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St. Louis Sires #2
HOLDING
Childhood neighbors, enemies, best friends, lovers, enemies, Sires lineman Terrence Ford and his ex-wife, Krystle, have meant all these things to each other. Once believing their union was indestructible, they find themselves unhappily apart. Maybe what they see as an ending is really the beginning of a stronger bond and a deeper understanding of what love really is. Holding is a novel that offers intimacy, healing, and forever.
Contains mature themes.
Contains mature themes.
210 pages, Hardcover
First published July 23, 2023
247 people are currently reading
2844 people want to read
About the author
Alexandria House
43 books4,152 followersAbout the author
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
A true southern girl, Alexandria House has an affinity for a good banana pudding, Neo Soul music, and tall black men in suits. When this music-loving fashionista is not shopping, she's writing steamy stories about real black love.
Verve Romance: @msalexhouse
Instagram: @msalexhouse
TikTok: @msalexhouse
Facebook: Alexandria House
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
November 7, 2023
All I wanted was some d*ck and here I was crying” chyyyy I know the feeling 😩😩
This may be an unpopular opinion but I LOVED this book!!! 😩😩😩 IDK if it’s because I’ve been in my mental illness bag but this story touched my soul.
For me Holding was about holding on to love, holding on to hope and holding on to the promise of for better or worse, sticking it out even during the toughest of times.
Krystle and Ford were childhood friends. It was a battle of wills between these two. They went back and forth between friends and enemies but ultimately the pull they had towards each other was a force they couldn’t fight against.
Holding details their life alternating between the past and the present. This story journeys their highs and lows and what it truly means to stick beside ya lover.
I really enjoyed how A. House told their story because you were trying to put the pieces together the entire time and didn’t quite know how everything fit until it hit you in the face. I feel like because of similar stories I’ve recently read, I was expecting things to play out the way they did!
Per usual Wesleigh and Jakobe delivered a stellar performance! This will for sure be a re-listen in the future!
“Once this life is over, I’ll find you in the next one” 🥰🥰
This may be an unpopular opinion but I LOVED this book!!! 😩😩😩 IDK if it’s because I’ve been in my mental illness bag but this story touched my soul.
For me Holding was about holding on to love, holding on to hope and holding on to the promise of for better or worse, sticking it out even during the toughest of times.
Krystle and Ford were childhood friends. It was a battle of wills between these two. They went back and forth between friends and enemies but ultimately the pull they had towards each other was a force they couldn’t fight against.
Holding details their life alternating between the past and the present. This story journeys their highs and lows and what it truly means to stick beside ya lover.
I really enjoyed how A. House told their story because you were trying to put the pieces together the entire time and didn’t quite know how everything fit until it hit you in the face. I feel like because of similar stories I’ve recently read, I was expecting things to play out the way they did!
Per usual Wesleigh and Jakobe delivered a stellar performance! This will for sure be a re-listen in the future!
“Once this life is over, I’ll find you in the next one” 🥰🥰
September 11, 2023
I Love A. House….she will ALWAYS provide a story with multi-faceted characters…Crystal and Ford’s story was just a little slow for me.
November 28, 2023
Krystle x Ford
Sports romance has become one of my many favorite genres. A. House has been doing a fantastic job delivering. This book gave a little Love and Basketball vibe with a touch on mental illness.
Although Krystle and Ford were hella exhausting, they were a fun couple to get to know. It was evident their love ran deep. Since they were kids, these two were tethered to one another, even through the “hatred” they had for one other.
The story went back and forth between the past and present, which was a little annoying. But it gave a perfect understanding of these two and their love for one another.
This story was told beautifully. I truly understood Krystle and Ford. They definitely pulled my heart with their story. Happy to know Jones and Nuri are still thriving. Love the Sires. Hope to get more of them.
Sports romance has become one of my many favorite genres. A. House has been doing a fantastic job delivering. This book gave a little Love and Basketball vibe with a touch on mental illness.
Although Krystle and Ford were hella exhausting, they were a fun couple to get to know. It was evident their love ran deep. Since they were kids, these two were tethered to one another, even through the “hatred” they had for one other.
The story went back and forth between the past and present, which was a little annoying. But it gave a perfect understanding of these two and their love for one another.
