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Six Shooter and a Shifter #1
When the Moon Shines
Welcome to Traitor’s Den. I hope you like it here, because there’s no leaving the small western town that’s more theme park than authentic. Once you walk through the portal, you’re stuck as a boot heel in a half foot of mud.
I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.
I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.
Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.
No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.
They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.
Or someone...
Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
* A sexy fantasy western with growly shifters, sketchy vamps, peculiar mages and creatures, and one badass cowgirl sheriff. Within this small town, magic and gossip flow as freely as whiskey, and work and pleasure are nearly the same thing. Weird things happen on the regular in Traitor's Den. Come and join the quirky family, where everyone's packing. Oh, and don't mind the tiger.
* Loretta Maybelle Ray is hot stuff. When several fine cowboys vie for her affections, this series becomes a reverse harem.
* Though this series does not contain curse words, but rather a comical variation of them, it contains slow-burn romance that eventually leads to sex on the page with more than one man.
* Each book in the Six Shooter and a Shifter series is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. However, a happily-ever-after is guaranteed for the series finale.
I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.
I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.
Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.
No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.
They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.
Or someone...
Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
* A sexy fantasy western with growly shifters, sketchy vamps, peculiar mages and creatures, and one badass cowgirl sheriff. Within this small town, magic and gossip flow as freely as whiskey, and work and pleasure are nearly the same thing. Weird things happen on the regular in Traitor's Den. Come and join the quirky family, where everyone's packing. Oh, and don't mind the tiger.
* Loretta Maybelle Ray is hot stuff. When several fine cowboys vie for her affections, this series becomes a reverse harem.
* Though this series does not contain curse words, but rather a comical variation of them, it contains slow-burn romance that eventually leads to sex on the page with more than one man.
* Each book in the Six Shooter and a Shifter series is a full-length novel that ends on a cliffhanger. However, a happily-ever-after is guaranteed for the series finale.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published April 1, 2022
313 people are currently reading
344 people want to read
About the author
Lucía Ashta
103 books907 followersLucía Ashta is the internationally top 20 bestselling author of young adult, new adult, and adult paranormal and urban fantasy books, including the series Magical Creatures Academy, Witches of Gales Haven, Smoky Mountain Pack, and Supernatural Bounty Hunter.
When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.
Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta
Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
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www.luciaashta.com
When Lucía isn't writing, she's reading, painting, or adventuring. Magical fantasy is her favorite, but the action, romance, and quirky characters are what keep her hooked on books.
Sign up for Lucía’s new release email list and you’ll be notified as soon as the next book publishes: https://www.subscribepage.com/luciaashta
Connect with Lucía:
www.facebook.com/authorluciaashta
www.facebook.com/groups/LuciaAshta
www.luciaashta.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
October 27, 2023
Call it 3.5. Like most of the characters. Going to read the next book to see where it goes.
March 28, 2024
A fantasy western with lots of humor, a little bit of steam, and a cuddly magic koala bear? Sign me up!
I adored this first in a series. Loretta is the type of heroine I love. She’s a tough-as-nails sheriff in a town full of magic, but she doesn’t have any magic of her own. This town is a prison realm that nobody can leave, and it was designed by her uncle to imprison her father and her mother. The town of “Traitor’s Den” isn’t a true western town, but a strange imitation of what her uncle thought that a western town would have looked like. Over the decades, three hundred different people have stumbled across this town and are also trapped there, each taking on new roles and new lives (and, as a consequence to the magic, new names).
The story is a little on the slower-paced side, but there are a lot of characters to get to know and love–including her best friend, her family, not one, but two new love interests for the heroine, and her current boyfriend (oh no!).
This one ends on a major cliffhanger, and I had a major case of OMG when I turned the page and realized I’d finished the book. I started the second immediately afterwards!
5 stars!
I adored this first in a series. Loretta is the type of heroine I love. She’s a tough-as-nails sheriff in a town full of magic, but she doesn’t have any magic of her own. This town is a prison realm that nobody can leave, and it was designed by her uncle to imprison her father and her mother. The town of “Traitor’s Den” isn’t a true western town, but a strange imitation of what her uncle thought that a western town would have looked like. Over the decades, three hundred different people have stumbled across this town and are also trapped there, each taking on new roles and new lives (and, as a consequence to the magic, new names).
The story is a little on the slower-paced side, but there are a lot of characters to get to know and love–including her best friend, her family, not one, but two new love interests for the heroine, and her current boyfriend (oh no!).
This one ends on a major cliffhanger, and I had a major case of OMG when I turned the page and realized I’d finished the book. I started the second immediately afterwards!
5 stars!
February 28, 2022
Wanna read an amusing book where nothing happens? Well here it is!
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm conflicted about this one, because I liked it, but there was literally no real point to it other than to introduce the characters and the issue driving them to action. It was like the first episode to a tv show.
Loretta Maybelle is the sheriff of Traitor's Den, which is a pocket plane created by her uncle. He liked to toss in people for various offenses. As far as the occupants can tell, once you are in, you can never get out. Now people seem to occasionally, accidentally fall in. Such is the case with the two men who come through the portal brawling. Turns out they're brothers.
Loretta has to educate them on where they are and what the rules and expectations are in Traitor's Den. Each person is given a lodging to live in, a gun, a horse and a cowboy hat. They are expected to contribute to the overall welfare of the community in exchange. There is no real swearing in Traitor's Den. Part of the curse of the pocket plane. No f-bombs for anyone. Instead people are forced to take a more cowboy sounding names, cliché cowboy grammar and cussing repertoire. Words like fanny are in style in Traitor's Den. Safe to say it doesn't go great with the newcomers and Rhett finds himself in one of Loretta's jail cells to cool his jets...and keep to population of Traitor's Den from beating him up repeatedly.
