and with such a caring, talented, and gifted writer.
This book is phenomenal, the characters are well rounded and feel real, their actions fueled by emotions just as much as rational thinking. And the smut? The smut is top tier, had me texting her many exclamation marks every single time. I cannot wait for book 2, cannot wait to keep working on this universe, with these characters, and with such a caring, talented, and gifted writer.
October 19, 2025
Tbh, I needed a lil giggly mafia fun time after a couple heartwrenching series and my last week at work. However, this unfortunately didn't hit my top tier mafia, no-thoughts-just-giggles reads. Tbh, the setting was surpsingly well developped and the world did suck me in. It was, however, sold to me as this mafia x soft shy girlie, and it really did deliver at the beginning, oooh lord, his persuit of her had me gIGGLING with butterflies. Then ofc the relationship turned toxic, in a I-can't-look-away way, though it did feel lil angsty at times.
All in all, great escapism! Apparently the series does continue but we'll see.
All in all, great escapism! Apparently the series does continue but we'll see.
August 31, 2024
This was honestly the perfect book that pulled me out of my reading slump! It was fast paced, action packed, spicy but with a good plot! It literally ticked all the boxes I needed, and it felt good coming out of my reading slump,
I fell in love with Alejandro and dahlia and I just wanted to devour their entire story! So I did! I can’t wait to read book 2
I fell in love with Alejandro and dahlia and I just wanted to devour their entire story! So I did! I can’t wait to read book 2
December 6, 2023
I love me a mafia! I enjoy these between fantasy, and it didn't disappoint. I was hooked from the start. Pure entertainment!
I love the sibiling dynamic and the MMC a lot. I can't wait for the next book!
I love the sibiling dynamic and the MMC a lot. I can't wait for the next book!
October 13, 2023
I truly enjoyed this book 😭
I need the second book immediately because I need my questions answered NOW!
I need the second book immediately because I need my questions answered NOW!
October 15, 2025
I was reading it when all of a sudden she mentions Krav Maga and it just hit me that the isr*eli propaganda is everywhere. Very disappointing, I guess it’s a good thing I’m reading it ille*ally.
November 11, 2024
Okay let me just say the spice 🤩🤩🤩, but also you have D who falls in love with the guy who works at the bar on her summer vacation with her cousin. Not to mention it’s his family business, or so we thought. Our man Alex is deeper into the “family business” than we would have guessed, he is the family business. Not to mention there is darker themes here but all red flags look green when they are on the pages talking about a 7 foot billionaire mafia boss who gives major touch her and ☠️ (like literally) speeches. Also i may or may not have stockholm syndrome with her but we won’t talk about it👀👀👀 Anyways Leonora be expecting to take my whole paycheck so i can buy the rest of the series🤦🏼♀️
August 22, 2023
I could not put this book down once I started it! Obsessed with Dahlia and Alejandro from beginning to end, this story is delightfully refreshing to mafia-romance lovers like myself.
First off, Alejandro; Often times in dark/mafia romances, the MMC is abusive, unnecessarily hostile, or morally grey to the point of being unbearable. This isn’t the case with Alex. I despise the enemies-to-lovers trope when done poorly, and this book is the complete opposite. Lovers to enemies to lovers again makes for a delicious read, and at no point in the book did I find myself cringing away from Alex’s actions, even in the darkest moments. Instead, he’s kind, compassionate, and viciously protective of those he loves. It’s clear throughout the book that while his methods are immoral, he is not a villain.
Secondly, Dahlia; Who else is sick of the FMC being helpless and hysterical, or otherwise unrealistically badass in mafia romances? Dahlia is the perfect balance between the two. A FMC with a good head on her shoulders (and yes, maybe the slightest bit of Stockholm), who doesn’t make me yell at the book for being stupid. In the high stakes moments, she comes through, yet not in an unrealistic, focus breaking way. Her character development is beautiful to watch and believable to the reader — she really had me reasoning that I, too, would like to stay with Alejandro, instead of just chucking it up to Stockholm entirely.
I could go on and on about how well rounded these characters are, flaws and all, but I won’t. I won’t get too deep into how beautiful the writing is, or how it’s clear how much effort and appreciation for detail went into the storytelling and place setting, or how the pace of the book made the read easy for the audience, because this review is already getting long. But I for one found this book to be a breath of fresh air for dark romances and I’ll be seeking to fill the void until the next book comes out, and I would recommend it to EVERY mafia/dark romance lover out there.