This story was told beautifully. I truly understood Krystle and Ford. They definitely pulled my heart with their story. Happy to know Jones and Nuri are still thriving. Love the Sires. Hope to get more of them.
February 15, 2025
i do want to read jones’ book because he stole the show in the moments he was in this but holyyyyyy whiplash, this story.
i wanted to like it and there were pockets where i liked both characters but my god, it was like ok we’re together for two days, i’m breaking up with you. sorry i fcked 25 people while we were broken up, you’re the only one i love. ok we’re back together, i’m going to disappear for an entire year. ok both of us are dating other people, but i really only love you.
i needed some chapters of them actually being happy to buy into their love story and didn’t get that unfortunately. i love a second chance romance and loved the idea of them both being stuck on each other but i need happiness somewhere in the past or present but this was conflict, conflict, conflict.
i wanted to like it and there were pockets where i liked both characters but my god, it was like ok we’re together for two days, i’m breaking up with you. sorry i fcked 25 people while we were broken up, you’re the only one i love. ok we’re back together, i’m going to disappear for an entire year. ok both of us are dating other people, but i really only love you.
i needed some chapters of them actually being happy to buy into their love story and didn’t get that unfortunately. i love a second chance romance and loved the idea of them both being stuck on each other but i need happiness somewhere in the past or present but this was conflict, conflict, conflict.
November 17, 2025
3.5⭐️ this story was nothing like I thought it would be. This was a story of when you know you know. Love was tested, feelings all over the place and the only thing that mattered was Ford and Krystle pushing through and focusing on what mattered
January 17, 2026
“You got me for eternity, baby. Once this life is over, I’ma find you in the next one.” 🥰
Holding is a quintessential coming of age story. Krystle and Ford meet when they were thirteen years old. He’s her twin brother’s best friend and she’s the annoying sister who’s forced to tag along with them whenever they hung out. Of course, being the only girl in this forced threesome meant these two did not get along at all. Krystle and Ford’s love story takes place over the span of almost 20 years. We got all the highs and lows of their relationship. We get to see them dislike each other, we get to see them fall in love with each other, we get to see them experience tragedy together and separately, we get to see them trauma bond together, we get to see them break up, get back together, break up again, get back together again, get married, and get divorced. When I say this couple took me through it, they took me through it! Although it was frustrating at times, I love the way Krystle and Ford’s love journey was told back and forth between the past and present so you could see the unwavering love these characters had for each other no matter what challenges they faced. Krystle and Ford truly were each other’s soulmate.
Holding is a quintessential coming of age story. Krystle and Ford meet when they were thirteen years old. He’s her twin brother’s best friend and she’s the annoying sister who’s forced to tag along with them whenever they hung out. Of course, being the only girl in this forced threesome meant these two did not get along at all. Krystle and Ford’s love story takes place over the span of almost 20 years. We got all the highs and lows of their relationship. We get to see them dislike each other, we get to see them fall in love with each other, we get to see them experience tragedy together and separately, we get to see them trauma bond together, we get to see them break up, get back together, break up again, get back together again, get married, and get divorced. When I say this couple took me through it, they took me through it! Although it was frustrating at times, I love the way Krystle and Ford’s love journey was told back and forth between the past and present so you could see the unwavering love these characters had for each other no matter what challenges they faced. Krystle and Ford truly were each other’s soulmate.
September 20, 2024
I enjoyed this A. House read just as much if not more than Goal, the first book in this series. Terrance Ford aka Ford and Krystle divorce however, I couldn’t fathom why. It’s clear on every page that they are very much still in love with each other. The story started off slow and my one complaint is that the reason the two divorced was dragged out and not revealed until close to the end. The name calling (big head & chicken), witty banter and funny dialogue kept me engaged while little man, LaDarius stole the show.
December 16, 2023
Alexandria House never fails!!! A great book, characters, drama and love!!
September 19, 2023
I enjoyed this story although it was a slight struggle going back and forth from past to more current past to present. jakobi and Wesleigh did an amazing job with this performance.
September 8, 2023
I definitely preferred Goal (Nuri and Malik’s book) over this one. Holding spent too much time going back and forth to the past. I get trying to show the development of Krystle and Ford’s relationship, but I needed MORE of them in the present.