What gets me is this man is such an arrogant, nerve-grating, piece of work but while Loretta is thinking of all of this she also just can't 'help' fawning over how hot he is. Ugh. I also but don't appreciate how often we have to be reminded how curvy and hot Loretta is as well. We are told this repeatedly. And how hot Rhett and sometimes Zeke is as well. Why? Just why? WE GET IT! Move on.
We also meet Cole. Loretta's handsome, well mannered, loving boyfriend who she isn't really in love with but continues to leave on her hook. Ugh.
Then there is Tiger, a shapeshifter trapped in Tiger form. And Kiki, the magic koala that everyone wants to cuddle...And her parents and a handful of other magical Traitor's Den folk. The bar owner. The metalsmith. The mayor's wife. The horses with high intelligence and their own personalities. Etc.
The actual plot doesn't show up until midway through the book and even then after it happens, nothing but Loretta wallowing around happens. The climax of the book doesn't actually happen this book. There's a cliffhanger ending just as we get there to encourage you to pick up the next book/episode. Just like a tv show and some mangas.
I know I am making it sound bad. Not it's not bad, for what it is. It's not a traditional book format going on here. Nothing is resolved in this first book. It's just a series of problems stacking one on top of the other....well okay. The Cole problem is solved I guess.
Anyhow. It took awhile for me to get into it, but about 20% of the way through the book I found my groove and finished it in 2 days. Just don't go into it thinking it'll read like a traditional book. View it in more of a 'reading a tv episode' type book.
Conclusion
All in all it was amusing. This series is going to turn into one of those series you have to read every book in order to figure out what the solution was to all the problems presented to you in the first book, because you aren't getting any in the first book.
I received a copy of this via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm conflicted about this one, because I liked it, but there was literally no real point to it other than to introduce the characters and the issue driving them to action. It was like the first episode to a tv show.
Loretta Maybelle is the sheriff of Traitor's Den, which is a pocket plane created by her uncle. He liked to toss in people for various offenses. As far as the occupants can tell, once you are in, you can never get out. Now people seem to occasionally, accidentally fall in. Such is the case with the two men who come through the portal brawling. Turns out they're brothers.
Loretta has to educate them on where they are and what the rules and expectations are in Traitor's Den. Each person is given a lodging to live in, a gun, a horse and a cowboy hat. They are expected to contribute to the overall welfare of the community in exchange. There is no real swearing in Traitor's Den. Part of the curse of the pocket plane. No f-bombs for anyone. Instead people are forced to take a more cowboy sounding names, cliché cowboy grammar and cussing repertoire. Words like fanny are in style in Traitor's Den. Safe to say it doesn't go great with the newcomers and Rhett finds himself in one of Loretta's jail cells to cool his jets...and keep to population of Traitor's Den from beating him up repeatedly.
What gets me is this man is such an arrogant, nerve-grating, piece of work but while Loretta is thinking of all of this she also just can't 'help' fawning over how hot he is. Ugh. I also but don't appreciate how often we have to be reminded how curvy and hot Loretta is as well. We are told this repeatedly. And how hot Rhett and sometimes Zeke is as well. Why? Just why? WE GET IT! Move on.
We also meet Cole. Loretta's handsome, well mannered, loving boyfriend who she isn't really in love with but continues to leave on her hook. Ugh.
Then there is Tiger, a shapeshifter trapped in Tiger form. And Kiki, the magic koala that everyone wants to cuddle...And her parents and a handful of other magical Traitor's Den folk. The bar owner. The metalsmith. The mayor's wife. The horses with high intelligence and their own personalities. Etc.
The actual plot doesn't show up until midway through the book and even then after it happens, nothing but Loretta wallowing around happens. The climax of the book doesn't actually happen this book. There's a cliffhanger ending just as we get there to encourage you to pick up the next book/episode. Just like a tv show and some mangas.
I know I am making it sound bad. Not it's not bad, for what it is. It's not a traditional book format going on here. Nothing is resolved in this first book. It's just a series of problems stacking one on top of the other....well okay. The Cole problem is solved I guess.
Anyhow. It took awhile for me to get into it, but about 20% of the way through the book I found my groove and finished it in 2 days. Just don't go into it thinking it'll read like a traditional book. View it in more of a 'reading a tv episode' type book.
Conclusion
All in all it was amusing. This series is going to turn into one of those series you have to read every book in order to figure out what the solution was to all the problems presented to you in the first book, because you aren't getting any in the first book.
April 18, 2023
3 stars
This was so nonsensical, but so much fun!Not a lot happened to propel the story forward, but I enjoyed it all the same with all the colorful characters and the cartoon ish old west setting. On to the next one.
This was so nonsensical, but so much fun!Not a lot happened to propel the story forward, but I enjoyed it all the same with all the colorful characters and the cartoon ish old west setting. On to the next one.
January 16, 2025
Loretta nació y creció en una prisión mágica ambientada en el viejo oeste. Ahí habitan cambiaformas, vampiros, magos, hadas y otras especies mágicas. Ha sido asignada como la Sheriff para mantener el control, a pesar de no "poseer ningún poder mágico especial".
Se abre un portal y llegan dos individuos que traen más problemas a los ya existentes y se anuncia romance entre ambos y Loretta. 👀
La historia es rápida de leer, tiene comedia y nada de spice. Si bien Loretta tiene un novio, pasan cosas que no me gustaron con el individuo en cuestión. Al final ya no son pareja y ps dan paso a la nueva relación. En la cual no se siente mucho la química, aunque te diga el libro que sí la sienten los personajes. 🙄
Termina en cliffhanger por si les es pertinente la info.
Seguiré leyendo porque quiero saber en que acaba la cosa. 😅
Se abre un portal y llegan dos individuos que traen más problemas a los ya existentes y se anuncia romance entre ambos y Loretta. 👀
La historia es rápida de leer, tiene comedia y nada de spice. Si bien Loretta tiene un novio, pasan cosas que no me gustaron con el individuo en cuestión. Al final ya no son pareja y ps dan paso a la nueva relación. En la cual no se siente mucho la química, aunque te diga el libro que sí la sienten los personajes. 🙄
Termina en cliffhanger por si les es pertinente la info.