First off, Alejandro; Often times in dark/mafia romances, the MMC is abusive, unnecessarily hostile, or morally grey to the point of being unbearable. This isn’t the case with Alex. I despise the enemies-to-lovers trope when done poorly, and this book is the complete opposite. Lovers to enemies to lovers again makes for a delicious read, and at no point in the book did I find myself cringing away from Alex’s actions, even in the darkest moments. Instead, he’s kind, compassionate, and viciously protective of those he loves. It’s clear throughout the book that while his methods are immoral, he is not a villain.
Secondly, Dahlia; Who else is sick of the FMC being helpless and hysterical, or otherwise unrealistically badass in mafia romances? Dahlia is the perfect balance between the two. A FMC with a good head on her shoulders (and yes, maybe the slightest bit of Stockholm), who doesn’t make me yell at the book for being stupid. In the high stakes moments, she comes through, yet not in an unrealistic, focus breaking way. Her character development is beautiful to watch and believable to the reader — she really had me reasoning that I, too, would like to stay with Alejandro, instead of just chucking it up to Stockholm entirely.
I could go on and on about how well rounded these characters are, flaws and all, but I won’t. I won’t get too deep into how beautiful the writing is, or how it’s clear how much effort and appreciation for detail went into the storytelling and place setting, or how the pace of the book made the read easy for the audience, because this review is already getting long. But I for one found this book to be a breath of fresh air for dark romances and I’ll be seeking to fill the void until the next book comes out, and I would recommend it to EVERY mafia/dark romance lover out there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
“Sometimes a girl just wants to be kidnapped by a gorgeous mafia Don and swept away to his villa in the Spanish country where she doesn’t have to think for a few months. Just soak under the sun and be waited on hand and foot!”…
I mean, if the man is Alejandro then sign me up!!! He screamed class and swagger which had me drooling 🤤 everything he did and said was making me kick my feet!
Our FMC, Dahlia, grew on me pretty quickly! I loved watching her feelings develop for Alex (I’m a sucker for stockholm syndrome 🤷🏻♀️ lol) and vice versa. She was getting everything she needed and deserved and by the end I absolutely adored her! I can totally see our girl being a complete baddie in the next books 👏🏼
This 300 pages book is packed with amazing characters, great plot, top spice and a love story that makes you want to hang onto every word these two give each other!
If you’re a mafia romance lover this is such a great book to add to your TBR! Or a great starter if you’re looking to dabble into the genre!
I mean, if the man is Alejandro then sign me up!!! He screamed class and swagger which had me drooling 🤤 everything he did and said was making me kick my feet!
Our FMC, Dahlia, grew on me pretty quickly! I loved watching her feelings develop for Alex (I’m a sucker for stockholm syndrome 🤷🏻♀️ lol) and vice versa. She was getting everything she needed and deserved and by the end I absolutely adored her! I can totally see our girl being a complete baddie in the next books 👏🏼
This 300 pages book is packed with amazing characters, great plot, top spice and a love story that makes you want to hang onto every word these two give each other!
If you’re a mafia romance lover this is such a great book to add to your TBR! Or a great starter if you’re looking to dabble into the genre!
December 19, 2025
I went into this book with zero expectations, and it absolutely did not disappoint.
From the very beginning, I was intrigued and invested. While the story did feel a little slow at times, it never lost my interest, and overall it was such an enjoyable read. One of my favorite parts was the inclusion of Hispanic culture woven throughout the story — the family dynamics, the interactions, the little details — I loved all of it. It made everything feel more authentic and immersive.
The FMC definitely annoyed me at times, but honestly… she’s 22, so that tracks 😅. Alejandro, on the other hand? Sexy, dangerous, and captivating. Like… who wouldn’t want to be kidnapped by him???? Letty completely stole the show for me — she was hilarious, and every scene with her had me laughing.
That ending though?? SO abrupt. I need answers immediately, and I’m very glad the second book is already waiting for me because I need to know what happens next.
Overall, this was a great first book, and I’m so excited to see where Dahlia and Alejandro’s story goes.
From the very beginning, I was intrigued and invested. While the story did feel a little slow at times, it never lost my interest, and overall it was such an enjoyable read. One of my favorite parts was the inclusion of Hispanic culture woven throughout the story — the family dynamics, the interactions, the little details — I loved all of it. It made everything feel more authentic and immersive.
The FMC definitely annoyed me at times, but honestly… she’s 22, so that tracks 😅. Alejandro, on the other hand? Sexy, dangerous, and captivating. Like… who wouldn’t want to be kidnapped by him???? Letty completely stole the show for me — she was hilarious, and every scene with her had me laughing.
That ending though?? SO abrupt. I need answers immediately, and I’m very glad the second book is already waiting for me because I need to know what happens next.
Overall, this was a great first book, and I’m so excited to see where Dahlia and Alejandro’s story goes.
August 22, 2023
This book was an all in one book.