Also, and this was my only complaint in Goal, the author needed to do more of an in-depth dive into hockey as a sport because the books are written as if there’s only a surface level knowledge of the game.
I’ll definitely continue with the series because I’m intrigued by the teammates, but Holding was meh, and probably my least favorite read from Alex House so far.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; childhood friends to lovers; second chance after “divorce”; hockey; mental health rep; smexy; “toe time” in the bedroom
TRIGGER WARNINGS: suicidal ideations/attempt (on page); diagnosis and discussions of heroine having bipolar disorder
Also, and this was my only complaint in Goal, the author needed to do more of an in-depth dive into hockey as a sport because the books are written as if there’s only a surface level knowledge of the game.
I’ll definitely continue with the series because I’m intrigued by the teammates, but Holding was meh, and probably my least favorite read from Alex House so far.
TROPES: black romance/BIPOC/OWN voices; childhood friends to lovers; second chance after “divorce”; hockey; mental health rep; smexy; “toe time” in the bedroom
TRIGGER WARNINGS: suicidal ideations/attempt (on page); diagnosis and discussions of heroine having bipolar disorder
April 6, 2025
⭐ 3/5
♡ THIS BOOK WAS ALRIGHTT ♡
✩°｡⋆ 44th Review of 2024 ⋆｡°✩
♡ MY REVIEW:
The positives: I really love how Alexandria House writes the dialogue btwn the men w/ their home boys and women w/ their girlfriends in every book! It never fails to crack me up lol.
The negatives: The pacing in this book didn't feel the best. There were a lot of up and down moments where I felt it like the story needed to breathe a bit and should've taken its time with the reader.
♡ THIS BOOK WAS ALRIGHTT ♡
✩°｡⋆ 44th Review of 2024 ⋆｡°✩
♡ MY REVIEW:
The positives: I really love how Alexandria House writes the dialogue btwn the men w/ their home boys and women w/ their girlfriends in every book! It never fails to crack me up lol.
The negatives: The pacing in this book didn't feel the best. There were a lot of up and down moments where I felt it like the story needed to breathe a bit and should've taken its time with the reader.
October 2, 2023
Review coming soon!
November 6, 2023
4 stars I’m not a fan of second chance, and the flashbacks/time jumps went on a bit too long for me, but I really liked these two and enjoyed their story.
September 28, 2024
This book wasn’t long enough 🥹🥹 they deserve another book. Did she get pregnant, did he go back, so many unanswered questions with that damn epilogue 😩
October 6, 2023
⭐️2.5
Compared to 'Goal', which is the first book in this interconnected series and was a really solid and enjoyable read, this book was simply less impressive.
Likes:
- The banter - Like with 'Goal', I enjoyed the light banter between the characters, particularly between Terrence Ford and his hockey teammates, Rapp and Maleek Jones
- For the most part, the mental health rep was well-written and one of the strongest parts of this book
- Krystle and Ford "co-parenting" their pet iguana was cute
- During the last 10 or so chapters of this book, when Ford and Krystle finally got together and worked things out, I actually felt their connection and could see why they would make a good couple. Prior to that, I had no idea why they should be together in the end
Dislikes:
- The timelines and time jumps - There was simply too much time spent going from Ford and Krystle's past to their present. This was obviously intended to show the growth of their relationship, but it threw off the pace of the book. Also, a part of me wishes we had seen more of Ford and Krystle's interactions and dialogue in the present rather than moments spent in the past
- The spice - Just didn't work for me in this book. It was just... no
- Ford and Krystle - Following their present timeline, I found them both to be so annoying, immature, and petty at times that I was stunned to realise that they were both in their late 20s. This book basically made me realise how much I dislike jealous main characters and the "jealousy" trope, because both Ford and Krystle had their moments where they both got on my nerves and would behave and say things that were completely unnecessary, spiteful, and overly petty in relation to each other's dates. All in all, to say that they slightly ruined my reading experience with this book would be downplaying it
Overall, not my favourite of the series and my least favourite read from Alexandria House so far, but not terrible either, hence the 2.5 star rating.