Seguiré leyendo porque quiero saber en que acaba la cosa. 😅
April 8, 2022
I really liked the western theme of this book it definitely put a twist to most fantasy romance novels. The chapter titles were funny and I enjoyed all the dialogue they had to use while stuck in the town. Especially the auto filters when they tried to cuss. I am definitely looking forward to book 2.
January 9, 2023
Better then Expected!
This book was recommended as a buddy read, and just giving it a shot, I ended up liking it better than I expected.
I'm excited to jump into book 2 of this series with hope there's more character development with the alphas males and to also learn why the MFC is written to be such as badass when she's done nothing to prove this case! Hmmm! Fingers crossed I get satisfying answers!
Overall Rating:
4*~ A Good Read
This book was recommended as a buddy read, and just giving it a shot, I ended up liking it better than I expected.
I'm excited to jump into book 2 of this series with hope there's more character development with the alphas males and to also learn why the MFC is written to be such as badass when she's done nothing to prove this case! Hmmm! Fingers crossed I get satisfying answers!
Overall Rating:
4*~ A Good Read
February 9, 2022
Such a wild ride!
This is a wild-west-inspired town created via portal that the citizens came through but can't leave. The entire community is magical except out protagonist and that magic comes with some fantastic quirks - like not being able to say the f-word, which is hilarious because not being able to say it doesn't stop people from trying!
Loretta is the sheriff who keeps the peace, continues to say to say no to marrying her long-time boyfriend, and suddenly has two gorgeous men in her life who claim she belongs with them.
As with LA's style, this is sexy, it has fun moments, it's full of adventure, and the characters are complex and real.
Definitely recommend it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a wild-west-inspired town created via portal that the citizens came through but can't leave. The entire community is magical except out protagonist and that magic comes with some fantastic quirks - like not being able to say the f-word, which is hilarious because not being able to say it doesn't stop people from trying!
Loretta is the sheriff who keeps the peace, continues to say to say no to marrying her long-time boyfriend, and suddenly has two gorgeous men in her life who claim she belongs with them.
As with LA's style, this is sexy, it has fun moments, it's full of adventure, and the characters are complex and real.
Definitely recommend it!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2022
So Imagine being in a town and never be able to leave, to be stuck forever with the same people day in and day out and on top of all of that you are the law! Meet Sheriff Loretta Maybelle Ray from the town called Traitor's Den where you can go but you can never leave. A town full of the supernatural beings, vampire shifters, magic and so much more. The world building is fantastic, the storyline exciting and intriguing and draws you in without hesitation and the characters are so much fun and sassy especially as they can’t curse!! It’s makes for a very entertaining read full of action and adventure and I am so ready for the next book!
December 24, 2025
Welcome to Traitor’s Den. I hope you like it here, because there’s no leaving the small western town that’s more theme park than authentic. Once you walk through the portal, you’re stuck as a boot heel in a half foot of mud.
I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.
I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.
Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.
No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.
They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.
Or someone...
Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
I’ve never seen the outside world and I don’t care. The cannon-toting, trigger-happy residents here are like family, even if most of them are a few spoons short of a full set. Eventually, everyone grows on you, kinda like nail fungus. But the booze flows freely, and Tiger keeps me company. He’s as much a prisoner as I am.
I don’t figure there’s much point in wanting what you can never have. I’ll eventually accept one of my boyfriend’s marriage proposals and then keep policing the one-way town while I pop out the babies he wants. I was born knowing how to make chicken salad out of chicken shit.
At least I won’t be bored. Denners aren’t fans of following the rules, and the longer they’re in town, the worse they behave, thanks to the spell that keeps us all trapped here.
Just when I think I’ve made my peace with my lot, the portal pops open and two men shoot through, throwing punches before their feet even finish landing in my town. When they finally look at me, all I see is problems. Big, ginormous, entirely-too-handsome problems. And that’s before I even take into account the little “surprise” they brought through with them.
No one’s ever looked at me the way they do.
They aren’t the kind of men who back down after claiming something.
Or someone...
Did I say I had my life in Traitor’s Den all figured out? Hell, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
October 21, 2024
That was surprisingly good. I'm not sure what I expected from the blurb, but what I got was a funny, cosy, spicy, interesting, and imaginative story.
As well as an interesting concept of a town stuck in a curse, where a portal pops out new townsfolk and changes them from name to accents into a person in a badly imagined Western. The townsfolk can't say the F work and instead come out with some fun curses. Every townsfolk has magic... well, everyone that came in through the portal has magic.
Our FMC is the sherif of the town. She's 20 and was born in this cursed world. The FMCs are new to town and enter with a flourish of fists. It seems like it's heading to a why choose type romance, well I hope it is. I also get the feeling the Tiger who can't shift back to humans could be more.
Oh, and we must not forget Kiki! I want Kiki hugs and a Kiki smile!!! Everyone should have a Kiki in their life.
There is laughter, cuteness, alphahole and brother, possessive men, and a town full of fun characters. From the spice I read, I'm expecting so great smut in future books. Because that scene was hot!
If I didn't need to sleep, I would be part way into book 2 by now.
3.9 stars
As well as an interesting concept of a town stuck in a curse, where a portal pops out new townsfolk and changes them from name to accents into a person in a badly imagined Western. The townsfolk can't say the F work and instead come out with some fun curses. Every townsfolk has magic... well, everyone that came in through the portal has magic.
Our FMC is the sherif of the town. She's 20 and was born in this cursed world. The FMCs are new to town and enter with a flourish of fists. It seems like it's heading to a why choose type romance, well I hope it is. I also get the feeling the Tiger who can't shift back to humans could be more.