I've experienced everything i needed to feel in this book.
I felt love, sadness, tension.
It's a combination of all my favourite tropes, and it definitely delievered every single one.
The plot is so so good, and don't get me started on the way of writing.... It was phenomenal.
I was looking for a dark romance that wouldn't leave me traumatised, but also would let my toes curl in my shoes.
And this was the perfect choice.
Fast paced, have tension, fmc that has a brain to think with when needed, mmc that doesn't always think with his d*ck, a storyline that gets you hooked.
I came across this book by coincidence but i definitely was a great choice.
I can't believe i have to wait for winter 2024 for the second book 😭.
I've experienced everything i needed to feel in this book.
I felt love, sadness, tension.
It's a combination of all my favourite tropes, and it definitely delievered every single one.
The plot is so so good, and don't get me started on the way of writing.... It was phenomenal.
I was looking for a dark romance that wouldn't leave me traumatised, but also would let my toes curl in my shoes.
And this was the perfect choice.
Fast paced, have tension, fmc that has a brain to think with when needed, mmc that doesn't always think with his d*ck, a storyline that gets you hooked.
I came across this book by coincidence but i definitely was a great choice.
I can't believe i have to wait for winter 2024 for the second book 😭.
September 6, 2023
Let me just say, please pick up this book. If you enjoy mafia romances then you will LOVE this book. It’s not your usual cliche wattpad style book. This author put so much time and energy into this novel and it truly shows. The detail is so beautifully written, I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There’s some great spice in there, but there’s also a lot of plot which has been lacking for a lot of romance lately. The author truly made a work of art with this one. I’m a picky reader and have a very busy schedule, so for me to say I read this book in less than a week is saying A LOT. Please give this book a change, you won’t regret it!!!
September 22, 2023
sweetest author ever!! loved it!
i was hesitant to read this book because lately, it’s so hard to find an actual good dark romance book.
it did not disappoint!!!
the writing was so beautifully written, the plot and storyline were amazing, perfect amount of spice, and the characters were genuinely just so likeable!!
dahlia and karina were such relatable characters, i loved them so much 😂😂😂 i was so happy when dahlia wasn’t the cliche boring and annoying fmc 😌 and don’t get me started on mr. sexy billionaire millionaire mafia scary bf 😍 wish he was my husband in real life 😞
uhm anyway!! i’d definitely recommend!!
i was hesitant to read this book because lately, it’s so hard to find an actual good dark romance book.
it did not disappoint!!!
the writing was so beautifully written, the plot and storyline were amazing, perfect amount of spice, and the characters were genuinely just so likeable!!
dahlia and karina were such relatable characters, i loved them so much 😂😂😂 i was so happy when dahlia wasn’t the cliche boring and annoying fmc 😌 and don’t get me started on mr. sexy billionaire millionaire mafia scary bf 😍 wish he was my husband in real life 😞
uhm anyway!! i’d definitely recommend!!
August 18, 2024
That’s one way to get a found family
The only reason I knocked down a star is because the FMC was insufferable at times and she was driving me up a wall. The pacing also felt off a bit in parts.
The book had great exposition, the architecture descriptions were vivid and captivating. The romance was insta-lust and the regression made it a slow burn with a good amount of tension between the MCs.
My favorite part was the family business and all the depth and detail that the author included. This book has rich world building that I don’t believe a have experienced in other books especially of this length.
The only reason I knocked down a star is because the FMC was insufferable at times and she was driving me up a wall. The pacing also felt off a bit in parts.
The book had great exposition, the architecture descriptions were vivid and captivating. The romance was insta-lust and the regression made it a slow burn with a good amount of tension between the MCs.
My favorite part was the family business and all the depth and detail that the author included. This book has rich world building that I don’t believe a have experienced in other books especially of this length.
February 7, 2024
DNF @54 %
So this started off really promising and had an interesting plot, but once she got kidnapped I lost interest. Idk it just got really boring and I couldn’t even keep up with the mafia business aspect of this bc it was boring and didn’t make sense. Also I feel like Alejandro didn’t care for her after he kidnapped her. I just didn’t feel a connection between them at all after that. Also I don’t like how something good would happen and then you get to the next chapter and it’s like “two weeks later” so annoying.
So this started off really promising and had an interesting plot, but once she got kidnapped I lost interest. Idk it just got really boring and I couldn’t even keep up with the mafia business aspect of this bc it was boring and didn’t make sense. Also I feel like Alejandro didn’t care for her after he kidnapped her. I just didn’t feel a connection between them at all after that. Also I don’t like how something good would happen and then you get to the next chapter and it’s like “two weeks later” so annoying.