Compared to 'Goal', which is the first book in this interconnected series and was a really solid and enjoyable read, this book was simply less impressive.
Likes:
- The banter - Like with 'Goal', I enjoyed the light banter between the characters, particularly between Terrence Ford and his hockey teammates, Rapp and Maleek Jones
- For the most part, the mental health rep was well-written and one of the strongest parts of this book
- Krystle and Ford "co-parenting" their pet iguana was cute
- During the last 10 or so chapters of this book, when Ford and Krystle finally got together and worked things out, I actually felt their connection and could see why they would make a good couple. Prior to that, I had no idea why they should be together in the end
Dislikes:
- The timelines and time jumps - There was simply too much time spent going from Ford and Krystle's past to their present. This was obviously intended to show the growth of their relationship, but it threw off the pace of the book. Also, a part of me wishes we had seen more of Ford and Krystle's interactions and dialogue in the present rather than moments spent in the past
- The spice - Just didn't work for me in this book. It was just... no
- Ford and Krystle - Following their present timeline, I found them both to be so annoying, immature, and petty at times that I was stunned to realise that they were both in their late 20s. This book basically made me realise how much I dislike jealous main characters and the "jealousy" trope, because both Ford and Krystle had their moments where they both got on my nerves and would behave and say things that were completely unnecessary, spiteful, and overly petty in relation to each other's dates. All in all, to say that they slightly ruined my reading experience with this book would be downplaying it
Overall, not my favourite of the series and my least favourite read from Alexandria House so far, but not terrible either, hence the 2.5 star rating.
February 16, 2024
Alexandria House really never misses!
Not gonna lie I was about to DNF this simply because the FMC was driving me insane with the lack of communication. I held on because I knew A. House had a reason for the madness & she definitely did.
Krystle & Ford where childhood friends turned to lovers turned to enemies & lovers again basically. They really did stressss me out !! A. House takes you through the past and the present of their relationship. The Good bad & ugly. This book does touch on mental health so if that is a trigger for you keep that in mind. After all the madness it did end nicely.
A. House really be making these books funny af 😆!!! I was also glad to get updates on the couple from book one. Maleek & Nuri are still my favorite🫶🏽
When I found out who LaDarius was I wanted to throw my kindle because be so fr 🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆
Not gonna lie I was about to DNF this simply because the FMC was driving me insane with the lack of communication. I held on because I knew A. House had a reason for the madness & she definitely did.
Krystle & Ford where childhood friends turned to lovers turned to enemies & lovers again basically. They really did stressss me out !! A. House takes you through the past and the present of their relationship. The Good bad & ugly. This book does touch on mental health so if that is a trigger for you keep that in mind. After all the madness it did end nicely.
A. House really be making these books funny af 😆!!! I was also glad to get updates on the couple from book one. Maleek & Nuri are still my favorite🫶🏽
When I found out who LaDarius was I wanted to throw my kindle because be so fr 🤣🤣🤣🤣😆😆😆
November 30, 2024
Worst book I have ever read. The book was a poorly written and all over the place.
- Chapters were about 2-4 pages long and there was even a chapter with 1 sentence….
- No direct storyline and has past and present time jumps that added nothing to the overall story.
- The book is written in dual POV but each POV is like 2 paragraphs.
- Lots of sex scenes and while I enjoy smut it seemed like all the characters did was have sex. They only went on 1 date in the entire book.
- The book is very expensive on Amazon and it’s only 200 pages.
- This relationship was a definitely two ppl bonding over a shared trauma experience.
I can go on and on about why I did not like the book but this was the worst book I have ever read. If I can go lower than 1 star I would.
- Chapters were about 2-4 pages long and there was even a chapter with 1 sentence….
- No direct storyline and has past and present time jumps that added nothing to the overall story.
- The book is written in dual POV but each POV is like 2 paragraphs.
- Lots of sex scenes and while I enjoy smut it seemed like all the characters did was have sex. They only went on 1 date in the entire book.
- The book is very expensive on Amazon and it’s only 200 pages.
- This relationship was a definitely two ppl bonding over a shared trauma experience.
I can go on and on about why I did not like the book but this was the worst book I have ever read. If I can go lower than 1 star I would.