Oh, and we must not forget Kiki! I want Kiki hugs and a Kiki smile!!! Everyone should have a Kiki in their life.
There is laughter, cuteness, alphahole and brother, possessive men, and a town full of fun characters. From the spice I read, I'm expecting so great smut in future books. Because that scene was hot!
If I didn't need to sleep, I would be part way into book 2 by now.
3.9 stars
April 13, 2022
When the Moon Shines by Lucia Ashta is very different than anything I’ve read as of late. The mix of fantasy and western genres is so unique, and works so well together. When the tour email came for this one, I knew I had to check it out and I’m so glad I did.
I loved the characters. There are quite a few of them but this book is so well written, I was able to tell them all apart. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud.
There is action, and oddities…this book never ceased to entertain me from start to finish and now I need the second book. I loved the world and the writing. I can’t say enough about When the Moon Shines. You have to check it out for yourself!
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
I loved the characters. There are quite a few of them but this book is so well written, I was able to tell them all apart. Some of the dialogue had me laughing out loud.
There is action, and oddities…this book never ceased to entertain me from start to finish and now I need the second book. I loved the world and the writing. I can’t say enough about When the Moon Shines. You have to check it out for yourself!
Thank you to Xpresso Book Tours for the free review copy. All opinions are my own and unbiased.
September 21, 2025
WOW just WOW
Not sure what to say about this paranormal magical story but WOW. What a great story. Rhett and Zeke are sent thru a portal to Traitors Den where they realize they are trapped. When they meet the townsfolk they realize they’re in some magical weird western. I absolutely loved this story even if it ends with a cliffhanger. It’s a fast paced hilariously funny read and I’m hoping book two answers all. my questions.
Not sure what to say about this paranormal magical story but WOW. What a great story. Rhett and Zeke are sent thru a portal to Traitors Den where they realize they are trapped. When they meet the townsfolk they realize they’re in some magical weird western. I absolutely loved this story even if it ends with a cliffhanger. It’s a fast paced hilariously funny read and I’m hoping book two answers all. my questions.
February 19, 2022
I was expecting an enjoyable read as the author is amazing, but I was blown away by how fun this story is. From crutches being used for interesting things to the inability to swear. Lucia brings us on an unparalleled journey. 10/10 would recommend!
December 30, 2022
Quirky story. Slow burn western-themed story with FMC who is the sheriff of a cursed town. Everything is fine and dandy until 2 newbies show up and cause quite the stir.
June 30, 2023
If you don't like folksy type of speak this book is not for you. I actually enjoyed the over the top folksy ways of talking for the first 3 books or so but was definitely over it by the last book.
Some of the things the characters said was outrageous. I don't have a clue how the author came up with some of the things that were said.
I really liked the town and the characters. I liked how the town was designed to make the inhabitants misbehave. I liked how cherished some of the characters were/are like Kiki the cuddle loving koala.
Some of the things the characters said was outrageous. I don't have a clue how the author came up with some of the things that were said.
I really liked the town and the characters. I liked how the town was designed to make the inhabitants misbehave. I liked how cherished some of the characters were/are like Kiki the cuddle loving koala.
April 1, 2022
3.5⭐️
“When the Moon Shines” is book one in Lucia Ashta’s Six Shooter and a Shifter series.
Being a fan of Ms Ashta’s, I was intrigued to see how she was going to be bring a Western Fantasy to life. I can say this with complete honesty she did a fabulous job, though the start was a little slow and gave me a few wth is going on moments, it really picked up and I enjoyed the journey. One thing I do have to say is that though this is book one and it ended on a cliffhanger (as per Ms Ashta’s specialities) nothing explosive happens. This book is more of an introduction to the world, characters and history to what is going on. Now with that being said from the very beginning of the book it is none stop, always on the go for the mfc Loretta.
Loretta is the non magical Sheriff of ‘Traitor’s Den’. (a portal pocket town) In Traitor’s Den all the residents have some sort of Magic whether it be a Shifter, Mage, Witch, Dwarf, Troll, or Fairy, the only way to get to ‘TD’ is to have magic to see the portal, but once you go through there is no leaving. ‘TD’ is magic personified, when a new person arrives they get a new Western sounding name, a cowboy hat and a horse, and there is always some sort of trouble brewing in, but when the portal opens and two new people arrive brawling, things get a whole lot crazier. With the arrival or Rhett and Zeke, TD’s residents find themselves having more than two smexy males showing up, a whole new lot of trouble is coming and their Sheriff might just not survive.
There is so many things I liked and a few I disliked in this book. For starters I LOVED Tiger, his fierce loyalty and protectiveness of Loretta, (who doesn’t want a shifter stuck in animal form as a pet 😂). The ability to not be able to say the F word, all the substitutes had me giggling like a school girl, “Motherflapping Flashers” 😂🤣😝. Unfortunately two of my pet peeves are in this book, (which I will not disclose due to spoilers, but when you know you know, the only hint I’ll give involves a situation involving 2 best friends and a stranger) but the rest of the story more than made up for it.
I’m looking forward to book two and can’t wait to see how things turn out in Traitor’s Den.
“When the Moon Shines” is book one in Lucia Ashta’s Six Shooter and a Shifter series.
Being a fan of Ms Ashta’s, I was intrigued to see how she was going to be bring a Western Fantasy to life. I can say this with complete honesty she did a fabulous job, though the start was a little slow and gave me a few wth is going on moments, it really picked up and I enjoyed the journey. One thing I do have to say is that though this is book one and it ended on a cliffhanger (as per Ms Ashta’s specialities) nothing explosive happens. This book is more of an introduction to the world, characters and history to what is going on. Now with that being said from the very beginning of the book it is none stop, always on the go for the mfc Loretta.