March 1, 2024
Griping intense page turning action filled romance ! Ate it up read in one sitting
We follow cousins going on a vacation to Barcelona
They meet Alejandro tall dark handsome stranger and things unfold with him and Dalia
Steamy wild rollercoaster dark mafia romance
He has to kidnap her kinda to protect her for his enemies , well the circumstances aren’t perfect their love story begins with heartache murder and love
5stars !!!
Loved the characters of Lettie and Diego Alejandro’s sister and brother
We follow cousins going on a vacation to Barcelona
They meet Alejandro tall dark handsome stranger and things unfold with him and Dalia
Steamy wild rollercoaster dark mafia romance
He has to kidnap her kinda to protect her for his enemies , well the circumstances aren’t perfect their love story begins with heartache murder and love
5stars !!!
Loved the characters of Lettie and Diego Alejandro’s sister and brother
January 16, 2024
Leaves you hanging off a cliff
This is book one and ends on a cliffhanger. I thought this book was pretty action packed with some decent spice. This is a take on a mafia romance, Alejandro is part of a mafia type business and when Dahlia and her cousin take a trip to Spain she gets caught in the cross fire. I rounded up to 4 stars but I would really give it 3.5. It was a great set up for book 2.
This is book one and ends on a cliffhanger. I thought this book was pretty action packed with some decent spice. This is a take on a mafia romance, Alejandro is part of a mafia type business and when Dahlia and her cousin take a trip to Spain she gets caught in the cross fire. I rounded up to 4 stars but I would really give it 3.5. It was a great set up for book 2.
January 16, 2025
I added this book to my DNF list on page 87. I really need to stop taking reading advice from the "book influencers" on TikTok and Instagram.
I think this book probably has a lot of potential, because Alejandro and his siblings seem like well written characters ... but Dahlia, for FFS, is just awful.
Perhaps I will come back to this book in a few months when I'm desperate for a beach read, but as of now, I can't turn another page.
I think this book probably has a lot of potential, because Alejandro and his siblings seem like well written characters ... but Dahlia, for FFS, is just awful.
Perhaps I will come back to this book in a few months when I'm desperate for a beach read, but as of now, I can't turn another page.
September 1, 2023
I finished this book in less than 24 hours, it's addicting!!!
I love that the kidnapping didn't really feel like kidnapping, the chemistry between Dahlia & Alejandro is top-notch, and the sister is a badass.
Everything about this book is amazing, I'm so glad i stumbled on it on TikTok in the middle of the night. I can't believe that i have to wait till 2024 to get the second book, i need to know what's going to happen. Please Leonora talk to your publisher i need the 2nd book soon!!!!!
I love that the kidnapping didn't really feel like kidnapping, the chemistry between Dahlia & Alejandro is top-notch, and the sister is a badass.
Everything about this book is amazing, I'm so glad i stumbled on it on TikTok in the middle of the night. I can't believe that i have to wait till 2024 to get the second book, i need to know what's going to happen. Please Leonora talk to your publisher i need the 2nd book soon!!!!!
December 1, 2023
No Sweeter Poison Review: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I loved this book! I related to the FMC Dahlia so so much! I loved how Alejandro and Dahlia meet early in the book and the development of their relation. Also, I enjoyed the family dynamic between Alejandro and his siblings. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!! I want to know how Alejandro and Dahlias story turns out!!
I loved this book! I related to the FMC Dahlia so so much! I loved how Alejandro and Dahlia meet early in the book and the development of their relation. Also, I enjoyed the family dynamic between Alejandro and his siblings. I can’t wait for the next book to come out!! I want to know how Alejandro and Dahlias story turns out!!
December 26, 2024
Ugh don’t ever leave me on a cliffhanger again. I was SOBbing when Alejandro asked Dahlia to leave 🥹 and wtf is going on with Karina
The bond dahlia created with Alejandro’s siblings, ugh. I feel like we didn’t get to see a lot of the time that Alejandro and dahlia spend together tho. She best come back
The bond dahlia created with Alejandro’s siblings, ugh. I feel like we didn’t get to see a lot of the time that Alejandro and dahlia spend together tho. She best come back
July 7, 2025
Dear god, someone please edit this book… there are so many misspellings. It was painful. Never again. I don’t even care to see how the rest of the series pans out. It was like reading a terrible Wattpad story, but they at least use spellcheck. Also, there was barely any Spanish. Do not waste your time.
August 14, 2025
honestly, there was a lot of potential but this definitely read like a debut. the pacing drove me crazy, the fmc was insufferable and i hated the constant whiplash with the mc’s internal dialogue. hating aside i loved alejandro, diego and lettie so i finished for them. still torn on continuing the series though..
2.5 ⭐️
2.5 ⭐️
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