January 23, 2024
Had a few issues with this one but ended up enjoying it. Definitely a PACKED storyline though.
February 10, 2024
This was so sweet and so thoughtful.
A. House really did her thing on this one.
Second chance romance with mental health rep & full on black love 🤎
A. House really did her thing on this one.
Second chance romance with mental health rep & full on black love 🤎
November 3, 2023
This book was done well. Tackling love, loss, and mental illness on top of giving the readers a bit of funny mixed in was done in true Alexandria House fashion. Terrence and Krystal had a childhood love and when you’ve loved someone for so long sometimes you grow up and apart. They had to tackle alot to make it back to each other. I loved Terrence in how he was very understanding and loving when being a support system while Krystal was learning herself and her Bipolar. Mental illness needs care. Krystal most definitely should have told him upfront. I was rooting for them the whole book.
December 5, 2025
Ford and Krystles relationship with Ledarrius took me out. I remember my sister had an Iguana name Krab and we weren't worried about his teeth it was that darn tail!! I loved how this book was unoriginally perfect. Showing mental health and the way it can effect relationships, A couple that dont need to get pregnant to have a happily ever after. I am left with some questions though. Mainly for Brandy I wouldnt have minded a POV from her. Im not really a fan of past to present timeliness but this one was bearable.
March 7, 2024
Audiobook and EBook
Oohhh! This book destroyed me in many ways, but mostly in a good way! Like, I don't even know what to say. I don't even think I can express how much I enjoyed and love this book.
Oohhh! This book destroyed me in many ways, but mostly in a good way! Like, I don't even know what to say. I don't even think I can express how much I enjoyed and love this book.
March 30, 2024
Rounded up from 3.5
May 13, 2024
3.75 rating for me. He lost her and regrets it... slow burn 🔥 😑
**Divorced
**First love
**Childhood friends
**Depression
Hoopla/CL listen 🎶
**Divorced
**First love
**Childhood friends
**Depression
Hoopla/CL listen 🎶
September 8, 2025
Although second chance stories can be a bit slow for me, I really enjoyed this book. It dealt with a lot of mental health matters, but nonetheless it also had such funny banter & moments.
(Krystel x Ford)
(Krystel x Ford)
September 2, 2023
Audio - purchased Bookfunnel - 3.75
Good read. Although listed as part of the St. Louis series, it is a total standalone.
Married couples making their way back to one another. Seems like everyone is writing these lately.
Both characters had issues. She had the major issues and they were highlighted throughout. I don’t like when couples leave one another and have outside relations. That bothers me. Lol. So set the pace for the story.
Alexandria is an excellent writer but this just wasn’t overly unique to me. My two fav narrators brought it home for me though.
Good read. Although listed as part of the St. Louis series, it is a total standalone.
Married couples making their way back to one another. Seems like everyone is writing these lately.
Both characters had issues. She had the major issues and they were highlighted throughout. I don’t like when couples leave one another and have outside relations. That bothers me. Lol. So set the pace for the story.
Alexandria is an excellent writer but this just wasn’t overly unique to me. My two fav narrators brought it home for me though.
June 6, 2024
⚠️WARNING: This is Book 2
⏳Listening Time: 6h 11m
🔊Narrators: Jakobi Diem & Wesleigh Siobhan
🎧📱Platform: Audiobook from Hoopla
📚: What if: you thought you were doing what was best for your partner (even if that meant divorce), you can't forget the past nor your present, could you both pull it together to get back together, why are you both so stubborn, love is enough to stay together, you didn't sign the papers and you are still married, you stopped running, your heart was broken through all of these years, positive changes could have adverse effects, your dream came true while your partner was mentally suffering, there is hope for your relationship and a happy ever after?
📖Book Elements: Love & Tragic Losses; Foud Family, Hockey Romance, Black Love, Marriage, Running as an escape instead of addressing issues, depression/blues, mental illness.
⏳Listening Time: 6h 11m
🔊Narrators: Jakobi Diem & Wesleigh Siobhan
🎧📱Platform: Audiobook from Hoopla
📚: What if: you thought you were doing what was best for your partner (even if that meant divorce), you can't forget the past nor your present, could you both pull it together to get back together, why are you both so stubborn, love is enough to stay together, you didn't sign the papers and you are still married, you stopped running, your heart was broken through all of these years, positive changes could have adverse effects, your dream came true while your partner was mentally suffering, there is hope for your relationship and a happy ever after?