Loretta is the non magical Sheriff of ‘Traitor’s Den’. (a portal pocket town) In Traitor’s Den all the residents have some sort of Magic whether it be a Shifter, Mage, Witch, Dwarf, Troll, or Fairy, the only way to get to ‘TD’ is to have magic to see the portal, but once you go through there is no leaving. ‘TD’ is magic personified, when a new person arrives they get a new Western sounding name, a cowboy hat and a horse, and there is always some sort of trouble brewing in, but when the portal opens and two new people arrive brawling, things get a whole lot crazier. With the arrival or Rhett and Zeke, TD’s residents find themselves having more than two smexy males showing up, a whole new lot of trouble is coming and their Sheriff might just not survive.
There is so many things I liked and a few I disliked in this book. For starters I LOVED Tiger, his fierce loyalty and protectiveness of Loretta, (who doesn’t want a shifter stuck in animal form as a pet 😂). The ability to not be able to say the F word, all the substitutes had me giggling like a school girl, “Motherflapping Flashers” 😂🤣😝. Unfortunately two of my pet peeves are in this book, (which I will not disclose due to spoilers, but when you know you know, the only hint I’ll give involves a situation involving 2 best friends and a stranger) but the rest of the story more than made up for it.
I’m looking forward to book two and can’t wait to see how things turn out in Traitor’s Den.
June 9, 2022
When I first read the synopsis for “When the Moon Shines” I thought what a novel concept to
Combine the paranormal world with a Western theme. While I mildly enjoyed this read, there were several things that were irksome. First and foremost, there was very little paranormal and too much Western. Additionally, I have always admired good looking men just as you would art. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it will fit in with your decor! This is something the main character doesn’t seem to realize.
Traitor is a small town of 369 residents made up of paranormal who landed there by means of a portal. Although they are doing the best with their existence cannot leave the town. Then one day two men are shot through the portal brawling. The sheriff of the town Loretta quickly has to teach them some manners as well as explain how things work. One of the new comers is an arrogant but handsome idiot while the other is his handsome brother. While Loretta has a doting boyfriend, Cole we are quickly lead to believe that Loretta now cannot wait to get her lady bits massages by either one or both of these men despite the fact they represent everything she abhors.
Soon we learn the men are in possession of a dragon’s egg and if it is not returned soon Loretta will die. While I found myself mildly interested in this read just as it began to get interesting it abruptly ended leaving the reader high and dry. This read felt more like the author was stalling to provide pertinent information only to extend the length of the book. I subscribe by the philosophy of tell your story thoroughly and succinctly. This read did not do that.
While I gave this book three stars I don’t think I will be going on with this series. I have a hard time justifying continuing reading a story where I have so many issues and each installment is not complete. I love a good cliffhanger but that is not what happened here. Oh well, we never know what we are going to enjoy in our reading selections until we give different things a chance. Sorry Ms. Ashta, this wasn’t it for me!
Combine the paranormal world with a Western theme. While I mildly enjoyed this read, there were several things that were irksome. First and foremost, there was very little paranormal and too much Western. Additionally, I have always admired good looking men just as you would art. Just because it looks good doesn’t mean it will fit in with your decor! This is something the main character doesn’t seem to realize.
Traitor is a small town of 369 residents made up of paranormal who landed there by means of a portal. Although they are doing the best with their existence cannot leave the town. Then one day two men are shot through the portal brawling. The sheriff of the town Loretta quickly has to teach them some manners as well as explain how things work. One of the new comers is an arrogant but handsome idiot while the other is his handsome brother. While Loretta has a doting boyfriend, Cole we are quickly lead to believe that Loretta now cannot wait to get her lady bits massages by either one or both of these men despite the fact they represent everything she abhors.
Soon we learn the men are in possession of a dragon’s egg and if it is not returned soon Loretta will die. While I found myself mildly interested in this read just as it began to get interesting it abruptly ended leaving the reader high and dry. This read felt more like the author was stalling to provide pertinent information only to extend the length of the book. I subscribe by the philosophy of tell your story thoroughly and succinctly. This read did not do that.
While I gave this book three stars I don’t think I will be going on with this series. I have a hard time justifying continuing reading a story where I have so many issues and each installment is not complete. I love a good cliffhanger but that is not what happened here. Oh well, we never know what we are going to enjoy in our reading selections until we give different things a chance. Sorry Ms. Ashta, this wasn’t it for me!
January 24, 2022
When the Moon Shines was a fun Fantasy/Western read. We follow sheriff Loretta Maybelle as she tries to control the residents of the Traitors Den; a pocket realm of sorts created by her uncle to punish her father for reasons I cannot disclose (spoilers).
Every so often the portal will re-open, spitting out new people to fill the town, each person is granted their own horse and of course a cowboy hat. When two very good looking lads make it through fighting over a sacred object, the town is turned on its head. Rhett and Zeke bring with them, arrogance, mystery and did I mention they are hot?
Loretta already has a lot on her plate when the portal opens for a second time that day. Unfortunately, she falls victim to a poisoning, and it is suddenly a race against time to save her life. Will the new boys in town have enough magic to save the girl?
What I liked about this story is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, the western tropes are there to be played with and boy, oh boy, does the author do a good job of it. Each person comes with a new honky tonk name, the inability to use the F bomb and a taste for moonshine. We also get some interesting animal companions, from the shifter stuck in a Tigers body to Kiki the magical koala who gives legendary cuddles. The magic system is loose, allowing the author to have a great time with what each person brings to the table, we have a bear shifter addicted to honey, a barkeep who uses her magic to make extraordinary cocktails and a fairy who won’t quit.
A couple of things I didn’t gel with were the repetitive nature of the prose, a major plot point which is only introduced about 40% of the way through, a bit of tell not show and how quickly relationships seem to move after we have been told they have been established for decades.
Overall this was a fun time and the final chapter, although it was over too soon, has me ready to pick up the second book.
Every so often the portal will re-open, spitting out new people to fill the town, each person is granted their own horse and of course a cowboy hat. When two very good looking lads make it through fighting over a sacred object, the town is turned on its head. Rhett and Zeke bring with them, arrogance, mystery and did I mention they are hot?
Loretta already has a lot on her plate when the portal opens for a second time that day. Unfortunately, she falls victim to a poisoning, and it is suddenly a race against time to save her life. Will the new boys in town have enough magic to save the girl?
What I liked about this story is that it doesn’t take itself too seriously, the western tropes are there to be played with and boy, oh boy, does the author do a good job of it. Each person comes with a new honky tonk name, the inability to use the F bomb and a taste for moonshine. We also get some interesting animal companions, from the shifter stuck in a Tigers body to Kiki the magical koala who gives legendary cuddles. The magic system is loose, allowing the author to have a great time with what each person brings to the table, we have a bear shifter addicted to honey, a barkeep who uses her magic to make extraordinary cocktails and a fairy who won’t quit.
A couple of things I didn’t gel with were the repetitive nature of the prose, a major plot point which is only introduced about 40% of the way through, a bit of tell not show and how quickly relationships seem to move after we have been told they have been established for decades.
Overall this was a fun time and the final chapter, although it was over too soon, has me ready to pick up the second book.
June 13, 2022
Have you ever read a paranormal reverse harem old western romance? Neither had I until I came across the When the Moon Shines the first book in the Six Shooter and a Shifter series. I have fallen in love with the quirky characters, off beat sense of humour and creative non-swearing forced by the laws of the pocket dimension the characters inhabit. In this book Lucia Ashta takes the absurd, makes it normal and drags the readers along on the crazy fun journey.
Six Shooter is set in the town of Traitor’s Den, a magical pocket dimension that can only be reached by a one-way portal and once in a new resident can never leave. First designed by the FMC Loretta’s Uncle Tucker to trap her parents, since then Traitor’s Den hold 369 souls, who upon arrival transform into a new magical creature with a Western themed name, clothing and the inability to swear. When the Moon Shines throws readers into the action quick and you learn the rules of the town alongside the new arrivals Rhett and Zeke or as Loretta calls them those ‘two idjits’. This book is hilarious! There are many moments you will laugh out loud as this book packs in the adventure and chaos. It is a slow burn, reverse harem romance so while you can tell there is some amazing chemistry it more so sets up for steam in later books.
When the Moon Shines is a brilliant, fun read that I recommend any paranormal fan go and pick up today. Lucia Ashta has released two of the expected five books in this series and I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I read straight through until the end of the second book and still wanted more.
Six Shooter is set in the town of Traitor’s Den, a magical pocket dimension that can only be reached by a one-way portal and once in a new resident can never leave. First designed by the FMC Loretta’s Uncle Tucker to trap her parents, since then Traitor’s Den hold 369 souls, who upon arrival transform into a new magical creature with a Western themed name, clothing and the inability to swear. When the Moon Shines throws readers into the action quick and you learn the rules of the town alongside the new arrivals Rhett and Zeke or as Loretta calls them those ‘two idjits’. This book is hilarious! There are many moments you will laugh out loud as this book packs in the adventure and chaos. It is a slow burn, reverse harem romance so while you can tell there is some amazing chemistry it more so sets up for steam in later books.
When the Moon Shines is a brilliant, fun read that I recommend any paranormal fan go and pick up today. Lucia Ashta has released two of the expected five books in this series and I cannot wait to see where this story goes. I read straight through until the end of the second book and still wanted more.
April 15, 2022
Out of revenge, a strong wizard made a pocket portal where everything is western-inspired. Not only did he trap his brother and his wife, but also their unborn daughter. Since then every now and then the portal opens and new people come in. There are some rules to the Traitor's Den, every newcomer is somewhat magical, witch, wizard, shifter,... Once you enter, you get a new name, you can't curse and most importantly you can never leave.
Loretta is the sheriff, trying to keep the peace between the residents of the Traitor's Den. Then a portal opens again and two guys drop-in, fighting. Not to mention totally gorgeous. They bring excitement and a whole lot of trouble with them.
I haven't read anything like When the Moon Shines, before. The setting is picturesque. I just love the setting, it's Western-inspired, to the point that it appears cartoonish and goes right along with the language that the residents speak. However the best part is the characters, well developed and so vividly described, I felt like I know them. :) There is a lot of cowboy speak and dialogues are often hilarious. :)
It's the first book in the series, it introduces the world and the characters to the reader, so the main storyline starts after quite a while.
It's one of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time. :) Highly recommend it!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Loretta is the sheriff, trying to keep the peace between the residents of the Traitor's Den. Then a portal opens again and two guys drop-in, fighting. Not to mention totally gorgeous. They bring excitement and a whole lot of trouble with them.
I haven't read anything like When the Moon Shines, before. The setting is picturesque. I just love the setting, it's Western-inspired, to the point that it appears cartoonish and goes right along with the language that the residents speak. However the best part is the characters, well developed and so vividly described, I felt like I know them. :) There is a lot of cowboy speak and dialogues are often hilarious. :)
It's the first book in the series, it introduces the world and the characters to the reader, so the main storyline starts after quite a while.
It's one of the most entertaining books I've read in a long time. :) Highly recommend it!