📖Book Elements: Love & Tragic Losses; Foud Family, Hockey Romance, Black Love, Marriage, Running as an escape instead of addressing issues, depression/blues, mental illness.
Read
April 2, 2025Listen, I knew from the moment I realized they were co-parenting an iguana that this was not going to be the romance for me. But I wasn't going to skip a St. Louis Sires book.
This also is a childhood neighbors/friends to lovers and second chance romance, neither of which are among my favorite tropes. There are a fair amount of flashbacks which interrupted my pacing - I'd have liked to have spent more time in the present. But that's a personal opinion, if you're into this sort of story you'll likely love this one.
What did work for me: the banter, the mental health rep, some funny little moments.
Basically, not the right book for me personally, but at the same time I'm going to keep reading Alexandria House!
This also is a childhood neighbors/friends to lovers and second chance romance, neither of which are among my favorite tropes. There are a fair amount of flashbacks which interrupted my pacing - I'd have liked to have spent more time in the present. But that's a personal opinion, if you're into this sort of story you'll likely love this one.
What did work for me: the banter, the mental health rep, some funny little moments.
Basically, not the right book for me personally, but at the same time I'm going to keep reading Alexandria House!
October 7, 2024
Thoughts while reading:
Terrance said none of your chicken leg what business 😂😂😂😂
Not they talking about an iguana and not a child 😂😂😂 and yall using that animal as a way to stay connected 😂 yall think yall slick.
I’m cryinggggggg—- the dating pool trash Krystle
They better keep their eyes off Nuri 😂😂 Maleek finna spaz.
Oh shit he showed up at her spot?
Damn Blake RIP
Destiny girl that’s why she texted you.
Krystle saying “never heard of him” when Brandy brought up Terrance is Hilarious
Brandy is the sweetest unbeknownst to her man stealer 😂😂😭
Assworth Bentley 😂😂😂
Not Mama Ford talking about the Opps and Mid 😂😂😂😂😂 love Ford mama
Just because your struggling with MH doesn’t mean your not worthy of love 💕 you just need someone to love you the right way while your doing the work on you to be the best version of yourself (in combination with any MH supports deemed needed).
Love conquers all!! 🥰
Cryinggggg at GILF 😂😂😂
Ouch, him hitting his head on that hard ass ice..
That’s right whoop his ass. Hurting out man 😅
Concussions ain’t no joke
Just a few licks, no happy ending 😂😂😂😂
Not Jones thinking his momma not getting that back blown out by coach😂
Ok I see you BIG SOUTH!!
Ladarious said let me get tf outtt here.. ole nasty ass parents😂
Terrance said none of your chicken leg what business 😂😂😂😂
Not they talking about an iguana and not a child 😂😂😂 and yall using that animal as a way to stay connected 😂 yall think yall slick.
I’m cryinggggggg—- the dating pool trash Krystle
They better keep their eyes off Nuri 😂😂 Maleek finna spaz.
Oh shit he showed up at her spot?
Damn Blake RIP
Destiny girl that’s why she texted you.
Krystle saying “never heard of him” when Brandy brought up Terrance is Hilarious
Brandy is the sweetest unbeknownst to her man stealer 😂😂😭
Assworth Bentley 😂😂😂
Not Mama Ford talking about the Opps and Mid 😂😂😂😂😂 love Ford mama
Just because your struggling with MH doesn’t mean your not worthy of love 💕 you just need someone to love you the right way while your doing the work on you to be the best version of yourself (in combination with any MH supports deemed needed).
Love conquers all!! 🥰
Cryinggggg at GILF 😂😂😂
Ouch, him hitting his head on that hard ass ice..
That’s right whoop his ass. Hurting out man 😅
Concussions ain’t no joke
Just a few licks, no happy ending 😂😂😂😂
Not Jones thinking his momma not getting that back blown out by coach😂
Ok I see you BIG SOUTH!!
Ladarious said let me get tf outtt here.. ole nasty ass parents😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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