Thank you Xpresso Book Tours for the ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 14, 2022
Love the hilarious Western sayings
If your not a fan of Westerns, neither am I but you have to read through chapter 2 before you quit. I am a huge Lucia fan & because of this I put this book off. I will say you will love the quirkiness of the town rules. Also the characters are very interesting especially because they are so diverse. I mean it's a good size town with all supernaturals except one. I can't wait to see if Loretta develops powers of her own. Also Zeke & Rhett are in a pretty close race for Loretta. If it wasn't for the fact that she hadn't broken up with her boyfriend I think she would have gone all the way with Zeke. Although I was rooting for Rhett. I love the fact that he opens his mouth & inserts his foot. He never thinks before he speaks & apparently was never taught social graces! All of that makes me love him more. As for her best friend, Birdie I am not a fan. She almost spills the beans about stuff she shouldn't know. Then she kisses & tells like immediately. I have no idea how Loretta isn't called out for kissing Zeke. Of course, we all know it was more than kissing. They were rubbing all over each other. Had Loretta not had the guilt she had it wouldn't have stopped. I can't believe the brothers didn't brag about sleeping in the same room as her to get her boyfriend riled up.
If your not a fan of Westerns, neither am I but you have to read through chapter 2 before you quit. I am a huge Lucia fan & because of this I put this book off. I will say you will love the quirkiness of the town rules. Also the characters are very interesting especially because they are so diverse. I mean it's a good size town with all supernaturals except one. I can't wait to see if Loretta develops powers of her own. Also Zeke & Rhett are in a pretty close race for Loretta. If it wasn't for the fact that she hadn't broken up with her boyfriend I think she would have gone all the way with Zeke. Although I was rooting for Rhett. I love the fact that he opens his mouth & inserts his foot. He never thinks before he speaks & apparently was never taught social graces! All of that makes me love him more. As for her best friend, Birdie I am not a fan. She almost spills the beans about stuff she shouldn't know. Then she kisses & tells like immediately. I have no idea how Loretta isn't called out for kissing Zeke. Of course, we all know it was more than kissing. They were rubbing all over each other. Had Loretta not had the guilt she had it wouldn't have stopped. I can't believe the brothers didn't brag about sleeping in the same room as her to get her boyfriend riled up.
April 3, 2022
I haven’t read many of the reverse haram books, but this one was a lot of fun.
Loretta is sheriff of Traitors Den, a little western town stuck inside a magic bubble, temporal rift, ok not quiet sure on that one. Alright so the town is actually more of a old west theme park version of a town. All the inhabitants are stuck there dumped out of a one way portal. The other catch is all of the inhabitants are magical, either shifter or magic users. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule and Loretta is that exception she doesn’t have magic. Even without the help of magic she is one tough lady. I loved Loretta and her take no crap attitude.
When two new guys fall through the portal they bring a whole heap of trouble with them. The plot is very character driven and if I hadn’t been so taken with Loretta I might not have gotten invested in the story. Rhett and Zeke the two who fell through the portal, are sexy as sin and twice as troublesome. They’re taken with Loretta, but she already got enough relationship problems. The sexual tension between these three was thick.
I enjoyed the banter, jokes and general world building that the author used. The cliffhanger ending left me a little sore but over all I really liked this book.
Loretta is sheriff of Traitors Den, a little western town stuck inside a magic bubble, temporal rift, ok not quiet sure on that one. Alright so the town is actually more of a old west theme park version of a town. All the inhabitants are stuck there dumped out of a one way portal. The other catch is all of the inhabitants are magical, either shifter or magic users. Of course there are always exceptions to the rule and Loretta is that exception she doesn’t have magic. Even without the help of magic she is one tough lady. I loved Loretta and her take no crap attitude.
When two new guys fall through the portal they bring a whole heap of trouble with them. The plot is very character driven and if I hadn’t been so taken with Loretta I might not have gotten invested in the story. Rhett and Zeke the two who fell through the portal, are sexy as sin and twice as troublesome. They’re taken with Loretta, but she already got enough relationship problems. The sexual tension between these three was thick.
I enjoyed the banter, jokes and general world building that the author used. The cliffhanger ending left me a little sore but over all I really liked this book.
March 17, 2022
This was a fun world! I love the magic of the book and the fact it turns everyone Western lol. There magic portals, shifting characters, brawling in the streets and a saloon with the best drinks in town. The characters are all charming in an off color sort of way and kind of grow on you like mold. While nothing really spicy has happened (yet) you kind of get the impressions it’s a coming! A fun escape to dive into while doing a road trip. It does end on a cliffhanger but I am here to see where it goes!
The narrators whom I love continue to astound me! They have so many voices and so much talent for creating emotional connections. This story takes it a Step further and adds southern drawls to the mix. I have never heard them do these type of characters and being from Texas I have to say I am impressed. While we don’t all sound like that I sure do have a few pistol packing boot wearing buddies that do.
What a fun fusion of paranormal and western. A delightful romp in a world a wasn’t expecting!
The narrators whom I love continue to astound me! They have so many voices and so much talent for creating emotional connections. This story takes it a Step further and adds southern drawls to the mix. I have never heard them do these type of characters and being from Texas I have to say I am impressed. While we don’t all sound like that I sure do have a few pistol packing boot wearing buddies that do.
What a fun fusion of paranormal and western. A delightful romp in a world a wasn’t expecting!
July 7, 2022
4.5⭐️
Surprisingly good. That sounds bad but I definitely didnt expect to love this one the way I did.
I literally don't know where to start😅
Maybe by saying that I initially downloaded this as a bit of a joke to myself as I'd never read a wild west book 🙈
But immediately I fell in love with Loretta and the ridiculously over the top language. The characters that fill up Traitors Den are hilarious and that's before Rhett and Zeke come tumbling through the portal with all the trouble Loretta could possibly handle.
For twenty-three years the denizens of the portal pocket have been trying to escape. Well. Its not happening. Instead, it keeps popping open with far more trouble than its worth and Loretta's life is put into severe danger following the new guys' arrival.
Her beloved companions Jolene (her horse) and Tiger (the shifter stuck in animal form that I hope to god gets to turn back by the end of the series) carry a lot of the story in their humor and reliability on page.
Loretta's insignificant other, Cole, is a bit bull-headed and can't see the writing on the wall til it hits him upside the head.
All of the trouble hits the fan and readers are left wondering if Loretta will survive another day..... and the book ends.
Surprisingly good. That sounds bad but I definitely didnt expect to love this one the way I did.
I literally don't know where to start😅
Maybe by saying that I initially downloaded this as a bit of a joke to myself as I'd never read a wild west book 🙈
But immediately I fell in love with Loretta and the ridiculously over the top language. The characters that fill up Traitors Den are hilarious and that's before Rhett and Zeke come tumbling through the portal with all the trouble Loretta could possibly handle.
For twenty-three years the denizens of the portal pocket have been trying to escape. Well. Its not happening. Instead, it keeps popping open with far more trouble than its worth and Loretta's life is put into severe danger following the new guys' arrival.
Her beloved companions Jolene (her horse) and Tiger (the shifter stuck in animal form that I hope to god gets to turn back by the end of the series) carry a lot of the story in their humor and reliability on page.
Loretta's insignificant other, Cole, is a bit bull-headed and can't see the writing on the wall til it hits him upside the head.
All of the trouble hits the fan and readers are left wondering if Loretta will survive another day..... and the book ends.
September 3, 2025
POV:
You’re the police captain in a tiny supernatural town that no one can ever leave. You love your boyfriend but not ‘like that’, and … there are a couple of HOT new shifters in town …
Written in 1st person POV, alternating.
Supernatural /magic small town.
Dragons.
Magic, curses.
Shifters, dwarves, ALL the supernats.
Angst.
Lots of drama.
Banter.
Comedy, basically nonstop.
Western … ish.
Overall:
Super cute, pretty funny and chaotic—chaotic is a good word for this world. There’s a bit of ‘other man’ drama and ‘other woman’ drama and no real steam to speak of, though I expect there will be as the series goes on.
I liked it enough that I’ll read on into this series for at least one more book. And I’d read more from this author—this was my first venture into Ashta.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
The audio was great, decent sound all-around.
You’re the police captain in a tiny supernatural town that no one can ever leave. You love your boyfriend but not ‘like that’, and … there are a couple of HOT new shifters in town …
Written in 1st person POV, alternating.
Supernatural /magic small town.
Dragons.
Magic, curses.
Shifters, dwarves, ALL the supernats.
Angst.
Lots of drama.
Banter.
Comedy, basically nonstop.
Western … ish.
Overall:
Super cute, pretty funny and chaotic—chaotic is a good word for this world. There’s a bit of ‘other man’ drama and ‘other woman’ drama and no real steam to speak of, though I expect there will be as the series goes on.
I liked it enough that I’ll read on into this series for at least one more book. And I’d read more from this author—this was my first venture into Ashta.
4 stars.
🎧 Audio:
The audio was great, decent sound all-around.
March 25, 2022
When The Moon Shines by Lucia Asthma is Book 1 in the Six Shooter and a Shifter series. A well written story with an exciting and unique storyline, great world building, unusual and quirky characters, action, humor, and suspense. Traitor's Den is a western town the residents (shapeshifters, vampires, other supernaturals with magic, etc) who can enter but not leave in a world created by Uncle Tucker as punishment for his brother. Loretta Maybelle Ray is the town sheriff and is the only resident without any magic at all. This is a fantastic ride in a wonderful town. Am really anxious for the next in series as this book ends in a cliffhanger. I am totally along for the ride. Highly recommended. Received an ARC and this is my voluntary review.
April 2, 2022
This book was a masterful game of poker. Ms. Ashta kept her hand close to her chest, doling out facts and worlds like Gretel doling out breadcrumbs heading into the woods, or a portal... Only to whammy you with an epic hand full of mystery, intrigue and... dare I say it, romance? I enjoyed this book immensely and it is the kind of book you will get lost in.
The story of a Wild-West themed world invaded by two men intent on killing each other and the Sherriff charged with keeping them and the rest of the world safe, is unlike any other I have read. But, still filled with Ms. Ashta's characteristic wit and charm and filled with misfits and critters that will worm their way into your heart.
I can't wait until the next one.
The story of a Wild-West themed world invaded by two men intent on killing each other and the Sherriff charged with keeping them and the rest of the world safe, is unlike any other I have read. But, still filled with Ms. Ashta's characteristic wit and charm and filled with misfits and critters that will worm their way into your heart.
I can't wait until the next one.
May 12, 2025
A really great start to a series!
The characters are hilarious, and fleshed out just enough for the readers to understand them. The setting is silly: an old western town, or rather, what some mage thinks an old western town is like. They speak in a ridiculous blend of southern/western, dress western, and the town even gives them new names.
Basic premise is that once you wander through the mage's portal, you can't get out. And only those with magic can see or enter the portal.
The FMC, Loretta, was born inside this pocket realm, and is the only one in town without magic.
Oh, and one of the rules of this pocket realm they live in is that they can't swear, so there are some really funny variations when they try!
February 5, 2022
I absolutely love this book, the concept of having an entire town in a portal they cannot escape from (but others can join) is great.
Loretta is the sheriff of the town and tries to keep the residents out of trouble. Cant be too hard of a job right? After all there's only so much trouble you can get into when you are stuck in a pocket portal, right?
But when the portal opens and two new hot boys come through trying to kill each other, Trouble has arrived. Rhett and Zeke (all portal residents are renamed by the portal) are followed shortly after with the portal reopening and delivering a message in a bottle with, shall we say, rather troubling consequences.
Loretta is the sheriff of the town and tries to keep the residents out of trouble. Cant be too hard of a job right? After all there's only so much trouble you can get into when you are stuck in a pocket portal, right?
But when the portal opens and two new hot boys come through trying to kill each other, Trouble has arrived. Rhett and Zeke (all portal residents are renamed by the portal) are followed shortly after with the portal reopening and delivering a message in a bottle with, shall we say, rather troubling consequences.
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